The Yamaha DX7 Dream Synthesizer - Part 2

Having recently bought a fantastic Yamaha DX7 Synthesizer, today I replace its battery and make a DX7 track from scratch :) Watch Part 1 ► • The Yamaha DX7 Dream S...
Here are my other Yamaha DX videos:
The Original Yamaha DX7 Vintage Synthesizer ► • The Original Yamaha DX...
Check Nathan's Synth Chaser's video ► • Synthchaser #062 - Yam...
Here's my Camble Making Rig: • How to Build A Cable M...
Yamaha DX1 In Action ► • Yamaha DX1 In Action
Yamaha DX1 In Depth ► • Yamaha DX1 In Depth
Yamaha Reface DX In Action ► • Yamaha Reface DX In Ac...
Yamaha Reface DX Tutorials ► • Yamaha Reface DX Tutor...
Learn with Doctor Mix:
📀 Music Producer Gold Guide 👉 doctormix.com/music-producer-...
🔊 The Official Guide To Mixing 👉 doctormix.com/togtm/
💃 How To Produce House Music 👉 doctormix.com/how-to-produce-...
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Love, Claudio & The Doctor Mix Team
#Yamaha #DX7 #Synthesizer

[@LOOKMUMNOCOMPUTER]

it sings!!!!!

[@Doctormix]

Indeed!!! 😅 Awesomeness Sam 🕺 Love you and your channel always

[@AM-ui9mc]

Yes check his channel. It’s Einstein on steroids

[@NoName-OG1]

Don’t be afraid to try it - I’m afraid to try it. Nearly lost my shit!!!

[@slesher84]

True fanky

[@mellepasveer6173]

The comforting words of Sam "who does this Every Day" 😁

[@retrotune4565]

I love how this dude is just so happy all the time. Great vibes!

[@breathinginpizza]

I agree with that He is so lovely :)

[@TheCrazyStudent]

There is nothing better than a musician having vibes just as good as the electronic instrument he’s playing on.

[@axeman3d]

The DX7 still kicks ass after all these years.

[@MakersMuse]

In some of the later gear you just slide it out of a socket and it's so easy but DX7 be like nawww gonna make you unplug 50 cables to desolder this battery :D...

[@homeone4054]

The main enjoyment with a DX7 is actually programming sounds not just playing the same overfamiliar preloaded sounds everyone knows. Once you get to know it, it's an incredibly versatile synth capable pf some incredible sounds.

[@jukesasaurusrex]

The energy you put across in your videos is contagious thank you 😃 my father's is still running on his original

[@ezion67]

For anyone planning to play along with the battery change: There are battery holders that fit the holes, this is probably the better solution and makes the next battery change easier.

[@Doctormix]

true that!

[@fffUUUUUU]

@@Doctormix you should have isolated that battery contacts so they wouldn't touch anything when you bend it after closing the case

[@jismo7]

Can you add a link to the correct battery holder please?

[@TheIldebrandoz]

@@jismo7 It is a socket for cr2032 button cell batteries. The same ones that are used in computers.

[@jismo7]

@@TheIldebrandoz Hi. I know that but pin gaps are all different. I wanted one exactly the same as original 🙂

[@onlychld6121]

This is 100 times better then a TV show. Love it and the song is a classic already!

[@razorsharpbt124]

Doctor Mix is like a musical mad scientist! Even with his maniacal laugh when he creates something nasty. :-)

[@juliusfucik4011]

This reminds me of 90s games with midi music so much. Transport Tycoon mostly. Epic!

[@mima85]

Actually in the 90ies a lot of video game soundtracks relied on FM synthesizer chips. Think for example about the FM synthesizer in the Sega Genesis, or the OPL2/3 in Sound Blaster cards and their clones. Most of those chips were actually made by Yamaha and all have their roots in the DX-7. In the PC market there were also clone chips from companies such ESS and Crystal, with varying degrees of fidelity to the original Yamaha components (some were quite faithful, others quite quirky if not plain flawed).

