Yamaha DX7 versus DX7ii (Mk2, DX7S)

[@mammyat80s21]

I respect you work, but really.... without the same patch loaded in both synths your effort became pointless.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

hi, interesting point. remember, the sound comparison is only one part of this presentation, there are many other differences that I highlight. In my opinion the comparison of factory presets on both instrument is more interesting than loading same presets on each instrument. after all, the mk2 has improved FM and newer presets so it would be a waste to just load in the same old mk1 presets? do you guys really want to listen to comparison of 12 bit versus 16 bit DACs? :) anyway I glossed over it in the video but I spent 4 hours trying to load dx7 mk1 presets into dx7s. at some point you have to move on. thx for the feedback, cheers, i'll pin your post. :)

[@dvamateur]

It doesn't have to be mk1 factory presets. You could just load same SysEx dump into both instruments and then compare. But still it's fun video, and very professional, good presentation skills, enthusiastic personality, multiple cameras, multiple angles, fish eye lens, these are far more involved than loading SysEx dump. And yeah, I agree, that hearing the difference between 12-bit and 16-bit would have to be done in some clinical pure environment. I mean, human ear adjusts. For instance, when I switch over from Sony MDR-7506 headphones to Sennheiser HD280, it's quite shocking how muted the latter sounds compared to the first one. But after couple days of listening to the HD280, they sound as bright to me. Human ear has tendency to adjust and compensate (actually brain does this for us), same as white balance is also compensated by the brain depending on light condition. So we see roughly the same colors under different light condition, even though the color reflection and absorption are quite different under different light colors. So, good luck comparing 12-bit and 16-bit sounds within the same dynamic range. I have a Roland W-30 sampler, which is 12-bit, and it sounds absolutely gorgeous. You can compare it with 16-bit Roland S-770 all you want, but the differences will be for all practical intents and purposes negligible, especially if you sample at the same sampling rate.

[@gcoudert]

True, although even with the same patch, the Mk 1 keyboard delivers a maximum velocity of about 117 (I can't remember the actual value) so, with velocity assigned to a modulator in particular, the difference would be noticeable. I owned a DX7 Mk 1, a DX7S and a TX7, albeit not at the same time and I couldn't really tell the difference. I liked them all. Makes me wonder why I sold them but there you go!

[@dvamateur]

Mamãe aos 80 velocity value of 100 for the Mk1

[@gcoudert]

Andrew Piatek Thanks!

[@WilliamCharlesShaver]

For backwards compatibility, the DX7s (and DX7ii) did NOT fix the limited velocity output via MIDI. For years I used a MIDI Solutions velocity converter…I used it to get the full velocity range out of the DX7s MIDI out and ‘tame’ the velocity MIDI input when driving the DX7s from another keyboard.

[@javiceres]

The differences in sound have a lot to do with patch programming: -The MKII clearly uses modulator VS carrier detuning in many patches, yielding a more “chorusy” sound. -Also in the MKII modulator OPs seem to be set to higher output overall, yielding brighter sounds.

[@electrocolourfield2200]

I agree about the A+B here, but generally the MK1 is the warmer if not noisier synth of the 2 in my experience

[@virgilgray]

I have to say, I REALLY do prefer the original DX7 sound. I think it sounds much better. I just purchased a P125 from Yamaha and it has the DX 7 included. It sounds so much like your demo of the original. Thank you for the video.

[@lqr824]

It's idiotic to even voice an opinion when the patches are utterly different.

[@mattaaron6142]

The yamaha hiss disappeared around 87 with the advent of better dacs ?

[@customtheatres]

The DX7 was way ahead of its time and is still being used

[@cresshead]

the old dx 7 sounds warmer less toppy

[@dvamateur]

To me it sounds more distorted, unless my DX7 mk1 is faulty.

[@jaggass]

Its because its mono.

[@despicabledog]

the DX7s is also mono

[@snuppssynthchannel]

It is more distorted. Some major improvements went into the DX7 Mk2

[@wishusknight3009]

The MK1 was very thin. And sadly not much could be done if you were wanting rich deep sound. It has a certain charm which some like, but it really is just a lesser to the MK2 in every way.

[@pushpull76]

Even with the same patch loaded, you will always find differencies. The output stage of the first DX7 is very different from its successors, it was made of a 12 bit DAC plus 3 bits made by a r2r non matched converter (15 bits total). Later machines always had 16 bit dac on chip.

[@lqr824]

That however makes zero difference to the sound other than a higher noise floor.

[@skaterocker666]

Not the best comparison video in terms of actual comparison.. but it might be one of the most enjoyable! Seeing you having fun with both the units was a blessing to watch :)

[@WoodyPianoShack]

glad to hear there was some redeeming factor!

