Synth Wizards Episode 8: The Elusive DX1

The Wizards were challenged to find an ultra-rare synthesizer for a client who has been on the search for one for decades. It took a year, and a cross-country adventure - and in the end (spoiler alert!), everyone was smiling.
Discuss this episode on our forums: forums.syntaur.com/t/synth-wi...
Facebook: / syntaur
Twitter: / syntaursynths
Instagram: / syntaursynths
Credits:
In order of appearance:
Sam Mims
Gerald Dentro
Eddie Perez
Todd Smith
Shaelyn Garcia
Carlos Morales
Cody Mims
Mary Mims
Kayla Mims
Pat Brennan
Suzanne Truchon
Derek Kratzer
Alex Overby
Olivia Torres
Justin Zellers
Chuck Surack
Writer and Director: Sam Mims
Editor: Michael Wilson
Camera: Sam Mims, Carlos Morales, Kayla Mims, Mary Mims, Ed Diaz
Sweetwater Video Team: Justin Zellers, Derek Kratzer, Tyler Ross, Alex Overby, Olivia Torres
Graphics & Animations: Shaelyn Garcia
Audio Recording: Eddie Perez, Carlos Morales
Production Assistant: Kayla Mims
Music: Kevin MacLeod, Sam Mims
Special Thanks: Todd Smith, Sam & Inka Mims, Chuck Surack, Suzanne Truchon, the Video Team, and all the friendly staff at Sweetwater Sound, Jeremy Mix
Music Tracks:
Music from filmmusic.io
"Take a Chance" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
License: CC BY (creativecommons.org/licenses/b...)
Music from filmmusic.io
"Prelude and Action" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
License: CC BY (creativecommons.org/licenses/b...)
Music from filmmusic.io
"Inspired" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
License: CC BY (creativecommons.org/licenses/b...)
Music from filmmusic.io
"Beauty Flow" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
License: CC BY (creativecommons.org/licenses/b...)
Music from filmmusic.io
"Raving Energy (faster)" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
License: CC BY (creativecommons.org/licenses/b...)
Music from filmmusic.io
"Lightless Dawn" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
License: CC BY (creativecommons.org/licenses/b...)
Music from filmmusic.io
"Vadodora Chill Mix" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
License: CC BY (creativecommons.org/licenses/b...)
Music from filmmusic.io
"Eighties Action" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
License: CC BY (creativecommons.org/licenses/b...)
Music from filmmusic.io
"Supernatural" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
License: CC BY (creativecommons.org/licenses/b...)
Music from filmmusic.io
"Son of a Rocket" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
License: CC BY (creativecommons.org/licenses/b...)
Music from filmmusic.io
"The Machine Thinks" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
License: CC BY (creativecommons.org/licenses/b...)
Music from filmmusic.io
"Sneaky Snitch" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
License: CC BY (creativecommons.org/licenses/b...)
Music from filmmusic.io
"Easy Jam" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
License: CC BY (creativecommons.org/licenses/b...)
Music from filmmusic.io
"Half Mystery" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
License: CC BY (creativecommons.org/licenses/b...)
Music from filmmusic.io
"Scheming Weasel (faster version)" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
License: CC BY (creativecommons.org/licenses/b...)
Music from filmmusic.io
"EDM Detection Mode" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
License: CC BY (creativecommons.org/licenses/b...)
Music from filmmusic.io
"Marty Gots A Plan" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
License: CC BY (creativecommons.org/licenses/b...)
Music from filmmusic.io
"Aces High" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
License: CC BY (creativecommons.org/licenses/b...)
Music from filmmusic.io
"Loopster" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
License: CC BY (creativecommons.org/licenses/b...)
Music from filmmusic.io
"Your Call" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
License: CC BY (creativecommons.org/licenses/b...)

[@chrfit1]

I love how this videos goes from being a road trip, FM lesson, a review, a travel show & and picker's video all in one. I also think the warning at the end is highly appropriate when talking about FM

[@jweezy15able]

Getting a lesson on frequencys at midnight wasnt my plan, but I'm glad I got one. I dont know jack about synths, but this was really cool!

