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).

tom

February 15, 2013 @ 11:26 am

I bought this last year because I remember borrowing one for some time in 1987 and was curious and nostalgic about it. Presets are a no go, but I found that it was surprisingly easy to make interesting sustained noises on it. Add reverb, and it's suddenly a quite usable and inspiring machine, and the stereo chorus sounds really good too. The sound bank system is clumsy though.

KitKat

February 14, 2013 @ 3:50 am

Good question. I believe the DX-100 sounds identical to both the DX-27 and DX-21. The only difference being the DX-21 has an onboard chorus effect.

jason

December 8, 2012 @ 7:29 pm

hey does any one know how the dx21 sounds compared to the dx100 in the sense of the converters. i have a dx100 and a tx81z and they sound totally different in the sense of the convertors. the tx is less noisy and a bit more punchy and more present. i'm not saying one is good and one is bad i like some sounds on the dx better and some on the tx, just wondering where the dx21 falls in line. thanx.

Chris

November 19, 2012 @ 10:28 am

HELP - How the hell do you get lower case characters in the Voice Name?!

lightman

October 21, 2012 @ 12:36 pm

@radspinner,

the DX-7 has six operators and the DX21 only four so it's next to impossible to directly convert those signature DX-7 sounds to your DX21. However, the DX21 is a great synth on its own that is capable of delivering that typical FM timbre we know and love from its bigger brother. With a bit of clever patch programming and layering, you can create all sorts of DX-style fat pads, glossy leads and pumping basses. I recommend using an editor (like YSEDITOR) for patch creation as the front panel is a bit sparse and non-intuitive.

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