# Yamaha DX7: All Models, Prices & Specs > In 1983, Yamaha released their best-selling digital synthesizer, the DX7. The onboard FM synthesis engine would shape the sound of the 80s and beyond. Source: https://spectralplex.com/yamaha-dx7-synthesizer/ Publisher: Spectralplex (spectralplex.com), publishing since 2019 --- ## Description It’s the 80s. Digital is in, analog is out. (Don’t ask your parents/older family members if they sold their analog synths to fund their digital synths – there could be tears and I don’t mean [Tears for Fears](https://spectralplex.com/yamaha-dx7-synthesizer/).) Cold icy pads, synth brasses, and huge glass bell-like tones are all over your favorite pop records…scratch that, **DX7 preset sounds** are all over your favorite pop records. No one had an idea how to program the DX7 when it first came out and as a result a new multi-million dollar industry was launched on the back of the release of the DX7 synthesizer: 3rd party sound design. [FM Synthesis](https://spectralplex.com/yamaha-dx7-synthesizer/) was invented by John Chowning and [patented by Yamaha](https://spectralplex.com/yamaha-dx7-synthesizer/) prior the release of the DX range of synthesizers. FM Synthesis works by taking one frequency and modulating it by another frequency. The DX7 consists of 6 operators which form a combination of an oscillator, envelope, and amplifier. Even with only 6 operators, the combinations of sound possibilities are endless – from real-world-like sounds to esoteric digital tones. **Manufacturer****:** Yamaha **Release Date:** 1983 **Release Price:** $1,995 **Second-Hand Market Price:** $200-$1,200 Pros * Incredible pro-feel keybed * Deep sound design possibilities * Rock solid form factor * New wave of software editing tools * DX7IID has microtuning capabilities Cons * DX7 MK1 velocity set at 0-99 not 0-127 * DX7S has MIDI aftertouch issues * ROM cartridges are expensive on the second hand market Review Overview Sounds | ★★★★★ ---|--- Form Factor | ★★★★★ User Interface | ★★★★★ Studio Integration | ★★★★★ Value for Money | ★★★★★ SUMMARY The DX7 became the bestselling synthesizer in history, selling over 200,000 units, and revolutionized the sound of pop music. | 5.0 ★★★★★ The DX7 is built like a tank and the keybed is a joy to use. Even in modern-day music studios, I’d recommend this synth not only as a sound design tool but also as a piano-like controller for your DAW. (Make sure you’re looking at the DX7IID model and beyond, though, as the DX7 MK1 velocity is only 0-99 – not the industry standard 0-127.) Price-wise you can still pick these synths up at a decent rate. If you’re buying one on eBay, try and set the distance of the seller to your state to help reduce shipping costs as they are heavy. Truly a sound designer’s dream, especially when paired with an editor and controller. ## Technical Comparison of DX7 Models Some of the links below link to music stores and marketplaces and as a result Spectralplex may receive a commission if you purchase gear via the links (Reverb, eBay, Amazon). | Synthesizer| Yamaha DX7| Yamaha TX7| Yamaha DX7S| Yamaha DX7IID| Yamaha DX7 II FD| Yamaha DX7II Centennial ---|---|---|---|---|---|--- Release Year| 1983| 1985| 1987| 1987| 1987| 1988 | [![Yamaha DX7 Original](https://spectralplex.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/YAMAHA-DX7-Original.jpg)](https://spectralplex.com/yamaha-dx7-synthesizer/<../wp-content/uploads/2019/07/YAMAHA-DX7-Original.jpg>)| [![Yamaha DX7 Original](https://spectralplex.