Yamaha DX-7

The DX7 (IID is the one I have) is a great synth. For me, the best! Let me tell you something about sociology, since i am a sociologist. There is a phenomena called cognitive disonance, and its actually about this: check all this sites and you will find: the people who pay less money for something, tell it's crap, and the ones that pay a lot adore it! It's a known fact! So, the DX7 is NOT easy to use, but if U have a brain, you'll figure it out! Also, the two operators make great sounds and it's not difficult, you just squeezee the button and voila! I guess this is a feature of the IID, and not the first one but who cares?! When someone comes into my studio and sees every great thing from the 80's there, they know I mean bussiness!! Also, it's a synth used by Brian Eno (the only one!), Daft Punk, U2, Kraftwerk, and many others, so what are they, like, loosers?!?!?!?!

Personally, the only thing I don't like about the DX7 (but totally personal reasons) is the keyboard. Everyone adores it, but I guess they wanted to make a good piano-like keyboard, and I hate to play synth sounds from a piano keyboard, its really weird. Synths need to have softer keys, I think. But I use a evolution midi controller with it and the combo is incredible! Also, we tried to connect Native Instruments FM7 with the DX7 and you wouldn't believe those sounds. So, the people here talking about controllers are really funny! Want a controller?! BUY A CASIO! Or a real CONTROLLER like a Evolution or a Roland, MIdiman Oxygen 8 is good too, but the DX7 is all about SOUND!!!! I have a full cd with sysex, and you can find them anywhere on the web, there are a lot of sites about the DX7.

THE BEST! I was born in 1978., so I cry each time I play one particular patch and then use the pitch bend (for instance). You probably all know it: "Eyes without a face", Billy Idol. Every other song from the 80's was made with it, the best songs ever! And the IID is 16 bit 44100, cd-quality.

It's a tank!

Awful

It's simply a legend and there is a reaosn for that! I've compare it a lot, but it has no adversary! Contact me if you need software for it or sysex

Presets are crappy, editing patches is a torture. Everything hidden away in menues, without some sysex tool you're lost. Crap.

Keyboard action is pretty good, no complaints there. Would be a good controller. Only too heavy. Expansion cards possible, but the contacts need cleaning and corrode easily. Unimpressed.

Most overrated synth I've ever had. Sold it quickly. Presets are crappy except for two effect sounds and the electric piano (that's a classic, of course). But even the e-piano left me unimpressed. Reacted nicely to key-pressure etc. but I've got better e-pianos in cheap expanders. As for fatness: it can't come near analogue stuff, so why bother. As for digitalness: maybe if you spend half your life reading fm-books you'll be able to tweak it into something good-sounding. I was more impressed with the tg33 module. Much better effect sounds. I think the DX7 is the most overrated synth out there. Forget it.

Metal case. Well built. Problems only with the cartridges and the cartridge slot and with the rubber buttons. Scores well. Like those old and ugly shoes one had to wear as a kid: the uglier, the longer they lasted. But you can still use it to smash building in. Best use for it.

Never dealt with them.

I resold it (for 170 euros hehe. Thank God it's got "cult classic" status, there are always fools out there willing to buy rubbish once it's labelled classic.) If you consider buying it: check cartridges, check buttons, and, above all, check sounds. Then run. If you need a controller you don't want to move and can pick it up cheap - o.k. If you need a synth you can actually use: almost anything is better than this. I bought a tg33 afterwards, these things are cheap as dirt and have more possibilities and better sounds than the dx7. Overrated piece of shit.

I haven't started with the editing or programing yet, just downloaded the manual online...this is not light reading, but you can following along.

Now what I came across in a little pawn shop in was this DX7 with a E! Grey Matter card!!! How fuckin' cool is that? The bad thing about it is that I didn't know a thing about keyboards!! I'm a guitar player trying to put another instrument under my belt. So after investigating online about this keyboard and the E! card, I went back to "haggle" over the price. (he wanted $450, I got it for $350). My DX7 E! plays wonderful, vintage 80's sounds! The keys are great and still have wonderful action.

Now some of the instuments are cool, not bad but you know it ain't the real thing. The pitch and modualation wheels are on the money and programable! I think it reacts very well to velocity and aftertouch, shit! this keyboard was built to last! I know this synth has seen a whole lot of work but this bad-boy is sturdy.

