EMW DX5000 is a new desktop dual-timbral DX-7-style FM Synthesizer sound player with a layering option and effects.
In early July, I reported on the DX7000, an FM Synthesizer from the Brazilian company EMW that functions solely as a sound player. So, no patch editing.
With the DX5000, EMW has now unveiled another FM Synthesizer player similar to the DX7000 but with the ability to play back two sounds.
EMW DX5000
DX5000 is a new desktop 32-voice dual-timbral DX-7-style FM Synthesizer. The EMW DX5000 essentially follows the same concept as the DX7000, but has space for two sounds that can be played simultaneously.
It has two layers; each is an independent 16-voice FM Synthesizer that can play a DX-7 patch. It has layer and split functionality, letting you create versatile dual-timbral sounds.
Yes, the sounds are based on the DX-7 sound banks. The synth comes with its own presets, but you can also load your own. According to EMW, it ships with 1400 internal sounds, plus 256 additional user locations for storing custom patches.
A preset browser manages your sounds and organizes them into types like bass, leads, and more. You can’t edit sounds in detail, such as modifying the FM algorithms. It’s a pure FM sound playback device. However, you can scratch the sound surface.
Each part allows you to transpose and fine-tune your sounds. Additionally, you can load an independent effects processor per part, including delay, reverb, phaser, chorus, bloom, filter with envelope, and EQ.
Additionally, a mixer with per-part volume and pan control gives you full flexibility over each loaded sound and how you want to position it in the stereo field.
On the back, the EMW DX5000 offers slightly more connectivity than its little brother, the DX7000. It has a DC input, 5-pin MIDI IN and OUT, a sustain pedal input, and stereo connectivity via two 6.3mm mono outputs (L+R).
First Impression
DX-7 sounds are popular. So I’m sure there will be musicians who enjoy using an easy-to-use FM Synthesizer sound player like the DX5000. I wonder why they didn’t make the synth dual-timbral from the start.
I would name the dual version the DX7000 and the single the DX5000; otherwise, it’s a bit strange.
EMW DX5000 availability and price are TBA. The DX7000 is available now for $365 (MSRP). The synths are hand-built in Brazil.
More information here: EMW
The naming follows the Yamaha dx convention. ie dx 7 v dx 5 which was two dx 7s in a box.
Why get this over the M-Vave FM1 which goes for 50/75,-
good question. If you are on a budget, you probably go for the M-VAVE. The EMW is bi-timbral, has big outputs, classic 5-pin MIDI, and is hand-built in Brazil. Those are the obvious differences. The FM1 is programmable on the hardware, has more controls, is more portable, and has a built-in battery.
Or if you really want the multi-timbrality and some other features, build (or have someone build) a MicroDEXED-Touch for about $200.