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
The Sound Programming site is copyright © 2006-2026 Jason Champion.