1988 (Nov.)
Initially sold for ¥110,000
The Yamaha DX11 FM digital programmable algorithm synthesizer is an 8-note polyphonic keyboard that can act as up to 8 independent instruments.
Also known as the V2 in the Japanese market, the DX11 may be the last synthesizer of the original family of FM keyboards before Yamaha started switching over to the growing workstation market. Yamaha's first keyboard workstation, the V50, was released a few months later.
It was released in 1988 after the TX81z, bringing all of its new features and a couple more from the rack version to a full keyboard form. The main difference with other 4OP FM synthesizer is the ability to choose different waves for oscillators instead of the standard sine one. This resulted in wider possibilities as operators hadn't to be wasted in order to create basic sawtooth-like sounds.
Factory presets were disappointing, but mainly because they didn't show the true capabilities of the machine. The DX11 just like the TX81z is especially able to produce punchy bass sounds thanks to the grittier waveforms available, and together with the possibility of stacking up to 8 instruments results in a big advancement for FM technology.
On the downside of this added layering, 8 notes of polyphony just isn't enough, especially when using the onboard effects like the delay (which is created by actually repeating the note).
Voices can be saved to an optional RAM4 cartridge.
Features
- 61-note velocity and pressure sensitive keyboard.
- 128 preset and 32 user-programmable voice memories.
- 32 user-programmable performance memories.
- Data is compatible with the TX81Z tone generator and the DX21/27/27s/100 synthesizers.
- Data can be stored on a RAM cartridge or cassette tape.
- FM synthesis using non-sinewave waveforms.
- Two independent LFOs and eight vibrato generators.
- 13 Microtonal Scales (2 user-programmable and 11 preset).
- Pan, Chord and Delay effects.
- Alternate Voice Assign lets you play a different voice with each successive note.
- Quick Edit functions.
- Illuminated LCD for good visibility.
