@@inkblotthecolt I bought this keyboard a few months back and I was playing it about 15 minutes prior to seeing the notification and thought I was going crazy xD
@@AnnedakDragon I got an original DX7 a few days ago. I bought it off of eBay. I was 11 when it came out in 83 and it was always the synth of my dreams. Now I have an original and I absolutely LOVE it.
I know this is a joke, but I must say that he did compose a full song on the keyboard presented to him. That Roland is a drum machine, not a keyboard. Also, making drum sounds on a keyboard, while possible, can be challenging and time consuming depending on the keyboard, and I don't know what creating drum sounds on an FM synth is like. :)
@@benh.635 I'd imagine you could edit literally any synth to sound like a drum beat by cutting the attack time and using a non harmonic note. (Kind of new to synths, just a geuss)
@@Iwatoda_Dorm Actually you aren't far off. The Reface DX has a weird method of synthesis so it's hard to get something specific like that done but it is possible. But you would basically have to make a patch just for the bass drum, snare, hi-hat, etc for each part of the drum you wanted.
@@Iwatoda_Dorm You have a good point, you'd also want to turn down the sustain to zero and alter the decay and release to taste. :) It really depends on the filter and the oscillators (using analog synth terminology because that is what I know best, I'm not intimately familiar with FM synthesis, I guess the equivalent would be the filter (does the DX have that?) and the algorithm for the operators). I'm not super well-versed in drum sounds on a synth, but I do know that it is made infintely easier if you have access to a white noise generator, which I am unsure if the Reface DX has. The other thing to keep in mind is that it also depends on what sort of drum sounds you want. If you want the sound of machines that use samples, then you can't recreate it on synthesizers. If you want a TR-808 or similar sound, you can get marginally closer, but you still can't get the exact sound. If you want sounds like the drums on Depeche Mode's Speak and Spell (which were done on an ARP 2600 IIRC) or similar (because the 2600 has a very distinct sound and you won't be able to recreate it exactly just anywhere), then you can get pretty close. It all depends on what you want and the time you can/are willing to spend on getting there. :)
The electric piano and FutureBell may have been the most common DX7 sounds, but I think the synth harmonica was by far its most distinctive sound -- as used in "What's Love Got to Do With It", "Shake You Down", "Sara", "Tears in Heaven", etc.
My children are 5, 8, and 10 now. Almost 3 years and the Reface DX is still going strong. I saw my wife toss it in the kids toy box a few days ago. I told her it was $300, don't do that!
The most interesting part of the DX is making your own sounds. It has a powerful FM synth engine (not to mention the looper and built in effects). That's why it's expensive compared to a "toy".
@@MasterControl90original You can add patches via MIDI (SysEx format) or make your own - I believe there is full control over all parameters via the keyboard itself and editing looks easier than on the originals. Apparently people have made editor apps for it too.
@@MasterControl90original DX7 have 6 operators, Reface 4. But it have some effects build in. It's not the same keyboard, but it's seems to be nice too.
@@MasterControl90original There are a few differences, but the reface DX is a fully-fledged programmable FM synth just like the DX7. There are a few main differences to consider: *1)* the reface DX is 4-operator, the DX7 is 6-operator. So you have a little less direct control over the complexity of the tone. *2)* feedback is handled differently. In the DX7, there's one feedback 'path', usually allowing one operator to feed back into itself, but sometimes wrapping around multiple operators in specific algorithms. The reface DX, meanwhile, can apply a form of configurable feedback to all four operators independently, which allows the sine operator to be morphed into a saw or a square. The feedback amount does not appear to be velocity-sensitive, however, if i'm not mistaken. So there are two different approaches; neither objectively better or worse than the other. *3)* the reface DX has built-in effects, two of which can be applied simultaneously, while the DX7 had no built-in effects and thus required external effects (else some considered it too 'clean' or 'flat' sounding). Finally, *4)* the patch format used by the DX7 is shared with some VSTs like Dexed, and other hardware like the VolcaFM, but the reface DX does not use this same format. The reface is, however, still fully programmable via MIDI CC/Sysex messages, and there is an online service (Soundmondo) where people upload patches for all the reface/montage/MODX instruments including the DX. and you can apply these patches straight from your browser via USB/MIDI.
I have many synths but few have brought me the amount of joy my Reface DX has. It allows me to play a synth in so many new situations and ways than I otherwise would. I can bring it on camping trips, or to festivals, or to jams, even acoustic ones. Not even to mention how fun and easy it is to create new FM patches from scratch, and share them and explore more online. It also sounds amazing.
I'm a pretty big synth nerd and I'll say that the reface cs is a great choice for beginners looking to get their first hardware synthesizer. Having everything that it can do right there in front of you with the sliders encourages experimentation and given the limited amount of parameters, you can get some amazing sounds out of it. They go for really cheap on reverb too :D
The Volca FM is another great way to get into FM synthesis, especially if you use the Dexed plugin to make patches. But of course it only has three voices and a touch strip keyboard, so it's nowhere near as good for performance.
@@socsoc2794 that's where the rock band keytar comes in. one of the greatest deals for an entry level midi controller with full-sized keys out there for people on a tight budget also, you can get the sysex patches you create on the volca FM off it with a really simple midi out mod, which I'm looking forward to doing once I can grab mine
@@ExperimentIV Ah yes I've seen that mod and been quite tempted. I think I'd still create my patches with Dexed though because it has graphical interface, which saves on menu diving, plus it runs on any operating system and is free to download. That's interesting about the Rockband keytar - full size keys in a small, cheap keyboard is a real rarity.
