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).
One of the things I find interesting about this synth, that I found confusing at first was how the sounds were programmed. Say, under "PIANOS", instead of using the up/down (yes/no) buttons to switch betwee effects, you had to go to bank B to find the alternatives. Not sure if everyone knows about this, one of the reasons why it is considered "moderate".
It comes with 8 effects per bank. Alogrthims are amazing, and add a whole new window of virtually endless possibilities. Say Valve Plop by it defualt setting was a thin "hick" sound, but when you change the algorithm set to around 7 to 8, it makes an interesting twang sound, and even a whistling chime noise.
Not many people dare to look at ALL of the features of a keyboard before rating it, and because of all of the neat crazy sound effects that can come from changing the algorithms, it doesn't deserve all the critical press.
This was a very versitile keyboard for me in my high school music class, and brings back good memories.