The DX7, a classic FM synth, gets a make-over with three significant updates. The updated models feature a more sturdy chassis with actual push-buttons replacing the cheaper and less reliable membrane buttons of the original DX7. The two real time sliders (that allow for control of user-programmable parameters in real time) are larger than before. Internally, the biggest improvement is the updated 16-bit digital circuitry for cleaner and much less noisy sound quality. Patch memory has also been doubled from 32 to 64 voices. Additional general improvements include enhanced MIDI support, micro-tuning capabilities, aftertouch controlled pitch bending, and multiple LFOs.

The DX7IID and DX7IIFD (pictured) models also added bi-timbrality with keyboard split and layering capabilities. This allows two voices to be layered in dual mode, providing very rich combinations of sounds that would otherwise be impossible with the original DX7. Voices could also be split across the keyboard, for a two part multi-timbral performance capability; again, impossible with the original DX7 (or the DX7S, as the S stands for single timbre).

The DX7IIFD added a Floppy Drive (that's what the FD stands for) offering one megabyte of memory space (equal to 40 RAM cartridges) for thousands of voices, fractional scaling, SysEx data and more.

Pictured above in silver and gold is the DX7 Centennial, released in 1987 to celebrate Yamaha's 100th anniversary. Not just a new paint job, this limited edition model has 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. Only about 300 were made and it originally retailed for $3,500!

Like the DX7, these updated 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.

P6

May 15, 2010 @ 9:47 pm

The follow up to a digital legend, and aside from some saying (maybe right, maybe wrong) that the MK1 had the dirtier 'more classic' sound due to 12bit output etc - this synth BETTERS the MK1 in everyway.

It's a brilliant synth for programmers, hooked up to outboard effects of course. It's well laid out, nice backlit LCD which Mk1 sadly lacked, clean outputs (in a good way imo) and stereo/layers.

These synths (Mk1 and MK2) are going to be legends forever of course, so you can never go wrong picking one up - preferably a nice condition IID (FD is nice but not essential and usually has a drive you need to fix anyway).

The Ghoul

February 20, 2010 @ 4:27 am

I have had mine for about 16 years, used it live and to this day in the studio. They have a very distinctive sound but what a cool sound it is. The thing to remember is that a synth is at it's best when you are creating sounds. If you want super realism then get a sampler or a top flight home board with no programming.

BTW, Martin is correct "You can never have enough synths"

Martin

August 22, 2009 @ 7:08 am

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

July 21, 2009 @ 1:54 am

@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

July 12, 2009 @ 5:49 am

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.

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