[@gcoudert]

Your video made me want to get a DX7 again. I'm waiting for Royal Mail to deliver my TX802 any minute now!

[@WoodyPianoShack]

i realize how exciting that must be, enjoy !

[@randytrader3026]

I have a DX7. The action and the overall feel is so much better than any of my Korgs or Roland's.. and better than the couple of other Yamaha's I have.. I simply love that board..

[@pascalvanelstlande6954]

You're right. once played a DX 7 the Korg M1 Id love so much vanished away. although the Korg M1 has its style to for the more house musicgenre. Im the happy ower of them all. KOrg M1 Roland D50 Yama DX 7? ROland Jx8p, ROland XP50 , JV1000 JV1080 . TH ey hav all their specific timbre.

[@randytrader3026]

@@pascalvanelstlande6954 you have all the good ones.. lol. I still have a JV1000 , love that board, had a D50. of course my DX7.. then there's the korg Karma, M50 , and old DW6000. love that one too. Chroma Polaris, moog phatty.. I'm running short on Rolands.. would love another juno 106. people want to much for them.. lol.. I hit all the pawn shops every month looking.. ya never know what you might find

[@yamitanomura]

I like the FM synthesis, because sounds are not recorded, are created when you play and reacts better, sounds more real.

[@irishmusico]

The DX7 S had a great a great feature where you could select a program button and program it to simultaneously transmit a different program number that could correspond to a sound on another keyboard so you could mix your favorite sounds on different boards using midi without having to change the presets on either keyboard. Very cool at the time.

[@r3stl3sstoo]

the DX7 will forever have my heart

[@horowizard]

The reason the DX-7 II sounds won't transfer over to the DX-7 is because each patch of the DX-7 II had it's own set of Performance Parameters. On the original DX-7 the Performance Parameters would have to be the same for all patches. The DX-7 II also used more advanced Keyboard Scaling, Micro Tuning and alternate Keyboard Tunings and other features such as Voice Stacking. It was also a Stereo Instrument. You could transfer the DX-7's sounds into the DX-7 II but they don't sound the same. I don't know why. You didn't mention the TX-816 which was the real monster. I believe only 100 DX-7 Centennial models were produced. At the time of this writing there is one for sale on Reverb for just a few hundred dollars less than the original price.

[@ytpremium7649]

I midi transfer my DX7s voices 1-32 or 32-64 to the DX7 and TX7 and you're correct, some voices don't transfer correctly or don't sound the same. But sometimes you try several more times and you might get lucky as it auto corrects itself and transfers perfectly. This has been my experience. And frankly I much prefer the DX7 keybed I can barely hear myself think with the extremely noisy DX7s keybed unless I have my headphones on

[@oil_can]

I still use my original DX7 as my main MIDI controller because the action/feel is perfect. I’ve never found another keyboard that can match it!

[@joejohnson4423]

I have an original DX7 and 1 that you didn't mention, a Yamaha TX81Z which is some kind of DX7 rack mount. It sounded great as I recal and I have not played with them in years.

[@dustinbeasley]

Love these videos. I don't even play keys but always love your authentic enthusiasm.

[@ezion67]

Loading presets from one to the other should be no problem at all and they will sound exactly the same without any editing. :-) Just set "sys info" to "avail" in the function menu on both DX. When selecting a new preset the unit will now send the patch data over midi. On some DX the "sys info" function is not labeled on the front panel. Surprisingly this also works quite well when you send patches from the DX7ii to a DX9 with only 4 operators. In many cases you have only to edit the modulation indexes to get them to sound (more or less) the same as the original patch. Be aware! The first batches of DX7 and DX9 models sent a sysex header without data and without closing it, as an alternative implementation of "active sensing". This trips up all other Yamaha gear when you connect them over MIDI. However sending MIDI from a "newer" DX to one of these early units works ok. This might be why you had no luck sending patches from the "original" DX7 to the DX7s. Just try the other way around. The keyboard is exactly the same on both models. This keyboard is also used in the SY77, Korg M1 and other Korg and Yamaha synths. However there is a difference between units. Part of this is from the springs losing tension over time. These springs are just metal strips. Taking the keyboard apart and turning the springs "upside down" helps to restore a firmer action.

[@pperez1224]

for me there is no comparison. Old DX& wins. You can always inject the sound into an effect processor so only the punchy raw sound matters

[@lqr824]

lol, you type like a child. And there is no after-effects, no EQ, nothing, you can apply to remove digital noise. It's better to just use the Mark II from the beginning.

