In 1987 I was playing in a small Scottish folk group and our keyboard player had a DX-7, which made us stand out quite a bit on that circuit. He ordered his MKII (I don't remember exactly which variation it was) just before we left for a festival in the Highlands (with his OG DX) and had it delivered to our hotel. The downside was his incessant fiddling while he set the new one up but the upside was that thanks to the magic of MIDI he could play two complex patches at the same time and everybody was impressed that we had two DX-7s.
I wanted one of those but boy are they sought after now. I'll settle for my DX7s, DX7 and TX802 :) My Kurzweil Forte and Waldorf Quantum will load DX7 patches too.
What a coincidence! I'm also expecting a DX7IIFD tomorrow (along with mk1 DX7). I've been wanting my own since I first tried one back in the late '80s!
@@therm0tt0 I was just a kid in the '80s and the DX7 was my dream keyboard at the time as it was everywhere on tv. The big DX7 logo on the rear of the keyboard became imprinted in my brain. None of my friends had one as it was a bit expensive for the standards in my circle. I later came to hate it for the cliche Rhodes sound and now I'm in love again.
@@mirkocaserta Same here. I was also just a kid back then, and there was no way I could get my hands on my own DX7. My first synth was a Casio HT-700. I still have it! It's fun to play around with, and it has a surprising amount of flexibility for a cheap consumer keyboard. But there is something indescribably unique about FM synthesis. I want to return to that feeling I had the first time I heard it. And now that I'm going to finally have my own, I look forward to diving into the full programming potential.
Dude!!! That's BEAUTIFUL. I always prefer the strings on a DX, than on analog. Yes, analog are warmer, but in a mix they get lost. The strings of a DX cut thru.
I've wanted one for over 10 years, my synth teacher voiced the DX7 and I've even hung out with Dr. John Chowning who created FM synthesis... a friend just sold me theirs, I'm so happy I could cry
@@huntergalloway3944 I remember to have imagined what could be a kind of "SY77" in my late teenager brain in early 86. Something with other kinds of osc, other thas sines but with sawteeeth, squares and PCM, plus an onboard reverb and a chorus. But I didn't work for yamaha and the only thing I could buy in these time was an FB01. 👨🏼🦳 (I'm less imaginiative now but I still have my FB01 getting dust on a shelf in my studio) And yes, now I use Dexed 😄
The DX7 is still an unparralled synth after nearly 40 years! I used Dexed all the time still, there is something about the expressiveness of this synth that is similar to an acoustic instrument. You basically get 127 gradients per key. On certain sounds, like Kalimba, Vibes, E.P it is still one of the most realistic sounding synths (can beat gigabyte libaries) while being very CPU efficient. Even the not-natural classic FM sounds are still useful!
When it comes to the original DX7 (not the S or mark 2), the bad thing is that the resolution for velocity is nowhere near 128 steps (0 to 127) when recording midi. I tested it some years ago in Cubase and I can't remember it exactly but it was an abysmal low number of discrete values somewhere in the 10:s (10-20 different separate values). I am not sure if this translates to the same thing if you play it live (without going out over midi). It could be the really early midi implementation. Another thing is that it is really hard to push it beyond 100 in the first place. If you bang with a closed fist you can actually get past 100. Some say it is hardware limited to a maximum of 100 which in theory is not true but in practice when playing normal, it is. (I have compensated for it with midi compression of 7/5 to make softsynths to respond with the full velocity range) So what I am saying is that may only be the early midi implementation that is really bad in that aspect. And if you record the Dx7 via midi and then play it back (from a sequencer) you WILL get the same abysmal low res velocity curve, ie just a few discrete values. It may also be that the hardware itself has a low res velocity curve (few discrete values). I don't know since I only use it as a controller. And speaking of that, as a controller, What it does have though is a fantastic keybed that responds extremely well when you play. The feeling of it is unbeatable. That may be something that may make you think that it has better resolution of velocity values than it really have. (Unless you are on a later model DX). The aftertouch also feels just perfect with just the right amount of pressure. In fact, to have the best of both worlds I bought a vintage Yamaha Motif 6 which has a great feeling keybed with full velocit resolution. But it has a bad aftertouch (goes from zero to full with just the tiniest little pressure), so I use them for different types of sounds. For the slow evolving sounds (like atmospheric pads) I use the DX7. For the fast attacky sounds I use the Motif.
I bought a very nice condition one cheap with a "stuck" cartridge door. So I bought a replacement door thinking that's what was needed to be fixed. But the door was glued shut for a reason, the cartridge port must have had something forced into it incorrectly. PCB was cracked, bodge wires all over the place. So I got a replacement board from Syntaur. I only went to the trouble because this one had fully working tact switches and usually they need a firm press. I have an original DX7 with one of the expansion boards that gives it some cool features.
Great to see someone show how easy these actually are to program. I've never owned a 6op DX keyboard (just a TX802) but over the years I've had a few DX27s and a DX21 and they were all fast, easy and fun to program, plus you can leave it in edit mode while you play and tweak parameters live. It's not control-per-function, but it's not actually that far off. The 802, on the other hand, is pretty tedious with only the keypad and +/- keys for entering values. If they'd just put an encoder on the front it would be no problem at all (but I'd still take the front panel over a software editor).
I got along with the 27’s little brother (100) pretty well. I love the feel of the little green rubber buttons . Someday I’ll find the loose solder connection on my 100, I hope. Much of the technique in this video works, just with fewer operators to toggle.