As I stated this synth is old and still plays wonderful, so I honestly believe this "ironman" of a keyboard is dependable! I've played with guys who owned them when they came out (reason I jumped on it when I saw it in the pawn shop) and they would always praise this synth, now I know why! As long as the battery is fresh, you can gig without a backup.

I got what I wanted (the manual, downloaded from the site). Other than that I've never used them...hopefully I won't have to either.

I know the DX7 are now consider "classics" and with the fact that you cannot get the E! Grey Matter card for it anymore (no longer manufactured), just makes this gem more valuable to me. I don't know if I would replace it if stolen, but I will make damn sure it is not in a situation that someone can steal it!! Been playing music for years, Keyboard? just got into them. I love it, nothing about it for me to hate, I knew what I was buying. I will buy another synth (a new one) in the future. It didn't come with the RAM/ROM Carts (one reason why I got it a little cheaper), but I founds somebody selling them...still looking for more. I'm still experimenting while using it to learn to play keyboards, plus I use it for recording in my project home studio. Great classic synth, with or without the E! card I would had bought it for nastalgia reasons because they sounded so great in the bands I played in back in the 80's.

If you find one, get it! If you have one, keep it! NUFF SAID!

I dont really have to say much here really as so many people love it. So do i. Its not that easy to use. Programming takes time to learn. Well worth learning to program.

No built in effects, it sounds great with chours & delay. Good midi.

Classic 80's sounds. It will work with all kinds of music I have used one for ethnic stuff too.

Built like a tank!

Yamaha are good with customer support for this product they are very proud of it.

Wonderful!

I actually have a DX7s (two of them)
I just bought on ebay,the DX7 Voice rom #4, which has on it "A Orchestral & Percussive Group", and "B Complex & Effects Group (nb82830)."
I am trying to collect all ROM and RAM cartidges that are out there so I can have a full selection of new sounds at my finger tips.
But I want to make sure they all are distincly different from each other in sound.
What is a RAM cartridge anyway?
Also I am looking for the adapter that allows me to use the DX7 cartridges in my DX7s keyboard.
Thanks
Mark

After finding this gem in a pawn shop I brought it home and plugged it in. Yuck. All the patches had been messed up. I went looking on the internet for oem sound modules. Not much luck, until I found a DX7 editor
and 4848 different patchs. I was able to load my choice of patches into a bank and inject them via midi. It was better than Christmas. Now I am able to get vintage sounds of the 80's as well as modern sounds.

I'm not into programming yet. I have four keyboards I use to perform solo and with a band so I have been learning the songs. But with my almost 5,000 patch library, programming can wait till I have time. The features my DX7 provide are more than enough.

Touch sensitive and very expressive. The pitch bend and mod wheels are very nice and I use it to solo with a B-3 sound. It ROCKS!!!

I haven't had a bit of trouble so far (Knock on wood) The nice thing is it's built like a tank and I've seen some really abused DX7's still cranking it out night after night. It's a workhorse synth.

Yamaha was very nice but not much help.

Overall I give it a 10.5 With a wealth of on-line patches and a fan base that is world wide, I would say the DX7 is here to stay. If it were stolen I'd get another tomorrow. In fact, I will be looking for more DX7's in every city I tour this fall. I also play a KORG i3, (Try finding an on-line manual for that beast) a Roland JX-3P, and an Optimus MD1200 from Radio Shack. (Don't laugh, it have a very realistic sax patch and the strings are A+) As far as I can tell my DX7 is a long term relationship keyboard, and I'll keep it till death do us part.

Is a DX7 really easy to use ? Without manual and further literature
it is a heavy beast.Because the user does not know what FM really is.
On the other hand,the DX/ is now really easy to use,caused by the
massive Internetresources.

The DX7 is the most sold synth ever,and also it is explained like that.
The manual itself is not a big help,because FM is explianed very
rudimentary.
FM like PD is not an intuitive Synthesizer like the anlog fraction.
Just twiddle a knob and get a sound of it.This is not FMs sense.
On the other hand FM offers a new dimension to synthesis.