[@Lea_Der_777]

Good video, thank you! Mk1 is cooler for my taste, because the sound is warmer - in general I'm a big fan of vintage analog synths (with big, warm and organic sound), but DX7 and D50 it's a really great digital devices in my opinion ...

[@danielforro-forrotronics3921]

Of course it is possible to use DX7 IID patches and banks in DX7 MkI - VCED and VMEM data blocks are the same, there's a full compatibility. Additional data blocks with later model specific data will be ignored.

[@electrocolourfield2200]

ps i had a TX802 and while it sounded like the DX7II it only had 16 voice poly, the multi-timbrality was only ok for splitting patches and layering, to get 8 dx7s you would have to go the TX816 route which allowed up to x8 DX7s as way of a 8 single inline modules called a TF1 which was inserted into a TX816 modular rack unit.

[@rjbush7955]

I think the DX7 II sounds much brighter but if I buy one I'd still go with the DX7. And that Lately Bass patch you played at the end - everytime I hear it all I can hear is the bassline to the opening theme to Top Gun. Guess it's because I'm a child of the 80s... Wonder where Harold Faltermeyer is now. He used the DX7 loads.

[@YourC0nscience]

I usually don't write comments, but after seeing all the negative comments Woody I thank you for doing this comparison. I personally prefer the DX7 over the DX7S and you saved me from buying a DX7S instead of waiting for an original DX7. Thanks again!

[@WoodyPianoShack]

yes, those sounds made the m1 evn more iconic! remember that korg themselves have an official VST software version of this synth with all those sounds :)

[@Jenairaslebol27merde]

i just cant stop repeating how grateful i am about the fact that the DX7 is equipped with MIDI, and not only for sending and receiving notes but also for sysex data. as the internal battery had gone flat several years ago, my dx7 had completly lost its brains, all the (so famous) presets were gone. but after replacing the battery (and installing a battery holder for future replacements) it was just a matter of some mouse clicks to reload the original sounds to the instrument (and many more, which you can find on the internet).

[@KuroMicra]

Awesome demo of a legendary synth. We’re on the cusp of buying a DX7 but don’t know which one to select.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

tough to choose, whichever you get best deal on! or get them all

[@KuroMicra]

@@WoodyPianoShack got the chance of a DX7 series 1 but there’s a couple of issues. One of the side panels is broken and the membrane buttons for preset selection is broken. Potentially £280 but may be wriggle room. Not sure if we should walk away and wait for an unmolested one.

[@ferienambalkon]

Bought myself a cheap TX7 (the expander version of the 1st DX7) a couple of years ago, and will now get a DX7II for free (from someone who wanted to throw it away actually). Looking forward to do a comparison, which has become a lot easier now with the free Dexed plugin, which allows you to load a patch and transfer it to any DX7 connected via MIDI by simply right-clicking the plugin and selecting "send to DX7")!

[@HALman1973]

Used to have a DX11 - Only 4 operator FM but 8 part multi-timbrel (and only 8 note polyphony) .Stacked sounds on it could sound huge... Mine was stolen in the 90s but I'd imagine it's still out there somewhere as it was built like a tank.

[@XavierRadix]

I still have, and still use a DX11. I use it as my main MIDI controller, because it plays so nice. But I also love the sounds on this thing as well. I created a whole song using only the DX11 and a drum machine. And yes, the DX11 IS built like a tank!

[@AdamTheAd-vanc3d]

David Pay Is that the keyboard version of tx81z if so , i so want one .

[@HALman1973]

Adamski Ajull That's the one😀

[@XavierRadix]

Yes indeed, the TX81Z ended up being more popular for some reason, but it's exactly the same as the DX11, but without the keyboard. Highly recommend the DX version :)

[@AdamTheAd-vanc3d]

Thanks :-)

[@PeterWalkerHP16c]

AFAIK The DAC arrangement between the two was not a simple 12 / 16. Whilst the DX7 had a 12 bit DAC it also had another 2 bit discreet DAC giving greater than 12 bit range and feeding a 16khz 2-pole low-pass filter. On the II the 16 bit was actually reduced, albeit very slightly, to 15 as D0 was not used.

[@dessiplaer]

I used to play synthesizer in my church's band. We had some very generous patrons. When I started playing there, someone had donated a Jupiter 8, but the pastor didn't like the sound of it, so it got relegated to the youth ministry. The next keyboard was a Roland JX8P. Then came the big old Yamaha DX-1. Unfortunately, it was stolen, and if often wondered where it ended up considering there were only 140 of them made I think. Some private collector somewhere has a stolen keyboard in his or her possession.

[@Appleboy78165]

I will say, I can REALLY hear the aliasing on the mkI. The DACs make a huge difference.

