If the Refaces had launched at half the price, they'd be instant modern classics. They were WAY too expensive for what they were, but damn did they all sound so good.
They did lower the prices for a few months in the middle of the production run, but once more people got them and the word got out that they are limited but neat, the prices went back up.
@@AudioPilzif you’re willing to push yourself out of your comfort zone I’d love to see an episode on the Reface YC, which seems to be the forgotten child of the reface series
reface CP is great. we also have the real Fender Rhodes 88, and Wurlitzer, and Clavinet in studio, so we can compare. CP sounds almost close - and easy transoprtable and midi-controlled
Remember when i was a newbie when it came to synthesizers Heard of the yamaha DX7 and i was amazed by the promise of "the sound of the 80s" So when i found this thing for 160€ at a thrift store i felt like the luckiest person on earth And you know what? I still feel like i had incredible luck bc i still love this little keyboard and i'm glad it got featured on this show!
I have a CS1X that I bought for a great price, just to use as a midi keyboard but actually the sounds on it are underrated. It doesn’t really live up to the analog promise when it was new, but it actually does have a really cool “fake analog” digital sound and I find that the patches always inspire ideas.
I'm a songwriter. I want to make my own tones but don't want to lose half a day making a single patch. The 4 op reface is good for what I want. Does an OG DX7 sound better? Yes. Would you find it more enjoyable to use and program? Probably not. The Reface DX is a really beautiful complement to any songwriter's home studio. I think only hardcore FM nerds would find it to be limiting. It's genuinely a nicer synth than any software FM synth I've tried. Florian has now reviewed all 5 synths that I own. Cheers Florian. My quest is complete.
I really like mine, too. All criticisms of the DX are valid, but as a tool to actually make music on I rank it pretty highly. 5 out of 5 is a top notch. Do you also have an OG Drumbrute like me?
100% agree. I don't want to make patches... Synths have been around what 70 years? I think sometimes it is a little pretentious to think you're going to make some incredible effect that's never been done before. I had a microkorg and people raved about it. I ended up just using the premade effects. It was like using a graphing calculator to make patches. Not intuitive. I really just want kind of a greatest hits of synth sounds and the DX seems good for that so far. Algo mode is plenty for me. Slight tweaks to already classic synth sounds. I'm not trying to reinvent the wheel. I think of a synth like a guitar. If a guitar/pedal could give you a cintage surf tone or a classic distortion, we'd consider it very good. But if a synth only gives you classic sounds and isn't infinitely customizable, we consider that a flaw. Why?
I bought my Reface DX used at half the price and I'm *very* happy with it :) Plus it's eminently portable and I travel a lot with it. It makes a great team with my original QY-10! Anyone having tried programming the original brown metal DX-7 will find this one incredibly easy to tweak and wonderfully ergonomic.
Something this does that few FM synthesis do: put it on yer lap with the speakers on and actually FEEL the wave modulations in your skin. Honestly one of my top 6 synths of all time.
I bring my Reface DX when I go to jam with other musicians. It's small enough that it's easy to carry and fit in a crowded room, with the batteries I don't need to be near an outlet and the FM tones always stand out against other instruments. You can load converted patches from many other 4-op FM synths from the Reface Legacy Project. It's definitely not a replacement for a DX7/SY99/etc but both have their uses.
I ended up selling mine but i did love it thoroughly. The keybed is among the most comfortable and responsive i've ever played, bar none, minikeys or not!
My beloved DX was not so beloved at first but slowly and surely it has seduced me, and I am but putty. Your tough love is honest and appreciated but it's too late for me. Something I recently discovered is that the DX has full on SysEX implementation, so with added gear and what I imagine to be a very laborious set up, a "user " can delve into every nook and cranny. I just use the factory presets. All your jams were lovely as always.
7:18"Thanks Yamaha for releasing the most stylish Sega Genesis sound chip emulator of all time." Eh-hm. I point you to Sonicware's Liven Mega Synthesis which surely fits that description far better. That's an actual Genesis/Megadrive groovebox (as opposed to a monotimbral 4op FM synth).
DX100 used one of the Genesis chips actually. (There was 1:1 patch compatibility at least) Love my megaFM though. I would never buy another Yamaha style FM synth without knob/fader per function again.
One thing about the Reface synths: While they are small, have minikeys and look a bit like toys, the build quality is WAY better than what you'd expect from how they look. Even the minikeys are among the best you'll come across. I know a lot of people feel they are overpriced, but what else can you get, brand new, at a similar price? If you want to compare the price to second hand stuff, well, then you should do that for every piece of gear out there, and it will suddenly all look overpriced. That being said, they are not meant for everybody, and they are definitely home synths more than gig synths.
What you say about the build quality is definitely true, although I would argue that the Reface series is actually great for gigging, given their small size and ability to dial in great sounds.
like others in this comment section, my reface dx was my first "real" synth (not counting the yamaha pss 480 which had 2 save slots for user-made patches with it's beautifully cheezy 2 op brain) and i love it like only a mother could. another great episode florian! truly appreciate having a new audiopilz vid to start my weekend every dang week :)
The Reface DX is an excellent FM synth that is also an excellent MIDI controller (unlike other Refaces where you have to turn it off and on holding a bunch of keys). Thank you as always for an amazing episode.
@@55SqueakPip I don't know, I never tried to change MIDI channels. I just hooked it up and played. EDIT: I guess it makes sense, since DX is the only Reface with a screen.
Not gonna lie, I popped massively for the PSS-360 popping up at about 4:20 (blaze it). I had one of those back in the day and loved fannying about with the synth sliders.
