at least this came out when patch memory was blowing up lol could you imagine if you couldnt save your sounds at all like on most if not all pre prophet 5 synths as i call em? that woulda been god awful with this synth and its a bear to program.....now thats not to say that this isnt an awesome synth. i love the dx7 i wish i owned one but id have to dedicate probably a whole week straight just to program it lol
@caressxofxsteel well, in my opinion a sine wave based synthesizer (such as DX7) is a perfect complement to a sawtooth/square wave synthesizer (most analogs). A subtractive analog synthesis lends itself to some nice filter sweeps and swooshes, but believe it or not, even this can get tiring after a while, and then the FM based twocks and twangs might be something refreshing to hear. You can have a knob based FM synth, but due to memory presence, people started to use synths as preset organs...
I found this helpful: article in Keyboard Mag, June 1985, about DX7 programming. I actually got that issue of Keyboard off eBay. The entire issue is about synthesizer programming. You can get the PDF of that DX7 article here: w w w DOT abdn DOT ac DOT uk SLASH ~mth192 SLASH dx7 SLASH manuals SLASH prgrmdx7 DOT pdf
There's a helpful Yamaha forum I keep trying to link people to for questions they've asked, but YouTube seems to be disallowing links. It's w w w DOT y a m a h a f o r u m s DOT c o DOT u k SLASH f o r u m SLASH I hope that's acceptable to the YouTube censor.
@DarkAndMartyr There's a very helpful site I keep trying to send a link to, but YouTube keeps rejecting my post. Email me and I'll send you the link. FM8 should give you a good basis for getting into how the DX7 works. FM8 is more user-friendly and powerful, but the DX7 has a less delicate, more `solid' sound. Nearest I've got to the DX7 in software is the FM function in the Arturia Moog ModularV, surprisingly. If you have the Arturia MMV I'd happily send you some FM patches for it.
@therealsweep Do those things run on Atari ST? If not, I am not interested. I am trying to stay away from Windows and Mac OS X as far as possible. I tried Arturia Minimoog and it was a total piece of crap. I pressed a key, and heard a sound a second later. Give me a break. I am not in the mood to deal with crap like interface latency or something. If it ain't Atari or at least Mac OS 6 or 7, I ain't gonna touch it. And by the way, the DX7 mk1 interface is the friendliest of all DX
@dvamateur Sorry, Windows and Mac only. I can appreciate why you're avoiding them, though, from bitter experience. Regarding the latency problem, though, a lot depends on your computer and your soundcard. I get decent results from softsynths. It's just the unreliability of depending on Microsoft and Apple that's a problem. But original Yamaha FM stuff can be bought for pretty good prices, to hardware is a good option for FM synthesis.
@therealsweep Sorry, I get upset whenever anyone tells me to use softsynths in favor older instruments or computers which they say are obsolete. Basically, telling me to use Windows or Mas OS X works on me like a red sheet on a bull. Sorry, I behaved in an uncivilized manner replying to your comments previously. My apologies.
@therealsweep Thank you for your consideration. Anyway, I think that FM is kind of a curious way of synthesis, I believe it's coming from the idea that any waveform can be obtained by a combination (addition, multiplication, etc.) of multiple sine waves (Fourier analysis). I believe that additive synthesis should be the subject of Synthesis 101 course, then one should go to subtractive, then maybe FM. I unfortunately never had a chance to do additive. Never had a Kawai K5 or Casio FZ-1
@dvamateur Yes, it's certainly a bit strange at first if you're used to subtractive synthesis. I find it more practical than additive synthesis, though, from my limited experience of that. I had a Casio FZ-1 for a while (until it broke down). Maybe if you spend a lot of time building up collections of base waves it can be useful, but starting from scratch every time is a bit like building up a baby one cell at a time instead of having one in the more normal way.
Question: how do you finalize function settings on the DX100? It doesn't say in the manual. Like for example, If I want to change the pitch wheel range, you click the function button and then the pitch bend range button, then you change the value and then what? what do I press to save it?
@jeffknightrogen I don't have a DX100, but I can direct you to a forum where someone can help. I can't post the link as YouTube won't let me, so I'll try to email you. Also, I keep telling YouTube your post isn't spam, but it ignores that.
My favorite use for this instrument was one particular track in "Super Mario 64". Nintendo took great lengths to make sure that the sound of the instrument was reproduced properly with the N64's sampling synthesis engine. The result is truly wonderful.
Thanks so much for this video! I was just given one of these out of the blue a few days ago. I knew it was a classic, but I have absolutely zero experience with synthesizers. I managed to get back to the voice INIT sound on my own, but that was it, haha. This is the only video I've seen that breaks it down really simply. I now understand some of the terms, and can begin studying this thing more. :)
@DarkAndMartyr You may well ask. The screen is the tiny thing to the left of centre, between the banks of coloured switches. Programming the DX7 has been compared to painting the hall through the letterbox, and this is why. Actually it isn't as bad as it seems at first, though.
@therealsweep Thanks for the helpful response, I've been doing some FM synthesis with FM8 and Operator on ableton. Was just wondering about this device. I'm quite fascinated by the amazing sounds you get out of these things but I can't find any modern versions. You would think they would still make stand alone synths like this?
@DarkAndMartyr You're welcome. I'm reliably told the Yamaha SY series were excellent for FM synthesis, but I haven't tried any myself. There are still plenty of DX7s around - there were a lot made and they're built like tanks - so you should be able to pick one up if you want one. The only common issue is the battery, but that's supposed to be an easy fix (mine hasn't gone yet). There were several other Yamaha FM synths after the DX7, many of which appear regularly on ebay and elsewhere....
This guy knows what he's talking about. Finally, a video that explains the basis of FM synthesis with the DX7 instead of a patch demo. The graphing calculator was a helpful addition. Great job!
I really would like to have a real DX7....is just AWESOME!!......I play dark psychedelic trance, that's a kind of very psychedelic and cybernetic music. For the linear frequency modulation I use the Native Instruments FM8, that supports 6 operators + 2 and can load original DX7 sysex. I know FM8 is better than DX7 because is more tecnologic and has more sound quality, but the way I program operators and automatize all their parameters makes me love the FM! I want to buy an original DX7 or DX7-II
I love the electric piano and synth in it though. I tried to follow Ure video and make a sound but didn't know how to save the sound.. Gonna try and find a user manual if there is one online :)
@wlripper If you bought the DX7 for acoustic piano sounds, that's definitely not the right instrument for that. The DX7 lends itself well to reproduce many acoustic sounds well, but not the acoustic pianos. It's kind of like buying a Minimoog for acoustic piano sounds. It's simply not the right instrument. DX7 is a true synthesizer in the pure meaning of the word. Since acoustic piano has 13 harmonics in lower notes all clearly audible to human hear, you need more sophisticated instrument.
@wlripper There's a patch that came with my DX-7 Mark I called, "AC-P.MFBO8" which is probably as good as the DX7 going to get at imitating an acoustic piano. Good for playing mid range melodies, but it sucks in the bass end, and it gets really cheesy towards the high end. I kinda like it though. :)
I terribly sorry if I am being a bother. It's just that one of the DX7's is my friends and I dont want to screw up his as this is the first time I am doing it. I had a read of the material about the MIDI in the dx7 manual. I understand now that I must connect the midi out of the DX7IID to the midi in of the DX7IIFD and that both device numbers and controllers must be the same. What is the button that i press to transmit the data?
@Landushan No worries. It should say somewhere in the DX7 manual. The SysEx dump is kind of a simple operation as far as SysEx goes. When I get home I will check in my manual...
@Landushan I think the best thing is to download DX7 PDF manual. It explains how to do the dump from one DX7 to another. If you want to load sounds off the internet (MIDI SysEx files), hen yes, you need some sort of SysEx software for that. Call me old and grumpy, but it annoys me when the new flat screened PC generation asks me basic questions about MIDI. Isn't it MIDI obsolete now people? It was invented in 1983. Just get over it.
