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Re: PX7 RE or free Dexed VST
Posted: 11 Mar 2019
by hurricane
bitley wrote: ↑11 Mar 2019
As for second hand deals on the older hardware I'd again suggest the SY77 or even SY99 as they are much more powerful and fun to use and explore than the DX7 - and people today, yourselves included (seemingly) do not recognise these, but we who were there do.
I looked at the SY77 but ultimately decided that I wanted the more authentic and gritty DX sound and for more advanced FM fun I would use Arturia's DX7V or FM8.
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I never noticed this till today. FM8 with its own macro controls, looks sooooo familiar
:
- Screen Shot 2019-03-11 at 9.08.20 PM.png (205.09 KiB) Viewed 3945 times
I prefer it over PX7s, and the more time I spend with FM8, the more it's becoming my favorite DX synth.
Re: PX7 RE or free Dexed VST
Posted: 12 Mar 2019
by joeyluck
hurricane wrote: ↑11 Mar 2019
bitley wrote: ↑11 Mar 2019
As for second hand deals on the older hardware I'd again suggest the SY77 or even SY99 as they are much more powerful and fun to use and explore than the DX7 - and people today, yourselves included (seemingly) do not recognise these, but we who were there do.
I looked at the SY77 but ultimately decided that I wanted the more authentic and gritty DX sound and for more advanced FM fun I would use Arturia's DX7V or FM8.
-----------
I never noticed this till today. FM8 with its own macro controls, looks sooooo familiar
:
Screen Shot 2019-03-11 at 9.08.20 PM.png
I prefer it over PX7s, and the more time I spend with FM8, the more it's becoming my favorite DX synth.
Speaking of controls... Had you ever considered the Reface DX? It's only a 4-operator, but the demos sound cool and the touch controls seem to work very well and had some macro features from what I remember.
Re: PX7 RE or free Dexed VST
Posted: 12 Mar 2019
by hurricane
joeyluck wrote: ↑12 Mar 2019
Speaking of controls... Had you ever considered the Reface DX? It's only a 4-operator, but the demos sound cool and the touch controls seem to work very well and had some macro features from what I remember.
I did. I also considered the Volca. But ultimately what was important to me was having access to the pure classic DX7 sound, and that's 6 OPs, with the 12-bit DAC. Also important to me was being able to load the entire DX7 patch library without compromise. A 4 OP synth though was my 2nd choice - those are definitely cheaper and still have a solid DX sound.
I really don't need a DX7/TX7. The emulations are good enough. Mainly I got it out of curiosity and for historical reasons, but it was also an impulse purchase, and since my bday is later this week I thought "oh what the hell, happy birthday to me."
Re: PX7 RE or free Dexed VST
Posted: 12 Mar 2019
by joeyluck
hurricane wrote: ↑12 Mar 2019
joeyluck wrote: ↑12 Mar 2019
Speaking of controls... Had you ever considered the Reface DX? It's only a 4-operator, but the demos sound cool and the touch controls seem to work very well and had some macro features from what I remember.
I did. I also considered the Volca. But ultimately what was important to me was having access to the pure classic DX7 sound, and that's 6 OPs, with the 12-bit DAC. Also important to me was being able to load the entire DX7 patch library without compromise. A 4 OP synth though was my 2nd choice - those are definitely cheaper and still have a solid DX sound.
I really don't need a DX7/TX7. The emulations are good enough. Mainly I got it out of curiosity and for historical reasons, but it was also an impulse purchase, and since my bday is later this week I thought "oh what the hell, happy birthday to me."
Cool that's exciting
Looking forward to hearing comparisons.
Something else to checkout in the meantime is Yamaha's FM Essential on iOS. It's also a 4-op. The "ball controller" is pretty fun to change the sound quickly. It's free, but I think you get more out of the app if you have a Yamaha MX keyboard.
Re: PX7 RE or free Dexed VST
Posted: 12 Mar 2019
by bxbrkrz
How would you compare batch importing sysex files, a lot at once (thousands), between all of your FM VSTs?
Re: PX7 RE or free Dexed VST
Posted: 12 Mar 2019
by hurricane
bxbrkrz wrote: ↑12 Mar 2019
How would you compare batch importing sysex files, a lot at once (thousands), between all of your FM VSTs?
Dexed just loads them without having to convert them, so it's a clear winner here.
PX7 - you can load multiple SysEx banks into the online converter, so that's nice.
DX7V - you have to load them (banks or singles) one at a time.
FM8 - same. If you search the net you can find a bunch that have already been converted.
Re: PX7 RE or free Dexed VST
Posted: 12 Mar 2019
by hurricane
The nice thing about FM8 is, that if you wanted to hear what a 4OP patch sounds like, you can load it and FM8 will read it correctly. Same thing with the TX81z (the module with the extra waveforms). The other emulations can't load them. So you can essentially turn FM8 into almost every incarnation of the DX/TX synths.