[@maltekrug9110]

My DX7IIFD also only transmits MIDIdynamic up to 100. They changed that with the SY77. Older mkI ROM and RAMcards can be used on the mkII models using an adapter ADP-1. But in read only mode. mkI RAMcards couldn't be used for storage. The Centennial model was released in 1988 at the company's 100th anniversary. Hence the name.

[@jamus1217]

I wasn't even born in the 80's, so what is this nostalgia i feel? lolol

[@bass6309]

Past lives

[@7Burns]

I really know this feeling. Well, I was born in 1982, so my Childhood was in the 80s, but I wasn't interested in Pop Music or Keyboards at all, then. It began much later, at the end of the 90s. But I do feel high nostalgia about 80s Music, though. I have no idea how this is possible, but it is.

[@gregaltenhofel7326]

I despite being able to get all the sounds I’d want from a plug-in in my DAW. I certainly miss my DX7. And I’m sure if I run across the right deal @ the right time I’ll end up with one again.

[@lenvdb64]

I used to own a DX7s. Loved it ❤

[@agoushy74]

Amazing video! I absolutely love the dx-7!! It sounds sooo warm! I love the patch that you played on the older dx-7 when you were comparing the action on the keys! It sounded amazing! I will actually be purchasing a Roland Super JX-10 in a few days, can’t wait to play it!!

[@agoushy74]

Update: just bought my Roland Super JX-10 yesterday, and I absolutely love it! It has amazing synth leads and amazing pads!! It also has after touch!! And much more! It’s heavy and built like a tank! Can’t wait to explore it more!!

[@merttopel]

Mark II patches can be.loaded to Mark I DX7. Pitch envelope generator range is expanded on the Mark II so you “may” need to adjust only that parameter.

[@customtheatres]

They knocked the design out of the park with the newer DX7S but they both look great and we’re ahead of their time

[@RegebroRepairs]

The TX7 requires a computer to program, FYI. Then again, the DX7 is a pain to program without a computer as well, so...

[@wArGa5m1]

I was a noob to fm synthesis and I almost didn't buy a dx7IID because of this video. I'm happy i still bought it because it sounds just like the original dx7 but with more features. You can layer patches on the IID which is a bonus. This video does no justice to the dx7IID because it sounds just as good as the original with the same patches loaded. As others have mentioned this video is pointless without the same patches loaded into both synths. This video does nothing other than keeping the price of the dx7iid down so i thank you for that.

[@ugpshake8172]

your awesome my man! just got a DX7 and your channel is helping me learn so much. THANK YOU!

[@charlestrenholm4055]

youve definitely sold me on waiting for an original dx7 instead of getting the dx7S thats for sale around the corner

[@WoodyPianoShack]

well, both are fantastic, I'd be happy with whichever was available!

[@framax67]

Love dx7 ❤️ such memories, I have the original mk1 👍

[@constantindimitrenco9551]

i just saw someone has silver version posted the link on facebook hope they'll show silver version

[@____stu____]

I always wanted a DX7 and was surprised and almost disappointed when he got me a DX7 ll FD for Christmas, awesome keyboard even today! But I always preferred the aesthetics of the original DX. Sadly I only had my DX for about 3 months as I was stolen!

[@gluubzhe]

So, did they save you, or you’re still there?

[@scottcupp8129]

I recently bought a DX7 mk1 also a DX7s. I love the sound of the original. Also when I was gigging back in 2000, I had just bought an EX5. A week later it was stolen and I found it smashed in an alley way. Talk about a heartbreak. So I just ordered another EX5 as well

[@michaelmitchell8218]

The dx7s is better if you know what your doing with it. You need to get the same sounds to see the difference.

[@nihilvoid4112]

I wish you did an initialised patch on each unit on algorithm one maybe and demoed each synth in with and without a modulating operator, as it seems though I do prefer the sound of the mk1 dx7

[@WoodyPianoShack]

that's a great idea with the init patch, i never thought of that!

[@delscoville]

There was also a DX7IIFD with a 3.5" floppy drive.

[@lqr824]

This is discussed at length at 4:20 with a picture of the IIFD.

[@davidbentick]

Which DX7 do you prefer, for me it would be the DX7, I think its like you said it seems to have a character that isn't as sharp and clean?

[@javediqbalmughal2180]

I have a Yamaha a DX7 in Best Working Condition, i want to sell it if anybody is intrested please contact me on [e-mail] or Wattsapp. 0092 302 836 0856

[@Techno-Universal]

The DX7S also introduced the deep and dynamic base drum sounds that were the foundation of early house and hip hop music in the very late 1980s and the early 1990s! Pretty much Touch Me by the 49ers that came out in 1989 was one of the first house songs to use the DX7S! :)

[@danstar1985]

Personally prefer the DX7 II. Brighter and just a bit more refined in terms of clarity and tone! Both were awesome boards at the time! Thanks for a great demo Woody 👌

[@rogerfelez7478]

I fully agree, I also love the fact that in the DX7II you could have two different sounds layered, only possible with the more expensive DX5 and DX1.

