I've had one of these sitting in my studio rack since like 1986 or 7. I used it on a bunch of commercials but then forgot about it. Nice to hear it again. I always really liked it. Here's a tip - put it through an EH Small Stone Phaser and it sounds like analog heaven :)
Feel like I'm spamming the comments here, but I've had problems with the breath controller stuff. I don't own one, but there looked like there was ways to control it by CC codes, or to have the TX81Z interpret foot controller and after touch as Breath controller input instead, but I can't get anything to happen with the BC specific presets with any of those methods. Has anyone gotten that to work, or is there something I can hook up yo the BC port instead of an breath controller?
@douro20 yeah, both the OPL2 and OPL3 were similar, possibly even more powerful in some regards, as they had 8 operators/8 waveforms instead of just 6/8 like the 81Z (or 4/4 like the DX7), but I think you couldn't do different algorithms on the AdLib/SB OPL cards, meaning there was only one way to route the sound, where I think the TX81Z had 4 algorithms, if not more. The algorithms could change in what order the ops would get modulated, or if some ops should bypass the FM entirely.
Do anybody know if it's hard to get hold of the cassette adapter cable that the TX81Z supported? Looks like it's supposed to be a DIN-5 (Midi style) connector in one end and two stereo RCA 1/4" jacks in the other end. I'm assuming that if I only get hold of the adapter I should be able to record the sysex data as audio mp3's or something like that, as it didn't look like they required a specific cassette recorder?
Thanks for posting this. The producer Babyface at one point had two TX81Z units in his studio, both of which he kept set to a bass patch, one detuned from the other. This became a part of his signature sound. The best synth patches for this classic synth can be found at manymidi.com
Yeah, I love that Marimba lead! I have a tx81z and its not part of the factory presets though. Is there any way I could get it from you as a sysex file? Or somewhere else I could find it?
It's very hard to program (practically impossible without the manual). So I just use the presets these days :) . When you're using it in the studio you need to opt for either polyphony OR separate voices, but not both (you get around it by changing the patch as you go). The sounds are pretty thin and tinny and often bland or ugly (as you can hear on this demo). All that said, I have a soft spot for it :)
@PraxisAxis there's some basic instructions on top of the unit, as well as a pull-out sheet with descriptions of various FM algorithms and stuff, so it's not that hard to get started. Making anything that sounds good is another issue, and then saving the presets. :)
@PraxisAxis I like it, but don't use it as much as I should (the lack of CC# command integration does bother me a bit, I should probably get one of the more recent FM rack synths, like the TG-77 or something like that). My comment on "anything that sounds good" was about how hard it is to make good presets on the thing, not the wonderful potential it has when you manage to do it properly.
@fisk0 But the TX81z has something about that no other Yamaha Fms can do. Sorry, I cant remember what it is but its definitely sound related. Even here it does sound not that far away from the old commodore chip sound.
@harrymerchant456 I think the C64 SID chip(s) were digitally controlled analog synths with analog filters, and the TX81Z is an purely digital synth without any filters. It did stand out as it had more operators and wave forms than Yamaha's earlier FM units though, 6 operators and 8 waveforms, as compared to 4 ops/4 waveforms of the DX7, and a bunch of different algorithms to control the sound. But I think some of their later FM synths also had this, plus analog filters (or digital imitations).
@harrymerchant456 the sound chip in Sega's game consoles, can't remember if it was the Master System or Genesis/Mega Drive were very similar to the TX81Z/DX11 though, someone even managed to convert the music from one of the Sonic games to play on the TX81Z.
Heh. 0:22 Uprt piano sounds more like 80s industrial than a real piano. I had one of these btw. Really good for deep bass. ROFL @ Sweedenlover. Kids these days with their softsynths can barely find the switch button on hardware..