Yup. It's small, fits in your lap and has speakers. Literally the easiest FM to program IMHO. The touch strips are great. Why they don't use them more. I've had a Montage and now have a MODX and they aren't so simple to program.
Grand piano Reed and pipe organ Glockenspiel Bass guitar Double-speed guitar Two slightly distorted guitars Mandolin Spanish guitar and introducing acoustic guitar Plus, tubular bells!
Anders lived up to the high standard of enjoyable music we've come to expect. I'm glad he was able to join you in your show. I look forward to part two!
Man, I got into him as the iBook Guy with the kind of cheesy lightning bolt things going on. He just keeps getting more polished and more professional. It's been really cool to watch.
8:44 I recognize that Unity desktop from anywhere :) On the other note, if I ever want to get back to playing on keyboard (relearn everything), the DX looks quite neat.
I literally inherited a DX27 back in 1989...I wrote Yamaha, telling them i didn't have a manual...a month later...a manual shows up post-paid, for free...from Japan. Love this company. With just the manual, I soon learned how to make and save original sounds...(ADSR - Attack-Decay-Sustain-Release)(old-school, yo!) 👍👍👍 This thing is built like a tank. The diametric opposite of "planned obsolescence".😊😄 Been playing it on and off for years...and presently (2022) my 10th grader practices percussion band with it...not exactly the same experience as a big-ass marimba...but great to have. Cheers! JerBear Charlotte USA
I´m surprised he didn´t mention: - only 4 operators instead of the six (DX7) - true synthesizer, able to create patches from scratch - price of the original DX7 (or the dirt-cheap PSS480) as a possible alternative - all the DX sounds used in Commodore Amiga music, esp. Tub.Bells and Bass (Castle Master, Viking Child...) Nevertheless enjoyed the episode, can´t wait for the CS one :)
my thoughts exactly. Only 4 operators but sounds like DX7. I had a DX100 which has only 4 operators but didn't sound like this. From what I can tell this has onboard effects which can enhance the sound greatly
Its because the reface can kind of double up a part of the algorithm or something along that line which can make it behave like 6 op fm where as a 4 op fm of the dx100 cant.
For those who use 64bit computers, or anything like it, you should check out Dexed. Software emulation of the DX7, that is even able to load the original patches via Sysex. Open source!
Here in the UK I refer to Smooth Radio as "The DX7 station". How many Whitney Houston tracks used it ? For a non smooth approach watch this ua-cam.com/video/_7CKJjXAJlw/v-deo.html
Great mini review my friend, as always! The DX unit is modeled after the Yamaha DX21/DX100, but with velocity so say the YS200/B200. The DX11 had 4 op, and effects as did the DS55. The DX7 series was 16 voice poly,8 part multitimbral and had a whopping 6 operators(6 sine wave oscillators?). So The Reface is a more gimicky middle ground modern rerelease of the lower end FM synth lines from Yamaha. I do love that unlike those synths mentioned, this unit has a better display, built in speakers like the portasound series and battery operation like the PSS series again. The keys are more sized like the KX5 strap on midi controller, but I do not think there is aftertouch? Still a worth while purchase if looking for a YAMAHA SYNTH in 2019 that is affordable and is actually YAMAHA in nature!(only FM synths remind me of Yamaha).BTW, Doogie Houser MD theme music used that Yamaha FM synth bass sound as well.
Andy Finbar the DX11 engine closely matches the reface in that the reface uses its feedback settings to make non sine wave operators, even if not exactly the same variations.
Brings back 80’s memories of sitting for hours in my apartment creating patches on the original DX7 w/ that tiny LCD display. Deep menu diving, but I got pretty good at it. Thanks Dave!
That song you guys put together at the end was beautiful it brought me back to the late 80s early 90s that reface is like a time capsule released to the ears
Super Mario 64 doesn't use prerecorded music, it uses real-time sample based synthesis, as the cartridge isn't big enough for prerecorded music. That sound might've been sampled from a yamaha keyboard, but the part wasn't recorded from it.
@@bored_person Mmh. Interesting thing about those sample based synths is you can use anything as an instrument. It's both fascinating and kinda strange they'd sample a DX7... But I guess when you have nothing as your starting point you use whatever you have to hand... Which is why if I were doing a snes soundtrack for instance right now, it would likely end up with a lot of Yamaha MU-128 sounds... Maybe a few recordings of the handful of real instruments I have to hand... Make it up as you go along, basically. XD n64 nowadays you could use nearly anything. 256 megabytes is possible with no bank switching, and a lot more with very simple switching logic... Plus as the late era games demonstrate, n64 is powerful enough to do mp3 or OGG decoding. I remember experiment with OGG encoding at the very lowest quality setting and got something which still sounded tolerable even though a 30 minute long recording took up all of a few megabytes... It was scary how small the files could get... So... Plenty of options there...
@@KuraIthys I'm pretty sure sample libraries of real instruments did exist back then, maybe Koji just preferred the sound of a synthesizer. Most of the samples in that game were real instruments.
Must be refreshing to just take out of the box, plug and play like this... instead of opening holes and installing ports just to record the audio properly. xD
Thank you for making a video review of the Yamaha Reface DX with your special guest, Anders Enger Jensen. I look forward to your review of the Reface CS.
