The DX100 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 DX100 are pretty bad and require editing for anything else useable.

The DX100 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.

Wendi

November 22, 2009 @ 8:12 pm

"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

November 21, 2009 @ 7:07 pm

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.

stu

November 10, 2009 @ 12:02 pm

i'm sorry, but that is just the worst write up I've ever heard. This is a classic synth, not to mention THE go-to talkboxing synth. "it has a lot more potential than just that one bass sound that people will eventually get sick of." -- that is the most retarded statement I've heard. And people have not gotten sick of that bass sound

eick

October 21, 2009 @ 1:51 pm

This is a tight synthesizer
it was used by roger troutman
and im sure everybodys heard one of his classics
well at least he made sound awesome

Paul Brown

September 24, 2009 @ 7:47 am

Everything that the DX 27 delivers but in a tiny and fun package. Compaired to the DX 27's full keyboard it looks restrictive, but to be honest I don't feel that the sounds from this synth warrent a fullsize keyboard anyway. This synth is really only good for unusual metalic sounds/accents and the famous Solid Bass sound used by Orbital on thier track Lush.
If I could swap my 27 for a 100 I'd jump at the chance just because I don't feel this synth deserves the amount of space it is currently taking up. Plus you can wear the 100 ;)

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