Yamaha TX816

^# 39

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$449.99 Price Tier: High-end

5.0 (11)

2 Reviews

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8 wishlisted

21 saved

Page last updated Jul 01, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated July 1, 2026.

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Reviews

Price

5.0 (1)

$449.99 10 available Used

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Average Price: $450

High-end/Boutique

$149

$350+

Price Tier

In the Modular Synthesizers category, Yamaha TX816 is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

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The Yamaha TX816 is a powerhouse in the world of modular synthesizers, offering a unique blend of classic FM synthesis and modular flexibility. Ideal for studios and live performances alike, this iconic unit houses eight individual DX7 synthesizer modules, known as TF1s, allowing for an unparalleled level of sound design possibilities. Each module can be independently programmed and controlled, providing a vast canvas for creativity and complex layering.

The TX816 is revered for its authentic FM synthesis capabilities, delivering the crisp, bell-like tones and rich textures that defined much of the music from the 1980s and beyond. Its robust build and intuitive interface make it a reliable workhorse for both professional musicians and synth enthusiasts. Whether you’re recreating vintage sounds or forging new sonic landscapes, the TX816 offers a versatile platform to explore and innovate.

Designed with connectivity in mind, the TX816 integrates seamlessly into modern setups, featuring MIDI compatibility to interface with contemporary gear. This makes it not just a nostalgic piece of hardware, but a relevant tool in today's music production landscape.

Key Features:

Houses eight individual DX7 synthesizer modules (TF1s)
True FM synthesis for authentic sound creation
MIDI compatibility for easy integration with other equipment
Independent programming and control for each module
Ideal for complex sound layering and design
Renowned for its durability and classic sound quality

Product specs

Brand	Yamaha
Model	TX816 8-Module FM Synthesizer
Finish	Black
Year	1984
Made In	Japan
Categories	Digital Synthesizers, Rackmount Synths
Analog / Digital	Digital
MIDI I/O	MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through
Polyphony	16 Voices

FAQs

What is the Yamaha TX816 and what makes it unique?: The Yamaha TX816 is a rack-mounted digital FM synthesizer from 1984, featuring eight independent DX7 synthesizer modules. Its unique modular design allows for complex layering and rich polyphonic textures, making it ideal for sound designers and musicians seeking versatile FM synthesis.
How does the Yamaha TX816 connect to other MIDI equipment?: The Yamaha TX816 offers MIDI Input, Output, and Through connections, enabling integration with other MIDI devices and controllers for expanded control and sequencing capabilities.
Is the Yamaha TX816 suitable for live performances?: While primarily designed for studio use, the Yamaha TX816 can be used in live settings if paired with a reliable MIDI controller and sound reinforcement system, offering a powerful range of FM sounds.
Can the Yamaha TX816 be used with modern DAWs?: Yes, the Yamaha TX816 can be integrated with modern DAWs via MIDI connections, allowing users to sequence and control it from their digital audio workstations.
How many voices of polyphony does the Yamaha TX816 offer?: The Yamaha TX816 provides 16 voices of polyphony, distributed across its eight modules, allowing for complex and layered sound design.

Videos

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Espen Kraft

FM Monster Duel! Yamaha TX816 vs TX802

Espen Kraft

Yamaha TX816 DEMO (All 8 Modules In Unison - Part I)

Blake Foster (Funkhöuser Music)

Yamaha TX816 audio demo [June 1985]

VCO8

Yamaha TX816 - multiple stacked detuned DX7 voices = epic! 🎹

Vintique Sound

Build an epic dreamy soundtrack with Yamaha TX816 and Roland Jupiter-8

Espen Kraft

Yamaha TX816 - Testing four layers

Anders Enger Jensen

Yamaha TX816 with Mean Well PSU | Recapping is a waste of time and money, I realize that now

Espen Kraft

Reviews

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PROS

Extensive sound library, ideal for any DX7 user
Compatible with DeXed VST/AU for easy patch editing
Houses 8 mono DX7s, offering expansive FM bank capacity
XLR outputs enable rich, large-scale sound production

CONS

Capacitors may dry out and bulge, requiring replacement
Necessitates battery and op-amp capacitor replacements
Power engine noise can be an issue

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha TX816.

Setup and maintenance

0 0

Replacing dead CR2032 batteries is crucial as it can wipe memory, causing modules to lose voice data.
Source
0 0

Reseting modules through the Utility menu may not resolve all issues; checking 'omni on/off' settings is also necessary for proper MIDI reception.
Source

Features and functionality

0 0

The TX816 allows for +/- 63 steps of detune, offering significant creative flexibility across 8 modules.
Source

Software and compatibility

0 0

Switching MIDI interfaces can improve patch data loading; BorneSX performed better than MidiOX for one owner.
Source

Use cases and applications

0 0

The Yamaha TX816 can be treated as an FM additive synth on steroids when paired with a mixer, allowing for complex sound design.
Source

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 11 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

m4ntr0n1c

417

about 6 years ago

FM powerhouse

I think everyone should have a lot of FM banks just in case. These units are massive as they hold 8x a mono DX7 with 32 patches. The outputs are XLR, but they often get their capacitors dried out and bulging (need replacement). Once you replaced all 8 batteries and the op-amp caps, you are good to go (unless you need to recap the PSU, which is most likely).

