Key facts
- The M-Vave FM-1 can run the game Doom with custom firmware.
- Custom firmware allows the FM-1 to emulate synthesizers like the Casio CZ-1 and Commodore 64 SID chip.
- M-Vave released FM1 Open, an SDK, and a browser-based workbench to support custom firmware development.
- Flashing custom firmware carries the risk of bricking the device if interrupted.
- The FM-1 costs $59.72 and features 27 keys and a 1.54-inch TFT display.
The M-Vave FM-1, a budget frequency-modulation synthesizer initially priced at $59.72, has become a popular platform for community-developed custom firmware. Since July, enthusiasts have reverse-engineered the device's closed binary synth engine and open application layer to expand its capabilities. M-Vave officially supported this movement on October 17 by releasing FM1 Open, an SDK, and a browser-based workbench. Users can now install custom firmware, enabling the device to run games like Doom and emulate other synthesizers, such as the Casio CZ-1 and Commodore 64 SID chip.