You always bring out the musicality of instruments you review Nick. This thing sounds great. Editing potential is the most exciting after spending head scratching hours in the 80s trying to make something usable on the original DXs.
Great improvements. While we're at it.. wouldn't have to be that much bigger to have full size keys. Would like to see them release these as modules too. the interface/controls and sounds on the refaces are amazing.
Really appreciate the separate review. I liked the the initial video as well, I mean Bert is an entertaining presenter for sure, but here I feel I'm getting the objective look that is much more valuable to me as a potential buyer. Thanks!
Picked one of these up for £160 second hand - one of the best bargains I've ever had - gorgeous little machine and pretty easy to programme once you've spent a bit of time with it.
Just bought one. This is honestly an amazing synth for the price point. I honestly don’t get why people are so pissed off about it. It’s super convenient and lightweight. Definitely not my desert island synth or anything but then, again if you play synth you should definitely own a full-size keyboard if that’s an issue with it.
Dima Parachute Haha, fair point. Regardless, I honestly really like FM, and hear it in a lot of my favorite electronic music. It has the ability to be really punchy in the low end and retain a high-end crispness I appreciate.
Just wow. This is the best modern digital emulation I've heard - absolutely beautiful and creamy and dramatic - particularly the expressive parts toward the end. For this price, I'm speechless.
your videos are a public service - there is so little in the way of thorough technical reviews or demos of music gear. the failure to connect with audience is so endemic in this industry that it's amazing most of these companies can sell anything at all. Thank you for all the great videos!
I haven't read through the manual or anything, but on all the original DX synths, it's possible to copy the EG params from one operator to another simply by pressing the write button while editing an EG. Although it doesn't seem like much, this new synth does do quite a few things that none of the originals could do: -Each operator now has feedback. This was never possible before, where sometimes only 1-2 had it available, determined by the algorithm. -Each op has it's own LFO depth amount for pitch. This was also never possible, and it was a global amount for all ops. -The pitch env, much the same, can be different amounts per op. -Lastly, MIDI CC is a huge thing for an FM synth. Sysex on the old ones was clunky, and would choke up with the BCR. We can only hope this is the baby step for a much more fully integrated flagship FM synth in the future. Cheers, Karl
This review lead to a DX sitting on my desk. Agreed about the presets, but they make it easy to dive into creating your own, or save Soundmondo voices over them. Cheers.
The only reason to buy a vintage synth is if it is purely analog. Why wouldn't you buy this instead of the original? It's digital like the original and is way more user friendly. Also it doesn't smell like mold and it doesn't weigh a ton. If you can't write music with 4 operators, you're making excuses for why you can't make music.
Fuck this. I'd buy the Arturia. Much more modulation and real time manipulation and plenty of people argue that 6-op makes all the difference. That's why the dx-100 isn't highly sought after - its 4-op
@@annother3350 it was often used by detroit and dub techno artists like Juan Atkins (listen to his song "Urban tropics") and has become a staple. It was also used by Roger troutman for his talkbox sounds, runs on batteries and can be used as a keytar.
very nice and fair review! I highly appreciate that Yamaha brings out an FM synth in 2015. Seems to sound very good, the integrated FX are certainly a blessing. But I'm left wondering why they didn't bring FM to the 21st century with more storeable patches, real midi connections, much more hardware controls, more than 4 operators (the FS1R had 8), more than 8 voices. There would be so many ways to make this an attractive blockbuster. Like this in the Reface series it's maybe a nice little retro gadget (for FM-novices), but IMO for that price it makes more sense to me to get a TX802 and SY99 together leaving you way more options and gives you access to the many classic patches that Nick talked about. The minikeyboard, that many criticized is not a major issue for me, though.
Indeed, for a small piece of gear such as the Reface, it's tricky to integrate an interface for editing 8 ops comfortably. As for the modules, I own the TX802 and the TX81z, and without a software editor, programming is not much fun. My comment was meant more general on what Yamaha could have done with a new FM synthesizer that builds upon FM state of the art and adds some new developments. Of course, the Reface cannot do that, and was apparently not aimed for this either.
in my opinion they have limited the reface dx mainly for marketing purposes... probably they have a plan to release an advanced FM synth in the future with all the good qualities of the reface dx integrated with all the missing features (8 operators, dx7 retro compatibility, unlimited patches, regular keyboard etc.) Obviously it will cost more, probably much more...
surprisingly fun synth to work with. The FM is a refreshing change from subtractive synthesis. The looper is very easy to use, even with its limitations. Just sounds really nice, not a toy!
Very good demo and review, I love this channel. Not a machine I could enjoy because of the menu diving, but you got some great sounds out of it nonetheless. A patient enthusiast could weave magic on this thing.
I used to have a DX27, loved it. But I realised the NI FM8 had all the presets so I sold it. Shame this won't do older presets. Beautiful piece on the loop by the way.
+Stephanie McKeon you shoultve kept at least one of them. none of the fm soft synths have that solid punchy attack like the classic yamahas do. You can get real tight hits at any frequency to layer with audio drum samples. Cuts through any mix so well.
