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 "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:

CLICK FOR MORE »

"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 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."

Yamaha DX9 FM Synthesizer Patch Demos

Published on Jan 25, 2015 Eddie Craig

"A demo video displaying some of the capabilities of Yamaha's DX9. The only external effect used is reverb."

Update:

Yamaha DX9 FM Synthesizer Patch Demo (Part 2)

Published on Feb 7, 2015 Eddie Craig

"A demo video displaying some of the capabilities of Yamaha's DX9. The only external effect used is reverb."

Yamaha Dx9 Patches (Part 3)

Published on Apr 8, 2016

"More leads and basses for the Yamaha DX9. Some are made from scratch (init), and others are heavilly tweaked factory presets. Reverb/chorus is added midway through to hear the dry sound as well as the processed sound."

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"

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."

1983 Yamaha DX9 Ad

via Retro Synth Ads where you'll find the write-up.

"Yamaha DX9 "The performance is about to begin" 1-page introductory colour advertisement from page 75 in the July 1983 issue of Keyboard Magazine.

Yup. You're looking at it. The beginning of (relatively) cheap programmable FM synthesis."

1983 Yamaha DX7 & DX9 Demo Records

Yamaha DX7 & DX9. UK demonstration record, 1983

Published on Nov 17, 2013

"Sorry for the low quality of the record"

Yamaha DX7. Demonstration Record 1983. Side: A

Published on Nov 17, 2013 Adrian Täckman

"DX7 Sound Sensation.
1. Bell, female voice (2). 2. Bagpipe, snare drum, footsteps (3). 3 Stardust (1). 4. Harp, cello (2). 5. Electric guitar (2). 6. Church organ (1). 7 Violin (1). 8. Train, banjo, fiddle, honky-tonk piano (4). 9. Volcano (1). 10 Pan-flute, timpani, shimmer, chinese organ (4). Number in parentheses indicate the number of overdubs used for the corresponding voice. The entire recording was made with a single Yamaha DX7."

Yamaha DX7. Demonstration Record 1983. Side: B

Published on Nov 17, 2013

"1. Vibe, wood bass, sax, snare drum, bass drum (5). 2. Strings, female voice (2).
3. Steel drum I, steel drum II (2). 4. Accordion I, accordion II (2). 5. Marimba (1).
6. Strings, glitter (2). 7. Grand prix (1). 8. Harpischord, strings, soft piano, female voice, baroque trumpet (5). Number in parentheses indicate the number of overdubs used for the corresponding voice. The entire recording was made with a single Yamaha DX7."

The DX Zone - Yamaha DX7 DX9 Instructional Cassette Tape & Demo Synth Toto

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

via this auction

Here's an interesting little bit of synth history.

"These are two Rare DX7 / DX 9 programming instructions and demo cassette tapes. One tape contains DX7 instructions on one side and DX9 instructions on the other side. The second tape contains performances by David Paich, Steve Porcaro and James Newton Howard on one side and performances by Gary Leuenberger and Don Lewis on the other side."

CLICK FOR MORE »

1983 Yamaha DX9 and DX7 Gary Leuenberger Ad

via Retro Synth Ads, where you'll find the write-up.

"Yamaha DX9 and DX7 Gary Leuenberger 1/4-page black and white advertisement from page 22 in the August 1983 issue of Keyboard Magazine."

Little bits of synth history. Where is Gary Leuenberger now?

Yamaha DX9 Patch Demo

YouTube Uploaded by zombieAndy1979 on Nov 21, 2010

"Just a few short sounds from my Yamaha DX9.... A highly underrated synth.!"

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 FM Synthesizer Patch Demo (Part 2)

Published on Feb 7, 2015 Eddie Craig

"A demo video displaying some of the capabilities of Yamaha's DX9. The only external effect used is reverb."

Part 1 here.

Yamaha Dx9 Patches (Part 3)

Published on Apr 8, 2016 Eddie Craig

"More leads and basses for the Yamaha DX9. Some are made from scratch (init), and others are heavilly tweaked factory presets. Reverb/chorus is added midway through to hear the dry sound as well as the processed sound."

All parts here.

Fixing the old broken DX9

flickr By Frekkie
(click for more)

inside a Yamaha DX9

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 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!!)"

CLICK FOR MORE »

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.

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."