Description
Among Yamaha’s DX line of synthesizers, the DX1 is the biggest and most expensive. With a dual 6-operator digital FM engine, it’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 The DX7 style membrane buttons have been replaced by actual push-buttons, display screens and the overall layout of buttons and diagrams is nicer and better organized.
DX1 is a digital synthesizer, its sounds are unique and fresh with an analog/digital hybrid feel. Fortunately the advanced DX1 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 neat new feature for the DX1 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 just one patch loaded you can have 32 voices of thick polyphony!
There were only about 140 of these synths made and less than 40 of them left in working condition. The retail value of a DX1 during its production year in 1985 was $13,900! The DX1 was the most expensive project Yamaha ever invested in. Expect to pay well a ton for one of these today. The DX1 is today, primarily reserved for elite musicians big enough or wealthy enough to splurge on a real Vintage instrument with exquisite performance and interface features and sounds!
