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.

Phase3000

January 30, 2012 @ 10:51 am

The MK2 version of the great DX7 is as good as it gets from crystal clear bells to thiick pads and gritty funky basses, jangling guitar type sounds and blistering effects its all here. The sonic power of this Synth only gets realized when you put the effort in.

lightman

January 18, 2012 @ 7:52 am

In my opinion, FM is one of the most powerful and flexible forms of synthesis ever created. Once you move on from random knob-twiddling to more advanced sounddesign, a whole new world of sonic capabilities will open up before you that let some expensive true analog or VA synths (not to mention romplers) pale in comparison. However, FM synthesis is not for the impatient who expect instant gratification. The Learning curve is high, but so is the reward once you have mastered it. If people wouldn't have such a short attention span, we'd probably still see new FM synths coming out... ;)

Thomas Faurby

January 8, 2012 @ 10:07 am

A demo of this great synth:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wm5vNeROMaQ

cj-303

August 21, 2011 @ 9:17 pm

Awesome synth!!A classic that shines as bright now as it did when it came out!Fm8 is a good emulation, but you just cannot beat the real thing soundwise!! :)

rib

August 18, 2011 @ 4:24 pm

Rock on! This is a great synthesiser. Anyone who likes puzzles is going to love this one, a real Rubiks cube. Nerding aside, it produces wonderful sounds with a 'little' effort(!).
2 Part Multi-timbral DX7 - prove how smart you are and write a techno track with it - it's been done many times (u-choo-o-oobe). Shoewe yoewea fraends!

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