Still have my DX7II-FD from the 80s active in my stack. A trick I used to like to use is setting modulation to use a square wave instead of the standard sine (which creates tremolo). I would set the mod range to only a step or half-step, then when playing a lead patch you can quickly tweak the mod wheel to its full range to create cool "hammer on" effects, similar to guitar finger tapping.
I do regret selling my DX 7 all those years ago. Watching you work your magic on it makes me drool!!! Hi Espen, have you heard of Tim Blake. In the mid to late 70's he did a song called "Generator, Laser beam" from his album called."Blake's New Jerusalem" in '78. He worked with Hawkwind and a few others before going solo.
I bought a DX7-II back in the 80s too, it was my first synthesizer ever. And it made me forever stick with FM sounds, (FM Love is a real thing!). Today I have a Yamaha Montage (which is Yamaha's most advanced FM synth, FM-X - with a whopping 8 operators and 88 algorithms. Unlike the DX7 you can have more loops than just one. FM-X also have an Frequency Envelope Generator, 7 Spectral Forms (DX7 have only sine). FM Synthesis is mindblowing once you get to know it.
@@EspenKraft In 20 years from now, you'll be ranting about how it was the greatest FM synth of all times. Hey, I got an FM Chip Based Yamaha 4-Operator Electone organ too, your tips was useful! :)
The DX series had (has) a pitch envelope for the base note frequency, but not for individual operators. I love the sound of the Montage/MODX, but found the panel layout too confusing. (I read enough computer manuals at work already 🤪 ) I ended up getting a Korg Nautilus recently, which seemed a better balance of ease of use vs power. It’s not classic gear, but Korg is actually making this model back in Japan again, and the finish reminds me of an M1. Plus I get a warranty for a while.
@@Roboprogs I agree, it was confusing for me too for the longest time, until I saw a tutorial. It's actually easy, you need to go to the Home menu (make sure you're in FM-X init mode/instument), then press view (green) and select the first bar. Then you can use the 8 sliders to set each operator, and use the dial to select operators LIVE while playing. This is unique, because you can now play with the variables of the Carrier and modulators LIVE while playing on the keyboard!
The DX7S was my first DX7 and I learned to program it. When I bought a Mk1 programming was difficult but I learned to midi transfer patches from Mk2 to Mk1
Thanks for these great tips! Sounding great! I have had my DX7 II-D since 1989 and never programmed it. Currently I'm working on getting my favorite DX7 sounds playing in my new Kurzweil K2700. Doing this I had to actually go and edit some of the patches. With the Kurzweil I find it much more easy to program because envelopes and algorithm is graphically displayed in the display. With the Yamaha you have to repeatedly look at the "instruction manual" diagrams that is printed on top of the synth. Surely if you program very actively you will remember those by heart.
Thanks for sharing.There seems to be a whole plethora of sound possibilities in the Dx7 if you have the time to dig deep enough into programming them. Excellent and informative video presentation.
I have a DX7IID! I got it because I always wanted one and I bought it a couple years ago and got it working again with a new battery and download. Fun fact, just by chance it was originally from the Toronto stage production of "The Phantom of the Opera"! Another great video Espen!
Really smooth, I could listen to that much longer. After realizing this, I tried searching for "ambient dx7" ... and indeed, there's some nice stuff out there.
The DX7 is a great synthesiser, I own a DX7II FD with Grey Matter E installed. It is very easy to get lost in the programming but also a lot of fun once you’ve gotten your head around it. It really isn’t hard to program it’s mostly just tedious with the menu diving, and for the mark 1 DX7 I can imagine in the 80s it would’ve been frustrating having to work with a one inch display with no backlight. Thankfully that was corrected with the DX7s and even more so on the DX7II which quadrupled the size of the LCD.
That beginning sound caught me off guard. Usually DX7s give themselves away with that metallic overtone but that sound could be mistaken as a Juno with pulse and low passed. Awesome. Love your videos Espen.
YES!!! AT LAST I SEE A PERSON USE MY FAVORITE CHORUS PEDAL FOR THE DX7 BOSS CE-2 , THE NOBS ARE ALSO EXACTLY SET UP IN THE SAME WAY I SET IT UP COOOOL NICE VIDEO
Thanks. I have a DX7II FD with E-card from Grey Matter. I use it with a Strymon Big Sky reverb /chorus and it sounds great. With some delay too it’s even better. If you know your handcraft, the DX stands as a classic instrument in music keyboard history on the top shelf with Hammond B3, Rhodes electric piano, Hohner clavinet and Minimoog.
I agree completely. The irony is that there are those, even here in this comment section, that thinks the complete opposite when it comes to the DX sounds. ;)
100% agree. I had a DX7IID, no floppy drive, back in the day. Good programming, layering, and a touch (or full-on crazy amount) of effects, and it's sonic bliss. FM is very flexible. I rewatched Top Gun the other night after so many years: and that's a perfect DX7 showoff ;)
Hello Espen! Such a beautiful sound you got there, great introduction to the DX7S in particular. I would like to know more of your tricks you got for this DX7S, how you use it and. If you could make an in depth video, it would be very much appreciated, there are not too much vids about this model. Thanks! I’m a very big fan of your work
Many thanks! I reality the DX7s is just like the 1983 DX7, it just has better converters and more performance options. Basic FM synth programming are almost the same except for a few more parameters. I have no plans to do any DX7 programming video in the near future.
We know over 200,000 DX7s were made, and that's not even counting the other various 4 and 6 Operator DX and TX variations. I cannot imagine the D50 sold anywhere near that much.