There is nothing cheesy about sounds that DX was the only one that made those unique and legendary sounds....Those ballads of the 80's are nearly impossible to find even as VST over the years never would you find those DX sounds and if you find any they were very poor and few....... So I dont know what is cheesy.... Like tell me Rolls Royce is cheesy because many rich people have it.... What is pretty is pretty..... Even if its over used...
Could you go into a little detail about the connection of the DX with the BCR? Was that particular connection with the controls established by default, or did you have to do settings on the BCR editor? Thanks.
After years the reface dx is still one of my favorite synths for warm soothing sounds. Yamaha nailed it. So sad it went with crap touch controls instead of dials.
Have you seen the Dutch programmer from dtronics? 41 knobs to unlock the beauty of FM, and I am ecstatic to see hear smell touch taste one. There is a version 1&2. Makes the DX a little dreamboat/flagship of a synthesizer
WHAT is so F-ing difficult about making a keyboard with a standard MIDI I/O/THRU ? Such a basic feature to be missing from so much of the stuff being made these days.
Most probably that were decisions made in the marketing department - which made the guys from R&D go facepalm as much as us customers. They don't want to make the affordable devices too good and useful because then less people will buy the more expensive stuff.
All are great, the DX is in another category because of its screen allowing for hundreds of things to control versus the others with a few pots and sliders.
In my opinion they are very expensive and the touch pads are not both fast and precise unlike dials. They could have embedded mod wheel style dials in place of the touch pads which would have made it faster and more precise while giving hardware feedback to the user which is really useful especially if you dont plan on looking at where you are putting your hands. It would have probably been cheaper than the touch pads too.
Just found this video, and it's pretty amusing that you're using the BCR2000 to control the DX -- I'm currently in the middle of a project to control a YM2612 (six-channel, four-operator FM chip used by the Sega Genesis) using an Arduino, with a gutted BCR2000 interfaced with the arduino as the control interface. with the 4x8 array of knobs, and as many buttons, it's perfect for controlling FM synths! I just wish they still made them; i'm only using mine for this because the mainboard died on it and i intended on just switching it over to an arduino to continue using it for MIDI anyway.
Cripes between this and the Roland D-05, I could pair them to an M-Audi 88 and have both the D50 and DX7 library available on a fullsize semi-weighted keyboard with aftertouch - for a fraction of the price of a restored original (which I'd be white knuckling hoping a 35 year old kit didn't fail at the worst possible time).
nice review and demo - it is a cool unit in a small package for patches you forgot to mention Soundmondo, a great little iOS app that you can save and load patches from the cloud on the go, perfect for a battery operated synth no one else is doing that now except for Roland cloud and that's not free like Soundmondo
So you don't need a computer to midi map? Would it work with another midi-usb controller? Such as programming reface parameters to my midi fighter twister pots, for example?
Will the other 3 units in the series get a review of this style? Mainly interested in the CP and other than non pro user demos/reviews Sonicstate is the only source of unbiased information on these newer synths.
Nick, you say "feedback" a lot when you mean "modulation". There is feedback on each individual operator (and you call that correctly), but when an operator works on another operator, it's just modulation. There is no inter-operator feedback on the Reface DX.
Sorry for being a newb, but what are external controllers, and how can they interface with the dx? do you have a computer program to do this or is it just plug and play?
I've pretty much ordered the DX on the back of this Demo. Couple of things to point out: i) There are some beautiful Lemur templates being developed that give access to all the parameters (something not possible via midi) for a full hands on tweaking experience that does not compromise an external midi clock... I'm using an alternative MIDI controller via android in this track ( ruclips.net/video/sUsMAqwgppg/видео.html ) but the principle is the same - it's ambient nonsense all the way. ii) It sends midi clock and can get small drum module ticking (think Volca Beats) and amplify it via its audio input and internal speaker - that's one spectacular mobile combo!
@@elderchildren Hi There, I never got to them (hence the alternative controller and subsequent BCR templates). I'm sure you can still find them on the lemur library.
Thanks for the excellent review (as always) Nick! Bit of a head scratcher for me is this. I bloody ADORE the sounds. Really, really great tones with no grit or dirt folks say the old machines exhibit. But falls flat on its face for hands on (IMHO), silly not to be able to load old patches, why not a 2-op looper and 2-ops to play over it? Why not save loops per patch and the killer - just 32 patches - eeek! Can I have a desktop RefaceDX without the KB, usb audio/midi and just built into the BCR please? Picked up a TX81Z and can see myself sticking with that and a Max editor!
This sounds nice, and the keyboard actually looks pleasant to use. However, given that the best way to access the FM capabilities in realtime is through another external controller, what can this do that one couldn't do with that same controller, a decent keyboard, and Ableton Operator?