Hi David!!! Love all your stuff. I have experienced many of the products you so expertly review. My first 8-Bit was a Netronics Elf 2 based on the RCA 1802 chip. With Tom Pitman's Tiny Basic, I programmed a graphic "Star Trek" game based on the text version . . . I still have the Elf 2. I went from there to the Timex Sinclair 1000 and 2000. Then the Commodore 128, Amiga 500 and 3000, and then various PC's I built from scratch. Music is a big part of my life. My first keyboard was the Miracle for the Amiga. It was great for a lot of musical projects. I hope you consider re-reviewing it, because you left the impression that it only came with the few instruments accessed with the buttons on the keyboard. In reality there are 128 General Midi Voices, which the manuals (you showed you have them) clearly show how to simply access. Thanks again for all you do! Frank
At first I couldn't believe what I see in the preview but then I started cautiously getting enthusiastic. It is very interesting to know your opinion especially on the DX one.
awesome vids, I discovered Anders 's songs thanks to 8-bits Guys : I Love "Dream Cruiser", "The last Goddess" , "Breaking and Entering" , and so More !!! So nice sounds from my childhood in 1985's........ Thanks both to you guys ^_^
I gotta tell you David, I bought the CS reface after seeing your brief showing of it at Thomann synth reactor, and I couldn't be happier with it -I really love it, actually. It's become one of my favorite synths, and I have quite a few! So, thanks for covering it again!
sweetgoose's corner already have one but I wouldn’t mind a reface sound module but then I own a CS6R so I can always get a second hand FM synth expansion
Yes, you can use either (or both) USB and MIDI connectors to hook it up to your computer. It does not require drivers and will just work with any mac or PC with any DAW installed. You don't have any modulation controller on these Reface models, but you can add such controller data in step editing modes etc. As described, they are all just monotimbral, but polyphonic. This means you have one part only at a time with 8 voices. You will have to do as I did, and record each part, section by section as you move along and then record the sound output into your daw once you have sections you are happy with. This way you build a song, brick by brick. Other than that, it will let you control and play other instruments and soft synths you have installed. The small footprint makes it ideal for any compact home studio setup. :)
It has a nice form factor, the default sound options are great, and it has all the back panel I/O. I am curious how it draws power from 9V with batteries but 12V from A/C, because that is odd... lol
Probably the internal electronics takes 12V and has a DC to DC convertor to step the batteries up to 12V. Internal batteries tend to provide lower voltage as they drain, and they could even use 1.2 volt rechargeables. Alternatively it could be designed to just have a voltage regulator that bleeds 3 volts off the top as heat, when run from 12V. That would be cheaper to build and less reliable over time.
@@WarrenPostma I had a keyboard like that once...well, it wasn't mine but the person that loaned it to me never asked for it back. It eventually overheated and got tossed. I don't recall what brand or model it was, but it was a cheaper, more toyish keyboard.
Owning a real CS-5 is a joy and privilege that I appreciate so much. Seeing these little guys makes me happy that others get to experience something similar, seeing as it's a quarter of the cost of a real CS.
I've been subscribed to your main channel for a a couple of years now, and just realized that you have this one as well!! I just wanted to say thank you for all of the wonderful and in depth content you provide! Thanks for being you :)
that MIDI adaptor, which has the MIDI IN and OUT is the silliest thing I ever seen. Once that thing get lost (maybe after end of production) the keyboard gets useless
I would be interested to know aswell how the FM works for the Reface DX. The Genesis YM2612 chip only had 6 voice channels and this has 8 voices kinda like the YM2151 used in arcade games from Sega and many other developers at the time. I bet its some sort of modern thing though and not a new production of the old chips.
@@fishlx The DX7 does predate the genesis and the adlib sound chips, not sure about if you can find the exact genesis/adlib sounds in a DX7 though. Thing is the DX7 synthesizer is a much more powerful and sophisticated sounding piece of FM synth hardware than an Adlib card or a Genesis console. I think someone with more experience with the stock instrument patches on a DX7 or programming a DX7 could maybe answer these questions better. With that said, the Reface DX keyboard in the video seems to have a 4 operator 8 voice channel FM synth which could in theory have a possible Genesis like sound, but with two more voice channels than on a Genesis. No multitimbral support limits it a bit though.
Probably something modern. Gotta remember that the chip used in the Mega Drive was a low budget option compared to actual keyboards. The OPL2 and OPL3 used in PC soundcards meanwhile are found in some actual 80's keyboards. (though these tend to be fairly low end keyboards). Anyway, this sounds like a mega drive because... Yamaha FM synth. Same company, similar sound. Doesn't mean it's the same exact chip. XD
My theory is that given that 12v adapters are more common these days, and buck converters are so cheap and efficient that they just downstep the voltage in the keyboard
12V from a PSU is a nominal figure that may vary, and it gives you some headroom to internally regulate down from. It's harder to increase voltage compared to decreasing it, in electronic terms. So if your input drops to e.g. 8.8V, it's harder to get it back up to 9 than if you started with 12 that drops to 11.8V.
At first glance (this being your channel and all!) I thought "Reface" was referring to some sort of retrobrite episode, lol. Glad I watched the full video...I didn't know Yamaha was doing this awesome remake!
lol he probably meant casio are for children and beginners.. but in all fairness, i haven't seen a pro keyboard player use a casio for a concert setting.. like in front of 20,000 people or something..
