Yamaha Reface DX vs Korg Opsix

[kritikon]

Anyone had experience with both of them? TBH I wasn't in the market for a new FM synth, but I'm definitely coming around to the idea. Currently collecting some Behringer analogues (the vocoder is next on the list, followed by Wasp), but since I've been playing around with my Wavestate, I've got the vibe again for digital. I still use my old DX100 but it always frustrated me as it's obviously so limited. Can't do much in the way of modulating etc - and if you do it on the fly it's very glitchy, almost to the point of impossible to be musical.

TBH I never heard of the Yamaha Reface until yesterday, but it looks good. I get the impression the Reface is more limited than the Opsix, but from what I've heard it does the classic DX sounds more closely - I still love the DX for strong basses and vids of the Opsix seem to show it can't do that classic DX bass as closely. BUT, and a big BUT...the Opsix seems to be f**king hugely versatile in a way that DXes just weren't. Still very digital but loads of modulation and surprisingly fluid. I was watching this Japanese fella doing a review and I like the way he showed how easy it is to tweak and what depth it's got. (Some other reviews are just some dickhead f**king around - not always useful)


So - I kinda want a replacement for my DX100 - the Reface is the obvious one: Cheap as chips, does classic DX100 sounds and more, and can do a bit of weirdness. Also small like the DX100 (which I very much like). But I also kinda like how versatile the Opsix is - DX-ish in an almost way but quite inspiring for digital weirdness too (and I like synth weirdness). AND the Opsix makes FM look way more easier than Yamaha ever did. To me the layout makes it very intuitive - the Reface less so (more obscure like the traditional Yamaha, although improved for sure).

Any opinions from users?

Price is relevant I guess, as a quick Surf gives me NZ$800 for the Yamaha vs NZ$1200 for the Opsix. The Reface is more affordable - comparable to what Behringer are doing really. The Korg is stretching it (though I get that it offers way more than the Reface). I just never thought I'd lust after another FM synth. Strange...

[pdxindy]

Anyone had experience with both of them? TBH I wasn't in the market for a new FM synth, but I'm definitely coming around to the idea.

I haven't played either...

Some downsides of the Reface besides the mini keys. Not enough Polyphony. No Modwheel or hands on controls. Only 32 preset locations.

In comparison, the OPSix has 24-32 voice Polyphony, 250 factory and 250 user presets, full size keys with velocity and release velocity plus a Modwheel. It has a lot more hands on control. It also has a good filter and many more FX options. It also has more than FM with Ring Mod, Filter FM and Wavefolding. The OPSix also has 20+ waveforms, not just sine. It also has Midi In/Out

I would never buy a Reface as it is just too limited. The OPSix on the other hand is quite compelling mix of power and hands on fun. I've wanted one for a while...

[Uncle E]

Either Opsix or the real thing. Any original Yamaha besides a DX7, DX100, or TX81Z is still super cheap. Opsix sounds great and takes FM to a different level. It has the same computer patch handling as the Wavestate, too.

[kritikon]

Some downsides of the Reface besides the mini keys. Not enough Polyphony. No Modwheel or hands on controls. Only 32 preset locations.

In comparison, the OPSix has 24-32 voice Polyphony, 250 factory and 250 user presets, full size keys with velocity and release velocity plus a Modwheel. It has a lot more hands on control. It also has a good filter and many more FX options. It also has more than FM with Ring Mod, Filter FM and Wavefolding. The OPSix also has 20+ waveforms, not just sine. It also has Midi In/Out

I would never buy a Reface as it is just too limited. The OPSix on the other hand is quite compelling mix of power and hands on fun. I've wanted one for a while...

Strangely though, for me at least the mini keys is a bonus. One of the things I really love about my DX100 is the fact it's so small and compact - I even use it as a main keyboard often. Takes up very little desk space and handy for sitting on my knee or whatever when I just want to sit down and not f**k around properly in the studio. So the Reface big attraction for me initially was that it's so small, it's got mini keys and it's basically a perfect replacement for the DX100. Looks like a toy, feels like a toy, small enough to be a toy but sounds properly not like a toy. A bigger downside for the Opsix is its size - looks to be exactly the same size as the Wavestate - which is OK, but it means I'd have to have it on a stand like a proper synth. Which is not necessarily a good thing. I could even take the Reface upstairs back into the house and play around on it outside of the studio exactly because it's so dinky.

[digitallysane]

I don't have either, but I spent quite a bit of time watching a lot of stuff related to the Reface DX, being almost decided to get one.
For the price and form factor, it's a monster. Also, the continous feedback per OP thing gives it possibilities that are in the 6-OP FM league.

That being said, in the end I got a MODX6.
If FM modulation is what you're after, you can't get better than this.
Also, patch editing is very fast and intuitive, great workflow.
But it's more expensive than the Opsix (actually, considering what it offers, the price is a steal IMO) and much bigger.

[BONES]

I'm pretty sure the Reface synths don't have patch memory. Surely that makes the decision easy? But then, to make it harder again, there is also Elektron's Digitone.