I love my inherited PortaSound! A 270. I am even in the middle of recreating its presets on my opsix; which I could triple-up in one voice for a unison mode, or even combine different presets in an ersatz multi-timbral situation. Though I’ve since discovered, from Yamaha’s own sound chip programming manual, that its 100 presets are actually just 7 in the chip which the keyboard ROM slightly tweaks to generate the rest. Which explains why I kept creating almost identical patches with slightly altered values, but it does have me reconsidering whether I should really only be making 7 of them myself rather than 100. Though there’s an extra-crunchy quantised texture from the PortaSound, like dithering or something where the pitch very quickly jumps around within a range, while the opsix sounds very clean. So I’ll probably always keep it around for when I really want the dirt on those simple 2op sounds, even once I’ve finished this project.
I love this one, I have one second hand. When I was moving I had it sitting on my windowsil and just jammed on it for hours and hours because I had no internet hahaha Its clunky but not to difficult to create a sound, but yeah the sliders are.. esoteric. To say the least. However, the pitch bend lever is simply the most fun thing that has existed since the beginning of time. It's very snappy!
Great video! This was also my first synth and I really love it, it sounds amazing, the keybed is pretty good and those lovely speakers are superb. It’s ready whenever you need.
Don’t forget the kit that adds strap buttons so you can go full keytar and work the pitch bend lever from the other side! Seriously, though, I got the DX because I wanted a portable, battery-powered keyboard with built-in speakers that was a step above the usual fare for such keyboards. (If I’d known about the PSS-A50, maybe I wouldn’t have ever gotten any of the Refaces.) I figured I could find presets for the DX that would get close enough to cover some of what the other Refaces do enough for my purposes. But I’ve been surprised by how much I’ve enjoyed it and ended up actually making some patches of my own.
My first synth! It's always ready for action. I have it permantly on my computer desk as my main midi keyboard for Cubase. Since I bought in 2017 two Volca FM's have joined it's company and I pretty much always use them together. One can't have enough FM synths. Out of curiousity I had a quick look at the Seqtrak's data manual and discovered that it has a lot of FM presets that I reconize as factory presets of the Reface DX. The FM engine of the Seqtrak seems to be closely based on the Reface DX, considering it's got the same specs with 8 voices, 4 operators and 12 algorithms. So it seems Yamaha has repacked it in their new groovebox. Nice!
The Reface range is another one that would have made more sense as modules with an optional master keyboard. About half the size of a SEQTRAK is all you'd need.
Best thing about the Reface DX: positive and negative feedback on every operator - you can accomplish many timbres with one OP where an DX7 needs two or three. Worst thing: missing modulation controller. Second worst thing: only 32 patches.
You get away from my beloved ReFaces!! I even got the dedicated midi expander for the DX...love these things. And you got it 100% right; the feature set may not match the all singing/dancing more recent releases but, like a lot of older synths, it just sounds better ;)
Yet another synth from my collection. I bought all the reface models. I have said it time and time again. If they ever create an FM synth with performance adjustable knobs/encoders it would be a hit. Aside from the DX200 groove box and maybe the Volca FM, I can't think of an FM synth that was performance-friendly. The perfect FM synth would also need to include a way of setting multiple locks and unlocks so that has you tweaked a sound you could set locks that you could undo, or redo.
Mine was a microKORG, but I actually wanted Mega Drive style FM sounds. MK is great, but couldn’t quite do all those sounds. So then I looked into this, but between saving-up and dithering once I had the money, I ended up getting the opsix for only £50 more 😅 which TBH I’m fine with, since I like to program patches from scratch and the extra algorithm options are nice.
I love it. I didn't pay full price but I would. The speakers are totally serviceable for having fun. The keys on all the reface are velocity sensitive and feel great. You didn't mention that key velocity can modulate the tone. That's how you play the doogie howser theme. They're all fun but I'm glad to have this and the CP and I play them often.
I only miss the Yamaha Reface YC in my collection of Reface synths. Love all of the Reface models! Awesome synths! The CP is my favorite with the CS coming in close. The DX reface is also very good. Love the screen and the effects and all the modulation. Also very useful as a MIDI keyboard. Excellent episode btw. 😊
I like 4 op fm, maybe because ive never used the dx7. I ALMOST bought this for my son... And now am SOOO happy i hunted for a dx11! Such a awesome synth and was 300$ cheaper!!! Not to mention saved a good synth from the closet or shelf and a young life can create on it!
I just got this thing's second great uncle twice removed, the DS55. It's from 1988 and has 200 presets and 100 user memory slots. Why has this only got 32?
Interesting in the same way that watching a cat play with a doorstop is interesting. Amusing to behold but not anything to get involved in. Thank you, Florian.
I had two of them. Sold the first one after few years because the sound wasn't as thick as I wanted and I needed more operators. However, I then started missing the great feel of those mini keys, and the joy of sound design that Reface offered, so I bought one again. In the end I didn't keep that one either. Today I use Plogue OpSix, with six operators and it gives me the DX sound I always wanted. But still, I will never forget how fun and easy it was to sound design and make sequences with Reface DX. And the feeling of those keys.
They called it "DX" yet you couldn't load DX100 patches nor patches from any other Yamaha 4op FM synth on it. Doh! I also seem to remember it being quite expensive (it's still apparently the price of two Korg Volca FM2s which I'd recommend over this one). Ultimately, the best FM synth in the sub 300-bucks bracket is Sonicware's Liven XFM. If you're after the Sega Genesis/Megadrive sound, then you need Sonicware's Liven Mega Synthesis (I'm not in any way affiliated with Sonicware. I just personally really enjoy and rate their instruments).
Einer dieser Synths die zu Musik inspirieren, ich liebe meinen Yamaha Reface DX, super Keybed und Midi Implementation, super Design. Straight and great!
