Yamaha Reface DX In Action

[@WrvrUgoThrUR]

All you KZbinrs, who claim to be audio professionals...note the clean balanced audio of this video. No über blasting waaaay to long intro, then barely audible v.o., and I don't have to grab the volume knob between the talking and the playing. And notice the ratio of talking to playing, that's also balanced. Yeah, so.......that. Great job Doctor Mix dudes, as always.

[@Doctormix]

I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your comment! We do put a lot of thought into the audio mixing of our videos... and this is the first time anyone ever comments about that! We do most of this within premiere pro, after having captured them with a zoom h6. We use gentle levelling compression on each source, then more levelling compression on the master bus. Nothing crazy, 2 or 3 dBs of reduction on each compressor. If necessary we’ll tweak the clip gain of certain passages. It takes only 20 min mixing for a 7 min video... once you get the hang of it. Groove on!!!

[@androiduser8016]

Well, it is after all doctor _mix_

[@skriptico]

il dottore ha sempre un effetto antidepressivo. and i love that!

[@SpeccyMan]

... too long ...

[@smcumber]

The best kind of keyboard player- obviously skilled, but tasteful and confident without feeling the need to show off. Great demo dude.

[@Doctormix]

+smcumber Thank you very much, really appreciate it! :)

[@krzywy8873]

ikr

[@SynthApprentice]

I am none of the above :(

[@blu-rae864]

Practice

[@alexeonbel4304]

Idk man he whipped out that Got a Match line super non-chalantly like a chad.

[@KokoroBand-LA]

Dude, you are a bad-ass keyboardist. You have impeccable technique.

[@Doctormix]

Thanks

[@DamienDrake]

After agonizing about finding a DX7 in decent shape and at an affordable price, this is just what I needed to see. Thank you, Yamaha!

[@TorutheRedFox]

the DX7 has 2 extra operators and aftertouch though

[@yamilpicon6998]

@@TorutheRedFox Yes, this reface looks more like a DX100.

[@rachelhilgert692]

I tried it today in the store. I dropped the octave down and thought a UFO mother ship was destroying the atmosphere with an EMP. It sounds MASSIVE. Looks like a barbie piano but can pulverize the planet.

[@Doctormix]

+rachel hilgert We totally agree, it sounds MASSIVE!! :-)

[@Miicrowahvei]

This comment made my day :-D !

[@javiceres]

That's FM synthesizers my friend

[@asadali2311]

80s sounds can never be forgotten

[@nicolesproducerpack]

I prefer the Dexed vst

[@marike1100]

That Chick Corea lead sound might be worth the price of admission. Gorgeous sound, great playing.

[@Doctormix]

Markus Arike Thanks man!!

[@kuffertjan]

+Ra Rodriguez If you look at him playing, the keys aren't useless at all. If you think so, you're probably just a bad key player.

[@marike1100]

kuffertjan Agree. This board is playable (which the presenter demonstrates really well) and it's actually not $500, the Reface DX is $399.

[@artemisshaffer8654]

G Got mine for $270 during last amazon prime day. Well worth the wait. Works/sounds fantastic with my dreadboxes too. Like heaven...

[@ClaudioLariOfficial]

G if u like this kind of soloing you should check Jens Johansson. He is just awesomeness

[@richardfarkas7815]

NO MATTER WHAT THIS GUY PLAYS ITS GONNA SOUND CRAZY GOOD EITHER WAY

[@CertainlyCaro]

After that opening performance I can, without shame, say that I clapped. That was incredible

[@thefastandthefurious1]

Why am I addicted to watching synth videos? Please help me.

[@robertocarmona2833]

Same here :-)

[@willfomes406]

Because it’s glorious.

[@thehighhnotes]

omg that tubular bells play - instant goosebumps

[@aengusmacnaughton1375]

Dang -- I recognize the tune, but cannot recall what it is from -- Bonzo Dog Band????

[@aengusmacnaughton1375]

Wait -- it's the end of the actual piece Tubular Bells -- duh!

