Synth / plugin file

Plogue Chipsynth OPMZ

Plogue Art et Technologie / $49.95

Plogue Chipsynth OPMZ is a multi-layer FM synth that emulates four classic Yamaha four-operator chips, the OPM, OPP, OPZ and OPZ2, behind the DX100, TX81Z, DX11 and V50.

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Dubspot / verified plugin database
The Dubspot verdict

The Dubspot verdict

Chipsynth OPMZ emulates four classic Yamaha four-operator chips in one plugin, with an eight-sound stack, SysEx patch loading and VGM playback, for authentic vintage FM.

Best for Retro game composers and vintage FM fans who want the exact sound of Yamaha's four-operator chips, with SysEx patch import and hardware-accurate quirks.

Pros

  • Emulates four real Yamaha 4-op chips: OPM, OPP, OPZ and OPZ2
  • Bit-level accuracy including CSM mode, noise and LFO quirks
  • Up to eight sounds on a stack with keyboard mapping
  • Reads hardware SysEx patch files from the DX100, TX81Z and DX11
  • VGM playback and analysis, plus VST3, AU, AAX, CLAP and standalone

Cons

  • Focuses on the 4-op family, so no DX7-style six-operator engine
  • Vintage character means intentional aliasing and hardware quirks

Field notes

Overview

Plogue Chipsynth OPMZ is a multi-layer FM synthesizer, released in September 2026, that emulates four classic Yamaha four-operator sound chips in one plugin. It covers the OPM (YM2151), OPP (YM2164), OPZ (YM2414) and OPZ2 (YM2424), the silicon behind the DX21, DX27, DX100, TX81Z, DX11 and V50, reproduced from digital captures down to undocumented behavior.

An eight-sound stack, SysEx patch import and a VGM playback section turn a set of vintage voices into a modern, arrangeable instrument. It runs as VST3, AU, AAX, CLAP and standalone on Windows, macOS and Linux for $49.95. For the full breakdown, see the Chipsynth OPMZ first look.

Technical matrix

Specifications

Type
Multi-chip four-operator FM synthesizer
Chips emulated
OPM (YM2151), OPP (YM2164), OPZ (YM2414), OPZ2 (YM2424)
Hardware modeled
DX21, DX27, DX100, TX81Z, DX11, V50, arcade hardware
Layering
Up to 8 sounds on the stack page, keyboard mapping
Patch import
SysEx patch file loading
Extras
VGM playback and analysis, CSM mode, chip-accurate noise and LFO, NKS
Formats
VST3, AU, AAX, CLAP, standalone (Windows, macOS, Linux)

Last verified 2026-09-29

Quick reference

FAQ

Which chips does Chipsynth OPMZ emulate?

The four-operator Yamaha OPM (YM2151), OPP (YM2164), OPZ (YM2414) and OPZ2 (YM2424), the chips behind the DX21, DX27, DX100, TX81Z, DX11 and V50.

Can it load original hardware patches?

Yes. Chipsynth OPMZ reads SysEx patch files, so patches from the DX100, TX81Z and DX11 and their large existing libraries transfer straight into the plugin.

What are the formats and system requirements?

VST3, AU, AAX, CLAP and standalone on Windows 10+, macOS 10.15+ and Linux (kernel 5.4+), 64-bit, with NKS support.

Comparison matrix

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Adjacent signals

Related plugins

Further routing

See also

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