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
GOTHICGRAVE
October 29, 2009 @ 6:43 am
I think that VSE is near to be adquired by Native Instruments or Propellerheads. I can't understand how VSE can say that FM7 plug in is better than a real DX7. Sorry, but somebody that can explain me that, i can't understand...
KEKENALII
October 2, 2009 @ 6:02 am
native instruments FM7 does not even conpare to any dx7/ dx7II or tx802 / tx816.
processdrone
September 30, 2009 @ 4:26 pm
I agree with Niiko. The fullness and fatness of sound you can get out of a TX can (if you let them, or even if you have an accident) cut through anything with an unprecedented fatness of sound that has yet to be simulated by any PC even with your expensive top end soundcard. this instrument dates back to the days of D to A converters that were purpose built with discrete components. D to As now are on a cheap single chip (at best) to save costs and simply not capable of the warmth and presence of the original discrete D to A s. Accept no substitutes!
robotunes
July 31, 2009 @ 3:13 am
a HUGE sounding synth. using algorithm 5 or 6, you can program a tx802 like a 3-osc synth and create "perfect" saw waves. turn each of the tx802's 8 synthesizers into a 3-osc synth and you have 24 oscillators at your command (admittedly with only 2 voices of polyphony, but imagine the powerful leads!)

use algorithm 29, and you can create a 2-osc synth with 2 suboscs! create not just sine waves, but triangles, squares and detuned saws (it's not that hard). now multiply that by 8. massive, wall-shaking bass!

but what's the fun of treating an fm synth like an analog instrument? ;-)
robotunes
July 31, 2009 @ 3:07 am
@ Eus: you can re-create the DX7II's unison mode on an 802 by making a performance that contains two 8-voice versions of the same sound and detuning them.

actually, what the 802 sorely lacks is the DX7II's two assignable control sliders (wish there were a way to use CC#'s to make up for that loss. only sysex works).
 
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VSE Rating

Excellent

User Rating

Rated 4.07 (401 Votes)

  • 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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