Dtronics DT-DX is a new upcoming hardware standalone version of the popular free Dexed FM Synthesizer plugin.
If you ask me about the most affordable way to get DX-7 sounds in your music production, I always recommend Dexed. It’s a super popular open-source FM Synthesizer plugin modeled on the legendary DX-7.
In the meantime, a DIY hardware port called MiniDexed is also available and runs on an inexpensive Raspberry Pi with up to eight instances. Dtronics, maker of various quality hardware editors, is now making a commercial miniDexed version for everyone with two left hands regarding DIY.
Dtronics DT-DX
The DT-DX is a new hardware FM Synthesizer based on the MiniDexed code running on Raspberry Pi models. It is based on the free Dexed plugin, which offers six operators, seven envelopes, and full support for DX-7/TX-7 SysEx programs.
Unlike the free plugin, the hardware port is a multi-timbral instrument that can run up to eight instances simultaneously with mixing options on the output. The support of multiple voices is archived through program change and bank change LSB/MSB MIDI messages.
Another advantage of the MiniDexed is the ability to detune and stere-shift every instance independently. Then, it also hosts a compressor and reverb effect.
Dtronics has opted for a very minimal interface. The compact desktop unit comes with a screen and a push knob controlling the menu. With its 144 available parameters per instance, this is certainly not the best workflow for tweaking parameters. Ok, but who wants to tweak a DX7 in real-time?
Connectivity
On the backside, the DT-DX offers a power on/off button, a USB port for power, a USB host for connecting a MIDI controller, traditional 5-pin MIDI in/out, and a stereo output on two 6.3mm line L/R outputs.
The USB host socket is an excellent addition, allowing you to attack a USB MIDI controller at any time to tweak the synth. And if you want to go all in, buy the Dtronics DT-7 and you have access to all parameters. Okay, this DX-7 focused hardware editor costs over €1200+. So it might be just something for hardcore DX-7 fans.
First Impression
It’s great to see that there are synth projects like this that are also available for non-DIY people. This new release could be exciting if you are looking for a multi-timbral DX-7-style synth.
Alternatively, there is the preenFM3, which offers more real-time control but differs from the DX-7 synthesis. Especially without operator feedback.
Dtronics DT-DX will be available soon. The price and availability are TBA.
More information here: Dtronics
As a sidenote, per prior news, there is also the Eurorack-format-but-seemingly-not-Eurorack-interfaced (i.e. 5-pin DIN MIDI only?) “dXeus machina” by gen X noise, see https://www.genxnoise.com/ , providing “eight stereo iterations of the MiniDexed DX7 in a 3U 8HP Eurorack platform, compatible with any MIDI keyboard or sequencer featuring MIDI out.”
I would’ve rather seen them upgrading their controller with this build in.
Also to mention in this context is the Microdexed Touch project. A kind of multitimbral micro synth (Nanobox size) which hosts two Dexed instances and a few other synths (Braids) and sample player and sequencer. It is advanced DIY only but if you asked me, one of the most impressive budget DIY projects (About 100€).
Oldie but goodie:
https://www.theonion.com/apple-introduces-revolutionary-new-laptop-with-no-keybo-1819594761
For that price you can pick up a Yamaha MODX with 8-Operator FM synthesis and 8 part multitimbrality. 😳
I don’t see a price for the DT-DX 😉 the mentionned price is the boutique DX-7 hardware controller which is a super niche product.
A very fun synth. I have the modwave as well. If you like one I’m sure you would like the other.
So, unless you also spend 1200+€ on the DT7-controller you’ll just be reaching new depths in menu-diving.
You have a MIDI host port where you can connect any MIDI knob controller you want. So you have all the options to dive into the rabbit hole of classic DX-7 synthesis 😉 You don’t need the DT-7. DT-7 is mainly for the Yamaha DX-7.