I love my Casio :( the grand piano is a bit clangy, but my WK-3500 otherwise has patches that feel right at home with my Roland gear...it’s really usable!
@@pihermoso11 There's no reason for anyone playing arenas to use a Casio, as they most likely will have endorsement deals and can use whatever they want. But I've seen pros do small gigs with a Privia digital piano.
Sound wise the DX is more similar to the 21 than the 7. It's better than the 27, but it's missing some operators to match the 7. It comes close to the 7 sound by using reverb effects tho.
It's actually sorta in between the DX21 and DX11 in terms of features as the Reface DX has three waveforms for it operators. Saw, Sine, and Square. The DX11 has 8 waveforms, and the DX21 just Sine.
@@KitsuneCentral Yup. I'm a huge fan of boutiques and minis wired into MIDI controllers (like the 61-key A-800 pro). The Roland D-05 is a great pairing if you want the whole range of 80s sounds for very little money (and it saves on space too).
Almost didn’t believe the notification.
I saw it in my recommended and immediately thought it was an old episode I missed
@@inkblotthecolt I bought this keyboard a few months back and I was playing it about 15 minutes prior to seeing the notification and thought I was going crazy xD
Wearing a Roland shirt while reviewing Yamaha synths. That is quite savage.
mikosoft haha
Yeah I prefer Roland too
mikosoft It would be something if he wore a Korg T-Shirt
Yeah I like Korg even more, hahhaha
Wants Yamaha to send some swag
"What does the DX sound like?"
"It sounds like the '80's."
Saberus Terras Because it was used so much in the 80s. FM was so hard to program on the DX7 that most of the songs that used it just used the presets.
Saberus Terras
Best comment!
Try playing a DX7, and your mind will be blown away when it comes to musical aesthetics.
@@AnnedakDragon I got an original DX7 a few days ago. I bought it off of eBay. I was 11 when it came out in 83 and it was always the synth of my dreams. Now I have an original and I absolutely LOVE it.
Anders is an absolute legend and beast of a composer.
seriously man, that passage that starts with "Legend EP" was great!
yeah that was such a good song. very impressive
He sure is!
Don't worry Dave someday you'll get him to compose a full song only using the keyboard you present to him.
I know this is a joke, but I must say that he did compose a full song on the keyboard presented to him. That Roland is a drum machine, not a keyboard. Also, making drum sounds on a keyboard, while possible, can be challenging and time consuming depending on the keyboard, and I don't know what creating drum sounds on an FM synth is like. :)
@@benh.635 I'd imagine you could edit literally any synth to sound like a drum beat by cutting the attack time and using a non harmonic note. (Kind of new to synths, just a geuss)
@@Iwatoda_Dorm Actually you aren't far off. The Reface DX has a weird method of synthesis so it's hard to get something specific like that done but it is possible. But you would basically have to make a patch just for the bass drum, snare, hi-hat, etc for each part of the drum you wanted.
@@Iwatoda_Dorm You have a good point, you'd also want to turn down the sustain to zero and alter the decay and release to taste. :)
It really depends on the filter and the oscillators (using analog synth terminology because that is what I know best, I'm not intimately familiar with FM synthesis, I guess the equivalent would be the filter (does the DX have that?) and the algorithm for the operators). I'm not super well-versed in drum sounds on a synth, but I do know that it is made infintely easier if you have access to a white noise generator, which I am unsure if the Reface DX has. The other thing to keep in mind is that it also depends on what sort of drum sounds you want. If you want the sound of machines that use samples, then you can't recreate it on synthesizers. If you want a TR-808 or similar sound, you can get marginally closer, but you still can't get the exact sound. If you want sounds like the drums on Depeche Mode's Speak and Spell (which were done on an ARP 2600 IIRC) or similar (because the 2600 has a very distinct sound and you won't be able to recreate it exactly just anywhere), then you can get pretty close. It all depends on what you want and the time you can/are willing to spend on getting there. :)
@@emmarossignol4445 For some reason I didn't get a notification about this comment, but you hit the nail on the head. :)
That song at the end is like getting a hug from nostalgia.
It's like nostalgia made me a nice bowl of hot soup on a cold day.
if it’s up your alley try Mitch Murder
The electric piano and FutureBell may have been the most common DX7 sounds, but I think the synth harmonica was by far its most distinctive sound -- as used in "What's Love Got to Do With It", "Shake You Down", "Sara", "Tears in Heaven", etc.
And the glorious, "Live to Tell" by Madonna.
I bought my children (2,5,7 yrs old) a reface DX after watching this. It eats AA batteries like candy, but it has held up good so far.
My children are 5, 8, and 10 now. Almost 3 years and the Reface DX is still going strong. I saw my wife toss it in the kids toy box a few days ago. I told her it was $300, don't do that!
It's a strange thing how a sound from a keyboard like this can remind me of the future.
The most interesting part of the DX is making your own sounds. It has a powerful FM synth engine (not to mention the looper and built in effects). That's why it's expensive compared to a "toy".
The point is: can the dx reface actually be used as an actual dx or it is limited to its presets?
@@MasterControl90original You can add patches via MIDI (SysEx format) or make your own - I believe there is full control over all parameters via the keyboard itself and editing looks easier than on the originals. Apparently people have made editor apps for it too.
@@socsoc2794 ok that's nice
@@MasterControl90original DX7 have 6 operators, Reface 4. But it have some effects build in. It's not the same keyboard, but it's seems to be nice too.
