YAMAHA DX5 Synthesizer - Sounds, Patches & Presets | FM Synth Demo

synth4ever

"Yamaha DX5 FM synthesizer demo featuring various sounds, patches & presets. This Yamaha DX5 synth demo showcases various patches including piano & electric piano, leads, bass, pads, brass, textures, noise and FX. Some reverb & delay effects from Eventide Space and Timefactor pedals.

The Yamaha DX5 is a vintage classic and rare 6-operator FM synthesizer from 1985-1987. It is essentially two Yamaha DX7 synthesizers in one case, and just a small step below the incredibly rare flagship Yamaha DX1 (it does not have the DX1's polyphonic aftertouch, algorithm LEDs or the extra wooden paneling, but is otherwise nearly identical).

With two Yamaha DX7 synths in one unit, the Yamaha DX5 features 76 keys, 32-voices of polyphony and excellent bi-timbral split and layering capabilities (A and B layers with 16-voices each). It also has 64 performance memories which can be loaded or saved to cartridge (the DX7 has only one manual performance memory), lots of patches, and XLR outputs for improved audio quality.

The Yamaha DX5 has an onboard LFO with multiple waveshaepes (Sine/Square/Tri/SAW up/SAW Down/Random), 6 Envelope generators with 8 parameters each and Portamento as well. FM synthesis programming on the Yamaha DX5 is fairly easy, as the control surface exposes most of the functions in a button-per-function format which reduces the menu-diving required.

Sound-wise the Yamaha DX5 is great for classic FM tones and the presets really bring you back to the mid-80s. With programming it can take you into new sonic territory. The sound quality from the DX5 has a nice texture, and helps give it a distinct tone which is warm and full for an FM synth. In this demo I tried to showcase a variety of Yamaha DX5 sounds, patches and presets in a basic sense, and also added some effects here and there to enhance them further.

Overall, the Yamaha DX5 is an amazing FM synth if you really love the sound of the Yamaha DX7, as it takes it to the next level. The Yamaha DX5 is fairly rare these days and commands high prices on the second hand market, but if you are into FM synthesis and you come across a DX5, don't hesitate to pick it up."

YAMAHA DX5 - Ambient piano music soundscape | Synthesizer demo

synth4ever

"Yamaha DX5 ambient piano music soundscape and synthesizer demo. This Yamaha DX5 ambient chillout song features the Yamaha DX5 FM synth + Eventide Timefactor delay and Space reverb effects.

In this piece I used the Yamaha DX5 to create a somber mood via a portamento lead patch, rhythmic delays and reverb. The Yamaha DX5 was in dual mode which layered two patches at once, for two distinct sounds. This is showcased via industrial noise sounds that come in midway through the piano improvisation.

The Yamaha DX5 is a classic FM synthesizer that enables creative applications, especially when mixing and matching various patches during a performance. As such I tried to create an ambient soundscape that reflected a more emotional state, especially considering the difficult times we are in today.

Hope you enjoy the music and Yamaha DX5 synth demo."

Upgraded Yamaha DX5

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"Here's your chance to own one of the Crown Jewels of 80's synth history, and the top of the DX line: the mighty Yamaha DX5. Along with its even bigger brother the DX1 (of which only 140 were made), the DX5 essentially puts two complete DX7 engines in one gorgeous body, and then adds significant upgrades like improved output circuitry with XLR jacks as well as standard 1/4", a much bigger display, double the polyphony, split/layer capability, two cartridge slots, and more.

However, this isn't a standard-issue DX5: this is a custom-modified and completely restored DX5 with higher-end components than the original. Frankly, this is the best-sounding DX synth you will ever hear - even better than a DX1, which are incredibly rare. The following tweaks/updates were done by SynthSpa within the last year:

- Upgraded hand-picked DA converters for pristine sound: the character of the DX1/DX5, but even more hi-fi

- New OLED screen to replace the old, dim EL display

- Totally rebuilt power supply with new capacitors

- New battery

- Completely rebuilt keybed: each key was washed, cleaned, and springs restored to feel brand new

- Custom Paduk wood trim sides

- Cleaned & restored sliders, jacks, pots & other electronic components; outputs rebalanced & optimized


A few other notes: the youtube link in my listing is this actual DX5, recorded in January 2021; however, some of the sounds are from a custom DX sample library I created - some of which are multiple stacks from a TX816.

