The TX81Z is a 1-unit rackmount FM synthesizer first released in 1986. It uses four operators and can use other waveforms than sine, 8 in total, and was the first FM synthesizer to allow programming with alternate waveforms. It has 8 different algorithms available, unlike the 32 available on 6-operator FM synthesizers. A keyboard version was released as the Yamaha DX100.
It has 8 notes of polyphony and is 8-part multitimbral. It has 128 factory patches in 4 banks of 32 and also has a single bank of 32 user-programmable memories. It can load patches from Yamaha's DX21, DX27, DX100, and FB01 synthesizers. Though the DX9 is a four-operator FM synthesizer, its patches are not compatible.
The TX81Z also supports microtuning, with 11 ROM preset and 2 user-programmable intonations.
It is known to have been used by Astral Projection, Future Sound of London, Josh Wink, and Squarepusher.
1.0 - 03-Dec-86 - Download
1.1 - 16-Jan-87
1.2 - ??-???-87
1.3 - 14-Feb-87 - Download
1.4 - 25-Mar-87 - Download
1.5 - 01-May-87 - Download
1.6 - 03-Feb-88 - Download
To check the firmware revision number of your TX81Z, power on the unit while holding both the left and right master volume buttons.
Year Released: 1986
MSRP: 495.00 USD
Polyphony: 8 notes
Preset Patches: 128
User Patches: 32
User Performances: 24
Screen: 16x2 Character Backlit LCD
Power Consumption: 8 watts
Dimensions: 480 x 282 x 45.2 mm
Weight: 3.4 kg
This is a 1-space rack unit.
WAV samples are available on freewavesamples.com.
Yamaha TX81Z Service Bulletins
Yamaha TX81Z Rackmount FM Tone Generator 1987 - 1988 ($384.52)
Yamaha TX81Z Rackmount FM Tone Generator 1987 - 1988 - Black ($300)
Yamaha TX81Z Rackmount FM Tone Generator Music Synthesizer ($249.99)
Yamaha TX81Z 4 Operator FM Synthesiser Sound Module 1U Rack Mount Synth - 100V ($273.24)
Yamaha TX81Z Rackmount FM Tone Generator 1987 - 1988 - Black ($556.68)
Yamaha TX81Z Owned by Cold Cave ($225)
Yamaha TX81Z Rackmount FM Tone Generator SERVICED ($275)
Yamaha TX81Z Synthesizer - Black ($268)
Yamaha TX81Z FM Tone Generator Synthesizer Sound Module ($229.99)
Yamaha TX81Z Rackmount FM Tone Generator 1987 - 1988 ($269.69)
Yamaha TX81Z Rackmount FM synth ($231.17)
Yamaha TX81Z Rackmount FM Tone Generator 1987 - 1988 - Black ($180)
Yamaha TX81Z Rackmount FM Tone Generator 1987 - 1988 - Black ($200)
(2) Yamaha TX81Z FM Tone Generators ($253)
Greytsounds Yamaha TX81Z Synth Patches - 9 Bank Set - Digital Download ($30)
Yamaha TX81Z FM Tone Generator Synthesizer brochure catalog - includes presets list ($24.99)
Yamaha TX81z Firmware Version 1.6 Latest OS Upgrade Update Eprom ($14.77)
Yamaha TX81Z V1.6 OS EPROM! NEW! ($18.99)
Yamaha TX81Z OS version 1.6 EPROM Firmware Upgrade KIT / Brand New ROM Final Update Chip ($19.99)
OLED Display Upgrade - TX81Z - MJC-8 - SPX90 ($165.98)
Yamaha - SPX-90 , SPX-90 II , TX81Z , PF85 - Power Switch ($9.90)
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