[@craZivn]

@12:42 begins the most instantly-understandable description of FM synthesis on KZbin. Including all the dedicated "how FM synthesis works" vids I've ever seen. Well done sir, subscribed!

[@talis61]

And Im so glad I found your reply with time stamp as I was clueless before.....:-)

[@TorutheRedFox]

imo it's on par with andrew huang's video on it

[@robertsyrett1992]

Holy smokes, he's the sweetwater FOR SWEETWATER! Next level of gear quest. xD

[@JEPeters00]

Damn, you're right. Insane haha

[@craZivn]

"Oh, what car are you looking for?" LOL

[@Psychlist1972]

Disappointed he didn't deliver a few bit-o-honey and red hots with it :)

[@robertsyrett1992]

@@Psychlist1972 LMFAO! That would have been perfect. Missed opportunity indeed.

[@rcom9880]

So meta!

[@christophernoia5197]

You seem like a great dad who balances his work, passion, and family very well, a while keeping so many old synths alive and breathing. Thanks for the fantastically educational and entertaining content. I’ll be sticking around!

[@Syntaur]

Thank you!

[@dmomcilovic9185]

One sat in the music shop I worked at in Birmingham UK, unsold for almost 2 years. This back in 1988

[@AlexBallMusic]

This video was absolutely fantastic. Thoroughly entertaining and satisfying. Thanks for uploading!

[@Syntaur]

Alex, YOUR videos were (are) a great inspiration, to up our production quality in a number of ways. I hope we can meet one day - there's just a lot of ocean in the way. Thank you!

[@AlexBallMusic]

@@Syntaur Thanks so much. Looking forward to your next adventures! A DX1 is super rare, so it was fantastic that you documented this. A friend has a DX5 which is still pretty cool, but the DX1 is the holy grail. I'm deep into an ARP documentary at the moment. A Chroma will be in it if course. Speaking of which, your expander and Synclavier was a great haul!

[@soulflower8687]

Synth Wizards is the best youtube video series out there in the universe, I humbly submit.

[@rdubb77]

Love your sense of humor. Its a cut above most YT creators in this genre.

[@gkeaoyrge]

I remember seeing Chris Lowe of Pet Shop Boys play a DX1 live on BBC Whistle Test. Didn't realise it was so rare to be honest. Great video!

[@NeuronalAxon]

Have you seen the recreation of that show that a guy from the UK and his son did? It's on KZbin. They got the 2 Fairlights and everything.

[@gkeaoyrge]

@@NeuronalAxon Oh yes I remember that, very impressive! :)

[@skrie]

Only 15 minutes into this vid I realize I struck youtube gold.

[@jesuslovestoastyaya]

Best random youtube find in months

[@japhy6536]

Agreed

[@st0rmchild]

Totally. This is great. I look forward to watching the rest of the episodes.

[@skrie]

@@st0rmchild I can't wait for a CS-80 episode!

[@therestorationofdrwho1865]

15 minutes? dude, 2!!minutes in....

[@SyncdAlien]

Thank you Syntaur, it is a rare treat to see the front panel in action. The still photos I've seen of this don't do it justice, and I didn't realize how much more information appears on DX1 compared to other Yamaha DX series. 👍

[@suitandtieguy]

Chuck is so cool, he is the most financially successful dude in music retailing and when I met him, I introduced myself and he said "oh yeah i know who you are", which for a guy who still lives with his parents was such a flattering thing to hear. Anyone who is iffy about Sweetwater should attend Gearfest and visit Chuck's annual house party. It's off the chain!

[@noneofyourbusiness4616]

I don't know you, but have hung out often with your parents.

[@douglasb.5601]

Damn...that's what I call a road trip! 👍🏻 I nearly coughed up a lung when that old guy opened the case and a Synclavier 2 was inside!!😱👍🏻❤

[@pidmjproductions986]

Ha ha ha!!!!!!!!