You had me at... umm... ok... you never had me with this thing, but I did see a hello kitty meow toy keyboard mod'ed out on Etsy for $100... That thing was way cooler!
@@AngMoKio8 The interface looks friendlier than my Volca FM2's, but since the Reface is (for no good reason) limited to 4 ops rather than the 6 of the DX7 or Volca, it's never going to be able to do as much.
Enjoyed the video. Having lived through the paradigm shift that was the introduction of the DX7 someday I’d love to get a genuine DX. However it falls way down the list, particularly since I’m more guitar than synth and I have also ordered a Behringer Vs Pro ( yes I found a store with actual stock) which is more than enough synth for me 😊 that and the fact that should funds become available I have my eye on a nice new Gretsch 5420 ( is that heresy for a Bad gear fan?)
Don't forget: the DX100 was important to the beginnings of techno, particularly on Derrick May's tracks such as "Nude Photo" and "Strings of Life". For a hot minute, I thought the RefaceDX was going to finally get FM right...and then I encountered those "virtual sliders". Still, Yamaha gets props for trying to give the world a DX100 that makes more sense to program than the original. Something new? How'bout the Alesis Quadrasynths? They're all over the used market, and as ROMplers go, they can be pretty versatile. However, it's yet another 1990s synth that got used for its (admittedly really good) presets while people ignored the programmability.
Those sliders are exactly why I dithered long enough to ultimately find a good deal on an opsix instead 😅 (despite beginning that dithering when the refaces were first announced!)
Ha! I have a real DX7 stashed away here somewhere..... Peasants! I haven't tried playing the DX reface. I did play around on the Reface with Organ and related sounds on it. It was a lot of fun, and it had one of the better Clavi sounds I've had a chance to muck around with. Great work as always Florian!
Audiopilz: *slaps roof of YT channel* Full Tracks, Extended Jams, Sample Packs: www.patreon.com/audiopilz Follow me on Instagram: instagram.com/audio.pilz
Have a TX81Z and like it but wanted more hands-on FM so I opted for a Twisted Electrons MegaFM, every parameter has it's own slider or knob, but high noise floor. Was never interested in the RefaceDX, especially with that awkward midi port.
When Reface DX hit the market in 2015, part of me had a somewhat screwy question: could it emulate the other 3 Reface models? I can only imagine it could, especially when you think about how the model it was reflecting on (the DX-100) was supposedly capable of doing it itself. If I had tried, I imagine I could have found examples. However, I was focused on how I had the microKorg XL, and I didn’t feel like I needed just another 37-note miniature synth with multi-effects and only 8-note polyphony.
I quite enjoy mine, though I got it for a very specific purpose for which it’s probably overkill. I wanted something small with batteries and a speaker so that if I’m watching some music theory videos on UA-cam I can quickly pick it up and try playing along or experimenting with chords, without having to go downstairs and fire up my “proper” synth gear. I was originally thinking of a CP, but since there were none in stock locally I got a DX as a second choice (a cheap Casio would’ve been fine, but I wanted something slightly less cheesy). The unexpected bonus was the chance to re-learn digital FM synthesis, which I hadn’t played with for over 30 years, and while those pseudo-sliders aren’t great, the UI’s a hell of a lot better than doing it on a DX7 back in the day! It reminded me that FM synthesis itself isn’t hard as long as you know a bit of maths: it’s the fiddly DX envelopes and knobless interfaces that get in the way. There are a bunch of things I wish it had (a better sequencer, aftertouch, a mod wheel and a bit more polyphony), but overall it does what I need and sounds surprisingly nice, even through the tinny speaker.
@@javiceres I replied but the comment isn't showing up, he said it in a comment on his second Soundcloud account "user18081971". It was on the post "Inventions & ideas". Here's the full comment: "I always hook up several input devices simultaneously, including special shaped microtonal keyboards, wind input devices, pads, mini keys, big weighted keys, loads of things, then just pick which one you want for whatever your working on, then you find each keyboard has its use..Learn how to use minikeys, it gives you a different way to input stuff. one of my fave keyboards ever is the reface FM, love it, shame the synth doesn't have MT though.."
@@javiceres I've replied twice now and neither comment has shown up. My comments didn't actually have links in them either so that's not why. Something about the comments is getting them auto deleted. Just look up his Equipboard profile, you'll see under the entry for the Reface DX.
I also have a Reface to “replace” my dead ‘100. The “feedback” on the Reface to saw-off or square-off the operators makes it more like the DX11 than the 100/27, though. It’s a shame there’s no mod wheel on the Reface, and so few memory slots. But it sounds great, and the velocity sensitive keys are a big improvement over the 27/100.
This was inevitable wasn't it?? XD. I'm a big FM nerd and the Reface DX was my first physical synthesizer. I love it and use it all the time. Glad to see its getting the badgear treatment
Man this synth is a banger, i got mine for really cheap and it's really great for learning fm and perfecting it! The menu and the UI are odly satisfying, kind of vintage and modern at the same time? The screen gives you a good idea of what's going on, tweaking in real time is cool too, plus it's got SPEAKERS! Come on 😅
I own this synth (and bad gear has now reviewed all the synths I own). I considered getting either an Opsix or a Reface DX, and besides the price advantage, fitting DX7 style patches into 4 operators seems easier than fitting them into an ADSR envelope (instead of 4 levels/4 rates). Compared to my Volca FM, it is vastly easier to edit a patch on the Reface DX.
reface dx is a great synth, it was my intro to fm synthesis and it's still the most watched demo in my channel. wish I could've kept it, but replaced with a vintage , deeper TG77.
