Yamaha TX816 DEMO (All 8 Modules In Unison - Part I)

[@synclavier123]

2:49 - 3:28 Now we're talking... That alone is worth whatever you paid for it. 7:11 - 8:30 That is just sooo nice.

[@NatureMovies]

That is the best tines EP sound ever. This is what the DX7 was in it's dreams. That is so cool it makes me want to write music just hearing it. Only the DX1 was obviously thicker sounding because it had like 36 operators or more per voice, like a modular synth compared to a minimoog. I'll take one of these any day over any other DX hardware model. PS - Your demo chord voicings are right in the sweet spot to illustrate those tines, excellent. In fact all your demo chords demonstrate the character of each sound. Most synth demo videos just show plinkage. Thanks for that too.

[@BlakeFoster050]

thanks really appreciate it! I'm not very music theory savvy just play chords that sound good. I also have never heard a DX1 In person but I would find it very hard to believe it can top this only because of the panning of 8 individual voices and the layering capabilities compared to the dx5/dx1.

[@rm2kmidi]

My understanding is that the DX1 is like the DX5 with two DX7 synth engines that can be layered or split. But in a fancier package, better display and keyboard than the DX5. On this other hand, this beast was more built with the sequencer in mind, up to 8 DX7 modules. I kind of have this fuzzy idea of creating some patches from scratch that utilize stacked instruments, like a patch with a base string sound, but also some background FX and maybe a sort of sample-and-hold sort of accompaniment. I really am still getting around the basics of FM programming though.

[@trevorwoodley3897]

No. It's just that the DX%/DX! are just 2 DX7s. It allowed 2-patch layering.

[@MatthewChristianMurray]

12 operators, not 32.

[@Coneman3]

Or you could use a different DX7 channel in the TX816 for different parts of a sound. Initial attack, early part, middle part, trail off and end etc. lots of programming but plenty of potential for new sounds.

[@iixorb]

That sounds luscious !!! Annoyed with myself for not buying one with all eight TF1’s for about 500 quid a few years ago. Those days are long gone!

[@Jimbo386000]

When I learned of this I decided to go into ableton and make an instrument rack with 8 FM8s and it sounds glorious.

[@BlakeFoster050]

Brilliant

[@nielswil]

Or use 8 Dexed.

[@Jimbo386000]

@@nielswil thatd be cool too, but I already have FM8. Also to me it looks easier to use, possibly simply because I’ve had it so long and understand it.

[@nielswil]

@@Jimbo386000 I don't have FM8 ev en used it, i would have tried that one.

[@Swanlord05]

Not the same buddy

[@mineralsound]

Man, these are some incredible sounds. The patch at 2:49 is giving me goosebumps.

[@BlakeFoster050]

I think that preset is called "Dynorhodes" I have a ton of dx presets that were made by a bunch of different users and some of the files are really old. It's cool because the tx816 makes some of the patches sound way different sometimes better sometimes not so much.

[@DarylWiseJr]

@@BlakeFoster050 Is this still for sale? Been looking to purchase for a while now.

[@BlakeFoster050]

@@DarylWiseJr The sounds? yes the module...No

[@DarylWiseJr]

@@BlakeFoster050 Yes I mean the sounds lol. I've emailed you about it. Please look for an email from Daryl. Ready to pay you.

[@DavidMorley]

It's one of my favorite synths. Still amazing how underused they are. Nice demo

[@Artiestenstal]

They were also very expensive back in the day. only two fellow musicians of mine had the KX-88, TX-816 and QX-1 setup and they were the only one i knew who had this.

[@calyx93]

Very impressive sound. The potential complexity of the combinations and layers would be a sound designers dream. Some amazing sound effects would be possible. Using a DX-1 as master controller and programmer for the 816 seems a bit like Yamaha's answer to the Synclavier 2. It shimmers, sparkles, breathes - has such presence. Thanks for sharing this.

[@VIC-20_Synthwave]

I just acquired a TX216 with 2 modules for $80 off of Craigslist here in Dallas, Tx. I'm in love & want to at least add 2 more modules. One day hopefully full with 8! Great video & sounds.