[digitallysane]

I'm pretty sure the Reface synths don't have patch memory. Surely that makes the decision easy? But then, to make it harder again, there is also Elektron's Digitone.

The Reface DX has (the only one in the range).
Comes with 32 presets that can be overwritten with user patches (so no separate memory for those).

There are also software patch editors available.

[kritikon]

I don't have either, but I spent quite a bit of time watching a lot of stuff related to the Reface DX, being almost decided to get one.
For the price and form factor, it's a monster. Also, the continous feedback per OP thing gives it possibilities that are in the 6-OP FM league.

That being said, in the end I got a MODX6.
If FM modulation is what you're after, you can't get better than this.
Also, patch editing is very fast and intuitive, great workflow.
But it's more expensive than the Opsix (actually, considering what it offers, the price is a steal IMO) and much bigger.

Cheers, I'll have to have a look at the ModX6 - never heard of that one either. Though if it's even more than the Opsix...that's probably putting it above what I want to spend on an FM synth. Opsix was pushing it, the Reface attracted me because it's cheap - I'll spend up large on a major synth happily, but anything FM is not going to be a focal point of any of my musical noodlings, so....

[kritikon]

I'm pretty sure the Reface synths don't have patch memory. Surely that makes the decision easy? But then, to make it harder again, there is also Elektron's Digitone.

The Reface DX has (the only one in the range).
Comes with 32 presets that can be overwritten with user patches (so no separate memory for those).

There are also software patch editors available.

Patch memory not a deal breaker for me. I will never be gigging. If it has at least some patch memory, it'll do. I can save patches outside the synth and load them in, I assume - or as mentioned, an editor librarian is OK for me. Must admit it seems odd to only have 32 patches on a digital synth (I mean - the DX100 had what?...4 banks of 16 or something. That was early 80s - it's a poor effort to only have 32 in 2021 admittedly). Memory is not a big thing nowadays - I get it for an analogue, but not really any excuse for digital IMO. But...I've used and will use plenty of synths without patch memory - OK by me, as long as the synth is good enough to be used.

[digitallysane]

Cheers, I'll have to have a look at the ModX6 - never heard of that one either. Though if it's even more than the Opsix...that's probably putting it above what I want to spend on an FM synth. Opsix was pushing it, the Reface attracted me because it's cheap - I'll spend up large on a major synth happily, but anything FM is not going to be a focal point of any of my musical noodlings, so....

Well, the MODX is a major synth with a very powerful FM engine

[kritikon]

Had a quick look for the ModX6 - NZ$2200 and looks like a full workstation. Definitely not what I want. Workstations certainly have more than those I grew up on back in the day, but A) I don't gig, B) just have too much stuff on board that I won't use or need.
For me, buying a new FM synth is pretty well only as a replacement for a synth that was never the major focus in my h/w anyway. Nice to have, even better if I can get more bells and whistles, but for me not essential, and my DAW is my workstation. I just don't need a multitimbral synth with gazillions of pianos, pads, drumkits and FX that won't be used. I might like the FM part of it but not the rest. Take out the workstation part of it, leave the FM, half the price...I might be interested.

[digitallysane]

Had a quick look for the ModX6 - NZ$2200 and looks like a full workstation.

Yep, that's what it is.

For me, buying a new FM synth is pretty well only as a replacement for a synth that was never the major focus in my h/w anyway. Nice to have, even better if I can get more bells and whistles, but for me not essential, and my DAW is my workstation.

So a VSTi is not an option, then?
Tracktion F'em is a new one that seems to be much liked. I personally can't stand the matrix-type UI for FM, but the thing is certainly very powerful.

I just don't need a multitimbral synth with gazillions of pianos, pads, drumkits and FX that won't be used. I might like the FM part of it but not the rest. Take out the workstation part of it, leave the FM, half the price...I might be interested.

Well, the Reface DX is cheap and straightforward and hits way above its price. And its portable.
Opsix is more innovative and has a broader palette.

[pdxindy]

Strangely though, for me at least the mini keys is a bonus.

That is why there is different gear for different interests.

For me, the 8 voice polyphony is a no no when it comes to playing a classic DX electric piano sound. That would just piss me off.

And the 32 presets limit is basically also a showstopper.

[kcearl]

The reface is a really nice synth surprisingly, I found myself playing it more than my DX 7 as it was easier to edit. The speakers are decent enough and surprisingly the keys are very playable. But it sits on a shelf. I have a habit of buying small desktops and synths like the refaces or microfreak and then just shelving them...regardless of sounds or features they just feel like toys to me after a while. Id far rather have he Opsix, Id definitely use it more, I need the physically presence to gel with a synth, especially when it comes to keys (both my Karp and MS50mini are never played, key size again)

[Uncle E]

That being said, in the end I got a MODX6.
If FM modulation is what you're after, you can't get better than this.
Also, patch editing is very fast and intuitive, great workflow.
But it's more expensive than the Opsix (actually, considering what it offers, the price is a steal IMO) and much bigger.

The MODX and Montage have great FM. Amazing keyboards.