Arturia DX7 V: The Best-Selling Synth of All Time Reimagined for the Digital Age
Arturia - DX7 V1.2.1.1797: A Software Reimagining of the Best-Selling Synth of All Time
The Yamaha DX7 is one of the most iconic synthesizers in history, selling over 200,000 units since its introduction in 1983. It was the first successful digital synthesizer, using a novel technique called frequency modulation (FM) synthesis to create complex and expressive sounds that were impossible to achieve with analog synthesizers.
Arturia - DX7 V1.2.1.1797 (STANDALONE, VSTi, VSTi3, AAX) X86-x64 Full Version
However, despite its popularity and influence, the Yamaha DX7 was also notoriously difficult to program and control, due to its limited interface and complex architecture. Many users relied on presets or external editors to access its full potential.
That's where Arturia comes in. Arturia is a French company that specializes in creating software emulations of classic synthesizers, keyboards, organs, drum machines, and more. Their products combine faithful sound reproduction with modern features and functionality. Their products are compatible with most digital audio workstations (DAWs) and can also be used as standalone applications.
One of their products is the Arturia DX7 V, a software reimagining of the Yamaha DX7. The Arturia DX7 V not only recreates the sound and feel of the original synth, but also adds new features and enhancements that make it more powerful and versatile than ever before.
In this article, we will explore the Arturia DX7 V in detail, covering its features, specifications, user interface, workflow, installation, and usage. We will also compare it to the original Yamaha DX7 and highlight its benefits and advantages. By the end of this article, you will have a clear understanding of what the Arturia DX7 V can do and how to use it to create amazing sounds.
What is the Yamaha DX7?
The Yamaha DX7 is a digital synthesizer that was released in 1983 by the Japanese company Yamaha. It was the first commercially successful digital synthesizer, selling over 200,000 units worldwide. It was also the first synthesizer to use FM synthesis, a technique that allows for generating complex and dynamic sounds by modulating the frequencies of simple waveforms.
The Yamaha DX7 had a distinctive sound that was widely used in various genres of music, especially pop, rock, jazz, and electronic music. Some of the famous artists and bands that used the Yamaha DX7 include Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Phil Collins, Brian Eno, Depeche Mode, A-ha, and more.
The Yamaha DX7 had 16 voices of polyphony, meaning it could play up to 16 notes at the same time. It had 32 patching algorithms that determined how its six operators (signal generators) were connected and interacted with each other. It had 128 preset sounds that could be stored in internal memory or on external cartridges. It had a 61-key keyboard with velocity and aftertouch sensitivity. It had a pitch bend wheel and a modulation wheel for expressive control. It had MIDI input and output ports for connecting with other devices.
However, the Yamaha DX7 also had some drawbacks and limitations. It had a small LCD screen and a complex menu system that made it hard to program and edit sounds. It had no effects or filters built-in, so it relied on external processors to enhance its sound. It had no arpeggiator or sequencer functions, so it could not create rhythmic patterns or melodies on its own. It had no unison mode, so it could not stack multiple voices for thicker sounds.
What is FM Synthesis?
FM synthesis stands for frequency modulation synthesis, a method of generating sounds by modulating the frequencies of simple waveforms (such as sine waves) with other waveforms. This results in complex and harmonically rich sounds that can vary depending on the modulation parameters.
FM synthesis was invented by John Chowning at Stanford University in the late 1960s and early 1970s. He discovered that by modulating a sine wave with another sine wave at a high frequency ratio (such as 2:1 or 3:1), he could create metallic and bell-like sounds that were not possible with analog synthesizers. He also discovered that by modulating a sine wave with another sine wave at a low frequency ratio (such as 1:1 or 1:2), he could create vibrato and tremolo effects.
Chowning patented his invention and licensed it to Yamaha in 1973. Yamaha developed their own FM synthesis chips and incorporated them into their synthesizers, such as the GS1, DX9, DX21, TX81Z, SY77, and of course, the DX7.
