Yamaha TX802 | The pinnacle of what the DX line became in the 80s.

[@RayyMusik]

Give Espen a DX/TX, and he‘s not only the eighties but the eightiest ever. :)

[@spankenheim]

"the best news is that the TX802 has not risen in price" except of course now the Espen Effect will fix that little problem. Fortunately I already have one! Love to hear you putting it through its paces!!

[@mudsh4rk]

I bought mine in 1999 (first real synth I ever got) for $200 and the price for them stayed pretty much the same until 2-3 uears ago. Since then it has roughly tripled, whch is still better than what happened to the DX-7 but it has definitely risen quite a bit recently.

[@Robert44444444]

I've purchased a total of 3 of these. When released around 1988 the dealer cost was $1,197 with a list price of $1,995. My 1st one I bought brand new in the box on closeout for ~$800 (I was working at a Yamaha dealer at the time… around 1990), my 2nd unit I bought (used) for ~$500… sold it some years later, and around 2010 my boss at the time asked me if I wanted to buy his TX-802 he wasn't using. I said I already had one and he said you can have it for TWENTY BUCKS… now I have (2) units again ;-)

[@spankenheim]

@@Robert44444444 $20 damn, i need a better boss

[@synthnerd4539]

You had me at 'symphonic'... Love that chorus. And also those classic Jan Hammer patches. "Escape from Television" is solid gold listening!

[@rockstarjazzcat]

Ownership while in college in 1987 would have been unimaginable. Purchased a beat up one used a few years ago, and I soon had to recap the power section and replace the display. Fantastic! But having exhausted my patience, it became a gateway drug to more modern Yamaha hardware. Thanks for covering it, Espen! Kind regards, Daniel

[@gehtdinichtsan309]

1:30 - that's just pure 80's magic coming out of my speakers rn.

[@FFrrEEddRRiiKK1]

This video zapped me straight back to the late 1980s. 📺📼☎️🕹📟📠💾🌆🔙

[@Robert44444444]

A little known feature of the TX-802. "Poly-chain", getting multiple units of a synth model working together for increased polyphony wasn't common at the time of the TX-802, and the Oberheim Matrix 1000 was one of the early models having a poly-chain feature (although they didn't call it that you can link up to (6) M1000 units for potentially being able to play an analog synth patch with 36 notes of polyphony). The TX-802 has a parameter where you set the unit to respond to incoming MIDI messages for EVEN numbered MIDI notes, ODD MIDI note numbers, or ALL notes. If you have (2) TX-802 units, you can make sure both units have the same voice (patch) and performance data in memory, set 1 unit to receive EVEN note numbers, and the other unit to receive ODD note numbers, set both to receive on the same MIDI channel(s) and it will effectively perform like you have 32 note polyphony rather than 16. You need to run the audio outputs from both machines to a mixer of course and set the channels of the mixer up the same way.

[@IncorrectDisposal]

Another little known feature: The G10 system comes in two component parts: the MIDI guitar (G10) and the rack-mount MIDI converter (G10C) yamahablackboxes.com/collection/yamaha-g10c-guitar-midi/ Because the G10 comes ready to play out of the box, virtually no setup is required. A complete set of patches for both the TX81Z and TX802 FM synthesizers is contained within the G10 MIDI converter. These sounds have been voiced especially for use with the G10 system, and reside in permanent memory (ROM) within the G10C. All you need is either a TX81Z or TX802 and a MIDI cable to download the FM sound data to the appropriate tone generator

[@neonvoid]

The Ensoniq ESQ-M can do the same (also from 1987), it's called 'midi overflow' -> you can chain multiple ESQ-M (or with ESQ-1) and the extra notes will be played on the second unit.

[@jdmjesus6103]

I wondered what the odd/even notes setting was for on the korg TR rack, now I know, thanks!

[@RebeccaTurner-ny1xx]

TX-81Z has the same.

[@brianhintze6440]

That Reverb Brass patch is amazing.

[@mvoproject]

Ahhh, I just can`t stop to listen that absolutely magic Yamaha`s DX EP sounds!! Thanks for the cool video as always, Espen! Keep it up!

[@EspenKraft]

Cheers!

[@BogginMashups]

I have one of these beasts and I absolutely love it. That infamous electric piano sound cuts through the mix like nothing else.