I was wondering, if it is possible to transfer sounds from the internal memory of the yamaha dx7 IID to the yamaha dx7 IIFD? If you can, how would I go about doing it? Thanks
@Landushan Yes, the DX7IID and DX7IIFD are basically the same instruments, with the exception that the FD model has a built in floppy-drive. All you need to do, is connect a MIDI out of your DX7IID to MIDI in of your DX7IIFD and do the SysEx dump from one instrument to the other.
They are not my only boards. If you use the dx7 with a sequencer you get really nice Depeche Mode type sounds. and also with effects. I seems to respond to the effects really well. better than PCM.
Sadly the dx100 and the Mk2 are the only keyboard versions that are multitimbral. I got 20 000 plaYS WITH MY dX-9 HA HA HA I sold it though. I learned how to program on it. Now I got a dx7, a tx81z and the dx27 which I got because I thought a 12 bit one would sound different. Now *bit is getting popular
@amonster8mymother that is correct. I didn't realize this until I finally got my TX816, which is a total monster and nothing beats its looks when I turn it on. Anyway, the TX816 manual clearly states what you just said, that oscillator + envelope = operator
Hello @dvamateur . My data entry slider potentiometer goes from 0 to 99 or -7 to 7 etc etc without passing by intermediate numbers..Is this normal? I always have to push the little data entry (-1.+1) buttons hundreds of times when I create new or modify sounds. Hope you or someone else can help me! Thanks!
@suicidecrackers Unfortunately, I am not familiar with potentiometers, and how they work. The DX7 is an old instrument, maybe the potentiometer needs replacement. My unit is not perfect either, although quite clean cosmetically and all the buttons and sliders work, but the operators distort considerably when listening through headphones. When I use speakers, then I can't tell. But on the headphones, it sounds quite horrible. But I keep it, 'cause it looks quite clean cosmetically.
This is a fantastic video. 2 operator FM is not hard to understand if you take a little time. Most modern synths (Nord Wave, Alesis Micron, DSI Evolver, Waldorf Blofeld) have FM but you don't get as much freedom in some areas as you do on the DX7 (6 operator with envelopes). The Nord Wave is a prime example of this, sacrificing control for pleasant sound.
This tutorial reminded me why the internet is great. Thank you so much, and please do more of this if you could - it was really helpful to watch someone do it all step by step.
@PawzUK Because it was once fashionable to diss it as tiny sounding, etc. And even quite recently it was considered cool to chop the DX7 into pieces on a video. I personally don't consider such activity so cool. Come on, let's have some respect to fine Japanese craftsmanship.
I was wondering, for the sysex librarian, do the yamaha dx7 first edition and yamaha dx7 IIFD have to different programs or will they function on the same one? thanks.. and can you make some videos on how to create sounds on the yamaha dx7 IIFD
Hi, maybe someone can help me out.. I have the DX7 II-D and for some odd reason, the notes are off. Like when I hit the E key, it sounds like an F, all the keys sound one note higher. So I was just wondering if something is wrong with my DX7 or if my settings are messed up and if somebody can please help me figure out what the problem is.
This is a really good explanation. are there any websites that show how to program the factory patches into your DX7? I was so excited to get one and when I finally did, I found that none of the classic patches were in it. By those I mean the classic "FM piano" and bass sounds, if you know what I mean. I'd appreciate if you could please help.
So how is it that I have to get the sounds on to the DX7 IIFD? I have the sysex program on my computer and I got the midi to USB wire. So can you just walk me through how I get the sounds onto the keyboard.
Hey there, I was able to get a hold of a dx7IIFd with cartridge. I haven't really found any good e pianos and flutes yet. I am an indian music player. I was wondering if you could show me how to create some sounds like flutes and e pianos . Or if you could send me some sounds that you have for it. Thanks
@Landushan Hi, I sent you a link to a very good collection of DX7 sounds. There are easily a thousand of sounds there. When it comes to your elec piano sound needs, I am not sure if you are looking for some realistic emulation or that classic "spicy" FM piano sound, that the DX7 got famous (or infamous) for. If you want a realistic elec piano, then sample playback would probably would be an easier route. My Roland D-50 elect piano sound is very realistic and has a good feel.
@MillRockSound I think it should be simple understand actually, it's like using LFO, but instead of using the LFO in under 20Hz range, you go way into audio range, and new timbres happen. Although some point out that Yamaha uses phase modulation to implement frequency modulation... I am not too familiar with how phasers or ring modulators work etc.
@dvamateur I've always had the basic concept down. For instance I had a consumer-level 80's Yamaha with a very basic FM synth in it. That was a lot of fun, but I'd love to get my hands on a DX-7. I've had my eyes on the TX-81? I think that's the number. It's a cheap rack machine that has tons of FM sounds, however you need a computer to edit the sounds. There was a point in time where I understood ring mod as I mostly use subtractive synthesis. That time has passed, though :P
@MillRockSound The TX81Z has the same sound engine as the DX11. Both are 4-op FM synths, with additional preset waveforms. The TX802 is a 6-op FM module (sine waves only) that has the same capabilities as the DX7.
@Krzefil The answer is short, the best sounding thing is PLG150-DX sound expansion card. Both the mk2 and mk2 keyboards are very hissy. My DX7 mk1 sounds horrible through headphones, as the oscillators start to distort, most likely due to the age of the instrument, but through the speakers it sounds okay. The TX7 is hissy too, but at least mine doesn't have that distortion. The TX802 is hissy again. So, the PLG150-DX is by far the best sounding... ah... card? Module? Whatever that is.
I wish I had one of these keyboards. Instead I have a Korg DS-8, which has a sawtooth wave called "INITIAL". I heard the DX7 uses the same sound chip as the arcade machines.
@Doommaster1994 The DS-8 is awesome! I wish I had one of those or the DW-8000. I am not sure if the DX7 is using any sound chip or microprocessor, but I heard it is using 400-series circuits that were manufactured in the '80s, and whose life expectancy was 15 years at most. Oh well, the DX7 still seems to be going strong sonically, albeit with a bit of oscillator distortion. But the TX7 that I have is still good, even though a big hissy...
@Landushan yes, but only tone A or B independently. The DX7II Performance mode would not load into the DX7 mk1, and nether would the microtuning, and several other things. In other words, the DX7 sounds load into the DX7II perfectly! But it's not always the case the other way around...
@dvamateur So, I was also wondering, I am having a very difficult time trying to edit and create sounds on the dx7 first edition. I am an Indian keyboardist and would like really good electric piano, flute and strings sounds. (Some of which are on the dx7IIFD). I was wondering if you can help me in any way possible?? Thank you
@Landushan Well, what an unfortunate coincidence, in a way, because I was playing around with MOTU Unisyn last weekend, and I unintentionally erased most of the factory patches in my DX7II. Obviously I don't know how to use Unisyn. It seemed to work quire flawlessly with the TX7 module. Anyway, I just downloaded the DX7II factory sysex off the internet, so I have to take the DX7II out of the bag and try to load it, and then see if I can port the sounds into the DX7 mk1.
@linfits Tedious? Possibly. But I would have to sort of disagree about unsatisfying. After all Yamaha blew all Oberheim, Sequential Circuits, ARP, and Moog out of business, so I believe the DX7 had to be satisfying to some. To me the DX7 is a very interesting synthesizer from academic point of view. It's definitely not an instant gratification synth, but neither is Minimoog. In my opinion, by the way, the Minimoog Voyager and DX7 are very good intro synths to the world of sound synthesis.
@culturaleyes Not at all, the DX7 hands in to you the FM synthesis on a plate, with preset algorithms, preset modulator frequencies, ready to use envelopes, etc. If you were doing FM on a mainframe computer back in the old days if like Mr. John Chowning did, then you'd have to not only know calculus and trigonometry, but also discrete math very well and programming languages. The DX7 is so easy to use compared to that.
Click my name to view COMMODORE 64 SAMPLES PACK: SFX SOUND EXPANDER IN 'C' (FM synth). If you click the link below it you are also taken to a special selection of SID sounds and effects taken from famous games and applications.
sin(x + sin x)) is phase modulation not frequency modulation! However that IS what the DX7 actually uses... :) Frequency modulation is slightly more complicated sin(x + x.sin x) would be an example.
I'm a musical idiot and know next to nothing but that was a very interesting and informing video. The technology and creative freedom is nearly overwhelming in this area. Thanks for posting.