[@SisterRose]

yo I was about to say Transport Tycoon! the beat is different but the instrumentation was similar

[@jamescuttsmusicjcm5013]

There is no such thing as "midi" music. Haha. It is just control signals maaaayn. :D. EDIT: But yeah deffo reminds me of Transport Tycoon. AND!.... Sega Megadrive... Sonic 2, 3, Knux. Maybe even throw Spinball in the pot too. Haha.

[@OneMinuteAge]

Absolutley so cooooool - just as they turned back time!!!! ;-)

[@gamesvrtech6666]

I had Sim City 2000 in mind or Indiana Jones and the fate of Atlantis. I had these running with a Soundblaster Pro, they might have used some similar chips

[@trevorjoseph8390]

You have such infectious energy, own 2 TX7 units, DX7S, the Reface version and picking an original DX7 tomorrow from a former band member of the group Private Lives

[@heyx-dan]

Absolutely incredible.. We need MORE of this pure funky-crazyness you offer us in each video. Thanks a lot for making me always smile :-)

[@rsherid]

Super funky. The 505 was a nice touch.

[@SOPM2007]

Man, that was so much of a pleasure to listen and of course, to watch! If you've a lot of fun doing what you do, then you know, you do the right thing!

[@ebutuoytm7560]

Glad to see some love for the DX7. Beautiful sounding synth!

[@rafaelcastrocwb4181]

Man, I love your videos! Thanks for your spontaneous smile 😁 ! Yamaha DX7 is a great memory from the 80's...

[@JewelzFin]

This is what being a true audio engineer is all about.

[@davidmendez9253]

Bravo! Please make these tracks available. I would totally play this in my car on my morning commute. It sounds like an 80's video game or Commodore Amiga demo music. Thanks, Dr. Mix. You're the best!

[@cjc363636]

Dr Mix, you're having so much fun, it's awesome! Thanks!

[@SMAAAASHTV]

Always a pleasure to see you nerding out on gear. Super funky jam, as well!

[@christianwouters6764]

This guy doesn't need any quantising his rhytm feeling is allways on the spot !

[@TeddyLeppard]

These videos are great because you let people see and hear where you changed your mind and re-recorded something.

[@Super8Rescue]

very happy to find your channel today. I have a DX7 but it has two broken keys. I have a PF 80 and an M1 I have lots of 80s/90s synth stuff and rackmount modules. I love what you do. You take me back to a happy place in my studio in the late 1980's with lots of midi. I can't wait to watch ALL OF YOUR VIDEOS. Thank You for your channel, fabulous.

[@jts-jc8jk]

Wow, so much fun! You had me dancing! I really love these sounds!!

[@A.s.i.s.i.o.]

¡Tremendo Claudio! mucho corazón en tu trabajo! mis respetos y admiración!...Un gran Saludo para ti!

[@Doctormix]

Gracias compadrito :)

[@PebblesChan]

Claudio, you should invest in a good quality ESD Mat and strap when handling PCBs. The last thing you want is to damage precious items.

[@CoLD.SToRAGE]

Yeah... all that old CMOS - good advice from Pebbles! 🙏☺️

[@levi5169]

Just what I needed! My DX7's in repair with a technician and praying it comes alive again!

[@nicospanatos6605]

Thanks so much Claudio, You just made my day brigther today. Keep on pumping !

[@BigEaster]

80ies disco! In few minutes...a great track👏👍

[@donparsons6523]

Reminds me of Marc Rebillet kzbin.info/www/bejne/aaelqIWchseLock

[@pete3816]

You do realise this is edited right? There’s plenty of ‘cuts’. The actual process took plenty longer than ‘few minutes’.

[@manny_f]

This man is the definition of 'fun'

[@adastra123]

His enthusiasm is infectious . I love this channel he always puts me in the mood for composing. He is a gem 💎

[@0Zebadee0]

Fantastic song -- and all improvised as well. Magic !!!