FM synthesis has several advantages over other types of synthesis. It can create a wide range of sounds, from realistic acoustic instruments to futuristic electronic sounds. It can create complex timbres that change over time depending on the modulation parameters. It can create sounds that are harmonically rich without using much memory or processing power.
What is Arturia DX7 V?
Arturia DX7 V is a software reimagining of the Yamaha DX7 synthesizer. It is part of Arturia's V Collection series, which includes software emulations of other classic synthesizers such as the Minimoog, Prophet-5, Jupiter-8, CS-80, ARP 2600, and more.
Arturia DX7 V faithfully recreates the sound and feel of the original Yamaha DX 7 synthesizer, using the same FM synthesis technique and algorithms. It also adds new features and enhancements that make it more powerful and versatile than ever before. Some of these features and enhancements include: - A modulation matrix that allows for flexible routing and modulation of various parameters by various sources, such as LFOs, envelopes, velocity, aftertouch, and more. - An effects and filters section that offers a range of sound-shaping options, such as chorus, delay, reverb, distortion, EQ, bit crusher, phaser, flanger, and more. - A unison mode that allows for stacking multiple voices for thicker and richer sounds, with adjustable detune and spread parameters. - An arpeggiator and sequencer section that allows for creating rhythmic patterns and melodies with various modes and settings, such as direction, octave range, swing, gate, and more. - A simple mode that provides a streamlined and intuitive interface with only the basic controls and parameters, such as volume, pan, pitch bend range, algorithm selection, operator level and ratio, feedback amount, and output level. - An advanced mode that provides access to all the features and functions of the DX7 V with a graphical interface that mimics the original hardware, with six operator panels, an algorithm panel, a modulation matrix panel, an effects and filters panel, a unison mode panel, an arpeggiator and sequencer panel, and a global settings panel. - A preset browser that allows for easy access to the presets and sound banks that come with the DX7 V, including classic sounds from the original DX7 as well as new sounds from professional sound designers. The preset browser also allows for creating custom categories and tags for organizing sounds. Features and Specifications
Operators
The operators are the building blocks of FM synthesis. They are signal generators that can be used as carriers or modulators. Each operator has its own frequency, level, waveform, and envelope controls.
The DX7 V has six operators per voice. Each operator can produce one of six waveforms: sine (the default), sawtooth, square, triangle, half-sine (a sine wave with only positive values), or white noise. Each operator can also have its own feedback amount, which means it can modulate itself to create more complex waveforms.
The DX7 V also has four envelope generators per operator. Each envelope generator has four stages: attack (how long it takes to reach the maximum level), decay (how long it takes to reach the sustain level), sustain (the level that is maintained until the note is released), and release (how long it takes to reach zero level). The envelope generators can be used to shape the amplitude or frequency of the operators over time.
Algorithms
The algorithms are the patching schemes that determine how the operators are connected and interact with each other. They affect the overall sound and timbre of the synth.
The DX7 V has 32 algorithms to choose from. Each algorithm consists of one or more stacks of operators. A stack is a group of operators that are connected in series (one after another). The bottom operator in a stack is always a carrier (it produces the audible output), while the other operators in a stack are modulators (they modulate the frequency of the carrier or another modulator). The stacks are then connected in parallel (side by side) to form the final output.
The DX7 V also has a graphical display that shows the current algorithm and its connections. The display also allows for adjusting the output level of each stack.
Modulation Matrix
The modulation matrix is a feature that allows for flexible routing and modulation of various parameters by various sources. It can be used to create dynamic and expressive sounds that respond to different inputs.