[@shapetheair_music]

I picked up a great condition one in UK about a year ago and RAM4 cartridge, love the sound and so worth spending time programming. I just remember how I managed in the 80's with no computer and working on little screens with the menu's and a little patience and it's fine, the ability to create evolving pads etc I find a real strength of FM synthesis.. cheers James

[@RebeccaTurner-ny1xx]

It was entirely possible to edit DX synths with a computer in the 80s, such as using the Atari 520/1040 ST range.

[@patrikknoerr9777]

I own mine since 1992. It's simply great. Just go through the presets and be amazed how much effort went into them. The multimode/stacking is one of the great features of this machine.

[@Sarahbuildsstepsequencers]

This piece sounds amazing! It just ‘sounds’ 80’s! And yes, the price is right on eBay!

[@dfreeman120]

Great piece of kit

[@shykall]

Nice and Funny video. Great sense of humor ! Especially considering that the same thing used to be said about, synthesizers and sequencers. I love everything that allows me to make the music I have in my head . There are great improvements nowdays, in that regard, including groove boxes. I can not see myself without a keyboard anyway, or even a synthesizer ideally at least an analog one and a wavetable synth . Even hitting a piece of wood, metal , plastic, with anything produces sounds that always amaze me. Music is everywhere,and the tools to make it, are also. Your channel inspires me, and brings to me, the most beautiful nostalgy. Your music shines from your inspiration on what the 80s sounded to me. Good luck Espen, and thank you for those nice videos.

[@gcoudert]

I had one for years, with a RAM cartridge. I can't tell you how much I loved that thing. It went when I bought the Kronos but it is still one of the best pieces of gear I have ever owned.

[@Roboprogs]

I recently picked up the Kronos-derived Nautilus. The MOD7 engine sounds good, but it doesn’t have the same envelope generator as the DXs (ADSR instead of multi rate/level) Did you run into issues importing DX7 sysex banks?

[@gcoudert]

@@Roboprogs There are slight differences in the envelopes as you rightly pointed out but I can live with them. Most sounds import without a problem and sound ridiculously close to the originals but there are exceptions, such as E.Bass1 and patches with a high feedback setting. Edit: the Kronos does have the right envelopes but the decay of some DX7 patches doesn't translate perfectly. It's not much a problem but if you know the DX7 patches well, it's noticeable, especially on the 'tine' parts of electric pianos.

[@Roboprogs]

@@gcoudert hmm. I'll have to dig into that more after work one night (only recently picked up the gear). I noticed that some of my imported files sounded a bit off, but have not looked closely enough at the MOD7 parameter structure. Thanks for the tip.

[@sakeenaholivier6207]

I bought my Yamaha TX802 Last year, with some other gear, Even though, I did not use it in production yet, I still think that it is an excellent piece of equipment Thanks @espen kraft

[@EspenKraft]

Cheers!

[@Lux-Voltaire]

I always consider the TX 802 to be an awesome percussion unit for drum pads. Amongst many other great uses of course. Matchless Tubular bells.

[@joonglegamer9898]

Oooh, I get chills down my spine when I heard that MFN BASS - takes me right back onto the Highway to the Danger Zone.

[@negvey]

Man that classic symphonic chorus sounds so goood

[@Dwilly132]

Bought one of these for cheap a couple of months ago. It's currently being used to prop up my computer monitor. I really need to take some time to learn how to use it!

[@mostlyharmless0544]

My golly, those effects patches sound good.

[@rm2kmidi]

The front menu reminds me a lot of the TX81Z. The option to choose the number of voices on each part is nice. That symphonic chorus sounds really nice.

[@synthsforfunk]

Hi Espen! What a lovely classic FM synth! Loving mine as well. Gotta pull it out and give it some workout. It’s capable of many wonderful sounds. Thanks for reminding me how awesome this old rack unit actually is! Your music and synth presentations are totally amazing! Thanks a lot!👍👍

[@EspenKraft]

Many thanks for saying!

[@6581punk]

Have one of 'em. It's confusing to use but it's one of the best pure FM units they did. Later on of course with the SY77 (TG77), SY99 they added PCM and filters.