I keep two of those, but I wish I had more :P

Roles:

Keyboardist Composer Music Producer

Genres:

Electronic Electronica Experimental

jimmarchi1

41029

6 years ago about 6 years ago

I've never encountered one of these fully loaded that was 100% working :-(

m4ntr0n1c

417

6 years ago about 6 years ago

Yes me neither. They all have to be serviced. And sometimes a person might tell you it was serviced, but the job was half-ass'd ...

federicovaona

424

over 11 years ago

A Monster Yamaha!

I like having 8 DX7 all together in one synth. A beast that can modeling very beautiful FM sounds. The power engine sometimes is noisy now. Separate XLR outputs, can be used for create rich big sounds.

Artist usage

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The BBC Radiophonic Workshop

Composer, Music Producer

Verified via Whitefiles

In 1985, the BBC Radiophonic Workshop utilized the Yamaha TX816, as documented in a synthesizer list from Whitefiles.

Larry Steinbachek

Keyboardist

Bronski Beat

Verified via Muzines

"Usually we just use the Yamaha TX816 rack for basic writing, but I think if you did a whole track with DX sounds it would be a bit thin. So we MIDI it up to a MemoryMoog, a PPG, our producer's Emulator II, in fact, whatever's lying around, depending on the sound we're after. We MIDI together as much as we can really, and we can also tie in our analogue synths, a Sequential Pro One, an OSCar and a MiniMoog."

Peter Howell

Keyboardist, Composer

Verified via YouTube

In a video titled "peter howell in his new studio at the bbc radiophonic workshop in 1989," Peter Howell can be seen using a Yamaha TX816 synthesizer, confirmed at the timestamp 0:04. The source is a YouTube video uploaded by BL MT.

Wally Badarou

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Level 42

Verified via Muzines

BADAROU'S COMPASS POINT studio has a full Synclavier system as its centerpiece. Apart from that, there's a Macintosh computer, a DX7, a couple of TX816 modules, a Roland digital piano and two analogue synths: an Oberheim OB8 and a Prophet 600.

Steve George

Keyboardist

Mr. Mister

Verified via Muzines

In an effort to begin the scaling-down process, George is already using a Roland MKB300 mother keyboard and a comprehensive selection of rack-mounted sound units alongside his more conventional keyboards.

'I'm not using a weighted controller at the moment because I haven't found one that feels all that great. A lot of them have a very sloppy, sluggish action like the Yamaha KX88. To me the Roland weighted keyboards feel a little bit better, but that's just my opinion. I'm presently using mine with a Yamaha TX816 and a Roland MKS30. On stage the QX1 controls my DX7 for things like the bass part on 'Broken Wings' and Richard just sings over the top of that — it's much too hard to sing and play at the same time!

Michael Brook

Guitarist, Keyboardist

David Sylvian & Robert Fripp

Verified via Muzines

From equipment list:

Instruments: Roland R8M Drum Module Roland S770 Sampler with Sony optical disk storage unit Simmons Portakit Yamaha DX7 Synth Yamaha TX802 Synth Module Yamaha TX816 Synth Module

Luca Anzilotti

Composer

Snap!

Verified via Discogs

The Yamaha TX816 synthesizer is listed as an instrument used by Luca Anzilotti on the inner sleeve of the single "Off – Electrica Salsa (Baba Baba)," as documented in the Discogs release information.

Brett Tuggle

Keyboardist

Fleetwood Mac

Verified via Photo

According to the January 1989 issue of Modern Keyboard, Brett Tuggle used the Yamaha TX816 on David Lee Roth's song "Just Like Paradise" from the Skyscraper album.

Wojtek Olszak

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Woobie Doobie

Verified via Olszak

The instrument appears on the list of instruments on official artist's website (http://olszak.pl/).

Michael Münzing

Composer, Music Producer

Snap!

Verified via Muzines

Source: Interview with Michael Münzing and Luca Anzilotti about SNAP! mu:zines.co.uk - 1994: https://www.muzines.co.uk/articles/snap-to-tomorrow/8245

Ken Freemen

Keyboardist, Composer

Verified via Discogs

Freemen used a Yamaha TX816 on the score to The Tripods.

Alan Fitzgerald

Bassist, Keyboardist

Van Halen

Verified via Photo

According to the top right of page 74 of the October 1985 issue of Keyboard Magazine, Alan Fitzgerald had two Yamaha TX816 rack units in a rack case assembled by keyboard technician Jack Jacobsen. The source image can be viewed here.