10 reasons why the Reface DX might be the FM synthesiser you were looking for

[@Jesoteric]

Mine arrives tomorrow, never had a hardware synth before but I’m diving into the deep end with FM right away 🤷‍♂️, what can I say I love the 80s

[@mr_floydst]

Congrats! Good choice. FM is assiocated with "that 80s sound" forever, but sound developers began to really take advantage of FM only very recently ;-) So there's a lot of "modern" stuff to be discovered as well.

[@Jesoteric]

@@mr_floydst awesome, thank you 🙏

[@marcobahon]

Is possible to use it to control a DAW via USB as it were a keyboard maestro? Love to have one to use it with my laptop.

[@mgbolusm]

Great video, and some beautiful patches. I am a happy owner of a Reface DX. And I do own (or have owned) many other synths (original TX series, modulars, Moog, DSI, Teenage Engineering, Novation , countless VSTs, etc…). And I’m convinced the Reface DX is one of the most underrated synths and unbeatable value for the price. I’d never sell it.

[@mr_floydst]

Hi, thanks for watching! I totally agree. I'll not sell this (again). ;-)

[@fitagoraz]

Would buy lt, thanks

[@fitagoraz]

@@mr_floydst what about E Piano.. can almost emulate the original Dx7 original preset sound ? I've heard it don't because it has less voices...

[@mr_floydst]

@@fitagoraz Yes, that's true, Reface DX has only 8 voices compared to the 16 of the original DX7. Apart from that, the EP patch provided with the R-DX is practically the same.

[@_OopsieDaisies]

Mines been on the way to my local shop for a little over a month which is good because I've used that time to learn everything i can before i get my hands on it. with over a month to think about it and still being excited i think it's a good sign it's not just a case of gas. your videos/channel have been super entertaining and informative on my synth journey. thank you lots!! :)

[@mr_floydst]

Thanks for your kind words! And congrats on you new synth. :-)

[@matthewgaines10]

I purchased a Reface DX and Roland D-05 to sample patches into a workstation keyboard. At the workstation, I can get the multitembral functionality I desire. The DX intrigues me more than the D-05 as synthesizer tool because it's more approachable as far as the interface goes. I think the DX is a great starter synthesizer and may be all a traditional piano and digital piano user needs to add spice to a multi-track song. Your presentation was excellent.

[@mr_floydst]

Thanks for watching! I agree. It's a nice "complementary" synth (and also a great synth to take outside for whatever reason).

[@Glenfiddich101]

I loved the intro and the bit at the end of the video too. I got mine just last week for £165.00 on eBay so I won’t complain. The only complaint I have is that the instruction manual isn’t worth the paper it’s written on, there’s more to learn by watching such videos as your own Many thanks Glen

[@mr_floydst]

Thank you very much! Yep, that booklet explains nothing about FM synthesis whatsoever. At least the most basic stuff would have been nice.

[@Highfiber123]

Most informative coverage on the series on KZbin, thanks for the review ✔

[@mr_floydst]

Thanks!

[@winddealer1]

Great Reface DX content, video editing and audio mixing. I'll be on the look out for one now.

[@mr_floydst]

Thanks for watching!

[@LeviathaninWaves]

I play my Reface DX more than I ever played on the MODX8 I used to have, oddly enough. It's an incredible FM synth. That choir preset was very impressive by the way.

[@mr_floydst]

Thanks for watching! It's so easy to pick up and play. You can easily take it into your living room and create sounds on the sofa. ;)

[@serhiymarchenko8361]

The choir presets reminded me FS1R. Impressive for 4OP synth.

[@mr_floydst]

There's a Wikipedia page which has a table listing the fixed frequencies you need to employ in order to create vocal formants: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Formant - use those in a "parallel modulator" setup and voilà - ooohs and aaahs. ;-)

[@serhiymarchenko8361]

@@mr_floydst Thank you, Floyd. I just was amazed the end result sounded pretty similar to “formant shaping” operators that have “width” and “skirt” parameters in FS1R (act as customizable band-pass filter). Sadly that FS1R has only one operator with feedback per algorithm. Anyway, the FM synthesis is very powerful and Yamaha is the best in this field.

[@LeviathaninWaves]

@@mr_floydst Should I use Algorithm 8 for this? 1------2 | 3------4 And maybe apply the fixed frequencies to the modulators only?

[@joelalexander4513]

I bought the DX Reface some months back and have yet to really dive in and make some music I enjoy. Videos like this are invaluable, thank you so much!

[@mr_floydst]

Thanks for watching! I have made some R-DX videos over the years... :-)

[@ainsworththemusician]

Just ordered one, came here to make sure I made a good choice. 👍sounds great

[@mr_floydst]

Thanks for watching! Yes, I think you made a good choice there. I just finished filming another DX video... :-)

[@evankeal]

The screen elevates this Reface offering way above the others. Hundreds of things can be tweaked versus a dozen or two on the others. It sounds great, the keybed is great, the expressiveness is great and the ability to create an infinite number of FM sounds easily is unsurpassed in a stand alone keyboard. And the speakers are great too.