[@DarkSideofSynth]

Those effects are gorgeous. I had a DX7IID back in the day, and I was about to buy a TX802 a few years ago but after the tech checked it, a couple of outputs had some gain issues, and the deal went nowhere. Too bad, it would have been a nice addition for the 19" rack collection :))

[@erictripton]

Great piece of gear. I wish Yamaha would bring back these instruments! Even the Magicstomp and SPX 90 of course modernized.

[@greek440bc]

Yes ! performance mode is brilliant way for assigning sounds, channels, panning, de-tuning etc.. to make massive sounds or multi timberal setups

[@mcmike100]

I still have one. It's a great synth.

[@digitized_music]

Intro is just stunning...

[@RapidFlow_Shop]

These sounds cured me of any desire I had for a retro FM synth. So thanks for the anti GAS ✌🏽

[@RoyChartier]

Gold!

[@DannyPlass]

The sound of those modules is so solid, so much character.

[@SacSynths_Jack_Z]

Love seeing the full Yamaha DX set up! I would love to see you do a video featuring your entire 80's Yamaha rig: KX88, TX816, TX7, DMP7, DX7 II, TX802, QX1, RX11, & REV7 😁 Did I forget anything?😂

[@EspenKraft]

Don't have the RX11 anymore, nor a TX7, nor a DX7II. I have the DX7s though. I also have all the QX sequencers Yamaha ever did. But to get them all out, just to stack them up etc, is simply not doable. :P

[@anderslarsson6149]

So Miami Vice 😎 Or 80:s high school, school dance if you like 🖤

[@bontempo1271]

Proud owner here 🖐8 DX in a box, what more can be said, will never let it go :) and of course who better to showcase it's 80s sound than Espen 🤠

[@Robert44444444]

Glad you enjoy yours :-) It is a nice packaging of a DX7 II in a rack with a clever multi-timbral implementation with separate audio outs… but with the same 16 note polyphonic limitation of a DX7 II. While being very useful for all the clever ways you can combine, split, and round-robin thru the 8 individual 2-voice engines… it's no TX-816 with 8 discrete 16-voice FM synths in a rack… just a comment for clarity for other readers who may be just now learning about these vintage digital synth models :-)

[@bontempo1271]

@@Robert44444444 yes, 8 x16 voice, it's a beast !

[@magicknight8412]

You just played so many sounds of 80s TV shows and movies there :)

[@quidsin7091]

Typical 80s sounds, a lot of classic songs have been made using those sounds and it takes me right back there,, ,, all good stuff..👍👍👍

[@johnsepulveda9538]

the symphonic chorus and the reverb you used really make those sounds. Great video, as always.

[@Guitarisalways]

Jeez, that sound quality is fantastic... 👌‼️

[@EgoShredder]

This video was made by Espen Kraft, and this video is 100%........THE EIGHTIES!!! 😍🎵🎹 🎶

[@5argetech56]

My vintage Casio VZ-1 also has 8 oscillators which Casio calls "Modules" Very powerful. Programming learning curve can be a bit steep, but once you get it you can make some out of this world patches!

[@FashionDeejay]

So much quality. 👏👏👏 Fantastic machines by Yamaha.

[@kennethteo7974]

My favourite beautiful DX Full Tines ❤️

[@Deepscore]

…and it sounds really good, Espen!

[@macdaddybender]

I'm listening to this with a really good pair of headphones and I have to say that the initial electric piano patch with reverb and chorus was as smooth as velvet. Lovely sounds 👌

[@mylescaldwell4455]

Picked one up for 200 at the beginning of the pandemic, still probably my best ever cop

[@chrisschwaab]

thank you so much for this great video! I thought my tx802 is damaged because of the individual outputs - It only played some notes. Now I know WHY! I love my tx802 ;-)

[@EspenKraft]

Cheers!

[@chrissheppard8351]

​@@EspenKraftTom Brooks used this exact keyboard in his Hosanna! Music series throughout the 1980s and early 1990s.

[@CraigRodmellMusic]

A fascinating piece of kit. Thanks for making and posting, Espen!

[@fabiocarvalhomusic]

Parabéns pelo Vídeo eu amo o Tx802 graças ao seu vídeo eu decidi comprar um aqui mo Brasil.

