Yamaha DX21

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DX21
A Yamaha DX21 synthesizer shown along with various 90s and 2000s-era groove machines.
Manufacturer	Yamaha
Dates	1985[1]
Technical specifications
Polyphony	8-voice
Timbrality	Bi-timbral
Oscillator	4-Operator, 8 algorithms
Synthesis type	FM
Filter	None
Aftertouch expression	Yes, via MIDI only
Velocity expression	Yes, via MIDI only
Storage memory	128 patches, 16 performances
Effects	Chorus
Input/output
Keyboard	61 key
Left-hand control	Modulation, pitch bend
External control	MIDI (In, Out, Thru)

The Yamaha DX21 is a digital controlled bi-timbral programmable digital FM synthesizer with a four operator synth voice generator which was released in 1985. It uses sine wave-based frequency modulation (FM) synthesis.^[2] It has two FM tone generators and a 32-voice random-access memory (RAM), 32 user voices and 128 read-only memory (ROM) factory preset sounds. As a programmable synth, it enables users to create their own unique synthesized tones and sound effects by using the algorithms and oscillators. The instrument weighs 8 kg (17.6 lbs). On its release, it sold for $795.