Yamaha DX7 II-FD

The DX7 mk2 FD may be the best FM synthesizer produced by Yamaha, and even if the sound is less dirty than the original DX7, thanks to the amount of added features it may as well be the best choice for anyone looking for a hardware FM synthesizer today.

It's rich in sound capabilities, with the ability to layer two 6op voices. It's sturdy, with a metal chassis, hard plastic inserts and much more durable physical buttons. The keyboard is a pleasure to play, light keys with fast action, with velocity and after touch sensibility. Plus the larger backlit LCD screen, full MIDI implementation, two real-time sliders and most importantly, a floppy disk drive.

On top of that, a third party expansion called the "E! Card" added 8 voices layering, 4 banks of internal memory, and a full sequencer, turning the DX7 mk2 in a machine perfectly able to compete with the workstations of the following decade.

Some FM purists complain about the switch to a 16bit digital to analog converter, that produces slightly different sounds compared to the original 12bit DAC found in 1983 (sometimes less punchy, sometimes much more detailed). Comparison is easy to achieve given that the newer model can read voices programmed on the first DX7 — even first generation cartridges can be used through a (now very rare) adapter, the ADP1 cartridge adapter. In fact, the cartridge slot is designed for the new type of cartridges, such as the RAM4 or RAM5.

A nearly identical model named DX7 II-D was available as well, without the floppy disk drive. Yamaha was supposed to release a third update to the DX7 line, the V80FD, but the project was scrapped before it reached market.

Features

• 2-channel 6-operator 32-algorithm FM tone generator.
• Improved FM technology delivers superior sound quality.
• Full compatibility with existing 6-operator FM voices.
• Dual, split and single play modes.
• Stereo outputs.
• Dual continuous sliders for data entry and real-time parameter control.
• Micro-tuning capability permits use of alternate tuning systems.
• Fractional level scaling for unprecedented level scaling precision and control.
• Random pitch simulates intonation of acoustic instruments.
• Stereo pan with touch, LFO, key number or EG-control.
• 16-key multiple LFO timing for live, natural ensemble sound.
• 64-voice internal memory.
• 32 performance memories combine voice and function data.
• Aftertouch pitch control offers fingertip pitch bend.
• Pitch EG with adjustable range for extra fine adjustment.
• Full MIDI implementation offers vast MIDI system control.
• New cartridges for voice, performance, micro-tuning, fractional level scaling data.
• Internal 720 k-byte (formatted) 3.5" micro floppy disk drive on "FD" model stores voice, performance, micro-tuning and fractional scaling data.
• DX7II-FD micro floppy disk drive also functions as a MIDI data recorder for external MIDI equipment.
• Dual foot controllers, dual foot switches, breath controller.