@@lrblouie would be interesting to know, it ran for 3 years. The Korg M1 obviously takes the lead but I don't imagine the D-50 was all that far behind.
I owned a DX7IIFD in 1989 (bought it for $1000). As a couple of years went by, I found myself to be a struggling college student who was short on cash and ended up selling it to a local music store for $500. :(
I still have my DX7S I bought in 1988. Nice controller as well. Has pressure but velocity (though not as bad as the original) but still doesn't get to 128 unless you really pound it.
There is a nifty trick to use the level rate envelopes as regular ADSR Here's how Set your first level to maximum and keep it there , leave it untouched Your first rate is now the Attack Set your second Level and Rate to max and never touch them , they are of no use The third rate now acts as your regular decay The third level is now a sustain value Your fourth rate is now release Set the fourth level to zero and keep it there , so release will always go to zero .
@@EspenKraft The SY77 and SY99 are fantastic. I owned an SY77 and only upgraded to an SY99 in order to be able to use my own drum samples, but found I really liked the cleaner sounding effects in the later model. The SY77 effects have a grainy charm of their own, but aren't as good when creating an entire track on the machine as things can get quite muddy sounding. My only complaint is that the envelopes are possibly too sophisticated, with parameters that interact with each other in unintuitive ways when I often just want a basic ADSR approach.
@@chriswareham I think about all of the 80s (early 90s?) Yamahas use the 4 stage Rate/Level envelopes. It’s nice that you can have a “convex” or “concave” attack or decay, but it does often add an extra step if you have to remember to set level 2 and 3 to the same value to emulate the sustain of a standard ADSR. Edit: R1 is Attack. Set L1 to max. R2 is Decay (so long as L2 is less than L1). L2 is Sustain (set L3 to the same as L2, ignore R3). R4 is Release (so long as L4 is 0). That said, setting L3 to 0 with a slow R3 nicely models sounds which slowly die off, rather than sustaining forever, particularly if playing with a sustain pedal.
Where is the setting to control the velocity on the DX7ii? My E.Piano doesn't open "wide" the harder I press; yet if I control the DX with an external keyboard controller, it does. Can't find the velocity settings! Thank you so much!
Are you adding chorus by a foot pedal? I had a PSS270 back in the late 80's I'm sure it had chorus built in. I also had a Casio VL-1 (Tone) before that, it's in so many songs :-)
I looked though your video list and couldn't find anything about the Roland D-10/20/110. Do you have plans to make a video on those? They are great for creating drums and efx sounds because of the ring modulator, which are more gritty and lo-fi than its D-50 equivalent.
I have a song with these chords already published. It's in the "grasshopper" video. That tune will not go into the album though. Although the grasshopper itself will. :P
It sounds like you also normalized the PitchEG? So many of the factory presets have a kind of goofy pitch "blip" up front, I was glad to hear it neutralized in this mod.
I just bought a DX7S (instead of a DX7), because it was in better condition at a better price. However, I clearly prefer the mellow warmth of the DX7 over the brighter sounding DX7S. But, this video gives me hope that I can make the DX7S sound fuller/more mellow sounding with the sound modifications you were displaying. But, I'm new to all of this (I'm a bass player): How do you connect the chorus peddle? I have a very good EBS Unichorus pedal. And, can you load the preset DX7 sounds into the DX7S? And, if so, do they sound about the same through the DX7S as they do through the DX7? The DX7's warm, mellow, full sound really does sound way better to me. But, the sound you were playing at the beginning of this video seemed pretty damn close, too.
DX7 out-into the pedal-out of the DX-into the recording medium. Just like a guitar pedal. All the DX7 models are compatible with each other in terms of patches, but they might sound a little different due to different models. I record my synths through great preamps, add effects and processing in the mix and master the sounds. Nothing you hear in my videos are straight out, so to speak, unless I clearly state so. Cheers
@@EspenKraft great stuff as always Espen! Can I ask which reverb and dly plugins you used here, sounds lush so I assume some Valhalla was used? Btw, I have an old TX81Z. Will this compare in anyway, can I make similar pads on it? Didn't use it for 20 years and found it very limiting back then. Thanks!
I have both a DX7 and a DX7s. Patches are interchangeable, but I definitely like the sound of the DX7 better. I will likely be selling my DX7s (along with an Ensoniq Mirage) soon because I'm running out of room. Espen has brainwashed me into buying far too many synths :)
DX7 through a Boss CE2. Classic setup. Having not owned, but heard the DX7II, can I ask what you prefer about it compared to the first DX7? It's it the bi-timbral option, the buttons and the sliders, the stereo outs and less hiss? The original DX7 always sounds a bit 'dirtier' and reminds me very much of the one we had when I was a kid in the 80s.
Just so we're clear, the DX7s is not a DX7II. I say so in the video itself. I recently did a video about the TX802. That's a DX7II in a box. I have this DX7s because it was given to me. The FM engine is pretty much the same as on the original DX7, it's more performance-things that set them apart, although there some bits and pieces here and there that makes it more advanced too. The original had 12-bit DA converters and as such many prefer it because of that, while this has 16-bit DACs. I did a comparison between the TX802 (DX7II) and the TX816 (DX7mk1) earlier where there is a blindtest of which is which.
DX7II is the same with our without the floppy. The DX7s is simpler, more like the original DX7. Mono, where the II is stereo. The manuals for all of them are online so just read through them. ;-)
After the original DX7 was replaced by the much improved DX7IID/DX7IIFD, there was still a market for "somewhere in between". The DX7s bridges the gap between the old and the (expensive back then!) new DX7IID.
