KIWI by Siel: 15 sounds (Ex Opera 6/DK-600)

video upload by Valmont

"I made one demo here but I could just go on more, it sounds too great!
The KIWI, more often branded Opera 6, or DK-600, is a super rare super great italian synth.
Sometimes reminds me of the Jupiter 8 and the Oberheim OB-8, if we put appart the abscence of crossmod. The EG are hella tight, the DCOs are damn bright and full, the filter so mellow...... The epitome of the analog polysynth, far away from the cliché of italian synths.
Also an expensive instrument in the 80's as it cost 50% more than a Korg Poly 61, a Juno 60, a SX-210 or Yamaha DX9... Nowadays it would be about 4.400€ if we adjust the inflation, so definitely not an amateur synth! It was just about the level of a Prophet 600, which funny thing is that they are absolutely opposite in sound characters (and in components, 100% CEM for P600, 100% SSM for KIWI), but they go so well together! They are probably my 2 fav synths in my room :)

Thinking about installing the voicepanning on this one too tho :D

0:00 - mild minds
0:19 - dahlias
0:34 - rbmk
0:59 - 42
1:16 - kujenga
1:29 - gris
1:50 - forbidden
1:56 - model
2:14 - jupiteresque
2:35 - windy beacon
3:01 - deluxe cream
3:25 - hermes
3:42 - sputnikzer
3:53 - blue weekend
4:12 - humble"

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.

Yamaha DX9 Vs DX7s comparison | How much difference is there really?

video upload by Espen Kraft

"Unlike all the other 4-operator FM synths from Yamaha, from the 80s, the DX9 IS really a DX7, it's just a 4-operator DX7. It even saves its patches in a DX7 format and no patches from the DX9 will load up on the other 4-operator FX synths without converting.

What I was interested in was how DX9 patches sounds on a DX7, or vice versa. I deliberately chose the last DX7 Yamaha made, the DX7s, to test this. The 1987 DX7s has better converters (but still a mono output) than the 1983 DX9.

Support this channel on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/espenkraft"

Super Hybrid | TAL-Sampler pack Vol.7 | Ready for download

video upload by Espen Kraft

"94 brand new presets for the TAL-sampler. Sounds from the Memorymoog, the MFB Dominion 1 and the Waldorf MicroWaveXT. The perfect trilogy of analog and digital sounds, ready to go into your own music and productions. Patches that sound like old 80s classic sampler presets.

Get the patches here:
https://thepatchbay.io/product/tal-sa...
https://sound7.co.uk/products/tal-sam...

Contact me directly if you want a nice bundled price on multiple packs!

The Memorymoog - Hailed as one of the most epic and lush analog synths ever made. From the early 80s.
MFB Dominion 1 - A monophonic analog synth with a stellar quality in terms of bass, power and programmability.
The Waldorf MicroWaveXT - A sequel of sorts, to the MicroWave and PPG. Wavetable synths, with smoothness and grit, combined.

As I always do with these TAL-sampler packs, I've restricted the use of multi samples within a patch. The TAL-sampler excel at emulating different ADCs (analog to digital converting) from old 80s samplers and as such it's important to have the sampler engine pitch samples down, to get THAT 80s sound.

The Yamaha DX9 in the video is of course just used as a master keyboard.
The drums in the first part of the video are coming from my 'The Ultimate Italo Disco / Synth-Pop Sample Pack'."

Yamaha SY22 | Trade or throw?

video upload by Espen Kraft

"Yamaha SY22 - Dynamic Vector Synthesizer. From 1990. When Sequential Circuit went out of business and was bought up by Yamaha some of the team, headed by John Bowen went to work on the Korg Wavestation (also owned by Yamaha at the time) while Yamaha themselves went on to work on the SY22. As with the Prophet VS and the Wavestation, the SY22 works with 4 different elements, sound sources, oscillators or whatever you might call them, and with a joystick you can control their relative levels to each other. Or you can use the joystick to detune them. Coupled with in-built internal effects, 16 voices of polyphony and 8-part multi timbral (as well as a drum kit) it was a cheaper alternative of getting into "vector" synthesis.

Support this channel on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/espenkraft

Since the shooting of this video I've traded my SY22 for a Yamaha DX9. I've never really liked the sound coming out of the SY22. It can definitely be lo-fi, or glossy, and it can be a nice textured contrast to other synths, but sometimes you just don't "click" with certain synths and for me this is one of those cases."

Yamaha DX9 from 1983 - The crippled twin brother of the DX7

video upload by Espen Kraft

"The DX9 is in many ways a crippled DX7. Some say it's the worst DX ever made. Some say it's a very charming and good sounding DX synthesizer. Use its strengths to the full potential and you'll soon have some very nice sounds on your hands.

