YAMAHA DX7 Digital Synthesizer 1983 + JAHN SPX 1.6 Expansion | HD DEMO

(c) 2020 by AnalogAudio1
Demo of the YAMAHA DX7 digital synthesizer (frequency modulation synthesis) from 1983. I played it along with a Lexicon MPX 500 (reverb).
This DX7 has the JAHN SPX 1.6 installed. This was a great expansion from Germany in the eighties. It competed with the Grey Matter E! expansion. It is a simple hardware board that's plugged into the ROM sockets of the DX7. It adds some very cool features which improves the sound greatly, such as "double" mode (2 voices per key/8 voice polyphonic) and "quadro" mode (4 voices per key/4 voice polyphonic), which makes the sound really fat. These voices (of the same sound) can be detuned like on analog synths, to make fat sounds possible. It also expands the RAM memory to 128 (4 internal banks). The MIDI OUT channel can be set from 1 to 16 (not only MIDI IN). MIDI local OFF function as well. I bought the new backlit display from Ebay few years ago - this has nothing to do with the SPX expansion.
The DX7 MK1 is my favorite DX7 version. I prefer it over the newer DX7II, because it has the better basic sound with a typical frequency response, has a more solid MIDI timing, is simpler to use/to program (even with the smaller display) and it has better build quality (but also heavier). And you have a real classic, which is heard on tons of eighties hits.

[@Arze555]

My dad had this synth in his studio when I was a kid. I remember he let me record a full cassette tape of noises. I wrote "alien sounds" on the tape and gave it to my best friend. I was probably in the third grade!

[@TheeReedParker]

That’s amazing

[@devondetroit2529]

Dads are the best

[@javiceres]

I’d love to hear that tape

[@Dolores5000]

I love analog but in a world completely overrun with so much analog it’s refreshing to enjoy ancient digital! good job presenting these great patches!

[@opwave79]

Wow this brings me back to my 12 year old self. The sounds caught on like wildfire and defined the 80s.

[@KurtFuller]

(1:50) That "Rhodes" sound is one of my favourite from DX7. Sounds so 80s movie, so nostalgic...

[@thatsoomainstream]

angelo badalamenti would approve!

[@ironinquisitor3656]

THe DX7 electric piano sound is so romantic sounding. I wanna slow dance with someone when I hear it.

[@RaptureMusicOfficial]

DX7 rules! It can be combined perfectly with Korg Wavestation, both have great digital drones and ambient pad sound capabilities. Love both machines!

[@cuttingedge1987]

Exactly !!! Thank you I'm not the only one thinking the first version is the best!! I just love mine!

[@stepanomelka1213]

With that expansion, the Yamaha DX7 is capable of sounding almost like a Synclavier. It is quite breathtaking.

[@ironinquisitor3656]

There is a youtube channel that proved that it can even without that.

[@RoofLight00]

Eno made this synth sound like nothing else without that. Listen to ‘Apollo’ and ‘The Pearl’ and his DX7 is behind the piano notes providing the ambient pad sounds.

[@TheNatriumOxide]

3:54 Retrosound intro)

[@fjfrancois]

Lol 😂

[@crnkmnky]

😆 no kidding. I had to come reply the moment I heard it!

[@retrosound72]

Crazy but me too. :D

[@TheNatriumOxide]

@@retrosound72 oh hello there!

[@stuffnuns]

i owned a DX7 for a couple of decades. I even learned how to program it on the synth, not with software. I had more time then. I no have the Arturia software DX7 V emulation, and it actually sounds richer and larger than my og DX7. And boy, it is really EASY to tweak the sounds and even to program new sounds. I recommend it. I am very grateful to Yamaha for making their DX7’s with a metal casing, and building them like tanks. That synth could take a beating on the road. It never broke down. Still one of the best synth for the feel of the keys , too.

[@Josephhoward28]

Trent Reznor really must have been strong to do that every show….(and RICH!!)

[@jackcimino8822]

My mind is blown. Power DX7 is proud of you!

