Yamaha DX21

A consumer level DX synth that sounds just like the DX100 - 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 DX27 or DX100 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 DX21. It's been used by Hardfloor, Level 42, Brother Beyond, Astral Projection, Technotronic, Vangelis, and Norman Cook (Fat Boy Slim).

50 Visitor comments

Andrew

September 9, 2009 @ 6:05 pm

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.

Justin Robert

August 30, 2009 @ 1:15 am

Well I just picked up one of these and think its actually pretty cool. I wouldn't say that it is exactly thin and brittle sounding, however, it is very different than a subtractive style synth. There are actually quite a few good bass tones in the presets. Programming isn't quite as hard as they say, but takes a little playing to get used to it. Some of the lead sounds totally kick butt and cut like mad. It's not quite a DX7, but really isn't bad for how cheap you can get them. I actually like the weird harshness of it and you can make some really alien sounding tones. It has some pretty good envelopes to make some good pads. The keys [beep] compared to a DX7 which had a very nice feeling keyboard, but these feel rather cheap and springy, but at least they are full sized. The keys are still better than a lot of the garbage that is being produced today. I like it. I think I'll keep it :)

Donald

August 5, 2009 @ 12:41 am

DX21 isn't thin and brittle. That depends on the patch you use. I've created some really fat sounds. Those it comes with aren't all that bad either.

Clyde

April 13, 2009 @ 7:17 pm

Mystery solved, I think you must have a DX27S as there were DX27 and DX27S with the S version being the one with speakers.
Clyde

Joseph

February 25, 2009 @ 3:40 pm

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.
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