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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Joseph

Posted 269 days ago

I own my DX21 eversince it 's launch. Some of it's capabilities keep me still using it: the "VOICE FEM" sound in mono mode with portamento allows me screing female voices in songs like Diana, or others similar. The "pitch bend priority low mode", allows me to emulate a very smart pedal steel as well as fiddle, and so getting a very rewalistic countryish effect in the songs. Some good hammonds and vox continental sounds, a good flute created by me (by request I may send it) and a good mono sax solo with gurgle... Recent
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

Doug Dixon

Posted 394 days ago

This synth brings back memories. It was the first synth I owned back in the 80s when I was just a lad. Now I have an extensive synth rig, but found myself getting some samples of the DX21 because they are still very useful and I still have a DX11 which is fab. Its getting to the point that keyboards don't have personalitys any more. Yamaha DXs Roland D50, Korg M1 and the Wavestations. When you heard them on an advert or movie sound track you instently know which synth it was and even ( if you where an anarack like me ) which patch it was.
"Yamaha DXs classic keyboards" Long live synths like these.

Savo Jr

Posted 396 days ago

This makes excellent [beep]s, bleeps and clonks. ;D Like others i prefer TX81Z over this and of course FS1R.
But i value those over DX7 too because of variable waveforms. I suggest everyone to compare versions with different AD converters.. they do matter!

Calaverasgrande

Posted 399 days ago

I've got the DX21S, which is stereo with built in speakers! It is basically a DX100 full sized. It has the infamous DX100 bass, the dirty clav, tubular bells etc. Can be hard to program if you are from an analog synth background (like me!) but not impossible. Get a copy of the DX21 manual or a DX100 manual.
Contrary to popular belief almost all patches are improved by a distortion box.

Auris

Posted 438 days ago

A well build 4op FM synth. TX-81Z is a better performer but this is a great buy at a low price. Built to last, no membrane buttons to break but a tad limited in the performance features. No velocity sensitivity is a bit of a let down but bearable. Chorus a great addition, really helps thicken up the sound. Also calling this synth "thin" sounding is a vast misrepresentation. Presets are your typically "thin" fare, programming wise it is capable of some rather thick gritty bass sounds. Not as strong in the low end as say a TX-81Z.

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