[@BlakeFoster050]

wow nice score! yeah definitely get more modules.I see them all the time on ebay and reverb but don't hesitate to get them because they'll probably eventually become hard to find.

[@burns46824]

Great demo. Thank you for posting. Getting BLOODSPORT vibes.

[@machiwoomiapoo]

Thanks for uploading this! I love those DX7 sounds. I found one of these a while ago and I just love the sounds it can produce. When I bought it there was barely any videos demoing the sounds. I appreciate you doing this. I uploaded one tune, but I haven't touch the surface of what this synthesizer can do. Keep up the great work. Take care, Sam.

[@BlakeFoster050]

Thanks, I feel it should be people's obligation who own "rare" or "uncommon" synths to at least make a decent demo video. I'm thinking of making a video of multiple layers of sounds. I also feel this is the "forgotten DX" style synth from the mid 80's. I would bet it sounds better than any of the high end DX synths. Not to mention the dedicated controller the KX88 is an 88 key weighted controller that was supposed to be an add on accessory for it that had a bunch of control.

[@emmarossignol4445]

I don't know why these FM sounds just seem to be what makes my brain tick. Especially stuff like 8:31. Feels like my subconscious.

[@BlakeFoster050]

Yeah, that patch is modeled after a PPG patch I believe.

[@tritonrecordings]

Wow! Sounds great. BigSky really helps some of the patches too.

[@BlakeFoster050]

yeah it's kinda cool it almost generates it's own reverb if that makes sense. I just added a fair amount of it. But most are sustained patches since there's so much polyphony.

[@cruzinguy]

Nice! I am starting to realize what this piece is capable of. I'm starting to think I should keep this one. But thats what I say about all of them!

[@BlakeFoster050]

I probably won't get rid of it mostly because it works as a standalone synth and also 8 different synths for a nice midi setup.

[@davidsimons1377]

I use a Simmons SPM8:2 semi dedicated via normalised patchbay with the XLR cables modified at mixer end to connect to the latter's 8 inputs. Thanks for video of beautiful patches. Been looking for ages for good demo's. General opinion seems to be that its superior to merely calling up 8 layered instances of a virtual DX7. Pity Yamaha didn't make a new version based on DX7 two for less noise but you can't have everything! There was a nice video years back showcasing its use by artists such a Chaka Khan, but for some reason it vanished. Envy you the Big Sky, though I have a TC M3000.

[@BlakeFoster050]

I wish synth companies expanded on this idea of having multiple synth brains in a single rack. (imagine if roland made something like having multiple juno brains in a rack for instance). I honestly prefer this way more than my dx7iid. The noise isn't that bad and I've heard there's an aftermarket rack case you can buy that eliminates the noise. I mean isn't that the reason you buy vintage gear for the slight imperfections anyway? haha.

[@pedroeustache5511]

WOWW! Such fantastic, compelling sounds!!! I just got the dust off mine & sent it today to get all batteries changed... YOUR SOUNDS ARE AMAZING!! Will get them ASA I get mine back from the shop... THANKS!!! SO REVEALING!!! AMAZING REALLY!!! God bless!!!

[@BlakeFoster050]

thanks man, I recommend getting the battery snaps to make battery changes a lot easier. Also being able to use the modules all separately is really nice.

[@pedroeustache5511]

Yeah, thx Blake that’s exactly what I’m going for... Thanks again... this is GREAT STUFF! Blessings!!

[@anonymous_friend]

@@BlakeFoster050 What do you mean battery snaps? Can you point me towards what i need for my dx7? Thanks for sharing

[@BlakeFoster050]

@@anonymous_friend like putting coin cell batteries with a battery holder on the board instead of a solder-on battery. Makes life a lot easier when they go dead.

[@ALFA8902]

Very good I have one and I’m ready to put a dedicated set up for it Truly amazing

[@jacobthebatchbandit3092]

Perfect use of the MV802 👏 5:17 can anyone tell me the key to programming these types of sounds? Is it in the course tuning ?

[@davidsimons1377]

Hi Blake. The patch at 2:49 sends shivers through me---gorgeous! Very Trevor Horn or SAW. I'm thinking of resurrecting mine. Do you actually need to have a DX7 to programme it or even to load patches like yours? Unfortunately that's one of the few synths I haven't got & I wouldn't have room for it anyways. Do you know if there's still a patch editor for it, but one where you can do it on Windows 7 rather than say an Atari 1040? I guess any communication is via Midi Sysex? Thanks.