[@bobjoe7508]

Espen, I just had a thought for some of the fattest, luscious sounds: layer the TX802 with the Kawai K3M. I think that might be too much 1988! Warning: chance of tearing a hole in the space-time continuum and causing you to actually travel back to the late 80s.

[@davidm3569]

Lush sounds. Love the start and ending soundscape, is it your own idea? Wonderful.

[@EspenKraft]

Thanks! Yes. that's from my new album, in the works.

[@andrevanderschueren4826]

i have my Tx802's for years ,and it always sound great juse 1for sequencing and one for lead voices

[@josebanderas7843]

Never heard of this Yamaha Expander. Obviously, I was too much in love with what Korg did at that time. Sounds really great. Brings back that very 80s-feeling.

[@cubdukat]

This came out around the same time as the DX7IID/FD did. This ended up attempting to replace the TX816, but I think they still kept the '816 around because the '802 couldn't do everything it could. It had the same updated internals as the IID/FD, so it was a lot quieter.

[@wildchurch]

Plukata - nice! Yamaha black boxes = Like!

[@computer_toucher]

Oh MAN Plukata was an awesome patch

[@texacomann]

I am a proud owner of the Tx802. This is the best dx7II you can get. Mosttime sold out on the usedmarket, not easy to find but possible. It has a unique sound like nö other synth

[@bernyboss]

The real beauty is the dmp7 😳😳😳

[@J._Campbell]

Great sound! Great demo! Thank you!

[@cresshead]

love to see a behringer remake of one or more of yamaha's DX/FM synths I had a SY-77 back in the late 80's

[@freestate6200]

Is Behringer not more into Analog? These DX/SY's are fully packed Digital, monsters.

[@cresshead]

@@freestate6200 they they've shown a ppg wave, VX and a lindrum w.i.p. plus they bought as tears for fears Yamaha DX1 so 'currently' the sell mainly analogue but i think that digital synth drum machines are on their development benches too. DX7 was a massive seller and the 80's were strewn with DX based FM synths when i was in various bands in the 80's. to ignore the FM DX based synths would be to ignore the 80's music scene.

[@chloedevereaux1801]

TX802 low price.... not anymore espen, not anymore. :D

[@Deepscore]

I’m hearing Harold Faltermeyer’s score sounds from later in the ‘80s!

[@daz4627]

That's a great jumper 👍

[@jmalmsten]

Oh the Eric Serra was strong in that intro. Almost imagined an intro sequence slowly tilting up from ground or water or space zooming by underneath.

[@EspenKraft]

It's from my new album in the works. ;-)

[@donkeyadaml.]

Great performance 👍👍 Have a nice day 😉 Greetings Adam 😎

[@matsadona]

Oooh... I love that Miami Vice preset. Instantly browsing online auctions for available TX802's ;)

[@fender1000100]

A masterpiece machine. FM remains in my heart. I have a Yamaha V50 on the way from Japan. Cant wait to start making demos with it. That EP sound remains the definitive synth sound of the 80s. Along with a moog bass. And Juno strings.

[@matszh]

I’ve always imagined that the ”keyboard dynamics” is a part of the authentic ”DX experience” and that you need a DX or KX (like Espen) keyboard to really get it right, but maybe I’m just stupid. I wouldn’t say no to the TX802 though. I think that all (not monophonic) sound modules should be multitimbral, with individual outputs, as well as offering internal mixing to a stereo output.

[@PimpinBassie2]

I would have expected Espen's rendition of Greatest Love of All

[@oholm09]

I need to try that on my daw

[@marcopoulos3493]

IMHO the FS1R is the pinnacle of Yamaha FM synths

[@EspenKraft]

The title clearly says the 80s. The FS1R is not from the 80s.

[@calebpromusician98]

The other thing is a lot of apps on the Apple App Store, and Google play store that use MIDI also have the capability of replicating YamahaSy99 keyboard from the 1980s or 1990s

[@MJTIbes]

Still have it since it came out. Hated it from the beginning. And I tried to love it many many times.... Always choose my DX7IIFD. Sorry. Love your vid's Espen!

[@EspenKraft]

It's not a problem for me if you don't like the gear I show in my videos Martijn. ;-) I'm only interested in people liking my videos. :P

[@MJTIbes]

@@EspenKraft No no no Espen. You got me totally wrong here. I love the gear and your videos!! The TX802 sounds great. But I hated it in terms of user interface/usability. Horrible. Just my shortcomings here. Still have it till today since I bought it in 1988. You and I have most of the gear in common. It was not about critism on your gear or video's.