[@danstar1985]

@@rogerfelez7478 yea exactly! Plus I think by my memory, it had no internal effects? Or was that the D50? 🤔 had to run separate sound modules and effects racks etc lol How technology has escalated!! 😂 I'd love to get an old DX7 just for pure nostalgia lol going for like silly money on eBay now! Should've kept mine but sold it years ago

[@Cesarsound1]

Old DX7 all the way!

[@gabrielcornea9119]

I own a DX21 and it's awesome! dual / split capabillities and many possibilities. However I think the absolute best of the series is of course DX1

[@lqr824]

not really. The DX1 has 12-bit DACs and sounds bad if you listen to it really carefully. You have to bury it in a mix so people don't hear the bad quality. Same with the DX5, DX7 MkI, DX9, DX11, DX21, DX100. The second-generation DX7II sound exactly the same as for the patch, but with the aliasing and so on 24 decibels quieter. It's a night-and-day difference. The DX7 may sound nice but listen VERY carefully and you'll hear all sorts of digital farts and squeaks in the background. Ditto, DX1. DX7II, none. Amazing difference.

[@danielforro-forrotronics3921]

MkI cartridges can be used in later DX with adapter.

[@ruisousa7967]

I dont want to buy new DX7 thanks to this video; the old way sounds way better. Thank you for the comparison

[@lqr824]

It's idiotic to even voice an opinion when the patches are utterly different.

[@sweeneymini]

Great video. In my opinion the DX7 presets sound much more characteristically DX7ey and individual. The DX7s presets are more "generic digital synth sound" sounding, maybe to compete/compare with the D50.

[@lqr824]

It's idiotic to even voice an opinion when the patches are utterly different.

[@KeyboardKrazy49]

5:15 did you know that there is an adapter called the ADP1 by yamaha in which you can play the original DX7 Cartridges on the DX7 mkII, just connect it to the DX7s, II-D or II-FD along with an original DX7 cartridge and you can still play those older cartridges on the mkII DX7's, I have one myself for my DX7 II-D and its great!

[@WoodyPianoShack]

thanks, i only knew after reading some other comments, still crazy to me why they changed the size...

[@tonato17]

Its always such a pleasure to watch your videos Woody! I'd like to know your opinion about this: I'm interested in getting a TX816... Having 8 DX7s in a rack seems amazing, and I can see myself producing entire songs just with it. However, I heard that the DX7 MK1 can be quite noisy, and stacking 8 of them can then be too noisy for now a days standards.... What do you think about this? Do you believe that 8 DX7s will produce too much hiss to make them usable professionally now a days? Many thanks!!! Toni

[@tonato17]

I'm replying myself :) Finally decided to go for a TX802 and a couple of DX7s (mk1 and mk2) instead.

[@MarcusTDM]

DX7 mk1 has a warmer and punchier sound. More bass too. The strings preset on the S sounded better though. Good video this.

[@madness8556]

I remember playing a DX7S in 1988 and it had one of the most delightful nylon string guitar sounds that I've ever heard from any synth. We had DX711FDs at university but I could never find that sound in their internal memory.

[@WilliamCharlesShaver]

I agree. The Acoustic Guitar program is lovely, especially when you arpeggiate the keys to simulate strumming.

[@madness8556]

​@@WilliamCharlesShaver that nylon string guitar sound was not in the DX7IID and FD. It is a killer sound!

[@joejohnson4423]

You missed the DX9 Which was a slightly scaled down version of the original DX7 with I think less operators . But it looked a lot like the DX7

[@froloffanton]

TX802 is almost a monster: you see, every time you add a sound layer, it detracts from your 16-note polyphony. So with all eight layers firing at once, it becomes just a duophonic synth. Now TX816 on the other hand is the real monster. It comes with 8 individual modules, each of which is a bare bones DX7 mk1 sound engine with a XLR balanced output. You need a dedicated submixer like Yamaha MV802 or Yamaha DMP11 to mix and pan all the modules. When set up correctly in the stereo field, it's the most amazing and massive punchy synth you'll ever hear on this side of CS-80. The 32 factory presets for the 816 were programmed like partials: with each module handling a single part of the big sound. For example it's Rhodes emulation has a single module producing the percussive clicks and the others doing other partials.

