Bad Gear - Why did I BUY THIS???

video upload by AudioPilz

[Side Note: The main reason to get a DX200 is for how the knobs are mapped to multiple parameters. Each FM synth maps their controllers differently. You can morph sound in ways you can't easily with other FM synths. The DX200 makes for some intersting Buchla-esque sound morphing and exploration. The groovebox rhythm section is just a distraction, but neverless a tool if you choose to use it.]

"Welcome to Bad Gear, the show about the world’s most-hated audio tools. As a professional music technology clown I have become immune to gear acquisition syndrome, all my purchases are meticulously planned out, based on quantifiable parameters like resale value, repairability and actual utility in music production.

However, today we are going to talk about the 2001 Yamaha DX200, an overpriced contraption notorious for its questionable build quality, sonically surpassed by freeware plugins and riddled with more UI limitations than a Volca. Why did I buy this?

Chapters:
00:00 Intro tune
00:59 Overview DX200
01:29 Yamaha DX200 vs. Elektron Digitone, DX7 Patches
01:52 Front Panel UI
02:54 A DX7 with a Filter ???
03:12 FX Section, Distortion
03:26 Scenes
03:47 Software Editors
03:57 Sample Player, AWM Engine
04:27 Groovebox Functionality
05:09 Free EG (Automation)
05:35 Build Quality Issues, Workflow Quirks
06:12 DX200 vs. AN200 , Pricing
06:28 H*te Screen
06:56 Jam 1 ( Microhouse )
07:51 Jam 2 ( DnB )
08:53 Finale ( FM Organ Funk )
09:21 Verdict"

Yamaha DX5 Programmable Algorithm Synthesizer

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this Reverb listing

"Yamaha DX5 in excellent condition, both cosmetically and functionally. This is a classic FM synth with dual DX7 architecture, offering powerful sound design and performance flexibility.

Recently serviced — all sliders and pots have been cleaned, and everything is working smoothly. No scratchy controls, clear display, and a solid, responsive keybed."

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A Beat For You - Pseudo Echo (AM Intro Recreation) #80snewwave #80ssynthpop #songcover #80smusic

video upload by Autumnal Madness

Featuring Simmons drums, Yamaha DX7, and Sequential Prophet-5 Rev4

And the original featuring Simmons drums and two Roland Jupiter-8s:

Pseudo Echo – A Beat For You (Fullscreen HD) (HQ Audio)

video upload by Australia vs New Zealand

Label: EMI *
Country: Australia *
Released: 1984 *
Genre: Electronic *
Style: Synth-pop.

Steinberg Yamram 1 DX7 / DX5 256 patch RAM Cartridge

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this Reverb listing

"Steinberg YAMRAM 1 for a Yamaha DX7 / DX5 synthesizers.

YAMRAM 1 enables 256 voices to be stored in the cartridge (32 voices stored over 8 banks).

Comes pre-loaded with Yamaha DX ROMS 1-4 patches 128 Sounds.

New battery installed so no need to change for many years !"

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Yamaha TX816 Rack-Mount Synth w/ 2 TF1 (DX7) Modules SN 3896

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this Reverb listing

Additional SYNTH CITY Listings

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1984 Post-Apocalyptic Inspirational Beat | Yamaha DX7 & Roland TR-808 ‘Back Ups on the Way’ #808

video upload by Keyboard Kingpin

"Bringing you a beat made with the legendary Roland TR-808 — the real deal, no samples, no emulations. Just raw analog power.

All synth sounds come from the iconic Yamaha DX7 — smooth, gritty, and 100% hardware. Nothing virtual here. This track, “Back Ups on the Way”, is for those moments when Shits hitting the Fan... but you keep pushing. Stay strong. Stay ready. Help is coming.

Much love and respect to everyone listening. 💥
#808 #dx7 #analoggear #hardwarebeat #retrofuture"

SynthSpa White Yamaha DX5 1985 w/ Hypersynth "Hcard-705

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this eBay listing, also on Reverb

"ONE OF A KIND custom WHITE YAMAHA DX5 6-operator digital FM synthesizer.