@@MasterControl90original There are a few differences, but the reface DX is a fully-fledged programmable FM synth just like the DX7. There are a few main differences to consider: *1)* the reface DX is 4-operator, the DX7 is 6-operator. So you have a little less direct control over the complexity of the tone. *2)* feedback is handled differently. In the DX7, there's one feedback 'path', usually allowing one operator to feed back into itself, but sometimes wrapping around multiple operators in specific algorithms. The reface DX, meanwhile, can apply a form of configurable feedback to all four operators independently, which allows the sine operator to be morphed into a saw or a square. The feedback amount does not appear to be velocity-sensitive, however, if i'm not mistaken. So there are two different approaches; neither objectively better or worse than the other. *3)* the reface DX has built-in effects, two of which can be applied simultaneously, while the DX7 had no built-in effects and thus required external effects (else some considered it too 'clean' or 'flat' sounding). Finally, *4)* the patch format used by the DX7 is shared with some VSTs like Dexed, and other hardware like the VolcaFM, but the reface DX does not use this same format. The reface is, however, still fully programmable via MIDI CC/Sysex messages, and there is an online service (Soundmondo) where people upload patches for all the reface/montage/MODX instruments including the DX. and you can apply these patches straight from your browser via USB/MIDI.
I have many synths but few have brought me the amount of joy my Reface DX has. It allows me to play a synth in so many new situations and ways than I otherwise would. I can bring it on camping trips, or to festivals, or to jams, even acoustic ones. Not even to mention how fun and easy it is to create new FM patches from scratch, and share them and explore more online. It also sounds amazing.
Sounded like the music they'd play over the end credits of some 80s after-school special! xD
I'm a pretty big synth nerd and I'll say that the reface cs is a great choice for beginners looking to get their first hardware synthesizer. Having everything that it can do right there in front of you with the sliders encourages experimentation and given the limited amount of parameters, you can get some amazing sounds out of it. They go for really cheap on reverb too :D
Living the 80s all over again! Thanks David & Anders!
The Reface DX a great instrument and a great way to learn about FM synthesis.
The Volca FM is another great way to get into FM synthesis, especially if you use the Dexed plugin to make patches. But of course it only has three voices and a touch strip keyboard, so it's nowhere near as good for performance.
@@socsoc2794 that's where the rock band keytar comes in. one of the greatest deals for an entry level midi controller with full-sized keys out there for people on a tight budget
also, you can get the sysex patches you create on the volca FM off it with a really simple midi out mod, which I'm looking forward to doing once I can grab mine
The best way to learn dx7 style fm is get the app kqDixie on iOS. When it comes to making dx7 patches, nothing is faster and more intuitive.
@@ExperimentIV Ah yes I've seen that mod and been quite tempted. I think I'd still create my patches with Dexed though because it has graphical interface, which saves on menu diving, plus it runs on any operating system and is free to download.
That's interesting about the Rockband keytar - full size keys in a small, cheap keyboard is a real rarity.
Yup. It's small, fits in your lap and has speakers. Literally the easiest FM to program IMHO. The touch strips are great. Why they don't use them more. I've had a Montage and now have a MODX and they aren't so simple to program.
for a brand new composition, this surely nails the famous fresh 80's fm sounds from back in the day...i love it!
Grand piano
Reed and pipe organ
Glockenspiel
Bass guitar
Double-speed guitar
Two slightly distorted guitars
Mandolin
Spanish guitar and introducing acoustic guitar
Plus, tubular bells!
i saw what you did there...
@@Teidi What you saw, I did there. 😎
Anders lived up to the high standard of enjoyable music we've come to expect. I'm glad he was able to join you in your show. I look forward to part two!
It's always a treat when Anders comes to visit!
I really don't care about keyboards at all... but I never miss an episode. : )
8-bit Guy makes it super fascinating to learn about.
That makes two of us.
Man, I got into him as the iBook Guy with the kind of cheesy lightning bolt things going on. He just keeps getting more polished and more professional. It's been really cool to watch.
Me too. Never interested in a keyboard, but cant wait for the next episode and those glorious sounds
The cheezorgan is just pure gold to my ears
Thanks for bringing Anders back! A true joy hearing and watching his creations!
Holy carp that demo song made me want to rollerblade to the mall and buy some acid wash jeans!
orange julius
Fun episode! Not only is the keyboard cool, but having Anders on to be creative and share his music was a surprise! Thank you for posting.
8:44 I recognize that Unity desktop from anywhere :)
On the other note, if I ever want to get back to playing on keyboard (relearn everything), the DX looks quite neat.
Always good to see Anders (and of course, hear him.)
Dave: "Anders is going to use ONLY this keyboard."
Anders: "Well yes, but actually no"
Musician here! That Jensen song is awesome! Pure Michael Jackson feels! Chord progressions are gold!
Even a quick concept/demonstration song that Anders makes up still sounds really good.
Anders is very talented. Thank you for sharing his talent with us.
8 bit keys is my favourite channel!
I literally inherited a DX27 back in 1989...I wrote Yamaha, telling them i didn't have a manual...a month later...a manual shows up post-paid, for free...from Japan. Love this company.