This DX5 is in incredible shape as you can see in the pics & video; however, there is one minor small scratch near the display. The previous owner filled it in with brown paint, so it's not really noticeable under most circumstances - you have to be looking for it. It's under the temporary brown tape you can see in some of the pics in my listing; the tape has been removed. If you're as OCD as I am, you can do the same thing - or make a nice bezel to surround the display. If it doesn't sell, I'll happily keep it and build a nice wood trim bezel myself!"

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DX5 Playing Alphaville "The Jet Set" cover

video upload by DX5

"'The Jet Set' Instrumental cover.
Gear Used: Roland MRS-2 Promars, Access Virus TI Snow (choir wavetable layer), Roland JX-8P, Emu Emax 1 and Emax II. Backtrack previously recorded, track by track, by me from scratch in Pro Tools, also including a Roland D-10, JP8000 and Simmons SDS8. All sounds synthesized by me or belonging to my libraries.
Original song composed by Marian Gold / Bernhard Lloyd / Frank Mertens.
Performed here by DX5 Jose Maria Bara."

Update:

DX5 playing Alphaville "The Jet Set" (Take 2; recorded w/improved sound while streaming live)

video upload by DX5

"Yesterday I've recorded a cover of this song. Tonight I've just played it again on my Live Streaming and found out I am way more happy with the sound quality and balance than the previous version; thus I decided to upload it too. It does also include a few seconds before/after playing. (There is a barely noticeable jump at 00:28 that happened while broadcasting).
When I record an isolated cover, I do usually benefit from my old camera preamps/compressor. But when I am streaming live, I route audio (analogue) from my Pro Tools card output (Focusrite) to an audio card that feeds the streaming software, resulting in less sound make up. Also, audio levels were set different, resulting on this video.
Gear Used: Roland MRS-2 Promars, Access Virus TI Snow (choir wavetable layer triggered from the Emax1) , Roland JX-8P, Emu Emax 1 and Emax II.
Backtrack previously recorded, track by track, by me from scratch in Pro Tools, also including a Roland D-10, JP8000 and Simmons SDS8. All sounds synthesized by me or belonging to my libraries.
Original song composed by Marian Gold / Bernhard Lloyd / Frank Mertens.
Performed here by DX5 Jose Maria Bara."

DX5 playing Depeche Mode "Dangerous"

Published on Jan 16, 2015 DX5

The last time we saw DX5 was back in October of 2014. You'll find more Depeche Mode covers by DX5 here.

"Depeche Mode 'Dangerous'.
Gear used:

Roland JX8P.
Yamaha DX7
Emu Emax II

Backtrack and additional sounds recorded on Pro Tools.

Song composed by Martin L. Gore
Performed here by DX5 Jose Maria Bará. DX5 New Album with brand new songs coming soon.."

YAMAHA DX5 Synthesizer - Ambient Soundscape w/ Eventide Timefactor & Space

video by synth4ever

"Yamaha DX5 digital FM synthesizer - An ambient improvisation on the DX5 synth using Eventide Timefactor delay and Space reverb effects pedals. This music is titled Lothlórien and reminds me of Lord of the Rings, Middle Earth, the Elves, and Celtic influences.

In this ambient music piece I used a Yamaha DX5 synth harp patch that had built-in delay, and then enhanced it further with Eventide Timefactor and Space effects to create a soundscape revolving around a repeating motif and buildups.

The Yamaha DX5 is a 76-key vintage FM synthesizer and when paired with effects can create some nice soundscapes. Hope you enjoy the music and Yamaha DX5 synth demo.

All images copyright their respective authors."

DX5 10th Anniversary on Youtube

Published on Jun 28, 2016 DX5

Congrats to DX5! :) As regular readers of the site know, DX5's videos have been a mainstay over the years here on MATRIXSYNTH.

"Celebrating DX5 10th anniversary on Youtube. I decided to play not only one but some DM songs and my own tracks (from 'Long Play Three', tracklist details will be updated soon)

Recorded on the same day but in different shots while I was working (placing and removing the camera, then some slight camera variations -axis and light- can be found between takes)

Gear:
Roland JP8000, Emu Emax I, Kurzweil PC1x, Access Virus TI Snow, Roland Promars MRS-2. Backtracks recorded by me and launched on Pro Tools.

