1985 (Dec.)
Initially sold for ¥91,000
The DX27 was the most affordable programmable synthesizer with full size keyboard of the FM line of the 80s. Coming at 499£ it attacked the price range of the low-end Casio keyboards, delivering the same 4op FM synthesis of the mid tier models.
It uses the same shell of the DX21, making it yet another example of the Yamaha's tendency to release models in couples by reusing much of the hardware (see DX7 and DX9 or RX5 and RX7).
Just like the DX21, the new green plastic buttons are a welcome improvement over the membrane controls of the first DX lineup. Less futuristic for sure, but much more durable and easy to repair.
Features
- 24-voice internal RAM memory.
- 192 voices programmed into internal ROM.
- Bank Play mode permits direct access to 96 voices, programmable in any order.
- Shift mode permits access to another 96 voices.
- Built-in cassette interface for voice data storage.
- The DX27 keyboard itself does not have key velocity, but its tone generators accept key velocity data from an external MIDI keyboard or sequencer.
- Sustain/portamento footswitch and breath controller inputs.
- MIDI IN, OUT and THRU terminals.