[@shimmyfix9315]

That makes two of us. It makes one wonder how many other Synclaviers may be collecting dust in a basement somewhere. I had the pleasure of composing on one when I worked at Elias in NYC, but I seem to remember it being larger than what is in this video. Camera angle perhaps?

[@dirkkeersmaekers4343]

I saw the DX-1 in real by the introduction of the DX-7 in Belgium in 1983.A beauty

[@DEADLINETV]

Your videos are mini-docs! So well put together AND educational! Good stuff!

[@joshuacornett4762]

Wow...I just stumbled upon this channel (or KZbin suggested it) and this is super impressive storytelling. Your love for synthesizers and for what you do is really coming through in the production of this and it's fantastic. It's damn near Netflix or Amazon Prime video ready. Finally, a reality TV show for synth nerds. So take these broken wings, plus my thumbs-up, and also my subscription. I can't wait to see what you do next.

[@supermonkeycollider]

Don't forget, we have 7 back episodes for your viewing pleasure as well!

[@VintageChannel]

Congratulations on the video. We need more videos like this on KZbin. I show a Yamaha DX5 on my channel.

[@trippymachetebeats8207]

I just discovered your channel, and I love it! It'd be so cool if this became a show on the history channel!

[@vincentw4881]

Oh so nice. I just got interested in synths. Got my gear from Sweetwater. Then found this channel. So cool.

[@christopherg9806]

Stumbled across this channel despite not being a keyboardist (though a drummer and a huge ELP fan). I really enjoyed your explanation of how FM synthesis works and the history of the DX1. You narrate very well and you're very authentic... and it looks like you have a close-knit family, which is such a blessing. Keep up the good work and I'll keep watching!

[@AndersEngerJensen]

Oh man! That is precious! 😱😍 I’d surely like one in my studio.... 🤑 But, I guess I’ll have to settle for my TX-816. Less space hugger, but just as much of a space heater! 😂

[@myriaddsystems]

I love this guy, such a superb communicator with an easy style!

[@AaronWeiss]

My jaw dropped at @4:44, then my heart stopped at @4:58. I'm currently commenting from beyond the grave.

[@life-is-inspiring3953]

OMG this is the best and most understandable synth intro in a nutshell in youtube

[@dooldriverr]

Love this story. Great fun and your production style makes for a warm and fuzzy feeling. Thanks so much for making our Sunday morning special.

[@marcosarizaga1752]

There is a dx1 here in a synth studio in buenos aires! I play it every now and then. A trully magicall machine!

[@markcorrigan9815]

Everybody share this video all over social media once it goes public. Let's give this channel the audience it deserves! I remember hearing if you want you youtube channel to grow you should upload videos at least twice a week. Unfortunately this means that low-effort and low-quality channels have millions of subscribers. This which is the best youtube synthesizer channel I know of on the other hand seems to be hidden away by the algorithm. I wish amazon prime or some other network would pick this up and produce a season. Though I gotta say I like the style and tone as it is. Much appreciation and much love to you guys from Germany!

[@SpeedySPCFan]

Unfortunately that's very much true. My own channel's grown far, far slower since I went from doing weekly or biweekly game reviews to detailed synth reviews every two months. YT's system is VERY rigged against long form content...

[@SyncdAlien]

Mark Corrigan, interesting comments. I have a tiny little channel, so I cannot confirm nor deny anything about how KZbin treats successful channels based on upload frequency. But after extensive testing of new and small channels, I was able to determine that frequent uploading and infrequent uploading both delivered the same mediocre view counts. Giving out likes and subscriptions also had the same lackluster results. Excluding virality luck (something I've never experienced) the only thing I found that brought new views was commenting under the videos of others. But I have also noticed that my latest new upload cuts the number of views accumulating for my previous upload, and actually kills the accumulation of views of all the older uploads. I find that just a little sad, and it's part of why, when I visit an unfamiliar channel, I scroll down the list of videos to look at some of their classics. I put a lot of effort into crafting my presentations and I wouldn't want them to be ignored forever just because they are "old" any more than I'd want a classic movie like Casablanca to be forgotten just because it is old and Bogart has passed. I'm guessing other creators feels the same way? P.S. Back on topic, I agree with you, Syntaur is a great synthesizer channel! 👍👍👍

[@RagedContinuum]

KZbin is driven by little kids, so most of the good content gets ignored

[@SyncdAlien]

Rod Salka: Well if those little kids in the back seat down quiet down, we're gonna turn this internet around and go home. 😂😂😂

[@joshuacornett4762]

This was my first time watching this channel and halfway through I actually thought, "man, this could be something on Amazon Prime or Netflix", it's so well done-such great storytelling, so glad to see others are having the same thought.

