8.3Great
Dexed is a free open-source Yamaha DX7-style FM synthesizer and cartridge librarian for Windows, macOS, and Linux in VST, AU, and LV2 formats.
Plugin comparison
Dexed vs Twisted Electrons vMEGAfm
Specs, price and the Dubspot Score, side by side — with our verdict on which synth to buy.
Independent score / workflow fit / buying signal
Contenders
The side-by-side
8.2Great
Twisted Electrons vMEGAfm is a software recreation of the gritty MEGAfm hardware FM synth: 12 voices, 4 operators, 8 algorithms, MPE, desktop and iPad.
Score verdict
Which should you buy?
On the Dubspot Score, Dexed comes out ahead (8.3). That said, the right pick depends on your workflow and budget — read both reviews before deciding.
Technical matrix
Specs compared
| Signal | Dexed | Twisted Electrons vMEGAfm |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | €39.99 intro (regular €49.99); iPad €9.99 |
| Dubspot Score | 8.3 | 8.2 |
| Formats | VST, AU, LV2, Standalone | VST3, AU (Audio Units), AUv3, Standalone |
| Type | FM synthesizer (Yamaha DX7 model) + SysEx librarian | Software FM synthesizer (MEGAfm Mark I recreation) |
| License | Free / GPL v3 open source | — |
| Synthesis | 6-operator FM (DX7-style) | — |
| Cartridge tools | MIDI cartridge librarian/manager for DX7 SysEx | — |
| Formats | VST, AU, LV2 (platform-dependent); standalone builds | AU/VST3/standalone (macOS), VST3/standalone (Windows), standalone/AUv3 (iPad); no AAX |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux | — |
| Voices | — | 12 (modes: 12-poly, 6-voice wide, unison) |
| Operators | — | 4 sine operators, 8 FM algorithms |
| Modulation | — | 3 LFOs via full-screen Links matrix |
| Sequencing | — | Arpeggiator plus SH-style step sequencer |
| Output modelling | — | Modelled Mark I analogue stage (schematics + GRU model), internal plate reverb |
| Expression | — | Full MPE (10 dedicated MPE patches) |
| Presets | — | 109 (99 standard, 10 MPE) |
| Operating systems | — | macOS (Intel 10.14+ or Apple Silicon 11+); Windows 10+; iPadOS |
See the full plugin database for more comparisons.