The DX7 itself is easy to use.But when going to programming,the DX7
can be nervecracking.For these ones,who do not know how this synthesis
works.
At least it must be said,that the DX7 is easy to use.
The library of DX sounds is maybe bigger as the Bible.

Well the original DX7 offers 32 algorithms with 6 operators.
It does not offer the Microtuning,wich the DX7 II had.
Also Velocity goes in Midi only to 100.
The EGs are to rudimentary.Better as simple ADSR,but miles away from
Casios eight step EGs.

You have 32 algortihms to shape a sound.This is immense.But these fine
algorithms lack power by its limited EGs.
Nevertheless the DX7 offers a wide varity of sounds.
If you want to hear a sound,wich is like a frying pan clutched into your
face,then the DX is something for you.
Forget imitating sounds of natural instruments.Each cheap sampler can it better.
The DX is well known for its percussive sounds and weird FX-sounds.

The DX7 was a masterpiece in "Mass"-Synthesis.A decade before John
Chowning developed this synth.His "Sabelihte" shows all what FM can
do.
Yamaha launched later on the SY77/99 series,but only the underrated
FSR1 brings FM to new light.
So if you want a modern FM synth,choose the FSR1,if you want only
nostalgic FM Sounds,then choose a DX7.

Well,my Casio VZ1 works still at new.
I am a great smoker and also does not handle such devices with gloves.
The DX7 is not as reliable as the VZ.
But anyhow,the DX is still in good condition.

Yamaha has usually a good support,also for models wich faded away
in nostalgia.

The original DX7 is still a good buy.You have the biggest synth library
outside.Maybe millions of sounds has been already discovered.
The DX7 is a must have synth.
It only lacks in EGs.There was Casios CZ and VZ series much better.
But PD and FM are not similiar.Anyone who tries to tell it to you,kick
him to outerspace.....Like Bin Laden.....

Forget this old DX typical sounds and try to develop something new.
The DX has the possibility for that.

The biggest advantage of the old 80ths synths is the enormous potential wich is still not researched at all.

Before wasting money for a virtual analog synth,take a minute if
one of this academic synths can not do it better.......

Well, for my first synth it was an enigma. But i was able to find and print out the whole manual, and after going thru it a few times i kinda understand how to program it. The miniscule screen doesn't help make it any easier. I'm partial to analogue and computers, so it was quite a trial.

I'm making some crazy metallic noise come out of this thing. It's also my controller, and it seems to be working good. I could care less about it's mono output, if i wantit in stereo,i'll fuck with it in Soundforge.

Very cool, if you can crack the cryptic interface. I belive this is really great board that could fit into any style of music if patched right. I haven't ran it thru any external effects yet, i'm still grasping it's sounds as they are and i don't feel the need yet. There are thousands of patches to download

This this is a beast. It could take a shotgun blast in stride. I'd gig with it in a war zone without fear. Well, it's not completely flawless; my F2 key is acting up, but i bought it that way.

well i printed out themaual rom Yamaha's website and that was all i needed, so what the hell i'll give Yamaha a 9

if it were stolen i'd find the asshole and put the fear of god into him. I just really started getting in to real gear, computers just don't feel right. I think it has more good karma in it than any computer could have. I was obsessed with synths and this was one. When i walked into my local small shitty music store, lo and behold, the DX7. I was overcome with a madness to purchase and made some girl i go to school with take me to my bank to get money. For only $230 and the incredible varitey of sounds, it's gotta be one of the best deals around.

I considered a DX7 about three years ago and was somewhat disappointed by its sound, but the opportunity to buy one came up again in May 2001. This time it seemed to sound so much better, and was in very good condition too (just a couple of superficial scratches in the paint here and there). In the first three months of owning this synth I was already creating custom patches which were sounding good - some synth sounds, and some good perc organs and electric bases. It's lots of numbers, but the key is to find out which numbers to what, find out which algorithms produce your favourite sounds. The more you play around with programming this synth, the more attached you will become to it's unique personality. The screen isn't backlit but so what, you haven't got to worry about the bulbs burning out!