Re: PX7 RE or free Dexed VST
Posted: 12 Mar 2019
by bxbrkrz
hurricane wrote: ↑12 Mar 2019
The nice thing about FM8 is, that if you wanted to hear what a 4OP patch sounds like, you can load it and FM8 will read it correctly. Same thing with the TX81z (the module with the extra waveforms). The other emulations can't load them. So you can essentially turn FM8 into almost every incarnation of the DX/TX synths.
Great to know.
Too bad about FM8 and the sysex loading procedure. I've found an old video regarding the problem and solution.
Re: PX7 RE or free Dexed VST
Posted: 13 Mar 2019
by hurricane
bxbrkrz wrote: ↑12 Mar 2019
Great to know.
Too bad about FM8 and the sysex loading procedure. I've found an old video regarding the problem and solution.
Clever, but something a little bit easier would be searching google for "60,000 FM8 patches".
edit: or even easier:
https://gumroad.com/l/60kfm8
Re: PX7 RE or free Dexed VST
Posted: 13 Mar 2019
by bxbrkrz
hurricane wrote: ↑13 Mar 2019
bxbrkrz wrote: ↑12 Mar 2019
Great to know.
Too bad about FM8 and the sysex loading procedure. I've found an old video regarding the problem and solution.
Clever, but something a little bit easier would be searching google for "60,000 FM8 patches".
edit: or even easier:
https://gumroad.com/l/60kfm8
You are the best.
Re: PX7 RE or free Dexed VST
Posted: 14 Mar 2019
by hurricane
So as I'm waiting for the TX7 to arrive, I've been spending more time playing with FM8 and am really surprised how much I'm liking it. And I'm also noticing how bare-bones PX7 is. For $99, this thing is a joke. The convenience of it being in RE form is not worth it, in my opinion. Not with Dexed being free. At least FM8 and Arturia's DX7V offer additional features. PX7 is basically Dexed in RE form, but way more expensive, and not sounding as good out of the box.
Re: PX7 RE or free Dexed VST
Posted: 15 Mar 2019
by hurricane
I thought this would be a good companion to my TX7. It was only $49! Sure there are software equivalents, but this one's gonna be attached to my hardware for immediate gratification.
- June60.jpg (42.43 KiB) Viewed 3735 times
Re: PX7 RE or free Dexed VST
Posted: 15 Mar 2019
by bitley
Absolutely, looks great! Cool
Re: PX7 RE or free Dexed VST
Posted: 16 Mar 2019
by Boombastix
Also consider that FM8 comes with a FX VST so you can use the effects only as a separate fx rack. FM8 is the clear winner for me. Also several good patch packs to add to FM8 if your want to purchase modern FM sounds.
Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using Tapatalk
Re: PX7 RE or free Dexed VST
Posted: 17 Mar 2019
by hurricane
I have a chance to grab a DX7 Mk I for $250, but it's in a really dangerous neighborhood.
- 2a5xrt.jpg (12.34 KiB) Viewed 3671 times
Re: PX7 RE or free Dexed VST
Posted: 18 Mar 2019
by EdGrip
The DX7 has a reputation for having a really nice and playable keyboard, so worth having just as a MIDI controller.
I wish someone would do an FM4 refill.
I saw that TC Electronic chorus pedal too! One of those things where you wonder why nobody's done it before. If I were still in my guitar phase...
Re: PX7 RE or free Dexed VST
Posted: 18 Mar 2019
by hurricane
EdGrip wrote: ↑18 Mar 2019
I saw that TC Electronic chorus pedal too! One of those things where you wonder why nobody's done it before. If I were still in my guitar phase...
So I just talked to Sweetwater and the rep told me the June-60 is popular and backordered, and that he expects it to come out mid to late summer.
Re: PX7 RE or free Dexed VST
Posted: 19 Mar 2019
by hurricane
So I'm about to go pick up a DX7. Do I need it? NO, because my TX7 arrives on Thursday. But do I wants it? YES. Kind of excited to finally hear how PX7 compares. If it turns out to be a close emualtion I will shout it loud and proud.
Re: PX7 RE or free Dexed VST
Posted: 19 Mar 2019
by boingy
hurricane wrote: ↑19 Mar 2019
So I'm about to go pick up a DX7.
Yes, but did you buy it from the really dangerous neighborhood? Should we worry if we don't hear from you again?
Re: PX7 RE or free Dexed VST
Posted: 19 Mar 2019
by hurricane
Thanks for the concern.
Got the DX7 - it's in great shape, I'm glad I didn't chicken out and lucky it worked out.
Anyway, this might sound corny, but it was a little breathtaking seeing a real DX7.
And then playing it and listening to the classic patches - OMG. I have it set up a on a double keyboard stand right below the Casio CZ-1. Long lost 80s brothers.
I did a quick PX7 vs DX7 play through, and yeah, PX7's velocity is weird and the overall character of the sound is ummm....I don't know, less sparkly?
Dexed was much much closer, although there are slight differences there too. It's been very interesting.
Re: PX7 RE or free Dexed VST
Posted: 20 Mar 2019
by diminished
hurricane wrote: ↑19 Mar 2019
Thanks for the concern.
Got the DX7 - it's in great shape, I'm glad I didn't chicken out and lucky it worked out.
Anyway, this might sound corny, but it was a little breathtaking seeing a real DX7.
