Synths ⇝ Yamaha ⇝ Yamaha TX81Z
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.
ROM Revisions:
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.
Specifications
Year Released: 1986
MSRP: 495.00 USD
Polyphony: 8 notes
Multitimbral: 8 parts
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.
This keyboard is MIDI-enabled.
MIDI Connections: Standard 5-Pin MIDI in, out, and thru connections.
User Demo Videos
Rating
Sound Samples
WAV samples are available on freewavesamples.com.
File Downloads
Yamaha TX81Z Service Bulletins
Items for Sale on Reverb
Yamaha TX81Z rackmount synth ($200)
Yamaha TX81Z WX7 Voice Data Bank Cassette Tape // Ultra Rare Collectable!! ($443.17)
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Product Manual for Yamaha TX81Z FM Tone Generator 1987 ($41.29)
YAMAHA TX81Z FM Sound Source FM Synthesizer FM Tone Generator ($169.99)
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Yamaha TX81Z Bedienungsanleitung (User Manual) ($12.14)
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Yamaha TX81Z FM Tone Generator Synthesizer brochure catalog - includes presets list ($22.49)
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 ($19.95)
Stereoping Controller TX81Z Version ($399)
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