Yamaha DX7 alternatives?

[Moustache_Bash]

Was just wondering if there is anything out there that is similar (same-ish price/features) to the DX7? Can be vintage/new/used.

Also, was curious to know what keyboards/synths that you guys enjoy in particular.

[sonidero]

DX7 is all FM synthesis and is totally the sound of the 80's... I like a mix of Analog and Digi like my Evolver... The Casio CZs use Phase Distortion which is kinda like FM and you can usually find them cheap...

What kinda sounds you want yo???

[nevada]

Yamaha TX81Z is a legend. You may want to check it out if you like the DX7.

[trace]

Casio CZs are cool and pretty dx7ish. Real DX7s are dirt cheap on CL nowadays too. If you want to dig into programming it the alesis micron/ion can do some cool fm stuff and is a great synth in general. Lots of newish "virtual analog" synths have more powerful routing options than people seem to realize and can do fm and other cool unusual stuff.

[sonidero]

Yep, the Novation K-Station and the M-Audio Venom can do some circuit bentish broken FM noises all day...

[amnesiac305]

I used to have a Yamaha FS1R it was a pretty awesome FM machine. I wish I still had that.

[Gone Fission]

Other DX synths, including the recent-ish DX200 desktop synth. Yamaha PSS-390, a real synth in toy's clothing. The Casio CZ stuff is great but a hair different.

And sims. The iYM2151 iOS app has caught my eye--hardcore sim of Yamaha's FM chip and software. Pricey for an app at $35, though, and it looks like it could be a steep learning curve. For PC/Mac, I hear people love Native Instruments' FM7.

[kaeth]

Like DIY? You could try PreenFM 2. Bit of a wait on the next batch of kits though.
https://sites.google.com/site/preenfm/

If you're cool with racks, the TX-802 eats the DX-7 alive for less money, if only because it's 8-part multi-timbral.

[odontophobia]

Like DIY? You could try PreenFM 2. Bit of a wait on the next batch of kits though.
https://sites.google.com/site/preenfm/

If you're cool with racks, the TX-802 eats the DX-7 alive for less money, if only because it's 8-part multi-timbral.

That is awesome. I would love to DIY that if it were and stock and if I thought I had the skill set.

[MeSoFuzzy]

Not in the same price range, but waldorf blofeld gives good fm.

[Dr. Sherman Sticks M.D.]

DXi is a cool DX7 iOS app.

casio cz!!!!!!! way gnarlier/grittier than a DX. possibly easier to program.

elektron monomachine has a dope FM synth, so does the OP1, (they also have a shitton other cool stuff, but are $$$)

[in_sherman]

the casio vz-1 is a more valid comparison, i think. if you can find one in good condition, it is a solid instrument. worth the time of learning the synthesis engine. cz is more lo-fi. very fun to run filter and reverb after these synths, but they sound great on their own as well. i love and recommend them both!

[Moustache_Bash]

Yamaha TX81Z is a legend. You may want to check it out if you like the DX7.

How do rackmount synths work? Like, would I use a midi keyboard controller or something?

[nevada]

Yes. Get a MIDI controller or run it from a sequencer. Given that the majority of the Yamaha DX synths rely on bogus button interfaces, rather than knobs and sliders, you wouldn't be missing much by going rackmount and supplying your own way of inputting MIDI data.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BsQIENCUKyk[/youtube]

[Moustache_Bash]

^^^^Righteous!

I went ahead and bought one on eBay http://www.ebay.com/itm/281203025374?ss ... 1497.l2649 A bit more than what they usually go for, but this one looks so clean.

Now I just need to buy a keyboard MIDI. Any special considerations I should take into account?