[@ArthurSadowsky]

Finally, a good review by somebody, who knows how play keyboard for real. Thank you!

[@Doctormix]

Thank you so much Arthur! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@kohgamingchannel9007]

some of these sounds made me feel like i was young again, brought a tear to my eye

[@helioseismology]

Sounds great, but I wish the keys were smaller. And it should be more expensive, too.

[@bobrobertson9547]

helioseismology That's funny. Dr Mix will send round the heavy's to you. :-)

[@Miicrowahvei]

Haha :-D Yeah, right ;-)

[@bobrobertson9547]

Its like the kinda thing you get if you rake about in a cereal box.

[@javiceres]

Lol But you can't have it all

[@bobrobertson9547]

Roland are about to change the market for ever. the have a boutique range (just like this - remakes of their once great 80's synths) except you can use it as a module so your not stuck with a toy keyboard - its sold as an add on. And.... they are now back in in the modular market with the System 500 in 19 inch Eurorack format. Now that's clever forward thinking. I'm already specing my purchase. sorry Yamaha. but.....

[@bentyreman5769]

forget the synth, that's some awesome playing right there, really feeling this synth, after not being too happy with VST sounds I might have to get it!

[@TheDddkkk]

what is not happy with vst sounds. maybe get a better audio interface and start using ASIO

[@ClaudioLariOfficial]

Actually NI FM8 sounds awesome to me! I used to own a dx7 and I love this plug

[@spoderman15]

@@ClaudioLariOfficial dexed sounds great

[@Sydsydsydsud]

Dexed is a really good vst, it's literally the dx7

[@marcotixxx]

i'm not an EDM or dubstep producer, but this little thing makes me happy in 2020

[@snoopdoggdankkush9285]

4:00 EARTHBOUND

[@CaptButtonMash]

"You remember this one? I do!" - you can hear the smile. Personally I'm getting tired of fiddling with VSTs, the Reface keyboards are really attractive.

[@wickeddubz]

You have so much passion for music, that happiness is infectious. Thank you for education. Classic and legendary sounds are essential

[@mitokyo3679]

I've gotta say it's a really good demonstration of a synth for me that's rather rare. Not any soon to get one but now I consider doing thanks to you.

[@Doctormix]

Hahaha! Put the blame on us! :-)

[@Matheus-ki9zo]

8:56 That sequence here sounds so goddamn Boards of Canada-ish!

[@MrTheunivideo]

Everyone moaning about mini keys... Look here!!! If you can PLAY like this guy, NO PROBLEM!

[@Doctormix]

+Theunis Uys Cheers mate! :)

[@JakeSweeper]

Cool for him. I still have a tendecy to "Fat-Finger" mini-keys and lean towards the full size ones as a result. :/

[@sethunderwood5525]

@@JakeSweeper It has midi functionality, so you can plug into a master keyboard with normal key size

[@JakeSweeper]

@@sethunderwood5525 Yeah, I plug it into my FP-4 when I'm home.

[@ruikazane5123]

I even prefer minikeys. I cannot reach full keys with my hands!

[@miladv6]

3:00 that's wii sports right there

[@adamziolkowski2549]

Pssst- tubular bells by Mike oldenfield

[@fattybumflake]

Oldfield

[@pfaprado]

8:15 "S.T.A.Y." from Interstellar?

[@GreenHoleSun]

I own one, this is really a nice keyboard (the best of the refaces, imho) with only two cons: 1) the mini keyboard is not so bad but a standard keyboard would have been better. They could easily have one fitted without affecting the size of this device; 2) a complete compatibility with the dx 7 sounds , with 6 operators implemented, would have been fantastic, especially with memory for patterns. On the other side, the pros are: 1) good design for on-the-fly program editing, the 4 touch sliders work very well; 2) the built-in stereo speakers are surprisingly good; 3) the little keyboards is quite good and velocity sensitive; 3) it sounds really good... great range of sound possibilities. Fm synthesis made easy and portable

[@brooklynboy1000]

Go make it. Yamaha you know they’re kinda new at this stuff.