How do you connect your DX7 to soundsystem? If I don't have the right speakers, I'm trying to conenct to my DAW which is ableton. I have a iRig midi, but there's no sound.
The chords you play seem to be from the song Sailing by Christopher Cross. Why do you say the DX7s the last of the DX/ line, isn't it the DX7 II FD the last? However, great tip!
@@EspenKraft thanks for the reply, much appreciated! a lot of people seem to be overvaluing the vintage synths nowadays as I can see an ad asking for almost double of that and it's not in the best shape... same with the other vintage models that I keep looking around for
Sorry Mr.Espen, one ignorant question for you: is possible to programmer tones of TX7 from TX802 or, is necessary the DX7 first series keyboard? Thanks, best regards.
@@EspenKraft yes, but i want understand if is possible programmer tones in one 1984 TX7 12 bit module, with only DX7 first series (mono, 12 bit) or whith every DX7 model of various years? thanks
The DX7s is mono, like the original. Smaller display. No layering of patches like the DX7II. So it's more basic in performance features, but still patch compatible with the DX7II and backwards too.
@@EspenKraft Thank you Espen! That clears things up enjoyed the video as well. I only asked because I just ordered a DX7S and am fearing I might regret it because the DX7II seems to have that nice layering feature but honestly I think I’m gonna stick with the DX7S some limitation can do wonders for creativity.
@@EspenKraft Hm, it did have stereo effect over the headphone and I also used the headphone output instead of the rear connected to sound effect and it did appeared very stereo, or maybe the sound module does it. I know the rear output is mono.
The DX7s is mono out, but of course you'll have sound in both ears if connecting headphones to the headphone output. It will still be mono though as you have no pan controls over left right internally in the DX7s. The DX7s does not have a module counterpart. The TX7 was a module of the DX7mk1. The DX7II had a module named TX802. Both of these are true stereo synths.
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In 1987 I was playing in a small Scottish folk group and our keyboard player had a DX-7, which made us stand out quite a bit on that circuit. He ordered his MKII (I don't remember exactly which variation it was) just before we left for a festival in the Highlands (with his OG DX) and had it delivered to our hotel. The downside was his incessant fiddling while he set the new one up but the upside was that thanks to the magic of MIDI he could play two complex patches at the same time and everybody was impressed that we had two DX-7s.
What if you had two Dx7s 's (?)
This is perfect as my DX7IIFD is being delivered tomorrow 🙂
I wanted one of those but boy are they sought after now. I'll settle for my DX7s, DX7 and TX802 :) My Kurzweil Forte and Waldorf Quantum will load DX7 patches too.
Congrats. One of my all time favorite synths. It was my first and best DX7. 😎
What a coincidence! I'm also expecting a DX7IIFD tomorrow (along with mk1 DX7). I've been wanting my own since I first tried one back in the late '80s!
@@therm0tt0 I was just a kid in the '80s and the DX7 was my dream keyboard at the time as it was everywhere on tv. The big DX7 logo on the rear of the keyboard became imprinted in my brain. None of my friends had one as it was a bit expensive for the standards in my circle. I later came to hate it for the cliche Rhodes sound and now I'm in love again.
@@mirkocaserta Same here. I was also just a kid back then, and there was no way I could get my hands on my own DX7.
My first synth was a Casio HT-700. I still have it! It's fun to play around with, and it has a surprising amount of flexibility for a cheap consumer keyboard.
But there is something indescribably unique about FM synthesis. I want to return to that feeling I had the first time I heard it. And now that I'm going to finally have my own, I look forward to diving into the full programming potential.
Dude!!! That's BEAUTIFUL. I always prefer the strings on a DX, than on analog. Yes, analog are warmer, but in a mix they get lost. The strings of a DX cut thru.
Cheers!
I've wanted one for over 10 years, my synth teacher voiced the DX7 and I've even hung out with Dr. John Chowning who created FM synthesis... a friend just sold me theirs, I'm so happy I could cry
I have a dream, we're in 1983 and Yamaha release a 6 ops FM synth with a proper GUI, filters and onboard effects...
I love FM!
SY77/99 is halfway there!
Opsix is even closer, if you can stand the form factor!
@@huntergalloway3944 I remember to have imagined what could be a kind of "SY77" in my late teenager brain in early 86. Something with other kinds of osc, other thas sines but with sawteeeth, squares and PCM, plus an onboard reverb and a chorus.
But I didn't work for yamaha and the only thing I could buy in these time was an FB01. 👨🏼🦳
(I'm less imaginiative now but I still have my FB01 getting dust on a shelf in my studio)
And yes, now I use Dexed 😄
Unluckily synthcity controller is sold out.
~1200€ if remember correct.
The DX7 is still an unparralled synth after nearly 40 years! I used Dexed all the time still, there is something about the expressiveness of this synth that is similar to an acoustic instrument. You basically get 127 gradients per key.
On certain sounds, like Kalimba, Vibes, E.P it is still one of the most realistic sounding synths (can beat gigabyte libaries) while being very CPU efficient. Even the not-natural classic FM sounds are still useful!
Yeah, when you play the EP sounds on the D50 or the M1, they sound kind of flat in comparison.
When it comes to the original DX7 (not the S or mark 2), the bad thing is that the resolution for velocity is nowhere near 128 steps (0 to 127) when recording midi. I tested it some years ago in Cubase and I can't remember it exactly but it was an abysmal low number of discrete values somewhere in the 10:s (10-20 different separate values).
I am not sure if this translates to the same thing if you play it live (without going out over midi). It could be the really early midi implementation.
