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Average Price: $30
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Description
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
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What is the Yamaha TX816 and what makes it unique?
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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.
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How does the Yamaha TX816 connect to other MIDI equipment?
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The Yamaha TX816 offers MIDI Input, Output, and Through connections, enabling integration with other MIDI devices and controllers for expanded control and sequencing capabilities.
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Is the Yamaha TX816 suitable for live performances?
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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.
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Can the Yamaha TX816 be used with modern DAWs?
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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.
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How many voices of polyphony does the Yamaha TX816 offer?
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The Yamaha TX816 provides 16 voices of polyphony, distributed across its eight modules, allowing for complex and layered sound design.
Videos
Espen Kraft
FM Monster Duel! Yamaha TX816 vs TX802
Reviews
PROS
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Extensive sound library, ideal for any DX7 user
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Compatible with DeXed VST/AU for easy patch editing
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Houses 8 mono DX7s, offering expansive FM bank capacity
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XLR outputs enable rich, large-scale sound production
CONS
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Capacitors may dry out and bulge, requiring replacement
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Necessitates battery and op-amp capacitor replacements
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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
Features and functionality
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The TX816 allows for +/- 63 steps of detune, offering significant creative flexibility across 8 modules.
Source
Software and compatibility
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Switching MIDI interfaces can improve patch data loading; BorneSX performed better than MidiOX for one owner.
Source
5.0 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 11 Ratings
417
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
40997
I've never encountered one of these fully loaded that was 100% working :-(
417
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 ...
424
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
Add artist
Can be clearly seen in the video at 2 minutes 5 seconds.
This along with the TX81Z was heavily used during the writing of the Technique album 1989.
It is most likely this equipment belonged to New Order rather than just Peter Hook.
At some points during the 1980's, Kraftwerk used:
- NED Synclavier
- 1 Yamaha TX816 synthesiser
- 2 Atari ST computers
(Regarding the creation of the album Flat Tire)..
Holdsworth went back to his trusty SynthAxe, an expensive synthesizer controller he and many other guitarists swear by. He didn’t have his Oberheim analog synthesizers for those “fantastic string sounds,” just “a bunch of Yamaha TX7 and TX816 digital synth modules,”
In a 1986 issue of Japanese Keyboard Magazine, there are multiple photographs of Tony Banks' rig from the Invisible Touch tour. Among these images is a picture showcasing Tony's rack synths and effects, Yamaha TX816 can be seen on the left underneath the Roland SRV2000.
Used on Perfect Machine, as specified in Herbie Hancock’s Electronic Instrument Glossary from September 14, 2016.
Yamaha TX-816 – A digital synthesizer that takes its form as a rack unit simulates having eight DX-7s in one. This allows a musician to store and carry as many sounds as they like without needing several instruments to create them. It also features eight audio outputs and is compatible with all other DX synthesizers. Herbie used this on his 1988 album Perfect Machine.
In the September 1987 issue of "Keyboard Magazine," the bottom middle column on page 31 mentioned that Danny Elfman owned two Yamaha TX816 modules and a Yamaha DX7II. The article was authored by Bob Doerschuk and Jeff Burger. 
Studio buffs tend to forget that modern recording studios are imposing and disorientating places for the average lay person. The technology seems to be surpassed in complexity only by military and space hardware, and Mark King's 'home' studio is certainly state of the art, as the above listing indicates. There's also a Macintosh SE30 with Performer software, an SRC SMPTE-to-MIDI convertor, Adams Smith Zeta 3, NS 10 and Tannoy DTM8 monitors, and two Otari MTR90 24-track recorders with 48 tracks of Dolby SR. Sound sources include a DX7, Roland D110 and 550, Yamaha TX816, Juno 60, Emu III and Emax, Casio CZ101, plus an Akai-Linn MPC60 workstation and a DDrum 2 drum sampler.
As if this isn't enough, Jones' collection of sound sources is breathtaking. Inhale deeply for an (incomplete) overview: Fairlight Series III; Yamaha TX816 rack; Akai S1000; Roland Super JX, MKS50, D50, Jupiter 8, Juno 60, D550, and MKS20 digital piano; Korg Wavestation; Prophet T8; MiniMoog; Vocoder VP330; Yamaha KX88 and TG77; and somewhere in a corner his old 808 drum machine. Still there?
Album Usage
The Yamaha TX816 has been featured on the following albums:
Fleetwood Mac: Live 1975
Fleetwood Mac (2025)
Akon (Rhythm Is A Dancer Remix)
Snap! (2025)
Lament (2024 Steven Wilson Mix)
Ultravox & Tigerlily (2024)
Brilliant
Ultravox & Tigerlily (2012)
Flat Tire (Music for a Non-Existing Movie) (Remastered)
Allan Holdsworth (2001)
Technique
New Order (1989)
Perfect Machine (Expanded Edition)
Herbie Hancock (1988)
Men and Women
Simply Red (1987)
Picture Book
Simply Red (1985)
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 TX816, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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