[@edwardruff7927]

Impossible to program well BUT back in the day everyone used presets! I played a DX in a top 40 band in the 80s it’ll do about anything from that era adequately. Gonna get a YC first before this for Vox and Hammond sounds. I use an analog synth for programmed leads. This DX is absolutely awesome.

[@paulgogo4985]

BEST performance demo I have ever witnessed!!! Thank YOU !!!

[@dimasdzakyardanansyah6225]

2:23 why is this so good?

[@MrBeefMan]

dee muss. I dunno but I could groov to that any time

[@tainosavage2169]

Madonna!!

[@adhikm1885]

Back to original DB back there... I remember it's only 16 bit which is you cannot touch so many keys at once, it gonna be cut on some notes. But I watch this one is perfect! Love it!

[@hoebentoet]

all the sounds are familiour for my... love the 80/90 synthesizers albums

[@sithconsole]

I still come back to this just to hear got a match! Excellent playing!!

[@thekeepers15]

This is the best of the reface series .

[@LukeWatts85]

This is the only reface of the 4 I would consider spending money on. Way ahead of the others!

[@evanoddleifson1817]

Luke Watts no man, I have three of them and the CS is by far the most versatile and useful. This one is great! But the CS is just all around more fun and useful.

[@elpresidente5420]

8:30 remembers me of minecraft survival... the nice music i felt in love a few jears ago...

[@lundsweden]

The Reface DX sounds really good, Yamaha have put a lot of effort into the design of the interface and presets, which are way better than the original DX7 or the 4 OP synths such as the DX11 or TX81Z.

[@darleschickens7106]

Ahhh so nice to hear someone refer to Tubular Bells without playing the more famous piano riff. Great piece of music, all half an hour of it.

[@fredhuybens2783]

I’ve always had mixed feelings towards the DX-7. One the one hand it was a complete revolution and brought a wealth of new sounds to the world, on the other hand it kind of killed the Rhodes which was always my favorite instrument.

[@zakuguriin4521]

Some of these would be so great for films. I can already imagine scenes that could use these sounds to add a totally unique feel.

[@ThatsABiggon]

Subscribed after his first sentence! That accent, voice pattern, and comedic sensibility... marry me! 😋

[@Blahbevava]

The Legend EP sound really did define an era, an era that I miss so much.

[@tomvesely4008]

Like for playing Tubular Bells with the tubular bells preset. And for an impressive rendition of 'Got a Match?'.

[@dsetto_397]

1st, absolutely amazing playing of Got A Match?. I truly did not realize this was possible on mini-keys. It inspired me to see what Chick played it with. For one live performance I see that he used a Yamaha KX5. Which I read had regular width keys. So massive kudos to you for pulling this off so well on the even more narrow reface keys!! ... Also, terrific review, excellent quality & depth.

[@jazzatnight]

I knew it was a chick corea tune but I couldn't remember the song, kudos to you!

[@konxxxq]

A reservation reception has been begun already by sale on September 1 at a Japanese musical instruments store. All 4 are same and the price is 48,600 Japanese yen(=about 401 US dollars) including the consumption tax.

[@konxxxq]

Addition (scheduled release date in Japan) DX and the CS are September 1 CP and YC are November 2

[@brianleupold8333]

Your Oldfield tease was dope! That's a classic piece when he finally says TUBULAR BELLS! Great little keyboard

[@PlugInGuruVideo]

My friend, 4-operator FM a DX-7 does not make. This is more like an updated DX-9 than a mini DX-7. Software based FM synth plugins can do far more for far less money. Props for the well produced video.

[@midiacstudio]

Seriously, great playing! Love the Corea solo you open with!. . . and for all the haters . . . REALLY? Why? I still have my DX-7 out just for fun, and would love to add this to my portable Live Rig just for fun and quality of sound, as I would not take my original on the road, and if you have to ask why, you seriously have no business commenting here. :)

[@Doctormix]

+Andy Casciato Thank you!!

