Yamaha TX802

Yamaha TX802 Image

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.

58 Visitor comments
DX
June 30, 2009 @ 6:53 pm
Users update:
It was used by Madonna, (on Blonde Ambition Tour, 90, according to her "on road" keyboard tech)
Eus
February 28, 2009 @ 6:27 am
Not quite a racked DX7II.
There's no Unison mode, but it has something that the DX7II doesn't do and that's multitimbrality.

Another great feature that hasn't been mentioned here, is that it can do Wave Sequencing. Much like the Korg Wavestation, although less elaborate, but just as effective and always with surprising results.

All the 8 parts can be chained and upon each trigger of a note will jump to the next part.
Especially cool when using similar sounds on each part, with different panning and volume.

It's these type of features that seperates it from the rest, thus worth checking it out.

The FM7 is just convenient, but there are no hidden tressures with software plug-ins, taking away the creative elements of making music.
Mixolydian
January 24, 2009 @ 1:00 pm
Excellent FM synth - Yamaha's second generation DX-7 architecture. Sure it's bright and a bit metalic, but there's an 80s sound to this that just suits certain types of music - and no rompler, VA, or softsynth can properly emulate it.

Performance INT04: Stereo Electric Piano - pure Phil Collins, Shakatak, Miami Sound Machine, plus tons of other 80s R&B and jazz.

The TX802 is simply a great synth. This and the TX81Z will get you all the FM you'll ever need. (The TX81Z is different and better at some things.)
the other guy
January 24, 2009 @ 6:08 am
I am an analog purist and this is the only non-analog synth I have. I use it purely for glitch percussive/clangy/drone sounds and it's fantastic. Only draw back is that you have to edit all sounds through the software editor. I just wish it had a beautiful big panel of knobs!

And it was less than half the price of any of my analog synths.
UncleBenz
November 16, 2008 @ 5:44 am
Oh yeah, crashes like: I want to load a preset from file an then all the windwos of the FM8 start to switch around like crazy...And the sound DOES sound 2 dimensional. Ever compared a Korg R3 to ANY softynth?
 
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  • Demos & Media
  • Manual - Download the original owner's manual here.

  • Specifications
  • Polyphony - 16 voices
  • Oscillators - Digital FM synthesizer with 6 Operators and 32 algorithms
  • LFO - Yes
  • Filter - None
  • Effects - None
  • Keyboard - None
  • Memory - 128 preset patches, 64 user patches
  • Control - MIDI (8-parts)
  • Date Produced - 1987

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