Yamaha • DX7s/IID/IIFD

Yamaha DX-7s/IID/IIFD Image

A classic synth gets a make-over by three significant updates to the original. The DX-7 was an amazing digital FM synth. The DX-7s carries on the torch once held by the DX-7. It offers the same great FM synthesis method and can also create sounds just as unique and wild as the DX-7. However, they can be just as difficult to program and understand for most users. Some general improvements include enhanced MIDI support, micro-tuning, aftertouch controlled pitch bending, and multiple LFOs. Although many improvements have been made to the DX-7 in this upgrade there still could have been room for improvement, which is where the DX7IID and DX7IIFD come in.

These next models allowed for keyboard split and layering capabilities. The DX7IID (pictured above) and DX7IIFD hold 64 voices in internal memory, as well as an additional 64 voices in a RAM/ROM cartridge that can be accessed. These voices can be layered in dual mode providing very rich sounds or a nice combination of sounds that would be impossible on the original DX7. They can also be split, for a two voice multi-timbral capability. Again, impossible on the original DX.

They have wonderfully clean sound and are stereo, providing pans and chorus and a few other nice effects. There are two real time sliders on these instruments, allowing control of user-programmable items in real time. Micro-tuning, as well as fractional tunings for eastern music etc. is possible. The FD includes a floppy drive for storage of patches, performance presets and sysex information. Like the DX7, these new models may have been used by The Crystal Method, Kraftwerk, Underworld, Orbital, Talking Heads, Brian Eno, Depeche Mode, D:Ream, Front 242, U2, A-Ha, Enya, The Cure, Stabbing Westward.

DX 7 Centenniel

Pictured in silver & gold above is the DX-7 Centenniel, released in 1988 to celebrate Yamaha's 100th anniversary. Not just a new paint job, the limited edition model had 64-voice internal RAM memory and 64-performance memory, 32-note polyphonic stereo output (2 x 16 voices), and a 76-key velocity and after-touch sensitive keyboard that glows in the dark. Additional improvements include enhanced MIDI support, stereo panning, 6 envelope generators and enhanced 16-bit circuitry. Only about 300 were made and it originally sold for $4,000!


VISITOR COMMENTS

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Martin
Posted 90 days ago
Maxim "I've owned a DX7 mkII FD for a few months, and recently got a TX81Z, and I don't feel like I'll ever need to buy another synth"

hahaha, you mustn't have been bitten properly by the bug! I could never have 'enough' synths :D MOAR SYNTHS!
il
Posted 123 days ago
@AC - The S is great, the IID/IIFD even better cos you can layer + other improvements. Also put any DX7 through some effects and it opens it up to what it's really capable of (surpasses MANY newer synths)

Can't agree about your D-50 slur though ;) the D-50 is wicked magic, absolutely NO need to use 'dated pcm samples', you really should look into D-50 in struct mode 1 (the common one used this days) it's basically a virtual analog, absolutely NO samples anywhere in this mode and is as warm as [beep] (as any digi synth has ever been). DX7 and D-50 are both legends and don't compete in the same sonic space so can co-exist beautifully. Neither one needs berating at the expense of the other.. get both and live :)
Analogue Crazy
Posted 132 days ago
Just bough a DX7s from a friend and i absolutally love it. Ignore any negative comments, the DX7 is one of the finest Synths ever made and it's 6 operator FM system is still capable of many exciting fresh sounds.

I really like the DX7s model. I used a mk1 a couple of years ago and the DX7s has some great tricks up it's sleeve. The unison mode for me is what's the biggest advantage over the origional. And of course the output is a lot cleaner and makes a lot less background hissing.

Overall, i highly reccomend the DX7s. To me it's far better than the
D-50, M1 and all that bunch because it MAKES it's own sound instead of playing dated but warm ROM samples. This is why it's dated so well and is still a great purcuse, because it still can sound so fresh and exciting.
Jamie B
Posted 179 days ago
Considering the very low price of a DX7 these days, don't even consider the TX81z. There IS a big difference in 4op and 6op. The only 4op board I ever liked was the V50, which was basically two TX81z modules plus drums, effects, and sequencer. The big advantage here was that instead of being a 12 bit system like the other 4ops, it used a 16 bit system like the 6ops, resulting in better sound quality. Aside from that, it had a thicker sound due to its layering capabilities, and also because of its effects.
In my opinion, aside from the V50, all other 4ops like the DX11, 21, 27 should be avoided unless you want something that sounds like a Nintendo system.
goring
Posted 183 days ago
How does the TX81Z compare to the DX? Is 4ops realy thinner than 6 ops?
 

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