This was my first hardware synth after trying out loads of ipad synths. I got it steeply discounted, or I might have gotten something else. I'm glad I did, though. I really enjoy sound design on it. I wish more modern hardware synths had more complex envelopes than simple ADSR. It doesnt seem to do conventional algorithmic FM right, and modulators can be heard without their carriers, but it has something I keep coming back to, even though I have much fancier synths (including an Opsix), and not just for portbility or the cool keytar attachment. My wife did use it to cover Danger Zone, though, and did get lots of kudos for the sound, so that's spot on.
I gave up on finding a MIDI cable for my SW1000xg years ago. I didn't know Yamaha used that miniDIN cable on anything else. No real reason to have it, it just bugged me that I don't. I'll have to order one of the cables for the reface and see if it works.
The Yamaha reface DX is one of the greatest synths of ALLTIME. I am about to drop Billie Jean made entirely with the DX. If that can't convince people of how great this little marvel is nothing will.
If the Refaces had launched at half the price, they'd be instant modern classics. They were WAY too expensive for what they were, but damn did they all sound so good.
Agreed!!!
price has gone up too 😭
I bought a CS when they came out and that is really the only piece of gear I ever regretted selling. That think was sweet.
Exactly my thought. I’m amazed the price never came down by much. I would have at least one by now if they had!
They did lower the prices for a few months in the middle of the production run, but once more people got them and the word got out that they are limited but neat, the prices went back up.
::recoils in horror and hugs his reface CP reassuringly:: Don't worry, he won't come for you...
It's safe...or is it?
@@AudioPilz I'm going to send Jorb after you if you say anything unpleasant about the CP.
@@AudioPilzif you’re willing to push yourself out of your comfort zone I’d love to see an episode on the Reface YC, which seems to be the forgotten child of the reface series
reface CP is great. we also have the real Fender Rhodes 88, and Wurlitzer, and Clavinet in studio, so we can compare. CP sounds almost close - and easy transoprtable and midi-controlled
reface CP rules
The Reface DX is probably my favorite synth that I own. It's perfect for getting crunchy, metallic, Front 242-esque bass tones.
❤️❤️❤️
Remember when i was a newbie when it came to synthesizers
Heard of the yamaha DX7 and i was amazed by the promise of "the sound of the 80s"
So when i found this thing for 160€ at a thrift store i felt like the luckiest person on earth
And you know what? I still feel like i had incredible luck bc i still love this little keyboard and i'm glad it got featured on this show!
Nice find!!!
What kinda thrift stores you go to??? @@AudioPilz
it IS a nice.
I have a CS1X that I bought for a great price, just to use as a midi keyboard but actually the sounds on it are underrated. It doesn’t really live up to the analog promise when it was new, but it actually does have a really cool “fake analog” digital sound and I find that the patches always inspire ideas.
@@englishguy9680 if it sounds good it is good!
I just bought this a week ago so it only makes sense this hits bad gear this week
As is of course tradition;)
You know your gear.
@@inthefade 250
Mine is being delivered today. What timing, I think we are being watched.
I'm a songwriter. I want to make my own tones but don't want to lose half a day making a single patch. The 4 op reface is good for what I want. Does an OG DX7 sound better? Yes. Would you find it more enjoyable to use and program? Probably not. The Reface DX is a really beautiful complement to any songwriter's home studio. I think only hardcore FM nerds would find it to be limiting. It's genuinely a nicer synth than any software FM synth I've tried.
Florian has now reviewed all 5 synths that I own. Cheers Florian. My quest is complete.
I really like mine, too. All criticisms of the DX are valid, but as a tool to actually make music on I rank it pretty highly. 5 out of 5 is a top notch. Do you also have an OG Drumbrute like me?
@@iiaaiiaannaaiiaaii nah my only drum machine is a tt-78.
Bad Gear bingo!!!
At this point if you still have a DX or TX, it's got dead batteries and the patches are all gibberish.
100% agree. I don't want to make patches... Synths have been around what 70 years? I think sometimes it is a little pretentious to think you're going to make some incredible effect that's never been done before. I had a microkorg and people raved about it. I ended up just using the premade effects. It was like using a graphing calculator to make patches. Not intuitive.
I really just want kind of a greatest hits of synth sounds and the DX seems good for that so far. Algo mode is plenty for me. Slight tweaks to already classic synth sounds. I'm not trying to reinvent the wheel. I think of a synth like a guitar. If a guitar/pedal could give you a cintage surf tone or a classic distortion, we'd consider it very good. But if a synth only gives you classic sounds and isn't infinitely customizable, we consider that a flaw. Why?
self confident price tag is my favorite phrase of this episode
Thank you!!!
I love FM, and the Reface DX is one of my favorites! I even gave my mom one!
My first synth and I still love and cherish it.
First love is the deepest!
I bought my Reface DX used at half the price and I'm *very* happy with it :) Plus it's eminently portable and I travel a lot with it. It makes a great team with my original QY-10! Anyone having tried programming the original brown metal DX-7 will find this one incredibly easy to tweak and wonderfully ergonomic.
Something this does that few FM synthesis do: put it on yer lap with the speakers on and actually FEEL the wave modulations in your skin. Honestly one of my top 6 synths of all time.
Nice approach!!!
It puts the modulation on its skin or it get the right hour ambient jam again
very few synths where you can sit on the couch, jam, and feel the bass in your fingers
I got this little reface and absolutely love it to death!!!
I bring my Reface DX when I go to jam with other musicians. It's small enough that it's easy to carry and fit in a crowded room, with the batteries I don't need to be near an outlet and the FM tones always stand out against other instruments. You can load converted patches from many other 4-op FM synths from the Reface Legacy Project.
