Vintage Synth Explorer

Yamaha • DX-21

A consumer level DX synth that sounds just like the DX-100 - thin and brittle. Following the DX model this synth also uses FM synthesis which is difficult to master. You will need to program this synth to get better sounds because the presets are only moderately useful. It's capable of a good string, bass and droney-pad sound as well as industrial sound-effects and metallic like sounds.

Still it makes a better option than a DX-27 or DX-100 because it has the capability of layers and splitting the keyboard and there is a chorus effect. Portamento and a Unison Mono-Mode are also nice features for screaming lead synth performances. For a cheaper source of DX sounds with moderate programmability, check out the DX-21. It's been used by Hardfloor, Level 42, Brother Beyond, Astral Projection, Technotronic, Vangelis, and Norman Cook (Fat Boy Slim).

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Bernard

Posted 80 days ago

UniSynth version 1.0 is now available at http://www.midimetric.com/2.html
Free demo downloadable.

Support for Yamaha DX21/DX27/DX27S/DX100:
- full patch editing
- Real Time graph
- manages assigning ROM patches to A,B,C,D banks for the DX27/100
- manages pitch envelope of the DX21
- functions initialize, randomize and morph

Clyde

Posted 81 days ago

Mystery solved, I think you must have a DX27S as there were DX27 and DX27S with the S version being the one with speakers.
Clyde

Clyde

Posted 81 days ago

Calaverasgrande said:
"I've got the DX21S, which is stereo with built in speakers! It is basically a DX100 full sized."

Interesting, never heard of or seen a DX21S, I had a DX21 in the mid '80s. There was a DX27 which was similar to the DX21 and did have built in speakers, but I don't recall a DX21S and it does not show up in Yamaha'a product archives nor does it come up in web searches, a mystery for sure.
Clyde

Joseph

Posted 128 days ago

I own my DX21 eversince it 's launch. Some of it's capabilities keep me still using it: the "VOICE FEM" sound in mono mode with portamento allows me screing female voices in songs like Diana, or others similar. The "pitch bend priority low mode", allows me to emulate a very smart pedal steel as well as fiddle, and so getting a very rewalistic countryish effect in the songs. Some good hammonds and vox continental sounds, a good flute created by me (by request I may send it) and a good mono sax solo with gurgle... Recent
By the other hand, the lack of velocity on the keyboard and different volume level among different voices, made me buy a DX7 FD II on ebay, but still trying to get used to it.
www.rockfellas.com

Doug Dixon

Posted 253 days ago

This synth brings back memories. It was the first synth I owned back in the 80s when I was just a lad. Now I have an extensive synth rig, but found myself getting some samples of the DX21 because they are still very useful and I still have a DX11 which is fab. Its getting to the point that keyboards don't have personalitys any more. Yamaha DXs Roland D50, Korg M1 and the Wavestations. When you heard them on an advert or movie sound track you instently know which synth it was and even ( if you where an anarack like me ) which patch it was.
"Yamaha DXs classic keyboards" Long live synths like these.

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