16 note poly mocked everything else that was around in 1983, it was a huge amount of poly for it's day. It can get burnt out quite easily on heavily sustained pads, but for most jobs, it's enough. The DX7 was the first MIDI synth created, and could only transmit on one channel at a time. If the DX7 is your only synth and only sound source then this can be extrememly limiting, but because it does have MIDI capability, it is perfectly usable as a studio master keyboard. The keys have a fantastic movement to them (and don't get jammed up like on some synths), so you can also use the DX7s keyboard to control other synths as well.

In general the DX7 sounds are fantastic. OK, so if you want to make swirling, whispering analog pads then you aren't going to get what you want from this synth, but I have found that in comparison to a lot of modern, sample based synthesizers, DX7 excells at creating bass and organ patches. In my keyboard rig, DX7 is the first one I turn to if I want that perfect jazz organ program. My only one gripe about the DX7 is that it has no internal effects. Even a basic reverb would have been nice in-house, but this can be compensated for since most decent keyboard amplifiers usually have a reverb control on them. Also, some sounds through certain amplification systems have a digital buzzing sound in the background. On some piano sounds, this is quite apparent, but can normally be EQ'd out with an amp or mixer.

Fantastic build. This was one of the things I always liked about the DX7. It looks cool because it's built so well. Many people have complained about the membrane control panel, by my experience has told me that this control surface is definitely a plus point. The buttons are still physically there, below the membrane. You can still feel them click like normal buttons, but the membrane stops any dust getting in. I think it's a fantastic idea. perhaps I wouldhave opted for hardwood end cheeks, but then in 1983, that was considered a feature on old fashioned, analog synths, and at the time was totally out of fashion.

I have never had to consult Yamaha as yet for any problems relating to equipment

I think the DX7 diserves nine out of ten. The more you use it, the more you realise you just bought one of the best synths ever made. No wonder it was so famous in 1983, but why no one could program it is beyond belief. Many say it was related to the fact that many synthesists were bought up on analog technology with knobs for every function, VCOs, VCFs LFOs and all the other analog quirks. DX7 lost all of these to it's flat profiled, parameter based display. I started synthesis programming with a digital Korg, and actually found that the DX7 was easier to program. The sounds on my Korg were too good to edit, and that is why I chose DX7 - so that I could make it sound better.

USING A PATCH EDITOR HELPS - LINKS FROM SYNTHZONE.COM ARE GOOD
MIDI IS EASY (ONLY ONE CHANNEL)
MANUAL CAN GET A SLIGHTLY TEDIOUS

ONE THING I THINK YAMAHA GET RIGHT WITH THEIR GEAR IS THE KEYBOARD,
I PLAY "GRAND PIANO ONE" SOUNDFONT WITH THIS VIA PC AND IT CAN MAKE THE HAIRS ON YOUR NECK STAND UP!

THE DX7 SOUND, ALL ITS BAD POINTS (MONO, 24BIT ETC) MAKE THIS BABY SOUND BRILLIANT

THIS IS HOW ALL KEYBOARDS SHOULD BE BUILT - LIKE A TANK!

ONLINE MANUALS THAT IS ETC!

WHEN THE DX7 FIRST CAME OUT, I WANTED ONE SO BADLY BUT MADE DO WITH CHEAPER MODELS SUCH AS CASIO'S CZ1000 ETC. 15 YEARS PAST BY UNTIL I GOT MY HANDS ON A MINT SECONDHAND MK1 DX7, THERE IS SOMETHING ABOUT THIS THING THAT GETS UNDER YOUR SKIN - ITS FANTASTIC. MY ADVICE TO ANYBODY WHO'S LOOKING FOR A SECONDHAND CLASSIC OR A CHEAP PC CONTROLLER, SHOP AROUND FOR A DX7 (I'VE SEEN THEM AS LOW AS #80 UKP)
180,000 OF THESE WERE MANUFACTUERED - THERE MUST BE SOME IN BRAND NEW CONDITION - BUY ONE - OPEN IT - USE CONTACT CLEANER ON ALL MOVING PARTS - POLISH IT - PLUG IT IN - PLAY IT - AND NEVER SELL IT!