[@scottcupp8129]

DX7 total GOODNESS. Having some fun with my DX7 as we speak. I also picked up a DX7S. That one is fun too. Great groove doc. You're always the BEST!

[@timothysobina6777]

I have a DX7S and I used it as my main keyboard in our band yrs ago. I still have it and it sounds great still plus I used the algarythms to program our sound. Awesome unit for sure!

[@scottcupp8129]

@@timothysobina6777 Yes sir. It is sure a fun machine. I am loving it. These things are built for the road and built to last. I would love to see pics of yours.

[@AnalogX64]

What about a SynthWave track? This was an awesome video with a repair thrown in.

[@Doctormix]

interesting!

[@edsonjardim1819]

Amazing video, nice to see inside DX7 and the preparation of this song was fantastic.

[@Radio868]

So man, you are so positive in your experiments. It so inspired. As always, positive vibes. Good stuff all the time, despite what happened outside the studio:) keep it, please

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

Better idea would have been to solder in a battery socket, that way you could change out the battery in future without soldering at all! I'd also be a bit wary of that battery falling over and shorting something out...

[@braveheartsbeardstudios]

Exactly!!

[@1974UTuber]

❤ Love the 80's funky synth sound so much. Brings back so many memories

[@xenobiigaming]

Your smile and happiness make me keep going with music to eventually reach my goal. Thank you!

[@flatlyna2223]

As always, uplifting and inspirational - love the tune!

[@yattalog]

I wanted and DX7 for so many years... but, it became so rare and expensive, that I had to use the Dexed VST to emulate it, hahaha... But, one day, I'll have my own DX7!^^ It sounds so good!

[@nachom1971]

I love that one of the most legendary synths ever isn't an expensive one. Dr Mix, keep the dx7 series videos comming!

[@riquester1971]

Me too!

[@stefanvanbiljon569]

Dude, your playing and vibe is really inspiring. Love these videos.

[@BassBaseBerlin]

Awesome again ... not just great playing but you are a real in-depth musician having fun while playing, really love to see you. And now also not just liked but followed ... and think of doing an 80s TV series medley on these "old" synths ... would love it. Respect and love, Stefan

[@Bluzigo]

Such a divine instrument. I want to own one of these one day!

[@riquester1971]

Get one before the price starts to climb. Hope it never goes into Juno 60 territory.

[@Bluzigo]

@@riquester1971 I hope that doesn’t happen anytime soon. There’s still lots of them around, but you’re right, I should got it as soon as possible!

[@kimspence-jones4765]

I worry that your battery could fall over when installed that way, When I replace misfitting batteries, I bend the single prong at 90° and solder direct to the board. Then you just need one wire, to connect the other battery terminal.

[@fffUUUUUU]

a bit of shrink tubing wouldn't harm either LOL

[@Stefan-]

Yeah, the metal/battery poles can come in contact with all kinds of things if you are not careful. As a service tech since over 30 years myself that have soldered these batteries many times if i in first hand couldnt get the right fitting battery i would likely solder some unisolated hard single core wire to extend the one of the wires that doesnt fit the circuit board so that it would fit the way it originally should have fit there. If i by any chance (not likely) would have soldered wires like this i would have made sure to isolate the battery from the rest of the electronics.

[@gonzinigonz]

Fit a battery holder, problem solved. Can usually find something suitable if space is tight or pin spacing different.

[@TheGrbear]

Sei stupendo dude! I love to see and hear you play! You are having such fun! And that is the best!

[@stevebrown2239]

So much 80s music comes to mind!! It’s awesome 👏🏻 keep bringing them more!! Thx 😊

[@realmusic962]

STILL kickin' myself decades later for selling both my mainstays: DX-7 & Oberheim OBXa!! With those 2 instruments live band performances were absolutely killer.....

[@riquester1971]

Visit Reverb, buy again. ;)

[@notreallydavid]

Did you throw a Prophet out as well to complete the set, R?