[@BlakeFoster050]

Its just normal sysex to load sounds. But the way I do it is build the patch on my dx and export the banks to my TX synth.

[@europe86]

Do you have to export each patch to each TF1 module, one by one? Or how do you Sysex load up the TX816? I have a DX7 which I'm looking to hook up to a TX816 like yours to get these thick sounds!

[@BlakeFoster050]

it can transfer to all modules in about 5 seconds.

[@dragonmobrecords]

I know this is pricey, but only 30 made and only 3 left as of today. Jellinghaus Dtronics programmer https www.synthcity.nl/programmers/dt7.html

[@douro20]

What I remember this instrument the most from is the album "True Blue" which Patrick Leonard produced with Madonna. He used an Atari ST to program it.

[@g-starthefirst]

I want to make games, and I really want to use this in the soundtracks.

[@mjkproductions3758]

How did you do the portamento rise at 04:49-04:52 ? sounds awesome.

[@BlakeFoster050]

It’s just a pitch bend I think 5 semitones

[@mjkproductions3758]

@@BlakeFoster050 Thank you for the technical feedback. Have you considered trying todo the THX intro on the 816?

[@guidokirsch7694]

Do you still sell these patches?

[@JurassicTrance]

amazing - do you feel that the MV802 is the best mixer companion to the 8 TF-1s?

[@BlakeFoster050]

it's alright, not the best mixer IMO. it's just 8 inputs you can pan left and right with a send and return no EQing. I have a Roland M-160 and it's much better but I use the MV802 to mix everything down to two outputs. Also the headphone amp on the MV802 sounds way better than the main outputs for some reason.

[@JurassicTrance]

Blake Foster hey - meant to ask, do you have a wav file of this recording? I’d love it you could share it

[@Swanlord05]

Yamaha DMP7 is what they used in the 80s

[@Jimbo386000]

I want one of these...

[@carlbowles1808]

Chick corea India Town used this to great effect, It made the song work.

[@EvanEvansMusic]

Can I Load these patches into Native Instruments FM7?

[@BlakeFoster050]

Not sure never used it. Most sysex files transfer across FM style engines like Dexed etc.

[@joeschneider67]

How replace batteries without losing the presets?

[@BlakeFoster050]

Export the patches with sysex to “sysex librarian” then solder new batteries in

[@joeschneider67]

@@BlakeFoster050 thanks. What is ''Sysex'' ?

[@BlakeFoster050]

@@joeschneider67 it’s a file format to dump patches from the synth to. Google it. The librarian is just a way to store them.

[@joeschneider67]

@@BlakeFoster050 thanks

[@wsplatinum]

by what amount dou you usually detune the modules?

[@BlakeFoster050]

usually by about 2-3 cents each.

[@wsplatinum]

@@BlakeFoster050 thanks. i am tempted to try it with several instances of Dexed.

[@rushcoilpdx]

I’m not familiar with the device on top- is that what you use to do basic config changes to the individual modules, like patch selection and detuning? Also, are the modules and rack fairly reliable considering the age?

[@rushcoilpdx]

splatinum I’ve had some decent luck using the newest version of the Arturia DX-7 plugin. I don’t love their VSTs but this one is pretty decent when emulating the presets. I’ve loaded up 8 TUBULAR-BELL instances and detuned them slightly and it’s kind of neat, because when you add them all together you hear circuitry sound that you can’t hear with one VST instance. I’d much rather have this rack though!

[@wsplatinum]

@@rushcoilpdx what do you mean by circuitry sound?

[@AndersEngerJensen]

Awesome, man! Sounds delightful. I'm taking you up on that offer of sending the patches. Couldn't find any way of sending you a mail via your KZbin account though..? :)

[@BlakeFoster050]

email me at [e-mail] if you want them I'll send you them.

[@DarylWiseJr]

@@BlakeFoster050 Still offering these patches?