Great review Nick. yes it is a shame that you can't control the feedback using the pitch EG or the LFO. i am glad for mine and i think its sound great, but the data sliders is pretty bad, if Yamaha don't bring us a sound editor(for windows) when i will for sure make my own Editor :)
In a world where FM8 is offering an amazing, deep and easy way to program FM synthesis (with 6 operators), unlimited patches, i was expecting from Yamaha something innovative, at least at the control section, to compete with this. The real power of FM showed when Nick hooked that BCR. 32 memories? 8 voice polyphony? 4 operators? No thanks. I'll stick to my DX200 for now...
man. you do the best synth reviews on the entire net. long enough to get through everything that NEEDS to be said and domed but also short enough because you're not fucking about talking bullocks. do you yourself have your own channel with a review playlist? I tried sonic state which I dig bit couldn't just get a play list of your reviews. cheers.
I bought one a couple of years ago but I'm not getting much out of it tbh. I am not a tech person at all and won't be connecting it to anything. Thanks for explaining what it is capable of. I probably should have just bought an old DX7.
"What's wrong with modulating the feedback?" Nick, you really should take a look at the MOD-7 engine in the Korg Kronos. It lets you go off road as much as you want. :)
I am curious to know what sort of external MIDI controller is being used. I have not used one with my own synths and wanted to know specific devices that can be used.
Now that doesn't make any sense at all, why release a new dx7 with 2 less operators, I don't get these companies, Roland also doing limited stuff that don't even reach the old stuff, and now Yamaha also releasing reissues that are worse than their old models 30 years later.
MessiahGaming1080p Not really. It has feedback on all 4 operators and it's 2 types of feedback for each. That's a huge improvement over the DX7. Otherwise it's limited in polyphony and other things, but the feedback features alone are way ahead of those in the DX line.
This has at least a handful of features that vastly improve on the DX7. Probably more than that. Either you didn’t read any information about it before that comment, don’t know anything about thenDX7, or you’re echoing whatever pretentious comment you read somewhere else. Probably all 3, tbh. Especially considering this isn’t even a “new DX7”. It’s a new synth entirely with feedback on every operator which is a first for FM synths.
This isn't a dx7. This is a highly portable keyboard, for hotel stays, for camping, or similar. In contrast to cp, yc or cs, its working principle is the dx one. Even extreme-small-body 6-strings have their niche.
I don't particularly like cheesy 80's sounds but I want to get into FM synthesis. Is it possible to make patches that don't sound like Jean Michel Jarre?
For sure, fm is endless.. The most cheesy sounds on the dx7 are the internal presets. You can still get cutting edge sound design with an old dx7 even now in 2016 if you put the time i to learning
Just run it through a full sized master keyboard. The most important thing is THE SOUND. And Yamaha made FM alot more accessible with the DX. And the bottom and thid gem can put out is awesome. And the sparkle on the higher octaves has no equal. My friend created a choir voice pad on his. And when he added some chorus and a touch of reverb. It's as good as any choir pad in history.
My understanding is that there is 32 patches. Is there extra slots for user patches or do you just override the ones the board comes with. Also I'm guessing Yamaha has them for download on their site perhaps in case you want them back? This thing sound really cool, but I would need to wait for some sort of sale. 500$ is a little much in the states, but I actually like the concept of these.
+Markus Cone yes only 32 patches, no user patches, you don't have to download the original sound, you can always recall it, no software yet to save your own sound onto an external device.
only 32 patches, but you can save the original ones on a web site (soundmondo) or on a iphone and overwrite them on the reface dx , so actually you have 32 patches free to initialize and recreate. You can also load patches from the soundmondo site, patches created by people who decided to made them avaible for free downloading. Not the best solution (saving to an external sd card would have been much better, and not difficult to implement) but stll better than the other reface models, which have no patches st all....
Great demo as always Nick. Love your idea re: oscillating feedback, algorythms etc... It is indeed a shame they didn't take the opportunity to push the FM barrier a little further out. Anyway... Am I a little late for a wee moan ?... okay... why the silly midi breakout cable ? So non standard... so if it gets lost/damaged ? What's wrong with standard midi sockets ?
I still own a Fully Operational DX21 that a Pal found in a skip in 1993 and sold to me for £29. The ReFace looks/sounds pretty cool but it doesn't sound as gritty and dirty as the older DX's.
Anyone throwing a hissy fit over the mini keys needs to swallow that pill that this is not a DX7 homage. The DX7 was 6 operators and had 16 voice polyphony. the Reface has 4 operators and 8 voices. Say, you know what DX had 4 operators AND had mini keys AND 8 voice polyphony?! You guessed it, the DX100!!
I would agree slightly for the other 3, but with the screen on this and only this, its many times, maybe hundreds of times deeper than the others and a huge bang for buck, not overpriced at all.
Nick something you missed that I think could be valid ref the looper, can the midi sequence you record be dumped/transmitted in real time via midi out? That way you save the melody you create in the daw with the patch dump. Can you confirm? If you read these posts that would be great. Thanks. Jamie.
Most people were complaining about the price Nick. I actually think they are very good little synths. But in a world where you can buy a Microbrute for 230 quid they just cost TOO MUCH.