It's definitely not a replacement for a DX7/SY99/etc but both have their uses.
That keyboard is a masterpiece - so fun to take portable and records well
I ended up selling mine but i did love it thoroughly. The keybed is among the most comfortable and responsive i've ever played, bar none, minikeys or not!
My beloved DX was not so beloved at first but slowly and surely it has seduced me, and I am but putty. Your tough love is honest and appreciated but it's too late for me. Something I recently discovered is that the DX has full on SysEX implementation, so with added gear and what I imagine to be a very laborious set up, a "user " can delve into every nook and cranny. I just use the factory presets. All your jams were lovely as always.
7:18"Thanks Yamaha for releasing the most stylish Sega Genesis sound chip emulator of all time." Eh-hm. I point you to Sonicware's Liven Mega Synthesis which surely fits that description far better. That's an actual Genesis/Megadrive groovebox (as opposed to a monotimbral 4op FM synth).
DX100 used one of the Genesis chips actually. (There was 1:1 patch compatibility at least)
Love my megaFM though. I would never buy another Yamaha style FM synth without knob/fader per function again.
@@NunyaB1s recently bought Volca FM2, it's crazy how many sega sounds one can get out of that box.
I like Live stuff but I wouldn't exactly call them stylish;)
Viel dank, Florian. I love my Reface DX...I'm finally beginning to understand FM. ❤
Danke dir!!!
One thing about the Reface synths: While they are small, have minikeys and look a bit like toys, the build quality is WAY better than what you'd expect from how they look. Even the minikeys are among the best you'll come across. I know a lot of people feel they are overpriced, but what else can you get, brand new, at a similar price? If you want to compare the price to second hand stuff, well, then you should do that for every piece of gear out there, and it will suddenly all look overpriced.
That being said, they are not meant for everybody, and they are definitely home synths more than gig synths.
What you say about the build quality is definitely true, although I would argue that the Reface series is actually great for gigging, given their small size and ability to dial in great sounds.
like others in this comment section, my reface dx was my first "real" synth (not counting the yamaha pss 480 which had 2 save slots for user-made patches with it's beautifully cheezy 2 op brain) and i love it like only a mother could. another great episode florian! truly appreciate having a new audiopilz vid to start my weekend every dang week :)
The Reface DX is an excellent FM synth that is also an excellent MIDI controller (unlike other Refaces where you have to turn it off and on holding a bunch of keys). Thank you as always for an amazing episode.
Thank you!!!
I regret selling mine! Sounded good to my ears, and I like the form factor.. didn't like the unquantized sequencer though..
Reface CP is also an excellent MIDI controller, with even more freely assignable knobs.
@@vinylarchaeologist Don't you have to turn it off, press a few keys and turn it back on to change a MIDI channel?
@@55SqueakPip I don't know, I never tried to change MIDI channels. I just hooked it up and played. EDIT: I guess it makes sense, since DX is the only Reface with a screen.
Audio Pilz is so prolific we should call him Kenny Logins.
Kenny Logins?? That’s an insulate…..More like the proliferative ‘Prince’ re-incarnated in a body of an Austrian
SOMETHING SOMETHING DANGER ZONE!!!
Lenny Kogins.
@@davelordy at this joke, kennny logout?
@@Uz7Racer Lenky Nogins
Also, I love the term ‘spouse friendly’, I know exactly where that’s coming from 😂
Not gonna lie, I popped massively for the PSS-360 popping up at about 4:20 (blaze it). I had one of those back in the day and loved fannying about with the synth sliders.
PSSes are awesome!!!
I love my inherited PortaSound! A 270.
I am even in the middle of recreating its presets on my opsix; which I could triple-up in one voice for a unison mode, or even combine different presets in an ersatz multi-timbral situation.
Though I’ve since discovered, from Yamaha’s own sound chip programming manual, that its 100 presets are actually just 7 in the chip which the keyboard ROM slightly tweaks to generate the rest. Which explains why I kept creating almost identical patches with slightly altered values, but it does have me reconsidering whether I should really only be making 7 of them myself rather than 100.
Though there’s an extra-crunchy quantised texture from the PortaSound, like dithering or something where the pitch very quickly jumps around within a range, while the opsix sounds very clean. So I’ll probably always keep it around for when I really want the dirt on those simple 2op sounds, even once I’ve finished this project.
@0:07 The face you make when you know "THIS IS GOING TO BE ON MY SHOW IN A COUPLE OF MONTHS"
he needs an Acting Agent.
The "straight to Bad Gear" treatment.
Straight to Bad Gear!!!
I love this one, I have one second hand. When I was moving I had it sitting on my windowsil and just jammed on it for hours and hours because I had no internet hahaha
Its clunky but not to difficult to create a sound, but yeah the sliders are.. esoteric. To say the least.
However, the pitch bend lever is simply the most fun thing that has existed since the beginning of time. It's very snappy!
Esoteric hits the nail on the head
I've adopted a "What ever this is." (0:08) and it is a lot of fun. I hope to see your take on it soon. 😊
Great video! This was also my first synth and I really love it, it sounds amazing, the keybed is pretty good and those lovely speakers are superb. It’s ready whenever you need.
Get this man the microkorg 2 asap! Awesome vid as always!!
Thank you so much!!! Let's see when I can get hold of that one!
oh yes, Then I'd like to see an episode on various types of cardboard to get really exciting.
Loopop got an unfinished one to review ( some of the features not wired up yet inside ).