It was kind of tricky at first, but once i downloaded the manual and fucked around with the thing a little bit, I got the hang of it.

same as the rest

The sounds are amazing. I have wanted a synth for a long time, and at this price it was perfect. I am mainly a bassist/guitarist who is heavenly into Industrial and heavy metal (old shit, not new - deftones) and this is perfect for what I want to do. I am going to start my own band (which I will be doing all the instrumenats) and this keyboard this perfect for what it is going to be.

This is an older synth, but it's built like a tank

I have never dealt with Yamaha

If this was lost or stolen, I would hunt down and savagly murder the fucker who stole it. It is an amazing synth perfect for industrial. I am getting ready to start working on some of my own material on bass and guitar soon, and the DX7 is the perfect tool for the kind of music I am into. For right now, this in the only synth in the world i want, but someday I would like to get some accessories for it.

L'approche du DX7 peut sembler difficile pour un debutant notemment dans l'edition des sons mais dans l'ensemble, l'interface du DX7 est relativement simple et l'approche est relativement commune aux instruments Yamaha de l'epoque (RX15...) Le manuel est en anglais ce qui pose des diffucultes aux non anglophones dans l'apprentissage des fonctins du DX7.

16 voix de polyphonie
Dump permettant l'echange des banques et des fonctions entre plusieurs DX7 et accessoirement de sauvegarder les sons sur ordinateur quand on ne dispose pas de cartouches RAM
L'edition FM bien depasse aujourd'hui permet pourtant d'obtenir une tres grande varietes de sons.

MIDI : IN / OUT / THRU : Attention toutefois, le DX7 peut parfois poser quelques problemes lors d'un DUMP (MIDI DATA ERROR!)

Pour autant Conservez votre DX7 car il est un tres bon clavier maitre notemment grace au clavier sensitif.

Les pianos electriques sont imbattables et sont rarement biens reproduits sur les expandeurs ou claviers actuels non YAMAHA. De tres bons sons de basses, d'orgues, de cloches. Les fonctions d'edition du DX7 permettent de creer ou de reproduire une tres grande variete d'effets.

En ce qui concerne les sons, le DX7 etait LE synthe de reference dans les annees 80

Avec un processeur d'effets, le DX peut parfaitement etre utilise aujourd'hui en combinaison avec un expandeur recent (type Roland SC 880 ou JV) et un logiciel sequenceur comme Cakewalk.

N/A

J'utilise aujourd'hui le DX7 comme clavier maitre et en complement avec un Roland SC-880, un Roland P-330, un studio numerique Roland U-8 et un ordinateur.

When I got this, there were no ROMs included, and the battery had just been replaced, so there were no sounds in it. Luckily, the Internet has an abundance of patches for it, so I got some sounds pretty quickly.

The menus are few and easily understood, but the tutorial in the manual is a waste of time. Although I would never be able to program any patches like the ones Yamaha did themselves, FM synthesis is quite easy to comprehend, once you start experimenting.

I only wished, the Function parameters were stored with the patches (somehing the E-card and the DX7II added); I've built a little controller box for it, where I can switch the portamento on and off, and also control the Breath controller with a knob.

The 16-tone polyphony is just great, and quite unheard off in its time (late 1983). I use the classic DX Electric Piano all the time (with an external chorus), and it's a sure winner each time. MIDI specs are also great, although the biggest complaint in my book is the lack of local off. The 28 kHz DAC may be a bit laughable by todays standards, but I think this is what gives the DX-7 its character; the DX-7II sounds too "clean" and dull to me compared. Everything is easily accessible through the well-layed out buttons.

You can't beat the sound of a DX-7. Most other DX-synths have only 4-operators, but the last 2 are the ones to give the final touches. Browsing through the factory patches, you get surprised every time you try a new patch; some of these sounds are quite realistic! There's one guitar-patch, that's priceless - I haven't heard anything like this on any wavetable-synths ever!

The keyboard has a great response, and the (then new feature of) aftertouch and velocity are very well calibrated IMHO.

One of my favourite patches is just one carrier, with lots of portamento and monophonic mode turned on. This sine-patch is AFAIR unproducable on other non-DX synths, and makes a great honey-dripping background lead.

As long as my RAM cartridges don't go balistic on me, it's dependable like nothing else. I use is extensively on gigs, mostly because the sounds it can make are unreproducable by most others - this is the real McCoy. It's stabel and it's rugged for those rough transports. A bit heavy, though...