@SPAZZOID100 Not for me. All I need is keyboard velocity senstivity and aftertouch, mod wheel, and pitch bender. And of course, the timbral variations (not only volume and ptich) that respond to these four performance controllers. No need for knobs for me. I'd rather have good technique like Chick Corea than knobs. He doesn't need knobs, just the four controllers mentioned above, and the music is beautiful when in the right hands.
Yes...for Performance purposes, that's pretty much all you need, but for "on the fly", inspired, and intuitive programming, only KNOBS will do the trick.
@dvamateur for shure knobs allowed :) there is a very rare programmer from jellinghaus.it`s a big blue colored interface with KNOBS ^^. called jellinghaus programmer.is as big as the dx7.....greetz
@ms20user Nah... That ugly DX-programmer? Not for me, sorry. To me the DX7 synth has always been about the two rows of mysterious green buttons :) That was the magic of the DX7. Sometime I question myself why I actually bought and still own the Voyager OS, because it seem like I went overboard with that going in the past. To me the late 80's without knobs is the sweet spot.
Hi, I would like to replicate 80's rnb/rap synth/key bass sounds. here is a link to the sound im after its very key bass(i think). I attempted to add links from you tube but wont allow me, think of the message from grandmasterflash, ill be good by renee and angela or change of heart by change. appreciate your time
Thank you very much for taking the time to explain the mysterious art of FM synthesis, I really appreciate it. I don't really understand the math behind it, but I do have a nice calculator so I'll play around with some graphs. :)
Thanks, that is far better than any "see those cool shimmering pad presets" demo. And not only it shows how the patch is created, but also explains the basic rules of FM. I truly appreciate it.
@Ciaran55 Well, I am not familair much with the DX21, but I think it's a 4-operator FM synthesizer with no velocity or aftertouch on the keyboard. In this respect, the DX7 shines with its 6 operators and full featured keyboard. However, any digital instrument is only as good as its analog components i.e DAC converters, which actually make the sound. So, I think it's a matter of personal taste which one is better.
@Ciaran55 Okay, maybe I misunderstood your question. You are asking which one has more capabilities, not which one is better or worse. In that case, the DX21 will have advantage in the keyboard splits department, which the DX7 doesn't have. Other than that, the DX7 has two more operators, which provide a lot more functionality, plus the aforementioned velocity and aftertouch keyboard.
@Ciaran55 EVERY DX-7 DEMO SUX. THEY ONLY USE THE PRESETS AND DON'T CHALLANGE ITS FULL USE. THIS SYNTH CAN HIT THE LOWEST BASS SOUND I HAVE EVER HEARD OR NOT HEAR. IT DOES A LOT WITH THOSE 2 LEVELS ON LFO PATCH. DX-7 IS AWSOME.
@thefonz003 Well, the SY77 has a 6-op FM synth in it, just like the DX7. On top of that it has AWM samples in memory. So, the SY77 is in a way a hybrid. I don't know much about synth programming, but you can definitely do the same on the SY77 that you can do with the DX7, and more with sample based synthesis. The SY77/SY99 were the last Yamaha synths featuring FM synthesis. They dropped FM in favor of AWM in later models.
FM isn't that hard to program, even with the crummy interface of the DX synthesizers. You just have to get used to the fact that with each Operator, you ADD harmonics, while analogue synthesizers SUBTRACT harmonics. If you play around long enough with the operators and some basic algorithm settings, you start to get an intuitive feeling of how sound is being shaped in FM, and what results are achievable. Most musicians seem to shy away from pressing buttons and operating a single slider.
@porcorosso81 I think that the DX7's interface is actually quite good and accessible. I have a PLG-DX card for a Yamaha S80, and it has a PC software interface that is just a picture of the DX7 with all the buttons. Give me a break. I take the hardware one any time.
It was on a graphing calculator made by Texas Instruments. The graphs are accurate though. If you download the DX7 manual, there are the same graphs in there. The manual just doesn't explain how the graphs were made. So I went to Stamford University website, read about FM, sine functions, and I found out with which formula to obtain the graphs in the DX7 manual. Once you know the formula, you know how the modulator really interacts with the carrier.
I have a question. Was that last part on a graphing calculator, or was it part of the DX7 itself. I actually own a DX7, but I haven't found out everything about it. Thanks!
Very cool video! I use a soft synth. called Sytrus, and have been playing around with it a lot. It has really inspired me to learn FM synthesis in greater detail because I really enjoy messing around with it. Do you have any suggestions of where I can learn more about FM synthesis (or some guides to create specific sounds with FM synthesis); I am relatively new to synthesis in general, but have managed to make some sounds I like. Thanks! 5*
@IVTheFourth Never heard of Sytrus, but I believe FM8 is a 6-op software synth, very much like a DX-series synthesizer. You can find a lot of information on FM at Stamford University webstie. If you find these articles too mathematical though, you can download this article from Keyboard magazine. Just search for "How to program the DX7" on Dave Benson's page. The article is geared toward the hardware DX7, but it has some useful info on how to buid sound from scratch, like the elec piano.
Thanks for the info, I will check those out. Luckily I have a thing for math just as long as I can use it practically as well. Sytrus is a 6-op synth thats is capable of FM, RM and subtractive synthesis, it also has built in chorus, reverb, delay, and unison effects among others. I really enjoy it. I just found out it can recreate DX programs if they are in .syx format, though sometimes the conversion is not the most accurate for whatever reason.
Trust me, average public doesn't care for synthesizers. When I was in middle school back in Poland, I gave a presentation on sound synthesis. Everybody was yawning. I think that the math itself might actually be percieved as cooler than sound synthesis. I am talking about mainstream public who mainly dig singing and dancing. Playing an instrument? People don't really care.
Regarding the comment about the sine becoming a sawtooth, this is better achieved using feedback on the operator (like algorithm #32 can do). As far as i understand there are only 8 feed-back level but if it was more fine, you would be able to reach the "limit" where it sounds still clean and sounds very very close to a sawtooth
@sid6581 Thank you for your input. I have to try using feedback, and see what happens. Although, I don't have the DX synth set up at this time, as I am playing with Casio CZ-5000 now. The CZ series synthesizers have a different way of achieving saw wave. There is a readout of the sine wave such that the first portion of the sine wave is read faster than the rest of the sine wave, and it gives a very buzzy waveform, and surprisingly, it is very analog-like sounding.
HAHA, I have a CZ-5000 underneath my DX7 right now. I spent quite a bit less on it and it sounds extremely warm in comparison. Will I ever be able to achieve very "real" sounding grand pianos on the DX7 II? I've read it's more metallic in timbre to the mk1. Any way to add some warmth to these tones on-board or should I get a good vintage Roland chorus? Thanks again, I'm going to watch all your vids now, huge help, keep em comin!!!
Math made simple with music and vice versa. Knowledge is a wonderful thing. You just swung the Iron door that is FM synthesis wide open for me...more...I need more. Thanks so much for the post! lol, I'm going to midi my DX7IIFD up my TI-83 plus now...
I find that most people hate it. It even became fashionable to hate the DX7 and its sound. I say, if you can't make the DX7 sound good, it might be hard for you to make anything sound good or interesting, for that matter.
Great video!!, could you please help me out I have a DX7 and have a voice data sheet patch for a DX100 that i want to use for my DX7 but a few of the parameters are different such as the envelope generator settings the dx7 has rates 1-4 and level 1-4 but the dx100 has AR, D1R, D1L, D2R, RR etc. if you could help me out i would be most appreciative, thanks.
@rahxx Well, on the DX7, you should set levels first, then rates, but from what you sent me, I'd do this. Set L1=99, L2=99, L4=0, and R2=99. After you do this, the DX100 levels and rates will correspond to DX7 as follows: AR=R1, D1R=R3, D1L=L3, and RR=R4. I know, I am missing the D2R. Well, I am not sure what the D2R will be if I don't know the complete list of DX100 level and rate names. Send me the complete list of those names in a private message, and I'll do the translation.
You should explain how to save a patch before you program. I spent half an hour playing around with all of the parameters and oscillators and modulation only to have it all erased as soon as I touched a patch button. Very frustrating!