[@dieselboy914]

3:23 sounds like the kind of thing you'd hear from Radiohead. Love it!

[@hockeyexpress7808]

philibuster914 so trueee

[@anton_borovoy]

More like thom yorke

[@zenith9908]

You playing Got A Match has sold me this beauty buying right now!

[@Milnoc]

Just got one for $359 CAD ($277 USD). The synth's only real weakness are the lack of separate user memory slots for custom patches and USB/SD card support to *easily* swap patches in and out of the machine. But at least the price I paid for it is more in line to what it should have been priced at when the synth was first released.

[@danielantoniak8530]

where from?

[@ptkk21]

I really don't know who can give a thumb down for this material!

[@youreale]

if you're an music addicted and cannot bring your Montage to a boot camp, that little one may satisfy your needs - and you can smuggle it in your backpack.

[@DirtySanch3z]

rocking Mike Oldfield like nobody's business...get outta here ^^ great vid, thanks

[@visionsofadream]

Unfortunately the output volume on all the Reface series is just so low.. Even when maxed the volume is just okish (yes, even with low impedance headphones). And no, I don't think adding an amp is a solution. The whole point is the minimalism of this instrument. Also, I'm not the only one thinks the volume is too low, just google it up. Yamaha - for the love of god just fix the volume issue. It was the sole reason I returned my CP a few years ago and when testing a brand new DX in the store the issue remains the same.

[@AmatullahK]

Two Questions: 1)Comparing the YC, DX and CP which would you say is the one capable of making the most diverse music or sounds. That is, which one is the most flexible? 2) Does each of them work well with software like Ableton Live 9?

[@bowlerrollercoaster]

0:35 RIP Chick

[@MosEisleySpacePort1138]

What track of Chick’s is this solo from?

[@palavoyz]

2019 and still watching this!

[@nicknickson3650]

Warren from Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds uses one of these. You can hear it in Spinning Song and Hollywood, plus probably tons of other songs.

[@christophermillsscola9629]

With be able to loop back operators you get super close to a real dx7, great value.

[@jakesinnaeve8677]

That sound at 6:52 reminds me of Sampha’s “Plastic 100°C” for the NPR Tiny Desk geez.

[@davidchampclos2473]

It's all done at the begining. The fantastic lead sound played on ... ON ... The famous "Got A Match" ... WAAAOOOUUUUUUU ...

[@trulyinfamous]

That thing does such good vibrato and slides.

[@alexmathewmendoza]

If you're complaining about it being miniature you need to expand your horizons as far as synths go.

[@nodroggdp4029]

Should I get this or the ju06a for 100 more? My first synth btw

[@99keysound]

The instrument has only 4 operators so it is more like a DX11 or the DX100 than the DX7. The DX7 has 6 operators. I don't know why you said it was inspired by the DX7 because the tiny keyboard is more like the DX100.

[@jcBurton2094]

It's inspired by the DX range of synths. And DX7 is the most well-known

[@CornelionSigismon]

To Reface dx 7 owners : I'd like to recreate the DynaLead preset on a softsynth like Fm8 or Arturia Dx7... I can see the algorithm, can someone tell me about the ratio's, and the basic shape of the envelope? Thank you!

[@SproutyPottedPlant]

I want my new Sega Mega Drive music machine for Christmas!!

[@richardwilliams1310]

this is an awesome new synth, well done Yamaha and thanks for the demo Doctor Mix

[@Doctormix]

Richard Williams Thank you!

[@YamahaMusicUSA]

Richard Williams Glad you like the product!

[@Acekorv]

I'm buying this synth, already own a Analog monster (prophet 08) and a bunch of soft synths. This can give hands on controls on a DX type (FM engine) of synth fast (minus the background noise a old DX synth would make), It's the usability of this synth that makes it special. Sometimes or many times, Softsynths have so many options that you stop listening what you want to create. I think this synth might be celebrated later on as a great fun little companion. There just something with outboard gear that gives sounds a bit more depth from the start but also the hands on experience it gives.