I only tried to contact Yamaha's Scandinavian subsidiary trying to get some factory ROMs, but they hadn't any more. I've never dealt with them regarding repairs or parts or such, so I really dunno...

Nothing beats this puke-brown beast. It's heavy like a fridge, but I can spend hours on end going through libraries of patches and/or twiddling my way around the Edit-menu to make my own sounds. This is the cornerstone of my 80s setup, and I don't think I'll ever part with it.

I think $250 was a bit much, but I guess these are prices today; I wouldn't pick one up for anything more than that. I wish I had an E-card, though...

At the moment Im using a mix of factory and downloaded presets. Most of these sound pretty good. Its easy to become dissapointed with the DX especially when listening straight out the headphone socket. Take a line out of the output however and it suddenly seems to come alive. Even the sounds that dont come close to there intended original sound interesting. Editing is easy enough, its just creating sounds from scratch that might cause you problems. Once you've got your head round the 6 operator system and realized that at the most basic level editing can be acheived by changing algorithm or frequency course on any or all of the operators, you have an infinate amount of sound options, some useable, some not.

Polyphony is fine for my needs, after all I only have ten fingers. Effects are only available if you want to create some kind of reverb by shaping the sound envelope to do so. Alternatively, chorus can be programmed by detuning two or more of the six operators. Caution should be used here though, you can program a really thick silky chorus at home and then get to the gig only to find out you've detuned the operators so much that you are out of tune with the rest of the group. I have no expansion on my DX as yet. The midi capabilities are basic, but again, its fine for my needs. I use it to control a Roland JV1080 and I have the patches on the JV numbered according to the buttons on the DX so changing patches is a piece of cake. Also, the mod wheel on the DX provides the best leslie switch/speed control for the JV's hammond sounds. No sequencer but then I use my M1 and a Yamaha MDF2 for that.

To name but a few, the electric piano's, organs, brasses, basses are all useable classics. I must say that I have a preset of a yamaha CP70 electric grand and I cant believe how relistic it sounds. If anybody wants a copy I will gladly zap it over for free.
Velocity and aftertouch are great for the internal sounds but seems to be a little sluggish for anything Im controlling using MIDI.

This think is now 17 years old and still going strong. Need I say more? I do use it at gigs without back up, but I have been considering getting a TX7 or FS1R and replacing the keyboard itself. The keyboard is fine but the overall weight of lugging it around makes it a little less user friendly.

I have dealt with yamaha on a number of occasions and found them to be quite helpful. Ive never had problems getting instruction manuals and ROM cartridges from there spares department.

I would replace it. The model Im using now is my third DX7 and wether I continue to gig it or keep it in the studio, I will always have one. The DX has become a love em' or hate em' type of thing. The newer music fans who like all this retro analogue/digital stuff will probably find it uninspiring but I love it to bits and as a point I have to say, if you are going to go for analogue type sounds, go and try to buy the original gear first, its much more rewarding.

Could be difficult for someone not used to FM.
Some presets are ok.
Manual doesnt help one bit

16 note poly.
no effects
32 internal sounds, 32 more on rom and ram cartridges
touch sensitive, with velocity
no sequencer

Quite simply, this is the best keyboard I have ever used.
Sounds are up to you, you can go anywhere, I have had mine for 11 years and am still discovering new sounds, its like a guitar it, takes on the personallity if the player. I have used analogues, and they just dont interest me, too limited. Realtine control of sounds is possible on the dx7, and always surprises people, you can get some really unique morphs with the wheels. I will take this to the grave with me.

Very reliable

Very helpfull hear in England, (good old Dusty!)

Magical

The DX-7 isn't as hard to use as one would think. It is true that the outcome of your editing occasionally sounds nothing that you had in mind... doesn't really bother me, unexpected noises usually trigger the underlying inspiration.
The layout of parameters is quite simple, no endless menu labyrinths, everything is within one-or-two push-a-buttons... Manual is helpful for those save, sysx,...etc. key combinations, but for editing you should use your own imagination.
One thing I really love is that DX-7 remembers its current state, so, you can turn it off anytime and when switched back on, its like nothing had happened.