Support this channel on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/espenkraft

I use a Rockman stereo chorus from 1989 in this video. This is an analog chorus and it sounds very flattering on the DX9. I use a foot switch connected to the chorus to turn the chorus on and off when needed.
Reverb is from the Valhalla plugin.

Be aware that the 4-operator DX9 isn't compatible with the later DX models from Yamaha in terms of patches- The DX9 shares its save-format with the DX7 as it uses the same envelope stages and scaling, where the later DX models do not. Later patches can be converted, but they will not sound the same on the DX9.
The DX7 and DX9 uses the same DAC and as such have the same crunchy 12-bit output stage.

The DX9 has no slot for any cartridge, there's only 20 preset memory slots and the keyboard has neither velocity nor after touch capabilities.

Another interesting fact is the function key#6, which is "empty" on the chassis front plate typing. That's were the MIDI functions are hidden, so the fact that this is nowhere written on the front just shows how late Yamaha was to implement MIDI onto the DX9. Admittedly MIDI had just been born and no one knew how it would go and so many manufacturers were reluctant to put it into their synths in 1983-1984."

#1 ELECTRONICS AND MUSIC MAKER December 1983 #shorts

video upload by LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER

"in this series of shorts we will scan through some magazines!"

Electronics & Music Maker featuring Gary Numan
Roland MC-202
Yamaha R1000 Digital Reverb
Siel
The London Rock Shop w/ Roland SH-101 for £199 & Oberheim OB-8 for £2995.
Kawai SX-210 for £999
Yamaha DX7 for £1299, DX9 for £899
Sequential Circuits Prophet T8

Yamaha DX9

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

via this auction, also on Reverb

"Kind of strange to say that this is a rare bird nowadays.

Fully functional Yamaha DX-9. This essentially the 4-operator version of the DX7 DX5 DX1 Yamaha DX Family

Battery has been placed with a new cr2032 battery holder and patches loaded in.

The left end cheek has been damaged but it’s just a cosmetic defect. The left end cheek can easily be replaced with a donor part or maybe some custom wood-end cheeks (available from some eBay seller in Europe)."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Yamaha CX-5 Music Computer (with TTSH synth and a little ELP)

Published on Feb 15, 2020 robotmakers

"Yamaha CX5M is an MSX-system compatible computer that had a built-in eight-voice FM synthesizer module, introduced in 1984 by Yamaha Corporation. It was a cross between a Commodore 64 and a DX9 FM synth. Yamaha produced a range of cartridges including a programmer for Yamaha's DX range of FM keyboards and a real-time sequencer. There were a couple of high quality keyboards you could hook up, floppy drives and a variety of different accessories.

Here, the MIDI out of the CX5 is interfaced to a TTSH (Arp 2600 clone) synth used here for ELP's Karn Evil 9 intro."

Passport MIDI/4 Plus DX9 Star Wars Android?

via @RetroSynthAds

"Little known Star Wars fact: The MIDI/4 Plus Commodore 64 android was created by Darth Vader in Episode 4 when he integrated his new wave band's DX-9 with a Death Star droid."

Trip!

Yamaha DX9 FM Synthesizer w/ Aphex Twin Sound Set Loaded SN 6175

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

via this auction

"Original Yamaha dx9 synth in good useable condition with a few marks commensurate with its age . This has had an aphex twin sound set loaded onto bank B ( I believe this was one of his earliest synths - not this actual one though!!)"

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Vintage Synth Tape Cassettes

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

Cool bit of synth history.

Oberheim Matrix 12 Xpander Sounds


Oberheim Matrix-6 1,000 Factory Patches "From Around the World"

Angel City Korg DW 8000 "vols. 1a & 1, no Dolby" & "Volume ii"

Deep Magic "Magic 800" 1.0 DW-8000 Presets

1986 Livewire Audio Korg DW-8000 Data Tape "All"

1986 Livewire Audio Korg DW-8000 Data Tape "Sets 1, 2 & 3"

sound approach Korg DW-8000 patches

Korg DW-8000 EX-8000 Preload Programs

1986 Synthesoft Products "Voice Package for the DW-8000"

Fender Rhodes Chroma Polaris Vol 1 Factory Patches

"Patch Program Data for JUNO-60"

Moog Memorymoog Factory Program REV B

Yamaha "The DX Zone" DX7 FM Programming Instructions

Yamaha "DX Performance Demonstration FM Digital Keyboards DX7 and DX9 Performances by Gary Leuenberger and Don Lewis

Sound Source Unlimited Yamaha TX81Z "Designer Series"

Sound Source Unlimited Yamaha TX81Z "R&B DANCE 1.0"

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Synth Stuff Ep. 41 - Yamaha DX11

Published on May 20, 2018 tritonrecordings

"This is my bandmate's Yamaha DX11 which I recently did some repairs on. The DX11 is one of the better four-operator FM synths out there. It sounds much better than say a DX21 or the awful DX9. It's a cheap way to get FM sounds and it sounds pretty good without effects, which synths like the DX7 really benefit from."

