MATRIXSYNTH: Alternative Firmware ROM for the Yamaha DX9 Brings it Closer to the DX7


Monday, March 20, 2023

Alternative Firmware ROM for the Yamaha DX9 Brings it Closer to the DX7



You might remember this video from Espen Craft on how the Yamaha DX9 is essentially a 4-Op DX7. The DX7, of course, is a 6-Op FM synth. ajxs on Github is working on a ROM that will update the DX9 into a 6-Op synth a pitch envelop generator to more closely match the DX7. Details follow:

"DX9/7 is an alternative firmware ROM for the Yamaha DX9 synthesiser. Its aim is to uplift the DX9's functionality to more closely match that of the DX7. It restores features that were intentionally restricted in the firmware, such as increasing the operator count to six, and adding a pitch envelope generator. This ROM makes the synth properly patch-compatible with the DX7.

This is not a patch for the existing DX9 firmware, it is an entirely new firmware ROM. It has been assembled from the original binary, together with code from the DX7's V1.8 ROM, as well as new code written from scratch.

New Features:

Makes the DX9 able to play DX7 patches.
Restores the use of all six operators.
The synth is now sensitive to the velocity of incoming MIDI notes.
Implements the DX7's pitch EG.
Implements DX7 style operator scaling.
Implements DX7 style portamento/glissando.
What is the current status of the ROM?

This firmware is currently highly experimental. Although the main features are fully working, testing and bugfixes are ongoing. Installing the firmware for everyday general use is currently not recommended. As additional testing is performed this will improve. If you do intend to use the ROM despite this warning, please refer to the section on reporting issues. Development, and testing of the cassette interface is ongoing, and at this point it should only be used for testing purposes.

The risk of any harm coming to your DX9 as a result of using this ROM is incredibly, incredibly small, however the developers take no responsibility for any issues that may arise as a result of using this alternate firmware. All care has been taken, and considerable testing has been performed, however the developers accept no liability for any issues.

What is the current status of the ROM?

This firmware is currently highly experimental. Although the main features are fully working, testing and bugfixes are ongoing. Installing the firmware for everyday general use is currently not recommended. As additional testing is performed this will improve. If you do intend to use the ROM despite this warning, please refer to the section on reporting issues. Development, and testing of the cassette interface is ongoing, and at this point it should only be used for testing purposes.

The risk of any harm coming to your DX9 as a result of using this ROM is incredibly, incredibly small, however the developers take no responsibility for any issues that may arise as a result of using this alternate firmware. All care has been taken, and considerable testing has been performed, however the developers accept no liability for any issues."

See https://github.com/ajxs/yamaha_dx97 for additional details.

You can find additional 4-OP DX9 posts including demos here.

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