[@AnalogAudio1]

:-D

[@technologyreboot9161]

As always, another great video, with an even better soundtrack! Love the soundscapes, I hope that I can make some similar sounds on my VZ 1 sometime!

[@AnalogAudio1]

Thanks!

[@josephwright5921]

Some of those digital clay sounds always remind me of the Star Trek movie with the Borg. The Star Trek crew and the Borg are fighting on some type of transmitter array outside the ship in zero gravity. The ultra low, total inorganic synth notes kick in and provide the perfect atmosphere as the Borg are knocked off the ship to drift away to their death in open space

[@andypeck1972]

That pad sound starting at 3:21 Is epic! ❤

[@AnalogAudio1]

It's analog-style

[@AllenMichael]

Lovely sounds! Where can I find the sysex with these patches?

[@midiphy]

Great job! That's an awesome capture of the DX7s capabilities! Best regards, Peter

[@AnalogAudio1]

Thanks!

[@adamharris7775]

In the 1988 Kids Incorporated version of "Who Will You Run To", the Yamaha DX7 Sound Sources "ROM 128"B patch "Baby Bells" and ROM-3A patch "Tub. Erupt." were heard.

[@PJFox-lo8pi]

Great sounds. Mk 1 is my favourite too.

[@mbajcz1469]

Love my 10$ brown mk1. Also have a cs5, cs15 and the sk15 and 2 sk30s (one for parts). Love that massive beast and your video for it. Have gigged with them all.

[@WhereAreTheGods]

Freaking amazing! So inspirational for a fellow musician. I have the Arturia VST and now I really wanna dig under the hood.

[@Josephhoward28]

I miss my DX7 so much, got a used one from a polka band for $120 5 years ago. It’s back on my list to get as I rebuild the studio and start a band.

[@woloo]

You have to release your custom patches for dx7!

[@AnalogAudio1]

Most of these patches are not created by me ;-) I collected them through the years.

[@MRFThorne]

Absolutely gorgeous!

[@electrowayne2918]

Holy smokes...@1:07 minutes … I must have this expansion installed on my DX 7 Mk1 . sounded so lush

[@stevehofer3482]

As I explore Arturia’s Synclavier V and DX-7V it becomes clear how much overlap there was between the two. The FM in the Synclavier is presented differently but it is not necessarily superior the the DX-7, especially the DX-7II. My favorite FM synth is actually Big Tick’s Rhino 2, because it combines FM with samples and additive waves and then you can apply analog filters to all or part of a sound

[@AnalogAudio1]

My favorite FM synth is the original DX7 (not DX7II). This has the original sound with its early D/A converters, it's the real thing. For FM sounds which are vaguely DX style, software will do, but it's much cleaner and with less soul.

[@klaassiersma4892]

The mk1 is the one for me, i love mine, it is THE Classic and i love the keybed much better.

[@SailfishSoundSystem]

That mod sounds excellent!

[@shanandersson1779]

I remember how Yamaha Synthesizers was great in the 80s.

[@snuppssynthchannel]

They still are, if not a bit uninspired and boring, with the Montage being the exception, it marked the return of expanded synthesis.

[@je7647]

@@snuppssynthchannel why would you want a reface DX over this? you wouldn't. they're producing mostly filth these days

[@snuppssynthchannel]

@@je7647 I dont like the Reface DX very much, but i Own a Yamaha Montage, and its 8 operator, 88 algorithm FM-X engine is excellent.

[@chinossynthesizer705]

​@@snuppssynthchannelSome people have jobs and don't have time for 8 operators. No wonder why subtractive synthesis is always on demand.

[@lenochod7950]

Tolles Video. Habe auch diese Yammy mit JAHN SPX 1.6., DX7 FDII und eine DX5 ;-)

[@AnalogAudio1]

Danke! DX7II mag ich nicht so, aber DX5 wäre cool :-)

[@RoofLight00]

Eno made this synth sing and I’ve got a couple of banks of patches from someone who worked with him, they’re the same ambient pad sounds you hear on ‘Apollo’ and ‘the Pearl’ that sit behind the piano sounds. They are amazingly beautiful and I’ve not heard them anywhere else :)

[@ВадимМінка-п6б]

wow @!!!!💆‍♂️ what a sound...mmm no words ,thats what the name was created with a soul ,everything what created in those decades was with the soul !!!((((

[@snuppssynthchannel]

Sounds incredible!

