Bad Gear - Yamaha ReFace DX

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Welcome to Bad Gear, the show about the world's most hated audio tools. Today we are going to talk about the Yamaha Reface DX FM synthesizer. Is this 2015 descendant to the iconic Yamaha DX7 , Yamaha DX100 and sibling of the Yamaha Reface CS worthy of the legacy and can it keep up with other modern FM synths like the Korg OpSix ? Are we entering the Danger Zone ?
Bad Gear - Yamaha ReFace DX
Thanks to Klangfarbe for lending me one of their floor models:
klangfarbe.at/
/ @klangfarbechannel
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Chapters:
00:00 Prologue (no pun intended)
Intro tune
01:12 Overview Reface DX
01:39 Reworked UI (Touch Sliders)
02:16 Real Time Tweaking
02:24 Synth Engine, Algorithms, Polyphony, Patch Memory
02:48 Feedback per Operator
03:03 Envelope Generators, Pitch Envelopes, LFO
03:29 More UI Stuff, Keyscaling
03:45 FX Section
04:00 Midi Looper
04:21 Connectivity, Speakers, Pitch Bend
04:52 What else??? (Pricing, Thanks,...)
05:09 Hate
05:35 Jam 1 (Dub Techno)
06:23 Jam 2 (80s Bass Tweak)
07:25 Finale (Sanic House)
07:55 Verdict

[@TheDungeonDive]

If the Refaces had launched at half the price, they'd be instant modern classics. They were WAY too expensive for what they were, but damn did they all sound so good.

[@AudioPilz]

Agreed!!!

[@thefaultinourpizza1513]

price has gone up too 😭

[@mackenlyparmelee5440]

I bought a CS when they came out and that is really the only piece of gear I ever regretted selling. That think was sweet.

[@BeniRoseMusic]

Exactly my thought. I’m amazed the price never came down by much. I would have at least one by now if they had!

[@tomaszmazurek64]

They did lower the prices for a few months in the middle of the production run, but once more people got them and the word got out that they are limited but neat, the prices went back up.

[@paulmitchum8658]

::recoils in horror and hugs his reface CP reassuringly:: Don't worry, he won't come for you...

[@AudioPilz]

It's safe...or is it?

[@ridleykemp5789]

@@AudioPilz I'm going to send Jorb after you if you say anything unpleasant about the CP.

[@mrttripz3236]

@@AudioPilzif you’re willing to push yourself out of your comfort zone I’d love to see an episode on the Reface YC, which seems to be the forgotten child of the reface series

[@mikashlimmer]

reface CP is great. we also have the real Fender Rhodes 88, and Wurlitzer, and Clavinet in studio, so we can compare. CP sounds almost close - and easy transoprtable and midi-controlled

[@TheZooropaBaby]

reface CP rules

[@The_Industrial_Cowboy]

The Reface DX is probably my favorite synth that I own. It's perfect for getting crunchy, metallic, Front 242-esque bass tones.

[@AudioPilz]

❤️❤️❤️

[@milk1fan552]

Remember when i was a newbie when it came to synthesizers Heard of the yamaha DX7 and i was amazed by the promise of "the sound of the 80s" So when i found this thing for 160€ at a thrift store i felt like the luckiest person on earth And you know what? I still feel like i had incredible luck bc i still love this little keyboard and i'm glad it got featured on this show!

[@AudioPilz]

Nice find!!!

[@neonpop80]

What kinda thrift stores you go to??? @@AudioPilz

[@iiaaiiaannaaiiaaii]

it IS a nice.

[@englishguy9680]

I have a CS1X that I bought for a great price, just to use as a midi keyboard but actually the sounds on it are underrated. It doesn’t really live up to the analog promise when it was new, but it actually does have a really cool “fake analog” digital sound and I find that the patches always inspire ideas.

[@johnthecloud]

@@englishguy9680 if it sounds good it is good!

[@hdslave]

I just bought this a week ago so it only makes sense this hits bad gear this week

[@AudioPilz]

As is of course tradition;)

[@jooei2810]

You know your gear.