[@matszh]

First time ever a DX1, a Chroma and a Synclavier met in the same van. I suppose you drove carefully.

[@solhsa]

The van definitely doesn't look the part, on the outside =)

[@Syntaur]

@@solhsa Any would-be thieves would be saying, 'Nothin' in that old thing of any value!'

[@ctspf]

@@Syntaur It would be funny if they did cos you actually had a fortune in your van!

[@TransistorBased]

Hire a security team if you're leaving that kind of haul alone in Chicago!

[@etpslick100]

matszh Man I would love to get a Synclavier II. Just don’t have enough space.😣

[@mybriefcase2585]

Wowzers, one of the greatest channels I've ever randomly discovered! Into the Synthmobile!

[@YruamaZepol]

I was one of those who didn't understand FM synthesis no matter how much I dabbled with my DX7 plug-in. Now I understandit. THANK YOU SYNTAUR. Excellent content as always.

[@WilliamBurnett]

I could have guessed EMAX from that penguin dropping sticker. I was in a band with a guy who had one of those - and I distinctly remember it having a feature called a "Bird Run" which the manual stated was to get rid of "Gyroplasmic Perturbations" or something like that. I guess it was basically a two button reset in the event of a glitch, but it made a little animated emu run across the display. Maybe that's what laid the egg in the other machine?!

[@WrvrUgoThrUR]

25:51 “Wendy?...Is the water warm enough?” 😁 👍🏽 awesome vid. Awesome synth, awesome fm synthesis class.

[@ryanfreer77]

Found and played a DX1 only once, back around 1995 or '96, at a place called Dan's Sound & Music in Dallas, Texas. I had no idea just how rare this synth was at the time.

[@NeuronalAxon]

Remember the price?

[@ryanfreer77]

NeuronalAxon - Not the exact price unfortunately. It was quite expensive though. Probably close to $7,000 or $8,000 if I had to guess.

[@NeuronalAxon]

@@ryanfreer77 - Oof. Still quite a lof of money nigh on 25 years ago? I wonder who ended up with that one?

[@ryanfreer77]

NeuronalAxon - One can only guess. But if only 140 or so were ever produced-with fewer still working today-it makes me wonder how likely it is that I’ll see it again in some KZbin video...if I haven’t already. Lol

[@SpeedySPCFan]

YES! So glad another episode is out, it's always the highlight of my week! Can't wait to watch it once the premiere starts! EDIT: It was even better than expected. Great work!

[@GertBoers]

Wow, this series should definitely be on TV! This is incredibly entertaining and very well put together. Well done, sir! (Yes, I've watched them all and was really excited to find another one released. (y) )

[@jabelsjabels]

Wow, can't believe I haven't seen this channel until now! Really great stuff :D

[@oldschoolebm666]

Fantastic! Nothing like you guys on the synth world!

[@daved9665]

LOL 😆 Loved the Jimmy Stuart impression! ...And Mr. T later.

[@martinheath5947]

Wonderful! What an absolute treat of an adventure in time and space and sound to uplift my spirits during the silent hysteria of Covid-19 lockdown. Fantastic synth. Now put a DX1 through a boutique distortion pedal (or two for stereo) with a touch of reverb and surely some fresh magic will emerge for 2020!

[@MegaGuitaruser]

Did not know Billy Bob Thornton liked vintage synths

[@MisAnnThorpe]

Billy Bob Thornton supposedly has a phobia of old (antique) things.