[@mr_floydst]

Thanks for watching! I could not have said it better. :)

[@LemonJoos]

I got a huge steal recently with $100!! super excited for it to come

[@mr_floydst]

Congrats! Now, that's really a steal. :)

[@dykodesigns]

Great intro track! I bought mine in 2017 as my first synth and use it as my main midi controller with my computer. I love the quality of the keybed and the sound. I recently bought a Volca FM to compliment it, they make a great pair. I like layering up the FM sounds this way.

[@mr_floydst]

Thank you very much! Yes indeed, this synth sounds great.

[@Jesoteric]

Yes the intro really shows the capabilities this little synth has

[@marcobahon]

I was thinking about buying one to use it with my laptop while traveling to compose.

[@159awi]

The DX is my favorite synth. I've been using it long enough that, to me, it's easier to use that some analog synths. The sound rendering is excellent on the DX.

[@mr_floydst]

Thanks for watching - you're right! The R-DX hits that spot of "not too complicated, but complex enough". There's always a new trick to learn.

[@sutusmihaly]

..I just love my dx a lot..its amazing sounding..thx for your video..and indeed, some beautiful patches shown

[@mr_floydst]

Thanks for watching! :)

Thanks for the great video! The Reface DX was the first synthesizer that I bought almost two years ago and I never regretted it. Besides an attempt to port a DX7 patch (Brian Eno's Glide patch) I never made a patch myself, but with Soundmondo there are lots of patches to choose from. But I really want to learn FM synthesis, so I'm gonna watch some of your earlier videos on FM synthesis again. BTW: That DX Singer patch sounds great! Thanks for pinning the link.

[@mr_floydst]

Thank you very much! I sold the DX for a Digitone, then sold the Digitone for an MPC, and then I was a bit sad I had no hardware FM synth in my collection. Found a good offer on 'bay and playing this again was so much fun. :)

[@unclemick-synths]

André, FM synthesis isn't as difficult as it first seems. Watch the Sweetwater intro to the Opsix to get an understanding of modulators and carriers. Then it's down to playing with it to learn how that works for you. The use of envelopes to control the modulators is the next stage. Rather than starting with rough tones and smoothing them like subtractive synthesis, FM starts with smooth carrier tones and then uses the modulators to distort them.

[@Asmuk]

Thanks for the video. Wonderful sounds you make.

[@mr_floydst]

Thanks for watching!

[@_mickmccarthy]

Woop! Excellent video, definitely some good inspiration to get the DX out more often. I'm definitely guilty of being lazy and sticking with the more immediate gratification that you get with the CS instead of spending some more time experimenting with the DX. It really is a wonderful little machine!

[@mr_floydst]

Thank you very much!

[@unclemick-synths]

Good review. 👍 The DX is the only Reface I don't have but that's just because I already have original generation DXs and I am waiting to see if Korg is going to do a 61-key Opsix.

[@mr_floydst]

Thank you! I think the OP6 is the best choice at the moment if you're looking for an FM synth that sounds great and can do all the things.

[@ocnb]

Hey just FYI - I recently emailed Korg to see if there was an OP6 module / 61 key version in the works. They responded by telling me the usual "We can't give out details of future releases etc etc." but the person also said something along the lines of "but if you're planning on waiting for either, you might be waiting a very long time." Read into that what you will!

[@unclemick-synths]

@@ocnb after the resounding flop of the bigger Wavestate I'm not surprised they're discouraging hope for a bigger Opsix.

[@mr_floydst]

Hello and thank you so much for your feedback! The "DX Singer" patch by a creator named TomAnsink can be found here: soundmondo.yamahasynth.com/voices/77962 EDIT: He also has a KZbin channel that's highly recommendable! kzbin.info

[@arcanics1971]

It might indeed. I have looked at it a number of times and wondered. Nice to see the new SpecTemp getting a cameo.

[@mr_floydst]

Thank you! Yes, I kind of had to shove it in there. ;)

[@Farold_Haltermeyer]

And it’s STILL going strong! Has so much more character than even the Korg OpSix. Only FM that’s come close for my tastes was the Twisted Electrons MegaFM, and partnered with the Reface that’s a heavenly match actually

[@mr_floydst]

Thanks for watching! I played the OP6 during SuperBooth and I liked it's sound - but yes, they all have their own "character".

[@Farold_Haltermeyer]

​@@mr_floydstI wondered if you'd tried the midi add on that was being made by a Dutch company? I forget it's name but it's a bank of dials that attached to the back of it and brought all of the internal menu controls out into a knob-per-function controller?

[@mr_floydst]

You mean the DTRONICS controller? That's a neat piece of kit, but I can use my GRID controllers (see my last video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aonNkIGAnpJno68 - I'm using the Reface DX there as well)

[@Farold_Haltermeyer]

@@mr_floydst you beat me to it...that was my next question :) thanks!

[@improbablesafari1491]

The DX is great, I love mine. Nice to see a video singing its praises. I’d also give a shout-out to the reface CP. It’s a great budget entry to classic stage piano sounds. Excellent effects section as well. DX and CP are both keepers for me. See you on Soundmondo 😉

[@mr_floydst]

I had the CP first, and I agree. It's so nice to have piano sounds of that quality in a "travel keyboard" that happens to be very playable at the same time. But I need to keep my setup small, and the EX5 can provide some excellent EP sounds as well. It's not portable, but the DX can create some nice EP sounds if you put in the work.