Another thing is that it is really hard to push it beyond 100 in the first place. If you bang with a closed fist you can actually get past 100. Some say it is hardware limited to a maximum of 100 which in theory is not true but in practice when playing normal, it is. (I have compensated for it with midi compression of 7/5 to make softsynths to respond with the full velocity range)
So what I am saying is that may only be the early midi implementation that is really bad in that aspect. And if you record the Dx7 via midi and then play it back (from a sequencer) you WILL get the same abysmal low res velocity curve, ie just a few discrete values.
It may also be that the hardware itself has a low res velocity curve (few discrete values). I don't know since I only use it as a controller.
And speaking of that, as a controller, What it does have though is a fantastic keybed that responds extremely well when you play. The feeling of it is unbeatable. That may be something that may make you think that it has better resolution of velocity values than it really have. (Unless you are on a later model DX). The aftertouch also feels just perfect with just the right amount of pressure.
In fact, to have the best of both worlds I bought a vintage Yamaha Motif 6 which has a great feeling keybed with full velocit resolution. But it has a bad aftertouch (goes from zero to full with just the tiniest little pressure), so I use them for different types of sounds. For the slow evolving sounds (like atmospheric pads) I use the DX7. For the fast attacky sounds I use the Motif.
I can't get enough DX7 content!
I bought a very nice condition one cheap with a "stuck" cartridge door. So I bought a replacement door thinking that's what was needed to be fixed. But the door was glued shut for a reason, the cartridge port must have had something forced into it incorrectly. PCB was cracked, bodge wires all over the place. So I got a replacement board from Syntaur. I only went to the trouble because this one had fully working tact switches and usually they need a firm press. I have an original DX7 with one of the expansion boards that gives it some cool features.
I have my DX7 regularly connected to a Dimension C chorus, a DD3 delay, and a Rev500 reverb unit. Makes for lush, classic FM vibes. Cheers.
Great to see someone show how easy these actually are to program. I've never owned a 6op DX keyboard (just a TX802) but over the years I've had a few DX27s and a DX21 and they were all fast, easy and fun to program, plus you can leave it in edit mode while you play and tweak parameters live. It's not control-per-function, but it's not actually that far off.
The 802, on the other hand, is pretty tedious with only the keypad and +/- keys for entering values. If they'd just put an encoder on the front it would be no problem at all (but I'd still take the front panel over a software editor).
I got along with the 27’s little brother (100) pretty well. I love the feel of the little green rubber buttons . Someday I’ll find the loose solder connection on my 100, I hope.
Much of the technique in this video works, just with fewer operators to toggle.
A friend is making me an affordable 65 knob controller for the TX 802, in case you also want one. I agree with you, worse ever rack to edit.
Still have my DX7II-FD from the 80s active in my stack. A trick I used to like to use is setting modulation to use a square wave instead of the standard sine (which creates tremolo). I would set the mod range to only a step or half-step, then when playing a lead patch you can quickly tweak the mod wheel to its full range to create cool "hammer on" effects, similar to guitar finger tapping.
That's a cool trick. Thanks for sharing!
I actually find that it's easier to program the DX7 from the synth. You start to develop a muscle memory for the menus after you use it for a while.
I do regret selling my DX 7 all those years ago. Watching you work your magic on it makes me drool!!!
Hi Espen, have you heard of Tim Blake. In the mid to late 70's he did a song called "Generator, Laser beam" from his album called."Blake's New Jerusalem" in '78. He worked with Hawkwind and a few others before going solo.
I bought a DX7-II back in the 80s too, it was my first synthesizer ever. And it made me forever stick with FM sounds, (FM Love is a real thing!). Today I have a Yamaha Montage (which is Yamaha's most advanced FM synth, FM-X - with a whopping 8 operators and 88 algorithms. Unlike the DX7 you can have more loops than just one. FM-X also have an Frequency Envelope Generator, 7 Spectral Forms (DX7 have only sine). FM Synthesis is mindblowing once you get to know it.
Yes, all those fancy bells and whistles are exactly why I don't want any of those newer Yamahas. ;-)
@@EspenKraft In 20 years from now, you'll be ranting about how it was the greatest FM synth of all times. Hey, I got an FM Chip Based Yamaha 4-Operator Electone organ too, your tips was useful! :)
If I had more space I would fill the house with many Electone organs. ;-)
The DX series had (has) a pitch envelope for the base note frequency, but not for individual operators.
I love the sound of the Montage/MODX, but found the panel layout too confusing. (I read enough computer manuals at work already 🤪 )
I ended up getting a Korg Nautilus recently, which seemed a better balance of ease of use vs power. It’s not classic gear, but Korg is actually making this model back in Japan again, and the finish reminds me of an M1. Plus I get a warranty for a while.
@@Roboprogs I agree, it was confusing for me too for the longest time, until I saw a tutorial. It's actually easy, you need to go to the Home menu (make sure you're in FM-X init mode/instument), then press view (green) and select the first bar. Then you can use the 8 sliders to set each operator, and use the dial to select operators LIVE while playing. This is unique, because you can now play with the variables of the Carrier and modulators LIVE while playing on the keyboard!
All DX7s need external effects. It makes them like new machines!
They ran them thru racks in the 80s
That pad at the start 😍
The intro sounds beautiful!
Impressive. I got a DX7II a few years back, which I pair with an Eventide effects unit. It's like a completely different instrument.