But comparing a modern fm synth to a microbrute isn't what it's about, fm synthesis is bonkers. I've been involved with it for years and have many different fm synths as well as software. A microbrute, as good as they are, will never touch what the dx will do, never, but the dx will goto the brutes playground with ease. Also the key bed on the dx is bigger, is way better, the synth has tempo locking (brute is rudimentary at best), dual fx etc. It's not a fair comparison for either unit. These will be going out at £250 before long, for an fm synth with this functionality, warranty etc that's a bargain for anybody that is willing to learn the journey.
+jamie munro I remember picking up a DX200 on the cheap back in the early 00's. Guess a lot of are just bummed that when we get a hardware FM synth it's not that knob laden panel we all dreamed of. Still, would be interesting if Yamaha pulled out some interesting MIDI implementation if/when they release their fancy new web client for the Refaces.
@@ukaeyfvkfiayuvefyiu Bought the Reface and the MicroKorg on hype and Impulse and had buyers remorse afterwards..Only because of finances..Both were great..I miss them but had to let em go..I have a Kiwa Spectra I'm trying to sell also.
![Noob To Max With DRAGON REWORK In Blox Fruits [FULL MOVIE]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/LnBMOinoOvA/mqdefault.jpg)
You always bring out the musicality of instruments you review Nick. This thing sounds great. Editing potential is the most exciting after spending head scratching hours in the 80s trying to make something usable on the original DXs.
All the Refaces should have standard Midi connectors and an SD card drive for patch storage.
Great improvements. While we're at it.. wouldn't have to be that much bigger to have full size keys. Would like to see them release these as modules too. the interface/controls and sounds on the refaces are amazing.
They have standard midi through a breakout cable, but yeah...
The connectors mostly aren't a problem as far as it goes... XD
I wish i could save sounds on my CS so bad :,)
@@tyfrey_ I’ve read in comments how that can be done on an attached smartphone via usb. I am stoked about the Reface series!
Really appreciate the separate review. I liked the the initial video as well, I mean Bert is an entertaining presenter for sure, but here I feel I'm getting the objective look that is much more valuable to me as a potential buyer. Thanks!
this was a great review, it's refreshing to see people go beyond the presets and try to push it into different territory. thanks nick.
Picked one of these up for £160 second hand - one of the best bargains I've ever had - gorgeous little machine and pretty easy to programme once you've spent a bit of time with it.
Just bought one. This is honestly an amazing synth for the price point. I honestly don’t get why people are so pissed off about it. It’s super convenient and lightweight. Definitely not my desert island synth or anything but then, again if you play synth you should definitely own a full-size keyboard if that’s an issue with it.
this actually sounds really good. nice, futuristic, very 'synthy'.
Dima Parachute Haha, fair point. Regardless, I honestly really like FM, and hear it in a lot of my favorite electronic music. It has the ability to be really punchy in the low end and retain a high-end crispness I appreciate.
+Jeremy Leaird-Koch thats the beauty of the dx it kinda fits into a bit of everythinh even metal
i like fm...amazing basses...ethereal leads...bells...plucks and totally weird drones...awesome!
Before he was famous
4 years ago lol! If only you knew what you were about to create back then... If only.
Just wow. This is the best modern digital emulation I've heard - absolutely beautiful and creamy and dramatic - particularly the expressive parts toward the end. For this price, I'm speechless.
Danny Peculiarbleeps FM synths are all digital lol
Haut Strange there’s also analog FM synthesis, but the synths that can do it don’t focus on just FM
I love this man’s brain when it comes to instruction and demo of gear. Thank you Sir.
Wasn't that interested in buying this until you made that lovely drone. Now tempted. Great review as ever.
your videos are a public service - there is so little in the way of thorough technical reviews or demos of music gear. the failure to connect with audience is so endemic in this industry that it's amazing most of these companies can sell anything at all.
Thank you for all the great videos!
I haven't read through the manual or anything, but on all the original DX synths, it's possible to copy the EG params from one operator to another simply by pressing the write button while editing an EG.
Although it doesn't seem like much, this new synth does do quite a few things that none of the originals could do:
-Each operator now has feedback. This was never possible before, where sometimes only 1-2 had it available, determined by the algorithm.
-Each op has it's own LFO depth amount for pitch. This was also never possible, and it was a global amount for all ops.
-The pitch env, much the same, can be different amounts per op.
-Lastly, MIDI CC is a huge thing for an FM synth. Sysex on the old ones was clunky, and would choke up with the BCR.
We can only hope this is the baby step for a much more fully integrated flagship FM synth in the future.
Cheers, Karl
P
2l122l2llllllql2l2lll2l2wll32l222
A22
1l
L
Q
This review lead to a DX sitting on my desk. Agreed about the presets, but they make it easy to dive into creating your own, or save Soundmondo voices over them. Cheers.
Yes, you can save new sounds. 32 is enough for me. I can save even more on my computer with SysEx Librarian and Soundmondo.
The only reason to buy a vintage synth is if it is purely analog. Why wouldn't you buy this instead of the original? It's digital like the original and is way more user friendly. Also it doesn't smell like mold and it doesn't weigh a ton. If you can't write music with 4 operators, you're making excuses for why you can't make music.
