ORIGIN OF THE DX7 & FM SYNTHESIS

In this special episode of Synth Quest, I present the origin and history of FM Synthesis and the Yamaha DX7.

Unfortunately, Episode 2 was never finished. It was planned as a general demonstration of the DX7 in the style of my normal Synth Quest format and wasn't intended to be another exhaustive documentary. I had planned to research the development of the DX7II as well but that would require significant input from Yamaha, which I haven't been able to secure.

Special thanks to Dr. John Chowning and Mr. Hiro Kato for setting my course to research this story. I consider the research in this video as the tip of the iceberg. If anyone has additional photos, information, or prototype examples, please let me know so I can update this video.

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TIME JUMP
0:00 Synth Quest Intro
0:35 Episode Intro
0:55 Chapter 1 - Computer Music | Max Mathews & Music I
1:42 Chapter 2 - Electroacoustic | John Chowning
4:09 Chapter 3 - FM Discovery
6:07 Chapter 4 - FM License | Stanford & Yamaha
9:46 Chapter 5 - Sound Technology | Yamaha Electones and Synthesizers
12:44 Chapter 6 - FM Development | MAD System
14:28 Chapter 7 - FM Development | TRX & #1600 (GS series & CE series)
17:25 Chapter 8 - FM Development | PAMS & DSX (DX Series)
21:34 Outro | Credits and Thanks

[videomuzak]

This is by far the most professional, detailed and informative history on FM on YouTube (and elsewhere), very well done. Here's to hoping there will be a pt 2 one day.

[loopop]

Excellent video - thanks for taking the time to make this!

[NelsonClick]

Wow! I had no idea the development was this organic. Step by step. Many venturing into a complete unknown; leap of faith that something could come of this. Cheers to Yamaha for taking a gamble. They deserve their success and accolades. Speculative visionaries that added something new and wondrous to the world. It's what we all wish we could do.

[stevehofer]

I like that this video brings up the fact that digital synthesis has its roots about as early as analog synthesizers. It's just that the affordability curves just reached an inflection point with the Yamaha DX-7.

[ABEHR]

Wow! I appreciate the research that went into this. You’ve created a great resource for FM fans.

[ZTAudio]

Beautiful work. As an aside, I would note that Gary Luenberger’s contribution is often underestimated. He acted as far more than simply a programmer. He understood the practical/musical aspects of FM synthesis probably more than any living human being. His NAMM show demonstration’s are legendary among those of us who first adopted FM technology.

The upstairs “synth cave” at his San Francisco piano store often played host to many of the prototypes shown in this video, as well as many Yamaha analog instrument prototypes, which never saw the light of day in actual manufacture.
I am personally grateful to Gary for the time he took teaching me FM synthesis.

[brandonamison]

As a multiple Synclavier owner for decades and supporting users worldwide, this is a fantastic video! I have had so many people ask me to do a video and you took care of it for me. I’ll be sure to share your link with our groups.

[fritsvanzanten]

21:30 Part 2 seem hard to find. Maybe a link in the description would be handy. Great video. I especially like how it show how many people and aspects are involved (where you generally read about one or two key figures and a company, suggesting the intoxicating idea only one or two people need a great idea to create great inventions).

[kanderson.]

Phenomenal work. I've always wanted to learn about the history leading up to the DX7 (as it is my most beloved instrument) and you satisfied that desire perfectly. Excited for Part II :)

[lundsweden]

FM synthesis is still a great resource 60 years from its beginning as an academic curiousity and some 40 years on from its commecialisation.

[bolttracks]

On top of that the success their sound generator chips found in the PC market with all the sound cards that used Yamaha’s tech… this journey influenced so much about how we perceive and create music

[Black_Agent_Seattle]

Very interesting history. Looking fwd to part 2.

[longde]

Wow, I thought I knew everything about FM history but you made an even deeper research!! Amazing!! Btw, John McCarthy is one of the most important genius of all time in computing history. Interesting to see he was so related to FM.

[plgDavid]

A a FM chip researcher (and amateur YTer) this is the thing you need to watch on FM synth history!

[rootstudio]

Great documentary. Glad to have contributed a bit to it with the Synclavier photos. Looking forward to watching the next video. I met John Chowing when he was giving his famous lecture at Berkeley. I showed up way early to make sure I got a seat only to find his presentation happened in a tiny classroom with perhaps 15 students - incredible. Then Don Buchla stopped by to ask something and left. What a great time to be there :-)

[FailedMuso]

Fantastic work, Ra! I am both hugely impressed and deeply envious of what you achieved here. I am very much looking forward to further chapters and expansions to this fascinating tale, particularly the deleted parts you mentioned. Maybe a "director's cut for Patreon members? ;-)

Well done, sir. you should be very proud!

[gullyfoyle]

Amazing video!!! very professional, rigorous and detailed, probably the best work ever on the net about FM synthesis and the origins of the famous DX7.
Thanks a lot from a DX7II and TX81Z owner. :)
Kudos.

[KRAFTWERKK]

BIG THANKS to Mister Chowning for having provided you with so much precious material for your FM Synthesis Mini Documentary. I love and admire FM Synthesis because no other Sound Synthesis Technology sounds exactly like that. It is truly unique and has sound capabilities that we barely even scratched the surface of.

[StevenSclafani]

You've done it again MadFame. Outstanding episode. Looking forward to the next installment.

[Chris-yovh]

The Yamaha CE25 was my first (fm)synth. I used to gigging a lot with it.