[@YamahaMusicUSA]

Acekorv We're glad you'll be able to find a good home for the synth!

[@gjc82071]

Yamaha Corporation of America Yamaha is the undisputed king of "FM Synthesis" & FM still has a big & loyal following. But before the Reface DX, the FS1R, PLG150-DX, or 30+ year old DXs were the only alternatives. I know a LOT of people who've been talking & waiting a long long time for something like this. Once they get more traction & catch on, I'm betting the Reface will be for Yamaha what the Microkorg has been for Korg. BTW, ignore some of the people whining about the $499 price. Sure, $399 would be better than $499, (& $299 better than $399, etc & so on) but $499 is NOT too expensive for this kind of synth. It's right on par with the Microkorg/XL+, Novation Mini/Ultranova, Roland SH-01 Gaia & ARAI line, Waldorf Blofeld Desktop, etc. I just pre-ordered the Reface DX & CS at Sweewater & can't wait for their arrival. Good job Yamaha.

[@YamahaMusicUSA]

gjc82071 We most DEFINITELY appreciate your support!

[@Acekorv]

Wow hey, thank you guys!

[@josepheveson6187]

Love this review - your commentary and playing are so much fun to listen to! I kind of want to go with a monologue, but your playing of this - particularly the pads - have sold the board to me!

[@parafysh]

Ayyy a fellow 2hu fan

[@derrickbrady9816]

All of these Yamaha reface series are really as good and as fun as what’s being demo’d . Yes of course it’s micro and mini- keyed , but since the price point has now dropped from 500 to 350 , the mini config vs the gargantuan sounds that they produce is entirely worth it !!

[@mikeellisonhimself]

Yep, bags of mojo.

[@eliasjohanliavaag]

You even played the theme from tubular bells

[@aljowen]

Those touch controls look quite cumbersome in this video, it would seem that putting on some pots would have given a much more accurate control that would have been continuous rather than involving multiple swipes.

[@Yu-xq7dw]

You're the best, Doc! Feels good to see a real pro showing off an awesome synth. I know what I'm gonna ask Santa for this year! Big props Doc.

[@liamjjg]

You and me both!

[@jmitzenmacher5]

9:24 got chills!

[@theLuigiFan0007Productions]

That sound... that's such a nice sounding keyboard...... someday, I'm gonna own one, I just know it. I now know the three keyboards I want. I have a PSS-140 I'v been playing lately, had it for years. I like the way it sounds, as it reminds me of the SoundBlaster, which is uses a similar chip to (SoundBlaster is a YM3812, PSS-140 is a YM2413). I want a PSS-480, because of it's more features and it would make a good pair with the PSS-140, along with the ability to save loops and custom sounds. By the way, if you feed the output of any classic 80s keyboard into a software DSP (Like Rakarrak on Linux or your favorite DAW), and it gives a whole new life to the sound. Such as adding stereo and reverb. Now, I know the missing third keyboard. I knew at the first sound in this video, the Reface DX, has the DX7-like FM sound I want. I know for sure this belongs with the other two, when I am able to build up a small home studio. As next to electronics and programming, my other main interest is in synthesizers and electronic music. I'v been trying to get better at playing the keyboard recently, and I really like it. I mean I know the keys, I'v just never learned to play anything but Ode to Joy. XDDD

[@romeosdog5846]

In years gone by I had a few 4-op DX's,a 21,a 27 and a 100 and all of them without exception sounded,well,a bit shit.However,on the strength of this demo I went and got one of these and I absolutely love the thing.I has bags of personality.Don't be sniffy about the small keys (trust me,they're actually very playable) and concentrate on the sound.I'm addicted to mine.No,it's not a DX7 and I wouldn't want it to be.Get one of these and you'll be addicted to FM all over again.

[@Doctormix]

+Romeo's Dog Wow, good to hear we could help convince you of the awesomeness of this thing! :)

[@jacobstrde4703]

3:00 my man just be playing wii sports resort like that

[@hoebentoet]

tublar bells, great instrumental music pieces

[@relics9491]

Cheers for playing Tubular Bells!

