Quote:
Originally Posted by
Vertix
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With all the new FM synths, I'm looking for a DX7 in a great condition, any version will do, even the DX7S.
The new synths are trying to solve some imaginary problems with FM and completely miss the point. It isn't a popular opinion but the first and the second generation DX synths from Yamaha are the pinnacle of engineering and thought put into designing an FM synthesizer. Uncompromised playability and UI for effective programming of REAL patches, not YouTube driven farty misconceptions of what FM should sound like.
DX7 mk1 is best with supermax and an accompanying TX7. A real pleasure to play, program sounds and exchange data via MIDI.
DX7II-D or FD - superb but only 8-voice poly when layered.
DX7S - not expandable like the Mk1 but still better sounding and feeling better than anything modern.
Centennial - great too but hard to find.
Software OPS7 - nails the sound of the Mk1 but can be adjusted to match the Mk2 too. Unfortunately, even Plogue fell for the internet misconception and used rotary knobs in the UI when it should really be computer keyboard driven for speed, like the old Atari DX7 editor or Amiga trackers.
I agree that modern implementations of FM have lost the narrative. For me this began when NI replaced FM7 with FM8. FM7 was the accurate replication of DX7 hardware; FM8, not so much. Sonically I really like the FMX engine in Montage but even this is not like the original hardware. My favorite still is TX802 that expanded on the DX7II in a module format.
Sky