[@EspenKraft]

I didn't take it as such. You used the word "sorry" and I noticed that. I don't care if people hate the gear I show in my videos, for whatever reason. I don't get emotional about gear to begin with. No need to say sorry if you hate a piece of gear I show on here. ;-)

[@retro-dademusic6403]

I had a DX7IIFD once. Amazing unit. Then I had an 802, but didn’t like that format. I now have the DX7S. Anyway, the mkII units all sound amazing to me. 😎 and thanks for the plug at 8:33 haha

[@6581punk]

The DX11 probably has the easiest interface for programming DX sounds. Plus it has a pitch envelope.

[@McTroyd]

Totally agree the DMP's Chorus and Verb are essential to sound like that! The synth did better itself than I expected, though. IIRC, this unit has the same number of operators/generators as the FS-1R? UI looks like it works much better, though. 👍️

[@giovannifiorini7195]

I LOVE TX802!!!!

[@vikramjitbanerjeetuki]

Great video Espen 👍 what 8 find surprising is that a lot of these sounds i can get with my bog standard Yamaha YS200 FM synth which has only 4 operators in the FM synth engine🤔

[@EspenKraft]

Thanks! Not all sounds need 6 operators to work, but those who does will sound a lot thinner with a 4-operator DX engine.

[@vikramjitbanerjeetuki]

@@EspenKraft thanks Espen,really dig all the work you have been putting out over the years,am going to Spotify now to listen to more of your music 🙂

[@roberttodd2414]

imagine if retroaktiv made a knob per function controller for DX7, that would be a pure dream

[@midimoog]

Agreed! I want to see that monstrous controller. It may be a pure nightmare to use, but amazing.

[@BruceThomson]

Exquisitely beautiful sounds, some of them. Thanks for doing the video. I'm playing it through a really good old Bose speaker with woofer - fabulous. =) To me, although the real instruments sometimes make synthetic equivalents laughable travesties, grimacable, some of the synth sounds make a double bass seem puny and antiquated laughable too. =) I'm currently collaborating in a project building a portable battery digital concertina (named Concertina Nova) that can play from sound fonts that are each a collection of .WAV files. So I'm looking at the options of installing various sounds. We'll add standard MIDI at some stage, but it's thrilling to consider true synth sounds being installed onto the SD card as well.

[@EspenKraft]

Thanks for watching and commenting. :)

[@jacobthebatchbandit3092]

If the TX802 had multiple waveforms like the TX81Z and onboard chorus it would be the greatest FM synth of all time. (even though u can make pseudo chorus with detune)

[@TryptychUK]

They are a great DX synth, although I am surprised you never played it's best known preset, Magic Marimba. It was all over the 80's.

[@EspenKraft]

Because I'm saving that for later. ;-)

[@6502phreak]

I love this rack unit and feel it's very versatile , but I guess I'm a little biased for some reason.

[@keythinwatford7153]

I've bought one o these recently. I'm waiting to sneak it in when the missus isn't there🤫🤫🤫

[@suadcokljat1045]

As I remember TX802 is noticeably less noisier than DX7II. I have 2 TX802s and both recently had PSU failure. I suggest replacing caps on PSU secondary as they are proven to be leaky and can cause more damage. Cheers! S

[@fakshen1973]

Every late 80's B movie soundtrack and slow jam.

[@doordedeur]

You should try out the patches from PowerDX. They make the DX/TX sound completely different.

[@falangistavaleroso9689]

What is that, a plug in?

[@Roboprogs]

@@falangistavaleroso9689 sysex patch banks; vendor name is Power DX

[@falangistavaleroso9689]

@@Roboprogs never heard.

[@Roboprogs]

@@falangistavaleroso9689 KZbin sometimes throws it into my recommendations. It's on here on Y/T, somewhere.

