Classic FM Synthesis: Yamaha DX7 Alternatives
Ways to get the iconic FM sounds, and more.
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Want to build classic FM sounds from the 1980s and beyond? Here are some of the best Yamaha DX7 Alternatives to take you to FM heaven.
Previously, we’ve discussed the illustrious History of Yamaha synthesizers, and we’ve looked at both the DX7 and DX1 in detail:
- The History of Yamaha
- The Yamaha DX7
- Owning a Yamaha DX1
Here, we’ll look at more modern alternatives for creating the famous FM sounds from some of our favourite records and getting more involved with FM synthesis and building your own sounds.
Although the DX7 is renowned for its preloaded sounds, it was never loved for its programmability. While you can still pick one up for $400 to $500, there are now other ways to dive into the world of FM that are more easily accessible to beginners.
Yamaha DX7 Alternatives
Whether you need a software plugin, a desktop module, or a complete professional workstation, we’ve looked at a range of FM synths that offer an engaging experience and great all-round value.
Tracktion f. ’em
Software FM synth plug-ins can be divided into 2 distinct categories. First, you have those that are either loose or close recreations of the DX7 engine and interface:
- Dexed (A free plug-in)
- Plogue chipsynth OPS7
- Arturia DX7 V
If you’re only planning to use retro-wave sounds, any one of these should suffice. With quick access to a tweakable DX7 platform, the plug-ins fit easily into your music production workflow.
The second type of FM synth plug-in you’ll find offers more involved synthesis platforms for creating sounds from scratch. Here, you can go beyond the boundaries of the DX7 interface and into the unknown:
With the powerful 11-operator FM engine provided by Tracktion f. ’em you can delve deep into FM synthesis in ways that the DX7 simply couldn’t. Furthermore, its hybrid quad-timbral architecture allows f. ’em to use virtual analogue or wavetable waveforms.
- More about Tracktion
Sonicware LIVEN XFM
With the Behringer BX700 still on the horizon, the budget FM synth market is an exciting space with some great options like the Sonicware LIVEN XFM.
Although you might need to connect a MIDI Keyboard to play it in the traditional polyphonic way, the LIVEN XFM offers a creatively versatile platform, with four FM synth engines and 6-voice polyphony.
Furthermore, it has some other ways to create patterns with a built-in 64-step pattern sequencer, 4-track looper, and a range of effects, including reverb, delay, chorus, flanger, bit crusher, and distortion.
- More from Sonicware
Twisted Electrons MEGAfm MKII
The Twisted Electrons MEGAfm MKII is a very tweakable 12-voice FM synthesizer in a home studio-friendly desktop module format. Its design uses a pair of YM3438 chips common to the SEGA Mega Drive gaming consoles, with a 4-operator architecture.
Compared to FM synths of the 1980s, the MEGAfm is a welcome sight, with an interface that gives you tactile control of all parameters. This allows you to immediately dive into designing sounds and tweaking them live.
Furthermore, to make things even more fun, there are four different voice modes, seven arpeggiator modes, and an SH-style sequencer, perfect for creating ’80s FM basslines.
- More from Twisted Electrons
KORG opsix
The KORG opsix is an impressive range of synths that seems to keep on expanding. From performance keyboards and modules to software plug-ins, there are many ways to get your hands on the versatile opsix platform.
With the flagship MKII shipping soon, the opsix is more formidable than ever. Now offering 64 voices of polyphony and six different synthesis types with which to layer multifaceted sounds.
In addition, the opsix also has a polyphonic motion sequencer for parameter animation, a pattern sequencer, and a wide range of effects to add another dimension to your sound design.
- More from KORG
Yamaha MODX+
The Yamaha MODX+ series gives you a powerful performance instrument and sound design tool in one keyboard. Its FM-X synthesis engine has 128 voices of polyphony, with eight operators and 88 different algorithms.
With the combination of the four faders, four rotary encoders, and the 7-inch touchscreen, you have the power to build and layer sounds with a range of built-in effects to add even more dimensionality.
In addition, the MODX+ series is compatible with Cubase, and with its integrated audio interface, you can use its powerful motion synthesis engine within the DAW environment.
- More from Yamaha
More about Yamaha DX7 Alternatives:
Videos:
*Note: This article contains affiliate links that help us fund our site. Don’t worry: the price for you always stays the same! If you buy something through these links, we will receive a small commission. Thank you for your support!
- Tracktion f. 'em: Tracktion
- Sonicware LIVEN XFM: Sonicware
- Twisted Electrons MEGAfm MKII: Twisted Electrons
- The opsix mk2: KORG
- opsix module: Korg
- KORG opsix SE: KORG
- KORG opsix SE Platinum: KORG
- opsix native: Korg
- Yamaha MODX+: Yamaha
- F.'em_synth_screen_1_pluginboutique: Plugin Boutique
- pb: Plugin Boutique
- korg-opsix-native-widget: Plugin Boutique
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I need dx 7 mother board and power board please reply prices ,
strange to see Kodamo EssenceFM not getting a mention here. It can import DX7 programs and is a very strong FM synth. On the other hand, it is hardly mentioned anywhere else in the press either. I guess the design is a bit of a turnoff for some. I pkayed it on some seriously good PAs and people and I were very impressed with the high fidelity sound. It does have the option to emulate older dx7 converters, too
+1 for the EssenceFM. A fantastic, powerful FM synth.
no mention of the volca fm’s? both six operators and handle dx7 sounds and sysex.
any new sound module please sell it to me