[@JeffBoen]

I stated on your previous video that the better option is just to solder in a modern battery socket so that this (and all future) battery swaps are easier. Better than soldering a battery directly back to the board and that way you can use standard modern batteries. (I think a CR2032 works). It's how I did mine, and also did it to my GEP-50 Guitar Rev unit from the same period.

[@VladoT]

Tried that and the battery holder pins were too far away so I had to drill another hole in the PCB and use a short wire. I dont think the doctor would do that to his baby 😀

[@JeffBoen]

@@VladoT I just snipped the battery "pins" off, leaving small portions sticking up from the PCB and didn't desolder them from the board. Then I ran wires from the new battery socket and soldered them to the stubs of the original battery posts I had left in place. This allowed me to place the socket wherever I wanted by making the wire lengths as long as necessary. No need to modify the PCB or desolder anything if you plan ahead.

[@timothysobina6777]

That's exactly correct. We had to install 3 or 4 of those bad boys in dx's and they are perfect for the application! And, a 2032 does work!

[@arnlmndza]

Your excitement is infectious. Nice music man.

[@coachhenrygarcia6687]

Excellent energy and knowledge on how to repair and improvise . Good job!

[@ikweetvannixx]

Jazz Jackrabbit Soundtrack stuff right there…

[@mistymorning7816]

Love that soundtrack so much. Beautiful sounds.

[@shehzadatif1]

Not sure if you can put in the battery socket on the board so you dont have to desolder everytime.

[@JeffBoen]

You can. it's how I did mine (and another piece of 80s Yamaha equipment as well). I mentioned that on Claudio's first video, but I guess he didn't see it. :(

[@musella974]

I put also battery sockets on all my old synths. Like that you have just to change the battery without desolder anything !

[@lachlanlau]

8 bit guy did this on his DX100

[@Henkie0011]

Can someone hint me in the right direction to where to order a socket and battery replacement?

[@moodyk1979]

Yep I’ve done it many times, you have to bend the legs with a good long nose pliers and can sit the socket better to the board. Having it like Claudio did is pretty bad, I didn’t see any heat shrink or sleeping to protect it from shorting out internally

[@l0riz624]

the dx7 sounds so lush for an FM Synth. and your playing Claudio was so good, it made my day!! good job Maestro!

[@n97223]

Your creative process is so fun to watch...I have to try doing this as well and stop trying to think my way thru it. Have to just make a beat and let it rip! Nice job on the repair as well!

[@WebMonster-jf6eq]

I would like a remake of "who wants to live forever" maybe even the midi part for download after you make it would be awesome. I am sure you know but just in case - the patch is syn-orch on rom2b of the DX7

[@Myoldnameiscringy]

Dude, recreate The distorted DX7 on Don Henley’s “All she wants to do is dance”. I heard it was some sort of touch filter all put through a Marshall JMP / 2204. I’ve been chasing that tone my whole life.

[@mickeythompson9537]

I'd guess DX7 through a Rockman.

[@Myoldnameiscringy]

@@mickeythompson9537 I hadn’t considered the rockman, but that would be period-correct. 🙂

[@simon_jakobsson]

Lol I love the track! It puts a big smile on my face. Great work, as always!

[@weathermannax416]

I'm subscribed to your channel because you showed me how my favorite artist - Jan Hammer made the music all by himself. It's fascinating to see how one person with a synthesizer, drum machine and a computer can be his own band. It's been enjoyable to see you go from a tiny studio to a much larger studio. And seeing all the different sound machines out there. Seeing you taking apart that Yamaha, seeing all the bits and bobs that make the music happen is also kool!

[@SisterRose]

"Time to make some DX7 music!" *plays around with drum machines for 10 minutes* NGL this would be me too

[@Doctormix]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@ssephi]

Fabulous video! Though I'm sure a battery holder in place of the one your soldered in would last longer (and make for easier replacements - I've watched too many @Voultar videos to not make this comment 🤣)

[@Doctormix]

yeah, I didn't know how to get the correct one and I didn't want to wait more days 😅🕺

[@ericbgordon1575]

Great that in the process of replacing the battery you also got around to fixing both wheels. I easily remember that that was giving you some trouble during part 1. One of the musicians I now work with has a TR-505 of his own and used this preset beat with all of these fills in his songwriting. That track is awesome. At a low volume it can fit in anywhere, and at a high volume it's danced floor heaven.