@adamgh0 Ummm... I forgot how to save it. On the other hand, why save anything? Save for what? I mean, it's not like we're living forever. Let's play and enjoy the moment. Forget about saving things.
@adamgh0 no you wouldnt have erased it. it you 'edit' recall' it'll bring it back. your edits go into the edit buffer until you edit another sound, so u can move about as much as u like and the sound u did ll still be there. as long as u dont edit another sound
I'm taking a class on this soon at my college. I remember doing sine algorithms in math class. A few of the word problems were actually sound-based.
By the way, an out of place question: What calculator/device were you using there? It reminded me of a TI calculator, but its interface was quite different.
TI-85. Very impressive device. You can write programs on it in BASIC, to create custom functions. So you could probably model FM oscillators on it. Unfortunately, I am too stupid to be able to program that calculator. I can program in C++ and Java, but I am very very slow in it.
Well, FM synthesis is a bit of a different concept than analog subtractive. So comparing a Minimoog to a DX7 is a little out of place, I think. True though, that the the DX7 is very cheap these days, but that's because digital technology has become worthless as it is so mass producted and abundand, that it basically has no value these days. Still, I like both the all metal DX7, as well as the Voyager OS. They're both worth the same to me.
Superb Video!!! - I really liked the hands-on demonstration of sound creation along with a logical explanation of what you are attempting to achieve. The last part mapping the sin curves (on what looked like a graphing calculator) was absolutely awesome because it all made complete sense.
This is hands down the best FM-related video I have seen so far.
Thank you for the kind words. I am glad that I could explain something. You see, a lot of people had been scared of the DX7, which I don't understand. It's such a beautiful instrument and I think much easier to use than any kind of computer software emulation.
Thank you. Glad I could open some eyes. I think FM is a very interesting sounds synthesis. Of course sample-playback gives more instant gratication, but for some unearthly exotic sounds, the DX7 could be the tool to use.
i have a dx7 mark 1 from 1983 lovly e lapino sounds and bass sounds and some solo lead sounds too + the flute sounds with delay effects on is awsome. if you connect a effect box like reverb and chorus the dx7 is great to listen to
100% agree! Great elec piano sounds, bass sounds, and uncanny leads. To me, it just doesn't get any better than Chick Corea playing those on his KX5 controller. And yeah, nice flute sounds. And of course, the DX7 is a pro instrument, designed for a studio, where are pleanty of effects processors. By the way, mine is 1986 model, just before they switched to the DX7II, which I also have. I also like the D-50 and Korg Wavestation.
at least this came out when patch memory was blowing up lol could you imagine if you couldnt save your sounds at all like on most if not all pre prophet 5 synths as i call em? that woulda been god awful with this synth and its a bear to program.....now thats not to say that this isnt an awesome synth. i love the dx7 i wish i owned one but id have to dedicate probably a whole week straight just to program it lol
caressxofxsteel 1 week ago
@caressxofxsteel well, in my opinion a sine wave based synthesizer (such as DX7) is a perfect complement to a sawtooth/square wave synthesizer (most analogs). A subtractive analog synthesis lends itself to some nice filter sweeps and swooshes, but believe it or not, even this can get tiring after a while, and then the FM based twocks and twangs might be something refreshing to hear. You can have a knob based FM synth, but due to memory presence, people started to use synths as preset organs...
dvamateur 1 week ago
I found this helpful: article in Keyboard Mag, June 1985, about DX7 programming. I actually got that issue of Keyboard off eBay. The entire issue is about synthesizer programming. You can get the PDF of that DX7 article here: w w w DOT abdn DOT ac DOT uk SLASH ~mth192 SLASH dx7 SLASH manuals SLASH prgrmdx7 DOT pdf
dvamateur 1 month ago
There's a helpful Yamaha forum I keep trying to link people to for questions they've asked, but YouTube seems to be disallowing links. It's w w w DOT y a m a h a f o r u m s DOT c o DOT u k SLASH f o r u m SLASH I hope that's acceptable to the YouTube censor.
therealsweep 1 month ago
@DarkAndMartyr There's a very helpful site I keep trying to send a link to, but YouTube keeps rejecting my post. Email me and I'll send you the link. FM8 should give you a good basis for getting into how the DX7 works. FM8 is more user-friendly and powerful, but the DX7 has a less delicate, more `solid' sound. Nearest I've got to the DX7 in software is the FM function in the Arturia Moog ModularV, surprisingly. If you have the Arturia MMV I'd happily send you some FM patches for it.
therealsweep 1 month ago
@therealsweep Do those things run on Atari ST? If not, I am not interested. I am trying to stay away from Windows and Mac OS X as far as possible. I tried Arturia Minimoog and it was a total piece of crap. I pressed a key, and heard a sound a second later. Give me a break. I am not in the mood to deal with crap like interface latency or something. If it ain't Atari or at least Mac OS 6 or 7, I ain't gonna touch it. And by the way, the DX7 mk1 interface is the friendliest of all DX
dvamateur 1 month ago
@dvamateur Sorry, Windows and Mac only. I can appreciate why you're avoiding them, though, from bitter experience. Regarding the latency problem, though, a lot depends on your computer and your soundcard. I get decent results from softsynths. It's just the unreliability of depending on Microsoft and Apple that's a problem. But original Yamaha FM stuff can be bought for pretty good prices, to hardware is a good option for FM synthesis.
therealsweep 1 month ago
@therealsweep Sorry, I get upset whenever anyone tells me to use softsynths in favor older instruments or computers which they say are obsolete. Basically, telling me to use Windows or Mas OS X works on me like a red sheet on a bull. Sorry, I behaved in an uncivilized manner replying to your comments previously. My apologies.
dvamateur 1 month ago
@dvamateur No problem. I can appreciate what you were saying and I certainly didn't think you were out of line.
therealsweep 1 month ago
@therealsweep Thank you for your consideration. Anyway, I think that FM is kind of a curious way of synthesis, I believe it's coming from the idea that any waveform can be obtained by a combination (addition, multiplication, etc.) of multiple sine waves (Fourier analysis). I believe that additive synthesis should be the subject of Synthesis 101 course, then one should go to subtractive, then maybe FM. I unfortunately never had a chance to do additive. Never had a Kawai K5 or Casio FZ-1
dvamateur 1 month ago
@dvamateur Yes, it's certainly a bit strange at first if you're used to subtractive synthesis. I find it more practical than additive synthesis, though, from my limited experience of that. I had a Casio FZ-1 for a while (until it broke down). Maybe if you spend a lot of time building up collections of base waves it can be useful, but starting from scratch every time is a bit like building up a baby one cell at a time instead of having one in the more normal way.
therealsweep 1 month ago
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Question: how do you finalize function settings on the DX100? It doesn't say in the manual. Like for example, If I want to change the pitch wheel range, you click the function button and then the pitch bend range button, then you change the value and then what? what do I press to save it?
jeffknightrogen 1 month ago
@jeffknightrogen I don't have a DX100, but I can direct you to a forum where someone can help. I can't post the link as YouTube won't let me, so I'll try to email you. Also, I keep telling YouTube your post isn't spam, but it ignores that.
therealsweep 1 month ago
My favorite use for this instrument was one particular track in "Super Mario 64". Nintendo took great lengths to make sure that the sound of the instrument was reproduced properly with the N64's sampling synthesis engine. The result is truly wonderful.
douro20 2 months ago
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This is the same synthesyzier used to play Axel F aka the song the president played in monster Vs Alien & it was reused by the crzy frog, Etc.
MrHIDDeNvALLeYBound 3 months ago
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HEY KINNDA SOUNDS LIKE ONE OF THOSE TV PPL ZND KERMET
MrHIDDeNvALLeYBound 3 months ago
Oh Snap! Someone can programm a DX7....
lordoid 3 months ago 3
Thanks so much for this video! I was just given one of these out of the blue a few days ago. I knew it was a classic, but I have absolutely zero experience with synthesizers. I managed to get back to the voice INIT sound on my own, but that was it, haha. This is the only video I've seen that breaks it down really simply. I now understand some of the terms, and can begin studying this thing more. :)
randman21 3 months ago
great great vid
liranziv 4 months ago
one of the best keyboard demonstrations i've seen in a while
infiniteDUCK 4 months ago
this video was very fascinating. I'd love to see you do more of these and create a bunch of sounds.