Exactly.
Fuck this. I'd buy the Arturia. Much more modulation and real time manipulation and plenty of people argue that 6-op makes all the difference. That's why the dx-100 isn't highly sought after - its 4-op
@@annother3350 the dx100 is usually more expensive than a dx7. At least here in germany.
@@konradhausmann6359 But doesnt Dx100 have less operators?!
@@annother3350 it was often used by detroit and dub techno artists like Juan Atkins (listen to his song "Urban tropics") and has become a staple. It was also used by Roger troutman for his talkbox sounds, runs on batteries and can be used as a keytar.
By far the best DX video. Thank you!
Great as always. Seemed very useable when hooked up to that midi controller
The sound at 15:52 sounds dark, eerie and massive; I love it!
reminds me of ocarina of time's spirit temple
very nice and fair review! I highly appreciate that Yamaha brings out an FM synth in 2015. Seems to sound very good, the integrated FX are certainly a blessing.
But I'm left wondering why they didn't bring FM to the 21st century with more storeable patches, real midi connections, much more hardware controls, more than 4 operators (the FS1R had 8), more than 8 voices. There would be so many ways to make this an attractive blockbuster.
Like this in the Reface series it's maybe a nice little retro gadget (for FM-novices), but IMO for that price it makes more sense to me to get a TX802 and SY99 together leaving you way more options and gives you access to the many classic patches that Nick talked about. The minikeyboard, that many criticized is not a major issue for me, though.
+Shimanski Beats I don't think I'd want to try editing eight operators on a keyboard of that size. Leave that to a module or something full-sized.
Indeed, for a small piece of gear such as the Reface, it's tricky to integrate an interface for editing 8 ops comfortably. As for the modules, I own the TX802 and the TX81z, and without a software editor, programming is not much fun.
My comment was meant more general on what Yamaha could have done with a new FM synthesizer that builds upon FM state of the art and adds some new developments. Of course, the Reface cannot do that, and was apparently not aimed for this either.
in my opinion they have limited the reface dx mainly for marketing purposes... probably they have a plan to release an advanced FM synth in the future with all the good qualities of the reface dx integrated with all the missing features (8 operators, dx7 retro compatibility, unlimited patches, regular keyboard etc.)
Obviously it will cost more, probably much more...
that's what I'd hope for!
surprisingly fun synth to work with. The FM is a refreshing change from subtractive synthesis. The looper is very easy to use, even with its limitations. Just sounds really nice, not a toy!
Awesome overview. You really managed to answer most of my questions and did from many great perspectives. Thank you very much.
Beautiful patching as always... lovely sounding.
such a wonderful little synth with so big sound :)
Very good demo and review, I love this channel. Not a machine I could enjoy because of the menu diving, but you got some great sounds out of it nonetheless. A patient enthusiast could weave magic on this thing.
It’s an FM synth what did you expect.
I love the reface line. they sound great for small keyboards. built solid. the keyboards feel great. and they are PORTABLE!!!!!!!!
I used to have a DX27, loved it. But I realised the NI FM8 had all the presets so I sold it. Shame this won't do older presets. Beautiful piece on the loop by the way.
+Alan Angel Same here. Had 4 Yamaha FM synths, sold them all for FM7, later FM8. Was hoping for more from Yamaha
+Stephanie McKeon you shoultve kept at least one of them. none of the fm soft synths have that solid punchy attack like the classic yamahas do. You can get real tight hits at any frequency to layer with audio drum samples. Cuts through any mix so well.
I guess I love cheesy fm sounds
There is nothing cheesy about sounds that DX was the only one that made those unique and legendary sounds....Those ballads of the 80's are nearly impossible to find even as VST over the years never would you find those DX sounds and if you find any they were very poor and few.......
So I dont know what is cheesy....
Like tell me Rolls Royce is cheesy because many rich people have it....
What is pretty is pretty..... Even if its over used...
Love those 80s sounds , that electric bass and the super lush Whitney piano sound ,the marimba and the harmonica
Could you go into a little detail about the connection of the DX with the BCR? Was that particular connection with the controls established by default, or did you have to do settings on the BCR editor? Thanks.
Very curious about this myself. How do you set up the knobs to send whatever specific control message you want?
They should launch it as a module with all encoder knobs as your Behringer controller. So no minikeys and great sound and control.
After years the reface dx is still one of my favorite synths for warm soothing sounds. Yamaha nailed it. So sad it went with crap touch controls instead of dials.
Have you seen the Dutch programmer from dtronics? 41 knobs to unlock the beauty of FM, and I am ecstatic to see hear smell touch taste one. There is a version 1&2. Makes the DX a little dreamboat/flagship of a synthesizer
@@markfish8403 Holy crap. What a beauty. Tailored for this very Synth. Thanks for the advice!!!
They knew the Reface coltrols were garbage :D
WHAT is so F-ing difficult about making a keyboard with a standard MIDI I/O/THRU ? Such a basic feature to be missing from so much of the stuff being made these days.
