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Description

Step into the world of vintage sampling with the Yamaha TX16W, a classic piece of DJ gear that has left its mark on the music production landscape. This audio sampler, a staple from the late '80s, offers a unique character that modern digital samplers often lack. Renowned for its warm, gritty sound, the TX16W is beloved by artists who appreciate the distinctive textures only vintage hardware can provide.

The Yamaha TX16W features a 12-bit sampling engine, a hallmark of its era, adding a characteristic warmth and depth to your audio tracks. It is equipped with a versatile 8-voice polyphony, allowing for complex layering and rich soundscapes. With a maximum sampling rate of 50kHz, this sampler delivers a surprising clarity for its time. The TX16W also offers 1.5 MB of RAM, which can be expanded to 6 MB, providing ample space for your creative explorations.

One of the standout features of the TX16W is its compatibility with the Typhoon operating system, a popular aftermarket OS that enhances its capabilities and user interface, making it more intuitive and powerful. This upgrade makes it a favorite among musicians who want to push the limits of this vintage sampler.

Whether you're a seasoned producer looking to add some classic flair to your sound or a newcomer wanting to explore the world of hardware sampling, the Yamaha TX16W is a compelling choice that combines nostalgia with functionality.

Key Features:

  • 12-bit sampling engine for warm, gritty audio
  • 8-voice polyphony for complex sound layering
  • Maximum sampling rate of 50kHz
  • Expandable RAM from 1.5 MB to 6 MB
  • Compatibility with Typhoon OS for improved usability
  • Classic vintage hardware ideal for unique sound textures

Product specs

Brand Yamaha
Model TX16W Digital Wave Filtering Sampler
Finish Black
Year 1980s
Made In Japan
Categories Digital Synthesizers, Samplers
Analog / Digital Digital
MIDI I/O MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through
Polyphony 16 Voices

FAQs

What are the key features of the Yamaha TX16W sampler?

The Yamaha TX16W is a digital sampler from the 1980s featuring 16-voice polyphony, MIDI input/output/through capabilities, and digital wave filtering for sound manipulation. It is designed for use in professional music production and live performance settings.

How does the Yamaha TX16W integrate with modern MIDI setups?

The Yamaha TX16W can connect to modern MIDI setups through its MIDI input, output, and through ports, allowing it to interface with contemporary MIDI controllers and sequencers for expanded creative possibilities.

Is the Yamaha TX16W suitable for live performance?

Yes, the Yamaha TX16W is suitable for live performance, offering robust sampling capabilities and MIDI connectivity that enable dynamic sound manipulation and integration into a live setup.

Can the Yamaha TX16W be used with current digital audio workstations (DAWs)?

The Yamaha TX16W can be used with current DAWs by utilizing its MIDI connectivity, allowing it to function as a sound source or processor within a modern digital production environment.

What type of sounds can the Yamaha TX16W create?

The Yamaha TX16W can create a wide range of sounds due to its digital sampling capabilities, allowing users to capture and manipulate audio from various sources for use in production and performance.

Espen Kraft

Espen Kraft

Do all 12-bit samplers sound the same?

Video thumbnail for Do all 12-bit samplers sound the same? by Espen Kraft

Do all 12-bit samplers sound the same?

Espen Kraft

Espen Kraft

Video thumbnail for Yamaha TX16W sampler - some demos by SynthMania

Yamaha TX16W sampler - some demos

SynthMania

SynthMania

Video thumbnail for Short demo of Yamaha TX16w sampler using Typhoon 2000 OS by Mamiya645

Short demo of Yamaha TX16w sampler using Typhoon 2000 OS

Mamiya645

Mamiya645

Video thumbnail for Yamaha TX16W (Microesfera Demo Play) Short demo using Typhoon 2000 OS by Microesfera

Yamaha TX16W (Microesfera Demo Play) Short demo using Typhoon 2000 OS

Microesfera

Microesfera

Video thumbnail for Sampler shootout (13 hardware samplers!) by gwEm’s gwEmbassy

Sampler shootout (13 hardware samplers!)

gwEm’s gwEmbassy

gwEm’s gwEmbassy

Video thumbnail for Yamaha TX16W Pads & Synths - Part 1 of 2 by SynthMania

Yamaha TX16W Pads & Synths - Part 1 of 2

SynthMania

SynthMania

Video thumbnail for Yamaha TX16W Pads & Synths - Part 2 of 2 by SynthMania

Yamaha TX16W Pads & Synths - Part 2 of 2

SynthMania

SynthMania

Video thumbnail for Yamaha TX16W Demo Play. Gotta love that 12 bit crunchy sound. Make sure you watch the last segment. by Kevin's Keyboard Corner And Stuff.

Yamaha TX16W Demo Play. Gotta love that 12 bit crunchy sound. Make sure you watch the last segment.

Kevin's Keyboard Corner And Stuff.

Kevin's Keyboard Corner And Stuff.

Video thumbnail for WACK RECORDS - ZiekeFons (DIGITAKT & YAMAHA TX16W) by DRMKT

WACK RECORDS - ZiekeFons (DIGITAKT & YAMAHA TX16W)

DRMKT

DRMKT

Reviews

Critic Reviews

Yamaha TX16W Sampler (SOS Jul 88)

muzines.co.uk

The Yamaha TX16W offers impressive sound quality and innovative digital filtering, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a distinctive sonic character. However, its complexity, cumbersome loading times, and limited sampling duration can hinder usability. While it could complement a simpler machine like the Akai S900, potential buyers should brace for a steep learning curve and consider the need for additional memory expansion to unlock its full potential.

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Aphex Twin uses Yamaha TX16W

Aphex Twin

Music Producer

Universal Indicator

...
Verified via SoundCloud

This is one of the tracks where it is confirmed the TX16W was used. The TX16W was also used on a Syro track, "S950tx16wasr10" [the title is made up of equipment used]. Aphex Twin confirmed usage of the TX16W in the description of this SoundCloud track.

See how Junkie XL uses Yamaha TX16W

Junkie XL

Composer, Music Producer

Tiësto vs. Junkie XL

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video at 1:15 Tom shows Yamaha TX16W sampler

See how Ceephax Acid Crew uses Yamaha TX16W

Ceephax Acid Crew

Music Producer

Tom Jenkinson & Friends

...
Verified via YouTube

In this YouTube video posted by Andy Jenkinson himself, it is possible to see some of his gear on the rack at 3:08. The TX16W is the one at the very bottom, having the 4x4 button matrix plus jack positions matching the ones on the TX16W.

See how David Bryan uses Yamaha TX16W

David Bryan

Singer, Guitarist

Bon Jovi

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video "David Bryan Keyboard Lesson #1" by Petsitterincharlotte, David Bryan demonstrates using the Yamaha TX16W, connected to a Yamaha KX88 and a rack of eight DX7 units.

See how DJ Magic Mike uses Yamaha TX16W

DJ Magic Mike

Music Producer

The Ghetto Style DJ's

...
Verified via YouTube

At 18:45 in the Red Bull Music Academy interview, DJ Magic Mike mentions that he used the Yamaha TX16W.

Album Usage

The Yamaha TX16W has been featured on the following albums:

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 TX16W, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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1
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1

Community setups

Show yours
chase_h_xealot

chase_h_xealot

Gear IQ 145

chase_h_xealot

chase_h_xealot

Gear IQ 145

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