Vintage Synth Explorer

Yamaha • TX-7

The TX-7 is essentially a non-rack-mountable desktop module form of Yamaha's DX-7 FM synthesizer. Editing can not be done from the front panel, but must be accomplished externally via MIDI using either a DX-7 keyboard, the PR-7 programmer or a computer. Software such as Unisyn can be used to edit the parameters of the TX-7. There are only 32 patches for storing any sounds as on the DX-7. It's probably better to collect patches from the internet to expand your library of sounds since FM patch-editing is difficult enough on a professional DX synthesizer. Aside from its limitations, the TX-7 is an affordable way to get your hands on original DX-7 sounds. It has been used by Genesis, Human League and the producers behind the Spice Girls.

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Projectwoofer

Posted 33 days ago

One of my favorite synthesizers ever! A bit tricky to program it but not thaaat difficult as some may say...

I chose this mkI TX7 because of its wonderful 12bit DAC that gives a more warm and gritty character to its sound...don't really care about mark IIs ability of layering sounds...I have found the solution for the TX7!

I usually create a duplicate of my sound, save it to the next memory slot and then detune a bit the operators and change a bit their relevant volumes...sounds absolutely fantastic and takes about 20 seconds to do it! As I only use the TX7 for studio use, this trick does the job for me when I need layered sounds!

thomas

Posted 55 days ago

I got mine for fourty can$.
A box with the whole 80's in it. Great deal.
I edit the parameters with SoundDiver.

Don't get me wrong... NI's fm7 & fm8 are absolutely great. But this is the real deal and sounds exactly like what you heard throughout the 80's. That is for the classic, well known and recognizable patches.

It's also an ABSOLUTELY RUTHLESS bass machine...an endless pallet of timbres so complex and defined and eerie... It quickly became my favorite synth for exploring and creating sounds.

pete m

Posted 60 days ago

the weight of bass and tone from this unit is amazing, think it has a lot to do with the lo res DACs and chips etc all adding their character. these were dirt cheap a while ago but seem to be increasing their value

Douglas Cain

Posted 281 days ago

I recently saw Philip Glass play Music in 12 parts live, for the first time on the West coast, and all the keyboardists played midi controllers attached to Yamaha tx-7s. I know because I asked the sound guy what equipment they were running and he showed me the board and the racks. Totally sweet! I also saw a white Oberheim matrix 1000 rack that they were running. Best night ever. And I have to say, a concert hall ringing with the sound of these beasts was heavenly.

Andrew

Posted 482 days ago

The TX7 was designed to be exactly what it says on its front panel, which is to be an FM expander. According to the manual, the main setup that comes to mind is to connect DX7 MIDI out to the TX7 MIDI in, TX7 MIDI out into DX7 MIDI in. With this combo, you have 32 voices of polyphony and two line outputs. It becomes quite a pewerful instrument, almost like 2 DX7's. Very nic.

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