[@daxhays9177]

That's exactly what I was thinking! I was expecting him to start quoting lines from Bad Santa, but you must admit he did a great Jimmy Stewart impression!

[@JasonMcFly]

Talks just like him too. 👍

[@555ontario]

Second episode for me and I think this may be the start of a beautiful thing lol. This puts me into one happy place.

[@kimhunter9005]

Hey Sam! I've been purchasing things from Syntaur for decades. Then, I look on KZbin to find out how to correctly pack a keyboard for transport/shipping and find you in the shipping department, teaching how to correctly pack a keyboard for safe transport/shipment. I must apologize. I had no idea who you were. After watching this video, I now know that I had a lot to learn about who you are. Then, to find you delivering this DX1 to Sweetwater (I was fortunate to actually play a DX1). WOW! I've purchased things from Sweetwater for decades, as well. OMG! Watching this video made me feel like a kid in a candy store!!! Thanks so much for your videos. I'm a big fan. Definitely now a subscriber. It's a pleasure meeting you! I just made a huge purchase from you a few days ago and bought a shirt. "Seven Deadly Synths". LOL. Costs much less than a DX1. Anyway . . . "I'll be back"!!!! You've saved me many times over the years because you had exactly what I needed at the time. Thanks so much!

[@jhonviel7381]

the explanation for fm has to be the cherry on top of another wonderful synth wizards!

[@gourmetoutdoors9172]

Great stuff guys. Love to watch this. Just got my first vintage thing, a K2000 v2 ;-)

[@adam872]

Dude plays Subdivisions. I like him already.

[@jakehendriksen2841]

Woah! This video was SO much more than I expected, or even hoped for. I can tell I'll be enjoying more of your videos in the coming hours and days.

[@Studio271]

This is a awesome video with excellent production value and educates while entertaining (something I find makes any video great)! Thanks for everything!

[@Vintage_USA_Tech]

Holy Shit man you are just awesome I wish I could have worked for you and studied under you I always learn so much from your videos. Thanks for the content.

[@Timecop1983]

At 10:12 i suddenly feel like i'm watching a Dark 5 KZbin channel video! Spooky! Great you were able to find, buy and sell such a rare synth! Well done!

[@Ben-nx7yy]

i think that song is called "the machine thinks"

[@GerhardAlbinus]

I simply enjoy your very informative and entertaining videos! One receives an education and a chuckle to keep things light hearted! Thanks for sharing this!

[@Einnor084]

Thank u, 4 all da EPS-16+ soundz & accessoriez, Syntaur!

[@MarshalArnold]

Hope to see more Synth Wzard episodes, these are wonderful! BTW, saw the Juno 107 synth for sale a while back on Reverb, I should have scooped it up!

A Juno what?? 107? Explain..

Ok you don't have to reply..found it on reverb - A life time chip!!! Did every 106 owner have to replace the chip!??? I DID!!! I remember that fateful day I ordered a chip from Ebay in 1999... my first ever ebay buy LOL. Got an asian repair shop to pop it in my Juno for $10 in east Vancouver. I was playing my Juno for a year without knowing why it sounded 'funky'. Syntaur has pulled out all the stops to make this amazing one-of-a-kind synthesizer! We've taken a classic Roland Juno-106, and added some very cool new features: Patch Sweep function that cycles through the eight programs in any bank at an adjustable speed, making for an animated barrage of sound Audio Input that lets you route any line-level audio signal through the Juno's silky chorus effect All-new Analogue Renaissance voice chips that will last a lifetime Standard AC inlet that uses a common IEC power cable Lighted clear bender, all new LEDs, chromed knobs and buttons, and custom panel graphics

[@Terrible_Peril]

May the KZbin algorithm gods ever smile upon you, synth wizards. Sub’d.

[@TheMichaelagren]

You're doing a great job - keep it up! Love to see the Syntaur videos.

[@Dpineda501]

Randomly watching this video and then they pull in to New Braunfels TX. My hometown born and raised 1974. Now living in South Florida. Cool video

[@notsofunnynowisit]

Man that was just flat-out cool! Thanks for sharing this!

