Yamaha • DX-100

Yamaha DX-100 Image

The DX-100 is a small and portable budget DX synthesizer from Yamaha. Like all DX's it uses (FM) Frequency Modulation synthesis. It's not the easiest form of synthesis to program but can result in some excellent sounds. The DX100 is not as flexible nor powerful as a DX7, but it does have some cool sounds. It is most renowned for its great analog bass sound (Patch #01) that is awesome for techno, house, jungle, and acid music styles; it's very gritty, the bass tone with gristle! However, any other preset sounds that you'll find in the DX-100 are pretty bad and require editing for anything else useable.

The DX-100 has mini-keys and only 49 of them. No filters, arpeggiators, effects or programmable controllers are available either. Small pitch and mod wheels in the upper left and guitar strap pegs make this synth usable for live use if you're feeling whimsical. If you mess around with the settings on Parameter 13, even if you don't know anything about FM, you can get some seriously twisted sounds out of it. If you're willing to spend a little time with it, it has a lot more potential than just that one bass sound that people will eventually get sick of. And at its currently low street price, it just might be worth getting. It is used by Orbital, Scanner, Jean-Michel Jarre, Autechre, Laurent Garnier, and countless other house and dance artists.


VISITOR COMMENTS (22)

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Matt
Posted 35 days ago
It's amazing how much of a cachet this synth has acquired among talkboxers. The way some people talk about it, you'd think that this was the only synthesizer on the planet that could produce a sawtooth wave. I see people demanding $400 for these sometimes. And then for an extra $25, they'll sell you the "talkbox" patch. Lord.

If you're going to buy an FM synth just to get that "Roger" sound, just get a DX11 for like $200. At least that has a super-comfy keyboard and the "FM for Dummies" programming section. Hell, if you really have $400 burning a hole in your pocket, get a DX7 II.

It's not that this is a bad synth, but it's no better than a DX11 or even a DX21 or DX27. And it's no better for talkboxing than any other FM synth, or 90% of other synths in existence. And if you really need the strap pegs, just get a CZ-101. They're usually under $100.
boritor
Posted 75 days ago
I read this review before I got my dx 100 (Roger Troutman used it so I new it had something to it) and thought that it would only be good for my talk box but it's now one of my most frequently used synths.
Some of the presets are bad but some are amazing, not to mention the cool mod wheel and pitch bend which are easily programmable.
This is a classic synth that is in demand. The DX 100 deserves a new review!
Fernando Abrantes
Posted 88 days ago
I may not have anything angry to add to these posts, but I know that Kraftwerk had used a Dx-100 for their 1998 world tour.
I mean seriously - Kraftwerk! On a DX-100...sweet
Wendi
Posted 112 days ago
"However, any other preset sounds that you'll find in the DX-100 are pretty bad and require editing for anything else useable."-How retarded are you? A synth doesn't need great sounds to be useable! I also noticed, on your "review" for the DX21 you said: "...sounds the same as the DX100-thin and brittle."-Squeezebox, sitar and many others are perfectly good. They certainly sound much better than any of the modern keyboards!

They can be, and are useful. You just don't seem to have the knowledge to realize that. To top it off, you never said "in my opinion" or I feel". Instead, you are claiming to state your opinion as fact, as if they ARE bad, and as if NO ONE will find use for them, which, is false.

They definetly not bad, thin or brittle. They can be useful, and not to mention, come from a unique style of FM synthesis, something that was quite original.
Sam
Posted 113 days ago
I agree Stu! Whoever is writing these "reviews" really isn't being a good reviewer! I mean, on the DX21 he says "You'll need to program the synth to get better sounds because the presets are only moderatly useful."- [beep] ? It would have been much better written "If you don't like the presets, you can always reprogram it."-Sounds much better!

The DX21 has the best effects I've heard on ANY synth, and I've tried out A LOT of synths! Besides, with all of the different algorithms, and all of the weird bizare effects that can do, it opens up an entire set of windows for great sound effects, not to mention creating your own unique presets, something many keyboards now days lack.

Give this person the boot, and get someone who is acutally willing to give a proper and respectful opinion, and not trying to make it sound like everyone has to agree.
 

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