Don’t forget the kit that adds strap buttons so you can go full keytar and work the pitch bend lever from the other side! Seriously, though, I got the DX because I wanted a portable, battery-powered keyboard with built-in speakers that was a step above the usual fare for such keyboards. (If I’d known about the PSS-A50, maybe I wouldn’t have ever gotten any of the Refaces.) I figured I could find presets for the DX that would get close enough to cover some of what the other Refaces do enough for my purposes. But I’ve been surprised by how much I’ve enjoyed it and ended up actually making some patches of my own.
Damn that keytar aspect is awesome!!!
My first synth! It's always ready for action. I have it permantly on my computer desk as my main midi keyboard for Cubase. Since I bought in 2017 two Volca FM's have joined it's company and I pretty much always use them together. One can't have enough FM synths. Out of curiousity I had a quick look at the Seqtrak's data manual and discovered that it has a lot of FM presets that I reconize as factory presets of the Reface DX. The FM engine of the Seqtrak seems to be closely based on the Reface DX, considering it's got the same specs with 8 voices, 4 operators and 12 algorithms. So it seems Yamaha has repacked it in their new groovebox. Nice!
Nice!!! Love Volca FMs!!!
The Reface range is another one that would have made more sense as modules with an optional master keyboard.
About half the size of a SEQTRAK is all you'd need.
True!!!
Nah the keyboard is pretty amazing for minikeys, and these sounds are perfect for keyboardists
You are a terrific writer and narrator. Pure genius.
Thank you so much!!!
I LOVE the Reface series. Great feel in the mini keys, serious sounds, and I love the built-in speakers.
👍👍👍
"Subscribe" is certainly a classic sound we know and love.
Must be in every episode!!!
That first jam was crazy good! Excited to see you tackling the strange orange television remote. ;)
Thank you!!!! I really need one of these!
Best thing about the Reface DX: positive and negative feedback on every operator - you can accomplish many timbres with one OP where an DX7 needs two or three.
Worst thing: missing modulation controller. Second worst thing: only 32 patches.
Agreed!!!
The most interesting feature is the internal speaker. I totally dig the sound.
👍👍👍
You get away from my beloved ReFaces!! I even got the dedicated midi expander for the DX...love these things. And you got it 100% right; the feature set may not match the all singing/dancing more recent releases but, like a lot of older synths, it just sounds better ;)
Nothing personal;)
Sounds real good!
😀😀😀
Yet another synth from my collection. I bought all the reface models.
I have said it time and time again. If they ever create an FM synth with performance adjustable knobs/encoders it would be a hit. Aside from the DX200 groove box and maybe the Volca FM, I can't think of an FM synth that was performance-friendly. The perfect FM synth would also need to include a way of setting multiple locks and unlocks so that has you tweaked a sound you could set locks that you could undo, or redo.
Mega FM enters the chat
@@klinkske Oh yeah!! 'Mega FM' Just found a review - thanks for the heads-up.
I'd LOVE to have a DX200!!!
I love my Reface DX. They keyboard action is amazingly good. Way better than many full-size synths. And those jams were sick!
This was my first synth.
Yes, an FM synth...
Yes, i go to therapy
In fairness, there are far worse FM synths to start with and learn on, such as the original DX7 lol
I feel you!!!
fm is simple though
ME TOO!!!
Mine was a microKORG, but I actually wanted Mega Drive style FM sounds. MK is great, but couldn’t quite do all those sounds.
So then I looked into this, but between saving-up and dithering once I had the money, I ended up getting the opsix for only £50 more 😅 which TBH I’m fine with, since I like to program patches from scratch and the extra algorithm options are nice.
I love it. I didn't pay full price but I would. The speakers are totally serviceable for having fun. The keys on all the reface are velocity sensitive and feel great. You didn't mention that key velocity can modulate the tone. That's how you play the doogie howser theme. They're all fun but I'm glad to have this and the CP and I play them often.
I only miss the Yamaha Reface YC in my collection of Reface synths. Love all of the Reface models! Awesome synths! The CP is my favorite with the CS coming in close. The DX reface is also very good. Love the screen and the effects and all the modulation. Also very useful as a MIDI keyboard. Excellent episode btw. 😊
YC is great fun
Thanks!!!
I like 4 op fm, maybe because ive never used the dx7. I ALMOST bought this for my son... And now am SOOO happy i hunted for a dx11! Such a awesome synth and was 300$ cheaper!!!
Not to mention saved a good synth from the closet or shelf and a young life can create on it!
perfect amount of Archer references for this episode 🤌
Love my CP and YC! Couch synths!
I think you've now roasted all of my synths, lol. Ive got a Sound Canvas Sc88, Volca Keys, Volca NuBass, volca FM, and a Reface DX.
Nice!!! Only did the SC55 tho;)
Oh right!
Well I guess at least one piece of my gear is superior. For now...
I just got this thing's second great uncle twice removed, the DS55. It's from 1988 and has 200 presets and 100 user memory slots. Why has this only got 32?
It's beyond me too!!!
Interesting in the same way that watching a cat play with a doorstop is interesting. Amusing to behold but not anything to get involved in. Thank you, Florian.
Lol, nice analogy;)
I had two of them. Sold the first one after few years because the sound wasn't as thick as I wanted and I needed more operators. However, I then started missing the great feel of those mini keys, and the joy of sound design that Reface offered, so I bought one again. In the end I didn't keep that one either. Today I use Plogue OpSix, with six operators and it gives me the DX sound I always wanted. But still, I will never forget how fun and easy it was to sound design and make sequences with Reface DX. And the feeling of those keys.
I like the Cs reface
👍👍👍
That techno jam1 you did there Flo halfway through is absolutely awesome getting into that sound
Thank you so much!!!
"Four Leias" XD
best one yet IMHO
;)
Naturally it appears on the channel just after I bought one last week! I can't to mess with it after watching your video and reading the comments!
Nice!!!
