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Pricing and availability

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Description

The Yamaha DX1 FM Synthesizer is a masterpiece of digital sound design, offering musicians a rich palette of sounds to explore. As a flagship model from Yamaha's legendary DX series, the DX1 combines advanced technology with intuitive controls, making it a sought-after instrument for both studio and live performances. With its FM synthesis capabilities, the DX1 produces a distinctive range of tones that are both complex and crystalline, allowing artists to craft unique sounds that stand out in any mix.

The DX1 features a 76-key weighted keyboard, providing musicians with an expressive touch similar to that of an acoustic piano. This synthesizer is equipped with dual FM tone generators, offering an impressive 32-note polyphony, which allows for intricate layering and dynamic performances. Its robust build and sophisticated design make it not only a powerhouse in terms of sound production but also a visually striking piece of musical equipment.

Designed with the professional musician in mind, the DX1 includes a comprehensive set of controls and connectivity options, ensuring seamless integration into any setup. From its luxurious wooden side panels to its user-friendly interface, every aspect of the DX1 has been meticulously crafted to inspire creativity and deliver exceptional sound quality.

Key Features:

  • 76-key weighted keyboard for expressive play
  • Dual FM tone generators with 32-note polyphony
  • Extensive sound modulation capabilities
  • Comprehensive MIDI implementation
  • Robust build with luxurious wood paneling
  • Intuitive interface for ease of use in live and studio settings
Doctor Mix

Doctor Mix

Yamaha DX1 In Action

Video thumbnail for Yamaha DX1 In Action by Doctor Mix

Yamaha DX1 In Action

Doctor Mix

Doctor Mix

Video thumbnail for Yamaha Synth Space History | DX1 | Dom Sigalas by Yamaha Synths Official

Yamaha Synth Space History | DX1 | Dom Sigalas

Yamaha Synths Official

Yamaha Synths Official

Video thumbnail for Yamaha DX1 In Depth by Doctor Mix

Yamaha DX1 In Depth

Doctor Mix

Doctor Mix

Video thumbnail for Ultra-rare Yamaha DX-1 FM Synthesizer Overview - Approximately 140 Initially Made! by Alamo Music Center

Ultra-rare Yamaha DX-1 FM Synthesizer Overview - Approximately 140 Initially Made!

Alamo Music Center

Alamo Music Center

Video thumbnail for VINTAGE TUTORIAL - Yamaha DX1 - FM sound design by True Cuckoo

VINTAGE TUTORIAL - Yamaha DX1 - FM sound design

True Cuckoo

True Cuckoo

Video thumbnail for Yamaha DX1 FM Synthesizer - The Greatest FM Synth Of All Time! by Alamo Music Sound Lab

Yamaha DX1 FM Synthesizer - The Greatest FM Synth Of All Time!

Alamo Music Sound Lab

Alamo Music Sound Lab

Video thumbnail for Programming the Yamaha DX1 with Moot Booxle by mootbooxle

Programming the Yamaha DX1 with Moot Booxle

mootbooxle

mootbooxle

Video thumbnail for Cuckoo demystifying FM synthesis on the YAMAHA DX1 at MESS by Melbourne Electronic Sound Studio

Cuckoo demystifying FM synthesis on the YAMAHA DX1 at MESS

Melbourne Electronic Sound Studio

Melbourne Electronic Sound Studio

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha DX1 FM Synthesizer.

Comparisons

  • Arturia's DX7 VST is praised for its capability to replicate the DX1's sounds, especially when using unison up to 4 voices for richer tones.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The DX1's ability to layer two patches and detune one slightly is a key feature, creating a unique, rich FM sound.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Running a DX21 through analog filters can enhance the layered FM sound, suggesting similar mods for a DX1-inspired setup.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Using multiple instances of Dexed in a DAW, with detuning, closely replicates the DX1's sound capabilities.

    Source

Critic Reviews

The Yamaha DX1 & Its Successors [Retrozone]

soundonsound.com

The Yamaha DX1 is hailed as a pinnacle of FM synthesis, combining luxury with superior sound quality. Its hand-picked components deliver a cleaner output than its peers, while its comprehensive control panel makes FM synthesis more accessible. The DX1’s robust build, featuring a 73-note wooden keyboard with polyphonic aftertouch, offers a tactile experience unmatched by others. However, its size and weight limit its practicality, confining it to studio use. Despite not being the most powerful FM synth, its performance capabilities make it a timeless classic. Though expensive, it remains a testament to Yamaha's innovative spirit.

positive

Yamaha DX1 Synth (12T Jun 84)

muzines.co.uk

The Yamaha DX1 FM Synthesizer is a luxurious piece with a hand-made finish and superior keyboard dynamics, offering expressive control that sets it apart from the more common DX7. While it certainly elevates FM synthesis into a more tactile and nuanced instrument, its exorbitant price tag—about six times that of a DX7—raises questions about its value. Though it provides a fuller and more detailed sound, particularly with strings and brass, and boasts enhanced programming visibility through LED displays, the lack of groundbreaking technological advancements over the DX7 makes its high cost hard to justify. In essence, the DX1 is a magnificent but financially daunting choice for musicians.

