KVR Audio

sinkmusic · Post by **sinkmusic** » Sun Nov 11, 2007 2:01 pm

Hello
Since some weeks i enjoy playing with FM synths, and had that idea to buy a very cheapo 4op FM hardware one.
I have found the Tx81Z, which can be found for cheap easily, and it seems that the DS-55 is also very cheap nowadays (and seems to have the same FM system than TX81z, etc).
But i can't barely find any audio demos, samples, sounds about it.
Does anybody owns one ? Do you like it ? Can you tell me if it is a bit easier to program than a tx81z?
How is the sound (compared to a Dx-7, or a vsti fm synth) ?
THanks !

Jbravo · Post by **Jbravo** » Sun Nov 11, 2007 2:06 pm

I'm not familiar with that synth but with 4 operators and being cheap, it's going to sound very crude, like the synth you used to get on soundcards - maybe not rough quality but very limited in it's capabilities. I have a DX100 which has more operators but still sounds horrible! Unless you want very basic FM sounds I would avoid it. I think to get nice usable sounds you need a pretty complex FM synth which of course means it's that much more complicated to programme.

Jbravo · Post by **Jbravo** » Sun Nov 11, 2007 2:12 pm

there are some reviews here if you're interested:

http://reviews.harmony-central.com/revi ... DS-55/10/1

sinkmusic · Post by **sinkmusic** » Sun Nov 11, 2007 2:36 pm

Thank you for your opinion adn the links.
I am okay with a "crude " sound, and i am looking for lofiness, so it might do the trick

For more complex stuff i think i'll use powerfull vsti, but for quick and dirty and fun i'd prefer less features, a quicker way to set up and more instant fun.
I liked the demos i heard coming out of the Tx81Z, so if the DS55 can do the same with an embedded keyboard and 2 faders/mowheel, i think i'll go for it.

Jbravo · Post by **Jbravo** » Sun Nov 11, 2007 2:45 pm

sounds perfect then - have fun

CapnLockheed · Post by **CapnLockheed** » Tue Nov 13, 2007 5:32 pm

The DS-55 is ok, but there are better cheap Yammie 4op FM keyboards.
If you like the rough sound of the TX81Z,(I do!!

), might I
suggest a DX-21, DX-27 or YS-100, YS-200. These are all better
built than the DS-55 and, more importantly, unlike the DS-55, are
able to exchange patches with each other and the TX81Z.

Cheers.....CL

sinkmusic · Post by **sinkmusic** » Tue Nov 13, 2007 6:24 pm

ok, thank you for the advice, i'll give a look at them.

CapnLockheed · Post by **CapnLockheed** » Tue Nov 13, 2007 9:11 pm

Your quite welcome....I own a DX-21 its compact yet built like a tank
has an internal power supply,(no wall-wart YAY!!

), and IMHO
sounds great! I like 4 and 6 op FM synths all by themselves but I think
they really shine when mixed with other types of synthesis. That's one
of the things that makes a Yammie TG-77 so special...6opFM mixed with
AWM....Mmmmm....delicious!

Cheers....CL

cheap FM synth : yam DS-55 any good ?