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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Vladimir

Posted 10 days ago

Thank you all for your reception, it was useful to read it.
I agree that dx-21 is for real synth lovers, but i think that it is still moderate because it can be used as noise/drone instrument. In Minsk (Belarus)for example, a lot of underground listeners still like my droney interpretations of popular songs, though the synth is about 80s...

Wardell Brown

Posted 166 days ago

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!

Plasticanimal

Posted 231 days ago

This was my first "real" synth. I do agree that it's much better than the reviews. Programming is easier than the DX-7 though it dosn't sound as good. The split keys, layering, chorus and stereo out option make this one stand out. My only complaints are the horrible midi implementation. (It constantly sends pitch and volume data), lack of velocity sensitivity (although this is supported through midi, just use your master) and it's very noisy (may just be mine though, it's old). I've never played a DX-100 but I would suggest the DX-21 instead. It has more options, plays the same patches, and is much cheaper.

Jim

Posted 250 days ago

At least this isn't as terrible as the TX16W! The DX-21 is kick [beep] compaired to that model!

themagickreport

Posted 251 days ago

This synth is fantastic. I got is as a replacement for a smashed and completely circuit bent Korg DS-8 (which if you have one and havent bent it up yet do so, the sounds will blow your mind and are completely programmable) and i really love it. The programming is typical Yamaha trying to be different, but the sound is tremendous. If your a fan of early budget digital synthesis, I highly recommend one of these. Phase Modulation was truly a step in the right direction.

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