[@hdslave]

@@inthefade 250

[@tonbonthemon]

Mine is being delivered today. What timing, I think we are being watched.

[@bluetensormedia230]

Something this does that few FM synthesis do: put it on yer lap with the speakers on and actually FEEL the wave modulations in your skin. Honestly one of my top 6 synths of all time.

[@AudioPilz]

Nice approach!!!

[@alexgrunde6682]

It puts the modulation on its skin or it get the right hour ambient jam again

[@hazels7967]

very few synths where you can sit on the couch, jam, and feel the bass in your fingers

[@JohnMichaelBurns]

I'm a songwriter. I want to make my own tones but don't want to lose half a day making a single patch. The 4 op reface is good for what I want. Does an OG DX7 sound better? Yes. Would you find it more enjoyable to use and program? Probably not. The Reface DX is a really beautiful complement to any songwriter's home studio. I think only hardcore FM nerds would find it to be limiting. It's genuinely a nicer synth than any software FM synth I've tried. Florian has now reviewed all 5 synths that I own. Cheers Florian. My quest is complete.

[@iiaaiiaannaaiiaaii]

I really like mine, too. All criticisms of the DX are valid, but as a tool to actually make music on I rank it pretty highly. 5 out of 5 is a top notch. Do you also have an OG Drumbrute like me?

[@JohnMichaelBurns]

@@iiaaiiaannaaiiaaii nah my only drum machine is a tt-78.

[@AudioPilz]

Bad Gear bingo!!!

[@Jarend3]

My first synth and I still love and cherish it.

[@AudioPilz]

First love is the deepest!

[@adityatadoori8989]

Get this man the microkorg 2 asap! Awesome vid as always!!

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you so much!!! Let's see when I can get hold of that one!

[@iwanttocomplain]

oh yes, Then I'd like to see an episode on various types of cardboard to get really exciting.

[@treetopjones737]

Loopop got an unfinished one to review ( some of the features not wired up yet inside ).

[@Wazoox]

I bought my Reface DX used at half the price and I'm *very* happy with it :) Plus it's eminently portable and I travel a lot with it. It makes a great team with my original QY-10! Anyone having tried programming the original brown metal DX-7 will find this one incredibly easy to tweak and wonderfully ergonomic.

[@lazyb0y828]

self confident price tag is my favorite phrase of this episode

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@iiaaiiaannaaiiaaii]

My beloved DX was not so beloved at first but slowly and surely it has seduced me, and I am but putty. Your tough love is honest and appreciated but it's too late for me. Something I recently discovered is that the DX has full on SysEX implementation, so with added gear and what I imagine to be a very laborious set up, a "user " can delve into every nook and cranny. I just use the factory presets. All your jams were lovely as always.

[@nickwalker2505]

I bring my Reface DX when I go to jam with other musicians. It's small enough that it's easy to carry and fit in a crowded room, with the batteries I don't need to be near an outlet and the FM tones always stand out against other instruments. You can load converted patches from many other 4-op FM synths from the Reface Legacy Project. It's definitely not a replacement for a DX7/SY99/etc but both have their uses.

[@PaulAup62]

I ended up selling mine but i did love it thoroughly. The keybed is among the most comfortable and responsive i've ever played, bar none, minikeys or not!

[@chuckjaywalk]

Audio Pilz is so prolific we should call him Kenny Logins.

[@autecheee]

Kenny Logins?? That’s an insulate…..More like the proliferative ‘Prince’ re-incarnated in a body of an Austrian

[@AudioPilz]

SOMETHING SOMETHING DANGER ZONE!!!

[@davelordy]

Lenny Kogins.

[@Uz7Racer]

@@davelordy at this joke, kennny logout?

[@davelordy]

@@Uz7Racer Lenky Nogins

[@Vim-Wolf]

Also, I love the term ‘spouse friendly’, I know exactly where that’s coming from 😂

[@55SqueakPip]

The Reface DX is an excellent FM synth that is also an excellent MIDI controller (unlike other Refaces where you have to turn it off and on holding a bunch of keys). Thank you as always for an amazing episode.