Looking forward to the next 20th anniversary"

YAMAHA DX5 - Ambient Pads & Ethereal Soundscape | Synth Demo

video upload by synth4ever

"Yamaha DX5 synthesizer ambient pads and ethereal soundscape, using Eventide Timefactor delay and Space reverb effects pedals. This Yamaha DX5 ambient music features portamento, vibrato and both short and long attack envelopes.

The Yamaha DX5 is a 76-key vintage FM synthesizer and when paired with effects can create some nice soundscapes. Hope you enjoy the music and Yamaha DX5 synth demo."

DX5 playing Van Halen "Jump" synth riff (only) on a JX-8P

video upload by DX5

"A riff that came to my head on yesterday's live streaming, played on a Roland JX-8P, as a sound demonstration. The sound reminds quite a lot the original Oberheim synth.
Van Halen's "Jump" originally composed by Alex Van Halen, David Lee Roth, Eddie Van Halen.
Synth riff performed here by DX5 Jose Maria Bara.
PS: DX5 is me, not that I am playing this on a Yamaha DX5 :-)"

DX5 playing "Rare".

Published on Jun 23, 2018 DX5

Cool shirt! :)

"Original track from DX5 "Pulse Four E.P.", out now (iTunes, Amazon, Google Play, etc).
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/pul...
Special thanks to matrixsynth.com (everything synth!) for their support all these years.
Gear:
Roland MRS-2 Promars.
Roland JX-8P
Emu EMAX II (DX7, Roland JP8000 and Virus samples)
Access Virus TI Snow
Kurzweil PC1x.
Composed by DX5 Jose Maria Bara."

---
Thank you DX5!

See more MATRIXSYNTH Bling here.

DX5 performing New Order "True Faith" cover

video upload by DX5

"New cover (after near five months). Sound design, backingtrack recording from scratch, etc made in an afternoon. (A DX5 was used on the original song, though there is no DX5 in my cover: it's just my nick).

Gear used:
Yamaha DX7 - Bass
Roland JX8P- Filtered Sawtooth pad
Emu Emax 1 - Chords (8P samples)
Emu Emax II - "Hook guitar" (Kurzweil PC1x post processed sound and the Emu Chorus heavily on :-).

Original song composed by Gillian Gilbert, Stephen Hague, Peter Hook, Stephen Morris, Bernard Sumner. Performed here live by DX5 Jose Maria Bara."

DX5 playing DX5 "Slave to the Emax"

YouTube Uploaded by DX5 on Apr 14, 2011

"Camera was shooting accidentally while cleaning dust, so I decided to save the moment and keep starting with the song.

Gear:
Upper: Emu EMAX II HD
Mid: Emu Emax
Lower: Kurzweil PC1x

Composed by Jose Maria Bara.

Track from DX5 Jose Maria Bara's album "Electronic Devices EP Vol.1", available now on iTunes, Amazon
and Spotify."

DX5 playing DM "Enjoy The Silence" World Violation Tour vers.

Published on Jul 4, 2015 DX5

"Enjoy The Silence Word Violation Tour (extended). The choir sounds closer to the live versions now. I also played Martin's guitar with the Kurzweil, adding some "wah" effect in the solo section.
Gear used:
Emu Emax.
Roland JX8P
Kurzweil PC1x

Composed by Martin L. Gore.
Performed here (including backtrack) by DX5 Jose Maria Bara.

DX5 new album with brand new songs is out. Check it out:
iTunes https://itunes.apple.com/es/album/lon...
Amazon mp3 & CD http://www.amazon.com/Long-Play-Three..."

Yamaha DX5

via this auction

"Wiki: 'The Yamaha DX5 is a synthesizer released by Yamaha in 1985. It was similar to the Yamaha DX1 but was more affordable. The Yamaha DX5 contains two Yamaha DX7 synthesizer engines with a larger backlight LCD display, a 76-key synth-action keyboard and better output converters, with XLR output jacks.'

