Dtronics has introduced the DT-RDX-V2, the second edition of its Yamaha reface DX editor that makes the 4-OP engine hands-on tweakable.
Yamaha has set its focus on flagship synthesizers, like the latest Montage M. Small, compact synths are more the topic of the other big Japanese players. But with their best-selling reface seres they have achieved to create sweet spot instruments par excellence. Surprisingly to me, the reface CS is one of my favorite synths in my studio.
In addition to the organ and electric piano, there is also the reface DX. A lovely-sounding DX-7-inspired FM Synthesizer with 4 operators and touch operation. A disadvantage of it is its more unintuitive, touch and button-based operation. Okay, it’s FM synthesis, it was to be expected.
The DT-RDX editor from the Dutch boutique manufacturer DTronics provides a remedy. It’s a hardware controller that exposes all parameters of the FM engine. This was announced and published in 2018. After 5 years it is now being discontinued. Long live version 2.
Dtronics DT-RDX-V2
DT-RDX-V2 is the second generation of its hardware controller for the Yamaha reface DX. The concept is unchanged and has the same functions. It exposes all parameters of the reface DX and makes them accessible with 41 knobs and 9 switches.
This hands-on approach also applies to the operators, often the trickiest part of an FM synth. On the hardware editor, you can select the desired operator and edit it. You can also manipulate multiple operators with the same parameters at the same time.
The difference between the RDX and RDX-V2 is one feature. It now hosts a hardware MIDI merger, giving you more flexibility. It ships with a MIDI cable to connect it to the reface DX and a power splitter cable to power both units.
DT-RDX-V2 is mounted on a newly designed holder with the Dtronics logo on it.
First Impression
For many the product may be uninteresting, especially for the asking price. But if you use the reface DX intensively, it could be a tempting add-on because it turns the portable Yamaha instrument into a very hands-on FM synth.
The price is high, yes, but it’s a special interest product and it comes from a small boutique manufacturer from the Netherlands. Thus, large quantities that would drive down the price are difficult to archive. Nonetheless, it’s nice that it exists.
Dtronics DT-RDX-V2 is available now for pre-order for an introductory price of 269€ instead of 299€. Shipping starts mid-November 2023.
More information here: Dtronics
Available at my partner
The Yamaha Reface series is indeed the sweet spot for size, easily fire-up and enjoy. I’ve really been hoping for successors in the series with trickle down tech from their flagship. But Yamaha being such a behemoth things move real slow. Still I’d get a quality Yamaha over a plastic Korg any day of the week.
What does “it hosts a midi merger” mean in practical application?
One of things I can’t figure out is if I can clock from an external midi clock to sync the looper.
This is a really clever little add-on. It is somewhat weird that the Reface DX echoes the old calculator-style programming interface of the classic DX100 without any thought to making it easier to use.
I suppose little plastic buttons are cheap…