The Yamaha DX7: Death of The Analog Synthesizer | Featuring the Yamaha Reface DX and MODX7

After its release in the early '80's, the Yamaha DX7 became the pinnacle of the synth world; making a great shift from subtractive synthesis to additive synthesis or "FM synthesis." These two forms of synthesizing sounds are true to their names-- in subtractive synthesis, a complicated wave form is sculpted down into a desirable sound using oscillators; while additive synthesis enhances a simple waveform through the use of oscillators. At the time, the DX7 contained some of the most realistic synthesized sounds of acoustic instruments, which contributed to its massive commercial success-- it also pushed many analog synth manufacturers into the digital age, or put them out of business altogether. In this video take a look and listen to the DX7, and also compare the classic to some modern takes on FM synthesis, the Yamaha Reface DX and MODX7.

Demo sounds start at 11:10

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[unclemick-synths]

It wasn't the DX7 that did it, it was the obsession with "realism" that infected many of us back then. Thankfully a new generation came along to show us what we'd been overlooking and analogue is bigger than ever.

[deantiquisetnovis]

I love my DX 7! Built like a tank and wonderful sounding 👍

[sudachi]

Incredible MODX 8 op FM sounds. I am waiting for DX7 mk-III.

[CRITTERBUSTERS]

The DX7 didn’t kill analog synthesisers, people wanted something new and different. Analog sounds have been back in vogue for at least 15-20 years now, FM has only recently made a comeback in the last 5-10 years. The reface is not the best FM option IMO, you’re better off with either a MODX or the DX7II (which is easier to program than the Model 1 DX7).

[toomuchtoofast]

Just got my 1983 DX7! So pumped 🍺😎 good vids Zach!

[Chris-yovh]

I thought it also worth it to mention that dx7ii/dx7ii fd has a “stereo field” output vs the first dx7 series that has only a mono output.

[Kobymaru]

Dr. John Chowning is who you're thinking of :)

[MrBruceHerrera]

Just today I received my Yamaha Reface DX. Perfect timing!

[jarrid]

Learning a lot from this channel thanks!

[johnchongsing]

Thank you for a very clear exposition of the subject

[mathmanmrt]

in 1987 the film department at the university i went to purchased a dxz and fairlight cmi for use on film scores, incidental music, and sound effects for their students and faculty projects. i ended up helping a friend of mine with the dx7 because he knew when i had been a music major i had worked with the music department's roland 100 series modular system so he thought i could use any synth. neither of us realized at first what fm synthesis was all about. he made me a copy of the dx7 user manual and i found copy of massey's *the complete dx7* and worked my way through both. i finally got pretty good at programming it. good enough that the film department chair was looking into putting me on salary for programming it for the university. unfortunately, a collapse in the oil market resulted in hiring freezes and budget cuts.

i never thought much about it until a few years ago when i discovered the dexed vst. it was so much easier to program than the dx7. that interface was such a hassle on the original. earlier this year i got the arturia v collection and their emulation of the dx7 is wonderful. the interface is even better than dexed and you get so many interesting waveforms to experiment with, and then a choice of two envelope types aside from those weird and fiddly yamaha envelopes.

oh, and the university's fairlight . . . i bever got a chance to do anything with it. every time i was in their sound studio that thing had crashed and they were waiting for a technician to fix it. so it goes.

[PimpinBassie]

In the crazy years after the introduction of DX7 and M1 you could get Jupiter 8's for a couple of C-notes.

[wernervannuffel]

John Chowning was the inventor of FM sound synthesis and transformed into an initial FM-music instrument by Yamaha (dx-series).

[cubistone]

DX7 was a go to synth in Miami Vice the tv series soundtrack.

[AlfonsoMontellanoBlanco-qdlq]

Front-242 used the DX7 and SY77 now I now thanks to your video !
NIN and Skinny Puppy used DX7 (side project Download used the SY77).
Nice sound of MODX. But I m looking for the MONTAGE guys.
Nice shirt too, boy X.

[AlfonsoMontellanoBlanco-qdlq]

Did you forget The timeless non classics SY-77, TQ-5, SY-22 and SY-35..
They offer FM synthesis blended with AWM2 (or samples if you like).
His name is John, John Chowning. And once I asked the question of what makes the SY-22 special and he replied: It has samples.
FM synthesis is based in sine waves.Simply but pure sounds.
The mexican sample guy Victor Valdes 3V claims that when he looks for relaxation takes his DX7 and make sounds, and he gets it .But is for that reason and No others.
Casio offered FM too in CZ series synths. Even Synclavier.
😄

[michelvondenhoff]

FM is a modulator and carrier similar to on how a vocoder works.

[SamLeeSL]

D50 just didn't match the hit of DX7 and was soon surpassed by Korg M1's GOAT 250, 000 unit sales
Funny nowadays Yamaha doesn't have a FM-dedicated synth, while Korg came up with OPSIX synth with improved 6-op FM

[dvamateur]

Well, when I have a Prophet-10 and Fantom 8 side by side at the music store, I find it unbelievable that anyone with any sanity would go for the Prophet. The difference in sound, features, keyboard feel, build quality, etc. The difference is staggering!!! Price? Basically the same.

[FakeGlasses]

"You Maniacs! You blew it up! Ah, damn you! God damn you all to hell!"