[@geromesylvain80]

Pretty Demo... The patches used are custom patches? Where do they come from existing banks?👌

[@PollyVMusic]

Where can you buy the JAHN SPX 1.6 Expansion?

[@AnalogAudio1]

You can't buy it nowadays. Maybe you find some SPX equipped DX7's in Germany

[@Doomhamar]

Everything sounds like the soundtrack for Dragon Ball Z for some reason :D it made me tear up and im not joking! Its incredible!

[@MoCheez]

What are the presets at 2:41 and at 3:53?

[@Staygoldfarms]

The quintessential sound of the 80’s. Well done. New fan here. Do you have full songs I could listen to that you wrote? I like old school Japan, Ultravox genre

[@rivermintofficial]

Greetings, I would like to ask you how to activate duo/quattro mode on this extension board. I have JME SPX 1.2 and I really dont have clue how to get to this option. Its great expansion with 128 preset choices - Function 13. I would like to make most of it with wish to activate this unique feature. Cheers Mr. Synthmaster, I appreciated your videos a lot. Cheers.

[@AnalogAudio1]

If I remember correctly, only SPX 1.6 and 2.6 have the duo/quadro mode. The other versions have less features...

[@rivermintofficial]

@@AnalogAudio1 Thank you very much for your reply and great overview, your knowledge is awesome. I appreciated that a lot. Thank you for your channel and cheers:)

[@mbchannel1037]

Still hunting for this Keyboard as my collection.

[@chizknocka]

dude, what IS that at 1:04???? what patch? 🤯

[@chriswareham]

Could you post a sysex file for the sounds you use in this video? There are some absolute gems amongst them!

[@AnalogAudio1]

It's not only the patches, the expansion with dual/quadro mode allows such fat sounds.

[@kitebabe05]

woahhh, i want this, great sounds!!

[@karmaindustrie]

Are those patches not availible as download for FM8 or Dexed?

[@DestroyER82]

Greetings sir, do you any documentation about SPX. How it works and how to setup it? My DX7 have SPX 2-f version with crazy 14 banks (yes up to 448! presets in DX7 mk1 :D ), but I wasnt able to find how many of thoose additional features can be set up (I just use thoose additional banks and changed midi out channel). Thanks!

[@bisseknold]

Do you have any info or documention about the SPX 2-f version? I just bought a DX7 with SPX installed, saying 2-f when starting up, but I have no clue what the “f” is about. I’m having some problems with it, so I’m really interested in some more info 😊 Best

[@DestroyER82]

@@bisseknold Hello, found all the necessary info on yamahamusicians. It wont allow me here to post links, but I hope that helps and you ll find it. Have fun!

[@DestroyER82]

@@bisseknold Hello, yes. But unfortunatelly it does not allow me to post any links here, im sorry. :( All the best.

[@mschorer]

I have a backlit display in my DX7 as well. But I am missing ghe Jahn modification :-(

[@PriestBeats]

Hey! super interested in how you made double mode work on the dx 7 I!?

[@AnalogAudio1]

It only works with the JAHN SPX 1.6 expansion as described.

[@PriestBeats]

@@AnalogAudio1 ah ok!, but do you activate it per buttons or is it on with a preset ?

[@bisseknold]

Sounds really really good! When you have the Jahn SPX installed, is it then possible to load the original factory patches sysex files and use it as a 100% original dx7 mk1?

[@AnalogAudio1]

Yes, you can do that. It is fully compatible.

[@fremax6946]

Great ,really, thanks ! mine has the Supermax card, I like it a lot, what do you think about it ( I didn’t know your extension until your video...) ?

[@AnalogAudio1]

Thanks! I never had the Supermax.

