Yamaha DX-100
Digital Programmable Algorithm Synthesizer (1987)

 

Compact Yamaha DX27 version ofFM synthesizer based on 4OP series, budget spinoff from classic 6 OP DX7 machines.

SYNTHESIZER 49 Keys (mini keyboard).
Main pannel features a LCD display (no backlit) , 38 rubber buttons, 2 sliders for data entry and main volume and finally 2 wheels for modulation and pitchbender.

Rear panel terminal connectors:
- mono main out
- footswitch input (to sustain or portamento)
- headphones out
- Midi interface
- tape interface
- breath controller input (original is BC1)
- contrast trimmer.

Power supply 9V external PSU DC (+ (original is PA-12109 or 6X C-size batteries 1,5V.

 

 

TECH CPU is a HD63803XP Hitachi which manages 8 voices - DAC is based on a IC YM3014.
The DX100 IC chip YM2164 features 4 OP + 8 combinations or algorithms.
TIP: Previous DX7 synthesis is based on more advanced 6 OP system + 32 combinations algorithms.

 

 

SYNTHESIS the DX100 is based on FM synthesis:
There are 4 digital oscillators or 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.

ALGORITHMS Dx100 features 8 combinations algorithms with frequency ratio or fixed frequency: the output is fed back to its input with 7 feedback levels and as general rule, high values feedback results in richer harmonic contents.

 

PERFORMANCE system some special performance play:
- poly / mono mode
- portamento set with time
- pitch bender range
- mode wheel r range
- breath controller setting (destination / range)
- dual / split mode.

 

LFO there are 2 delayed modulators (frequency range from 0.007 Hz to 50 Hz):
- LFO 1 amplitude
- LFO 2 pitch.
Both modulators can be set to retrigger mode and feature 4 shapes: saw, square, triangle and sample & hold.

 

 

ENVELOPE 4 EGs: each OP features 1 amplitude EG (4-segments) + 1 general shift. Very simple Key tracking scale less sophisticated than previous DX line.

 

MEMORY:
- 192 ROM patches
- 32 RAM patches.
Sounds can be saved to either Sysex dump or magnetic tape.
Battery replacement: a 3V cr2032 soldered to main board - check out this VIDEO TUTORIAL.

picture from Wikipedia

 

 

EDITOR there are many computer-based editors:
- Ctrlr (free)
- Midiquest ($$) PIC
- noize ($$) PIC
- FOUR FM (free MAC) PIC
- YSEDITOR (ATARI ST) PIC
- Steinberg synthwork (ATARI ST) PIC
- caged 4 OP artist (ATARI ST) PIC
- FM synth APP (free IOS) pic below

 

 

RELATED FAMILY 4 OP:

 

DX-9 (1983) first 4 OP incompatible with other 4 Op DX line VIDEO	Yamaha DX-21 (1985) bitimbric layer, analog chorus and pitch EG	TX81z (1985) a kind of Dx100 module with harmonic variations.	DX-27 (1985) simplier DX 21 - also a "S" with speakers VIDEO
Fb-01 (1986) simple 4OP module VIDEO	DX-11 (1986) a Tx81z version with 8 waves VIDEO	YS-200 (1988) : consumer 4 Op version with sequencer VIDEO	V-50 (1989) top 4 op series with sequencer and drum machine VIDEO

Also:
- YS-100 is a YS200 minus sequencer
- TQ-5 is a laptop version
- B-200 with internal speakers
- Korg Z3 Guitar Synthesizer.

VST PLUGIN / SAMPLED VERSION there is no official VST emulation, however here's some FM emulator (6 or 4 OP)

name price download demo polynominal free 4 OP sample pack! 65 mb free samples: - FM FARFISA - DX TINES - MELLOW SQUARE -LATELY BASS Free donation: n/a -DEXED -MDA DX10 -OXE FM SYNTH -VX7 -HEXTER free VST   FM HEAVEN Commercial VST imports both DX7 and DX21 patches

 

AUDIO DEMO

Seq: FM + sampled drums 1 Seq: FM + sampled drums 2 Seq: FM + sampled drums 3 Seq: FM + sampled drums 4 Seq: FM + sampled drums 5 Seq: FM + sampled drums 6 PIANO : DX tine rhodes PIANO "FM grand piano" ORGAN: light my Farfisa ORGAN: another cheap organ BELLS: DX Big bells BELLS: celesta delicates BRASS: me PLUCK: koto?

BASS: solid bass aka lately bass* BASS: EBM bass BASS: loud bass BASS: Sh101? SYNTH: LUCY SYNTH: da minimoog D SYNTH: 8 bits AY SYSTEM PAD: dune   EXPERIMENTAL: fixed frequency EXPERIMENTAL : lately bass destruction EXPERIMENTAL : LFO EXPERIMENTAL : bubble subbass EXPERIMENTAL : weird noises

* check out Lately bass dedicated page

VIDEO SELECTION Demo demo2 demo3

 

dx100 with Mimi the synthcat

MANUAL

DX-100 & 27 SCHEMATICS / SERVICE MANUAL

original brochure

original brochure

original brochure

original brochure

Weird DX100 with Chromatic keys

DX100
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