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/YAMAHA-DX7-Original.jpg)](https://spectralplex.com/yamaha-dx7-synthesizer/<../wp-content/uploads/2019/07/YAMAHA-DX7-Original.jpg>)| [![Yamaha DX7 Original](https://spectralplex.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/YAMAHA-DX7-Original.jpg)](https://spectralplex.com/yamaha-dx7-synthesizer/<../wp-content/uploads/2019/07/YAMAHA-DX7-Original.jpg>)| [![Yamaha DX7 Original](https://spectralplex.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/yamaha-dx-7-2-D-Synth.jpg)](https://spectralplex.com/yamaha-dx7-synthesizer/<../wp-content/uploads/2019/07/yamaha-dx-7-2-D-Synth.jpg>)| [![Yamaha DX7 Original](https://spectralplex.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/YAMAHA-DX7-Original.jpg)](https://spectralplex.com/yamaha-dx7-synthesizer/<../wp-content/uploads/2019/07/YAMAHA-DX7-Original.jpg>)| [![Yamaha DX7 Centennial](https://spectralplex.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Yamaha-DX7II-Centennial-Synthesizer.jpg)](https://spectralplex.com/yamaha-dx7-synthesizer/<../wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Yamaha-DX7II-Centennial-Synthesizer.jpg>) Release Price| $1,995| $1,299| $1,400| $2,195| $2,495| $3,995 Form Factor| 61-note keyboard| Module Synthesizer| 61-note keyboard| 61-note keyboard| 61-note keyboard| 76-note keyboard Dimensions: W/D/H| 45.8 x 21.7 x 6.2 inches| 13.8 x 9.5 x 2 inches| 39.3 x 13.1 x 3.37 inches| 39.3 x 13.1 x 3.37 inches| 39.3 x 13.1 x 3.37 inches| Weight| 32 pounds| 5 pounds| 23 pounds| 23 pounds| 25 pounds| 25 pounds MIDI| Yes (Limited)| Yes| Yes (Limited)| Yes| Yes| Yes Synthesis Architecture| FM (6 operator, 32 algorithm)| FM (6 operator, 32 algorithm)| FM (6 operator, 32 algorithm)| FM (6 operator, 32 algorithm)| FM (6 operator, 32 algorithm)| FM (6 operator, 32 algorithm) Audio Output| Mono| Mono| Mono| Stereo| Stereo| Stereo Polyphony| 16| 16| 16| 32| 32| 32 Timbrality| Monotimbral| Monotimbral| Monotimbral| Bi-timbral| Bi-timbral| Bi-timbral Oscillators| 6| 6| 6| 6| 6| 6 Program Memory| 32| 32| 32| 64| 64| 64 Microtonality| No| Yes| Yes| Yes| Yes| Yes Notes| Expandable with the Grey Matter E Card| Program editing exclusively via MIDI| Stripped down alternative to the DX7II| Larger LCD display| Takes floppy disks| Limited edition Yamaha DX7II | [Get Price](https://spectralplex.com/yamaha-dx7-synthesizer/)| [Get Price](https://spectralplex.com/yamaha-dx7-synthesizer/)| [Get Price](https://spectralplex.com/yamaha-dx7-synthesizer/)| [Get Price](https://spectralplex.com/yamaha-dx7-synthesizer/)| [Get Price](https://spectralplex.com/yamaha-dx7-synthesizer/)| [Get Price](https://spectralplex.com/yamaha-dx7-synthesizer/) ## DX7 Sound Examples Demo of the Yamaha DX-7 IID Synth ## Famous Musicians Who Use or Have Used the Yamaha DX7 Herbie Hancock, Aha, Dead or Alive, Bronski Beat, Underworld, Aphex Twin, Brian Eno, Pet Shop Boys, Legowelt, Vangelis, Michael Jackson, Europe, Berlin, Tina Turner, Juan Atkins, The Eurythmics, Gary Numan, Enya, Tears for Fears, Air, Ryuichi Sakamoto ## Famous Songs Using the Yamaha DX7 ###### List of songs that used a DX7 synthesizer The Celts – Enya Waking The Witch – Kate Bush Love Is The Seventh Wave – Sting You Spin Me Round (Like a Record) – Dead Or Alive Shout – Tears For Fears One Vision – Queen Take on Me – a-ha Bad – Michael Jackson Bizarre Love Triangle – New Order The Final Countdown – Europe To Be With You Again – Level 42 Touch Me (I Want Your Body) – Samantha Fox Toi et moi – Michel Polnareff