By far my least bad piece of gear, this thing is perfect.
❤️❤️❤️
I love my Reface DX - personally I find it easy to program but there is software to load patches available.
@AudioPilz is this you?
It looks like someone was impersonating Florian with another account, which seems to have been deleted. Please be aware...
Sorry for the spam bots, it's like a game of whack-a-mole. Hard to get rid of these
@@AudioPilz Yeah no worries, it's the hazard of being on social media.
They called it "DX" yet you couldn't load DX100 patches nor patches from any other Yamaha 4op FM synth on it. Doh! I also seem to remember it being quite expensive (it's still apparently the price of two Korg Volca FM2s which I'd recommend over this one). Ultimately, the best FM synth in the sub 300-bucks bracket is Sonicware's Liven XFM. If you're after the Sega Genesis/Megadrive sound, then you need Sonicware's Liven Mega Synthesis (I'm not in any way affiliated with Sonicware. I just personally really enjoy and rate their instruments).
Check out the reface legacy project not official compatibility in any way but very cool none the less.
Really enjoyed the sound of the XFM
Einer dieser Synths die zu Musik inspirieren, ich liebe meinen Yamaha Reface DX, super Keybed und Midi Implementation, super Design. Straight and great!
You had me at... umm... ok... you never had me with this thing, but I did see a hello kitty meow toy keyboard mod'ed out on Etsy for $100... That thing was way cooler!
😀😀😀
Yes!!! just ordered myself a Volca FM2 today and this episode has got me pumped for all that FM goodness to come 😄🎹😃
Yeah, love the Volca FMs
@@AudioPilznot that a volca FM doesn't sound nice, but concerning programmability a reface dx is much more accessible.
@@AngMoKio8 The interface looks friendlier than my Volca FM2's, but since the Reface is (for no good reason) limited to 4 ops rather than the 6 of the DX7 or Volca, it's never going to be able to do as much.
So this thing is a redesign of the DX100/DX27S not the DX7. But I do like it! I always like FM synthesizers lol!
Yes
Closer to the sound engine of the DX11, though. Non-sine-wave operators using feedback parameter.
Enjoyed the video. Having lived through the paradigm shift that was the introduction of the DX7 someday I’d love to get a genuine DX. However it falls way down the list, particularly since I’m more guitar than synth and I have also ordered a Behringer Vs Pro ( yes I found a store with actual stock) which is more than enough synth for me 😊 that and the fact that should funds become available I have my eye on a nice new Gretsch 5420 ( is that heresy for a Bad gear fan?)
Got your email but can’t seem to reply.
I have a dark past in guitar music too - come to the other side;)
Florian-We will have and cherish "Tublar Bell". Extra Letters equals need more DLC. 🙂
Yesssssss;)
Don't forget: the DX100 was important to the beginnings of techno, particularly on Derrick May's tracks such as "Nude Photo" and "Strings of Life".
For a hot minute, I thought the RefaceDX was going to finally get FM right...and then I encountered those "virtual sliders". Still, Yamaha gets props for trying to give the world a DX100 that makes more sense to program than the original.
Something new? How'bout the Alesis Quadrasynths? They're all over the used market, and as ROMplers go, they can be pretty versatile. However, it's yet another 1990s synth that got used for its (admittedly really good) presets while people ignored the programmability.
Agreed!!! Quadras are super interesting, thanks for the suggestion!!!
Those sliders are exactly why I dithered long enough to ultimately find a good deal on an opsix instead 😅 (despite beginning that dithering when the refaces were first announced!)
Ha! I have a real DX7 stashed away here somewhere..... Peasants! I haven't tried playing the DX reface. I did play around on the Reface with Organ and related sounds on it. It was a lot of fun, and it had one of the better Clavi sounds I've had a chance to muck around with.
Great work as always Florian!
Thank you!!!!
The YC is my favourite by far. That thing is so much fun.
And why is the DX7 stashed away? Because no one wants to use that interface lol.
@@inthefade I have to admit to using it as a fun rompler
That first jam sold me i will not lie, the reface line is super cool as a whole i just wish it was more affordable
Audiopilz: *slaps roof of YT channel*
Full Tracks, Extended Jams, Sample Packs: www.patreon.com/audiopilz
Follow me on Instagram: instagram.com/audio.pilz
Wow I'm on vacation in Portugal, I can't believe I had to wait this long on Friday to watch the episode.
Obrigado!!!
Bad Gear DX7...?
It's already out there;)
Have a TX81Z and like it but wanted more hands-on FM so I opted for a Twisted Electrons MegaFM, every parameter has it's own slider or knob, but high noise floor. Was never interested in the RefaceDX, especially with that awkward midi port.
Nice choice!!!
first
Congrats!!!
When Reface DX hit the market in 2015, part of me had a somewhat screwy question: could it emulate the other 3 Reface models? I can only imagine it could, especially when you think about how the model it was reflecting on (the DX-100) was supposedly capable of doing it itself. If I had tried, I imagine I could have found examples. However, I was focused on how I had the microKorg XL, and I didn’t feel like I needed just another 37-note miniature synth with multi-effects and only 8-note polyphony.
It might be a challenge to nail the filter of the CS
I quite enjoy mine, though I got it for a very specific purpose for which it’s probably overkill. I wanted something small with batteries and a speaker so that if I’m watching some music theory videos on UA-cam I can quickly pick it up and try playing along or experimenting with chords, without having to go downstairs and fire up my “proper” synth gear. I was originally thinking of a CP, but since there were none in stock locally I got a DX as a second choice (a cheap Casio would’ve been fine, but I wanted something slightly less cheesy). The unexpected bonus was the chance to re-learn digital FM synthesis, which I hadn’t played with for over 30 years, and while those pseudo-sliders aren’t great, the UI’s a hell of a lot better than doing it on a DX7 back in the day! It reminded me that FM synthesis itself isn’t hard as long as you know a bit of maths: it’s the fiddly DX envelopes and knobless interfaces that get in the way. There are a bunch of things I wish it had (a better sequencer, aftertouch, a mod wheel and a bit more polyphony), but overall it does what I need and sounds surprisingly nice, even through the tinny speaker.