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Paul McCartney uses Yamaha DX1 FM Synthesizer

Paul McCartney

Singer, Bassist

The Beatles

...
Verified via Hog Hill Mill Blog

the Yamaha DX1 is listed in this blog

See how The Weeknd uses Yamaha DX1 FM Synthesizer

The Weeknd

Singer, Keyboardist

Bulleez n Nerdz

...
Verified via Photo

In this still from a video posted by Mike Dean on Instagram, the Yamaha DX1 FM Synthesizer is visible in the background, indicating its usage during the creation of The Weeknd's "Hurry Up Tomorrow".

See how The Real Mike Dean uses Yamaha DX1 FM Synthesizer

The Real Mike Dean

Music Producer, Audio Engineer

Def Squad

...
Verified via Instagram

In a studio session shared by archives.magazine on Instagram, The Real Mike Dean is seen using a Yamaha DX1 FM Synthesizer while working on The Weeknd's track “Niagara Falls” from the album Hurry Up Tomorrow.

See how Stevie Wonder uses Yamaha DX1 FM Synthesizer

Stevie Wonder

Singer, Drummer

U.S.A. for Africa

...
Verified via Photo

Yamaha DX1 FM Synthesizer is behind him in this studio. The description of the photo in the SOS article says "Stevie Wonder and Gary Olazabal in Wonder's Wonderland Studio, 1986," which suggests that he used the DX1 to record his work in the 80s.

See how Vince Clarke uses Yamaha DX1 FM Synthesizer

Vince Clarke

Keyboardist, Composer

Depeche Mode

...
Verified via Muzines

As listed in this 1984 interview on the Music Magazine Archive

See how Junkie XL uses Yamaha DX1 FM Synthesizer

Junkie XL

Composer, Music Producer

Tiësto vs. Junkie XL

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video at 2:07 can see Yamaha DX1 FM Synthesizer

See how Herbie Hancock uses Yamaha DX1 FM Synthesizer

Herbie Hancock

Keyboardist

Various Artists for Children's Promise

...
Verified via Herbie Hancock

Used on Village Life, as specified in Herbie Hancock’s Electronic Instrument Glossary from September 14, 2016.

Yamaha DX-1 Digital – This polyphonic digital synthesizer was the equivalent of two DX-7s put together and was the biggest and most expensive synthesizer in the DX line. Herbie used this on his 1984 album Herbie Hancock And Foday Musa Suso: Village Life.

See how Roland Orzabal uses Yamaha DX1 FM Synthesizer

Roland Orzabal

Singer, Guitarist

Tears for Fears

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video "Tears For Fears DX1 Heritage Synth Restoration" by Behringer, Roland Orzabal is shown using the Yamaha DX1 FM Synthesizer, indicating its likely use in multiple songs by the band.

See how Chris Lowe uses Yamaha DX1 FM Synthesizer

Chris Lowe

Keyboardist, Composer

Pet Shop Boys

...
Verified via YouTube

At 0:20, Chris Lowe is playing a Yamaha DX1.

See how Steve Porcaro uses Yamaha DX1 FM Synthesizer

Steve Porcaro

Keyboardist

Toto

...
Verified via Keyboardmag

In an interview with KeyboardMag, Steve Porcaro discusses his use of the Yamaha DX1 FM Synthesizer.

See how David Paich uses Yamaha DX1 FM Synthesizer

David Paich

Singer, Keyboardist

Toto

...
Verified via Keyboardmag

In an interview with Keyboardmag, David Paich discusses his use of the Yamaha DX1 FM Synthesizer, a classic and powerful instrument in his setup.

See how Minoru Mukaiya uses Yamaha DX1 FM Synthesizer

Minoru Mukaiya

Keyboardist

Casiopea

...
Verified via YouTube

The DX-1 can be seen underneath the DX-7 that Mukaiya uses to play the main melody.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Yamaha DX1 FM Synthesizer, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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