The DX21 is a very complicated little keyboard. It takes many hours to figure out how to program it and play it well. But once you get there, it sounds incredible. Underrated.
Oh you can, it's just the DX21 has chorus and layering which they really need IMHO. Also this guy has done a good job programming against the tide of umpteen insipid electric piano presets
This was my first serious synth. I was teenager at the time and I spent hours on digging into its architecture to create all sounds from famous hits from top-charts in the eighties. It was indeed cheaper version of the famous DX7, but offered huge versatility in sound editing. I remember coming close even to some analogue sounds from synth kings of the time such as Jupiter or Juno, Polysix or JX3P. This clip reminds me again of how good this synth was, despite its lack of touch sensitive keyboard. But with appliance of MIDI its sound generator could enable key velocity when connected to another sensitive keyboard. I replaced it later with Kawai K4, completely different sounding synth, much more advanced in total musical output.
These are so cheap on the second hand market. I bought one recently for £80 and replace the LCD with backlit Oled screen, easy. This is such a great video.
Holy smokes.... sublime tones! I bought mine off Craigs for $50, mint with original paper manual books. I had a DX100 many years ago and I'm so happy to have a similar piece again.
I had the 100 for nearly 20 years, my second synth after a Korg Polysix. Picked up a DX-21 a few years ago and have only recently replaced the internal memory battery, such a wonderful synth! Long live the DX!
Just restored a YS200 to all his glory! Got a second one in even worse shape, but will clean it up and replace all the switches, display and the volume poti. Have one black key to repair since there are no more replacements to get. Now I will have to load that YS editor and tru out all these thousands of sounds people created over the last 35 years. :D
Amazing sounds! Is that first patch using the layered mode or is it a single patch? Was wondering if it would be possible to get a similar sound on the dx100?
@@formthewave would you ever consider uploading a tutorial about some of these patches? I'd love to see your thought processes when building in this architecture
Amazing. How many operators does it have? I have the DX100 which has 4 operators and hoping I can get similar sounds from it. What do you think? Thanks
It has same amount of operators and algorithms as DX100 so you should be able to reproduce all sounds from dx21. The difference between those two is that DX21 has built-in chorus and Dual Mode which allows you to layer two presets.
@@formthewave Nice one thanks for the reply. Did you make this patch yourself? I've got the max for live editor for Ableton so trying my best to make nice pads but can't quite get them as lush as yours. Any pointers for writing a patch? THanks
@@harveyjones4002 Some of these patches are made by myself for example first one, but some are factory presets. To make it more lush I recommend you using built in plugin in Ableton called Echo. I really like its sound and the best thing is you can add modulation to delayed sound inside this plugin which makes it more lush.
Hello. As an aspiring composer, I am very interested in analog vintage and FM synthesizers. And even now there is a noticeable trend, in modern songs, for nostalgia for sounds from the 80s. I was looking for DX7 in my country, I did not find it. But there is a dx21 on sale (for $250). Since you have dealt with it, you can tell what are the differences (especially in sound) from the legendary Dx7. According to comparisons on RUclips, it is difficult to notice the differences, I take into account how RUclips compresses the sound quality. (Google Translate)
I am not the OP but i have owned/used both synths and a lot of other FM synths from the era The DX21 was designed to be an affordable alternative to the DX7 It uses a cut back 4operator version of FM synthesis, vs the 6 operator version the DX7 uses and cheaper D/A converters on the output. This leads to less flexible synthesis options on the DX21, and a slightly thinner more brittle and more prone to ailiasing and artifacts tone than the DX7 The DX21 also has a cheaper keyboard that lacks velocity and aftertouch which is a shame, because many of DXstyle FM's strengths show up best in the nuanced response to velocity etc when the synth is played I would wait for a DX7, and in the meantime I would check out the free VST Dexed, which is a near exact copy of a DX7 that can be used as an editor and librarian for the synth and has a much easier programming interface than the original DX7 front panel Also try looking for a SY77 or 99. They are Yamaha's flagship workstation synths from the very early 90s , which use a vastly expanded version of the DX7 style FM engine mixed with sampled waveforms, and runs them through a decent effects processor. They sound superb. They also have a top notch sequencer and drum machine built in as well as a top of the line keyboard. They are in essence an entire 80s studio in a keyboard, and go for less than 500$ usually
Hi, my friend. Nice sounds. I need your help, because my Yamaha DX-21 lost your sounds when I chenged CR2016 3V lithium Battery. How I can get sounds again? Can be another keyboard sounds?