[@jasonwilcox6890]

Been playing for a long time. Your channel is inspiring.

[@claytoncollins1624]

DX7+ Doctor Mix= Smile on my face! Also I was wondering your thoughts on Lady in my Life by MJ The last song on the thriller album I am in love with the cords on that song! And would be interested to hear you thoughts. Best, Clayton!

[@Doctormix]

uhhh CHOOON!

[@matheusticiani9540]

Claudio, do a recreation of Harold Faltermeyer's "Fletch" theme.

[@bormisha]

Oh man, what a great song, I liked it very much! Thanks for making!

[@bonuebonue]

Caro Claudio, alway refreshing and inspiring watching your wonderful videos and improvisational skills! Grazie!!!

[@Keyboardistmatt]

I would always recommend replacing the battery with a holder so you don't have to resolder each time you replace the battery. They can be easily found from component retailers. Just get one to match the battery - I expect yours is a CR2032. 😉 I have to say that coming from an electronics background the wire on that battery nearly broke my heart! 😆🧐 Love the channel dude!

[@SpikesStudio3]

Had to say this to somebody... how many times have you actually replaced a 2032 in a synth? I had one last in my dr660 for nigh on 25 years!!!!! Unbelievable. Socket is the best option though, i agree. Cheers.

[@Keyboardistmatt]

@@SpikesStudio3 Of course in a single unit not often - it depends on how much time the unit is off, as that's when the battery is used. But it only takes one soldering mistake to ruin a PCB and you want to keep the chances of lifting a pad or burning a board to a minimum.

[@SpikesStudio3]

Keyboardistmatt totally agree. I guess i am astounded that a battery would last so long- without leaking, at least. Cheers.

[@MFlieger2]

I like your videos and your music. The cables for the battery are pretty long. If you transport that DX7 the battery might cause a shortcut inside. It might be better to isolate that battery with some tape.

[@Metal-Possum]

I just really love your JVC Videosphere. I'm a CRT enthusiast, all the weird and wacky ones are the most interesting.

[@dougoverly]

I just bought a DX7 inspired by this cut. Thank you for opening my mind to this Beast and to countless ideas. Your show Claud P., the best. 🤘 👑🤘

[@schlizzer2018]

As an Electronics Engineer im crying😭 Dont cut after soldering, and please wear and ESD band next time XD

[@ChristophDearden]

I love FM sysnthesis so much. Such a classic sound!

[@antiquafatis-band-677]

Great Claudio. Fantastic sounds, fantastic music in few minutes. Ciao grande 💪🎵

[@MrKenny777]

Fabulous 80s style groove. I loved it. Could listen to it all day long!

[@howtodostuff1244]

Love your enthusiasm Doc, wow and you got serious groove !!!

[@floatinganarchychannel3204]

Beautiful jam! The lead melody is so funky :)

[@teddytiger5217]

Man! All of the 80's Funk vibes being built up here, I love it!

[@artsclusazstudio6084]

top !! merci Claudio, j'adore toutes tes videos, on apprend toujours pleins de trucs pour the good music !!!

