Yamaha TX816

^# 39

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$449.99 Price Tier: High-end

5.0 (11)

2 Reviews

Find out who is using Yamaha TX816

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
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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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Malcolm Clarke

Keyboardist

Verified via Getty Images

a Yamaha TX816 Synthesizer can be seen behind Malcolm Clarke in the BBC Radiophonic Workshop studio.

Fritz McIntyre

Singer, Keyboardist

Simply Red

Verified via Muzines

Fritz's rack (from top): Furman PL8E amp Roland M240 24-channel keyboard mixer - TX816 x 8 channels; D550 L/R; Korg Wavestation A/D L/R; guitar L/R; Kurzweil L/R; Quadraverb returns L/R Marshall 9001 guitar pre-amp - "Fritz plays guitar for the first two numbers on the main stage" Samson UR4 UHF wireless receiver - "for the guitar" Alesis Quadraverb - "just for the keyboard monitor mixes, mainly to recreate things from the albums, like delays and choruses" Audio Architecture Function Junction Korg Wavestation A/D - "for a few string things and pianos" Yamaha MIDI rack Kurzweil 1200 Pro One expansion module - "the main piano box. I call it the Kurzweil Crapscreen. I'm not a great lover of manuals, and I was trying to find the contrast control for this screen, and I couldn't find it anywhere. You've got to lie down and look upwards at the screen. So I do most of the editing on a Mac (Powerbook 180), through SysEx" UPS power backup Yamaha TX816 - "for some of the older sounds from the first two albums"

Michele Luppi

Singer, Keyboardist

Whitesnake

Verified via Instagram

Michele Luppi uses the Yamaha TX816, as confirmed by his Instagram post where he states, "My TX-816 is sooooo 80s!!! Just Love it❤️ Keyboards are almost done..."

Marcus Vere

Keyboardist

Living in a Box

Verified

Marcus Vere, the keyboardist for Living in a Box, uses the Yamaha TX816 as part of his music gear, as detailed in "Music Technology" magazine, August 1987: "Vere's hardware rundown for the album reads like just about any modern equipment listing - Emulator, Super Jupiter, DX7, TX816, Akai S900 and so on - but stops short of Fairlight or Synclavier indulgence. Technology has been a good and loyal friend of Living in a Box, but Vere is cautious about letting it get the upper hand."

Roger Limb

Keyboardist, Composer

Verified

"Roger Limb in Studio E in the early nineties. The 'monolith' includes a Yamaha TX816 synthesiser and DMP7 mixer. The rack to the right contains a selection of effects devices. There's a Sony U-matic video player on the left."