[@EspenKraft]

I have the 802 and I use it for live work and especially for bass sounds that don't require lots of polyphony. I program a performance patch with 4 different bass sounds on different MIDI channels, That leaves me two notes for each sound which is enough for my bass needs and my sequencers play these parts. Works very well. That said I too prefer the sound of the MK1 and in the studio I nearly always turd to the original for my FM sounds. Cheers!

[@WoodyPianoShack]

@anton, thanks for correcting me on my TX802 "8 DX7s in a box" statement. now you say it, it seems obvious that they share polyphony. i feel quite humbled that so many people more knowledgeable than myself have contributed to the comments, cheers.

[@froloffanton]

Woody Piano Shack No problem, just infodumping people about the 816 at every opportunity I get! If you ever get your hands on a 816, I suggest you try it out with each module panned and detuned, and nice stereo reverb applied to them. It sounds absolutely bonkers that way. When I'm done recapping mine, I'll upload a factory preset playthrough! I mean, can you think of any other synth from the 80s with 128-note polyphony? Damn!

[@WoodyPianoShack]

TX816 WTF, just checked vintage synth explorer => mind blown..... :-0 how much do those beasts go for? best of luck with the cap job... respect.. :)

[@froloffanton]

It's not cheap, but definitely a lot cheaper than buying eight DX7s or even TX7s. TO my understanding they go somewhere in the 500-1000€ price range, but as you often need to buy an incomplete unit and add extra modules to it, it's hard to count. I combined two units over the period of a year, and sold the rest - so counting everything I think I paid 600€ for it in the end, and 130€ for DMP11 digital mixer (that has an inbuilt almost-dual SPX90 effects engine!). I think you can do a lot worse synthwise for that kind of money!

[@agevich]

Thank You So Much!I like the sounds of DX7 more

[@miguelrejas5034]

the last dx7 released... the DX7IIFD sounds for me better.

[@anoniconoclast2030]

How can you not like these videos? Would like to have him demo an OBXA or Prophet 5.

[@HectorGonzalez-hg7gp]

Both of them are wonderful, but as I had the first DX7, I prefer that one, regardless the improvements the S model may bring.

[@FirstSonsMotif]

Damn the orginal sound so good!!!!!!!!!!! I actually have the DX7s and i'm jealous!

[@Bulkvanderhuge]

I Liked this. I have a dx7 and dx100 myself. I like the overall sound of the original or I guess the original patches. Warm and gritty

[@Swanlord05]

I have all 4 actually the dx7i dx7ii sy77 and a montage...... And I gotta tell ya in a band situation that Dx7i.... Is a beast if you want to hear it in a mix/gigg...... Whaaaaay ahead of its time!

[@EmporiumDigitalStudios]

Always watching your super interesting videos. Keep up the excellent work!!

[@longde]

The jam at 13:26 is excellent!!

[@marcospintor1333]

Gahh they both sound so good. I would probably take the 2nd version because it’s brighter and it’ll cut through a mix

[@BlisterHiker]

Good comparison - tbanks! DX7s definitely sounds better and less noisy than the older version. Depending on preset, various digital artifacts and noises are more audible on DX7. Some musicians, including Vangelis, complained about it, but for popular music the difference wasn't significant.

[@bwm5150]

Cool video. Always been a fan of that FM bass sound. Killer!

[@nathanwood1961]

Thanks for the video. A question: at about 10:15 you mentioned that the DX-7 has a certain warmth to it. Does that warmth come from the difference in presets, or does it come from the difference in DAC? I'm deciding which to buy and it would be nice to know if I could get that same warmth on the brass presets through the mark II, then it would simply be a case of loading presets. Of course, if the warmth comes from the smaller DAC, then getting the same warmth wouldn't be possible. Thanks in advance!

[@WoodyPianoShack]

I'm sure the warmth is from the presets. I've heard other videos comparing the same presets on both models and they sound the same. I think the audio difference between DACs is marginal and has no effect on warmth.

[@mathumphreys]

Thanks Woody, great review.

[@lovemadeinjapan]

What puzzles me is that almost anyone here likes the DX7 mk1 better, yet the price of a vintage DX7 mk II is usually a lot higher. How does that compute?

[@mvoproject]

Hi, Woody! Thanks always for high quality and interesting content. I was looking for the DX7 models for a long time and finally I stoped my choice on the great SY77. I tried some of the nice SysEx and just coldn`t to believe how the clean, powerful and beautifully sounds that bulky and hreally heavy beast =))) Some of the sounds are like from my always favorite game console Sega Mega Drive 2...OOOooh.. those peaky slap basses, those fake distort guitars, smoth brassy sounds... and the legendary DX-EPs... True magic~ In this video I`ll be take the original DX7 from 1983 - it sounds maybe not perfect, but very authentic, smooth and bassy, even more analog-like. Maybe it`s because that original DX7 clearly reminds me the not perfect, a bit dirty sound of the Sega Mega Drive 2 game console =)

[@WoodyPianoShack]

congrats on the SY vlad, I should pick one up some day....