GEORGEMARAUDER 4 months ago
am i being silly where the hell is the screen on that thing?
DarkAndMartyr 5 months ago
@DarkAndMartyr The screen is on you iPod.
dvamateur 5 months ago 6
@dvamateur I has a non-backlit-lcd display to the right of the glowing red led. Just google "dx7" and look for pictures...
jakobole 4 months ago
@DarkAndMartyr There is no screen.
atherrien95 2 months ago
@DarkAndMartyr You may well ask. The screen is the tiny thing to the left of centre, between the banks of coloured switches. Programming the DX7 has been compared to painting the hall through the letterbox, and this is why. Actually it isn't as bad as it seems at first, though.
therealsweep 1 month ago
@therealsweep Thanks for the helpful response, I've been doing some FM synthesis with FM8 and Operator on ableton. Was just wondering about this device. I'm quite fascinated by the amazing sounds you get out of these things but I can't find any modern versions. You would think they would still make stand alone synths like this?
DarkAndMartyr 1 month ago
@DarkAndMartyr You're welcome. I'm reliably told the Yamaha SY series were excellent for FM synthesis, but I haven't tried any myself. There are still plenty of DX7s around - there were a lot made and they're built like tanks - so you should be able to pick one up if you want one. The only common issue is the battery, but that's supposed to be an easy fix (mine hasn't gone yet). There were several other Yamaha FM synths after the DX7, many of which appear regularly on ebay and elsewhere....
therealsweep 1 month ago
Nice vid! Good quality too, not something that looks like it was shot on a camera as old as the DX7 itself. ;)
tritonrecordings 5 months ago
@tritonrecordings I used a Sony HVR-HD1000U. The cheapest new camera that can be.
dvamateur 5 months ago
Now can you explain the differences between all the algorithms?
senorverde09 5 months ago
This guy knows what he's talking about. Finally, a video that explains the basis of FM synthesis with the DX7 instead of a patch demo. The graphing calculator was a helpful addition. Great job!
JosephJamesTV 5 months ago
Good explanation of FM synthesis.
PutItAway101 6 months ago
I really would like to have a real DX7....is just AWESOME!!......I play dark psychedelic trance, that's a kind of very psychedelic and cybernetic music. For the linear frequency modulation I use the Native Instruments FM8, that supports 6 operators + 2 and can load original DX7 sysex. I know FM8 is better than DX7 because is more tecnologic and has more sound quality, but the way I program operators and automatize all their parameters makes me love the FM! I want to buy an original DX7 or DX7-II
ethnikLSD 7 months ago
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ethnikLSD 7 months ago
this is very helpfull. thank you..
deyesilpinar 7 months ago
I love the electric piano and synth in it though. I tried to follow Ure video and make a sound but didn't know how to save the sound.. Gonna try and find a user manual if there is one online :)
Keep up the good work.
wlripper 8 months ago
cool demo.
lesscunning 8 months ago
Just bought a DX7 and i really dislike the stock pianosounds is there a way to make them more pianolike?
wlripper 8 months ago
@wlripper If you bought the DX7 for acoustic piano sounds, that's definitely not the right instrument for that. The DX7 lends itself well to reproduce many acoustic sounds well, but not the acoustic pianos. It's kind of like buying a Minimoog for acoustic piano sounds. It's simply not the right instrument. DX7 is a true synthesizer in the pure meaning of the word. Since acoustic piano has 13 harmonics in lower notes all clearly audible to human hear, you need more sophisticated instrument.
dvamateur 8 months ago 4
@wlripper Got the wrong synth buddy.
TheReasonableLogic 8 months ago
@wlripper There's a patch that came with my DX-7 Mark I called, "AC-P.MFBO8" which is probably as good as the DX7 going to get at imitating an acoustic piano. Good for playing mid range melodies, but it sucks in the bass end, and it gets really cheesy towards the high end. I kinda like it though. :)
senorverde09 1 month ago
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were you able to take a look at the manual?
Landushan 9 months ago
PLEASE MAKE A DX21 VIDEO!
panemaiale 9 months ago
Oh man, you got a Hewlett Packard calculator!
RGAF1987 9 months ago
OK. Thank-you so much. I would really appreciate it if you would clarify the process so that way I dont screw up. THanks once again.
Landushan 9 months ago
I terribly sorry if I am being a bother. It's just that one of the DX7's is my friends and I dont want to screw up his as this is the first time I am doing it. I had a read of the material about the MIDI in the dx7 manual. I understand now that I must connect the midi out of the DX7IID to the midi in of the DX7IIFD and that both device numbers and controllers must be the same. What is the button that i press to transmit the data?
Landushan 9 months ago
@Landushan No worries. It should say somewhere in the DX7 manual. The SysEx dump is kind of a simple operation as far as SysEx goes. When I get home I will check in my manual...
dvamateur 9 months ago
Do you know any sites that I can read on how to do the sysex dump? do I need the sysex librarian for the yamaha dx7 II?
Landushan 9 months ago
@Landushan I think the best thing is to download DX7 PDF manual. It explains how to do the dump from one DX7 to another. If you want to load sounds off the internet (MIDI SysEx files), hen yes, you need some sort of SysEx software for that. Call me old and grumpy, but it annoys me when the new flat screened PC generation asks me basic questions about MIDI. Isn't it MIDI obsolete now people? It was invented in 1983. Just get over it.
dvamateur 9 months ago
how would i perform the sysex dump that you indicated? Thanks
Landushan 9 months ago
@Landushan I suggest reeding up on MIDI.
dvamateur 9 months ago
yamaha dx11 please make video
bozniankingx1 10 months ago
I was wondering, if it is possible to transfer sounds from the internal memory of the yamaha dx7 IID to the yamaha dx7 IIFD? If you can, how would I go about doing it? Thanks
Landushan 10 months ago
@Landushan Yes, the DX7IID and DX7IIFD are basically the same instruments, with the exception that the FD model has a built in floppy-drive. All you need to do, is connect a MIDI out of your DX7IID to MIDI in of your DX7IIFD and do the SysEx dump from one instrument to the other.
dvamateur 10 months ago
i read this video seveal times, i now finally understand what you are doing after i bought one in my hand.
he214abc 11 months ago
They are not my only boards. If you use the dx7 with a sequencer you get really nice Depeche Mode type sounds. and also with effects. I seems to respond to the effects really well. better than PCM.
amonster8mymother 11 months ago
Sadly the dx100 and the Mk2 are the only keyboard versions that are multitimbral. I got 20 000 plaYS WITH MY dX-9 HA HA HA I sold it though. I learned how to program on it. Now I got a dx7, a tx81z and the dx27 which I got because I thought a 12 bit one would sound different. Now *bit is getting popular
amonster8mymother 11 months ago
I made my first solo EP with a Dx9 which is a 4 op version. They are 8-bit too.
amonster8mymother 11 months ago
Each operator includes it's own envelope. The combinationof oscillator and envelope is the operator.
amonster8mymother 11 months ago 4
@amonster8mymother that is correct. I didn't realize this until I finally got my TX816, which is a total monster and nothing beats its looks when I turn it on. Anyway, the TX816 manual clearly states what you just said, that oscillator + envelope = operator
dvamateur 11 months ago
Hello @dvamateur . My data entry slider potentiometer goes from 0 to 99 or -7 to 7 etc etc without passing by intermediate numbers..Is this normal? I always have to push the little data entry (-1.+1) buttons hundreds of times when I create new or modify sounds. Hope you or someone else can help me! Thanks!
suicidecrackers 1 year ago
@suicidecrackers Unfortunately, I am not familiar with potentiometers, and how they work. The DX7 is an old instrument, maybe the potentiometer needs replacement. My unit is not perfect either, although quite clean cosmetically and all the buttons and sliders work, but the operators distort considerably when listening through headphones. When I use speakers, then I can't tell. But on the headphones, it sounds quite horrible. But I keep it, 'cause it looks quite clean cosmetically.
dvamateur 1 year ago
@suicidecrackers : No it's not normal at all ! But for decimal values, you have to use the switch (-1. +1).
