1980s

DX7. THE MUSIC REVOLUTION WILL BE TELEVISED.

In 1983, Yamaha introduced a new way of making new sounds. It was called FM (Frequency Modulation) Synthesis. But a new generation of music fans would know it as the sound of the 80s. The Yamaha DX7 ushered in a new wave of music. By the end of the 1980s the infectious sounds created by the world’s most influential artists would define the decade.

FM Synthesis allowed the DX7 to create incredibly dynamic sounds compared to analog synths, changing dramatically when playing soft to loud. It was exceptional at creating bright, percussive and bell-like sounds. It had 16-voice polyphony, memory cartridges to store and recall up to 64 Voices and was the first synth to support MIDI. It is one of the most popular and influential synths ever invented.

DX1. IT’S TWO SYNTHS IN ONE.

DX1 was two DX7 synths with an enhanced user interface and weighted-action keyboard with polyphonic aftertouch. It was used by lots of famous artists in many of their most famous songs.

TX816. The synth goes keyboard-less.

DX7 support for MIDI meant musical parts could be played from different DX7 synths. TX816 was essentially eight DX7 synthesizers in a rack which allowed one artist to play several parts while performing live or sequence entire arrangements in the studio. It redefined the concept of the one man band.

DX7II. THE DX7 REMIX.

With a new, lightweight aluminum body, 3.5” Floppy discs, more control and added voices, the DX7II was like the extended dance version of the DX7 and an “Ah-Ha moment” for many 80s artists.

DX7IIC. A CENTURY OF INNOVATION

100 were made to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Yamaha in 1987. It has a special silver finish with gold button caps and 76 keys. The keys even glow in the dark!