The DX7 V has a modulation matrix with 12 slots. Each slot consists of three elements: a source (the modulator), a destination (the parameter to be modulated), and an amount (the intensity of the modulation). The source can be one of 16 options: LFO1 (a low-frequency oscillator), LFO2 (another low-frequency oscillator), ENV1 (an envelope generator), ENV2 (another envelope generator), ENV3 (another envelope generator), ENV4 (another envelope generator), Velocity (how hard the key is pressed), Aftertouch (how much pressure is applied after pressing the key), Mod Wheel (the position of the modulation wheel), Pitch Bend (the position of the pitch bend wheel), Key Follow (the position of the key on the keyboard), Random (a random value), Operator 1 Output Level (the output level of operator 1), Operator 2 Output Level (the output level of operator 2), Operator 3 Output Level (the output level of operator 3), or Operator 4 Output Level (the output level of operator 4 ). The destination can be one of 24 options: Operator 1 Frequency (the frequency of operator 1), Operator 2 Frequency (the frequency of operator 2), Operator 3 Frequency (the frequency of operator 3), Operator 4 Frequency (the frequency of operator 4), Operator 5 Frequency (the frequency of operator 5), Operator 6 Frequency (the frequency of operator 6), Operator 1 Level (the level of operator 1), Operator 2 Level (the level of operator 2), Operator 3 Level (the level of operator 3), Operator 4 Level (the level of operator 4), Operator 5 Level (the level of operator 5), Operator 6 Level (the level of operator 6), Feedback Amount (the amount of feedback for the current algorithm), Output Volume (the overall volume of the synth), Output Pan (the stereo position of the synth), Filter Cutoff (the cutoff frequency of the filter), Filter Resonance (the resonance amount of the filter), Filter Drive (the distortion amount of the filter), Filter Mix (the balance between the dry and wet signals of the filter), Effect Mix (the balance between the dry and wet signals of the effect section), Effect Parameter 1 (a parameter that varies depending on the selected effect type), Effect Parameter 2 (another parameter that varies depending on the selected effect type), Effect Parameter 3 (another parameter that varies depending on the selected effect type), or Effect Parameter 4 (another parameter that varies depending on the selected effect type). The amount can be a positive or negative value, indicating the direction and strength of the modulation.
The DX7 V also has a graphical display that shows the current modulation matrix and its connections. The display also allows for adjusting the amount of each slot by dragging the sliders.
Effects and Filters
The effects and filters section is a feature that offers a range of sound-shaping options, such as chorus, delay, reverb, distortion, EQ, and more. It can be used to enhance and modify the sound of the synth.
The DX7 V has an effects and filters section with four slots. Each slot can host one of nine effect types: Chorus/Flanger/Phaser, Delay, Reverb, Distortion/Bit Crusher, Parametric EQ, Compressor, Limiter, Vocal Filter, or Ring Modulator. Each effect type has four parameters that can be adjusted to change its sound and behavior.
The DX7 V also has a filter section with two types: Low Pass or High Pass. The filter section has four parameters: Cutoff, Resonance, Drive, and Mix. The cutoff parameter controls the frequency at which the filter starts to attenuate the signal. The resonance parameter controls the amount of boost or peak at the cutoff frequency. The drive parameter controls the amount of distortion or saturation applied to the signal. The mix parameter controls the balance between the dry and wet signals.
The DX7 V also has a graphical display that shows the current effects and filters section and its settings. The display also allows for adjusting the parameters of each slot and filter by dragging the knobs.
Unison Mode
The unison mode is a feature that allows for stacking multiple voices for thicker and richer sounds. It can be used to create powerful leads, pads, basses, and more.
The DX7 V has a unison mode with two parameters: Voices and Detune. The voices parameter controls how many voices are stacked per note. The detune parameter controls how much each voice is detuned from each other. The DX7 V also has a spread parameter that controls how much each voice is panned across the stereo field.
The DX7 V also has a graphical display that shows the current unison mode and its settings. The display also allows for adjusting the parameters by dragging the sliders.
Arpeggiator and Sequencer
The arpeggiator and sequencer section is a feature that allows for creating rhythmic patterns and melodies with various modes and settings. It can be used to add movement and interest to the sound of the synth.
The DX7 V has an arpeggiator and sequencer section with six parameters: Mode, Octave Range, Swing, Gate, Steps, and Pattern. The mode parameter controls how the notes are played in sequence. There are six modes to choose from: Up (plays the notes from lowest to highest), Down (plays the notes from highest to lowest), Up & Down (plays the notes from lowest to highest and then back down), Down & Up (plays the notes from highest to lowest and then back up), Random (plays the notes in a random order), and As Played (plays the notes in the order they were played). The octave range parameter controls how many octaves are spanned by the sequence. The swing parameter controls how much the timing of the sequence is shifted to create a groove or shuffle feel. The gate parameter controls how long each note is held in the sequence. The steps parameter controls how many steps are in the sequence. The pattern parameter controls the shape of the sequence, which can be drawn or edited on a grid.
