Yamaha • DX-21

Yamaha DX-21 Image

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).


VISITOR COMMENTS

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Wendi
Posted 3 days ago
Strawbinator, while the string, brass and piano may not be the most realistic, they certainly don't "szuzczk". You can get some creepy Halloween like sounds off of the string and brass section on this synth too. My favorites for the string were the Box Cello and SoloViolin, nice and screechy sounding. Pan Floot was interesting, and Squeezebox was a nice touch with chorus added on. Sitar was the most realistic sitar effect I've heard on a keyboard.

This was a very versitile keyboard for me in my high school music class, and brings back good memories.
Sam
Posted 3 days ago
Monderatly useful? It would have been better if it were written from a personal point of view. 'You will need to program this synth to get better sounds' it would have sounded much better of it were written 'If you want to get better sounds, you would have to program the synth.' The sounds are not 'moderatly' useful. This synth wasn't made to BE professional, but like Wendi said, it can be good, like for concerts, video games and such.

I think it makes a great keyboard, and even though it may not have the most realistic of presets, it's still a hell of a lot better than all of the negative press it's been recieving.
Mike
Posted 3 days ago
I also find it interesting how even though the Korg Delata reccieved a much lower score, and this one got a higher score, for some reason, the description sounds worse for the one that reccieved a higher score than the lower score. Here, "thin, brittle, cheap, difficult to master..." yet for the DX-7, it's much more positive, "It certainly is not analog and it is difficult to program but can result in some excellent sounds!"-Same concept, yet for one, it's more postive whereas this one, it's more negative.

Fat Boy Slim used this synth? I do like his works very much!
Wendi
Posted 4 days ago
"A consumer level of DX synth which sounds just like the DX-100, thin and britle." yet later on, you say "It's capable of good string, bass and droney-pad sounds..." Of COURSE it's not going to sound good if you're used to todays synths (or if you're biased)! While I do notice this person has some bad things to say abot this model, it's not ALL bad. Like the mention of the split, chorus, portamento and Unison Mono-Mode, and they do say it IS better than DX-17 or DX-100. They still manage to say despite some personal preferences, it is still better than their other models.

It will not sound professional if not USED in a professional manner. Take any synth with cheap sounds and use it correctly, it will sound fantastic. FM synthesis is a good way to bring in lively tones into any modern style of music, like hip hop and rap.

I can be 100% honest, this synth has the most vibrant sound of any modern keyboard I've ever tried.
Andrew
Posted 72 days ago
I like the comment of Justin Robert. People tend to diss the DX series for being thin and so on. To me, the DX series represented a very good alternative to everything else at that time, that was basically subtractive synthesis. FM is quite amazing actually, once it is understood. The DX7 and D-50, are still my favorite synths, the FM and subtractive synth, respectively. The complement each other very well. And I agree, that a lot of the entry level keyboards today have very poor quality keyboards. Roland D-50 has such a fantastic feel keyboard. Well, the top level keyboards like the Motif also have good keyboards though, because they have little weights attached to the keys underneath.
 

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