Yamaha DX21

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A consumer level DX synth that sounds just like the DX100 - 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 DX27 or DX100 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 DX21. It's been used by Hardfloor, Level 42, Brother Beyond, Astral Projection, Technotronic, Vangelis, and Norman Cook (Fat Boy Slim).

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Yamaha dx21
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alphacode909
ManualDownload the original owner's manual here.

Specifications

Polyphony - 8 notes
Oscillators - 4-Operator Digital FM synthesizer
#Instruments - (1) Monotimbral
Filter - None
Effects - Chorus
Keyboard - 61 Keys (no velocity/aftertouch sensitivity)
Memory - 128 patches and 16 performances
Control - MIDI (w / Velocity and Aftertouch)
Date Produced - 1985

Resources

Images from Synth Site.