Yamaha DX21

The Yamaha DX21 is a digital bi-timbral programmable algorithm synthesizer with a four operator synth voice generator which was released in 1985. It uses sine wave-based Frequency Modulation (FM) synthesis.[2] It has two FM tone generators and a 32-voice Random Access Memory (RAM), 32 user voices and 128 Read Only Memory (ROM) factory preset sounds. As a programmable synth, it enables users to create their own unique synthesized tones and sound effects by using the algorithms and oscillators. The instrument weighs 8 kg (17.6 lbs). On its release, it sold for $795.

DX21
A Yamaha DX21 synthesizer shown along with various 2010s-era groove machines.
ManufacturerYamaha
Dates1985[1]
Technical specifications
Polyphony8-voice
TimbralityBi-timbral
Oscillator4-Operator
Synthesis typeFM
FilterNone
Aftertouch expressionYes, via MIDI only
Velocity expressionYes, via MIDI only
Storage memory128 patches, 16 performances
EffectsChorus
Input/output
Keyboard61 key
Left-hand controlModulation, pitch bend
External controlMIDI (In, Out, Thru)

Keyboard

The keyboard has 61 keys which are not velocity-sensitive to harder or softer key presses. It can produce eight note polyphony, which means up to eight keys can be pressed at once. In split keyboard mode, the polyphony limit is still eight notes, but there is a maximum of four for the lower half and four for the upper half. In mono mode, the DX21 can play only one note, unless the keyboard is split; if the keyboard is split, the DX21 can do one mono voice for the lower split and one mono voice for the upper split.

MIDI and jacks

The DX21 is MIDI compatible, which enables performers to use the DX21 to control other digital instruments (e.g., a drum machine or other synth), or use other MIDI-compatible controllers or devices to play the DX21's sounds. The DX21 has 1/4" jacks for plugging in a sustain pedal, a portamento pedal, and a volume expression pedal and an input for a BC1 breath controller. The DX21 has MIDI in, out and thru jacks, which enable the instrument to be connected to a computer, drum machine, sequencer, or other MIDI-compatible device. The CPU is a HD63803XP Hitachi. The sound generation chip is the YM2164. The DAC is a YM3012.

The instrument has an un-backlit LCD panel which indicates the name of the voice or sound and provides information on the status of the instrument. A split point can be set on the keyboard, to enable part of the keyboard to be used with one sound and part for another sound. For example, a bass sound could be put on the left side of the keyboard, and a flute sound on the other half. The DX21 also has a modulation wheel and a pitch bend wheel. The two tone generators are output via two output jacks. Thus to hear tone generator A and tone generator B, a user would need to plug in two cables into a stereo keyboard amplifier, PA system, or other audio gear.

Sounds and effects

The 128 RAM preset voices can be grouped into 16 categories: piano; electric piano; organ; strings; brass; plucked strings; "comping" (accompanying instruments); percussion 1; percussion 2; lead synth; other keyboards; wind reeds; bass; and three sound effect categories, which include sounds such as "racing car", "helicopter", "whistling", and basic sounds such as "LFO noise". Users can save their own newly-created synth tones to an external cassette recorder. It has an onboard chorus effect. The low frequency oscillator (LFO) has modulators for amplitude and pitch, using saw, square, triangle wave shapes. For attack-decay-sustain-release (ADSR) control, also called "envelope", there are four envelopes.

Users

Notable users include: Hardfloor, Level 42, Brother Beyond, Astral Projection, Technotronic, Vangelis, and Norman Cook (Fatboy Slim).[1]

DX100

The DX100 was also released in 1985. It uses similar electronics to provide a keyboard with 49 minikeys that is smaller and easier to carry. The DX100 is a digital 4-operator FM synthesizer that is monotimbral. It has no filters or effects. It has 192 preset voices and 24 user-programmable voices. It has MIDI capabilities and MIDI in/out and thru jacks. It has a single mono output, a single footswitch jack for a sustain pedal or portamento pedal and a BC1 breath controller jack.

Comparison with DX7

The DX21 has 4 operators and 8 algorithms. The DX7 has 6 operators and 32 algorithms.

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See also

References
  1. "Yamaha DX21". Vintage Synth. Retrieved 15 June 2018.
  2. "Yamaha Digital Programmable Algorithm Synthesizer" (PDF). www.synthfool.com. Synthfool. Retrieved 24 March 2018. Note: User manual pdf

Further reading
  • "Yamaha DX21 Synthesizer". Sound On Sound. January 1986. ISSN 0951-6816. OCLC 925234032.
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