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@NakedBonghit]

I regret selling mine! Sounded good to my ears, and I like the form factor.. didn't like the unquantized sequencer though..

[@vinylarchaeologist]

Reface CP is also an excellent MIDI controller, with even more freely assignable knobs.

[@55SqueakPip]

@@vinylarchaeologist Don't you have to turn it off, press a few keys and turn it back on to change a MIDI channel?

[@vinylarchaeologist]

@@55SqueakPip I don't know, I never tried to change MIDI channels. I just hooked it up and played. EDIT: I guess it makes sense, since DX is the only Reface with a screen.

[@tomblaze2]

That keyboard is a masterpiece - so fun to take portable and records well

[@dariogrijalba]

Great video! This was also my first synth and I really love it, it sounds amazing, the keybed is pretty good and those lovely speakers are superb. It’s ready whenever you need.

[@_OopsieDaisies]

like others in this comment section, my reface dx was my first "real" synth (not counting the yamaha pss 480 which had 2 save slots for user-made patches with it's beautifully cheezy 2 op brain) and i love it like only a mother could. another great episode florian! truly appreciate having a new audiopilz vid to start my weekend every dang week :)

[@dinogoldie9716]

7:18"Thanks Yamaha for releasing the most stylish Sega Genesis sound chip emulator of all time." Eh-hm. I point you to Sonicware's Liven Mega Synthesis which surely fits that description far better. That's an actual Genesis/Megadrive groovebox (as opposed to a monotimbral 4op FM synth).

[@NunyaB1s]

DX100 used one of the Genesis chips actually. (There was 1:1 patch compatibility at least) Love my megaFM though. I would never buy another Yamaha style FM synth without knob/fader per function again.

[@djkanyon]

@@NunyaB1s recently bought Volca FM2, it's crazy how many sega sounds one can get out of that box.

[@AudioPilz]

I like Live stuff but I wouldn't exactly call them stylish;)

[@robingoergner725]

Viel dank, Florian. I love my Reface DX...I'm finally beginning to understand FM. ❤

[@AudioPilz]

Danke dir!!!

[@htechdance]

"Subscribe" is certainly a classic sound we know and love.

[@AudioPilz]

Must be in every episode!!!

[@CatgirlThatLovesYou]

That first jam was crazy good! Excited to see you tackling the strange orange television remote. ;)

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!! I really need one of these!

[@SasvanGulik]

I love this one, I have one second hand. When I was moving I had it sitting on my windowsil and just jammed on it for hours and hours because I had no internet hahaha Its clunky but not to difficult to create a sound, but yeah the sliders are.. esoteric. To say the least. However, the pitch bend lever is simply the most fun thing that has existed since the beginning of time. It's very snappy!

[@AudioPilz]

Esoteric hits the nail on the head

[@glennotropolis]

This was my first synth. Yes, an FM synth... Yes, i go to therapy

[@ptkelly80]

In fairness, there are far worse FM synths to start with and learn on, such as the original DX7 lol

[@AudioPilz]

I feel you!!!

[@pyra9345]

fm is simple though

[@ellerysmusic]

ME TOO!!!

[@kaitlyn__L]

Mine was a microKORG, but I actually wanted Mega Drive style FM sounds. MK is great, but couldn’t quite do all those sounds. So then I looked into this, but between saving-up and dithering once I had the money, I ended up getting the opsix for only £50 more 😅 which TBH I’m fine with, since I like to program patches from scratch and the extra algorithm options are nice.

[@dykodesigns]

My first synth! It's always ready for action. I have it permantly on my computer desk as my main midi keyboard for Cubase. Since I bought in 2017 two Volca FM's have joined it's company and I pretty much always use them together. One can't have enough FM synths. Out of curiousity I had a quick look at the Seqtrak's data manual and discovered that it has a lot of FM presets that I reconize as factory presets of the Reface DX. The FM engine of the Seqtrak seems to be closely based on the Reface DX, considering it's got the same specs with 8 voices, 4 operators and 12 algorithms. So it seems Yamaha has repacked it in their new groovebox. Nice!

