Trend price : 1500€
A cut-down version of mighty FM king Yamaha DX-1 that would lead to best-seller synth Yamaha DX-7.
The DX-5 can combine 2 engines, so it is often considered as double DX-7 engine (with some extras!).
Company: Yamaha
Model: DX-5
Class: Synthesizer
Keys: 76 dynamics
Weight: 19 Kg
Dimensions: 1299 (w) x 225 (d) x 113 (h) mm
Display: 40 x 2 LCD
Dates: 1985
Synthesis: FM
FM Class: 6 Op
Algorithms: 32 models
Polyphony: 32 voices
Multitimbric: 2 parts
Filter: none
LFO: 2 modulators
Envelope: 7 EGs
Effects: none
Sequencer: none
Midi: IN / OUT / THRU
CPU: 6809
DAC: BA9221
Demo: 1
Video: 1
Review: 1
DOWNLOAD: user manual -service manual-
Overview
KEYBOARD76 dynamic keys with aftertouch.
Main panel features a backlit 40 x 2 LCD display, 4 sliders, 66 push buttons and 2 wheels for modulation and pitchbending.
Rear panel terminal connectors:
-
3 non-balanced outputs part A / part B / mix A-B
-
3 XLR balanced outputs part A / part B / mix A-B
- Midi interface
- 2 pedalswitch inputs for portamento and sustain
- 2 foot controller inputs for modulation
and volume
Front panel terminal connectors:
- headphones out (with volume trimmer)
-
breath controller input
- 2 data catridge inputs.
Voice
CPU based on a master 6809 (HD68B09P +2 sub-slaves) - a double FM syntesis engine (A/B) manages up to 32 digital voices polyphony (organized in to 16 X 2) ADC converter is based on BA9221, 12 bits resolution, also fitted on DX7. Main FM YM2128 generate 6 syncable sinewave oscillators (+YM2129 IC for EG) or operator each with individual volume settings and pitch detune.
Synthesis
6 sinewave operators organized as algorithms, assigned as carrier
or modulator, linked between them on different
pathways interacting on their harmonic contents depending on the
variable feedback strength.
- carrier defines the amplitude and the spectral frequency
- modulator sets the sound timbre and the relative harmonic contents.
DX5 offers 32 combinations algorithms with frequency ratio or fixed frequency: the output is fed back to its input with 7 different levels feedback, as general rule, high values feedback results in richer harmonic contents.
Performance
the bi-timbric structure allows some special playmodes:
- single : part A/B play same patch for a total of 32 voices
- dual : stacks
2 parts
with possible DETUNE
- split: part A/B are assigned to an adjustable keyzone.
- balance: sets mixing between A/B (in dual or split mode)
- monophonic mode
- portamento: 4 different modes with variable glide time
- aftertouch can be assigned to amplitude/pitch modulation depth, volume and brillance.
LFO
2 digital modulators (shapes: sine, triangle, saw up/down, square and sample & hold) with adjustable start delay and sync retrigger:
- PMD modulates pitch
- AMD processes the amplitude.
Envelope
7 envelopes:
- 1 EG pitch: 4-segments structure + 4 time levels.
-
1 EG for each operators: 4-segments structure + 4 time levels
The Scaling Level is a very precise key follower with 4 linear / exponential curves
Memory
-
32 RAM patches for EACH part A/B
- 64 RAM performances
DX-5 uses same DX7 RAM1 cartriges for backup and library sounds.
Review
OK: rare/ performance / fm power / edit
NOT : expensive / bulky
"The famous double DX7 synth on stereoids! sounds like big brother DX1 but sadly it lacks many deluxe controls - the DX5 is a missing link between 2 cult synthesizers. They are getting hard to find... "
Text , review, special demos copyright polynominal.com / Eric Pochesci