And then playing it and listening to the classic patches - OMG. I have it set up a on a double keyboard stand right below the Casio CZ-1. Long lost 80s brothers.
I did a quick PX7 vs DX7 play through, and yeah, PX7's velocity is weird and the overall character of the sound is ummm....I don't know, less sparkly?
Dexed was much much closer, although there are slight differences there too. It's been very interesting.
Congrats!
Re: PX7 RE or free Dexed VST
Posted: 22 Mar 2019
by hurricane
The TX7 came in, and not surprisingly it sounds exactly like the DX7, so that's great. The Yamaha TX7 is an FM Expander, and it's meant to be used in conjunction with the DX7 - although it can serve as a standalone FM box and does not need the DX7. I'm treating it as its own instrument, not attached to the DX7 how it's supposed to be. So essentially I now have two DX7s in the house, so yay.
One of the interesting things the TX7+DX7 combo offers is a joint Factory Soundbank - that is, you're supposed to load a specific bank of sounds into the DX7, and then a different bank of sounds into the TX7, and then you're supposed to play them together. You have the flexibility of deciding how you want to layer them. You can pan each hard L/R or you can leave them as is. I've set them up according to how I would use them, so some are panned, some are chorused, some are dry.
There are a total of 32 patch combinations, and I've recreated all 32 in Dexed, which you can download here:
https://mega.nz/#!6uYkQS5R!Zqg8Z95jhvca ... 8aDgs6BXNA
I'd appreciate not reposting the link anywhere as this is mainly for the people participating in this thread.
You'll also need the free OSL Chorus which you can download here:
https://oblivionsoundlab.com/product/osl-chorus/. This is my favorite chorus and I won't use anything else and is a worthy addition to your rack.
Cheers.
Re: PX7 RE or free Dexed VST
Posted: 22 Mar 2019
by bxbrkrz
hurricane wrote: ↑22 Mar 2019
The TX7 came in, and not surprisingly it sounds exactly like the DX7, so that's great. The Yamaha TX7 is an FM Expander, and it's meant to be used in conjunction with the DX7 - although it can serve as a standalone FM box and does not need the DX7. I'm treating it as its own instrument, not attached to the DX7 how it's supposed to be. So essentially I now have two DX7s in the house, so yay.
One of the interesting things the TX7+DX7 combo offers is a joint Factory Soundbank - that is, you're supposed to load a specific bank of sounds into the DX7, and then a different bank of sounds into the TX7, and then you're supposed to play them together. You have the flexibility of deciding how you want to layer them. You can pan each hard L/R or you can leave them as is. I've set them up according to how I would use them, so some are panned, some are chorused, some are dry.
There are a total of 32 patch combinations, and I've recreated all 32 in Dexed, which you can download here:
https://mega.nz/#!6uYkQS5R!Zqg8Z95jhvca ... 8aDgs6BXNA
I'd appreciate not reposting the link anywhere as this is mainly for the people participating in this thread.
You'll also need the free OSL Chorus which you can download here:
https://oblivionsoundlab.com/product/osl-chorus/. This is my favorite chorus and I won't use anything else and is a worthy addition to your rack.
Cheers.
Thank you.
Can you poly chain the DX7/TX7?
Re: PX7 RE or free Dexed VST
Posted: 22 Mar 2019
by hurricane
bxbrkrz wrote: ↑22 Mar 2019
Can you poly chain the DX7/TX7?
Having zero experience with the DX7 or TX7, I find it interesting that even though the TX7 has the exact same guts as the DX7, the TX7 was made to "expand the potential of the Yamaha DX7". I thought it was simply a desktop DX7, made for those wanting to save space, who didn't need the full keyboard and just wanted the sounds. But it turns out the TX7 has two modes, one called
Individual, where you would use it as a self contained sound machine, which you can use like any tabletop synth - no DX7 necessary, and then there's the
Combined mode, which chains itself to the DX7 (via the midi out), and both synths are then treated as one. So, using the DX7 as a "master" keyboard, you would be playing the TX7 and DX7 at the same time, combining presets from both, with the DX7 controlling all functions, and without sacrificing voices.
Re: PX7 RE or free Dexed VST
Posted: 22 Mar 2019
by bxbrkrz
hurricane wrote: ↑22 Mar 2019
bxbrkrz wrote: ↑22 Mar 2019
Can you poly chain the DX7/TX7?
Having zero experience with the DX7 or TX7, I find it interesting that even though the TX7 has the exact same guts as the DX7, the TX7 was made to "expand the potential of the Yamaha DX7". I thought it was simply a desktop DX7, made for those wanting to save space, who didn't need the full keyboard and just wanted the sounds. But it turns out the TX7 has two modes, one called
Individual, where you would use it as a self contained sound machine, which you can use like any tabletop synth - no DX7 necessary, and then there's the
Combined mode, which chains itself to the DX7 (via the midi out), and both synths are then treated as one. So, using the DX7 as a "master" keyboard, you would be playing the TX7 and DX7 at the same time, combining presets from both, with the DX7 controlling all functions, and without sacrificing voices.