[@tubeMonger]

Great long term review with well put argumets and demos of the sounds. CP and CS were my choices out of the Refaces. The reason is that they have a more hands on approach without any menu diving - this holds true especially with CP. Anyway thanks again for an enjoyable video!

[@mr_floydst]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@wiegraf9009]

I've had my DX for quite a while now, purchased back when I lived in Japan, and still really like it! The keys in particular are great for its size and I use it as my main MIDI controller. As you said, it's more powerful than the DX7 in some ways. I worked through almost the whole Complete DX7 textbook from back in the day on it and the reface was capable of handling it all. The main problem with the DX is that the bank of patches is too limited. I don't mind having that limitation so much for playing, but when Yamaha takes down Soundmondo some day the utility of the DX will be hugely reduced. If there was some way to store patches for it offline I would feel better about its future. Otherwise, it's a very nice little synth!

[@mr_floydst]

Hi, thanks for watching! Please take a look at this page, you'll find a librarian there. soundmondo.martintarenskeen.nl/

[@wiegraf9009]

@@mr_floydst Oh wow, this is amazing! Thank you so much!

[@matienazemy1382]

That intro is otherworldly

[@mr_floydst]

Thanks for watching!

[@JonathanDotExe]

You reached your goal. Now I wish I had one :P And damn that DX Singer patch sounds so good

[@mr_floydst]

Thanks! And sorry. :)

[@Volcaniced]

WOW, that was intense. and that Specular Tempus ... awesome. Really good video Alex

[@mr_floydst]

Thanks! ;-) Specular Tempus is awesome, but the fact you have to connect it to your PC to set up 100% reverb "wetness" was annoying. Exchanged it for a Nightsky, which was only slightly more expensive.

[@SamNiverba]

Nice video on the Awesome Reface DX Floyd :)

[@mr_floydst]

Thanks for the visit! :)

[@Guddler]

I bought one recently as my first synth and love almost everything about it. There are definitely a couple of gripes though. I know the velocity can be adjusted per operator, but when used as a midi controller the velocity is really very low and it really needs an overall sensitivity setting. Sometimes you really need to hit the keys! The other thing is that the line out seems to be low as well. When I feed it into the mix on my iPad (via a Griffin iMic) I have to have the volume on max and it is still much lower than everything else. These two things aside, it is superb. I have no regrets. I can fix the velocity by editing the midi stream, I just need to fix the line level.

[@mr_floydst]

Thanks for watching! I agree, it's by no means a perfect synth, it could have used more LFOs than one, for example, and a mod stick would have been great. But it's still pretty good for what it is, especially when bought on the used market.

[@Guddler]

@@mr_floydst the mod stick is a bit of an odd omission given they added the pitch stick. A small stick right next to it would have been just enough.

[@XavierRadix]

Fantastic little FM machine. And I agree with all of these reasons :).

[@mr_floydst]

Thanks! Great work on your new song, btw (everyone reading please click in Xavier's channel and listen to his latest vid). :)

[@rleriche5044]

Great vid Floyd. Just mulling over the Reface DX vs OpSix...

[@mr_floydst]

As a synthesizer, the OP6 is better in every way and really takes FM to another level. (It also sounds superb). But if you're looking for something more portable, battery powered with an easy-to-understand user interface that sounds good, the Reface DX it is.

[@thefumigator]

Oh my...! reason 2 was enough for me. I'm going to buy one as soon as I can

[@mr_floydst]

Thanks for watching! I think you won't regret that.

[@hankkleinman4671]

thanks for the video. i enjoyed it. my son messes around with a 30+ year old portasound that my dad gave him. it was too big to travel with on our latest vacation. My son was disappointed which led me down the rabbithole of small keyboards and to this. It looks and sounds very cool.

[@mr_floydst]

Thanks for watching! For what you're saying, there might be an even better keyboard, the "PSS-A50" by Yamaha. It' s cheaper and has more "readily available sounds" in it (more like the Casio, but sounding less plastic-like): kzbin.info/www/bejne/iqPXl2akadx2la8 It's also much cheaper. :-) Best regards!

[@RubyInferno]

Your videos are very informative & interesting. I hope your channel blows up and you get a lot more subscribers!

[@mr_floydst]

Thank you very much. That'd be cool (as I'd like to be invited to cool release parties as well ;-) ) but for now, I'm happy I found a way to share my hobby with people all over the world. :) The synth community is a very positive, inclusive one.

[@RubyInferno]

@@mr_floydst I really hope you do! You’re a knowledgeable person and seem to know a lot about music production & synthesisers in great depth - I can already see you in parties alongside Bo Beats, Dr Mix, True Cuckoo and all the awesome synthesiser lot! Haha and anytime Floyd! Thanks for making these amazing videos, I am learning about the Reface DX a lot and hopefully I’ll be able to actually make some sort of a track of my own one day... ♥️

[@matszh]

My favourite synth to play on. Also, Soundmondo works with the iPad as well.