[@AudioPilz]

Nice!!! Love Volca FMs!!!

[@patrikknoerr9777]

The most interesting feature is the internal speaker. I totally dig the sound.

[@AudioPilz]

👍👍👍

[@jugglerj0e]

I got this little reface and absolutely love it to death!!!

[@r4x2]

I love FM, and the Reface DX is one of my favorites! I even gave my mom one!

[@HOLOCULT]

I like 4 op fm, maybe because ive never used the dx7. I ALMOST bought this for my son... And now am SOOO happy i hunted for a dx11! Such a awesome synth and was 300$ cheaper!!! Not to mention saved a good synth from the closet or shelf and a young life can create on it!

[@RobertFisher1969]

Don’t forget the kit that adds strap buttons so you can go full keytar and work the pitch bend lever from the other side! Seriously, though, I got the DX because I wanted a portable, battery-powered keyboard with built-in speakers that was a step above the usual fare for such keyboards. (If I’d known about the PSS-A50, maybe I wouldn’t have ever gotten any of the Refaces.) I figured I could find presets for the DX that would get close enough to cover some of what the other Refaces do enough for my purposes. But I’ve been surprised by how much I’ve enjoyed it and ended up actually making some patches of my own.

[@AudioPilz]

Damn that keytar aspect is awesome!!!

[@stevecoscia]

You are a terrific writer and narrator. Pure genius.

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you so much!!!

[@Gainn]

The Reface range is another one that would have made more sense as modules with an optional master keyboard. About half the size of a SEQTRAK is all you'd need.

[@AudioPilz]

True!!!

[@llRoBoBinHoll]

Nah the keyboard is pretty amazing for minikeys, and these sounds are perfect for keyboardists

[@chrisliddiard725]

Yet another synth from my collection. I bought all the reface models. I have said it time and time again. If they ever create an FM synth with performance adjustable knobs/encoders it would be a hit. Aside from the DX200 groove box and maybe the Volca FM, I can't think of an FM synth that was performance-friendly. The perfect FM synth would also need to include a way of setting multiple locks and unlocks so that has you tweaked a sound you could set locks that you could undo, or redo.

[@klinkske]

Mega FM enters the chat

[@chrisliddiard725]

@@klinkske Oh yeah!! 'Mega FM' Just found a review - thanks for the heads-up.

[@AudioPilz]

I'd LOVE to have a DX200!!!

[@spotlight-kyd]

Best thing about the Reface DX: positive and negative feedback on every operator - you can accomplish many timbres with one OP where an DX7 needs two or three. Worst thing: missing modulation controller. Second worst thing: only 32 patches.

[@AudioPilz]

Agreed!!!

[@jriceblue]

@0:07 The face you make when you know "THIS IS GOING TO BE ON MY SHOW IN A COUPLE OF MONTHS"

[@harrisbeatsfrankou6304]

he needs an Acting Agent.

[@grandtheftautocj]

The "straight to Bad Gear" treatment.

[@AudioPilz]

Straight to Bad Gear!!!

[@MrTableDesk]

I think you've now roasted all of my synths, lol. Ive got a Sound Canvas Sc88, Volca Keys, Volca NuBass, volca FM, and a Reface DX.

[@AudioPilz]

Nice!!! Only did the SC55 tho;)

[@MrTableDesk]

Oh right! Well I guess at least one piece of my gear is superior. For now...

[@briandavis812]

I love my Reface DX. They keyboard action is amazingly good. Way better than many full-size synths. And those jams were sick!

[@hydraulic_bat]

I've adopted a "What ever this is." (0:08) and it is a lot of fun. I hope to see your take on it soon. 😊

[@DJ_TideWave]

I only miss the Yamaha Reface YC in my collection of Reface synths. Love all of the Reface models! Awesome synths! The CP is my favorite with the CS coming in close. The DX reface is also very good. Love the screen and the effects and all the modulation. Also very useful as a MIDI keyboard. Excellent episode btw. 😊

[@unclemick-synths]

YC is great fun

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks!!!