[@rosalindannwebb685]

Interesting. like the soldering .and the music well done for working it all out.🎼🎹

[@godskrilla4270]

Beautiful.....The Hits made with these things....80s bliss, Also one of those circuit boards framed up in the studio would be mega

[@JTMoney333]

Claudio!!!!! Its so great to be home watching you again!!! Couldnt watch much in the ER room on morphine and hydrocodone. 🤣🤣🤣🤣. So happy to get my foot tappin and in the groove!!! God Bless you my friend! 💪😎

[@craigbaker6382]

Look into " E! " Soon after I got my DX 7 while in University in Toronto an expansion module became available for the stock DX 7 to expand its memory greatly AND the MIDI and performance parameters for the keyboard itself. Also an ever growing library of patches was becoming available on Re-Programmable cartridges or to be kept on "floppies". My Stock DX 7 was so expanded and the sounds became even more amazing, MIDI output was expanded (original DX 7s could not even produce a full 128 velocity levels). Tech specs still amaze me. Still under 10KHZ frequency of ANY sound which is at a maximum 12bits in resolution so about 72dB of signal to noise ration but still engineered to sound great. I was down many a rabbit hole modifying patches well into the night as a student. The DX 7 was my tutor for many lessons in music and sound making for my student films. I once made a sustain pedal out of a chunk of styrofoam into which I jammed a bent fork (from the cafeteria) with a 1/4" trs connector cable between bent tines that closed contact when I pushed on the fork handle (student poverty forces innovation and resourcefulness).

[@user-em7om6lv3r]

Hi, Doctor Mix! This track is simply INCREDIBLE! It's AMAZING!!!

[@hoonjimmy1]

This is awesome!!! You're the man, Dr Mix!

[@JoolsGuitar]

Man, you were extra happy that day. I loved this video

[@handmadeindustrial]

Your clavinet work is superb! I need some more tutorials from you on the subject!!!

[@fredericportal4209]

Awesome ! This is a perfect exemple that the Dx7 can sounded warm and funky, if he's well programmed the Dx7 can do anything...

[@Makingdifference100]

Man. You are making the old keyboard to look and sound better then the new keyboards. Good job.

[@MS-Patriot2]

Did a paper round for three years in the early eighties to save for my DX7 which I still have. What is more, it is still running on the original battery 36 years later! Love your videos Dr.Mix. 👍👍

[@wavesequencer]

I did the same thing in the late 80s.. mine was a Wavestation..still got it :)

[@ebutuoytm7560]

Well done, glad you got it fixed. Did this on mine but soldered in a battery holder instead so I can change out the battery in the future without any messing about.

[@johngrover7936]

My first propper synth i owned... Great to see it still being used and obviosly bringing joy.. Love to see a video on the Korg Kronos..

[@jgh548]

Seconded on the Kronos video. That thing actually has the ability to load all the DX7 sysex.

[@brunoteixeira5912]

When I first came across to your channel it was all about the new studio build & I was wondering how your musicality would be.. incredible vibe amazing groove mate!!

[@groovyx31]

Extra !! Merci pour cette vidéo ! J'adore ton enthousiasma à la redécouverte d'un bon vieux DX7 ! Quel synthé fabuleux et mythique !! Enjoy

[@TyCrawford]

I love seeing the 505 get some love. Its the drum machine I learned how to program on, I still have it to this day (albeit, not without some mods, specifically multiplexed dedicated 12 channel outputs), it gets overshadowed by the 707 and the 808 but its a REALLY capable little machine, ESPECIALLY if you know how to program it, you can write backing tracks with it all day long.

[@moralec]

Que genio! Excelente video Dr. Mix!

[@chesthairascot3743]

Two thumbs up on being brave enough to take an iron to your DX7. When soldering in the future, it can be loads easier if you use some flux on the solder joint. This helps especially with old solder joints. It makes the solder flow like water instead of clay until the flux burns off. Also, might want to anchor the battery down. When stranded wire is soldered, it gets brittle, and will probably fail eventually if the battery is up there wiggling around.

[@Henkie0011]

Hi Claudio, I already asked for this replacement in the first video ;-). Nice work.

[@brianglock3099]

Nice and funky ! Bought original DX7 in January 1986, still have it, still love it. In the early years programed a bunch of sounds. Had its battery replaced several years ago, maybe coming up on another replacement. Have all the internal sounds backed up. Just replaced the battery in the D50, lots of screws to remove but no soldering. Fun stuff Maybe a track that uses patches that aren’t the “ expected” dx sounds 🙂