Vintage Synth Explorer

Yamaha • TX802

Despite its name, the TX802 FM Tone Generator is basically a rack-module version of the DX7mkII with full 8-part multi-timbral operation for sequencing and/or key mapping. It has 16-voices of polyphony and six digital FM Operators, the same as in the DX7mkII. There are 128 preset and 64 user patches for your sounds, as well as an external memory cartridge slot.

As if the large keyboard DX versions weren't difficult enough to program, the TX802's limited interface makes editing and programming your own sounds next to impossible without the help of external hardware or software editors. In the late 1980's, the TX802 was an excellent way to get a compact box full of Yamaha's DX sounds. Today, however, computer software plug-ins such as Native Instrument's FM7 are definitely the way to go for DX and FM-based synth sounds!

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matt

Posted 442 days ago

I totally agree.I did many a/b comparisons of dx patches in fm7 and in the tx 802 and real dx7 and i have to say the fm7 sounds thin ,weedy , lacks the grunge of the real thing and magic........i am sorry but emulation sof hardware will always be that - i think you can spot software mixes a mile away and i personally think they [beep] .

Michael

Posted 459 days ago

What gives? Suddenly you are comparing an FM hardware synth against a modern software synth, and rating the hardware version lower. This is TOTALLY inconsistent as you have not done the same for analog synths where the software versions are much cheaper, more reliable, stay in tune, and have comparable sound. At this rate you should just shut down VintageSynth and have a message on the front page that says "Hardware [beep] s - buy a laptop and softsynth".

Also, the TX802 (2 stars) is sonically almost identical to the DX7 II, which gets 5 stars, but you rate it the same as the pathetic FB-01.

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