The DX7S was my first DX7 and I learned to program it. When I bought a Mk1 programming was difficult but I learned to midi transfer patches from Mk2 to Mk1
Thanks for these great tips! Sounding great! I have had my DX7 II-D since 1989 and never programmed it. Currently I'm working on getting my favorite DX7 sounds playing in my new Kurzweil K2700. Doing this I had to actually go and edit some of the patches. With the Kurzweil I find it much more easy to program because envelopes and algorithm is graphically displayed in the display. With the Yamaha you have to repeatedly look at the "instruction manual" diagrams that is printed on top of the synth. Surely if you program very actively you will remember those by heart.
Thanks for sharing.There seems to be a whole plethora of sound possibilities in the Dx7 if you have the time to dig deep enough into programming them. Excellent and informative video presentation.
Thanks!
One of my favourite synthesizers. It even makes a pretty good supersaw.
I have a DX7IID! I got it because I always wanted one and I bought it a couple years ago and got it working again with a new battery and download. Fun fact, just by chance it was originally from the Toronto stage production of "The Phantom of the Opera"! Another great video Espen!
Cheers!
The Boss Chorus pedal effect is the secret, I still have my original DX7 mk1 with BOSS Chorus CE-3 pedal for stereo effect. then Add a little reverb !
Really smooth, I could listen to that much longer. After realizing this, I tried searching for "ambient dx7" ... and indeed, there's some nice stuff out there.
Brian Eno got right into them I think?
The DX7 is a great synthesiser, I own a DX7II FD with Grey Matter E installed. It is very easy to get lost in the programming but also a lot of fun once you’ve gotten your head around it. It really isn’t hard to program it’s mostly just tedious with the menu diving, and for the mark 1 DX7 I can imagine in the 80s it would’ve been frustrating having to work with a one inch display with no backlight. Thankfully that was corrected with the DX7s and even more so on the DX7II which quadrupled the size of the LCD.
That beginning sound caught me off guard. Usually DX7s give themselves away with that metallic overtone but that sound could be mistaken as a Juno with pulse and low passed. Awesome. Love your videos Espen.
Many thanks!
That's a really sweet chord progression.
Cheers!
Nobody: “the DX7 sounds cold and brittle”
Espen Kraft: “hold my Brian Eno”
I used to own one for many years! loved it!
YES!!! AT LAST I SEE A PERSON USE MY FAVORITE CHORUS PEDAL FOR THE DX7
BOSS CE-2 , THE NOBS ARE ALSO EXACTLY SET UP IN THE SAME WAY I SET IT UP
COOOOL
NICE VIDEO
Cheers!
Thanks. I have a DX7II FD with E-card from Grey Matter. I use it with a Strymon Big Sky reverb /chorus and it sounds great. With some delay too it’s even better. If you know your handcraft, the DX stands as a classic instrument in music keyboard history on the top shelf with Hammond B3, Rhodes electric piano, Hohner clavinet and Minimoog.
I agree completely. The irony is that there are those, even here in this comment section, that thinks the complete opposite when it comes to the DX sounds. ;)
100% agree. I had a DX7IID, no floppy drive, back in the day. Good programming, layering, and a touch (or full-on crazy amount) of effects, and it's sonic bliss. FM is very flexible. I rewatched Top Gun the other night after so many years: and that's a perfect DX7 showoff ;)
A brilliant synth. I had one. Its the UNISON feature it could sound big. And produce sounds the MK1 DX7 couldn't.
Thanks for the guide. Very nice patch.
Cheers!
Hello Espen! Such a beautiful sound you got there, great introduction to the DX7S in particular. I would like to know more of your tricks you got for this DX7S, how you use it and. If you could make an in depth video, it would be very much appreciated, there are not too much vids about this model. Thanks! I’m a very big fan of your work
Many thanks! I reality the DX7s is just like the 1983 DX7, it just has better converters and more performance options. Basic FM synth programming are almost the same except for a few more parameters. I have no plans to do any DX7 programming video in the near future.
the Yamaha DX7 II FD was my first synth, that time it was a pain to edit sounds, so I sold it to get a brandnew EPS16+
This was in Direct competition with Roland's D-50 at the time. I wonder who won with those sales figures.
Another great video Espen, Thanks again.
Cheers!
We know over 200,000 DX7s were made, and that's not even counting the other various 4 and 6 Operator DX and TX variations. I cannot imagine the D50 sold anywhere near that much.
@@lrblouie would be interesting to know, it ran for 3 years. The Korg M1 obviously takes the lead but I don't imagine the D-50 was all that far behind.
Hi, we are from Ukraine) ,synthesizer sounds good)
I love that you wear a vintage Casio watch!
I owned a DX7IIFD in 1989 (bought it for $1000). As a couple of years went by, I found myself to be a struggling college student who was short on cash and ended up selling it to a local music store for $500. :(
You can get it back for about $500 now 😎
@@retro-dademusic6403 I saw that. I checked it out right after I posted here. LOL
It's time to get it back again!
@@CussaOnara Sadly, I’m a plug-in person now. It’s more convenient, plus I have very limited studio space.
Thanks for posting this video, your knowledge is exceptional!
Thanks!
Great pads, Espen! Thanks a lot!
Great vid Espen! I’m totally gonna program this into my II-D! 👌
I still have my DX7S I bought in 1988. Nice controller as well. Has pressure but velocity (though not as bad as the original) but still doesn't get to 128 unless you really pound it.
Very helpful as always!
Cheers!
Toco en una banda donde usamos el dx7s y toda esta información nos ayudara a seguir explorando el mundo de la síntesis
Proud owner, bought it new in about 88
Love my mk1 DX7
Nice sounds!