The DX21 has a nice chorus & layering feature, whereas the DX27/DX100 don't. But otherwise as far as the 4-op 8 Algorithm, 8 note polyphonic engine goes, they are the same. The video here is made all the more impressive with some nice use of reverb etc. Dry, the DX series - including the DX7 - are fairly bland.... but once you put some effects onto any of them, they really do stand out, as demonstrated well here. This is Synthesis at work; no 'ROMpling' here :-)
@@solomonking3385 Basically same synth. Da DX21 has a few xtra capabilitiez. #1. U can split da keyboard or mix 2 soundz #2.There iz a built n Chorus effect. Da DX27/DX100, have da ability 2 pitchbend da highest, or lowest note n a chord, n case ur n2 imitating guitar lickz. Otha than those differencez, same 4 operator, 8 algorithm configurationz, FM digital synth ngine. NO PROB!
@@formthewave I'm definitely going to have to get some Valhalla plug-ins. I've heard their shimmer plugin as well but I've never used any. Sounds amazing!
No tiene sensitividad / no velocity / pocos saben que tiene un modulador vocal que responde a la presión del aire y esto agrega expresividad al sonido.
El teclado no responde a velocity pero si lo controllas via midi con un teclado que tenga sensibilidad y aparte hay que programar parámetros del DX21 para que responda. Ambos portador y modulador pueden ser programados independientemente para responder a volumen y brillantez. Todo esta descrito en el manual pdf.
The DX21 is bitimbral, and will split or layer, unlike the original DX7 “mark I”. That’s where its pluses end. No velocity, so it doesn’t respond to how hard/fast you press the keys. Also, no aftertouch. Only 8 note polyphony, vs 16 notes on the DX7. Using the layer feature takes that down to 4 notes. The 4 vs 6 operator difference means less ability to put “transients” or “filter sweep” (emulation) type of accents in your patches. Edit: no velocity sensitivity on the keys. It can respond to velocity from MIDI input. Also, you can simulate aftertouch with a breath controller.
Oh, you liked my comment? I thank you, but my comment did not really support your point of view. I never took the DX21 for serious, because there were way better sounding intruments on the market back then, for the same price, and today - if I had the choice - there are still some other FM-related instruments available that have more juice under the hood - and fuller basic sound, still in the same price-range. But well, as a reference for history and enthusiasts, it seems you have a nice piece of hardware in good condition in your hands.
@@biggrime I can´t tell you, you have to think what you want and decide. 200 is not bad, but... one thought: For around 300,- you get a new DX Reface, wich is the DX7 in mini. Seems to sound really good AND has FX included. And it´s new, means you have warranty. Maybe you already can get one of those used for less.
@@KaffiFlight yea i see your point. Honestly I dont need it. I have a Korg kronos with the Mod-7 engine but its hard passing deals up with it s deal lol thanks for the quick reply
KaffiFlight The Reface DX is not a mini DX7. It is only 4 Operator so is more like a mini DX21 or DX11, both of which have some FX built in plus full size keyboards.
The DX21 is a very complicated little keyboard. It takes many hours to figure out how to program it and play it well. But once you get there, it sounds incredible. Underrated.
I don't know if I have whole entire hours! lol.
@@iwanttocomplain It's not THAT hard. These days theres also pc software that makes editing a whole lot easier.
@@Old_Man_Jay he did say "to play well" and I seem to have missed that bit. But it looks easy enough.
@@Old_Man_Jay I've seen demos of the dx21 that cover a gamut.
A great demonstration as to why people should never dismiss 4-Op FM synthesizers! Brilliant little demo :-)
What about 2-op FM synths like the Yamaha PSS-270?