You’re Under Arrest – Serge Gainsbourg People Are People – Depeche Mode Everybody Wants To Rule The World – Tears For Fears What’s Love Got to Do with It – Tina Turner One More Night – Phil Collins Money for Nothing – Dire Straits Take My Breath Away – Berlin Hard Habit to Break – Chicago Out of Touch – Daryl Hall & John Oates What Is Love? – Extended Mix – Howard Jones There’ll Be Sad Songs (To Make You Cry) – Billy Ocean Jericho – Simply Red Private Dancer – Single Edit – Tina Turner Hard Day – Remastered – George Michael Live to Tell – Madonna When I Think Of You – Janet Jackson Relax – Frankie Goes To Hollywood Smalltown Boy – Bronski Beat   ## Yamaha DX7 Soundbank and ROM Cartridges The ROM cards have become ridiculously expensive on the second-hand market. As an alternative, you can simply use a SYSEX communication tool on your computer to transmit to and from the synth. Another alternative to the overpriced ROM cards is a new unique multibank cartridge by Hypersynth called the ‘Hcard-702.’ The Hcard will increase the memory size of your DX7 up to 100 banks, 6,400 voices, 3,200 performances, 200 tunings, and 100 setups. ## DX7 Downloads & Resources **DX7 Manuals:** [Yamaha DX7 Manual](https://spectralplex.com/yamaha-dx7-synthesizer/<../wp-content/uploads/2019/07/dx7-manual.pdf>) [Yamaha DX7S Manual](https://spectralplex.com/yamaha-dx7-synthesizer/<../wp-content/uploads/2019/07/dx7IId-synthesizer-manual.pdf>) [Yamaha DX7 IID / IIFD Manual](https://spectralplex.com/yamaha-dx7-synthesizer/<../wp-content/uploads/2019/07/dx7IId-synthesizer-manual.pdf>) **MIDI Sysex Files & Patches:** Original ROMs A / B / C / D ([Download](https://spectralplex.com/yamaha-dx7-synthesizer/<../wp-content/uploads/2019/07/DX7-Patches-ROMs-1-4.zip>)) [Brian Eno Patches](https://spectralplex.com/yamaha-dx7-synthesizer/<../wp-content/uploads/2019/07/ENO-DX7-Patches.zip>) – Kalimba 2, Tamboura, Glide, and Violin 3 FYI: For the classic ‘Lately Bass’ patch you need the 4-OP TX81Z rack. Try loading this ‘[Solid Bass](https://spectralplex.com/yamaha-dx7-synthesizer/<../wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Spectralplex-Solid-Bass.zip>)‘ patch instead. You’ll be moving dance floors around the world before you know it. **DX7 Battery & Upgrade Mods:** [How to replace the battery on your Yamaha DX7 ](https://spectralplex.com/yamaha-dx7-synthesizer/)– you’ll need a CR2032 replacement battery, and I recommend using a CR2032 battery holder instead of soldering in directly. This will result in you not having to desolder/solder each time the battery dies. You can simply replace it moving forward. ## Yamaha DX7 & FM Synthesis Books How to Make a Noise: Frequency Modulation Synthesis Book by Simon Cann – Great place to start for those who want to dig deep into FM synthesis. Fm Theory and Applications: By Musicians for Musicians by Dr John Chowning – Published by Yamaha and co-authored by the inventor of frequency modulation synthesis. The Complete DX7 by Howard Massey The Yamaha DX7IIFD: A new beginning by Lorenz Rychner The Secrets of Analog and Digital Synthesis by Steve DiFuria ## DX7 Software Editors and VST Instruments **Patch Editors** [SYSEX Librarian](https://spectralplex.com/yamaha-dx7-synthesizer/) – Mac OS SYSEX tool to transfer patches to and from your computer. I recommend reducing the ‘Transmit Speed’ in the preferences pane when transferring SYSEX files to the DX7. [Coffeeshopped DX Patch Editor](https://spectralplex.com/yamaha-dx7-synthesizer/) – iOS patch editor for your DX