The DX-7 is monophonic and monotimbral. 12-bit 28kHz Polyphony is 16 voice. Memory for 32 sounds in RAM, plus optional 32 in ROM (modules). 6-operator FM-synthesis. 6 x amp. env per voice 1 x pitch env per voice 1 x LFO sine,tri,ramp up,down,sq,s/h ...etc.
No samples, No filters, No effects, No sequencer
The keyboard action is unweighted and excellent. Keys are velocity sensitive, and have channel aftertouch. The only "bad" thing I could think of is the minimum velocity, which isn't too low.
The MIDI standard is about as old as the DX-7, still DX-7 has MIDI (in,out,thru). Sounds can be transferred via sysx (millions of patches in Net), modulation and pitch wheel are sent properly. Unfortunately velocity is off-standard, so DX-7 doesn't really shine as a master keyboard. But with rather rare (in Finland that is) expansion/ enhancement cards, forementioned problem is fixed, along with additional memory etc..
Due to algorithm based synthesis and lots of parameters, the sonic variety of this unit is unlimited. (<-- that's the thing...)

First we pretty much forget the preset, usually they have been overwritten several times by now. Sounds are... different, weird, cold, scary, funny, sad, hmm... If all you know about FM-synthesis is your old SB, you have no idea what noises DX-7 brings. I plugged my DX-7 into old Peavey UniverbII, and it showed me places I hadn't been before.
I often mute the clean signal and use only the reverbed sound, and it gives me evolving, haunting sounds. I would say that effects unit is mandatory to unleash the soundscapes. Of course the DX-7 produces great electric pianos and weird basses, and everything in between. With a little imagination, you can assign sound morphing to mod wheel, and it goes beyond filtering.
As history proves DX-7 works for any music type. It is especially great for those cold, metallic voices that aren't too common in all-round synths. Actually, DX-7 is one of the few synths that have their own sound, you can't say that this and that sounds better because this sounds just like DX-7. Due to adjustable velocity sensing per operator, aftertouch, scaling, heap of EGs and other parameters, the expressiveness is outstanding. A player's instrument.

This unit IS rugged... metal chassis, no knobs to fall off, everlasting membrane buttons, and even the keys can handle quite a hammering... Absolutely reliable, not a single problem, ever...

It sure is worth what I paid... If it were stolen I would find another one, or maybe Yamaha Fs1R (though it sounds a little too clean for me). Todays synths rarely inspire the way the DX-7 does. With samplesynths, radical change in sound often takes excessive editing, as with DX-7 a single change alters the voice completely.
The DX-7 is not the only thing you need but whatever music you do, it adds to it.

It is not difficult to use, you select parameters and then enter their values, it gets very tedious though. Some of the factory presets are great but most are nothing special. However you cand find thousands of exellent patches on the internet. The lcd is small and not backlighted and the buttons are the membrane type, but it doesn't bother me.

It has 16 note polyphony,is velocity and after touch sensitive and has exellent keyboard action with a semi-weighted feel. Also there are pitch and modulation wheels, and a 32 patch memory. There are no effects, but none are are really necessary. It stores patches using cartriges. It is, or was possible to get an expension card which gave more memories and better midi implimentation. No sequencer and it is monotimbral. Has midi in out and through, and can use a breath controller. Also you can use the foot pedal to control volume, modulation, sustain and portamento.

The range of sounds it can produce are virtually unlimeted, and it has huge potential. It does exellent pianos and organs very realistic bells and some wierd FX. With carefull programing it even does pretty good analog basses and good strings. It is good for almost any kind of music, especially ambient,and rock. Also it is extremely expressive since for example you can make velocity control the brightness of the sound.

Extremely dependable, built like a tank and is indestructable. Mine is 14 years old and shows no signs of aging.

N/A

I love my DX7, it is a true classic. Exellent sounds a lot of potential and it is very expressive. I would definately buy it over again, maybe for even more then what I paid. I like the sounds and the keyboard, I don't like the interface but it doesn't bother me that much. It woul be more user friendly to have a couple of knobs for the envelope generators and a bigger LCD. Also idealy I would want it to be multitimbral. It helps me make music by allowing me to create new sounds. For the price I paid it is a real bargain, and a must have for everyone.