[@tavil1296]

Where do I find the jme spx expansion, I’d love to get that for my DX7s

[@AnalogAudio1]

You don't find it nowadays, only built in in some DX7 from Germany. If you look for one, make sure it is SPX 2.6, because there were smaller SPX expansions which do not have the double and quadro mode (the 1.6!), the 2.6 is the flagship.

[@elifan2523]

Wow great sounding. I have a DX7 without the expansion, do you think I’m better off finding another one with it installed than looking for the expansion itsfelf? Cheers!

[@AnalogAudio1]

Yes, to look for an expanded DX7 is the only chance. Cheers!

[@anonymous_friend]

@@AnalogAudio1 What does it take? A chip swap? So you cant buy the parts anywhere?

[@synthesizerhome2041]

@@anonymous_friend It's an additional circuit board, more than just a chip

[@rachelar]

First one very good

[@javiceres]

I have the Reface DX and sometimes I find it hard to find ratios that sound both interesting and organic, like this video. 1:1, 1:2 0,5:1 0,5:2 2:1 1:3 3:1 all are nice but end up sounding “samey”. Any ideas?

[@AnalogAudio1]

I don't believe the ratio's are the problem. The original DX7 has a distinct tone due to its early digital design. If you want genuine DX7 sounds, you have to get one.

[@javiceres]

@@AnalogAudio1 Hmm. I guess the same patches (or as close as possible) would sound different in a DX7, specially a MK I.

[@sentimental7167]

3:04 - Twin Peaks

[@KOMBI_KRZYSZTOF]

1:04 4:53 5:16 5:25 5:35 5:47 6:00 6:18 7:09 7:35 7:56 8:04

[@tomahzo]

So it adds unison to DX7 MK1? Nice ;). DX7 MK2 has that natively. The question is: Did Yamaha implement native unison on MK2 as a reaction to this mod or was this mod a backport of the unison feature from MK2 to MK1? Either way it sounds fantastic. I love the dirtier sound of the DX7 MK1 but the unison of the MK2 does sound nice :). This mod is kinda the best of both worlds.

[@AnalogAudio1]

The SPX add not one, but two unison modes :-) sometimes is better to have it 8 voice polyphonic with 2 voices per key. I don't believe Yamaha paid much attention to an expension from Germany back then...

[@horowizard]

So it basically turns it into a DX7 II without the unique Function parameters saved in each voice?

[@AnalogAudio1]

Sound, features are different. I personally don't really need Micro Tune, Pan, Layer/Split, the bigger display and Performance mode of the DX7II. I use it in the studio, so function parameters saved in each voice is not so important. The function parametes are managed like on other (analog) synths at that time. You could not save them in a patch, it was global. I'm fine with that.

[@javiceres]

Bloody good

[@azaz6872]

Hi. I have a question. But there is no contact form with AnalogAudio1

[@AnalogAudio1]

What question?

[@azaz6872]

@@AnalogAudio1 about one mysterious synth sound

[@causticlight3300]

A Dream-Synth!!! ;-)

[@tears_of_heck]

where do i get this?

[@AnalogAudio1]

Where you can buy used instruments.

[@tears_of_heck]

I’m talking about the patches, I have a iifd

[@dan-h2g]

Where can i get the JAHAN mod?

[@AnalogAudio1]

It's a mod from the eighties, not available today. The only chance is to find a DX7 with this mod installed.

[@Rsonixtunes]

I have two of these mark 1 DX7s, one from ‘83 and one from ‘86. Try using patch base on iPad to edit. You’ll open up new worlds.

[@Rsonixtunes]

Just wanted to mention that the Supermax mod chip is an amazing way to get these sounds. Voice stacking, arpeggiating capabilities and 1024 voice storage! Similar to whatever mod he is using here. Cheers!

[@KUPHSER]

3:53 whats that patch called

[@tamaspeter5632]

Synclavier

[@CR-sj7xd]

16bit stereo Fm synths don't sound good to me. Dx7 mkI is the way to go. Sounds great even with a cheap delay pedal.