Vincefromsin 11 months ago
Just a perfect deo of how to make editing the DX-7 more complex then it already is, lol
schemkesa 1 year ago
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junk
dncviorel 1 year ago
@dncviorel thanks
dvamateur 1 year ago 13
I love my DX11, it's a little easier to use than the DX7 but sacrifices 2 operators. But it does have Lately Bass.
Slashe50 1 year ago
This is a fantastic video. 2 operator FM is not hard to understand if you take a little time. Most modern synths (Nord Wave, Alesis Micron, DSI Evolver, Waldorf Blofeld) have FM but you don't get as much freedom in some areas as you do on the DX7 (6 operator with envelopes). The Nord Wave is a prime example of this, sacrificing control for pleasant sound.
1978djd 1 year ago
This tutorial reminded me why the internet is great. Thank you so much, and please do more of this if you could - it was really helpful to watch someone do it all step by step.
colin5577 1 year ago
Thank you so much for this tutorial! It was really neat to hear the sounds, see the programming AND see the underlying math all in the same video!
gmabilli 1 year ago
Why did you call it infamous?
PawzUK 1 year ago
@PawzUK Because it was once fashionable to diss it as tiny sounding, etc. And even quite recently it was considered cool to chop the DX7 into pieces on a video. I personally don't consider such activity so cool. Come on, let's have some respect to fine Japanese craftsmanship.
dvamateur 1 year ago 15
I was wondering, for the sysex librarian, do the yamaha dx7 first edition and yamaha dx7 IIFD have to different programs or will they function on the same one? thanks.. and can you make some videos on how to create sounds on the yamaha dx7 IIFD
Landushan 1 year ago
Hi, maybe someone can help me out.. I have the DX7 II-D and for some odd reason, the notes are off. Like when I hit the E key, it sounds like an F, all the keys sound one note higher. So I was just wondering if something is wrong with my DX7 or if my settings are messed up and if somebody can please help me figure out what the problem is.
sataniadeoz1 1 year ago
This is a really good explanation. are there any websites that show how to program the factory patches into your DX7? I was so excited to get one and when I finally did, I found that none of the classic patches were in it. By those I mean the classic "FM piano" and bass sounds, if you know what I mean. I'd appreciate if you could please help.
culturaleyes 1 year ago
So how is it that I have to get the sounds on to the DX7 IIFD? I have the sysex program on my computer and I got the midi to USB wire. So can you just walk me through how I get the sounds onto the keyboard.
Landushan 1 year ago
Hey there, I was able to get a hold of a dx7IIFd with cartridge. I haven't really found any good e pianos and flutes yet. I am an indian music player. I was wondering if you could show me how to create some sounds like flutes and e pianos . Or if you could send me some sounds that you have for it. Thanks
Landushan 1 year ago
@Landushan Hi, I sent you a link to a very good collection of DX7 sounds. There are easily a thousand of sounds there. When it comes to your elec piano sound needs, I am not sure if you are looking for some realistic emulation or that classic "spicy" FM piano sound, that the DX7 got famous (or infamous) for. If you want a realistic elec piano, then sample playback would probably would be an easier route. My Roland D-50 elect piano sound is very realistic and has a good feel.
dvamateur 1 year ago
Does the yamaha dx7IIFD have good sounds for Indian music?
Landushan 1 year ago
Great video dvamateur, I think I finally understand exactly how FM works. Now I want to get my hands on one of these awesome machines.
MillRockSound 1 year ago
@MillRockSound I think it should be simple understand actually, it's like using LFO, but instead of using the LFO in under 20Hz range, you go way into audio range, and new timbres happen. Although some point out that Yamaha uses phase modulation to implement frequency modulation... I am not too familiar with how phasers or ring modulators work etc.
dvamateur 1 year ago
@dvamateur I've always had the basic concept down. For instance I had a consumer-level 80's Yamaha with a very basic FM synth in it. That was a lot of fun, but I'd love to get my hands on a DX-7. I've had my eyes on the TX-81? I think that's the number. It's a cheap rack machine that has tons of FM sounds, however you need a computer to edit the sounds. There was a point in time where I understood ring mod as I mostly use subtractive synthesis. That time has passed, though :P
MillRockSound 1 year ago
@MillRockSound The TX81Z has the same sound engine as the DX11. Both are 4-op FM synths, with additional preset waveforms. The TX802 is a 6-op FM module (sine waves only) that has the same capabilities as the DX7.
dvamateur 1 year ago
What's better sounds DX7 mk1 or mk2?
Krzefil 1 year ago
@Krzefil The answer is short, the best sounding thing is PLG150-DX sound expansion card. Both the mk2 and mk2 keyboards are very hissy. My DX7 mk1 sounds horrible through headphones, as the oscillators start to distort, most likely due to the age of the instrument, but through the speakers it sounds okay. The TX7 is hissy too, but at least mine doesn't have that distortion. The TX802 is hissy again. So, the PLG150-DX is by far the best sounding... ah... card? Module? Whatever that is.
dvamateur 1 year ago
I wish I had one of these keyboards. Instead I have a Korg DS-8, which has a sawtooth wave called "INITIAL". I heard the DX7 uses the same sound chip as the arcade machines.
Doommaster1994 1 year ago
@Doommaster1994 The DS-8 is awesome! I wish I had one of those or the DW-8000. I am not sure if the DX7 is using any sound chip or microprocessor, but I heard it is using 400-series circuits that were manufactured in the '80s, and whose life expectancy was 15 years at most. Oh well, the DX7 still seems to be going strong sonically, albeit with a bit of oscillator distortion. But the TX7 that I have is still good, even though a big hissy...
dvamateur 1 year ago
What a coincidence, my friend owns a DW-8000.
Doommaster1994 1 year ago
Is it possible to get the yamaha dx7 II Fd sounds on the yamaha dx7 first edition?
Landushan 1 year ago
@Landushan yes, but only tone A or B independently. The DX7II Performance mode would not load into the DX7 mk1, and nether would the microtuning, and several other things. In other words, the DX7 sounds load into the DX7II perfectly! But it's not always the case the other way around...
dvamateur 1 year ago
@dvamateur So, I was also wondering, I am having a very difficult time trying to edit and create sounds on the dx7 first edition. I am an Indian keyboardist and would like really good electric piano, flute and strings sounds. (Some of which are on the dx7IIFD). I was wondering if you can help me in any way possible?? Thank you
Landushan 1 year ago
@Landushan Well, what an unfortunate coincidence, in a way, because I was playing around with MOTU Unisyn last weekend, and I unintentionally erased most of the factory patches in my DX7II. Obviously I don't know how to use Unisyn. It seemed to work quire flawlessly with the TX7 module. Anyway, I just downloaded the DX7II factory sysex off the internet, so I have to take the DX7II out of the bag and try to load it, and then see if I can port the sounds into the DX7 mk1.
dvamateur 1 year ago
Well, well. Was that a TI-86? If so, we have the same equipment for wave function studies: a DX7 and a good ol' 86'er ;)
saheltaja 1 year ago
@saheltaja TI-85, I think. Anyway, as long as it isn't anything produced or ripped by Microsoft, I am cool with it.
dvamateur 1 year ago
No matter how good the demo/explanation, the DX7 still remains as the most tedious, unsatisfying and non user friendly synthesisers of all time
linfits 1 year ago
@linfits Tedious? Possibly. But I would have to sort of disagree about unsatisfying. After all Yamaha blew all Oberheim, Sequential Circuits, ARP, and Moog out of business, so I believe the DX7 had to be satisfying to some. To me the DX7 is a very interesting synthesizer from academic point of view. It's definitely not an instant gratification synth, but neither is Minimoog. In my opinion, by the way, the Minimoog Voyager and DX7 are very good intro synths to the world of sound synthesis.
dvamateur 1 year ago
so you have to know calculus just to mess with this machine? good lord
culturaleyes 1 year ago
@culturaleyes Not at all, the DX7 hands in to you the FM synthesis on a plate, with preset algorithms, preset modulator frequencies, ready to use envelopes, etc. If you were doing FM on a mainframe computer back in the old days if like Mr. John Chowning did, then you'd have to not only know calculus and trigonometry, but also discrete math very well and programming languages. The DX7 is so easy to use compared to that.
dvamateur 1 year ago
sin (t + 2pi) = sin t and cos (t + 2pi) = cos t
What kind of sounds would that trig function make? lol
Cyberman86 1 year ago
reverb too
heroknaderi 1 year ago
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Anybody interested in some new Commodore samples?