There is a nifty trick to use the level rate envelopes as regular ADSR
Here's how
Set your first level to maximum and keep it there , leave it untouched
Your first rate is now the Attack
Set your second Level and Rate to max and never touch them , they are of no use
The third rate now acts as your regular decay
The third level is now a sustain value
Your fourth rate is now release
Set the fourth level to zero and keep it there , so release will always go to zero .
We were born at the right time to experience all these cool electronics.
Some say the DX7 was created in hell 👀
Tenks from Brazil
Fantastic video... I wish you could do something like this with Yamaha SY 22/35/55/85. Dont see much on these Synths... Love this channel.......
Cheers! I have a SY22. ;-)
don't forget the 77 and 99 !!!!!!!
I have some plans to do the 77 and 99 at some point. Depends on a lot of things. ;-)
@@EspenKraft The SY77 and SY99 are fantastic. I owned an SY77 and only upgraded to an SY99 in order to be able to use my own drum samples, but found I really liked the cleaner sounding effects in the later model. The SY77 effects have a grainy charm of their own, but aren't as good when creating an entire track on the machine as things can get quite muddy sounding. My only complaint is that the envelopes are possibly too sophisticated, with parameters that interact with each other in unintuitive ways when I often just want a basic ADSR approach.
@@chriswareham I think about all of the 80s (early 90s?) Yamahas use the 4 stage Rate/Level envelopes.
It’s nice that you can have a “convex” or “concave” attack or decay, but it does often add an extra step if you have to remember to set level 2 and 3 to the same value to emulate the sustain of a standard ADSR.
Edit: R1 is Attack. Set L1 to max. R2 is Decay (so long as L2 is less than L1). L2 is Sustain (set L3 to the same as L2, ignore R3). R4 is Release (so long as L4 is 0).
That said, setting L3 to 0 with a slow R3 nicely models sounds which slowly die off, rather than sustaining forever, particularly if playing with a sustain pedal.
I wish i had my old DX7S i miss her
super awesome
Wow I can't believe it has only mono output!
If I remember correctly, the DX7s had a phenomenal sounding nylon guitar voice that wasn't in the factory ROM of the DX711FD?
I have no idea.
Where is the setting to control the velocity on the DX7ii? My E.Piano doesn't open "wide" the harder I press; yet if I control the DX with an external keyboard controller, it does. Can't find the velocity settings! Thank you so much!
Are you adding chorus by a foot pedal? I had a PSS270 back in the late 80's I'm sure it had chorus built in. I also had a Casio VL-1 (Tone) before that, it's in so many songs :-)
I looked though your video list and couldn't find anything about the Roland D-10/20/110. Do you have plans to make a video on those? They are great for creating drums and efx sounds because of the ring modulator, which are more gritty and lo-fi than its D-50 equivalent.
I might do a video about them at one point, as I know them very well, but I really don't like them very much.
I love this set of chords you play often. Is this inspired by 'Don't Give Up'?
Thanks. Not really, I just find this chord progression a good one to demonstrate pads and strings, so I use them for that. ;-)
It’s one of the most beautifully nostalgic progressions I’ve heard in years. I would love to hear this as a song on your new album! 🙌🏽
I have a song with these chords already published. It's in the "grasshopper" video. That tune will not go into the album though. Although the grasshopper itself will. :P
@@EspenKraft wonderful. I will listen to it now. Super excited. Thank you
It sounds like you also normalized the PitchEG? So many of the factory presets have a kind of goofy pitch "blip" up front, I was glad to hear it neutralized in this mod.
I just bought a DX7S (instead of a DX7), because it was in better condition at a better price. However, I clearly prefer the mellow warmth of the DX7 over the brighter sounding DX7S. But, this video gives me hope that I can make the DX7S sound fuller/more mellow sounding with the sound modifications you were displaying. But, I'm new to all of this (I'm a bass player): How do you connect the chorus peddle? I have a very good EBS Unichorus pedal. And, can you load the preset DX7 sounds into the DX7S? And, if so, do they sound about the same through the DX7S as they do through the DX7? The DX7's warm, mellow, full sound really does sound way better to me. But, the sound you were playing at the beginning of this video seemed pretty damn close, too.
DX7 out-into the pedal-out of the DX-into the recording medium. Just like a guitar pedal. All the DX7 models are compatible with each other in terms of patches, but they might sound a little different due to different models.
I record my synths through great preamps, add effects and processing in the mix and master the sounds. Nothing you hear in my videos are straight out, so to speak, unless I clearly state so. Cheers
@@EspenKraft Thanks for the reply and info :)
@@EspenKraft great stuff as always Espen! Can I ask which reverb and dly plugins you used here, sounds lush so I assume some Valhalla was used? Btw, I have an old TX81Z. Will this compare in anyway, can I make similar pads on it? Didn't use it for 20 years and found it very limiting back then. Thanks!
@@AnalogFlava Thanks! It's Valhalla yes, A custom Hall preset. Delays I can't remember.
I have both a DX7 and a DX7s. Patches are interchangeable, but I definitely like the sound of the DX7 better. I will likely be selling my DX7s (along with an Ensoniq Mirage) soon because I'm running out of room. Espen has brainwashed me into buying far too many synths :)
Actually, the last DX7 was a 76-key anniversary re-issue of the DX7mkII in gold and silver.
It's true, that was another 1987 DX7.
DX7 through a Boss CE2. Classic setup. Having not owned, but heard the DX7II, can I ask what you prefer about it compared to the first DX7? It's it the bi-timbral option, the buttons and the sliders, the stereo outs and less hiss?
