Photo of Yamaha DX100 and more gear in a studio and synths

Photo of Yamaha DX100 in a studio, synths, and closeup

Yamaha DX100

$118.22 Price Tier: Budget

4.0 (29)

3 Critic Reviews

6 Reviews

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

Find out who is using Yamaha DX100

3 community setups

24 wishlisted

90 saved

Page last updated Jul 04, 2026

Pricing and availability

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4.0 (8)

$118.22 8 available Used

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Average Price: $118

Budget/Beginner

$500

$1501+

Price Tier

In the Synthesizers category, Yamaha DX100 is priced in the Budget/Beginner range. This is great gear to get started with or for creators on a budget.

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Description

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The DX100 is a small and portable budget DX synthesizer from Yamaha. Like all DX's it uses (FM) Frequency Modulation synthesis. It's not the easiest form of synthesis to program but can result in some excellent sounds. The DX100 is not as flexible nor powerful as a DX7, but it does have some cool sounds. It is most renowned for its great analog bass sound (Patch #01) that is awesome for techno, house, jungle, and acid music styles; it's very gritty, the bass tone with gristle! However, any other preset sounds that you'll find in the DX100 are pretty bad and require editing for anything else useable.

The DX100 has mini-keys and only 49 of them. No filters, arpeggiators, effects or programmable controllers are available either. Small pitch and mod wheels in the upper left and guitar strap pegs make this synth usable for live use if you're feeling whimsical. If you mess around with the settings on Parameter 13, even if you don't know anything about FM, you can get some seriously twisted sounds out of it. If you're willing to spend a little time with it, it has a lot more potential than just that one bass sound that people will eventually get sick of. And at its currently low street price, it just might be worth getting. It is used by Orbital, Scanner, Jean-Michel Jarre, Autechre, Laurent Garnier, and countless other house and dance artists.

Product specs

Brand	Yamaha
Model	DX100 Programmable Algorithm Synthesizer
Finish	Black
Year	1985
Categories	Digital Synthesizers, Keyboard Synths
Analog / Digital	Digital
Key Size	Mini
Keyboard Action	Synth Action
MIDI I/O	MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through
Number of Keys	49 Keys
Polyphony	8 Voices

FAQs

What type of synthesis does the Yamaha DX100 use?: The Yamaha DX100 utilizes FM (Frequency Modulation) synthesis, which allows for a wide range of complex and evolving sounds, making it a versatile choice for various musical styles.
How many voices of polyphony does the Yamaha DX100 have?: The Yamaha DX100 features 8-voice polyphony, allowing you to play up to eight notes simultaneously, which is suitable for creating layered and intricate musical textures.
Is the Yamaha DX100 compatible with MIDI devices?: Yes, the Yamaha DX100 is equipped with MIDI input, output, and through ports, enabling seamless integration with other MIDI-compatible devices for expanded control and performance options.
What is the key size and action type on the Yamaha DX100?: The Yamaha DX100 features a 49-key mini keyboard with synth action, providing a compact and responsive playing experience that's ideal for both studio and live settings.
Can the Yamaha DX100 be used for live performances?: The Yamaha DX100 is well-suited for live performances, thanks to its compact size, lightweight design, and MIDI capabilities, allowing it to be easily integrated into a live setup.

Videos

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8-Bit Keys

Yamaha DX100 Repair and Review

8-Bit Keys

Bad Gear - Yamaha DX100

AudioPilz

Synth Stuff Ep. 43 - Yamaha DX100

tritonrecordings

YAMAHA DX100 - ( ANO 1985 ) - FACTORY SOUNDS - TEST by TIAGO MALLEN #yamaha #fm #1985

Tiago Mallen

Yamaha DX100 Demo (no talking)

Nicolas Melis

The 1986 Yamaha DX100: A Toy or a Treasure?

Ian Dixon

Yamaha Dx100 - All Factory Sounds, NO TALKING!

Tecladista do Youtube

Reviews

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PROS

Unique gritty 80s FM sound, perfect for electronica and Chicago House
Portable design with battery compartment and strap buttons for keytar use
49 mini keys allow for extended one-hand stretches
Responds to MIDI velocity for expressive play
Thousands of downloadable patches available
Can store and load user patches via MIDI System Exclusive
Features pitch and modulation wheels for expressive control
Up to 192 presets and 24 programmable ram sounds
Noted for its excellent bass patch #1
Durable build quality, with keys and buttons that last

CONS

Mini keys and limited polyphony might not suit all players
Programming can be fiddly and time-consuming
No onboard effects or filters
Monophonic output limits sound layering
Lacks General MIDI support
Absence of knobs for hands-on control; relies on buttons and a data slider

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha DX100.

User experience

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Some users find FM programming easier with external editors like DX Manager or Patch Base rather than using the hardware interface.
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Owners appreciate the DX100's compact size and portability, making it easy to integrate into various setups and use on tracks.
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Software and compatibility

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Sysex Librarian on Mac can be used effectively for saving and loading patches on the DX100.
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Comparisons

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The DX100’s sounds, while thinner than the DX7, offer unique gritty textures that are hard to achieve with its six-operator counterpart.
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While valued for its portability, some compare the DX100 to the Casio CZ-101, noting the latter's bigger sound for similar features and price.
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Setup and maintenance

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Adding a backlit LCD is a considered upgrade for better usability, enhancing the playing experience.
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Features and functionality

