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).

34 VISITOR COMMENTS

Kitkat

July 22, 2011 @ 10:09 pm

This thing is awesome! Great for bass sounds, metallic and weird sounds. The onboard dopplereffect is pretty convincing too. I think FM synthesis gets a bad rap from people who aren't patient enough to learn it.

Wardell Brown

April 10, 2011 @ 6:56 pm

The Manuel can be found on the Japanese Yamaha Site!

http://www.yamaha.co.jp/manual/english/result.php?div_c ode=

I Love mine,
I paid $100 and at first was put off by the programming and was going to sell it.
Them I found another site that helped with the Programming.

It is a great lead synth and a valuable instrument.

http://www.burp.nl/dx/
This site brings out some points that the Manuel Misses!

Enjoy!

niklas

March 27, 2011 @ 10:56 pm

I picked up the DX21 from some guy who lived in the woods and needed someone to haul off his huge, ancient broken mixing boards.
I was pretty excited, until i plugged it in.

At full volume, the output is barely audible!
Does anyone have any clue as to why, and what I could possibly do to solve this issue?

rabies

January 12, 2011 @ 6:25 am

battery change: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VF3cbyVfy9I

Dave

January 5, 2011 @ 6:58 am

Just rediscovered my DX21 - it's been stored away for at least 10 years. It doesn't remember its settings once unplugged - any ideas how to get to the internal battery? I took the back off, but can't see it.