The original DX7 always sounds a bit 'dirtier' and reminds me very much of the one we had when I was a kid in the 80s.
Just so we're clear, the DX7s is not a DX7II. I say so in the video itself. I recently did a video about the TX802. That's a DX7II in a box.
I have this DX7s because it was given to me. The FM engine is pretty much the same as on the original DX7, it's more performance-things that set them apart, although there some bits and pieces here and there that makes it more advanced too.
The original had 12-bit DA converters and as such many prefer it because of that, while this has 16-bit DACs.
I did a comparison between the TX802 (DX7II) and the TX816 (DX7mk1) earlier where there is a blindtest of which is which.
👍👍👍
I got a DX7S and still like new and low hours of playing on it. Not a mark on it lol.
tips to you go to pan left right then you get a chorus effect. that i doscover with my dx7 mark 2 fd.
The DX7s is not a DX7II, as I say in the video. ;-) There's no pan functionality here.
Hey, you mentioned that the programs from DX7 work with DX7s? Just to verify that I could use DX7 patches with my DX7s?
Yes you can.
Disagree about which algorithm for strings, try #30-32 for sublimity
Nice video, now l’ ready for bed 🥱
Cheerzzz
I wonder whats the difference between the DX7s, DX7II and DX7FD, beside the Floppy Disc Drive
DX7II is the same with our without the floppy. The DX7s is simpler, more like the original DX7. Mono, where the II is stereo. The manuals for all of them are online so just read through them. ;-)
After the original DX7 was replaced by the much improved DX7IID/DX7IIFD, there was still a market for "somewhere in between". The DX7s bridges the gap between the old and the (expensive back then!) new DX7IID.
Got wake up my DX7 II FD sits in the corner.
How do you connect your DX7 to soundsystem? If I don't have the right speakers, I'm trying to conenct to my DAW which is ableton. I have a iRig midi, but there's no sound.
Google how to record into a DAW.
🎹💥
The chords you play seem to be from the song Sailing by Christopher Cross. Why do you say the DX7s the last of the DX/ line, isn't it the DX7 II FD the last? However, great tip!
These chords are my own really. ;-) The DX7IIFD is from 1986.
We like so much more your famous "cheers" 😎
Those chords sound familiar?
what do you reckon this DX7S might be worth now in 2023?? anyone can help with a ballpark figure?
Around $300USD if in a nice state.
@@EspenKraft thanks for the reply, much appreciated! a lot of people seem to be overvaluing the vintage synths nowadays as I can see an ad asking for almost double of that and it's not in the best shape... same with the other vintage models that I keep looking around for
Most sellers are on mushrooms these days. ;-)
Sorry Mr.Espen, one ignorant question for you:
is possible to programmer tones of TX7 from TX802 or, is necessary the DX7 first series keyboard?
Thanks, best regards.
You can't do that. To program the TX7 you need a DX7 or a computer editor.
@@EspenKraft also DX7||FD or DX7s or only the first model 12 bit mono?
All the 1986/1987 DX7 models has 16 bit converters. The DX7II is stereo, the DX7s is mono.
@@EspenKraft yes, but i want understand if is possible programmer tones in one 1984 TX7 12 bit module, with only DX7 first series (mono, 12 bit) or whith every DX7 model of various years?
thanks
You can program the TX7 from any DX7.
Where we can get sysex of this grat patch?
Nowhere. I didn't even save the patch. ;-)
Amazonas Manaus Brazil
Does anyone know the difference between the DX7S and the DX7II?
The DX7s is mono, like the original. Smaller display. No layering of patches like the DX7II. So it's more basic in performance features, but still patch compatible with the DX7II and backwards too.
@@EspenKraft Thank you Espen! That clears things up enjoyed the video as well. I only asked because I just ordered a DX7S and am fearing I might regret it because the DX7II seems to have that nice layering feature but honestly I think I’m gonna stick with the DX7S some limitation can do wonders for creativity.
They're both great and you could always get the TX802 later which is the module version of the DX7II, and use the S as the keyboard.
@@EspenKraft thanks Espen good point
An DX7S-Editor: th-cam.com/video/Q_OGLjDLPiU/w-d-xo.html
Hadde det mye morro med dx7 på 80 tallet
Det får jeg da håpe. ;-)
"The DX7s is still a mono output synth" -I don't know, my sounds pretty stereo from the headphone output
All my videos have sound that has been mixed. I'm using stereo chorus on the sounds.
@@EspenKraft Yes, I can see that, I was refering to the keyboard headphone output. That one is stereo by itself.
It's not. The DX7s is mono, just like the DX7. The DX7II is stereo.
@@EspenKraft Hm, it did have stereo effect over the headphone and I also used the headphone output instead of the rear connected to sound effect and it did appeared very stereo, or maybe the sound module does it. I know the rear output is mono.
The DX7s is mono out, but of course you'll have sound in both ears if connecting headphones to the headphone output. It will still be mono though as you have no pan controls over left right internally in the DX7s.
The DX7s does not have a module counterpart. The TX7 was a module of the DX7mk1. The DX7II had a module named TX802. Both of these are true stereo synths.
Payed adds 😭 and it's normal in 2022
"the last DX7 model to be released from Yamaha" - I think it was DX7 -> DX7s -> DX7 II
No.
No, the first 6OP FM synthesizers were DX7, TX7 and TX816
and the second 6OP FM synthesizers were DX7s, DX7IID, DX7IIFD and TX802.
Understand nothing....