[@tony714keene]

7:22. Play with this sound of you take my breath away

[@lukewarm5356]

Nice enough if FM's your thing, couldn't keep my eyes off the Jupiter

[@simonburns1055]

Thats the bees knees from the 80s

[@SoundJunkie_nl]

well. I had to replace all the electrolytic capacitors on both my specimens. those in the power supply section were leaking as hell, and the rest (40+ caps) were also dubious, so be careful when buying one. check the inside thoroughly before you buy or bid. I was lucky that i could replace them myself. But they sound amazing and they work very well with the Dexed open source dx7 emulator in that you can up- and download sound info via midi sysex to the module. very handy as you can create a nice sound in Dexed and transfer it to the tx-802 easily

[@GlenJDiamond]

I had one of these in the late 80s. Found it difficult to program. Same old story!!! Got rid of it in the early 90s. I think that the DX11 / TX81Z 4 op synth is similar in multi-timbrality to this but without the separate outs. Both the DX11 / TX81Z and the TX802 have similar engines with those different wave forms. I'm happy at the moment though as I have the Plogue ChipSynth OPS7 - this emulates the Mk1 DX7 perfectly -- so I can layer multiple OPS7 and have similar to a TX816 (or better!). The only thing I'm missing from a TX802 is micro-tuning and those different wave forms (just sine waves in the OPS7 as far as I can tell).

[@EspenKraft]

The TX802 does not have "the different waveforms", like the 81z, it's a DX7II in a box.

[@GlenJDiamond]

@@EspenKraft sorry, my bad! - is it just sine waves in the TX802 - it was a long time ago for me!!. I thought the MkII DX7 had more than sine waves? but I think I'm getting mixed up with the TX81Z !!

[@EspenKraft]

Sure, no worries. No, none of the 80s DX7 models has more than sine waves. It's the 4 operator DX ones that has that.

[@tommiilee]

Dreamy, Fairytale sounds and episode. Another fabulous journey to carefree childhood and 80's. Wheather it will be possible to achieve similar effects on Yamaha 01-V or other Yamaha Mixer instead of DMP-7?

[@Rsonixtunes]

Nice job Espen! I’m kind of obsessed with rack synths lately, but I’ll stick with my 1983 Yamaha DX7 with outboard vintage effects. Btw, when did you get a Jupiter 8? My all time fave. Cheers brother!

[@EspenKraft]

Thanks! I too prefer the orginal DX7 engine. The Jup-8 has been featured in at least 10 videos in the last 2 years. ;-)

[@falangistavaleroso9689]

Is one of my fav synths, I got one since 1999 even I personally prefer the low quality and grain of the DX7 I AD/DA. A friend is making me an affordable 66 knob controller for it, in case any wants one, tell me.

[@PakaTheDog]

Keep us posted 👍☺!

[@falangistavaleroso9689]

@@PakaTheDog How can I do it?

[@AnalogAssailant]

Curiously i much prefer the TX81Z over the 802. Probably because the 81z is grittier and differs a bit with it's FM implementation

[@michaels5166]

thank you and please mail it here..

[@productionneuftrois9488]

Hello Espen! Great videos, please also review DX11/TX81Z, surely you have them too )

[@EspenKraft]

I have a popular TX81Z video on my channel.

[@productionneuftrois9488]

@@EspenKraft found it, thank you!

[@lab-by-the-sea]

yes you are right with the price, it was very low all the time, i think only 10% of its new price, so i could not sell my baby for so little, it is still somewhere in storage ;-)

[@Shred_The_Weapon]

Did Yamaha’s R&D attempt to modify and progress their FM technology during the 80s so that it could more closely emulate sounds that would otherwise have been sampled? A couple of the sounds you demonstrated here sounded as such.

[@funkmachine6420]

I'd quite like one of these to go with my mk1 dx7

[@frankhofmann9759]

Hey Espen! Great video, thank you for letting the TX802 shine. Great voice patches and performance patches. Love that Miami Vice. Is there anyway to get your fav patches as sysex for my tx802? Frank

[@EspenKraft]

Thanks Frank! As most of the patches I use here are not mine, there's no way I could sell them as a pack.

[@lab-by-the-sea]

I think the sound was tingaling or so which enigma used in their song sadness... from the factorysounds

[@lucid484]

after selling some gear in the past and deeply regrettin git. I don't think I could ever sell another piece. Unless it's far in the future and the value has gone way up and I'm in dire need of money. lol

[@EspenKraft]

Sure, we all hang on to something. I do too. ;-)