[@mr_floydst]

Thanks for watching! That's good to know.

[@marcobahon]

Can you use it with a DAW in an iPad?

[@matszh]

@@marcobahonSoundmondo is only used for handling sound patches. But if you have an iPad compatible MIDI interface, you can of course use the Reface with the iPad, as an external sound module, from your sequencer of choice.

[@MrTom_Songwriter]

Great video review.. As an older guy that started to play synthesizers in the 1980s, I'll probably end up rambling a bit here. It's really hard to find a polyphonic synthesizer like this that is priced as low as it is. Sure, you can find monophonic synths for a bit lower but hard pressed to find a polyphonic one. I do have the Yamaha Reface DX and it's an awesome keyboard. It reminds me a bit of the Yamaha DX100 that I bought back in the day, new, but WAY more functionality in this one. I do have many synths that I use in commercially licensed music, many monophonic analog synths, but this Reface DX is the one that is most important. Digital FM Synthesis has been used in some of the most famous songs out there, especially in the 1980s. Many NewWave and also Ambient songs and soundtracks has the Yamaha DX synths were used. You will hear that Digital FM Synthesis is bright sounding and is great for piano, bells and organ sounds, while this is true string sounds and pad sounds can be made.. And using those very lower down in octave in a song can give that song / track a very nice base to add more on top off higher up. The last rambling thing I can add, is sometimes I use a Behringer Crave with the Yamaha Reface DX to add in some real analog sound.. Even though the Behringer Crave is analog and monophonic (one note at a time) it pairs up well together.

[@mr_floydst]

Thank you very much for "rambling" - really interesting! :-) I entirely agree, FM can do a lot more than electric pianos and marimbas. I created some really dark evolving pads or "sparkling" sounds with the sample&hold lfo, for example. And the "dx singer" patch by Tom Ansink is the most incredible thing.

[@LanthanOIde]

Another great video! By the way, I love how the video subtly conveys that the Specular Tempus is the reverb you were looking for. XD

[@mr_floydst]

Thanks! Yep. It's a superb reverb. I once saw someone using it with a Blofeld, really nice, you should look it - waaaiiiit ;-)

[@adamfrost3139]

I recently purchased one of these from sweetwater and appreciate the review, i like it so far but still getting familiar with the full specifications, looping, editing, etc. Very professional quality sound 👍

[@mr_floydst]

Thanks for watching, and congrats! I have a lot of videos on this small keyboard on my channel, so I guess I like it, too. :-)

[@kevincowart362]

I wish the manual explained the Reface DX feedback better. I know a feeding back an operator to itself make it a saw wave and eventually noise. But does the negative amount feedback and inverse signal and create a square wave? Or is there something else going on?

[@mr_floydst]

You get a square wave when doubling the modulator's ratio, and I guess that's what's happening here.

[@robinlewisart_1997]

Wow this is awesome thank you for sharing. I love that you demonstrated the sounds ❤️❤️❤️

[@mr_floydst]

Thank you very much!

[@BXLrules]

bought one for 200€, 2 years ago. sounds amazing. I don't like the sliders and knobs, but someone wrote a script to control it with a bcr2000. So as soon as I convert that to Electra One or behringer releases their bcr32, I will have full control again. thought about selling it because I have a fs1r, but it's just to good of a price/value synth to sell.

[@mr_floydst]

Hi, thanks for watching and commenting! I set up my Nanocontrol for this, but unfortunately, some aspects of the synth can only be controlled by SysEx instead of CC (the Nano can't do that), so I think I need a workaround. And yes, speaking from experience, just keep the synth. I sold this and instantly regretted it, so I bought it again. :)

[@halebopp17]

Nice intro. pretty amazing what kind of sound that small thing can produce.

[@mr_floydst]

Thanks for watching! You're right! The Reface DX' engine is designed cleverly, there's always a new idea how to use it.

[@miketayse]

Great vid. I'm shopping synths to use as a bass line for playing guitar. I'm new at this, I'd like to see an explanation as to how the intor music was composed and created.

[@mr_floydst]

Hi, thank you! As most of the music I record for my videos here, this was a 4 stereo track overdub improvisation (as seen in the video). I also used a GFI specular tempus reverb on the pad sound. I recorded this on a Zoom R24 and left it as it is. I used my own patches, which you can find on soundmondo.yamahasynth.com/user/650

[@ChrisLee-ur1pk]

Thanks for a good review. Q1Do acoustic pianos come included in the original patches.Q2Are Mondo patches shared,costly and can they be stored in the synth to use free of any other digital hardware,or laptops etc. I own a Yamaha YV61 and have never realised this could be an option.I don't think the Yc61 has that kind of storage allowed.

[@mr_floydst]

Hi, thanks for watching. Acoustic pianos are not in the default patches, but 2) Soundmondo is free and there are some pretty good patches there.