This DX5 is not like any you are likely ever to have seen. It has been specially modified by Allen Coppock at Nashville's famous Synth Spa with a custom made white overlay, which retains the beautiful pastel colors that the factory DX5 uses, but how striking they look on a white background! It has special rosewood side panels and new negative display in place of the original---even the sharps and flats are not black but are that Yamaha brown that is the standard body color of the DX5 and DX7, and that matches the brown lettering on the control panel! In addition, the action has been gone over and the synth has been recapped. This DX5 also includes a pair of the amazing Hypersynth 705 cartridges. These alone cost $429.00 and are not even currently available, having been sold out.

Hypersynth 'Hcard-705' is a multibank cartridge pair for expanding the external memory of Yamaha DX5 and DX1. DX5/1 voice memory is limited to 32 presets for each parts A and B, which could be upgraded to 64 presets by adding an external Yamaha "Data RAM" cartridge. "Data RAM" is discontinued, rare, and expensive. Its third-party versions rely on a battery for data retention. "Hcard-705" can be used as a drop-in replacement for Yamaha "DATA RAM" cartridge. it stores up to 400 banks per cartridge without the worry of battery life and data loss. Hcard-705 is compatible with DX5/1 voice and performance format.

Features:

-Memory size for voice: Up to 800 banks (25600 Voices, card A+B).
-Memory size for performance: Up to 400 banks (25600 Performances, card A).
-Loaded with 52 voicebanks per card.
-Loaded with 2 performance banks (Hyper-Bank + Yamaha Factory).
-Instant access to different banks using touch buttons.
-Two digits bank indicator display.
-No need for a battery.
-Drop in replacement for "Data RAM", "Voice ROM" and "Perf Rom" cartridge.
-Hidden "Memory Protect" option.
-Compatible with Yamaha DX5 and DX1.

Performance Banks (Hyper-Bank + Yamaha Factory):

Performance is the magic part of DX1/5 which enables Dual and Split modes. In single mode, the DX1/5 engine is nothing more than a DX7 MKI. Hyper-Bank is the first third-party and commercially available performance bank for Yamaha DX1/5. Hyper-Bank contains 64 presets in 8 categories: Gated/Rhythmic, Synth, Pad, Yamaha Bests, Key/Piano, Bell, Bass/Lead, Misc. The sounds cover new age, ambient, retro, vintage electro, disco, and EDM genres.

Voice Banks:

"Hcard-705" pair is loaded with 52 voicebanks per card:

-Hyper-Bank voices (Bank 0-1)
-Yamaha DX1/DX5 original voice ROMs (Bank 2-3)
-All Hcard-701 soundbanks (Bank 4-27)
-All Yamaha VRC-1XX cartridges (Bank 28-51)
-Default banks (Bank 52-399)"

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Beyond Editing: The Ultimate TX816 Controller

video upload by Robert Skerjanc

Featuring the Yamaha DX7 Centennial edition for the keyboard controller.

"Ever wondered how to unlock the full potential of your Yamaha TX816? In this video, I reveal my custom hardware controller, explaining its unique functionality and taking a deep dive into its groundbreaking computational controls. A huge thanks to Toni Hinterholzinger, his recording studio and for his incredible improvisations, which you'll hear throughout.

For more information or contact me, see: https://vl1.skerjanc.de/?p=7080"

Beetle PR-7 Programmer for Yamaha TX816, TX216, DX7, TX7 w/ Music Pack Cart

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this eBay listing

"This listing is for a super rare and virtually unknown Beetle PR-7 Programmer for Yamaha TX816, TX216, DX7 and TX7 Sound Modules. A PDF copy of the manual can be found online. We included a screenshot from the first page in this listing for reference. An amazing secret weapon to make your Yamaha synths come to life!"

