Vintage Synth Explorer

Yamaha • TX81Z

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.

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Posting Rules: Please keep your comments relevant! Do not post requests for help, do not use for sales, do not post unless you have something interesting to say about this instrument, or we may delete your post.

 

Andrew Beddoes

Posted 409 days ago

Fond memories of programming this machine- all 32 memory patches. The 4 operator synth is a great design, with tunings, and stereo assignments, and a variety of sound. Transferred all data to my V50 synth successfully.

Petur

Posted 412 days ago

Had one when I was a teenager and miss it ever since. LatelyBass was used a lot.

Savo Jr

Posted 430 days ago

I wouldn't say this is not as good as DX7 -this is better in many ways, only shortcoming is that this has 4OP as DX7 have 6OP synthesis.
-TX81Z has 16bit D/A converters.
-8 waveforms for every OP as DX7 uses only sinewaves.
-DX7 have pitch envelopes though.. 81Z does not.
Anyhow i love this machine!

Bazziman

Posted 439 days ago

Certainly worth every penny since they can be had for cheap. FM has a lot of power and presence that is very hard to do using virtual analogue or with ROMplers.

Latelybass and some very nice EPs and Organ sounds...

Oneki Kai

Posted 451 days ago

Patch compatible with the Sega Genesis. The DX100 is too (I think.)

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