@@willfomes406 They are excellent too.
good thing the Reface DX exists then :P
@@willfomes406 😂
Oh you can, it's just the DX21 has chorus and layering which they really need IMHO. Also this guy has done a good job programming against the tide of umpteen insipid electric piano presets
This was my first serious synth. I was teenager at the time and I spent hours on digging into its architecture to create all sounds from famous hits from top-charts in the eighties. It was indeed cheaper version of the famous DX7, but offered huge versatility in sound editing. I remember coming close even to some analogue sounds from synth kings of the time such as Jupiter or Juno, Polysix or JX3P. This clip reminds me again of how good this synth was, despite its lack of touch sensitive keyboard. But with appliance of MIDI its sound generator could enable key velocity when connected to another sensitive keyboard. I replaced it later with Kawai K4, completely different sounding synth, much more advanced in total musical output.
I’ve never heard a 4-op DX sound sooooo good. Excellent demo, working to its strengths. Best 5 minutes I’ve spent on RUclips in years.
I wonder which filters he used.
4 operators is all it takes. It has all the sonic beauty of the 6-OP DX7
Beautiful. You make the 21 sound brilliant. I'd always dismissed the 21 as being only worthwhile for bass - I was wrong. Fab sounds, fab demo !
Awesome music, awesome sounds! Can't wait mine to arrive!❤🎉
I love the dx21. It’s a very capable fm synthesizer, and the A/B blend makes this thing a beast. Great patches my friend!
These are so cheap on the second hand market. I bought one recently for £80 and replace the LCD with backlit Oled screen, easy.
This is such a great video.
Holy smokes.... sublime tones! I bought mine off Craigs for $50, mint with original paper manual books. I had a DX100 many years ago and I'm so happy to have a similar piece again.
I had the 100 for nearly 20 years, my second synth after a Korg Polysix. Picked up a DX-21 a few years ago and have only recently replaced the internal memory battery, such a wonderful synth! Long live the DX!
The Yamaha DX21 patch "Pianobells" was heard in some 1987 The Rockets song.
Wow, amazing work with this video! I just got one of these synths as a birthday present; can't wait to dive in and see what it's capable of!
Still got mine in the garage. I'm inspired now to get it out after god knows how long, brush the spiders off and plug it in...
Great demo, sounds GREAT👍
Verry good!! Amazing sounds 🎹🎹🍻🍺👍👍
Just restored a YS200 to all his glory! Got a second one in even worse shape, but will clean it up and replace all the switches, display and the volume poti. Have one black key to repair since there are no more replacements to get. Now I will have to load that YS editor and tru out all these thousands of sounds people created over the last 35 years. :D
Most owners who do decent patches ignore others pleas for sharing. They are guardians the secrets of the universe. 😢
haha yep. 😂 All the good videos on RUclips, do not offer their patches. 😢
My Dx21 does not sound like that!! Mine sounds awful! Your patches are fantastic. 👍🏼
the sound is still relevant
Great patches and playing!
666th like. Perfection for a perfect sounding synthesizer.
You really make those 4 operators SING!
Excellent demo!
wow. inspirong sounds. thanks
Lovely tones!
Had mine for 10 years cost £8 with a jack and stand. Amazing little thing! Great demo
Sounds aweso
01:08 is wonderful
sounds like some KID A at the end. ❤
Gorgeous demo, thank you. I recently snagged a TX81z, and this is inspiring me to dive in :) Cheese 😁
Pretty sweet
Wow, alright, I will be going straight to the Amazon app to order that battery then.
love that patch at 2:25. Did you make that?
Rad are these sounds all the original internal presets? Including the reverb? I’m considering buying one of these used.
4:20 fantastic
BOC theme !
@@ModularOpenClub Radiohead/Pyramid song? :)
Amazing sounds! Is that first patch using the layered mode or is it a single patch? Was wondering if it would be possible to get a similar sound on the dx100?
Thanks! All patches are in single mode.
@@formthewave would you ever consider uploading a tutorial about some of these patches? I'd love to see your thought processes when building in this architecture
@@nathanielweise9932 Not bad idea. What patches would you like to see?
@@formthewave the brasses !
@@formthewave if you ever get around to that tutorial, definitely the first patch :)
I just got my DX21 yesterday. Would you agree to sell or share your patches ? Please !!!! It would be nice 🙏
Obviously the answer was no.
Amazing. How many operators does it have? I have the DX100 which has 4 operators and hoping I can get similar sounds from it. What do you think?
Thanks
4 Operators / 8 Algorithms
It has same amount of operators and algorithms as DX100 so you should be able to reproduce all sounds from dx21. The difference between those two is that DX21 has built-in chorus and Dual Mode which allows you to layer two presets.
