Reverb Machine has released the free Yamaha DX100 Factory Set collection for Arturia’s DX7 V.
Although the DX7 typically grabs the headlines, Yamaha released multiple DX synths in the 1980s.
Yamaha’s DX21 and DX27 offered more affordable alternatives to the DX7 with a reduced feature trading six-operator FM synthesis and 32 algorithms for four-operator FM synthesis and eight algorithms.
In 1986, Yamaha released the DX100, a more portable version of the DX21/27 with 49 mini keys.
Mini keys aren’t for everyone, but the portability of this quirky little desktop synth is, in part, why it appeared on so many records; artists could take it anywhere.
The same applies to Yamaha’s CS01, which Baby Audio emulates with its BA-1 synth.
Reverb Machine has converted the original DX100 factory set into DX7-compatible SysEx files. You’ll need Arturia’s DX7 V to use Reverb Machine’s DX100 factory presets, but you can download it for free.
If you don’t already own DX7 V, Arturia’s V Collection, or Analog Lab, you can download the free Analog Lab Play.
Thanks to Reverb Machine’s dedication to preserving the sounds of the DX100, we have the original presets with flexibility that the original hardware couldn’t offer.
The Yamaha DX100 has its fair share of detractors; some refer to it as a toy rather than a synth, and you won’t need to dig too deep to find someone talking about how terrible it sounds.
For me, it’s a bit of everything, and some sounds are terrible, but some are awesome, too.
And, in my opinion, many of the sounds have ventured into that “so bad it’s good” territory, like the electric grand piano.
Even the horns are great; not quite Juno Brass, but great!
If there’s one element of the DX100 sound that is (almost) universally praised, it’s the synth bass presets. You can hear a demo of the Solid Bass preset on the Reverb Machine website; it quickly became a favorite of house and dance music artists.
If you like the free DX100 presets and want to show some support, you can check out Reverb Machine’s bundles or even head to the Patreon page.
Download: Yamaha DX100 Factory Set (FREE – email required)
More:
- Dexed Free FM Synthesizer VSTi Plugin Released By Digital Suburban
- BaconPaul releases Six Sines, an Open-Source TX81Z-inspired FM synth plugin
Last Updated on February 13, 2025 by Tomislav Zlatic.