MrFrankthefink exactly! It's just 2 extra MIDI ports and a DAC. How hard can that be?
Though, this is a small keyboard series.
Most probably that were decisions made in the marketing department - which made the guys from R&D go facepalm as much as us customers. They don't want to make the affordable devices too good and useful because then less people will buy the more expensive stuff.
The one thing keeping me from buying them tbh
There was not enough room on the inside.
MrFrankthefink BECAUSE BUDGET SYNTH.
Is it just me? This sounds better than all the fm synths out there.
The Yamaha DX sounds are the sounds of a century.
You guys need to stop complaining and judge it on its own merit, as an excellent sounding, compact synth
im starting to think that these reface from Yamaha are flying under the radar.... im very interested with the ambient vibes these guys are putting out
They’re all fantastic.
All are great, the DX is in another category because of its screen allowing for hundreds of things to control versus the others with a few pots and sliders.
In my opinion they are very expensive and the touch pads are not both fast and precise unlike dials. They could have embedded mod wheel style dials in place of the touch pads which would have made it faster and more precise while giving hardware feedback to the user which is really useful especially if you dont plan on looking at where you are putting your hands. It would have probably been cheaper than the touch pads too.
Has anyone ever made an FM synth with knobs for every parameter? That would be something.
Fredrik W eurorack
"Common FM Synthesizer" app for Android :)
@@davidlewis1787 What modules would you recommend?
Point 45 takemis castle is a great start
There was a hardware knob board for the DX7 back in the day.
Cheesy? Nah, just warm beautiful sounds 😎. FM is good because its more well rounded than fizzy old analogue which all sounds the same
The loop you made sounds very Trent Reznor. Especially when it gets detuned
Just found this video, and it's pretty amusing that you're using the BCR2000 to control the DX -- I'm currently in the middle of a project to control a YM2612 (six-channel, four-operator FM chip used by the Sega Genesis) using an Arduino, with a gutted BCR2000 interfaced with the arduino as the control interface. with the 4x8 array of knobs, and as many buttons, it's perfect for controlling FM synths! I just wish they still made them; i'm only using mine for this because the mainboard died on it and i intended on just switching it over to an arduino to continue using it for MIDI anyway.
Would you choose the Yamaha reface dx or the korg opsix?
Operator amount be damned.. that sounds pretty badass.
Great review thanks Nick
Cripes between this and the Roland D-05, I could pair them to an M-Audi 88 and have both the D50 and DX7 library available on a fullsize semi-weighted keyboard with aftertouch - for a fraction of the price of a restored original (which I'd be white knuckling hoping a 35 year old kit didn't fail at the worst possible time).
nice review and demo - it is a cool unit in a small package
for patches you forgot to mention Soundmondo, a great little iOS app that you can save and load patches from the cloud on the go, perfect for a battery operated synth
no one else is doing that now except for Roland cloud and that's not free like Soundmondo
Amazing! Could you please share that sysex data dump from the BCR! I want to use the same setup since I own both of em. Thanks in advance, great vid.
So you don't need a computer to midi map? Would it work with another midi-usb controller? Such as programming reface parameters to my midi fighter twister pots, for example?
Will the other 3 units in the series get a review of this style? Mainly interested in the CP and other than non pro user demos/reviews Sonicstate is the only source of unbiased information on these newer synths.
Nick, you say "feedback" a lot when you mean "modulation". There is feedback on each individual operator (and you call that correctly), but when an operator works on another operator, it's just modulation. There is no inter-operator feedback on the Reface DX.
Sorry for being a newb, but what are external controllers, and how can they interface with the dx? do you have a computer program to do this or is it just plug and play?
I've pretty much ordered the DX on the back of this Demo. Couple of things to point out:
i) There are some beautiful Lemur templates being developed that give access to all the parameters (something not possible via midi) for a full hands on tweaking experience that does not compromise an external midi clock... I'm using an alternative MIDI controller via android in this track ( ruclips.net/video/sUsMAqwgppg/видео.html ) but the principle is the same - it's ambient nonsense all the way.
ii) It sends midi clock and can get small drum module ticking (think Volca Beats) and amplify it via its audio input and internal speaker - that's one spectacular mobile combo!
Hey, interested in those Lemur templates
@@elderchildren Hi There, I never got to them (hence the alternative controller and subsequent BCR templates). I'm sure you can still find them on the lemur library.
Thanks for the excellent review (as always) Nick!
Bit of a head scratcher for me is this. I bloody ADORE the sounds. Really, really great tones with no grit or dirt folks say the old machines exhibit. But falls flat on its face for hands on (IMHO), silly not to be able to load old patches, why not a 2-op looper and 2-ops to play over it? Why not save loops per patch and the killer - just 32 patches - eeek!
Can I have a desktop RefaceDX without the KB, usb audio/midi and just built into the BCR please?
Picked up a TX81Z and can see myself sticking with that and a Max editor!
@sonicstate What is the midi controller you used on this one?
Behringer bcr2000
@@sonicstate blimey had forgotten about that thing...thanks for the reminder!
