A classic synth gets a make-over by three significant updates to the original. The DX-7 was an amazing digital FM synth. The DX-7s caries on the torch once held by the DX-7. It offers the same great FM synthesis method and can also create sounds just as unique and wild as the DX-7. However, they can be just as difficult to program and understand for most users. Some general improvements include enhanced MIDI support, micro-tuning, aftertouch controlled pitch bending, and multiple LFOs. Although many improvements have been made to the DX-7 in this upgrade there still could have been room for improvement, which is where the DX7IID and DX7IIFD come in.

Extended information

These next models allowed for keyboard split and layering capabilities. The DX7IID (pictured above) and DX7IIFD hold 64 voices in internal memory, as well as an additional 64 voices in a RAM/ROM cartridge that can be accessed. These voices can be layered in dual mode providing very rich sounds or a nice combination of sounds that would be impossible on the original DX7. They can also be split, for a two voice multi-timbral capability. Again, impossible on the original DX.

They have wonderfully clean sound and are stereo, providing pans and chorus and a few other nice effects. There are two real time sliders on these instruments, allowing control of user-programmable items in real time. Micro-tuning, as well as fractional tunings for eastern music etc. is possible. The FD includes a floppy drive for storage of patches, performance presets and sysex information.

Technical specifications

Polyphony - 16 voices Oscillators - Programmable 6-operator x 2 (A & B) 32-algorithm digital FM tone generator LFO - Sine/Square/Tri/SAW up/SAW Down/Random Filter - None VCA - 6 Envelope generators 8 parameters each Keyboard - 61 keys, Velocity and Aftertouch, Split and Layer mode Memory - 128 patches, 32 performances Control - MIDI IN/OUT/THRU

Information courtesy of www.vintagesynth.com