Yamaha DX21

The DX21 is one of Yamaha’s early FM (Frequency Modulation) synthesizers from 1985. Rather than using traditional oscillators, FM synthesizers produce sound by means of a sine wave modulating the frequency of another. Each of these modules is called an operator. The DX21 has 4 of these operators, and features 8 note polyphony. The sound is very unique (somewhere in between analog and digital) and can be heard on countless records. The DX21 was very popular with electronic and techno producers dating back to the late 80s, with many notable users including Hardfloor, Level 42 and Fat Boy Slim. Watch a demo.