[@Shred_The_Weapon]

Wow, this episode is doing wonders to make my lust for an 88-key Rhodes Stage MkII piano look much more satisfiable. Polyphonic aftertouch is one of the things which make this model rare. My own choice for a synth with polyphonic aftertouch would be the Prophet T-8. I’d love to see if you Wizards could cover the TX-816 all on its own. Trigger it from the SY-22. Go figure, the K250 was intended to purposefully emulate a piano. One would almost dare to say that the synthesis engine was second priority to the sample-playback section.

[@NeuronalAxon]

The T8 had a fantastic keyboard, apparently.

[@Shred_The_Weapon]

In recent years, I have imagined what kind of a keyboard arsenal I would have tried to assemble for myself as a pro keyboardist in 1984. The mental picture I have assembled is a Rhodes Mark V, the T8 stacked on top of it, and a DX7 stacked next to an Oberheim Xpander on the T8. Supplemented in ‘86 by a Roland MKS10 piano module.

[@NeuronalAxon]

@@Shred_The_Weapon - No Fairlight/Synclavier? Pssht! ;) The Synclavier used the T8 keybed, IIRC.

[@Shred_The_Weapon]

Hehehehehehehe, my aim would be both versatility and portability. Wouldn’t want anything that is “studio exclusive“. Did anybody tour with either of those models other than Sting?

[@NeuronalAxon]

@@Shred_The_Weapon - lol, maybe Jean Michele Jarre, IIRC. They did look very cool on stage though. ;)

[@brodiecole8856]

Your channel is literally the coolest. I've been waiting for a channel to be this awesome. You definitely know your stuff and I particularly loved that you interviewed Alan Palomo too. Lifelong subscriber, earned!

[@trikronika]

GS-1, DX1 and TX-816 all in one room? Casiopea fan's dreamland. Cheers!

[@hpalvz]

25:03 could easily be a early 90's Sega Genesis game music. Nice to see the Yamaha legacy on the 16-bit console!

[@willfomes406]

The Sega genesis used the same synthesizer chip as the DX1. The Yamaha YM2413 FM Chip.

[@Michael_Geyre]

@@willfomes406 Ym2413 is a cheap FM chip used on devices such as Sega mk3 or msx Megadrive used the Ym2612 (more powerful, 6 voices with 4op each) Yamaha Dx1 used Ym2128 (and 2129 for egs), just like the dx7, but it had a pair of them (like Dx5) to reach 32 voices (6op each)

[@ChristianIce]

I have a DX27 I guess it sounds like "I like turtles" in here :)

[@johnnymac19]

My first synth ever was a DX27. I could barely afford to even look at the DX7, and I never saw a DX1 in my little corner of East Tennessee.

[@ahoksure]

Same here dude

[@mgabrysSF]

Pfft - they're still selling it. The RefaceDX is a 27 with filters essentially. 'Maybe' a 21 if you want to split hairs. (mine was a 27 too - adjusted for inflation it was only 800 less than a PolyBrute today in cost - which I just got this week)

[@funnelcakes]

These video are the best!!! Love you guys!! I can't get enough!

[@ArixZajicek]

Wow, great video the whole way through! Just kept getting better and better!

[@eratic0311]

when you played the dx1 it sounds like it came strait out of a Sega Genesis

[@RensvandeWiel]

The E-Ratic Commander That’s because the Sega Genesis also uses a Yamaha FM sound chip with the same sort of operator setup.

[@galahadthreepwood9394]

I didn’t know Billy Bob Thornton was a synth geek! Seriously though, great video, I subscribed instanter!

[@Syntaur]

Well, the real Sam Mims is much too handsome - it would just be distracting to viewers. So we got Billy Bob to play him, lol!

[@noizfactory]

Why doesn’t this channel have more subs!! One of the best explanations and demonstrations I’ve found on KZbin about FM synthesis. And some great humour to go along with all this information. Thank you for the great content!

[@jimpemberton]

Thanks for this video! In fact, thanks for your company. I was recently able to order components from you to refurbish my vintage Juno 106. I also downloaded a DX1 emulator to my laptop and was having trouble understanding how the sound synthesis worked. After watching this, I feel a bit more confident in creating sounds with it.

