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 Manual

Yamaha TX81Z Service Manual

Yamaha TX81Z Service Bulletins

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