[@Agall0811]

i used to have a DX9

[@horowizard]

There was also a Centennial Edition of the DX7 II FD which was finished in Silver and Gold and had a larger keyboard which glowed in the dark.

[@KaeRZed]

Nice video but... you forgot the cheap but famous TX81Z (kind of DX21 rackmount version), the flagships DX5 /DX1... and the V50 Workstation (with builtin sequencer, effects and sample based drummachine)... By the way, the TX802 is not really 8 DX7mkII in a rack because the polyphony is not so huge...it's more a kind of super DX7mkII that can share its 16 notes polyphony between 8 patches simultaneously. If you really are looking for 8 DX7 in a rack, please have a look on the TX816 but it's very rare and expensive...

[@davcar23]

A friend of mine had a DX7s back in the late 90's. I used it just for the Yanni type "Pluck" sound which I sampled on my Alesis QS7 later so we used one less keyboard.

[@dnantis]

Woody ! Thanx for your hard work on your videos ! I have seen many old mk1 dx7 vreen buttons starting to fade or braking due do to salty fingertips over the vinyl with those buttons ! I saw one DX7 paint gray plus the full top plastic vinyl completely vray with new colo on these green buttons ! How can we print these or find and OEM Yamaha original vinyl ??? Please let me know if somebody else is reproducing them like for the DX5 DX7 DX9 and Roland JX-8P and other synths back in the day !! Please help us with this !

[@WoodyPianoShack]

yes, those membrane buttons on mk1 are prone to failure, i've seen a few in bad condition. no replacements available afaik, maybe someone else will add a comment.

[@TheCanadianDailyofficial]

I love my old original dx7, also dx100. have the same stand as you too. lol we used the tx units as well, it was sweet.

[@TranceJedi]

excellent video Woody ! those of us who have had the pleasure to play on a DX7 is going to love this video ! back then they were the best sound of the 80s and still as good today ! , both keyboards sound brilliant , hard choice if i was to picked one but i think the DX7 would be the one i would pick just because it was the "D" sound of the 80s, great video Woody ! you did another top class and very professional video ! excellent comparison on both keyboards big time ! mega thumbs up ! 😎👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍X1000000000000 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@WoodyPianoShack]

howdy ak, thanks for the comment. it's such a special instrument, and a real pleasure to play every keyboard player needs to experience it! preferably on the mk1 :)

[@TranceJedi]

well said Woody !, i agree 110% 😎👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@handel1111]

DX7 classic = warmer sound DX7s = brighter sound

[@kiko1935]

Love this, Woody. I bid on a tx802 thinking it was just a rack version of the DX7 Mark II and discovered it's an 8 headed beast! Do you use any specific editors to program DX synths? I think the front panel might be a bit too daunting/tedious

[@sergeymagel8715]

*Really Sound. Happy Weekend.*

[@het_gele_teken]

Thanks for a nice comparison Woody. Really enjoyed it. What's your opinion on the Reface DX? Yes I know it's not a full size synth but it sure sounds nice even with four operators.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

thanks for the question! i'm turned off reface it because it's less capable in many ways (polyphony, operators) than the original. how can they release an inferior product after 35 years of technology advancement? If it was compatible with dx7 patches i'd be all over it, but it's not, what were Yamaha thinking? unbelievable. end-of-rant :)

[@AdamTheAd-vanc3d]

Woody Piano Shack Hahaha tottaly agree . I guess it will appeal more to those who missed the first and second gen fm synths. Personally i prefer the little volca fm.

[@brentc3842]

I'd love to see Yamaha package a FM-X (from the Montage)-only keyboard or module with just the effects section added. FM-x certainly reflects what FM should look like after 35 years. Woody, keep up the great work!

