The DX7 was the first commercially successful digital synthesizer and remains one of the bestselling synthesizers in history. The DX7 is MIDI-compatible, which means it can be connected to compatible synth modules, drum machines, audio sequencers, and computers. Its 32 algorithms, each a different arrangement of its six sine wave operators, allow for extensive programming flexibility. It has sixteen-note polyphony, meaning sixteen notes can sound simultaneously. Its preset sounds constitute 'struck' and 'plucked' sounds with complex transients. I think it's quite noticeable.' Features Ĭompared to the 'warm' and 'fuzzy' sounds of analog synthesizers, the DX7 sounds 'harsh', 'glassy' and 'chilly', with a richer, brighter sound. According to Chowning, 'The consequence is that the bandwidth of the DX7 gives a really brilliant kind of sound. Yamaha also altered the implementation of the FM algorithms in the DX7 to gain efficiency and speed, producing a sampling rate higher than the digital synthesizers at Stanford. Yamaha displayed a prototype of the DX7 in 1982, branded the CSDX, in reference to range of analogue Yamaha CS synthesizers. Chowning credited the success of the DX7 with the combination of his FM patent with Yamaha's chip technology. At the same time, Yamaha was developing the means to manufacture very-large-scale integration chips these allowed the DX7 to use only two chips, compared to the GS1's 50. The first commercial FM synthesizer was the Yamaha GS1, released in 1980, which was expensive to manufacture due to its integrated circuit chips. Yamaha created the first hardware implementation of FM synthesis. John Chowning, who developed the frequency modulation technology used in the DX7
Chowning received royalties for all of Yamaha's FM synthesizers. In 1975, Yamaha negotiated exclusive rights for the technology. I guess Yamaha had already been working in the digital domain, so he knew exactly what I was saying.' Yamaha licensed the technology for one year to determine its commercial viability, and in 1973 its organ division began developing a prototype FM monophonic synthesizer. One of their chief engineers visited the university and, according to Chowning, 'in ten minutes he understood. According to Chowning, 'Frankly, I don't think their engineers understood it - they were into analog technology, and had no idea what I was talking about.' Īt the time, the Japanese company Yamaha was the world's largest manufacturer of musical instruments but had little market share in the United States.
ENCYCLOTRONIC BRIAN ENO DX7 PATCHES LICENSE
Stanford patented the technology and hoped to license it, but was turned down by American companies including Hammond and Wurlitzer. In 1971, to demonstrate its commercial potential, Chowning used FM to emulate acoustic sounds such as organs and brass. FM synthesis uses digital technology to generate sounds, creating different results from analog synthesis. Development įrequency modulation (FM) synthesis was developed in the late 1960s by John Chowning at Stanford University, California. In later years their preset sounds came to be seen as dated or cliched, and interest in FM synthesis declined. The DX7 was succeeded by FM synthesizers including the DX1, DX11, and DX21. Producer Brian Eno mastered the programming and it was instrumental to his work in ambient music. Its piano sound was particularly widely used, especially in power ballads. However, its preset sounds became staples of 1980s pop music, used by artists including A-ha, Kenny Loggins, Kool & the Gang, Whitney Houston, Chicago, Phil Collins, Luther Vandross, and Billy Ocean. With its digital display, complex menus, and lack of conventional controls, few learned to program the DX7 in depth. Yamaha licensed the technology to create the DX7, combining it with very-large-scale integration chips to lower manufacturing costs. FM synthesis created brighter, 'glassier' sounds, and could better imitate acoustic sounds such as brass. Frequency modulation (FM) synthesis, a means of generating sounds digitally, was developed by John Chowning at Stanford University, California. In the early 1980s, the synthesizer market was dominated by analog synthesizers. It was the first successful digital synthesizer and is one of the bestselling synthesizers in history, selling over 200,000 units. The Yamaha DX7 is a synthesizer manufactured by the Yamaha Corporation from 1983 to 1989. MIDI in/out/thru, input for foot controller x2, input for foot switch x2, input for optional breath controller Digital programmable algorithmsynthesizer Ħ sine wave operators per voice, 32 algorithms ġ pitch envelope & 6 amplitude generators per voiceģ2 patches in RAM (battery backup) front panel ROM/RAM cartridge port