[@ChrisLee-ur1pk]

@@mr_floydstHi Floyd ,thanks for a quick reply.Ill investigate more to see if they are independently storable

[@ChrisLee-ur1pk]

@@mr_floydst -

[@mr_floydst]

@@ChrisLee-ur1pk If you want to download the patches, try this page: soundmondo.martintarenskeen.nl/

[@ChrisLee-ur1pk]

@@mr_floydst Hi Floyd.Im looking for one of these reface series that would be best for good acoustic style pianos as opposed to electric piano.It seems there's little on the CP electric. I'm looking for a travel style piano and one I could use in a small session.Any advice most welcome. Maybe Mondo is the way to go?? Ive subscribed already. Thanks

[@TheTrackdriver]

I used to have a TX81Z and then got a Reface DX. Compared to the TX the programming on the Reface is a lot easier with the dedicated buttons and the touch interface. However, I wish the feedback had been more aggressive so it could go into noise like on the the old DX models.

[@mr_floydst]

Thanks for watching! Yes, that would have been nice (plus more possibilities of real-time-control, maybe)

[@gordospeti]

Thanx for the vid! How many effects can be used at the same time? Thanx!

[@mr_floydst]

Thank you! Two.

[@gordospeti]

@@mr_floydst Cool, thanx!

[@x2mars]

Has anyone found a way to change the volume on the click track? Thanks

[@mr_floydst]

I don't think it's possible, it uses the patch you're playing currently.

[@prettyfunbird]

Thanks for this great overview! I'm curious, do you know if the Reface DX supports alternate tunings (like just intonation, microtonal scales, custom tunings, etc.)? I remember hearing the old DX7 (or maybe it was the DX7ii) could do this, so I thought it might be possible for this one too, either with the built-in interface or some kind of software on the computer. But I've been finding mixed comments about this, so I can't tell.

[@mr_floydst]

Hi, thanks for watching! I'm afraid the RDX can't do alternate tunings. You can tune the "master pitch", but that's not what you're asking for here.

[@prettyfunbird]

@@mr_floydst Thanks so much for the info! Too bad they didn't add that functionality, but that's okay, still interested in this synth!

[@en3970]

The intro music is very beautiful. Reminds me that I can get much more out of this before buying another synth. Can you tell what reverb you used? Very good review. Thanks.

[@mr_floydst]

Thank you very much! I used a GFI Specular Tempus.

[@jm6734]

Good stuff 👍 But you really should’ve gone into the midi implementation. Does it work smoothly controlling VST synths? And what is needed to control HW synths? I’ve been considering picking this up as a double duty instrument/controller instead of an Arturia Keystep. But would it be satisfactory...? Who can trust YT influencers for giving straight answers if it’s only roses and rainbows…

[@mr_floydst]

Ha! You should never trust my words - I'm just a enthusiast hobbyist talking about things I like. :-) That being said, the DX has the better keyboard, while the Keystep has aftertouch and a fun, uncomplicated arpeggiator and sequencer ("uncomplicated" meaning "you can't create a complete track with that"). The Keystep also has two "ribbon" style mod wheels, which I personally didn't like. I often touched them accidentally while playing low notes, resulting in unwanted modulations. The DX's stick is better, but overall I think the CS is a better MIDI controller due to it's mechanical faders. The DX's touch pad isn't precise enough for live use and would only frustrate you. Overall, I think the Keystep is popular because a lot of youtubers use it, but let's be honest, some more knobs and faders is what you're looking for if you want to control software and hardware synths. Hope that helps a bit. Best regards!

[@IGOR-RADO]

Great video. Thanks. Can you control the specular tempus via midi from DX?

[@mr_floydst]

Hi, thanks for watching! I'm afraid I can't answer that as I traded the Tempus for a Nightsky. I don't think you can control the reverb parameters, though. Perhaps it's possible to change presets.

[@chapmanfx8104]

Love to play some gilmour guitar licks over that intro, awesome

[@mr_floydst]

Thanks! Please share. :-)

[@TariganSuper]

Can it create pulse width modulation?

[@mr_floydst]

Please see my answer to your question on my other video. ;-)

[@TariganSuper]

@@mr_floydst link pls

[@mr_floydst]

@@TariganSuper I can't link it here, but you should have received an answer in your bell notifications...

[@TariganSuper]

@@mr_floydst I subscribed for pulse wave width modulation

[@mr_floydst]

There you go: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sIa2lH5mZqh3ec0 - hope that was what you were looking for. Thanks for your suggestion. :-)

[@tblv9300]

always wondered about this one

[@gaborgaspar9313]

What abaut for Korg Opsix?

[@mr_floydst]

OPSIX is a great sounding keyboard with a lot more depth and even more possibilities, operators, everything. It's also more expensive. DX' strength is its accessibility. Very straightforward while still getting good sounds.

[@mack_solo]

Agree on all your points except for the PRICE. Prices are not global. Where I am, Yamaha retails itself for the same amount as Korg minilogue XD (in fact atm the minilogue XD module is cheaper) and reface DX is not even close in overall functionality in comparison to XD (except for being an FM synth 😀, but even then XD has user oscillators to quench the digital thirst). I do hope to score a second hand reface DX though for all other 9 points you mentioned 🙂. For now however, I'm gonna have to do with Volca FM for quarter the cost (or FM2 for a third).

[@mr_floydst]

Hi, thanks for watching! You are right - since I made this video, prices have doubled. There was a time when you could find these for around $160 on ebay, but now, they've stabilized around 280.

