Vintage Synth Explorer

Yamaha • DX-5

Yamaha's DX-5 slots in somewhere between their legendary DX-7 and flagship DX-1 synthesizers. Under the hood the DX-5 is almost identical to the DX-1 except the DX-5 has done away with the heavy wood-paneling and has a less fancy keyboard (no more ployphonic aftertouch) and is more affordable. With its dual 6-operator FM synth engines the DX-5 is like having two DX-7 synthesizers in one, and then some! The DX-5 has 64 performance memories which can be loaded or saved to cartridge, while the DX-7 has only one manual performance memory. This improves the versatility for live performance and makes excellent use of the dual engines. However, one thing to consider is that the MIDI implementation, while adequate, does not qualify it as a master keyboard, in particular, the DX-5 (like the DX-7) sends only 99 as the maximum velocity, not 127. In addition, the DX-5 is slightly noisier than the DX-7.

Although the DX-5 is a digital synthesizer, its sounds are unique and fresh with an analog/digital hybrid feel. Programming however, is not at all like analog synth programming. All DX series synths use Frequency Modulation (FM) synthesis and all are rather difficult to program or, at least, difficult to understand what to program. The DX-5 is no exception to this rule except that its layout, parameter buttons and displays are much better than typical DX synths.

For performances, the DX-5 shares the DX-1's bitimbric ability to play two patches from memory (Channel A and B) with the keyboard in layer or split mode and the polyphony reduced from 32 to 16 voices. That's a very cool ability for an old synth, especially a DX type synth. Imagine playing bass in one hand and some other wacky sounds in the other hand. You'd have to get a couple TX-7s or DX-7s to achieve that otherwise (of course this may be cheaper than getting a DX-5 anyway). The DX-5 remains a very high quality vintage instrument and if you've got the money to burn and a desire for a unique instrument from the DX line of synths, this is the one! It has been used by Kitaro.

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Posting Rules: Please keep your comments relevant! Do not post requests for help, do not use for sales, do not post unless you have something interesting to say about this instrument, or we may delete your post.

 

Gil Sicuro

Posted 72 days ago

The DX5 is NOT noisier than the DX7, quite the opposite!! I have both and I can tell that! The DX5 has way better D/A converters, way better analog preamps, and XLR balanced outputs, not to mention a more sophisticated power supply board. Also, what people say about the old DX synths being uncapable of sending velocity over 99 is a MYTH - actually the keyboard just have a logarithmic velocity curve, so to achive a velocity close to 127 is necessary a very strong hit to the keyboard (to the point to nearly break a key).

ApolloBoy

Posted 134 days ago

Actually, a Motif or S80 plus the PLG150DX will cost a little bit more than a DX5. The DX5 is essentially a DX1 in a more stage-friendly package, which is pretty awesome. DX5s haven't gone for thousands since the mid-80s, when they were brand new.

I should also mention that the PLG150DX only acts like a DX7, not a DX5. Remember that the DX5 is bitimbral unlike the original DX7.

Mezzo

Posted 204 days ago

Strictly for the collector crowd. These were noisy, big and expensive. Save your money, buy a used Motif or S80 and get the PLG150DX card. It will cost you thousands less and the FM sound will be usable, layerable and crystal clear.

Ross

Posted 371 days ago

Frank Zappa had a couple of these on his 1988 tour.

micke

Posted 461 days ago

The DX-5 provided most of the bass sounds on New Order's "True Faith" and "1963" (both from 1987).

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