With just the manual, I soon learned how to make and save original sounds...(ADSR - Attack-Decay-Sustain-Release)(old-school, yo!) 👍👍👍
This thing is built like a tank. The diametric opposite of "planned obsolescence".😊😄
Been playing it on and off for years...and presently (2022) my 10th grader practices percussion band with it...not exactly the same experience as a big-ass marimba...but great to have.
Cheers!
JerBear
Charlotte USA
Can you use it with a DAW as a maestro to imput data?
I´m surprised he didn´t mention:
- only 4 operators instead of the six (DX7)
- true synthesizer, able to create patches from scratch
- price of the original DX7 (or the dirt-cheap PSS480) as a possible alternative
- all the DX sounds used in Commodore Amiga music, esp. Tub.Bells and Bass (Castle Master, Viking Child...)
Nevertheless enjoyed the episode, can´t wait for the CS one :)
my thoughts exactly. Only 4 operators but sounds like DX7. I had a DX100 which has only 4 operators but didn't sound like this. From what I can tell this has onboard effects which can enhance the sound greatly
So instead of a DX-7 it is basically like a DX-21 (or an Elka EK-44)?
Its because the reface can kind of double up a part of the algorithm or something along that line which can make it behave like 6 op fm where as a 4 op fm of the dx100 cant.
For those who use 64bit computers, or anything like it, you should check out Dexed. Software emulation of the DX7, that is even able to load the original patches via Sysex. Open source!
@@nielsott I'm a user of the Dexed VSTi...it's really great.
Doogie Howser M.D. !!!! I loved that show back in the day!!! Great video, David!! Glad your getting 8-Bit Keys going again!!!
I always refer to the DX7 as the "Doogie Machine".
Here in the UK I refer to Smooth Radio as "The DX7 station". How many Whitney Houston tracks used it ? For a non smooth approach watch this ua-cam.com/video/_7CKJjXAJlw/v-deo.html
I’ve been transported back 30-35 years in time. Thank you guys, the 80’s sound is alive and well at the end of 2019!
Great mini review my friend, as always! The DX unit is modeled after the Yamaha DX21/DX100, but with velocity so say the YS200/B200. The DX11 had 4 op, and effects as did the DS55. The DX7 series was 16 voice poly,8 part multitimbral and had a whopping 6 operators(6 sine wave oscillators?). So The Reface is a more gimicky middle ground modern rerelease of the lower end FM synth lines from Yamaha. I do love that unlike those synths mentioned, this unit has a better display, built in speakers like the portasound series and battery operation like the PSS series again. The keys are more sized like the KX5 strap on midi controller, but I do not think there is aftertouch? Still a worth while purchase if looking for a YAMAHA SYNTH in 2019 that is affordable and is actually YAMAHA in nature!(only FM synths remind me of Yamaha).BTW, Doogie Houser MD theme music used that Yamaha FM synth bass sound as well.
Does two operators make that much difference, the reface has better sounds than the factory ones that came with the original.
Andy Finbar the DX11 engine closely matches the reface in that the reface uses its feedback settings to make non sine wave operators, even if not exactly the same variations.
Brings back 80’s memories of sitting for hours in my apartment creating patches on the original DX7 w/ that tiny LCD display. Deep menu diving, but I got pretty good at it. Thanks Dave!
OH MY GOD I LITERALLY STOPPED EVERYTHING I DID TO SEE THIS.
I didn't know the difference between polyphonic and multitimberal. Thank you for taking the time to explain that.
David Murray: Does a review on the Yamaha Reface series
Also David Murray: Wears a Roland T-shirt
That song you guys put together at the end was beautiful it brought me back to the late 80s early 90s that reface is like a time capsule released to the ears
Lovely video. Some of those sounds are so juicy! Can't wait for part 3; the Reface X16 👍🕹️
It’s a great synthesizer, it really helped me finish my first full-length album and is easy to program for an FM synth!
That song at the end is fire!
I was well impressed with that song also.
Great video as always David, and fantastic music as always Anders!
For me the most iconic piece for the "LegendEP" sound is the Dire, Dire Docks theme from Super Mario 64.
Super Mario 64 doesn't use prerecorded music, it uses real-time sample based synthesis, as the cartridge isn't big enough for prerecorded music. That sound might've been sampled from a yamaha keyboard, but the part wasn't recorded from it.
@@bored_person Did Stoney3K say that they did? No. He said that that's the sound (sample) they used.
@@PuffyRainbowCloud I was just clarifying.
@@bored_person Mmh. Interesting thing about those sample based synths is you can use anything as an instrument.
It's both fascinating and kinda strange they'd sample a DX7...
But I guess when you have nothing as your starting point you use whatever you have to hand...
Which is why if I were doing a snes soundtrack for instance right now, it would likely end up with a lot of Yamaha MU-128 sounds...
Maybe a few recordings of the handful of real instruments I have to hand...
Make it up as you go along, basically. XD
n64 nowadays you could use nearly anything.
256 megabytes is possible with no bank switching, and a lot more with very simple switching logic...
Plus as the late era games demonstrate, n64 is powerful enough to do mp3 or OGG decoding.
I remember experiment with OGG encoding at the very lowest quality setting and got something which still sounded tolerable even though a 30 minute long recording took up all of a few megabytes...
It was scary how small the files could get...
So... Plenty of options there...
@@KuraIthys I'm pretty sure sample libraries of real instruments did exist back then, maybe Koji just preferred the sound of a synthesizer. Most of the samples in that game were real instruments.
the song Anders composed at the end is epic. I hope you can have it on a future 8-bit Keys sound track
Tubular Bell brought back "Do They Know It's Christmas" to my mind. XD
Yep - that's the first thing I thought of too.
