The Yamaha DX7 digital programmable algorithm synthesizer.



Just as with valve and solid state guitar amps, I don't discriminate analog and digital synths. Both have applications to which they work best. I've become very interested in the concept of FM synthesis. The MiniMoog and Yamaha CS-30 can do 2-operator analog FM with many other waveforms than sine waves. But for full-blown FM synthesis the vintage synth to own is the Yamaha DX7. Everybody tried to talk me out of buying one of these. That convinced me even more that I had to own one.
After restoring the keys and installing the necessary software on my Mac, this synth just sings. I am surprised at how good it sounds. Much better than I anticipated. I thought it would always sound similar to that yucky worn out DX7 Rhodes, but no, it can do much more. I've found a pretty good imitation of Keith Emersons GX-1 on Fanfare for the Common Man. Very analog sounding with pitch-in on each key. And the scary sounds I can come up with on this synth are just awesome. People says it's impossible to understand the programming of the DX7, but personally I have no problems. In fact, I find it much easier to program than both the TS-12 and the 05R/W. Dig that!
Great synth! Worth all $75 I paid! So much in fact that I bought the module version, the TX7. After that one went up in smoke (and I mean literally up in smoke!), I bought a spare DX7, and then for good measure, a TX802 rack module.

Features:


Samples of my own programs:

Abaca... eehh Abacus.mp3 A take on an early eighties type sound.
Brass.mp3 The DX7 can make decent analog style sounds.
Drone.mp3 Another program of analog style sounds.
Stringer.mp3 And yet another program of analog style sounds.
WishYouWere.mp3 Wish You Were analog. Well the original was, but this one is 12 bit digital.