Yet another FM synthesizer from Yamaha, this one comes in a compact, multitimbral, 1-unit rackmount module and is basically a key-less version of the DX-11. It has far more professional features than its relative, the FB-01. The TX81Z features great FM type synth sounds similar also to the DX-21 and DX-27. It's still not as good as the classic DX-7, but it's an inexpensive source of those sounds with lots of programmability. Eight voice polyphony, 128 preset sounds, 32 user and lots of functions hidden behind 11 push buttons.

The TX81Z features a new ability to use waveforms other than just a sine wave. There are eight voices that can be split, layered and detuned. Also onboard are pseudo-effects including delay and reverb. These features can be stored as performance setups. The effects are simply envelope and re-triggering effects. The TX81Z works great as a sound-module for any live or studio production. It's got a wider range of sounds than the DX-7, may not be quite as warm or 'classic' sounding, but at its low price and with the excellent MIDI implementation it makes a great alternative or backup synth for percussive, punchy FM synth sounds. It's used by Fluke, Roni Size, Astral Projection, Squarepusher, Jimmy Edgar, Future Sound of London, and Josh Wink.

josh

June 7, 2013 @ 3:43 am

The TX81z is my favorite unit. I like to run it in dual channel mode. Stabs, bass, and wacky leads this unit glues a track together. In my opinion, it's influenced dance/pop as much as the 303, but that's besides the point. When you've got standard architecture synths and pad machines and you need some rounded low-mids the TX81z delivers that better than anything else. What it does, it does well. If you can't make great tracks with a TX81z, a sampler, an analog or two, and a couple of romplers, then it's not the gear. ;)

scatterlight

May 19, 2013 @ 4:26 pm

Try this editor: http://ctrlr.org/yamaha-tx81z/ (download the editor, then this panel)

Sometimes it works in quirky ways (like when you switch away from the effects section, the effect stops working, but you can reapply the effect by just tweaking one of the effect knobs slightly. Weird.), but I've easily gotten some really good results from using CTRLR. Fun!

Will

April 30, 2013 @ 11:44 am

Without using an editor such as Midiquest or Sounddiver many people will find this synth hard to program. In many cases without an editor you get stuck with Lately Bass and a few good presets only.

Put the time in. Sync it with an editor and Lately Bass will become lame bass compared to what new bass can now be made.

As a slight grumble I do find this machine a little noisy and also a little quiet but the outstanding sonic bass makes it worth putting up with.

Sean

April 28, 2013 @ 3:08 pm

I have one of these but I cannot get a decent level out of it. Plugged directly into my Fireface 800, and maxed out Master Volume, it sits at about a 1/4 of the volume of all my other synths at best. Is this normal? I have adjusted every parameter I can find (including checking the foot controller volume) but I cannot get this thing to beef up. I love the sounds but in my current rig, I have no inputs available that have a gain pot. Ideas?

commodorejohn

April 23, 2013 @ 9:18 pm

@coverup: Actually, even better! It can be configured for up to 8-part multitimbrality. (You only see four parts at once in Performance Edit mode, you have to scroll off the edge of the page to see the other four.) This does leave you with only one voice per part, but if you plan around this (helps if you're used to working in tracker or chiptune music) it's incredibly flexible.

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