Yamaha DX9 alternate Firmware makes it a 6-Op, DX7-Compatible Synth
DX9/7 is an alternative firmware ROM for the Yamaha DX9 synthesizer that turns it into a 6-operator, DX7 compatible synth.
What the developer say about it:
“Its aim is to uplift the DX9’s functionality to more closely match that of the DX7. It restores features that were intentionally restricted in the firmware, such as increasing the operator count to six, and adding a pitch envelope generator. This ROM makes the synth properly patch-compatible with the DX7.
This is not a patch for the existing DX9 firmware, it is an entirely new firmware ROM. It has been assembled from the original binary, together with code from the DX7’s V1.8 ROM, as well as new code written from scratch.”
New Features:
- Makes the DX9 able to play DX7 patches.
- Restores the use of all six operators.
- The synth is now sensitive to the velocity of incoming MIDI notes.
- Implements the DX7’s pitch EG.
- Implements DX7 style operator scaling.
- Implements DX7 style portamento/glissando.
*Note: Potential users of the new firmware should note that it is not a patch, but an entirely new ROM. It does not turn the DX9 into a DX7, because some DX7 parameters have no equivalent controls on the DX9. The developer also describes the firmware as “highly experimental”, and we’re advised that “installing the firmware for everyday general use isn’t recommended just yet.”
Watch the video below to find out what the synth was all about.
It is fair to say that if you like the idea of getting a DX7 for a quarter of the price, check out the project at Github. If you are not hardcore, the stock DX9 sounds great and is still one of the best 4-op FM synths ever made.
via jrbattin