[@bsbazzman]

perfect amount of Archer references for this episode 🤌

[@markorichardson5009]

Yes!!! just ordered myself a Volca FM2 today and this episode has got me pumped for all that FM goodness to come 😄🎹😃

[@AudioPilz]

Yeah, love the Volca FMs

[@AngMoKio8]

​@@AudioPilznot that a volca FM doesn't sound nice, but concerning programmability a reface dx is much more accessible.

[@NotATube]

@@AngMoKio8 The interface looks friendlier than my Volca FM2's, but since the Reface is (for no good reason) limited to 4 ops rather than the 6 of the DX7 or Volca, it's never going to be able to do as much.

[@rebeccaschade3987]

One thing about the Reface synths: While they are small, have minikeys and look a bit like toys, the build quality is WAY better than what you'd expect from how they look. Even the minikeys are among the best you'll come across. I know a lot of people feel they are overpriced, but what else can you get, brand new, at a similar price? If you want to compare the price to second hand stuff, well, then you should do that for every piece of gear out there, and it will suddenly all look overpriced. That being said, they are not meant for everybody, and they are definitely home synths more than gig synths.

[@NOLNV1]

By far my least bad piece of gear, this thing is perfect.

[@AudioPilz]

❤️❤️❤️

[@neilomac]

Not gonna lie, I popped massively for the PSS-360 popping up at about 4:20 (blaze it). I had one of those back in the day and loved fannying about with the synth sliders.

[@AudioPilz]

PSSes are awesome!!!

[@kaitlyn__L]

I love my inherited PortaSound! A 270. I am even in the middle of recreating its presets on my opsix; which I could triple-up in one voice for a unison mode, or even combine different presets in an ersatz multi-timbral situation. Though I’ve since discovered, from Yamaha’s own sound chip programming manual, that its 100 presets are actually just 7 in the chip which the keyboard ROM slightly tweaks to generate the rest. Which explains why I kept creating almost identical patches with slightly altered values, but it does have me reconsidering whether I should really only be making 7 of them myself rather than 100. Though there’s an extra-crunchy quantised texture from the PortaSound, like dithering or something where the pitch very quickly jumps around within a range, while the opsix sounds very clean. So I’ll probably always keep it around for when I really want the dirt on those simple 2op sounds, even once I’ve finished this project.

[@bistrobmusic]

Wow I'm on vacation in Portugal, I can't believe I had to wait this long on Friday to watch the episode.

[@AudioPilz]

Obrigado!!!

[@justovision]

I love it. I didn't pay full price but I would. The speakers are totally serviceable for having fun. The keys on all the reface are velocity sensitive and feel great. You didn't mention that key velocity can modulate the tone. That's how you play the doogie howser theme. They're all fun but I'm glad to have this and the CP and I play them often.

[@Farold_Haltermeyer]

You get away from my beloved ReFaces!! I even got the dedicated midi expander for the DX...love these things. And you got it 100% right; the feature set may not match the all singing/dancing more recent releases but, like a lot of older synths, it just sounds better ;)

[@AudioPilz]

Nothing personal;)

[@dinogoldie9716]

They called it "DX" yet you couldn't load DX100 patches nor patches from any other Yamaha 4op FM synth on it. Doh! I also seem to remember it being quite expensive (it's still apparently the price of two Korg Volca FM2s which I'd recommend over this one). Ultimately, the best FM synth in the sub 300-bucks bracket is Sonicware's Liven XFM. If you're after the Sega Genesis/Megadrive sound, then you need Sonicware's Liven Mega Synthesis (I'm not in any way affiliated with Sonicware. I just personally really enjoy and rate their instruments).

[@Oredan22]

Check out the reface legacy project not official compatibility in any way but very cool none the less.

[@AudioPilz]

Really enjoyed the sound of the XFM

[@PositronRobo]

Naturally it appears on the channel just after I bought one last week! I can't to mess with it after watching your video and reading the comments!

[@AudioPilz]

Nice!!!