[@BlakeFoster050]

@@DarylWiseJr Yes I am, It's a big library of sounds you kinda have to dig into. I recently made some custom patches that aren't really heard here.

[@DarylWiseJr]

@@BlakeFoster050 I would love that patch at 2:49 and 7:11.

[@BlakeFoster050]

@@DarylWiseJr shoot me an email at [e-mail]

[@rjbush7955]

Love the TX816. Eight DX7s combined. You should check out MadFame on youtube. He creates awesome patches on his DX7. I'd love to hear what they're like on a TX816

[@BlakeFoster050]

Thanks I subscribed to that guy. definitely helped me create some basic patches.

[@Hallkardia]

Do I see this right, that you just hook a DX7 to this beast and the TX816 translates the used patch to it's 8 DX7s, so that every unit plays just a part of this patch?

[@BlakeFoster050]

not quite, the modules are a DX7 module basically. I'm using my dx7iid as a controller and you can edit the sounds on the TX816 straight from the DX7. So when you have sounds you like you can send them sysex over to the tx816 modules and all 8 modules will play in unision. OR you can have each module have a different sound for very crazy patches and even have the option to have each modules on it's own midi channel. The possibilities are endless.

[@erikt211]

Blake Foster You’re using a DX7 as the master keyboard? (I’ve noticed a few others do this as well) You could even route the audio out from the keyboard DX7 into a mixer for a total of 9 DX7 sound modules for some massive craziness haha

[@BlakeFoster050]

Yeah I this video i am. But the dx7II and the tx816 sound way different.

[@JurassicTrance]

Blake Foster I thought you needed an original DX7 to share patches/control the TX816? I’d gladly be mistaken, as I don’t really want an original DX7, but I want one of these and a DX7II series

[@joeyquillen5804]

Can you elaborate on what other processing the TX is running through for this demo? Are there any mic preamps, eq's, compressors/gate, sweetening, etc? Itching to know...

[@BlakeFoster050]

Joey Quillen i just ran it through a big sky. Subtle reverb into garage band. Nothing else.

[@synclavier123]

@@BlakeFoster050 I had always sort of known about this synth, but because I never understood how versatile FM is when programmed/edited properly, having 8 DX-7s in one box didn't mean much to me. But after having heard this demo and what this thing can do in capable hands, I decided to buy one for myself and Big Brown is bringing it to my door in a few days. I so want to hear the TX through a Lexicon PCM 91 or the like, can't wait for that. I haven't been this excited about gear in a while. I suppose I have you to thank, so thank you! I'm Joey Quillen, btw, this is my other YT account.

[@BlakeFoster050]

synclavier123 awesome thank, yeah kinda surprised how well this video did. The fact it actually functions as separate synths is the best part. I mostly use it for unison patches.

[@isher9035]

I believe one of these was used on the Transformers animated movie soundtrack.

[@BlakeFoster050]

It was also apparently used in the Disney Electrical Light parade.

[@gauthiersoubirous2706]

Anyone knows a recent synth solution that has such capabilities ? (8x FM synth such as DX7)

[@BlakeFoster050]

G Soubi I think FM8 can

[@TheEdwin73]

modern hardware solution would be yamaha modx, or montage 8 operator fm, with 8 or 16 parts(stacked like here if one wishes or even combined elements of one sound) max, and 64 modx, or 128 with the montage polyphony.

[@christophschuermann7920]

I tryed it with 8 Instanzen of FM8 (same Sysex-file loaded) but there is still a diffrence in the Sound. I prefer my TX816 and love this rack since over 30 years! :-)

[@gauthiersoubirous2706]

@@christophschuermann7920 i would like to say the same but i’m only 26 yo haha. Tx816 seems incredible though. I’m now thinking in between DX7 FD II with « E! » + Tx802. Or DX7 + TX816 but it is pretty rare on the market.

[@tehedx]

MiniDexed. Requires some DIY though.

[@ytpremium7649]

If you knew how to program it this is the only FM system you would ever need for the rest of your life.

[@colinodea3192]

So i can load these into a fm converter and play them on my modx7. 😁

[@HIROSHItmn]

YAMAHAさんにはもっとFM音源を追求してもらいたいです。唯一無二の世界。私の耳はFM音源を欲しています。