[@paypower66]

where I buy this fantastic JAHN SPX 1.6 Expansion? bye and thank you :-)

[@AnalogAudio1]

It's from the eighties, not available as new. I think you find it installed in few DX7's from Germany...

[@DennisSchulmeister]

I have one in one of my DX7. It is a simple hardware board that's plugged into the ROM sockets of the DX7. Shouldn't be too hard to replicate, if someone was willing to do so.

[@FoxGAMING-NTF]

Are these patches available anywhere?

[@AnalogAudio1]

I don't offer these patches for sale, I did not create them. I collected them through the years. But remember, you need the Jahn expansion for the patches to sound like in the video.

[@FoxGAMING-NTF]

@@AnalogAudio1 Ah, I see. Thank you!

[@fjfrancois]

Wow, thank you not the typical overrated digi piano bar. Sorry I never liked those bell piano sounds, but the soundscapes of the beginning are killer 😍 0:28

[@adamharris7775]

In the 1987 21 Jump Street episode, the Yamaha DX7 ROM-2B patch "Tub Bells-Expansion (T. Bl.-Expa.)" was heard.

[@sidneyribeiro7234]

Maravilhoso, tks !!

[@Dolores5000]

Nice!

[@ironinquisitor3656]

This is one PHATT sounding digital synth.

[@AnalogAudio1]

Don't forget, the expansion contributes a lot to that "phatt" sound...

[@ironinquisitor3656]

@@AnalogAudio1 Totally.

[@adamharris7775]

The DX7 tub bells were heard in the song Axel F.

[@AnalogAudio1]

I think there were marimbas or mallets presets, not tub bells

[@JasonMysteria]

Those bells were used in the intro of the movie Top Gun.

[@j.jester7821]

FM synthesis never sounded great to me. but a lot of iconic sounds in the dx7 ubiquitous 80s instrument. the dx was great at belltones and pianoish rings. the strings always sounded thin.

[@AnalogAudio1]

Ok, but no problem, since most keyboarders in the eighties still had their analog Prophets, Oberheims and Jupiters around...

[@juno6]

I agree that mk1 sounds better in most cases. I don't know about midi timing. How's that?

[@AnalogAudio1]

The MK1 seems to react quicker to MIDI control through sequencers, or manual playing... DX7II and SY77 are slower. Maybe more data amount needs more time for the processor to calculate

[@danielpirone8028]

Where can I get the Jahn SPX? Does it work with DX5 ?

[@AnalogAudio1]

I guess you will only find them installed in some DX7's from Germany, if you're lucky... they are not available anymore.

[@Superlover]

❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

[@fmsylvia3800]

1:50 gives me tangerine dream vibes

[@eladreltuc]

Can I do this mod to my dx7? The Kahn mod?

[@AnalogAudio1]

Remember, this is an expansion from the end-eighties.

[@davidd5403]

Could you please share these sysex files with us? Cheers mate

[@AnalogAudio1]

Don't forget, the built in expansion contributes heavily to the rich sounds.

[@janpieternieman5295]

What a sound imho better than any analog. Me want me need basically.

[@michailluuko3909]

Sounds don't become out of date.

[@cendakrys]

beau clavier

[@andyfin990]

I sold mine to a band from Liverpool called the real thing for £750 back in 1984ish.

[@hermask815]

3:53 I like.

[@chatdlathune1816]

I have the same sounds on my DX7-II.D

[@iyhgtyea8028]

WOBBLE WOBBLE

[@reneotten7376]

Wow....

[@DarkSideofSynth]

For all the DX7 haters out there :))

[@Metamophisis]

Fuck yeah! 🔥💣🧨🎹🎧👀I got one also yo!

[@iklimhunianrumahbordil9375]

waw

[@domenico_66]

TOP SAUND

[@WalterGiroldi]

Muy buen video. que gran teclado.Te felicito. Acá un video utilizando los sonidos del yamaha DX7 en un korg volca fm: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qnjOZqKtbLt-lbs

[@sumchi3690]

I was offered one of these free....it had one broken key....i didn’t know the value of it...I didn’t take it🥺