[@AudioPilz]

Audiopilz: *slaps roof of YT channel* Full Tracks, Extended Jams, Sample Packs: www.patreon.com/audiopilz Follow me on Instagram: instagram.com/audio.pilz

[@randynovick7972]

Interesting in the same way that watching a cat play with a doorstop is interesting. Amusing to behold but not anything to get involved in. Thank you, Florian.

[@AudioPilz]

Lol, nice analogy;)

[@vladimirkirillovskiy8056]

"Four Leias" XD

[@hardoff]

best one yet IMHO

[@AudioPilz]

;)

[@singingcookie5945]

I LOVE the Reface series. Great feel in the mini keys, serious sounds, and I love the built-in speakers.

[@AudioPilz]

👍👍👍

[@1_of_4]

Bump and Sliding 🔥🔥🔥🔥. Awesome video.

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@pianokeyjoe]

So this thing is a redesign of the DX100/DX27S not the DX7. But I do like it! I always like FM synthesizers lol!

[@AudioPilz]

Yes

[@Roboprogs]

Closer to the sound engine of the DX11, though. Non-sine-wave operators using feedback parameter.

[@Mr.1.i]

I like the Cs reface

[@AudioPilz]

👍👍👍

[@pepuletrz]

you hit the nail on the head with this one meye friend..thanks

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you so much!!!

[@daccrowell4776]

Don't forget: the DX100 was important to the beginnings of techno, particularly on Derrick May's tracks such as "Nude Photo" and "Strings of Life". For a hot minute, I thought the RefaceDX was going to finally get FM right...and then I encountered those "virtual sliders". Still, Yamaha gets props for trying to give the world a DX100 that makes more sense to program than the original. Something new? How'bout the Alesis Quadrasynths? They're all over the used market, and as ROMplers go, they can be pretty versatile. However, it's yet another 1990s synth that got used for its (admittedly really good) presets while people ignored the programmability.

[@AudioPilz]

Agreed!!! Quadras are super interesting, thanks for the suggestion!!!

[@kaitlyn__L]

Those sliders are exactly why I dithered long enough to ultimately find a good deal on an opsix instead 😅 (despite beginning that dithering when the refaces were first announced!)

[@luminousbrilliance1711]

Florian-We will have and cherish "Tublar Bell". Extra Letters equals need more DLC. 🙂

[@AudioPilz]

Yesssssss;)

[@Pablo668]

Ha! I have a real DX7 stashed away here somewhere..... Peasants! I haven't tried playing the DX reface. I did play around on the Reface with Organ and related sounds on it. It was a lot of fun, and it had one of the better Clavi sounds I've had a chance to muck around with. Great work as always Florian!

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!!

[@captainotto]

The YC is my favourite by far. That thing is so much fun.

[@inthefade]

And why is the DX7 stashed away? Because no one wants to use that interface lol.

[@Pablo668]

@@inthefade I have to admit to using it as a fun rompler

[@djdarksidejungle559]

That techno jam1 you did there Flo halfway through is absolutely awesome getting into that sound

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you so much!!!

[@silvertongues2]

Love my CP and YC! Couch synths!

[@3D6Space]

You had me at... umm... ok... you never had me with this thing, but I did see a hello kitty meow toy keyboard mod'ed out on Etsy for $100... That thing was way cooler!

[@AudioPilz]

😀😀😀

[@SeveringJuan]

Bad Gear DX7...?

[@AudioPilz]

It's already out there;)

[@joshuacogliati6085]

I own this synth (and bad gear has now reviewed all the synths I own). I considered getting either an Opsix or a Reface DX, and besides the price advantage, fitting DX7 style patches into 4 operators seems easier than fitting them into an ADSR envelope (instead of 4 levels/4 rates). Compared to my Volca FM, it is vastly easier to edit a patch on the Reface DX.

[@fisk0]

yeah, I found programming the Reface DX quite intuitive.

[@AudioPilz]

Volca FM is super complex indeed!!!

