Yamaha DX1

Yamaha DX1 snyth.

DX1
Manufacturer	Yamaha
Dates	1984 to 1985
Price	Approx. US$ 13,900
Technical specifications
Polyphony	32 voices 16 voices in dual-patch mode
Timbrality	Monotimbral
Oscillator	6 operators
LFO	1
Synthesis type	Digital Frequency modulation
Filter	none
Attenuator	6 envelope generators
Aftertouch expression	Yes
Velocity expression	Yes
Storage memory	64 patches
Effects	none
Hardware	2x YM21280 (OPS) Operator chip 2x YM21290 (EGS) Envelope Generator
Input/output
Keyboard	73 wood keys(76 for DX5) with velocity and aftertouch
Left-hand control	pitch-bend and modulation wheels
External control	MIDI

The Yamaha DX1 is the top-level member of Yamaha's prolific DX series of FM synthesizers. It featured two sets of the same synthesizer chipset used in the DX7, allowing either double the polyphony or dual simultaneous instrument patches. In addition, it contained twice the amount of patch memory as the DX7. As for aesthetic features, it included a handmade Brazilian rosewood case, a 73-key weighted wooden keyboard, comprehensive backlit LCD displays for instrument programming, and solid push-buttons as opposed to the membrane buttons on the DX7. Only about 140 to 210 may exist, as they were limited-run luxury items.

Among Yamaha's DX line of synthesizers, the DX-1 is definitely the biggest and most expensive. With a dual 6-operator digital FM engine, it's like two DX-7's wrapped up in a wood-paneled case and comes with a truly professional weighted 73 note keyboard sensitive to both velocity and aftertouch. The DX-1 style membrane buttons have been replaced by actual push-buttons, display screens and the overall layout of buttons and diagrams is nicer and better organized.

Sound-wise, the DX-1 is like a fatter DX-7. It too features FM synthesis. That means that although the DX-1 is a digital synthesizer, its sounds are unique and fresh with an analog/digital hybrid feel. Programming however, is not at all like analog synth programming. All DX series synths use FM synthesis and all are rather difficult to program or, at least, difficult to understand what to program but the DX-1 however came with entire programming board of possibilities over all the DX series combine. Fortunately the advanced DX-1 has display screens that show amplitude modulation, envelopes, velocity, levels and de-tuning parameters unlike previous DX synths so you can better visualize what and how you are editing parameters. A new feature for the DX-1 is that two patches (Channel A and B) can be used simultaneously with the keyboard in layer or split-mode. This mode is generally 16-voice polyphonic, but with one patch loaded you can have 32 voices of polyphony.

Although the DX-1 may seem like a better buy than the more popular DX-7, remember that the DX-1 is expensive. There were only about 140 of these synths made and the retail value of a DX-1 during its production year in 1985 was $13,900. Some rumors say Yamaha made over 210 and some continue to say only 140 DX-1's were built. The DX-1 was the most expensive project Yamaha ever invested in as the DX-1 was handbuilt from stratch compared to the other DX series synths. They were followed by the DX-5 under the hood, the DX-5 is identical to the DX-1 in some categories but the DX-1 offers more programming features. The DX-5 has done away with the heavy wood-paneling and has a less fancy keyboard. The DX-5 also has a more compressed layout of buttons, sliders and diagrams on the front panel. The DX-1, outdone by cheaper and more competitive DX synths is today, primarily reserved for those musicians big enough or wealthy enough to splurge on a real Vintage instrument with exquisite performance and interface features and sounds. It has been used by Depeche Mode, Vince Clarke, Kitaro, Elton John, Pet Shop Boys Herbie Hancock, David Shire for film 2010 and recently used in the new Tron Legacy movie Tron Legacy.

The Yamaha DX5 was a derivative of the DX1. It lacked the DX1's aesthetics, but included 76 keys with channel aftertouch and slightly improved MIDI features.

Programming instruments on the DX1 are much more advanced than DX5 but there are features with the DX1 & DX5 that are a like and the same with the DX7 but overall the DX-1 has all everything a DX series has to offer which makes it more unique. The big drawback is they are immpossible to find as they average between $9000.00 to $12,000.00 if you can find one. The size of a DX-1 is so heavily it weighs 112 lbs and needs an Anvil case (with wheels) because of the brazilian rosewood. The DX-1 has become a serious collection item in the vintage synthesizer world and with its distinct features makes it even more with having. Just about everybody has heard of a DX-1 but not everyone has actually seen one.

Notable users

• Brian Eno
• Depeche Mode
• Dire Straits Money For Nothing
• Herbie Hancock on the Village Life LP (with Foday Musa Suso)
• Jan Hammer
• Jean Michel Jarre used a DX1 on live concerts
• Kitaro
• Kraftwerk
• Pet Shop Boys as seen playing a DX1 in their videoclip
• Tangerine Dream
• The Beach Boys on the album The Beach Boys (album)
• John Dulik of Relâche (musical group)
• Grzegorz Ciechowski

External links

• Yamaha DX1 Worldwide Information Center DX1 and DX5 info site, including owner's club and technical specs.
• Vintage Synth Explorer Site Information
• Sonic State Site User Reviews
• Yamaha DX5 page