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1980's Power couple. Yamaha DX 7 & The Roland Tr-808 A love story like no other..#808 #synth

video upload by Keyboard Kingpin

"Join us Friends AS we look into that fire 80s couple know as the Yamaha Dx 7 & the Roland Tr-808 This Synthesizer / Drum machine combo took the 1980s and early 90s by storm. So many excellent songs where made with this fire combination. Lets explore the sound combination , discuss songs made with the 2 instruments and of course...Make a beat with the 2! Watch like comment, Share and subscribe. Much love from Keyboard Kingpin. Thanks for watching!

0:01 intro
0:49 impact of this power couple
2:22 Yamaha analog drum machines
3:15 Roland's version of Fm synthesis
3:46 Songs that use both the dx7 and tr808
5:16 A beat made with nothing but the dx7 and tr808
8:14 Outro"

Dire Straits - Money For Nothing - Synthesizer intro (and a Sting sample)

video upload by jami.m

Sequential Prophet 6, Yamaha DX7, and Yamaha Montage.

AViC KV-04 RYUICHI SAKAMOTO & KV-01 Seifuku Part1 ROM Cartridges for Yamaha DX7

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

AViC Keyboard Voice ROM KV-04 RYUICHI SAKAMOTO Cart via this eBay listing

AViC KV-01 Keyboard Voice ROM Seifuku Part1 Cart via this eBay listing

These were spotted and sent in via
M Me.

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Sci Fi Synth by TronixSynth

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
video upload by TronixSynth

"I've started making custom platform/bases for the synth circuits I make. Here is the Phase3 MIDI Synth with a newly designed base/platform, made with a Sience Labs LongMill cnc machine." You can find a demo of the Phase3 here.

via this eBay listing

"Experimental MIDI controlled FM synth (frequency modulated synthesis, same synthesis method used in classic synths such as the Yamaha DX7, early 90's sound cards and arcade video games).

Can be used with PC or Mac MIDI software such as Max/MSP, Ableton, Pure Data, and any hardware/keyboard with standard MIDI output (MIDI controller).

Controls are: 1. Wave shape, 2. FM Intensity, 3. Modulation Rate, 4. Modulation Level, 5. Note Attack, 6. Note Release.

Operates on 9V power adapter plug (2.1mm, positive center @ approximately 1A), or it can be used with a 9V battery.

Standard 1/4" audio jack output."

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The Mythical Yamaha DX7 Bass Cartridge

video upload by Espen Kraft

"Stock, Aitken and Waterman used a lot of DX7 basses in their hits. In interviews in the 80s they would occasionally talk about their cartridge with DX7 bass patches and how no one would get access to it.

Many decades later and the patches can now be found online. Just to make sure I asked Phil Harding if he was able to verify that these are indeed the real mythical patches and he, in turn, asked Ian Curnow. Ian Curnow is of course the guy that actually did the programming of most of it. He also made the Fairlight patches/sounds for 'Never Gonna Give You Up' which uses one of these bass patches. Ian Curnow did confirm this is it."

Behind The Drums Ep 13 - Berlin "Take My Breath Away" Linndrum with Yamaha DX7

video upload by Controlled Voltage Sound Labs

Additional Behind The Drums episodes

"An in depth look at the making of Berlin's international number one hit, 'Take My Breath Away.' Video includes a re-creation of the drum beat using a Linndrum and bass line using a Yamaha DX7."

Drum Processing...
Kick - Teletronix LA-2A + AMS Reverb
Snare - Teletronix LA-2A + AMS Reverb
Hat - Teletronix LA-2A + Lexicon 224
Conga - Teletronix LA-2A + Lexicon 224
Tambourine - Teletronix LA-2A + Lexicon 224

Yamaha DX7 and Fractal Audio FM3 soundscape improvisation

video upload by MIDERA

"I think I'm getting worse at playing keyboard. Anyway, a friend wanted me to fix his DX7, but I can't find anything wrong with it so I tested it out for a little while and just made this brief piece.