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The four-operator design is enhanced by using effects like Chorus, Reverb, Delay, and Phaser to enrich the sound.
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The "Wood Piano" preset on the DX100 is highly regarded and difficult to replicate on the more advanced DX7, despite having fewer operators.
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The DX100's internals are velocity-sensitive via MIDI, but the keybed lacks this feature, impacting the expressiveness of FM sounds.
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The DX100 can mimic the Sega Genesis sound, appealing to those interested in retro gaming or chiptune music.
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The Yamaha DX100 has a port for a Yamaha Breath Controller, enhancing its expressive capabilities, though controllers can be hard to find.
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The DX100 includes guitar strap pegs, allowing it to be used as a keytar, enhancing its versatility for live performances.
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Use cases and applications

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The DX100 is particularly favored for use with a talkbox, famously used by Roger Troutman for its specific lo-fi preset sound.
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The DX100's "Solid Bass" preset is highly valued for its use in 90s house tracks, including Gat Decor's "Passion."
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Value and pricing

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The DX100 is valued between $250 and $450 on the resale market, making a $50 purchase a significant bargain.
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Build quality

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Sticky keys can be a common issue, but the straightforward keyboard mechanism allows for easy cleaning and maintenance.
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Mods and upgrades

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Owners have had success faking a breath controller by routing an LFO from a Korg MS-20 into the breath control jack.
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Users recommend using effects like chorus, delay, and reverb to enhance the DX100's sound, compensating for its lack of built-in effects.
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Critic Reviews

Yamaha DX100 Synthesizer (1985) | Wolf Review

wolfarchitects.design

The Yamaha DX100 is lauded for its compact design and portability, making it a nostalgic choice for fans of 1980s synthesizers. Despite its toy-like appearance with mini keys and a plastic build, it has proven durable over time. Its unique size and FM synthesis capabilities make it more charming than collectible, though high prices seem unwarranted for what feels like a toy. The lack of built-in speakers is a missed opportunity, and its mini keys pose a challenge for larger-handed players. Overall, it’s a curious piece for enthusiasts but not without its design flaws.

neutral

Full Review

Yamaha DX100 (IM Feb 86)

muzines.co.uk

A true bargain for FM enthusiasts, the Yamaha DX100 delivers excellent FM sounds and a whopping 312 memory slots at an unbeatable price. While its 4-octave keyboard lacks split/dual modes, it's half the price of its sibling, the DX21, and rivals the Casio CZ-101 in affordability and portability. MIDI velocity sensitivity and a vast array of presets make it a versatile addition to any setup. The main downsides are its non-backlit LCD and cumbersome modulation wheel design, but these are minor flaws in an otherwise remarkable package. Ideal for those looking to dip their toes into FM synthesis without breaking the bank.

positive

Full Review

Yamaha DX100 (IT Feb 86)

muzines.co.uk

The Yamaha DX100 might look like a toy, but it packs a punch with genuine FM synthesis capabilities, offering a stunning range of sounds across its 192 presets. While it lacks the complex sound palette of its bigger sibling, the DX7, it compensates with portability, unique features like advanced MIDI specifications, and pitch bend modes. Despite its mini keyboard not being touch-sensitive, the DX100 shines when used as an expander unit. At £349, it's an excellent value for beginners and a handy addition for seasoned players, promising hours of musical exploration without fear of obsolescence.

positive

Full Review

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4.0 out of 5

Based on 6 Reviews and 29 Ratings

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k_g_b_

363

about 9 years ago

The balance between complexity and musicality.

I owned a DX-7 for a period of time. I found the six operators to be somewhat unwieldy, because the way the algorithms are set up makes it difficult to keep tabs on each operator at all times. I found that performing certain parameter edits to one operator to achieve a certain sound would often result in some unintended side effect, because I was not taking into account the relationships between all of the operators. This would cause unwanted high-pitched screeches or sub-frequency rumbles that would then have to be filtered out with EQ or by running the DX-7 though an analog filter. I felt that the DX-7 was too complex for me. I wanted to focus more on making music, and less on scrutinizing the settings of the operators and the interactions between them. I sold the DX-7 and bought a Yamaha PSS-480, which has, instead of the six operators in the DX-7, only two operators. This meant that I no longer had access to the complex modulation algorithms available on the DX-7. I now was forced to make do with simply one modulator and one carrier. This allowed me to focus purely on making music, but I found the sound to be rather limited, almost like a basic analog subtractive synth. I then turned my eye to the DX-100. It balanced complexity with musicality, and I craved it. The DX-100 indeed does strike a very desirable balance. It has four operators, which, in my mind, is not so complex that I struggle to wrap my brain around the relationships between them, but not so simple that I run dry of new, uncharted territory in a matter of days. The DX-100 is, therefore, a perfect learning tool for anyone interested in FM synthesis, as it is much easier to program than one of the more fully-featured models like the DX-7, but it isn't by any means boring. And yeah, you get that gritty 80s FM sound. That's a winner in my book.

willprinzi

over 10 years ago

Not Just for Hackneyed 80s Sounds...

It is one thing to know what FM synthesis is about, to know ratios and values of operators, but it is another to actually connect it to the music - that is what this synth has done for me. It has showed me how vast the world of FM synthesis is, even in the limited format this synth offers. I never feel creatively limited however, even with just 4 operators and simple amplitude modulation this synth's palette is far more complex than anything a subtractive synth could offer, besides, its limitations are what keep me interested in the process. There really is a whole universe of bells, mallets, organs, voices, reeds and textures in here that are very usable, and this machine that I have randomly stumbled upon is now one of my favorites for sitting and exploring.

ahmad_fajrul_as

about 9 years ago

Everything you need to make high-quality music, including Yamaha Education Suite learn-to-play functions, in an affordable package.

This Keyboard is an all-round keyboard that is ideal as a starter instrument but also a robust alternative for experienced players who seek advanced features for their live performance and/or for their composing. Its powerful sound system boasts two 6W amplifiers and its wide range of features, controls, and connectivity make the PSR-E453 a long-lasting musical companion as you grow and hone your skills.