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).
Free demo downloadable.
Support for Yamaha DX21/DX27/DX27S/DX100:
- full patch editing
- Real Time graph
- manages assigning ROM patches to A,B,C,D banks for the DX27/100
- manages pitch envelope of the DX21
- functions initialize, randomize and morph
Clyde
"I've got the DX21S, which is stereo with built in speakers! It is basically a DX100 full sized."
Interesting, never heard of or seen a DX21S, I had a DX21 in the mid '80s. There was a DX27 which was similar to the DX21 and did have built in speakers, but I don't recall a DX21S and it does not show up in Yamaha'a product archives nor does it come up in web searches, a mystery for sure.
Clyde
By the other hand, the lack of velocity on the keyboard and different volume level among different voices, made me buy a DX7 FD II on ebay, but still trying to get used to it.
www.rockfellas.com
"Yamaha DXs classic keyboards" Long live synths like these.