Yamaha DX7
Fractal Audio FM3"

DX5 performing Johnny Hates Jazz "Shattered Dreams" cover

video upload by DX5

"Instrumental cover of 'Shattered Dreams' by JHJ. The album 'Turn Back the Clock' has a lot of Jupiter 8 and Emax (and Fairlight iirc). Calvin told me.

Gear used:
Roland JX-8P (square lead)
Roland JP8000
Kurzweil PC1x

Backtrack previously sequenced and recorded by me, instrument by instrument, on Pro Tools, including the Roland Promars and Yamaha DX7 for several background sequences/sound. I did not include the latin percussion as on the original (congas starting in the middle 8 part).

Original song composed by Clark Dachtler (with arrangements by Calvin Hayes and Mice Nocito).
Performed here by DX5 Jose Maria Bara."

Famous Yamaha DX7 Sounds

video upload by RetroSound

"(c)2007-25 by RetroSound
supported by UVI: http://bit.ly/retrosound-uvi

❤️ Support #RetroSound​ channel: https://retrosound.creator-spring.com

Famous Yamaha DX7 Sounds part2

0:06 Dire Straits - Brothers In Arms
0:19 The Commodores - Nightshift
0:34 George Michael - Careless Whisper
0:46 Clio - Faces
0:57 Johnny Hates Jazz - Shattered Dreams
1:11 Berlin - Take My Breath Away
1:23 The Cars - Drive
1:34 a-ha - Take On Me
1:44 Phil Collins - Easy Lover
1:55 Kool And The Gang - Cherish"

More custom patches for Yamaha DX7 (DXtraterrestrial 2)

video upload by Benjamin Dehli

"Custom patches for the Yamaha DX7 and other DX7-compatible devices.
DXtraterrestrial 2 is the second patch library in the DXtraterrestrial series. This library features 32 carefully crafted patches, ranging from warm, lush synth pads to crisp, bright bells, dynamic acoustic sounds, and glitchy, digital textures — with plenty of variety in between. Designed to deliver a broad spectrum of tones, these presets are perfect for any musical style. Whether you're exploring retro synth classics, contemporary sounds, or venturing into experimental realms.

The first part of the video is a sound example of each patch with a variable amount of echo and reverb. The seconds part of the video is the same sound examples without any effects added.

Instrument:
Yamaha DX7

Effects:
Fulltone Tube Tape Echo
Chase Bliss Audio & Meris CXM 1978

Technical specification:
Format: SysEx
File type: .syx
Patches: 32

Website: https://www.dehlimusikk.no/
Gumroad page: https://store.dehlimusikk.no/"

Yamaha TX816 w/ Beetle PR-7 Programmer SN 001023

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this VEMIA listing

Click the auction link on top when you get there for additional listings.

VEMIA is Peter Forrest's auction house. He is the author of The A-Z of Analogue Synthesizer Books.

Yamaha TX-816 FM Rack Synthesizer (8 DX-7s in a rack) with Beetle PR-7 Programmer The Yamaha TX816 is a monster of DX and FM digital synthesis. It is a unique system in that it is a rack unit that could take up to eight TF1 modules. A TF1 module is basically a DX7 condensed down to a single circuit board with almost no front panel controls. Definitely designed for use with external hardware and software controllers, the TX816 allows you to easily carry around up to eight DX7s! Software such as MOTU Unisyn, Emagic SounDiver, or even another DX7 can be used to program the sounds in each module via MIDI. This unit contains eight TF1 modules. A TF1 module is basically a DX7 condensed down to a single circuit board. Each TF1 module consists of a 16-voice, 6-operator digital FM synth engine. So this complete TX816 with all eight TF1 modules offers up to 128 voices and 48 operators! Each TF1 also features an independent audio out (XLR) and MIDI I/O for a total of eight audio outputs and MIDI I/O's. It also has one global MIDI in/out port with 8-part multitimbrality, but no common stereo or mix output. The TX816 is fully compatible with all other DX synthesizers including Native Instruments FM7 software-based plug-in. You can use the TX816 like it's eight seperate DX7s or mix and pan each module together to layer your sounds into one monstrous DX powerhouse!

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