Yamaha TX7 controlled via DEXED and Ableton Live, overlooked powerful vintage synth
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- Опубліковано 7 жов 2024
- First time talking about some sleeper gear. This is the TX7 which I picked up on Ebay a couple of weeks ago. It is an incredibly powerful 6op FM synth fm 1984. It is a DX7 Mk1 in a desktop format.
Watch till the end if you want to hear me making an old skool IDM warp records style track, only using sounds from this unit.
If you are new to FM synthesis, check out my quick 3-minute intro, and check out my Dexed overview if you want to learn more about the synth.
More resources:
3 min intro to FM synthesis: • Short Introduction to ...
A quick introduction to Dexed free FM synth VST: • Get started with Dexed...
Download Dexed: asb2m10.github...
DEXED Tutorial: • Dexed / DX7 An IDM Gli...
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Got mine for 40 bucks 10 years ago, glad I’ve held on to it I keep coming back to the TX7, it still sounds incredible
The TX7 is shaped like a digital doorstop!
It's actually shaped as a base for the RX12 drum machine. The RX17 that came later also fits. I think only the QX5 sequencer uses the same shape. Then Yamaha discovered 19" racks. 😀
I’ve always liked the idea of the TX7. The DX7 takes up so much space and a smaller version with equal power sounds great.
The tx802 is another good option but it’s based on the DX7 mkii so you don’t get the same crunchy DACs.
I am also tempted just to have a TX816 fully stacked, and ditch everything else in the studio! :)
Very cool! And you have a great voice by the way 😅
great sounds :)
Man, this is SO cool!!! Have a TX7 as well and was "thinking" of doing stuff like this with it. I have used Dexed for experimenting with random parameter control via midi CC from an arpeggitator, but the TX sounds better. What´s the name of this Ableton Live "randomizer" for the midi CC´s? Is it available for the entry level Ableton as well? Thanks for this great tutorial! 👍🙏
The TX7 is too old to use MIDI CC, it is using Sysex. There may be other options but the easiest way I have found to programme the TX7 is by using DEXED, which is a free VST plugin. If you want to do the type of randomisation that I am doing in the video you need Max4Live which I think only comes with Ableton Suite. I am not sure, but you may be able to purchase just Max4Live for your Ableton. The Max4Live device that I use to create random values is called Expression Control, which is free with Ableton Suite. You will need to use this to controll DEXED, which is then sending SYSEX messages to your TX7
@@TheFellowPassenger Thanks for your reply. Yeah, I´ve been using Dexed for a couple of years. I edit my sounds on it and then send those to the TX. One thing that I noticed yesterday is that when you send Midi CC to Dexed, no matter what parameter you control and how much, it kind of "hangs" for a split second, like it gets a sudden extra "decay"...which unfortunately kind of makes it useless when doing faster short decay arpeggiated stuff. Unless one likes that "glitch" in the sound. It can sound kind of cool in a way. I will see if Dexed sends this glitch to the TX7 as well.
I got a TX7, but then, yes, I also discovered Dexed is the best edit. And, uhm, it can generate the sounds too, so why then even use the TX7? So I sold it. 😀
Dexed is good no doubt about it. I guess the difference is like MP3 and Vinyl. There is a difference, but is it worth the cost and the faff? To some it is, even if most listeners will never ever know
Love my DX7 🍻
Wish it is smaler 😂
Maybe the TX7 is right for you?
You got some really nice tones out of it. Quick question, would you say that there is a noticeable difference in sound between the Dexed software and the TX7? There is a local listing I am thinking about pulling the trigger
Firstly, DEXED sounds fantastic, but would say yes, there is a bit of difference. Think it is due to the DACs, but also, if you send the dexed default patch, that weird little sequenced one to the TX7 it sounds different. Regardless i would get it if the price is good. As you will be able to sell it if you don't want to keep it.
@@TheFellowPassenger Great, thanks for taking the time to reply, I appreciate it!
Can you elaborate how did you connect your ableton to work with the yamaha xt7? Can't seem to get it going!
Sorry for the delay, a few people have asked me this, so have just uploaded a new video ua-cam.com/video/zthpYcpzVxA/v-deo.htmlsi=Ii7ENHVJ_PszGUcE
@@TheFellowPassenger thanks!!
Please, can you share this Rhodes 1B patch. I can't find it anywhere🥲
I will see what i can do
Can I use one of these with a DX21
Apparently there is some crossover between the dx21 and Tx7/dx7 check this article groups.io/g/YamahaDX/topic/dx21_and_tx7/75088452
I think the biggest issue would be that i dont think you could modify operator 5 and 6 as the dx21 only got 4 operators.
However if you were looking for programming the dx21 from software CTRLR free vst seem to have some options.
I acquired a dx21 but not have much time to explore it
If you are referring to DEXED
what you did to appear the tx7 in midi in and out of dexed?
Sorry for the delay. Click on the 'param' button to select what midi interface you are using in DEXED. You may need to go and make sure MIDI channels etc are set up in a corresponding way on your tx7. I use a simple usb to midi cable between my computer and the tx7
So, use dexed?
Dexed is fantastic, yes absolutely use dexed. But there is some sonic difference. I prefer the sound of the TX7, it is a bit rawer. Compare it to Vinyl vs. Listening to music on a digital format. The difference is so small, it is not worth the money or the extra faff for most people. But some appreciate the difference so much they wish to go that extra mile