[@jonabsalonster3583]

Does the "Reface DX" come with a rythem/drum section ? And does it have "Transpose"

[@mr_floydst]

It doesn't have a drum section, but it does have transpose.

[@AYBO]

Awesome review! Can you share how you made the patch at 11:00?

[@mr_floydst]

Hi, thanks for watching! It's really just what you can see on screen. Use that algorithm and use the sliders to modify feedback to get that "filter sweep" impression.

[@lllcinematography]

does it have onboard looping and recording?

[@mr_floydst]

Yes, but you can't save your loops. It's a really basic looper.

[@lllcinematography]

@@mr_floydst thanks! been searching for months for a standalone music maker that has recording and looping like the kaossilator pro or the artiphone 2. any recommendations? hopefully under usd500

[@milosgrujic7228]

Is it with 1.30 firmware when reface dx comes from factory ?

[@mr_floydst]

Yes - a DX with an older firmware should be a very rare sight these days, they've been out for 8 or so years now. (wow!)

[@fender1000100]

The voice patch at 8.25 is superb.

[@mr_floydst]

Thanks for watching! That patch is by Tom Ansink (www.youtube.com/@TomAnsinkVideos ) - you should check out his videos and his soundmondo profile!

[@fender1000100]

@@mr_floydst Thankyou. Because of your videos featuring the REFACE DX I've ordered one. Its coming tomorrow. And I can't wait to start programming it. I mastered the original DX7. So this should be a walk in the park in comparison. I will start uploading my demos next year.

[@IterViator89]

Great video. I have a couple of questions: how does the reface dx fares when it comes to playing with other devices? Is it good for jamming? Is the midi implementation good? Does it sync well? Also, have you tried the dtronics controller?

[@mr_floydst]

Thanks! You can use the DX as a master keyboard, if you want to. Midi implementation is quite good, the only thing I miss is breath controller support. I haven't tried the dTronics controller yet, but one of my first videos was a tutorial how to set up a midi controller for real time sound tweaking.

[@ruscular]

@@mr_floydst I used the Yamaha wx11 on the DX, CS, and the CP and found that the CS was the most compatible for using the breath control midi player on them. I now have the Aerophone AE-10 and it might be a different story since that unit, is capable of programming the CC command out of it.

[@delscoville]

I thought about getting one, but with my Motif acting up, I got a MoDX+ and it has the FM-X engine.

[@mr_floydst]

That's a great alternative for shure. :)

[@djohnson2449]

Good one, Floyd! Now I want one. :)

[@mr_floydst]

Thanks! :-) I'm quite happy to have it back.

[@douglasbanasky6918]

Greetings -- what sound are you playing at 4:00 - 4:28, I can't see the screen...? Thank you!

[@mr_floydst]

Hi, thanks for watching! It's this one: soundmondo.yamahasynth.com/voices/78331

[@YukiTheSynthDragon]

Nice video ! I kind of miss my reface DX but I did move up to an opsix. I miss the keybed oddly enough though.

[@mr_floydst]

Thank you! Yes, the OpSix does all the things the Reface did right even better :-) But it's also much more expensive, while a used RDX can be an impulse buy you don't need to worry too much about :)

[@WilliamsShamir]

I own both and the Opsix is much better... but to be honest the reface series has the best mini keys of any synth or keyboard I have ever tried... I prefer them even over a lot of full size keys... (like the ones on the Opsix and Wavestate... or even a System 8). Brilliant keys

[@WilliamsShamir]

if you miss the keys get a reface cs :) Brilliant synth that's unrelated to the opsix and unique enough to not be a synth you can replace by something better... of course there are other subtractive synths which are more advanced than the reface cs but it's just unique enough to be used regardless from time to time and sounds brilliant :)

[@unclemick-synths]

@@WilliamsShamir the CS is my favourite of my keyboard synths.

[@garyleaver7747]

Do you know of a pedal that can be used as a filter for the Reface DX?

[@mr_floydst]

The source audio spectrum might be what you're looking for, it's a midi controllable stereo filter pedal. But it's not really cheap. You should consider building a digital filter yourself using an arduino or similar controller board. Watch this video for an example: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aJC5h5eqZtl1g7M

[@mr_floydst]

Not-so-serious answer how to tackle that problem: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y4mohKqIfcl4e9E ;-)

[@garyleaver7747]

Thank You.@@mr_floydst

[@x2mars]

Very nice sounds! I have one too

[@mr_floydst]

Thanks!

[@JoergPelzer]

Yes you are right! It's a good mobile keyboard. I tried Akai and others. The mini keys are the most playable from all the crap around. Sure I play on my steinway much better and for classical music not useable but to create space sounds and enjoy traveling on a train and creating its amazing and if I want the big keys, then lets Midi it and fine :-)

[@mr_floydst]

Thanks for watching! Glad you agree. :)

[@douglasbanasky6918]

Hello again -- I just got the Reface DX, and already have the CP. I LOVE the "CP" sound on the CP keyboard -- what are some ones close to that, or based on that for the DX? Also, I want to explore combinations of flute and piano sounds, what DX patches do you recommend along that line? Or ways to construct new sounds like that? Thanks for pointing me a a good direction!