Nice. I still have my TX81Z and have used the "Baaad Breath" patch on a current CD project. Of course, everyone in the know...loves "Lately Bass" and "Solid Bass" (DX100)
NIce, I use this one at times, still figuring it out
ish233 4 days ago
You did a great job on this. Gives one a good impression of this old Yamaha. Thanks.
tintini747 2 weeks ago
Real men do 4ops FM synths that are not everybody's gears !
Crappy sounds in thierselves but surprising and creative when used in music.
of course 1000€ synths are 'better' than 100€ old stuff but my dad isn't so rich !
4OPFab 2 weeks ago
Some of the worst synth sounds ever but that BASS!
maccagrabme 4 weeks ago
Wonder if Sega Genesis uses these instruments / presets?
HoneycombAgent 2 months ago
how do i load sysex files? bobducks21, i may have all the factory presets. i will upload them if i do and learn how to do that
smiauu 2 months ago
I've had one of these sitting in my studio rack since like 1986 or 7. I used it on a bunch of commercials but then forgot about it. Nice to hear it again. I always really liked it. Here's a tip - put it through an EH Small Stone Phaser and it sounds like analog heaven :)
audiotrax2000 2 months ago
I wish my synth could tell me good morning!
senorverde09 3 months ago
@senorverde09 Oh yes! It's a well-mannered synth, no doubt! Nothing like those rude subtractive synths!
TheVoltageControl 3 months ago 2
@TheVoltageControl Oooh, cheeky one you are! Yep, sometimes those drifty VCOs need a good smack to get them back in line!
senorverde09 3 months ago
Feel like I'm spamming the comments here, but I've had problems with the breath controller stuff. I don't own one, but there looked like there was ways to control it by CC codes, or to have the TX81Z interpret foot controller and after touch as Breath controller input instead, but I can't get anything to happen with the BC specific presets with any of those methods. Has anyone gotten that to work, or is there something I can hook up yo the BC port instead of an breath controller?
fisk0 3 months ago
This thing is always great for simple dubby style bass that always comes through in the mix.
harrymerchant456 3 months ago
GREAT DEMO!!! this is what I was looking for!!!! NOW I decided to buy this!!! THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!!!
systenova 4 months ago
You can produce similar sounds on an OPL3...
douro20 4 months ago
@douro20 yeah, both the OPL2 and OPL3 were similar, possibly even more powerful in some regards, as they had 8 operators/8 waveforms instead of just 6/8 like the 81Z (or 4/4 like the DX7), but I think you couldn't do different algorithms on the AdLib/SB OPL cards, meaning there was only one way to route the sound, where I think the TX81Z had 4 algorithms, if not more. The algorithms could change in what order the ops would get modulated, or if some ops should bypass the FM entirely.
fisk0 3 months ago
Do anybody know if it's hard to get hold of the cassette adapter cable that the TX81Z supported? Looks like it's supposed to be a DIN-5 (Midi style) connector in one end and two stereo RCA 1/4" jacks in the other end. I'm assuming that if I only get hold of the adapter I should be able to record the sysex data as audio mp3's or something like that, as it didn't look like they required a specific cassette recorder?
fisk0 4 months ago
Thanks for posting this. The producer Babyface at one point had two TX81Z units in his studio, both of which he kept set to a bass patch, one detuned from the other. This became a part of his signature sound. The best synth patches for this classic synth can be found at manymidi.com
ElmoPiano 11 months ago
Yeah, I love that Marimba lead! I have a tx81z and its not part of the factory presets though. Is there any way I could get it from you as a sysex file? Or somewhere else I could find it?
bobducks21 1 year ago
@bobducks21 No, sorry. I don't have it in my possession anymore :(
TheVoltageControl 1 year ago
Is the patch switch very fast?
NomisGSR 1 year ago
That Marimba Lead patch is pure 80's Faltermeyer gold.
snolan1990 1 year ago
I just picked one up yesterday i liked your glass piano
FunkMasterP5200 1 year ago
Yea I figured but anyone know how much?
Sweedenlover 1 year ago
Do you have any Sysex files for the TX81Z? DO you know of any somewhere on the net? I can't find any.