Click my name to view COMMODORE 64 SAMPLES PACK: SFX SOUND EXPANDER IN 'C' (FM synth). If you click the link below it you are also taken to a special selection of SID sounds and effects taken from famous games and applications.
OnlyGoodCommie 1 year ago
sin(x + sin x)) is phase modulation not frequency modulation! However that IS what the DX7 actually uses... :) Frequency modulation is slightly more complicated sin(x + x.sin x) would be an example.
J1337H4X0R 1 year ago
I'm a musical idiot and know next to nothing but that was a very interesting and informing video. The technology and creative freedom is nearly overwhelming in this area. Thanks for posting.
Patriot36 1 year ago
Thanks! very informative. i just bought one of these and it helped me to learn the baics.
sri3000 1 year ago
Quand il dit "4 times, 5 times, 31 times" j'ai l'impression qu'il va décoller.
damiencaze 1 year ago
Is there a version with knobs? I'd be willing to try it.
SPAZZOID100 1 year ago
@SPAZZOID100 Sorry, no knobs allowed here. In the 80's it was all about sleek look of the instrument, and knobs totally ruin that sleek pro-look.
dvamateur 1 year ago
@dvamateur
What is so professional about cumbersome, non-intuitive interfaces?
It's the sole reason why factory presets became the norm at the time--nobody could program the damn things.
Knobs are awesome! I'm so happy about virtual analog synths and all those knobs!
There was such a demand for it, that manufacturers had to listen.
KNOBS FOREVER!
SPAZZOID100 1 year ago
@SPAZZOID100 Not for me. All I need is keyboard velocity senstivity and aftertouch, mod wheel, and pitch bender. And of course, the timbral variations (not only volume and ptich) that respond to these four performance controllers. No need for knobs for me. I'd rather have good technique like Chick Corea than knobs. He doesn't need knobs, just the four controllers mentioned above, and the music is beautiful when in the right hands.
dvamateur 1 year ago
@dvamateur
Yes...for Performance purposes, that's pretty much all you need, but for "on the fly", inspired, and intuitive programming, only KNOBS will do the trick.
SPAZZOID100 1 year ago
@SPAZZOID100 It kills me though that knobs laden synths of today lack aftertouch...
dvamateur 1 year ago
@dvamateur for shure knobs allowed :) there is a very rare programmer from jellinghaus.it`s a big blue colored interface with KNOBS ^^. called jellinghaus programmer.is as big as the dx7.....greetz
ms20user 1 year ago
@ms20user Nah... That ugly DX-programmer? Not for me, sorry. To me the DX7 synth has always been about the two rows of mysterious green buttons :) That was the magic of the DX7. Sometime I question myself why I actually bought and still own the Voyager OS, because it seem like I went overboard with that going in the past. To me the late 80's without knobs is the sweet spot.
dvamateur 1 year ago
@dvamateur yes you`re right the programmer is not pretty but works :)
and the main point is to get one of these :P
for me i prefer to programm the dx without programmer too.
the dx7 is very simple to use :)
greetz.....
ms20user 1 year ago
Hi, I would like to replicate 80's rnb/rap synth/key bass sounds. here is a link to the sound im after its very key bass(i think). I attempted to add links from you tube but wont allow me, think of the message from grandmasterflash, ill be good by renee and angela or change of heart by change. appreciate your time
breakdancer1967 1 year ago
Thank you very much for taking the time to explain the mysterious art of FM synthesis, I really appreciate it. I don't really understand the math behind it, but I do have a nice calculator so I'll play around with some graphs. :)
nickeax 1 year ago
Thanks, that is far better than any "see those cool shimmering pad presets" demo. And not only it shows how the patch is created, but also explains the basic rules of FM. I truly appreciate it.
truebrunorc 1 year ago
@truebrunorc
It's not fun to program these things...I own one, and only use the factory sounds.
(like everybody else did back in the day)
SPAZZOID100 1 year ago
I have a DX-21, how does it and the DX-7 compare? Will it have more, less or the same amount of capabilities as the DX-7?
Ciaran55 1 year ago
@Ciaran55 Well, I am not familair much with the DX21, but I think it's a 4-operator FM synthesizer with no velocity or aftertouch on the keyboard. In this respect, the DX7 shines with its 6 operators and full featured keyboard. However, any digital instrument is only as good as its analog components i.e DAC converters, which actually make the sound. So, I think it's a matter of personal taste which one is better.
dvamateur 1 year ago
@Ciaran55 Okay, maybe I misunderstood your question. You are asking which one has more capabilities, not which one is better or worse. In that case, the DX21 will have advantage in the keyboard splits department, which the DX7 doesn't have. Other than that, the DX7 has two more operators, which provide a lot more functionality, plus the aforementioned velocity and aftertouch keyboard.
dvamateur 1 year ago
@dvamateur what do operators do? And aftertouch? Thanks for your quick replies!
Ciaran55 1 year ago
@Ciaran55 EVERY DX-7 DEMO SUX. THEY ONLY USE THE PRESETS AND DON'T CHALLANGE ITS FULL USE. THIS SYNTH CAN HIT THE LOWEST BASS SOUND I HAVE EVER HEARD OR NOT HEAR. IT DOES A LOT WITH THOSE 2 LEVELS ON LFO PATCH. DX-7 IS AWSOME.
ollieroks 1 year ago
@ollieroks
that is because the dx is extremely TEDIOUS and difficult to understand and program!
That is why nobody ever programmed it, and why all sounds you've heard on records were factory sounds.
It's a PROGRAMMING NIGHTMARE
SPAZZOID100 1 year ago
This is the best explanation of FM synthesis I have ever seen. Thank you dvamateur.
akguni 1 year ago
Hey, I have an SY77...do you know of any tips for programming it?
thefonz003 1 year ago
@thefonz003 Well, the SY77 has a 6-op FM synth in it, just like the DX7. On top of that it has AWM samples in memory. So, the SY77 is in a way a hybrid. I don't know much about synth programming, but you can definitely do the same on the SY77 that you can do with the DX7, and more with sample based synthesis. The SY77/SY99 were the last Yamaha synths featuring FM synthesis. They dropped FM in favor of AWM in later models.
dvamateur 1 year ago
FM isn't that hard to program, even with the crummy interface of the DX synthesizers. You just have to get used to the fact that with each Operator, you ADD harmonics, while analogue synthesizers SUBTRACT harmonics. If you play around long enough with the operators and some basic algorithm settings, you start to get an intuitive feeling of how sound is being shaped in FM, and what results are achievable. Most musicians seem to shy away from pressing buttons and operating a single slider.
porcorosso81 1 year ago
@porcorosso81 I think that the DX7's interface is actually quite good and accessible. I have a PLG-DX card for a Yamaha S80, and it has a PC software interface that is just a picture of the DX7 with all the buttons. Give me a break. I take the hardware one any time.
dvamateur 1 year ago
I hate programmin this synth.
I enjoy my roland jx-8p much more.
MARANTZamp 1 year ago
@MARANTZamp You don't have to program anything. Just use the presets like I do.
dvamateur 1 year ago
It was on a graphing calculator made by Texas Instruments. The graphs are accurate though. If you download the DX7 manual, there are the same graphs in there. The manual just doesn't explain how the graphs were made. So I went to Stamford University website, read about FM, sine functions, and I found out with which formula to obtain the graphs in the DX7 manual. Once you know the formula, you know how the modulator really interacts with the carrier.
dvamateur 1 year ago
I have a question. Was that last part on a graphing calculator, or was it part of the DX7 itself. I actually own a DX7, but I haven't found out everything about it. Thanks!