Aphex Twin said this is one of his all time favorite synths :)
Interesting! Thanks for posting!!!
It would be awesome if you could post the link of the source
@@javiceres I replied but the comment isn't showing up, he said it in a comment on his second Soundcloud account "user18081971". It was on the post "Inventions & ideas". Here's the full comment:
"I always hook up several input devices simultaneously, including special shaped microtonal keyboards, wind input devices, pads, mini keys, big weighted keys, loads of things, then just pick which one you want for whatever your working on, then you find each keyboard has its use..Learn how to use minikeys, it gives you a different way to input stuff. one of my fave keyboards ever is the reface FM, love it, shame the synth doesn't have MT though.."
@@javiceres I've replied twice now and neither comment has shown up. My comments didn't actually have links in them either so that's not why. Something about the comments is getting them auto deleted. Just look up his Equipboard profile, you'll see under the entry for the Reface DX.
i LOVE my reface dx. i own a dx100, modx, dx27 and i love this thing. 4 saw or square operators, amazing tiny keybed. for what it is, its amazing
You have a point here!!!
DX27 and a DX100? Did you know they have the same “motherboard” inside? Same engine in a different chassis/keybed.
I also have a Reface to “replace” my dead ‘100.
The “feedback” on the Reface to saw-off or square-off the operators makes it more like the DX11 than the 100/27, though.
It’s a shame there’s no mod wheel on the Reface, and so few memory slots. But it sounds great, and the velocity sensitive keys are a big improvement over the 27/100.
hilariously while listening to the final track somebody rang on my door bell and its melody was hardly distinguishable from the synth in your work. :x
I accidentally got redirected to this video trying to find an electronic copy of a DX manual
The plan is working out😂😂😂
I've always fancied one of these for when I'm playin' with the boys, strayin, playin with the boys, one of lifes simple joys
😀
Used to own a reface DX but sold it when I got the real DX7. I still miss those easy to play keys, easy controls, great modern sound and great looks.
I smiled and agreed during the whole video, but still, I love the Reface DX ❤
Sweetwater is selling the reface DX for $249 now .
@stevea5431 thanks but I already have one 😊
Bump and Sliding 🔥🔥🔥🔥. Awesome video.
Thank you!!!
The Reface DX is awesome
👍
This was inevitable wasn't it?? XD. I'm a big FM nerd and the Reface DX was my first physical synthesizer. I love it and use it all the time. Glad to see its getting the badgear treatment
Man this synth is a banger, i got mine for really cheap and it's really great for learning fm and perfecting it! The menu and the UI are odly satisfying, kind of vintage and modern at the same time? The screen gives you a good idea of what's going on, tweaking in real time is cool too, plus it's got SPEAKERS! Come on 😅
Before going to sleep, analog fan boy/girls check under their beds to make sure there are no scary romplers and digital synths.
The Freddy Krugers of analog synthesis
Sweetwater having a killer sale on the Reface DX right now. At only $249, I couldn't resist!
Nice find!!!
I own this synth (and bad gear has now reviewed all the synths I own). I considered getting either an Opsix or a Reface DX, and besides the price advantage, fitting DX7 style patches into 4 operators seems easier than fitting them into an ADSR envelope (instead of 4 levels/4 rates). Compared to my Volca FM, it is vastly easier to edit a patch on the Reface DX.
yeah, I found programming the Reface DX quite intuitive.
Volca FM is super complex indeed!!!
The data entry sliders remind me of my old PSS-130. My first keyboard when I was a kid.
you hit the nail on the head with this one meye friend..thanks
Thank you so much!!!
I loverd my DX until I got a Opsix. I personally find the CS more usable and entertaining to work with. Great review!
OpSix is just a different beast!!! Thanks!
reface dx is a great synth, it was my intro to fm synthesis and it's still the most watched demo in my channel. wish I could've kept it, but replaced with a vintage , deeper TG77.
TG77s are awesome!!!
My favorite synth .
👍👍👍
This was my first hardware synth after trying out loads of ipad synths. I got it steeply discounted, or I might have gotten something else. I'm glad I did, though. I really enjoy sound design on it. I wish more modern hardware synths had more complex envelopes than simple ADSR. It doesnt seem to do conventional algorithmic FM right, and modulators can be heard without their carriers, but it has something I keep coming back to, even though I have much fancier synths (including an Opsix), and not just for portbility or the cool keytar attachment.
My wife did use it to cover Danger Zone, though, and did get lots of kudos for the sound, so that's spot on.
I gave up on finding a MIDI cable for my SW1000xg years ago. I didn't know Yamaha used that miniDIN cable on anything else. No real reason to have it, it just bugged me that I don't. I'll have to order one of the cables for the reface and see if it works.
The Yamaha reface DX is one of the greatest synths of ALLTIME. I am about to drop Billie Jean made entirely with the DX. If that can't convince people of how great this little marvel is nothing will.
Right. First impression at 1:24 is: No boxes are ticked.
True that!!!
Four Leias 😂😂😂 I’m cracking up. I probably missed another 100 puns tho...
😂😂😂
Damn your videos are so good. I just wish all the memes were available in a PowerPoint or something I could review after the fact.
Thank you!!! Great suggestion!