@@formthewave Nice one thanks for the reply. Did you make this patch yourself? I've got the max for live editor for Ableton so trying my best to make nice pads but can't quite get them as lush as yours. Any pointers for writing a patch?
THanks
@@harveyjones4002 Some of these patches are made by myself for example first one, but some are factory presets. To make it more lush I recommend you using built in plugin in Ableton called Echo. I really like its sound and the best thing is you can add modulation to delayed sound inside this plugin which makes it more lush.
Nice for new age muzik
what is the effects processor? this is not dry.
Hi, lovely patches, are they up for purchase ?
Any advise on how to get the patch at 01:43 ?
Hello. As an aspiring composer, I am very interested in analog vintage and FM synthesizers. And even now there is a noticeable trend, in modern songs, for nostalgia for sounds from the 80s. I was looking for DX7 in my country, I did not find it. But there is a dx21 on sale (for $250). Since you have dealt with it, you can tell what are the differences (especially in sound) from the legendary Dx7. According to comparisons on RUclips, it is difficult to notice the differences, I take into account how RUclips compresses the sound quality. (Google Translate)
I am not the OP but i have owned/used both synths and a lot of other FM synths from the era
The DX21 was designed to be an affordable alternative to the DX7
It uses a cut back 4operator version of FM synthesis, vs the 6 operator version the DX7 uses and cheaper D/A converters on the output.
This leads to less flexible synthesis options on the DX21, and a slightly thinner more brittle and more prone to ailiasing and artifacts tone than the DX7
The DX21 also has a cheaper keyboard that lacks velocity and aftertouch which is a shame, because many of DXstyle FM's strengths show up best in the nuanced response to velocity etc when the synth is played
I would wait for a DX7, and in the meantime I would check out the free VST Dexed, which is a near exact copy of a DX7 that can be used as an editor and librarian for the synth and has a much easier programming interface than the original DX7 front panel
Also try looking for a SY77 or 99. They are Yamaha's flagship workstation synths from the very early 90s , which use a vastly expanded version of the DX7 style FM engine mixed with sampled waveforms, and runs them through a decent effects processor. They sound superb. They also have a top notch sequencer and drum machine built in as well as a top of the line keyboard. They are in essence an entire 80s studio in a keyboard, and go for less than 500$ usually
@@craigsurette3438 Many thanks for this information
🤠✌🏻CLÁSSICO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!🤠✌🏻
Does it receive velocity changes? I know it doesn't transmit
Are these presets or custom patches? I have an option to buy a DX21 and just doing some research.
Hope you bought it, it's a fantastic synth to play and program.
Hi, these are mostly presets but some of them are my custom patches.
@@formthewave Could u share them ?
@Form the Wave sound so good !!Could u share for me thanks
Is there reverb on here or is this stock? sounds wonderful
Reverb
That sounds like good drugs. I seen one with speakers, the S model for 125 bucks
Hi, my friend. Nice sounds.
I need your help, because my Yamaha DX-21 lost your sounds when I
chenged CR2016 3V lithium Battery. How I can get sounds again? Can be
another keyboard sounds?
This happened to me and I don’t remember exactly how I did it, but it should be in the manual. If I remember I will let you know, but it can be done
Would you be interested in selling these patches?
very good
Is there a difference with the dx27 ? Where did you get your patches ?
The DX21 has a nice chorus & layering feature, whereas the DX27/DX100 don't. But otherwise as far as the 4-op 8 Algorithm, 8 note polyphonic engine goes, they are the same. The video here is made all the more impressive with some nice use of reverb etc. Dry, the DX series - including the DX7 - are fairly bland.... but once you put some effects onto any of them, they really do stand out, as demonstrated well here. This is Synthesis at work; no 'ROMpling' here :-)
@@iixorb thanks so much for you very detailed reply
Do you have these patches available for sale?
Hi, how diffrent is it from dx27? Also, does the pc editor exist for these? Can you shere these sysexes?
woah are this custom patches or prestes? they sound great
Some of them are mine, other are factory presets.
@@formthewave would you sell o share it? Your audience would be for ever grateful
what's the noise to signal ratio on your dx21?
What reverb are you using?
