Yamaha DX7 / DX7s / DX7-II / DX7-IIFD

[Erwin Vos]

One of the most popular digital synths ever is the DX7, which is an FM synthesizer. FM is a form of synthesis known as Frequency Modulation. It certainly is not analog and it is difficult to program but can result in some excellent sounds! Percussive and metallic but thick as analog at times, the DX-7 is known for generating unique sounds still popular today.

Following the monaural DX-7 came the stereo DX-7 mkII – just as popular and much more advanced. Its unique sounds are very popular for industrial techno type music as well as ambient and electro. The TX-7 is essentially a desktop module form of the DX-7 but is even harder to edit or program since it requires external editors or software. The monolithic DX-1 and DX-5 models which packed two DX-7 synth engines into one instrument were the epitome of the DX line of synths created by Yamaha. There have also been a few budget spin-offs like the DX-9, DX-100, DX-21 and DX-27.

Still the DX-7 has remained the all around best and most popular DX synth due to its affordable price, professional features for studio and live performance and its excellent range of sonic possibilities and extensive programmability. In fact the reason the DX-7 is always so affordable (under $500) is because there are so many of them out there, still being used and traded!

Technical Info
Polyphony: 16 Voices
Oscillators: 16 bit Digital 6 operator FM.
#Instruments: (1) Monotimbral
LFO: Sine/Square/Tri/SAW up/SAW Down/Random
VCA: 6 Envelope generators 8 parameters each
Keyboard: 61 keys (w/ velocity and aftertouch)
Memory: 32 Patches
Control: MIDI
Current$$: $450

source: http://www.vintagesynth.com

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