ThreadedBinary 1 year ago
Very cool video! I use a soft synth. called Sytrus, and have been playing around with it a lot. It has really inspired me to learn FM synthesis in greater detail because I really enjoy messing around with it. Do you have any suggestions of where I can learn more about FM synthesis (or some guides to create specific sounds with FM synthesis); I am relatively new to synthesis in general, but have managed to make some sounds I like. Thanks! 5*
IVTheFourth 2 years ago
@IVTheFourth Never heard of Sytrus, but I believe FM8 is a 6-op software synth, very much like a DX-series synthesizer. You can find a lot of information on FM at Stamford University webstie. If you find these articles too mathematical though, you can download this article from Keyboard magazine. Just search for "How to program the DX7" on Dave Benson's page. The article is geared toward the hardware DX7, but it has some useful info on how to buid sound from scratch, like the elec piano.
dvamateur 2 years ago
Thanks for the info, I will check those out. Luckily I have a thing for math just as long as I can use it practically as well. Sytrus is a 6-op synth thats is capable of FM, RM and subtractive synthesis, it also has built in chorus, reverb, delay, and unison effects among others. I really enjoy it. I just found out it can recreate DX programs if they are in .syx format, though sometimes the conversion is not the most accurate for whatever reason.
IVTheFourth 2 years ago
I don't hate this synth, but I do think it changed everything I loved about synthisis.
smackyjack 2 years ago
Man, I HAD to have a damn DX7...I traded in a Korg Delta, and a Roland 707 for a partial payment on a DX7.
smackyjack 2 years ago
Trust me, average public doesn't care for synthesizers. When I was in middle school back in Poland, I gave a presentation on sound synthesis. Everybody was yawning. I think that the math itself might actually be percieved as cooler than sound synthesis. I am talking about mainstream public who mainly dig singing and dancing. Playing an instrument? People don't really care.
dvamateur 2 years ago
Regarding the comment about the sine becoming a sawtooth, this is better achieved using feedback on the operator (like algorithm #32 can do). As far as i understand there are only 8 feed-back level but if it was more fine, you would be able to reach the "limit" where it sounds still clean and sounds very very close to a sawtooth
sid6581 2 years ago
@sid6581 Thank you for your input. I have to try using feedback, and see what happens. Although, I don't have the DX synth set up at this time, as I am playing with Casio CZ-5000 now. The CZ series synthesizers have a different way of achieving saw wave. There is a readout of the sine wave such that the first portion of the sine wave is read faster than the rest of the sine wave, and it gives a very buzzy waveform, and surprisingly, it is very analog-like sounding.
dvamateur 2 years ago
HAHA, I have a CZ-5000 underneath my DX7 right now. I spent quite a bit less on it and it sounds extremely warm in comparison. Will I ever be able to achieve very "real" sounding grand pianos on the DX7 II? I've read it's more metallic in timbre to the mk1. Any way to add some warmth to these tones on-board or should I get a good vintage Roland chorus? Thanks again, I'm going to watch all your vids now, huge help, keep em comin!!!
JohnTron84 2 years ago
Math made simple with music and vice versa. Knowledge is a wonderful thing. You just swung the Iron door that is FM synthesis wide open for me...more...I need more. Thanks so much for the post! lol, I'm going to midi my DX7IIFD up my TI-83 plus now...
JohnTron84 2 years ago
dude , this could be a new way to teach math...
ermollejuo 2 years ago
I find that most people hate it. It even became fashionable to hate the DX7 and its sound. I say, if you can't make the DX7 sound good, it might be hard for you to make anything sound good or interesting, for that matter.
dvamateur 2 years ago
Why is it infamous?
Geeljasjes 2 years ago
Great video!!, could you please help me out I have a DX7 and have a voice data sheet patch for a DX100 that i want to use for my DX7 but a few of the parameters are different such as the envelope generator settings the dx7 has rates 1-4 and level 1-4 but the dx100 has AR, D1R, D1L, D2R, RR etc. if you could help me out i would be most appreciative, thanks.
rahxx 2 years ago
@rahxx Well, on the DX7, you should set levels first, then rates, but from what you sent me, I'd do this. Set L1=99, L2=99, L4=0, and R2=99. After you do this, the DX100 levels and rates will correspond to DX7 as follows: AR=R1, D1R=R3, D1L=L3, and RR=R4. I know, I am missing the D2R. Well, I am not sure what the D2R will be if I don't know the complete list of DX100 level and rate names. Send me the complete list of those names in a private message, and I'll do the translation.
dvamateur 2 years ago
lol i never knew that the the "sin" in algebra meant sine
(didnt take algebra II)
UnchainTheNight1 2 years ago
You should explain how to save a patch before you program. I spent half an hour playing around with all of the parameters and oscillators and modulation only to have it all erased as soon as I touched a patch button. Very frustrating!
adamgh0 2 years ago
@adamgh0 Ummm... I forgot how to save it. On the other hand, why save anything? Save for what? I mean, it's not like we're living forever. Let's play and enjoy the moment. Forget about saving things.
dvamateur 2 years ago
@dvamateur Your right why worry about writing down the ninth symphony its not like were gonna live forever Beethoven .
butheadVSbevus 2 years ago 8
@adamgh0 no you wouldnt have erased it. it you 'edit' recall' it'll bring it back. your edits go into the edit buffer until you edit another sound, so u can move about as much as u like and the sound u did ll still be there. as long as u dont edit another sound
elderbeer09 2 years ago 2
So if I initialize patch 1, edit it and then accidentally select patch 12, I can go back to my edited patch 1?
adamgh0 2 years ago
@adamgh0 yep. try it.
elderbeer09 2 years ago
@adamgh0 but you need to find the recall command then hit yes
elderbeer09 2 years ago
I'm taking a class on this soon at my college. I remember doing sine algorithms in math class. A few of the word problems were actually sound-based.
By the way, an out of place question: What calculator/device were you using there? It reminded me of a TI calculator, but its interface was quite different.
Novetrix 2 years ago
TI-85. Very impressive device. You can write programs on it in BASIC, to create custom functions. So you could probably model FM oscillators on it. Unfortunately, I am too stupid to be able to program that calculator. I can program in C++ and Java, but I am very very slow in it.
dvamateur 2 years ago
What you have there is a poor man,s Minimoog.
papermarioa 2 years ago
Well, FM synthesis is a bit of a different concept than analog subtractive. So comparing a Minimoog to a DX7 is a little out of place, I think. True though, that the the DX7 is very cheap these days, but that's because digital technology has become worthless as it is so mass producted and abundand, that it basically has no value these days. Still, I like both the all metal DX7, as well as the Voyager OS. They're both worth the same to me.
dvamateur 2 years ago
Superb Video!!! - I really liked the hands-on demonstration of sound creation along with a logical explanation of what you are attempting to achieve. The last part mapping the sin curves (on what looked like a graphing calculator) was absolutely awesome because it all made complete sense.
This is hands down the best FM-related video I have seen so far.
olafwagner 2 years ago
Thank you for the kind words. I am glad that I could explain something. You see, a lot of people had been scared of the DX7, which I don't understand. It's such a beautiful instrument and I think much easier to use than any kind of computer software emulation.
dvamateur 2 years ago
Great video, certainly developed my understanding of FM synthesis. Much appreciated.
Lanscor 2 years ago
Thank you. Glad I could open some eyes. I think FM is a very interesting sounds synthesis. Of course sample-playback gives more instant gratication, but for some unearthly exotic sounds, the DX7 could be the tool to use.
dvamateur 2 years ago
i have a dx7 mark 1 from 1983 lovly e lapino sounds and bass sounds and some solo lead sounds too + the flute sounds with delay effects on is awsome. if you connect a effect box like reverb and chorus the dx7 is great to listen to
ballademaker 2 years ago
100% agree! Great elec piano sounds, bass sounds, and uncanny leads. To me, it just doesn't get any better than Chick Corea playing those on his KX5 controller. And yeah, nice flute sounds. And of course, the DX7 is a pro instrument, designed for a studio, where are pleanty of effects processors. By the way, mine is 1986 model, just before they switched to the DX7II, which I also have. I also like the D-50 and Korg Wavestation.
dvamateur 2 years ago