*Please note that there's a few issues with VSE's listing; The DX5 DOES send 127 velocity, it just requires lots of force to do so (more than a normal keyboard). This can be altered with certain MIDI boxes and only really makes a difference if you're using this as a master keyboard. Also, I'm not sure what they're talking about with it being noiser than a DX7. This is MUCH quieter than the 3 or 4 DX7s I've played AND it has 3 XLR balanced outputs."

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Yamaha DX-5 with African Zebra Wood

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"Experience the same vintage FM synthesis as it's bigger brother the DX-1 at a third of the cost. This unit has been redesigned all the way around with african zebra wood for an exotic look and feel, it is gorgeous and fully functional. The DX-5 sound engine is identical to the DX1, with its dual 6-operator FM synth the DX5 is like having two DX7 synthesizers in one. The DX5 has 64 performance memories which can be loaded or saved to cartridge, while the DX7 has only one manual performance memory. This improves the versatility for live performance and makes excellent use of the dual engines. The DX7 style membrane buttons have been replaced with actual push-buttons with a backlit dual line display. For performances, the DX5 shares the DX1's bitimbric ability to play two patches from memory (Channel A and B) with the keyboard in layer or split mode. Comes loaded with Yamaha patches specifically designed for the DX-1/DX5. This unit is in near mint condition, what little scratches it had were retouched with a matching metallic paint and the entire panel re-coated for brilliance and protection."

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DX5 playing The Cure "A Forest" (Live) Cover

DX5

"'A Forest' Instrumental cover song, inspired by the Pinkpop Festival live performance.

Lately I am recording again some of the songs performed live by me on those 13 live streamings broadcasted from March to June (available in playlist). [previous posts of DX5 playing here]

Gear used:
Roland Promars MRS-2
Kurzweil PC1x

Backtrack previously recorded track by track on Pro Tools.

Original song composed by Simon Gallup, Mathieu Hartley, Robert Smith, Lol Tolhurst.

Performed here by DX5 Jose Maria Bara."

DX5 playing The Cure "Lullaby" & "Why Can't I Be You" Covers

DX5

"Lullaby (album version) cover.
Lately I am recording again some of the songs performed live by me on those 13 live streamings broadcasted from March to June
Gear used:
Yamaha DX7
Kurzweil PC1x
Backtrack previously recorded by me, track by track, on Pro Tools.
Original song composed by Simon Gallup, Roger O'Donnell, Robert Smith, Porl Thompson, Laurence Tolhurst, Boris Williams.
Performed here by DX5 Jose Maria Bara"

DX5 playing The Cure "Why Can't I Be You" Cover


Gear used:
Roland JX8P (it took over the whole song :) )
Backtrack previously recorded by me, track by track, on Pro Tools.

Yamaha DX5 FM Synthesizer

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"Here is a very rare and massive sounding FM beast of a synth.. The classic and legendary DX5. Essentially a DX1 minus the weighted keybed and top panel LEDs.

There is simply nothing like a DX5 / DX1 synth. It is by far the best and biggest sounding FM engine made. I personally A/B'd this against a DX7, DX7II and other FM synths.. the DX5 simply is superior in raw tone. PLUS its essentially TWO DX engines under the hood. Yummy!!!

It all works great and sound amazing. Battery is NEW as of 1-14-21 : ), all keys, jacks, buttons, sliders are great. No operational issues.

Also comes with the two ROM carts."

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Yamaha DX5 Massive FM Synthesizer

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"Here is a very rare and massive sounding FM beast of a synth.. The classic and legendary DX5. Essentially a DX1 minus the weighted keybed and top panel LEDs.

There is simply nothing like a DX5 / DX1 synth. It is by far the best and biggest sounding FM engine made. I personally A/B'd this against a DX7, DX7II and other FM synths.. the DX5 simply is superior in raw tone. PLUS its essentially TWO DX engines under the hood. Yummy!!!"

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DX5 Electronic Devices EP Vol1

YouTube Uploaded by DX5 on Mar 7, 2011
Some synth spotting. DX5 brought us these great videos.

"Available at iTunes and on Amazon.
(Spotify updated album coming soon)

DX5 Jose Maria Bara Album promo. Includes (in order of appearance):
Spoken Words, Electron Chase, Random Trust, Batch, Slave to the Emax, Pipeline

All tracks composed by Jose Maria Bara."