[@maxmatson1578]

Synclavier I definitely want to see!🎹🎧💫😵👌😎👍🙏✌

[@pidmjproductions986]

I think we all do. Their next video - please!!!!

[@DamienDrake]

Agreed 100%!

[@scandinavianserialki]

I got this in my recommendations. Instant sub with notifications on

[@angel2of7death]

Epic video! So happy I found it. Laughed & learned. Thank you!

[@synthdude7664]

Dear Syntaur, You absolutely rock! I can’t believe I’m finding content so relative to my passions . Absolutely brilliant ! You cover the history, culture, mechanical, technical and practical examples all intertwined in a documentary style video . It makes me happy , thank you so much .

[@Retrowilly]

Great vid of FM!!! Now i understand FM syntesis!!!

[@LiquidAudio]

Fantastic video and Broken Wings sounded great!

[@andrewvincent5472]

Dear Sir, you have a stellar presentation, delivery, and tonailty of voice!

[@Starrigger]

Holy Smokes! I did not realize how rare and expensive this thing was... A friend of mine had one of these things back in '86. We recorded one of my original songs on a 4 track, An Atari ST, the DX1, a drum machine I can't recall and my CZ1 in his bedroom! I feel very honored .... :-D

[@venomslair137]

Is the Holy Grail of FM synths!!!

[@CryptoTonight9393]

In 40 years someone is going to make a similar video about hunting down a Schmidt

[@ashleywhiteman2684]

Tasty chips gr1

[@C4CH3S]

I bet OP-1s will be vintage one day. It's gonna get weeeird

[@japhy6536]

These videos are phenomenal - and super entertaining (ok I’m a synth geek) thank you so much for preserving sound history and knowledge for future generations to benefit. I wish you were on KZbin when I was a lucky kid reading keyboard mag with my Mirage Sampler and ESQ-1

[@ericdavis2790]

Love the way your episodes have an organic and fun feel. I respect your knowledge and love for these great creations of our musical past. Mr. Sims Please keep up the good work. It was an awesome experience as usual watching "Synth Wizards" Peace & Blessings

[@kgbinfo]

you should definitely make the next episode about the Synclavier!

[@JoshSemans]

Lovely to hear the ondes Martenot mentioned at 32:47 - if you ever need help finding one, drop me a line! I play the ondes and am always happy to chat. I've really been enjoying binging these episodes of Synth Wizards!

[@dale116dot7]

The mention of poly pressure and Ondes reminded me of something that might be interesting. The Audities Ondea supports poly pressure on MIDI. The keyboard vibrato also has a MIDI channel output, and if you have a MIDI sound module that can support dynamic bend scaling (or you can set up your patch to scale it this way), you can use the ring controller to pitch bend six octaves.

[@JoshSemans]

@@dale116dot7 Yeah, I haven't really gotten around to fully experimenting with the Ondéa's MIDI capabilities yet but the possibilities are pretty thrilling!

[@dale116dot7]

@@JoshSemans I use a Kurzweil PC2R and it listens to to bend range control. But when you change a patch that resets back so you have to resend the scaling. You can do that by pressing the ‘tune’ pushbutton with nothing playing. It also sends an ‘all notes off’ and does a VCO quick tune.

[@denversbarber]

great episode! congrats on the find and solid breakdown of fm synthesis. wasn't expecting that

[@adub303]

The Monty Python audience clip at 13:11 was definitely cracking me up! As always, an immensely entertaining- as well as hugely informative- video! Thanks Sam for the vid and thanks Mrs. Sam for letting him have the van for a few days!

[@Syntaur]

I love the Python old ladies! And thanks to Mrs. Sam and Sam-ette (Mary and Kayla) for going along on the trip - it makes it much more fun! Kayla used to be too embarrassed to be seen in that rusty, ugly van. Then we got her into it for a vacation/synth trip (when we got that CS-80), and she saw that it is so long that it's like a rolling hotel inside. For a long road trip, it sure beats a car!

