The DX9 was a not-so-special spin off of the aggressively popular DX7. The DX9 wasn't a great synth, it had all of the headache problems associated with its DX7 relative. Difficult programming and limited MIDI implementation to name a few. Still, it is a 4-operator FM synth like the other DX synths and is capable of interesting sounds.

In the mid eighties when the DX9 appeared it was a welcome cheap alternative to the DX7. But current DX7 prices have nearly hurled the DX9 into obsoletion. Also, unlike the DX100 which is famous now for its gritty house-bass sound, the DX9 doesn't have any particular sounds that set it apart from other synths like it.

Station Lightyears

July 6, 2009 @ 9:54 am

Bought mine in 1990 and still going strong! Oddly like this synth, the parameters are "upside down" compared to the other 4-op synths, but you can derive some interesting sounds from it, probably due to it's inherent limitations. Quite like the key response on it too. Used to trigger sounds on a Poly-800 from it, the warmth of the 800 and the typically FM sounds on the DX-9 used to combine quite well. Am sure one of the guys from Toto used to use one?

divineaudio

February 22, 2009 @ 1:03 pm

A great, inexpensive option for fm synthesis. The limited architecture makes programming sounds way more manageable than on the dx7 (that's the point of synthesizers right? programming your own sounds?). I do wish it had a bit more memory for patch storage and velocity sensitivity though. Even still, a very worthwhile synth.

Kit

January 4, 2009 @ 2:51 pm

I have to say that I like this synth, this is maybe due in part to it's under-dog tag it seems to have acquired. After saying that there are one or two sounds which I've never been able to re-create on any other FM synth. There is nothing more I can really say about it other than if you come across one, buy it, you may be pleasantly surprised and as it's getting rare there will be a 'need to have' collectors rush to have them soon. Often to be found in very good condition as they were not much use as a live/performance synth.

<54321>

 

Post Comment!

Your Name: (Required.)

Email Address: (Required, not published.)

Image verification: (required)

Message:

 

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.

I have read and understand the posting rules.