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Classic Synthesizers Synthesizer Models

Yamaha DX7

The Yamaha DX7 is a synthesizer that was first introduced in 1983. It immediately became well-liked by musicians and producers because of its distinctive sound qualities and adaptability. The DX7 was the first synthesizer to use FM synthesis, a method that makes it feasible to produce complex, subtle sounds that were before unattainable.

The DX7’s six-operator FM synthesis engine, which enables the manipulation of sine wave oscillators to produce various sounds, is one of its primary characteristics. The 16-voice polyphony of the DX7 allows for the simultaneous playback of numerous notes. With the ability to save and retrieve patches and performances, the keyboard boasts a velocity- and aftertouch-sensitive keyboard and powerful editing features.

From pop and rock bands like Depeche Mode and Phil Collins to jazz and experimental musicians like Herbie Hancock and Brian Eno, a wide variety of musicians and producers have employed the DX7. Numerous records from the 1980s and 1990s have its distinctive digital sound, and electronic and experimental music continue to use it frequently.

The DX7 is still a solid and adaptable synthesizer, even after all these years. The DX7 is a well-liked option for electronic music production and live performance because numerous contemporary software synthesizers and plugins have been created to mimic its sound and capabilities.

The Yamaha DX7 is a timeless synthesizer that has withstood the test of time in general. It is an effective instrument for producing a variety of sounds thanks to its distinctive FM synthesis engine and rich editing features. Due to its success in the 1980s and 1990s, it gained a permanent position in music history and is still extensively employed today.

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Synthesizer Features

Frequency Modulation (FM) Synthesizer

An FM (Frequency Modulation) synthesizer is a type of synthesizer that creates sound by modulating the frequency of one oscillator (the carrier) with the output of another oscillator (the modulator). This creates complex, harmonically rich timbres and can be used to create a wide range of sounds, from bell-like tones to metallic and percussive sounds.

In an FM synthesizer, the carrier oscillator generates the basic sound, and the modulator oscillator modifies the frequency of the carrier. The amount of modulation, or the “index” is controlled by the operator, and it determines the amount of harmonic complexity added to the sound. FM synthesis can produce a wide range of sounds, from simple sine waves to complex, evolving timbres.

FM synthesis was first developed by John Chowning in the 1970s, and it was later implemented in commercial synthesizers by Yamaha in the early 1980s. Since then, FM synthesis has been used in a wide variety of music genres, from electronic and pop to jazz and classical.

FM synthesis is known for its ability to create a wide range of sounds, from simple sine waves to complex, evolving timbres. It’s particularly good at creating bell-like, metallic and percussive sounds. FM synthesis can be a little bit more complex to use than other types of synthesis, but it is a very powerful and versatile technique, and it can be used to create a wide range of interesting and unique sounds.

Examples

  • Yamaha DX7: One of the most famous and widely used FM synthesizers, the DX7 was released in 1983 and it was known for its ability to create a wide range of sounds, including bell-like, metallic and percussive sounds. It became very popular in the 1980s, and it was used in a wide variety of music genres.
  • Yamaha DX9: An improved version of the DX7, the DX9 was released in 1985. It offered more features and capabilities than the DX7, including the ability to create more complex sounds.
  • Yamaha DX21: A more affordable version of the DX7, the DX21 was released in 1985. It has a similar sound engine to the DX7 but with a more limited set of features.
  • Korg DS-8: A digital FM synthesizer released by Korg in 1986, the DS-8 was known for its ability to create a wide range of sounds and its user-friendly interface.
  • Casio CZ-series: Casio released a series of affordable and compact FM synthesizers in the 1980s, which were known for their ability to create complex, evolving sounds.
  • Native Instruments FM8: A software FM synthesizer, FM8 is known for its ability to create a wide range of sounds and its user-friendly interface. It also allows for complex modulation and a wide range of presets.