"The DX Zone" - DX7 & DX9 Programming Instructions

"The DX Zone" - DX7 Programming Instructions (1984)

Published on Mar 4, 2018 Patchman Music

Two more from Patchman Music. Also see Yamaha "DX Performance Demonstration" (1985).

"'The DX Zone' - DX7 Programming Instructions
Here is the complete side 1 of the cassette tape that was distributed by Yamaha with their DX7 and DX9 FM synthesizers back in the 1980s. Side 1 discusses the DX7, side 2 discusses the DX9. I have posted the DX9 side in a separate upload.

This tape gives an overview on programming the Yamaha DX7 FM synthesizer. This tape was produced probably around 1984 by Yamaha Corp.

All rights are reserved by the original copyright holders."

"The DX Zone" - DX9 Programming Instructions (1984)

Published on Mar 4, 2018

"'The DX Zone' - DX9 Programming Instructions
Here is the complete side 2 of the cassette tape that was distributed by Yamaha with their DX7 and DX9 FM synthesizers back in the 1980s. Side 1 discusses the DX7, side 2 discusses the DX9. I have posted the DX7 side in a separate upload.

This tape gives an overview on programming the Yamaha DX9 FM synthesizer. This tape was produced probably around 1984 or 1985 by Yamaha Corp.

All rights are reserved by the original copyright holders."

Yamaha "DX Performance Demonstration" (1985)

Published on Mar 3, 2018 Patchman Music

http://patchmanmusic.com

"Here is the complete cassette demo tape that was distributed by Yamaha with their DX7 and DX9 FM synthesizers. This tape discusses the benefits of FM synthesis, has examples of various FM patches, as well as musical examples. This tape was produced probably around 1984 or 1985 by Yamaha Corp.

Yamaha 'DX Performance Demonstration'
FM Digital Keyboards

DX7 and DX9 Performances
by Gary Leuenerger and Don Lewis

L'LADY (Paich) ©1984 Hudmar Publishing Co. Inc. ASCAP

THE ONE (Porcaro) ©1984 Porcaro Music ASCAP

Performed by David Paich, Steve Porcaro, and James Newton Howard

All rights are reserved by the original copyright holders."

Update: Two more from Patchman Music:

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Original Yamaha DX9 Synthesizer Data Tape

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

via this auction


Aside from this still existing, another interesting thing is the "A" and "B" indicating each side of the tape is hand written. Curious if it was done during manufacturing or if the owner did it later. As you can see on the back of the case, there are three banks. If you've ever used a tape for data backup on a synth, you'll know they don't take up much time, so it is possible all three banks were on one or both sides.

"The tape has been tested and plays well with no faults. It has not been tested on a DX9 synthesizer."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Yamaha DX9

Published on Feb 20, 2017 marsupialmicron

"It was not created for the Starbuck´s coffe shop jam, it was created to last, sitting in an obscure cave, until after everyone has gone, there is an FM synth that is fun to program.

Yes, it’s brown, big, bulky, limited and with a small brain (like a dinosaur), but having certain disadvantages, like the lack of velocity in the keys and only having four operators, makes it much easier to edit and therefore more fun.

The DX9 is providing all the sequences, the guitar like sound is the DX7 II fd, Volca for beats. Effects, only reverb from the mini kaoss pad 2S

The video is out of sync, but you get the idea."

Yamaha DX7 & DX9 Synthesizer Milestones Demonstration Cassette 1983

Published on Dec 10, 2016 Encyclotronic

"The Yamaha DX7 is a FM Digital Synthesizer manufactured by the Yamaha Corporation from 1983 to 1986. Tone generation in the DX7 is based on linear frequency modulation synthesis (FM) based on research by John Chowning at Stanford University."

Yamaha DX 7 & DX9 1983 US Demo Flexidisc

Published on Aug 19, 2016 baward

"A soundsheet attached to 'Keyboard' magazine.

"1: DX7 & DX9 performances, by Gary Leuenberger and Don Lewis.

2: L'Dady (David Paich); The One (Steve Porcaro), performed by David Paich, Steve Porcaro and James Newton Howard.

All sounds except programmed rhythms were performed on the DX7 and DX9 FM Synthesizers."

Interesting to note that key members of the rock band Toto were writers and performers on this recording."

The Reface DX Legacy Project

This one sent in via O L. The Reface DX Legacy Project is a website dedicated to porting vintage 4-Op synth patches to the new Yamaha Reface DX. According to the site, "the Reface DX is NOT compatible with 4-operator FM synths from the past like the TX81Z, DX100, or DX9" so they did the work for you.

You'll find sysex dumps for the following:

Yamaha DX100, DX21, DX11, TX81Z, YS200, DS55, V50, FB-01, DX9, SFG-01, SFG-05.

Korg DS-8, 707.