Biopharmer 1 year ago
It's very hard to program (practically impossible without the manual). So I just use the presets these days :) . When you're using it in the studio you need to opt for either polyphony OR separate voices, but not both (you get around it by changing the patch as you go). The sounds are pretty thin and tinny and often bland or ugly (as you can hear on this demo). All that said, I have a soft spot for it :)
PraxisAxis 1 year ago
@PraxisAxis there's some basic instructions on top of the unit, as well as a pull-out sheet with descriptions of various FM algorithms and stuff, so it's not that hard to get started. Making anything that sounds good is another issue, and then saving the presets. :)
fisk0 4 months ago
@fisk0
I quite like the thing - it has such an FM sound, it blends very well with analogue units (because it sounds so different).
PraxisAxis 4 months ago
@PraxisAxis I like it, but don't use it as much as I should (the lack of CC# command integration does bother me a bit, I should probably get one of the more recent FM rack synths, like the TG-77 or something like that). My comment on "anything that sounds good" was about how hard it is to make good presets on the thing, not the wonderful potential it has when you manage to do it properly.
fisk0 4 months ago
@fisk0 But the TX81z has something about that no other Yamaha Fms can do. Sorry, I cant remember what it is but its definitely sound related. Even here it does sound not that far away from the old commodore chip sound.
harrymerchant456 3 months ago
@harrymerchant456 I think the C64 SID chip(s) were digitally controlled analog synths with analog filters, and the TX81Z is an purely digital synth without any filters. It did stand out as it had more operators and wave forms than Yamaha's earlier FM units though, 6 operators and 8 waveforms, as compared to 4 ops/4 waveforms of the DX7, and a bunch of different algorithms to control the sound. But I think some of their later FM synths also had this, plus analog filters (or digital imitations).
fisk0 3 months ago
@harrymerchant456 the sound chip in Sega's game consoles, can't remember if it was the Master System or Genesis/Mega Drive were very similar to the TX81Z/DX11 though, someone even managed to convert the music from one of the Sonic games to play on the TX81Z.
fisk0 3 months ago
Where can I get a MIDI cable ?
Sweedenlover 1 year ago
@Sweedenlover at any radio shack
Biopharmer 1 year ago
@Sweedenlover
are you joking?
SPAZZOID100 1 year ago
Heh. 0:22 Uprt piano sounds more like 80s industrial than a real piano. I had one of these btw. Really good for deep bass. ROFL @ Sweedenlover. Kids these days with their softsynths can barely find the switch button on hardware..
mku17ra 1 year ago
cool I'm thinking of saving up to get one
KyoukenOkami 1 year ago
How do you really use one of these. can someone explain it cause I have one righnow. doens't make a noise.
Sweedenlover 1 year ago
@Sweedenlover connect a keyboard to the midi input.
survivor030406 1 year ago
Nice patch demo. Thanks for uploading.
sauermusicDE 1 year ago
clock dva used this on the cd buried dreams and a few other releases!
009relic1 1 year ago
Nice sounds! I can see why so many underground techno-heads still use these machines to this day. It's sounds like the sinister cousin of the DX7.
ItaloBen 1 year ago
hey does this tx81z have the brass sounds that the dx7 has or similar like horns, trumpet, lead brass b/c i wana buy one either this or a tx7
1Mhpouy 2 years ago
I'm pretty sure you can program similar DX-7 brass sounds on this if you're into how fm-synthesis works.
TheVoltageControl 2 years ago
Comment removed
djip2x 2 years ago
Nice. I still have my TX81Z and have used the "Baaad Breath" patch on a current CD project. Of course, everyone in the know...loves "Lately Bass" and "Solid Bass" (DX100)
7thgroove 2 years ago
"bell pad" is sexy.
VincentsVideoVisions 2 years ago
i like the strings, what's the polyphony?
vegunited06 2 years ago
It has 8 notes polyphony.
TheVoltageControl 2 years ago