[@mr_floydst]

Hi! Do you know Soundmondo? I'd advise you to get a profile there. Then, just go through this list, something should work for you: soundmondo.yamahasynth.com/voices?reface=DX&search=cp&tags=%5B%22E.%20Piano%22%5D

[@douglasbanasky6918]

@@mr_floydst Yes, I'm just starting to explore SoundMondo, and saved a couple new sounds onto my RefDX, like a nice Rhodes sound. I've had keyboards before where you can combine two sounds like an EP and Flute sound -- any way to do that on the RefDx? Or sounds that are like that? Thanks again.

[@mr_floydst]

@@douglasbanasky6918 It's not really possible, the DX can play only one sound at once. You can use the keyboard scaling to change the sound slightly for higher and lower notes, though. But that requires some deeper understanding of FM synthesis.

[@matthewgaines10]

Forgot the add that the ambient music used in the background is excellent. Listened a 2nd time to focus on the music and less so on the commentary.

[@mr_floydst]

Thank you very much! A good opportunity to shamelessly plug my Bandcamp page floydsteinberg.bandcamp.com 🙂

[@Gerry_Hannan]

I don’t have a computer/laptop unfortunately but could i still play this without one?

[@mr_floydst]

Hi, thanks for watching! Yes. This is a standalone synthesizer and you don't need a computer for this.

[@Gerry_Hannan]

@@mr_floydst amazing thank you

[@RubyInferno]

This intro music is absolutely amazing...I wish I could get a high quality WAV/FLAC for it! it would surely go in my HiFi DAP. XD

[@mr_floydst]

You're too kind. ;-) I've uploaded the track for you here: floydsteinberg.bandcamp.com/track/aquamarin . Thanks again!

[@RubyInferno]

@@mr_floydst Oh you did? Thanks so much!! I really appreciate it! You even mentioned my name, woot! XD My man

[@jazzsecrets]

can it be plugged on a clavinova and get get the same sounds ?

[@mr_floydst]

Hi, thanks for watching! You can connect this to a Clavinova via MIDI or USB. You will not get the same sounds on this Reface minikeyboard as on the Clavinova, both have different purposes (Clavinova is a piano replacement, this is a synthesiser). But with a MIDI connection, you can use the Clavinova's keyboard to play this instrument (and vice versa). If you want a good portable piano, take a look at the Reface CP. I hope that answers your question.

[@jazzsecrets]

@@mr_floydst Thanks for your reply, yes I meant using the Clavinova’s keyboard and sound system to play the reface, will i get the full reface sound or half ? Thanks

[@mr_floydst]

The Reface will sound exactly the same and not loose it's voices.

[@jazzsecrets]

@@mr_floydst Thankyou !

[@DanielS10291]

I have a cs but my initial thoughts were the dx is more ‘cheesy’ cheap, or generic 80s sounding. Am I wrong? Is there any reason to own both?

[@mr_floydst]

I've made my choice, and the DX it was - I like the sounds you can get out of it (point proven in this video). The CS is more hands-on and overall a much better MIDI controller, if that's what you're looking for, apart from the fact we're talking subtractive vs. additive synthesis here. If you're looking for a good virtual analog though, the Roland JX-08 might be worth a look. It has patch storage and even more hands-on controls minus a keyboard plus a sequencer, also more effects and has much more polyphony and bitrimbrality (can play 2 sounds at once).

[@chrisliddiard725]

Its a 4 operator Fm, not the 6 operator of the DX7. Depending on your point of view, you might see this as an advantage. Fewer operators should make FM easier to understand and program.

[@mr_floydst]

Hi, thanks for your comment!. ... but... but... I adressed that in this video? :-) :.. (

[@DawlessHouseMusic]

Just got mine in the mail.

[@mr_floydst]

Congrats! Please tell me what you think of it once you've got to know it.

[@TheAtomicTom]

Your patches sound better than mine 😆

[@mr_floydst]

Thank you! - Wait, did you create that "Singer" patch?

[@TheAtomicTom]

@@mr_floydst Haha, I wish 😅

[@4estral]

Would love to know the tune you are playing in Reason 8... is it original?

[@mr_floydst]

Thanks for watching! That's just something I came up with on the spot. If you like that style, here's something quite similar on my bandcamp page floydsteinberg.bandcamp.com/track/1987

[@TwinCitiesOxygen]

After touch over midi? How do you like it compared to the Opsix?

[@mr_floydst]

No, not possible. The Opsix is better in every way but also more expensive (though Korg US has a special offer right now)

[@artemisshaffer8654]

A little off-topic, but today is "Bandcamp Friday". IMHO his music there is quite nice and is deserving of your support. 🙂✌️🙏

[@mr_floydst]

Oh, thank you very much! I just got a mail from bandcamp, whoa. :-)

[@artemisshaffer8654]

@@mr_floydst You're very welcome! Looking forward to more music and videos.

[@Formelyknownasnone]

Recorded with the r24?

[@mr_floydst]

Yes, everything before 2022 on this channel was recorded on the R24 (moved to R20 after that)

[@digitaldiezel5870]

This keeps it simple!