[@themetamorph]

Excellent demo,thanks.I love the FM sound and this small synth seems very capable-would love to have a play!

[@YamahaMusicUSA]

giddygavin It's coming soon!

[@ewanstefani]

This is great for the price, but I'd love to see fully programmable 6-operator/8-operator FM with lots more front panel controls to tweak sounds and a full-size keyboard (or desktop option). The Montage comes close, but still looks like it won't be much fun to program. Hopefully Yamaha will rip out the FM part of Montage and re-package it soon.

[@brooklynboy1000]

I want this I want that. Some people are never satisfied. Go make your own

[@retrotune4565]

I found a fitting Christmas present. Edit: I couldn’t be bothered to wait that long and it’s under my fingers now lol

[@WycliffStudios]

That Legend EP sound was so good

[@Exowave1]

9:15 onwards sounds like the music for a vhs logo

[@abitmystic3513]

6:47 that was amazing

[@patrickwaldron3984]

OMG!!! That little tune that you made starting at 6:06, can I put that in a song I’m making? I’ll give that section of it to you.

[@androiduser8016]

9:27 That StarPad, MY GOD it sounds so good. I'm amazed

[@Kotalee123]

It was so beautiful

[@broncoxy]

2:23 makes me regularly come back... doesn't get much more beautiful than that

[@kevinp6009]

What's the Song at 05:47 (The BitTune-Effect)? :)

[@johnhart1479]

Fantastic playing! Of the four, I gotta have this one.

[@Doctormix]

John Hart Thanks man. I do have a soft spot for this one

[@b.g.theprinceofrp.3906]

This is the case, when the size does not play a determining role.

[@fender1000100]

+foljs Few people know more about a DX7 than me. And I can tell you for 280 quid this isna miracle. Yamaha have done something marvellous with this series. But too many people like yourself get too caught up in pricetags. I would spend double what they put this out there for. because it is TOTALLY PORTABLE. And something that anyone who have ever attempted to transport the original DX synths around will truly appreciate. The DX reface doenst have as full a sound as a DX7 or as complex. But I can tell you its hands down the best 4 op DX of alltime. And due to having 4 feedback parameters. One for each op. Its capable of some wonderful patches and textures even the DX7 cannot do. You people really have to see what Yamaha have done here at a ridiculously low price. No software can ever compare to a true hands on hardware unit. And I snapped one of these up. And soon I will be showing KZbinrs what this gem can really do.

[@kristopherdetar4346]

It took 8 years for the algorithm to find this video for me. YT algorithms are outdated. I could had used this video at least 5 years ago.

[@user-sx2iw2hq3l]

Did you use some external effects or.. in this video

[@robfriedrich2822]

I guess, that is in fact a DX 100, isn't it? I would like it, when it would be like DX 11/ TX81Z with 4 operators but more waveforms, I had YS 100, this was a DX 11 with reverb and easy edit.

[@earx23]

thumbs up (not for the synth which i think is a bit meh-ish) but for that amazing work on the keys!!

[@piotr803]

Some keyboard skillz there

[@Doctormix]

;-) Thanks man!

[@wackenthaljef]

You play so beautifuuulDoc!!!!

[@Cooperman666ROFL]

I do think these mini keys might be a bit too small. It's not like it became a pocket sinth, so saving just a few centimeters isn't worth it. The best size keyboard (in my opinion even better than regular size) is the korg ms-20 size. It's perfect.

[@alexskibicki2262]

That is an awesome synth. it reminds me of the korg volca fm(which is what I own and is loosely based on the yamaha dx7) and it sounds like you can easily can get sega genesis/mega drive like synths on this synthesizer. I would like to get this as a back up to my korg volca fm.

[@mikeellisonhimself]

I've been enjoying my Volca FM. I updated with the unofficial firmware that fixed the patch compatibility issue so I could load my old DX7 patches. Now I only need to use my TX7 when I need more voices.

[@MauriceCalis]

Love your demos. Thinking about getting one.