[@jaydeepalmer]

Man this synth is a banger, i got mine for really cheap and it's really great for learning fm and perfecting it! The menu and the UI are odly satisfying, kind of vintage and modern at the same time? The screen gives you a good idea of what's going on, tweaking in real time is cool too, plus it's got SPEAKERS! Come on 😅

[@StealthlyZebra]

first

[@AudioPilz]

Congrats!!!

[@PostingCringeOnMain]

I've always fancied one of these for when I'm playin' with the boys, strayin, playin with the boys, one of lifes simple joys

[@AudioPilz]

😀

[@wellurban]

I quite enjoy mine, though I got it for a very specific purpose for which it’s probably overkill. I wanted something small with batteries and a speaker so that if I’m watching some music theory videos on KZbin I can quickly pick it up and try playing along or experimenting with chords, without having to go downstairs and fire up my “proper” synth gear. I was originally thinking of a CP, but since there were none in stock locally I got a DX as a second choice (a cheap Casio would’ve been fine, but I wanted something slightly less cheesy). The unexpected bonus was the chance to re-learn digital FM synthesis, which I hadn’t played with for over 30 years, and while those pseudo-sliders aren’t great, the UI’s a hell of a lot better than doing it on a DX7 back in the day! It reminded me that FM synthesis itself isn’t hard as long as you know a bit of maths: it’s the fiddly DX envelopes and knobless interfaces that get in the way. There are a bunch of things I wish it had (a better sequencer, aftertouch, a mod wheel and a bit more polyphony), but overall it does what I need and sounds surprisingly nice, even through the tinny speaker.

[@tc-bladeofgrass6719]

Fantastic sonic video at the end

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@FirdausIdros]

loved the fact you mixed up firstly the motorcycle fork logo on the intro and secondly the DX100 (not that DX100)😂

[@calvin808]

i LOVE my reface dx. i own a dx100, modx, dx27 and i love this thing. 4 saw or square operators, amazing tiny keybed. for what it is, its amazing

[@AudioPilz]

You have a point here!!!

[@Roboprogs]

DX27 and a DX100? Did you know they have the same “motherboard” inside? Same engine in a different chassis/keybed.

[@Roboprogs]

I also have a Reface to “replace” my dead ‘100. The “feedback” on the Reface to saw-off or square-off the operators makes it more like the DX11 than the 100/27, though. It’s a shame there’s no mod wheel on the Reface, and so few memory slots. But it sounds great, and the velocity sensitive keys are a big improvement over the 27/100.

[@MIK_F40]

The DX Reface is more a tool for creating sounds so they can be recorded off and used in a tracker/sequencing software. As a keyboard for playing it should of had 4 octaves minium as you can quickly run out of keys. Best use for the DX Reface I've found..., the Sustain Pedal can be used via midi, meaning bad gear like the Yamaha PSS680 or PSS480 that never came with a Sustain jack can now make use of a sustain pedal. The DX Reface might be an expensive Sustain pedal but at least it works on old gear from yesteryear. 😜

[@AudioPilz]

Nice technique;)

[@silasgarrett2431]

This was my first hardware synth after trying out loads of ipad synths. I got it steeply discounted, or I might have gotten something else. I'm glad I did, though. I really enjoy sound design on it. I wish more modern hardware synths had more complex envelopes than simple ADSR. It doesnt seem to do conventional algorithmic FM right, and modulators can be heard without their carriers, but it has something I keep coming back to, even though I have much fancier synths (including an Opsix), and not just for portbility or the cool keytar attachment. My wife did use it to cover Danger Zone, though, and did get lots of kudos for the sound, so that's spot on.

[@KutayYavuzMusic]

Sounds real good!

[@AudioPilz]

😀😀😀

[@StopTryingSoHard]

I've always figured that Yamaha plans on releasing "stage" versions of these just like the YCs (that tooks them 5/6 years, so it 100% could still happen.) I also think the YC is still the best of them. I feel like there wasn't enough hate on the keybed here.

[@AudioPilz]

That would be awesome!!!

[@jooei2810]

Thaaank you!

[@AudioPilz]

Always a pleasure!!!