[@mr_floydst]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@WewbaccaTheChookie]

I just tried to join the Yamaha Reface group on Facebook to promote your video but “somebody” beat me to it!!! 😂

[@mr_floydst]

Hi, thank you so much for trying this! I really appreciate that support. But alas, I've been a member of that group for years ;-) Best regards!

[@stanislav182000]

very nice

[@mr_floydst]

Thanks!

[@stanislav182000]

@@mr_floydst you are welcome

[@kentaccordionist]

Do you know if the reface dx can dump voice programs via a sysex dump?

[@mr_floydst]

Hi, thanks for watching! Let me google that for you: www.yamahasynth.com/ask-a-question/is-there-anyway-to-send-a-sysex-patch-dump-from-reface-dx ;-)

[@kentaccordionist]

@@mr_floydst thank you so much. Have a great day.

[@Wyrmfyr]

I just discovered the DX21 for myself. Now, I want more😢😂😅😊.

[@mr_floydst]

Honestly, the DX21 is a good synth to do FM stuff on. The R-DX makes it a bit more approachable, though.

[@ryanmoran2403]

SOLD!!

[@mr_floydst]

Congrats! ;-) (Have a great new year, and thanks for watching)

[@patrikknoerr9777]

I'm pretty sure I'm looking for an FS1R, MOTIF ES + PLG Board, or an SY77. In reverse order, for obvious reasons. But first, I need a PSS 780 :) OK - now let's check why I might be looking for a Reface! EDIT: OK... soundwise it is really great.

[@mr_floydst]

Good choice! And also that's why I used the subjunctive in the title. My personal views are very likely not yours. :)

[@josephwright5921]

The FS1R sounds amazing, especially the crazy choirs. I wish they would remake it with a better interface.

[@MrBenMcLean]

The DX can't be had for prices like the ones you quote over here in the U.S. I'm not seeing it below $300 plus shipping anywhere. Strangely, it seems to cost more used than new most places, probably because of the new ones being out of stock so often from the pandemic.

[@mr_floydst]

Hi, thanks for watching! Yes, I'm afraid you're right - prices have gone up across the board recently. The cheapest ones I see used at the moment are around 275, but 300 and up are more common.

[@Cinnovations]

I bought this to create a late 80’s soundtrack for a short film. With this and a ton of notorious 80’s drum machine samples, I’m off to a good start.

[@mr_floydst]

Thanks for watching - excellent choice! :-)

[@lycosa2000]

Did you sneak Halo in there by Depeche Mode? 😂 Cool if you did.

[@mr_floydst]

Not intentionally, but I love that song. :)

[@Musicology1975]

I love IT, 💯🎸

[@mr_floydst]

Thanks! :)

[@henrikgustav2294]

This or sy99?

[@mr_floydst]

If you want ease of use and portability: this. If you want more depth and don't mind the size and weight of the SY99: SY99. Alternatives: Korg OPsix, Yamaha MODX. Or: why not both? ;-)

[@magnusjohansson295]

Hmmm.... Interesting.

[@mr_floydst]

Thanks. Please note this video predates the OP-Six... ;-)

[@anewgroove]

It needs modulation and pitch bend wheels… they messed it up not including those features

[@mr_floydst]

It has a stick, though. I agree on the mod wheel, that would have been nice.

[@hermask815]

Didn't know reason 2 : feedback can create waveforms. Cool.

[@mr_floydst]

Thanks for watching! It's not well-known indeed. I often read "but it's only a 4 operator synth" regarding the Reface DX and in fact you need to "waste" standard operators on other synths just to create these basic wave shapes.

[@hermask815]

@@mr_floydst i've dabbled with a softsynth called FM4 [1 ]which has the 8 TX81z waveforms and can confirm waveforms make a difference. the Megafm [2] also is a 4-op FM with maany knobs but also just sine :-( [1] Waveforms : primal-audio.com/fm4.html YT: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZyoZZhuea1kaKs [2] no waveforms: twisted-electrons.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/MEGA-FM-FULL.jpg YT: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mXrVZJZobsR2iM0 PS. How did you get your name? by Dithering ? :-)

[@mr_floydst]

@@hermask815 Thanks for sharing! You're not wrong with your assumption. I like that name. That algorithm can turn something strictly black and white into something more nuanced. ;-)

[@Roboprogs]

My reason was that my DX100 needed more than an internal lithium battery to fix. I lost the mod wheel and an octave of keys, but gained effects and velocity sensitive keys, as well as something like DX11 operator waveforms. I”ll get a Montage or a Kronos someday, riiiiiiiiight.

[@mr_floydst]

Thanks for watching! Yeah, one day I'll get one of the high-end workstations, too. Just to know what they're about. The Kronos seems to be the one with the longest feature list - and has a lot of hands on controls, plus I like the design. :)

[@ushnicyuvnikof2748]

These now go for the same price as the original dx7 used, so what's the point? Mite aswell just get a real dx7.

[@mr_floydst]

Thanks for watching! Then that's what you should do.

[@jsmacks11]

GUI, portability, effects, a few synth features DX lacks, modernity (DX7 might be more likely to need servicing in the future).