Yamaha TX7

Yamaha TX7 Image

The TX7 is essentially a non-rack-mountable desktop module form of Yamaha's DX7 FM synthesizer. Editing can not be done from the front panel, but must be accomplished externally via MIDI using either a DX7 keyboard, the PR-7 programmer or a computer. Software such as Unisyn can be used to edit the parameters of the TX7. There are only 32 patches for storing any sounds as on the DX7. 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 TX7 is an affordable way to get your hands on original DX7 sounds. It has been used by Genesis, Human League and the producers behind the Spice Girls.

18 Visitor comments
pete m
January 10, 2010 @ 2:40 pm
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
June 3, 2009 @ 6:47 pm
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
November 14, 2008 @ 12:56 pm
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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  • Specifications
  • Polyphony - 16 voices
  • Oscillators - 6 FM operators and 32 algorithms
  • #Instruments - (1) Monotimbral
  • LFO - triangle / saw / square / sine / random
  • VCA - 6 Envelope generators 8 parameters each
  • Keyboard - none
  • Memory - 32 patches
  • Control - MIDI
  • Date Produced - 1985

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