[@joelsimmons5271]

Hey Woody, super informative video. These are classics indeed brother. Question for you. Just started out playing keys and getting into Synth. Im looking to get a Nord Electro 6 or Nord Stage 3. The DX7 has a unique marimba sound. Question is how simple is it to download something like a marimba sound from the DX7 to a Nord? When and if you download it, does it download the entire DX7 library sounds or can you pick just the one? I feel like there were 2 marimbas on different cartridges. Guess im wondering also how accessible and easy all that stuff is for someone who's so new to these instruments. Keep at it man. Stellar job! -Joel Nashville TN

[@WoodyPianoShack]

hi, maybe you don't need the exact dx marimba? browse the nord sample library, you might find something close, otherwise you can load your own samples into the NE, NS, but I bet it's a hassle to find the DX7 samples, or make them, and transfer them. consider a MODX, MONTAGE if you're really into FM! :)

[@joelsimmons5271]

@@WoodyPianoShack Thanks Woody, I'm gauging it off Cyndi Lauper's" Good Enough" song which featured a DX7 marimba and most keys I've played didn't have that melodic tone in there library. But your right maybe there's 10 different versions of marimba sounds in Nords library. Thanks for the tip

[@lqr824]

I don't want to sound mean but... I've never seen someone try to compare two synths without even getting the same patches... Why did you even make a comparison vid if you don't compare the sound?

[@WoodyPianoShack]

same patches? what nonsense? these are two different synths, one is 5 years newer, with different factory patch banks and capabilities. what would be the point on loading dx7 presets on the later synth, they would sound identical, duh!

[@lqr824]

@@WoodyPianoShack the voice architecture and parameter ranges are identical, despite the age difference. (That goes quite a ways towards explaining the DX7's popularity, despite its digital noise, and the DX7II's unpopularity, despite its massively-improved sound.) I don't know why you're bragging about not understanding these synths despite owning them. Most people would be ashamed to admit that.

[@lqr824]

Woody, check out kzbin.info/www/bejne/joW9nZ5qmL6Igck since you seem to doubt that the two keyboards can play identical patches from identical sysex's. No tweaks of anything necessary! Same exact sysex into both keyboards yields the same exact musical sound. Now, since this guy is playing a lot of notes of lush patches with zero pitch env or pitch bend, aliasing is fairly buried, which is a shame as he could have easily demonstrated exactly what all this aliasing sounds like.

[@Roboprogs]

The 100 and 27 didn't have velocity sensitive keybeds. They had the classic green buttons, though :-) The 21 was like the 7s in that it would split or layer, but again, 4-op, no velocity.

[@emmarossignol4445]

I bought an old DX7 for the "vibe" and dirtier sound but I regret not going for a DX7ii.

[@Subparanon]

I'm curious why you prefer the DX7 to the iiS? I have the iiFD and I find it has a fat, smooth sound with no aliasing or quantization noise.

[@RikMaxSpeed]

The Mk2 sounds way better than the Mk1. On the MK1 all the sounds tend towards a pure sine wave as you play towards the top of the keyboard due to a low sampling frequency combined with over-aggressive anti-aliasing. That's why the Mk2 sounds a lot brighter. Personally, combined with the membrane buttons, I wouldn't touch a Mk1.

[@shinichirohmizukami3495]

the best presentation on DX.

[@JulienMR]

I just got a DX7s yesterday. One thing you missed here, is that DX7 and DX7s are MONO, and DX7II and plus are STEREO :)

[@WoodyPianoShack]

congrats! not sure about the stereo though, the II is multitimbral iir might just be that you can send one voice to each output. don't expect super stereo effects!

[@JulienMR]

@@WoodyPianoShack Ahaha, I need to buy a IIFD now, to compare? ;) I have no roooooooom anymoooooore !!!!!

[@horowizard]

The DX IIs have more "Stuff" as they called it. Recreations of those little artifacts that are by-products of sound generation in real instruments. They also have more bits compared to the original DXs which makes them quieter as well as brighter. I did see and play a Centennial model in Sam Ash many years back. Funnily enough, it was only loaded with Piano and Electric Piano sounds! (I popped a Floppy Disc into the drive and nabbed them. I loaded a few of those sounds into my DX II FD so mine sounds like nobody else's. I used that instrument on gigs almost exclusively for 35 years. Although it still works fine and there are sounds that it makes which no other instrument can create, it was finally retired about a year and 7 months ago and replaced with a Nord.

[@heitorfialho6762]

I had a Dx7S, sounds like shit. now i have the Dx7 Mk1 and its great, I use alot. The Dx7s is much more agressive, the MK1 is mellow and soft(I dont know why). They dont have the same sound at all.

[@fender1000100]

The difference is THE CONVERTERS. The MK1 is 12 bit. The MK2 is 16 bit. Its like of you compare a RX5 drum machine to a RY30. The RX5 has more body more punch. I had the DX7S too and sold it and got a DX7 and will never let it go. Put is through a decent chorus and tou have MAGIC.

[@BlackMan614]

Aliasing from the 12 bit converters and the limited dynamic range sounds better. Maybe to a geezer who has limited hearing.

[@thomaspick4123]

If you play for a bunch of drunks at a bar, they won’t know the difference.

[@mysterio77690]

very interesting comparisons and nice explanations!