[@Bkoded]

That first jam sold me i will not lie, the reface line is super cool as a whole i just wish it was more affordable

[@mythcrab6047]

Damn your videos are so good. I just wish all the memes were available in a PowerPoint or something I could review after the fact.

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!! Great suggestion!

[@Rr0gu3_5uture]

My very first synth was a DX-21 that I pulled out a skip 30 years ago, lol. Amazingly, I still haven't needed to replace the cr2032 battery yet! In Mono/Fingered Porto Mode it's still capable of creating some pretty groovy-sounding basslines. Stacking weird percussion patches in Dual mode also sounds pretty decent. Those gritty old D/A converters give it a bit of extra character as well.

[@AudioPilz]

Classic!!!

[@MoJazzy2008]

I remember that my original DX7 in the eighties sounded dull without any effects.. now, having discovered this gem in a local Sam Ash, playing it for a half hour via some Bose S1 speaker, I just found out that the Reface DX is on sale, $200 less than at the shop, so I went for one.. it will arrive “by 10pm” tonight… I really enjoyed how the effects brought it to life and the key-bed, it felt muuuch more responsive than the CP which I returned.. This will be my practice tool for those soccer dad waiting for the kids’ practice to end moments..

[@AudioPilz]

Nice!!! Agreed on the DX7 - FX thing!

[@gehtdinichtsan309]

hilariously while listening to the final track somebody rang on my door bell and its melody was hardly distinguishable from the synth in your work. :x

[@mundainmonstre2372]

The data entry sliders remind me of my old PSS-130. My first keyboard when I was a kid.

[@heimlichvonbladderburst8348]

Those big FM bells is god's contribution towards synthesizers.

[@kbjoriskbjart2510]

Used to own a reface DX but sold it when I got the real DX7. I still miss those easy to play keys, easy controls, great modern sound and great looks.

[@Benutzer101]

Einer dieser Synths die zu Musik inspirieren, ich liebe meinen Yamaha Reface DX, super Keybed und Midi Implementation, super Design. Straight and great!

[@the-synth-artist]

This was inevitable wasn't it?? XD. I'm a big FM nerd and the Reface DX was my first physical synthesizer. I love it and use it all the time. Glad to see its getting the badgear treatment

[@oupahens9219]

Right. First impression at 1:24 is: No boxes are ticked.

[@AudioPilz]

True that!!!

[@user82938]

Can't wait for the video on "whatever this is." I've been really tempted by it, but I know I would play with it for a week and then never touch it again.

[@AudioPilz]

Really looking forward to that one!!!

[@HarvestStore]

Great video.

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks!!!

[@ThePandaProcrastinates]

Can confirm, as a casual, I enjoyed the Reface DX the most when I played them in a music store.

[@AudioPilz]

👍👍👍

[@piggosalternateaccount4917]

Damn fine video Mr Pilz

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@Frikoppie]

Oh and other bad gear is Equalizer APO and the Peace GUI in case you didn't want to be able to balance your sound. It certainly is annoying that it isn't a freeform sort of MeldafreeformanalogEQ sort of thing, but it is really useful, considering.

[@Frikoppie]

@MassageviaTele-Gramaudiopilz1 :|

[@Frikoppie]

@MassageviaTele-Gramaudiopilz1 Have you tried IRC?

[@V3RYG00D]

Wanted a reface just for the key size & midi. Now i want two. @6:24 Wow that sounds good. Never ceases to amaze.

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@synthlord2368]

Happy Friday Florian! I have my Dad's old DX-7. I still don't use it for anything. Too chimey for my tastes. Seeing this at the music shop I kind of laughed at how small it was. Thanks for the stellar review of it. Cheers!

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks!!! It's got a great keybed though!!!

[@JH-lo9ut]

Kicking out some fat bass lines there. Nice!

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks!!!

[@Cebollaverde]

At the first glance, the DX is pressing and holding all the boxes

[@AudioPilz]

lol

[@coyote-wang]

Yeah this one has the best interface for tweaking fm, I had this but was so broke I had to say goodbye but after you learn the interface you can really tweak this thing on a constant basis.

[@AudioPilz]

Let's call it an acquired taste;)