ESL’s latest release is aimed at vintage synth fans, as CMP100 is sampled from a rare 1980s FM synth called Phillips PMC100.
Yes, you read it right; I wrote Phillips. The usual suspects when we talk about 80s synths are Roland, Moog, Sequential, and the like. But here’s a surprise: Phillips, a renowned brand in its own right, also created a synth that’s a hidden gem in the synth world.
In my opinion, the Phillips PMC100 sits close to Yamaha DX sounds. So, if you like the harsh, glassy, chilly tones of FM synths, this plugin might be a great catch for you. I think it can be a great tool for any project that goes to the realms of Synthwave, Retrowave, Electro-pop, Nu-disco, or any genre with retro influences.
The plugin comes with 36 presets, which surprised me as it is a lot for a free plugin, but I found out there are some similar presets. Still, there are many sounds to choose from, and with some little tweaks to the controls, you can reach a wide range of sounds.
So, the interface seems pretty similar to the PadScape plugin, which was the previous release of the ESL. On the right side, there are the classic A-D-S-R controls, with the filter on the bottom and a low-high pass switch.
You will find the Main Controls with the Pan, Tune, and Volume parameters on the left side. You also have the Modulation Depth and Rate controls on the left-hand side and the Source, Destination, and Waveform choices.
I am glad to see the usual suspects on the bottom side. There are four effects: distortion, delay, reverb, and chorus.
I recommend being careful with the reverb size and delay parameters as the feedback gets to extreme levels. Also, in my case, most presets did not go well with the distortion, so I suggest either going subtle with the distortion or using it in the cab mode. In my experience, this is more of a trial-and-error kind of plugin. You will have to experiment to find the sweet spots.
I know that FM synths can be quite complicated and require some knowledge of waveforms. But that is precisely why this plugin is so cool. Among 36 presets, there are really good-sounding ones. You can just play with the reverb and delay and maybe add some modulation depth to reach those famous 80s pop-ballad or disco sounds.
While I’m not a big fan of FM synths, this plugin could be handy for some producers. It is easy to use, has good presets, is quite versatile, and gives you those 80s retro sounds for free. It is worth giving a shot, without a doubt.
ESL CMP100 comes in AU, VST, and VST 3 formats for Mac and Windows platforms.
Check out the CMP100 manual here.
Berk is a multi-instrumentalist musician from Istanbul, Turkey. He has been playing guitar, handpan, and percussion for over ten years, developing a sound that blends melodic sensitivity with rhythmic depth.
He began his musical journey as a teenager, learning guitar and performing in several bands. In 2016, he discovered the handpan, an instrument that immediately resonated with him on a deeper level and gradually became central to his artistic identity.
Since then, he has performed in streets, festivals, bars, and concert venues across different countries, connecting with diverse audiences through both intimate and large-scale performances.
Alongside his live work, Berk is deeply involved in studio production. He works from his home studio, where he composes, records, and produces his own music. His studio serves as a creative space for layering handpan, guitar, and percussion with modern production techniques, allowing him to shape fully realized, atmospheric compositions from start to finish.
His music explores a wide range of genres and textures, combining organic acoustic instruments with detailed studio production to create immersive and expressive soundscapes.