Good review
This sounds nice, and the keyboard actually looks pleasant to use. However, given that the best way to access the FM capabilities in realtime is through another external controller, what can this do that one couldn't do with that same controller, a decent keyboard, and Ableton Operator?
Great review Nick. yes it is a shame that you can't control the feedback using the pitch EG or the LFO.
i am glad for mine and i think its sound great, but the data sliders is pretty bad, if Yamaha don't bring us a sound editor(for windows) when i will for sure make my own Editor :)
I’ve got one arriving tomorrow got it in a sale . I wonder if Nick is related to Mike Batt
he does get asked that from time to time, but no, not that he's aware of 😀
In a world where FM8 is offering an amazing, deep and easy way to program FM synthesis (with 6 operators), unlimited patches, i was expecting from Yamaha something innovative, at least at the control section, to compete with this. The real power of FM showed when Nick hooked that BCR. 32 memories? 8 voice polyphony? 4 operators? No thanks. I'll stick to my DX200 for now...
man. you do the best synth reviews on the entire net.
long enough to get through everything that NEEDS to be said and domed but also short enough because you're not fucking about talking bullocks.
do you yourself have your own channel with a review playlist?
I tried sonic state which I dig bit couldn't just get a play list of your reviews.
cheers.
at 11:02 what is that sound? like off-key
what is PMD and how can I add on my midi keyboard? help!
if these reface thigums had come in module form then they'd be everywhere.
Mini keys is no problem. The dx100 had mini keys, although it had 4 octaves and more voice banks. Can you dump the voice banks via sysex.
I bought one a couple of years ago but I'm not getting much out of it tbh. I am not a tech person at all and won't be connecting it to anything. Thanks for explaining what it is capable of. I probably should have just bought an old DX7.
"What's wrong with modulating the feedback?" Nick, you really should take a look at the MOD-7 engine in the Korg Kronos. It lets you go off road as much as you want. :)
I think the Kronos costs a wee bit more :-)
This and a Beatstep Pro would go together a treat.
It's ok, I think I've long determined that if I were to get a DX7, I'm going to just plain get a DX7
Hey Nick, are you changing cameras from under the desk there? You're editing on the go :)
How much and where to get it please, a checked out at local guitar center and they don't have it
Google
This video makes me glad I held on to my DX200.
I am curious to know what sort of external MIDI controller is being used. I have not used one with my own synths and wanted to know specific devices that can be used.
Dtronics DT-RDX-V2
Now that doesn't make any sense at all, why release a new dx7 with 2 less operators, I don't get these companies, Roland also doing limited stuff that don't even reach the old stuff, and now Yamaha also releasing reissues that are worse than their old models 30 years later.
MessiahGaming1080p Not really. It has feedback on all 4 operators and it's 2 types of feedback for each. That's a huge improvement over the DX7. Otherwise it's limited in polyphony and other things, but the feedback features alone are way ahead of those in the DX line.
This has at least a handful of features that vastly improve on the DX7. Probably more than that. Either you didn’t read any information about it before that comment, don’t know anything about thenDX7, or you’re echoing whatever pretentious comment you read somewhere else. Probably all 3, tbh. Especially considering this isn’t even a “new DX7”. It’s a new synth entirely with feedback on every operator which is a first for FM synths.
This isn't a dx7. This is a highly portable keyboard, for hotel stays, for camping, or similar. In contrast to cp, yc or cs, its working principle is the dx one. Even extreme-small-body 6-strings have their niche.
I don't particularly like cheesy 80's sounds but I want to get into FM synthesis. Is it possible to make patches that don't sound like Jean Michel Jarre?
For sure, fm is endless.. The most cheesy sounds on the dx7 are the internal presets. You can still get cutting edge sound design with an old dx7 even now in 2016 if you put the time i to learning
You can do just about anything with FM synths.
Can I confirm whether 5:43 was made with the instrument itself, & doesn't require an external sequencer of some kind?
It sounds great. Wish they could release a full size DX synth with more polyphony.
Just run it through a full sized master keyboard. The most important thing is THE SOUND. And Yamaha made FM alot more accessible with the DX. And the bottom and thid gem can put out is awesome. And the sparkle on the higher octaves has no equal. My friend created a choir voice pad on his. And when he added some chorus and a touch of reverb. It's as good as any choir pad in history.
My understanding is that there is 32 patches. Is there extra slots for user patches or do you just override the ones the board comes with. Also I'm guessing Yamaha has them for download on their site perhaps in case you want them back? This thing sound really cool, but I would need to wait for some sort of sale. 500$ is a little much in the states, but I actually like the concept of these.
+Markus Cone yes only 32 patches, no user patches, you don't have to download the original sound, you can always recall it, no software yet to save your own sound onto an external device.
only 32 patches, but you can save the original ones on a web site (soundmondo) or on a iphone and overwrite them on the reface dx , so actually you have 32 patches free to initialize and recreate. You can also load patches from the soundmondo site, patches created by people who decided to made them avaible for free downloading.