The DX7 V also has a graphical display that shows the current arpeggiator and sequencer section and its settings. The display also allows for adjusting the parameters by dragging the knobs or drawing on the grid.
User Interface and Workflow
Simple Mode
The simple mode is a feature that provides a streamlined and intuitive interface with only the basic controls and parameters. It can be used to quickly and easily access and edit the sound of the synth.
The DX7 V has a simple mode that consists of four sections: Volume, Pan, Pitch Bend Range, and Algorithm. The volume section controls the overall volume of the synth. The pan section controls the stereo position of the synth. The pitch bend range section controls how much the pitch of the synth can be bent up or down using the pitch bend wheel. The algorithm section controls which algorithm is used for the current sound. The algorithm section also has six sliders that control the level and ratio of each operator.
The DX7 V also has a graphical display that shows the current simple mode and its settings. The display also allows for adjusting the parameters by dragging the sliders or selecting the algorithm.
Advanced Mode
The advanced mode is a feature that provides access to all the features and functions of the DX7 V with a graphical interface that mimics the original hardware. It can be used to fully explore and customize the sound of the synth.
The DX7 V has an advanced mode that consists of seven sections: Operator Panels, Algorithm Panel, Modulation Matrix Panel, Effects and Filters Panel, Unison Mode Panel, Arpeggiator and Sequencer Panel, and Global Settings Panel. Each section has its own set of controls and parameters that correspond to its function. The operator panels control the frequency, level, waveform, feedback, and envelope of each operator. The algorithm panel controls which algorithm is used for the current sound and its output level. The modulation matrix panel controls how various parameters are modulated by various sources. The effects and filters panel controls which effects and filters are applied to the sound and their settings. The unison mode panel controls how many voices are stacked for each note and their detune and spread settings. The arpeggiator and sequencer panel controls how rhythmic patterns and melodies are created with various modes and settings. The global settings panel controls various settings that affect the overall behavior of the synth, such as tuning, transpose, glide, polyphony, MIDI channel, MIDI mapping, etc.
The DX7 V also has a graphical display that shows the current advanced mode and its settings. The display also allows for adjusting the parameters by dragging the knobs, sliders, buttons, switches, or grids.
How to Install and Use Arturia DX7 V?
Arturia DX7 V is a software synthesizer that can be used on your computer using a DAW or standalone mode. To install and use Arturia DX7 V, you need to follow these steps:
Register an account on the Arturia website and download the Arturia Software Center (ASC) application.
Launch the ASC application and log in with your Arturia account credentials.
Click on the Install button next to the DX7 V product and wait for the installation to complete.
Click on the Activate button next to the DX7 V product and enter your serial number and unlock code that you received via email or from your retailer.
Launch your DAW and scan for new plugins. You should see the DX7 V plugin in your list of available instruments.
Create a new track and load the DX7 V plugin as an instrument. You can now play and edit the DX7 V sounds using your MIDI keyboard or controller.
If you want to use the DX7 V as a standalone application, you can launch it from the ASC application or from your computer's start menu or applications folder. You can then play and edit the DX7 V sounds using your MIDI keyboard or controller.
Benefits of Arturia DX7 V?
Arturia DX7 V is a software reimagining of the Yamaha DX7 synthesizer that offers many benefits and advantages over the original hardware. Some of these benefits and advantages are:
It recreates the sound and feel of the original Yamaha DX7 with high fidelity and accuracy, using the same FM synthesis technique and algorithms.
It adds new features and enhancements that make it more powerful and versatile than ever before, such as a modulation matrix, effects and filters, unison mode, arpeggiator and sequencer, simple mode, advanced mode, presets and sound banks, etc.
It provides a user-friendly and intuitive interface that makes it easy to program an