Let's not forget Mike Oldfield and his Tubular Bells!
Same.
Same here too.
Anders you are a hero.
Must be refreshing to just take out of the box, plug and play like this... instead of opening holes and installing ports just to record the audio properly. xD
Too easy! They should sell these with pre installed leaky batteries! :)
Thank you for making a video review of the Yamaha Reface DX with your special guest, Anders Enger Jensen. I look forward to your review of the Reface CS.
Well so much for trying not to get copyrighted claimed, video though, loved the multitrack recording!
Anders-you are so talented. Your new song made my day!
It's been more than two months since the last 8-Bit Keys video. I need my fix!
The sound quality is quite nice. It's so nice to see a new 8-Bit Keys vid!
5:55 Laura Branigan - Self Control 1984
The icon of the 80s and of course Vice City
Hi David!!! Love all your stuff. I have experienced many of the products you so expertly review. My first 8-Bit was a Netronics Elf 2 based on the RCA 1802 chip. With Tom Pitman's Tiny Basic, I programmed a graphic "Star Trek" game based on the text version . . . I still have the Elf 2. I went from there to the Timex Sinclair 1000 and 2000. Then the Commodore 128, Amiga 500 and 3000, and then various PC's I built from scratch. Music is a big part of my life. My first keyboard was the Miracle for the Amiga. It was great for a lot of musical projects. I hope you consider re-reviewing it, because you left the impression that it only came with the few instruments accessed with the buttons on the keyboard. In reality there are 128 General Midi Voices, which the manuals (you showed you have them) clearly show how to simply access.
Thanks again for all you do!
Frank
Anders' song reminded me so much of science documentaries in the 80's.
At first I couldn't believe what I see in the preview but then I started cautiously getting enthusiastic. It is very interesting to know your opinion especially on the DX one.
Tubular Bells - the sound of Japanese school chimes in lots of anime.
Both of you guys are very talented individuals. Loved the song!
looking forward to see "Tascam - 4 track" tape recorder song out of this synth !!!
This is possibly the best video yet, for showing the potential of the Reface DX. Great Job 🎹🎹🎹👍
Love the commodore mini just behind the keyboard boxes lmao.
I think he was trying to hide it, he didn't do too good at that.
awesome vids, I discovered Anders 's songs thanks to 8-bits Guys : I Love "Dream Cruiser", "The last Goddess" , "Breaking and Entering" , and so More !!! So nice sounds from my childhood in 1985's........
Thanks both to you guys ^_^
I think I heard some Vangelis tones in there.
You'll probably hear a lot more Vangeliesque sounds in the next episode. Vangelis used the Yamaha CS-80 extensively.
I love it when you have to make your presentation into 2 parts. Looking forward to your next installment
it sounds like a very early 90s song near the end there... almost wanna buy one of these...
if you want it a bit cheaper and have an external keyboard, the Korg Volca FM will get you there too
I totally love this Reface series, I currently own the CS and the CP, they are awesome
Didn't Anders write "Top That" from the movie Teen Witch?
When is the second part coming out
I gotta tell you David, I bought the CS reface after seeing your brief showing of it at Thomann synth reactor, and I couldn't be happier with it -I really love it, actually. It's become one of my favorite synths, and I have quite a few! So, thanks for covering it again!
I’d prefer if they did a full size keyboard version as I like my 88 keys
I see a midi keyboard in your future.
Agreed
I agree, although I'd prefer something with 61 or even 72 keys.
You can always connect to a midi controller.
sweetgoose's corner already have one but I wouldn’t mind a reface sound module but then I own a CS6R so I can always get a second hand FM synth expansion
You won't find a better educational and more informative video about these keyboards especially the history that Mr. Eight gives.
Can this Yamaha DX keyboard be used as a midi keyboard for a sequencer program for PC ?
Yes, you can use either (or both) USB and MIDI connectors to hook it up to your computer. It does not require drivers and will just work with any mac or PC with any DAW installed. You don't have any modulation controller on these Reface models, but you can add such controller data in step editing modes etc. As described, they are all just monotimbral, but polyphonic. This means you have one part only at a time with 8 voices. You will have to do as I did, and record each part, section by section as you move along and then record the sound output into your daw once you have sections you are happy with. This way you build a song, brick by brick. Other than that, it will let you control and play other instruments and soft synths you have installed. The small footprint makes it ideal for any compact home studio setup. :)
yes
@@AndersEngerJensen
OK, thnx, I will know now. ☺
Love it and having Anders compose such a great song! well that was too cool. nice work DM! love it
"Area man murdered by wife for buying a keyboard only to play the opening of Danger Zone."
WOW these MIDI instruments brought back so much 80's/90's PC gaming nostalgia!
It has a nice form factor, the default sound options are great, and it has all the back panel I/O.
I am curious how it draws power from 9V with batteries but 12V from A/C, because that is odd... lol
Probably the internal electronics takes 12V and has a DC to DC convertor to step the batteries up to 12V. Internal batteries tend to provide lower voltage as they drain, and they could even use 1.2 volt rechargeables. Alternatively it could be designed to just have a voltage regulator that bleeds 3 volts off the top as heat, when run from 12V. That would be cheaper to build and less reliable over time.