[@adub303]

Yeah, that van kind of takes me back to the old multi-day road trips in our family's Dodge Caravan- memories. It was a treat getting to see that DX-1 in action (and Carlos looked very much like the treat aspect was not lost on him either ;-) and I'm pretty floored at the Synclavier find! You can use the Thriller-esque sounds in it for the soundtrack to your upcoming horror film about the ghost in the synth van! Again, thanks for sharing, and thanks to the entire family (literal family and extended Syntaur family) for being good sports and making all of this look fun and easy!

[@Lazerface84]

This is the first time I've understood FM! Thank you!!!!

[@yakmartin5429]

This one is nifty, too: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKelnWaPiqeIr7s 🧸👌🏻💕🎹

[@tonytec59vmix]

yamaha put out magazine on it. there might be a few floating around..

[@ericmelton7557]

Nice playing of “Broken Wings” on the DX7 and the Ensoniq Ts-10 Sam.

[@Syntaur]

Thanks!

[@WarrenPostma]

@@Syntaur That was pretty epic.

[@JulesFox]

Agreed, that was a class act

[@daveglassman4779]

It's been so long since I'd heard that song, I'd forgotten what the title was. Thank you for pointing this out, Eric Melton! Man, Mr. Mister had some great music. Broken Wings was one of my favorites.

[@colin5577]

Fantastic video. A joy from start to finish to learn about this synth and hear it go.

[@trevorsong3054]

I think Chuck Surack really deserved that rare DX1. It's like a gift from God to find one for sale. His company is awesome.

[@jackm1091]

Great vid! One suggestion: When you're playing the keyboard and talking at the same time, the keyboard volume is mixed really low. I think most would prefer being able to hear the synth more clearly.

[@chrisgalactic]

I think it's pretty obvious why it was mixed low, so you can hear what he's saying plus I can hear the synth just fine and I'm listening in the cheapest earbuds you can find online.

[@bormisha]

This video is about synth sounds. You can describe a synth sound in words, or you can play it and let the listener perceive it. But in this video we are sort of deprived of perception of the synth sound. Instead, we have to listen to verbal explanations.

[@kiko1935]

Big agree

[@costinvaly1]

@@bormisha the video is about synths history related knowledge and a classic synth, not "synth sounds" . Otherwise you wouldn't see so much B Roll and extra footages. There's plenty of other videos that showcase the DX7/DX5/DX1 sounds. There's a reason why this video has over 30min of content.

[@rufo]

Just found your channel. Subscription and bell clicked!

[@mikemeengs4124]

I've been around a while...bought my first synth in 1981(an EML Synkey...I still have it!), and I learned more about FM synthesis watching this episode than I could ever figure out back then or since. Thanks for these videos...every minute is crammed with synthesizer awesomeness. Please keep them coming!

[@keppj0nes]

Wow I have never heard fm synthesis sound so warm thick and fat. Great audio and great story. Definitely worth the driving!

[@vincents.6639]

I remember listening to Herbie Hancock & Foday Musa Suso “village life”. In it Herbie was listed as playing the DX1.

[@PaulJBurns]

Village Life is an excellent album. I have very fond memories of that, living in Japan when it came out.

[@crhkrebs]

Vincent S. I have that excellent album too.

[@giuseppe.turitto]

Thank You for your explanation on what is FM.

[@peterjohn7075]

This is by far one of the best channels on KZbin... entertaining and insightful... I’m number one fan

[@mjahlijanian6795]

The best and most succinct explanation of FM synthesizers I've seen. Nice job!

[@HazeAnderson]

5:34 woah!! Subdivisions by Rush! xD

[@RobertPearson777]

MIDI two lower priced vintage Yamaha FM Synths together, one with portamento, and you will be surprised (!!!), especially through processing boxes.

[@Stue007]

Wow, such a nice story and super video - thank you for taking us with you

[@mvoproject]

Me really love the SOUND of this FM-monster !! Spacial sound! And me very like the short songs you made with it - groovy and melodic. Super video!