Hi, mainly Valhalla Vintage Verb, on some patches also Ableton's Echo :)
Damn why did a get a Yamaha psr 36 instead of this??
psr-36 gang
Itz not 2 late, Fritz.
I got a DX-21 off of E-Bay, even tho I still had my 1st keyboard..... a DX-27
i love all patches！！！how to buy it!!thanks
I love the sounds! Can they be reproduced on DX7?
Sure, they can. You can get even better sounds from DX7.
Those sounds are very nice compared to the factory ones in the original DX7! But programming those synths are not easy!
Can i have this from DX27?
@@solomonking3385
Basically same synth. Da DX21 has a few xtra capabilitiez.
#1. U can split da keyboard or mix 2 soundz
#2.There iz a built n Chorus effect.
Da DX27/DX100, have da ability 2 pitchbend da highest, or lowest note n a chord, n case ur n2 imitating guitar lickz.
Otha than those differencez, same 4 operator, 8 algorithm configurationz, FM digital synth ngine.
NO PROB!
But the DX21 has better feedback than the DX7
Where I can find the first patch? Or parameters for it...is great :)
Amazing...Can you tell me how? lol
Can you add info about your outboard effects in the description?
Just stock echo from Ableton and Valhalla VintageVerb.
can this dx21 be used as a midi controller for pc
Are the patches available?
Are you willing to sell your patches?
What are fx you’re using?
Stock Echo from Ableton and Valhalla VintageVerb
Any effects on this?
There is Valhalla VintageVerb and on first two patches Echo from Ableton.
@@formthewave I'm definitely going to have to get some Valhalla plug-ins. I've heard their shimmer plugin as well but I've never used any. Sounds amazing!
Alguien sabe si ese teclado tiene sensibilidad en las teclas ?
No tiene sensitividad / no velocity / pocos saben que tiene un modulador vocal que responde a la presión del aire y esto agrega expresividad al sonido.
El teclado no responde a velocity pero si lo controllas via midi con un teclado que tenga sensibilidad y aparte hay que programar parámetros del DX21 para que responda. Ambos portador y modulador pueden ser programados independientemente para responder a volumen y brillantez. Todo esta descrito en el manual pdf.
What is the difference between a DX21 and a DX7?
Dx21 has just 4 operators Dx7 has 8.
@@formthewave DX7 has 6 operators :) (and a much nicer keybed)
This is fantastic in dual mode, also has split mode and a great Juno-esque Chorus.
The DX21 is bitimbral, and will split or layer, unlike the original DX7 “mark I”. That’s where its pluses end.
No velocity, so it doesn’t respond to how hard/fast you press the keys. Also, no aftertouch.
Only 8 note polyphony, vs 16 notes on the DX7. Using the layer feature takes that down to 4 notes.
The 4 vs 6 operator difference means less ability to put “transients” or “filter sweep” (emulation) type of accents in your patches.
Edit: no velocity sensitivity on the keys. It can respond to velocity from MIDI input. Also, you can simulate aftertouch with a breath controller.
and DX7 without analog Chorus ;)
omg
With tons of FX every crap can sound nice.
Oh, you liked my comment? I thank you, but my comment did not really support your point of view. I never took the DX21 for serious, because there were way better sounding intruments on the market back then, for the same price, and today - if I had the choice - there are still some other FM-related instruments available that have more juice under the hood - and fuller basic sound, still in the same price-range. But well, as a reference for history and enthusiasts, it seems you have a nice piece of hardware in good condition in your hands.
I can get one for $200 with a compressor rack unit. Really considered get it. Even at $200 still think its not worth it?
@@biggrime I can´t tell you, you have to think what you want and decide. 200 is not bad, but... one thought: For around 300,- you get a new DX Reface, wich is the DX7 in mini. Seems to sound really good AND has FX included. And it´s new, means you have warranty. Maybe you already can get one of those used for less.
@@KaffiFlight yea i see your point. Honestly I dont need it. I have a Korg kronos with the Mod-7 engine but its hard passing deals up with it s deal lol thanks for the quick reply
KaffiFlight The Reface DX is not a mini DX7. It is only 4 Operator so is more like a mini DX21 or DX11, both of which have some FX built in plus full size keyboards.
Sintetizador de verdade é o DX 7 Este pra mim é lixo.