@@WarrenPostma I had a keyboard like that once...well, it wasn't mine but the person that loaned it to me never asked for it back. It eventually overheated and got tossed.
I don't recall what brand or model it was, but it was a cheaper, more toyish keyboard.
DX100 had the same setup only with C size batteries.
I saw it and i clicked it! Also, Congratulations on 1 million subscribers on The 8-Bit Guy!
Part 2 with the CS?
Owning a real CS-5 is a joy and privilege that I appreciate so much. Seeing these little guys makes me happy that others get to experience something similar, seeing as it's a quarter of the cost of a real CS.
There wasn't room for actual MIDI connectors?!
I've been subscribed to your main channel for a a couple of years now, and just realized that you have this one as well!! I just wanted to say thank you for all of the wonderful and in depth content you provide! Thanks for being you :)
FM Brass doesn't sound like brass at all! (yet it's such an 80's icon).
Oh you read my mind about the stems. I had a lot of fun remixing a previous song that Anders did for this channel. Thanks so much :)
Ponder the irony of doing a review of a Yamaha keyboard whilst wearing a Roland t-shirt. :D
This is such an excellent episode. I didn't know this existed...Now im torn between a used DX7 off ebay, or one of these for so much cheaper.
that MIDI adaptor, which has the MIDI IN and OUT is the silliest thing I ever seen. Once that thing get lost (maybe after end of production) the keyboard gets useless
Then use the on board ard keys.
@@savanaviolenta hahaha... this is supposed to be a pro unit, not a casio mini keys toy
Nice job on your new song, -Anders- Enger!
What chip is it using? It sounds like the YM series. The Sega Genesis sounds similar.
I would be interested to know aswell how the FM works for the Reface DX. The Genesis YM2612 chip only had 6 voice channels and this has 8 voices kinda like the YM2151 used in arcade games from Sega and many other developers at the time. I bet its some sort of modern thing though and not a new production of the old chips.
@@Artigkar40000000 wasn't the DX7 before those OPL2 chips? can I find those genesis/adlib sounds in here as well?
@@fishlx The DX7 does predate the genesis and the adlib sound chips, not sure about if you can find the exact genesis/adlib sounds in a DX7 though. Thing is the DX7 synthesizer is a much more powerful and sophisticated sounding piece of FM synth hardware than an Adlib card or a Genesis console.
I think someone with more experience with the stock instrument patches on a DX7 or programming a DX7 could maybe answer these questions better.
With that said, the Reface DX keyboard in the video seems to have a 4 operator 8 voice channel FM synth which could in theory have a possible Genesis like sound, but with two more voice channels than on a Genesis. No multitimbral support limits it a bit though.
Probably something modern.
Gotta remember that the chip used in the Mega Drive was a low budget option compared to actual keyboards.
The OPL2 and OPL3 used in PC soundcards meanwhile are found in some actual 80's keyboards.
(though these tend to be fairly low end keyboards).
Anyway, this sounds like a mega drive because...
Yamaha FM synth.
Same company, similar sound.
Doesn't mean it's the same exact chip. XD
Great work! Looking forward for the CS episode.
6 x AA (i.e. 1.5V) batteries = 9V but plug in power is 12V - what's going on there?!
I imagine they use some kind of step up circuitry to get most power out of the batteries when the voltage drops over time.
My theory is that given that 12v adapters are more common these days, and buck converters are so cheap and efficient that they just downstep the voltage in the keyboard
maybe it runs on 9 volts and 12 volts??? I have no clue '~'
12V from a PSU is a nominal figure that may vary, and it gives you some headroom to internally regulate down from. It's harder to increase voltage compared to decreasing it, in electronic terms. So if your input drops to e.g. 8.8V, it's harder to get it back up to 9 than if you started with 12 that drops to 11.8V.
Most likely a switch mode power supply with a full bridge rectifier and step up converter to get a constant flow of 12v. Idk just a guess
At first glance (this being your channel and all!) I thought "Reface" was referring to some sort of retrobrite episode, lol. Glad I watched the full video...I didn't know Yamaha was doing this awesome remake!
4:14 remind me of the windows XP installation music
really looking forward to the next one, hopefully sooner than later! :)
"It's not built like a casio or something like that"
Hey wait a minute, what do you mean? :D
lol he probably meant casio are for children and beginners.. but in all fairness, i haven't seen a pro keyboard player use a casio for a concert setting.. like in front of 20,000 people or something..
I love my Casio :( the grand piano is a bit clangy, but my WK-3500 otherwise has patches that feel right at home with my Roland gear...it’s really usable!
Build quality. This little DX is *heavy* with well-specified hardware.
@@pihermoso11 There's no reason for anyone playing arenas to use a Casio, as they most likely will have endorsement deals and can use whatever they want. But I've seen pros do small gigs with a Privia digital piano.
A day with a new 8-bit guy video is a good day
Sound wise the DX is more similar to the 21 than the 7. It's better than the 27, but it's missing some operators to match the 7. It comes close to the 7 sound by using reverb effects tho.
It's actually sorta in between the DX21 and DX11 in terms of features as the Reface DX has three waveforms for it operators. Saw, Sine, and Square. The DX11 has 8 waveforms, and the DX21 just Sine.
@@KitsuneCentral Yup. I'm a huge fan of boutiques and minis wired into MIDI controllers (like the 61-key A-800 pro). The Roland D-05 is a great pairing if you want the whole range of 80s sounds for very little money (and it saves on space too).