series synth. Visualize, edit, and organize sounds for your Yamaha DX7, DX7II, TX7, TX802, or TX816 synthesizer. [Dystopian Disco Max for Live Volca FM Controller](https://spectralplex.com/yamaha-dx7-synthesizer/) – Randomize your Volca FM & DX7 with the M4L Editor. Requires Max for Live & Ableton. [Synthmata](https://spectralplex.com/yamaha-dx7-synthesizer/) – Free online patch editor for the Volca FM and DX7 synth. [Patches.fm](https://spectralplex.com/yamaha-dx7-synthesizer/) – Another free online patch editor. The website bills itself as a one-stop shop for frequency modulation (FM) patches for synthesizers and sound chips. **FM Synthesizer VST Plugins** [Dexed](https://spectralplex.com/yamaha-dx7-synthesizer/) – Open-source DX7 VST closely modeled on the Yamaha DX7. Dexed also works as a handy MIDI cartridge librarian/manager for the DX7. [Native Instruments FM8](https://spectralplex.com/yamaha-dx7-synthesizer/) – Virtual FM synth engine with a powerful FM matrix, arpeggiator, and flexible envelopes. You can also load patches from your classic DX hardware synths. Arturi DX7 VST – Arturi have updated the classic 80s synth with customizable envelopes, extra waveforms, and effects. Available as part of the V-Collection. ## Modern-Day Hardware Synthesizer Alternatives to the DX7 **Yamaha REFACE DX Portable FM Synthesizer** Yamaha’s response to the resurgence in popularity of FM synthesis. The [Reface DX](https://spectralplex.com/yamaha-dx7-synthesizer/) is a 4-operator FM synth (the original DX7 is 6-operator) that comes with USB audio out, a tactile keybed, and on-board effects. A nice refresh by Yamaha. **Korg Digital FM Synthesizer The VOLCA FM** Korg released the Volca FM in 2016 in homage to the iconic Yamaha DX7. Sporting a similar design to the original synth, the [Volca FM](https://spectralplex.com/yamaha-dx7-synthesizer/) is 1/30th the size. The device has 3-note polyphony (you can chain two Volcas to create a 6-note poly synth), 32 algorithms, and a very cool motion sequencer on-board. Tatsuya Takahashi was the mastermind behind this fun little DX7-inspired device and the man responsible for spear-heading the current affordable synth revolution.   **Yamaha MODX8 88-Key Weighted Action Synthesizer** The MODX uses the same technology powering Yamaha’s flagship synthesizer, the MONTAGE. Cool twist: You get two sound engines (FM-X and the awm2) in the [MODX](https://spectralplex.com/yamaha-dx7-synthesizer/), giving you the ability to create unique sounds independently or blend together to create deep new interesting sounds. **The Future of the DX7 & FM Synthesis** The DX7 and FM synthesis have seen a huge uptick in interest recently – thanks in part to the release of the Korg Volca FM, which introduced frequency modulation synthesis to a whole new generation. If you’re keen to incorporate FM synthesis into your sonic arsenal, the future looks bright, with Yamaha’s FM-X synth range, and the soon to be released KODAMO EssenceFM. For me, the classic DX7IID is hard to beat with its professional weighted keys, classic form factor, and the ability to control and automate with modern-day software editors in your DAW. Just add a hardware controller for parameter-mapping and enter 21st century FM synthesis heaven.   ` ` Tags: [Synthesizers](https://spectralplex.com/yamaha-dx7-synthesizer/) [Markdown](https://spectralplex.com/yamaha-dx7-synthesizer/) | [Print](https://spectralplex.com/yamaha-dx7-synthesizer/) | [Share](https://spectralplex.com/yamaha-dx7-synthesizer/)