Not the best solution (saving to an external sd card would have been much better, and not difficult to implement) but stll better than the other reface models, which have no patches st all....
Great demo as always Nick.
Love your idea re: oscillating feedback, algorythms etc... It is indeed a shame they didn't take the opportunity to push the FM barrier a little further out.
Anyway... Am I a little late for a wee moan ?... okay... why the silly midi breakout cable ? So non standard... so if it gets lost/damaged ?
What's wrong with standard midi sockets ?
Thanks. Great vid as ever.
I love it
great review, thanks!:)
I still own a Fully Operational DX21 that a Pal found in a skip in 1993 and sold to me for £29. The ReFace looks/sounds pretty cool but it doesn't sound as gritty and dirty as the older DX's.
What happened to the traditional "Nick-Noodle" at the end? Looks really interesting to me as an fm noob, thanks for another top review.
Yes, vintage patches can be loaded into the Reface DX. For info, go here: refacedx.martintarenskeen.nl/
Anyone throwing a hissy fit over the mini keys needs to swallow that pill that this is not a DX7 homage. The DX7 was 6 operators and had 16 voice polyphony. the Reface has 4 operators and 8 voices.
Say, you know what DX had 4 operators AND had mini keys AND 8 voice polyphony?!
You guessed it, the DX100!!
What controller are you using?
Behringer BCR-2000
@@sonicstate Thank you!
Best synth reviews on YT
i have played on all of them. every single one of them are really cool and sound good. with that being said i still think the price is not justified.
I would agree slightly for the other 3, but with the screen on this and only this, its many times, maybe hundreds of times deeper than the others and a huge bang for buck, not overpriced at all.
Nick something you missed that I think could be valid ref the looper, can the midi sequence you record be dumped/transmitted in real time via midi out? That way you save the melody you create in the daw with the patch dump. Can you confirm? If you read these posts that would be great. Thanks. Jamie.
+jamie munro interesting thought, I dont know will check.
+sonicstate thanks Nick. Appreciated.
+sonicstate did you get chance to see if this works Nick?
+jamie munro sorry no, I did get to see the app and I dont think it included seuqnece data so my instinct is no
+sonicstate ok thanks anyway :-)
A bit off topic, but why is the USB cable gone at 1:41?
(The one connected at the back of the unit)
Most people were complaining about the price Nick. I actually think they are very good little synths. But in a world where you can buy a Microbrute for 230 quid they just cost TOO MUCH.
But comparing a modern fm synth to a microbrute isn't what it's about, fm synthesis is bonkers. I've been involved with it for years and have many different fm synths as well as software. A microbrute, as good as they are, will never touch what the dx will do, never, but the dx will goto the brutes playground with ease. Also the key bed on the dx is bigger, is way better, the synth has tempo locking (brute is rudimentary at best), dual fx etc. It's not a fair comparison for either unit. These will be going out at £250 before long, for an fm synth with this functionality, warranty etc that's a bargain for anybody that is willing to learn the journey.
+jamie munro I remember picking up a DX200 on the cheap back in the early 00's. Guess a lot of are just bummed that when we get a hardware FM synth it's not that knob laden panel we all dreamed of. Still, would be interesting if Yamaha pulled out some interesting MIDI implementation if/when they release their fancy new web client for the Refaces.
+z3r0slugfm hey man, no arguments there, I'd be all for a knobby or fader laden fm beast too :-))
+Herr Absurd lol, but Micrbrute is only monophonic, which kinda sucks :)
but what about sync sweeps and self oscilating filters? :P
I want one and already have 100 million FM instruments!
Can I connect my drum machine thru this??
There’s an 3.5mm aux jack that you could just pipe it in through. Is that what you mean? Or you’re looking to run midi in?
@@ukaeyfvkfiayuvefyiu Midi..but I went on and sold it few weeks ago..👍
Taino Savage mine is coming in the mail tomorrow. Why did you get rid of it?
@@ukaeyfvkfiayuvefyiu Bought the Reface and the MicroKorg on hype and Impulse and had buyers remorse afterwards..Only because of finances..Both were great..I miss them but had to let em go..I have a Kiwa Spectra I'm trying to sell also.
This or the Opsix?
Opsix.
Look at that screen! Shame they don't make one that samples like an ASR style synth...
Can the volume slider act as a mod wheel when sending MIDI?
The price you mentioned is almost $600 Canadian. Everywhere I look I see it for 500. Still too much.
So thats it you cant load dx7 patches?no firmware updates have been made to change this?i was looking to get one cause i thought this was possible.
Architecture is different basically so unlikely
@@sonicstate thanks
Are there any good modular FM modules? Does all the magic come from effortlessly switching between algorithms?
Akemie's Castle
I wish they did a rerelease or "reface" of the analog cs-10 or cs-15 instead :/
+Louis H Garfield I have just finished the Reface CS review and I think you might be surprised. I was
+sonicstate That's the one I'm looking forward to!
+sonicstate I'll be sure to check it out! thanks
Around 19:00. Sounds like Vangelis playes a mix of Bladerunner and Christmas songs. lol
amazing