Back in 1985, this little powerhouse hit the scene as Yamaha's most affordable ticket into FM synthesis, packing the full 4-operator editing punch of its pricier siblings into a pint-sized body that weighed just 2.7kg and slipped easily into a gig bag—or onto your shoulder with built-in strap buttons for keytar-style play.
At its core sits a pure digital FM engine with 8-note polyphony across 49 mini keys, delivering those signature metallic bells, glassy pads, and gritty basses through a single mono audio out. Navigation happens via a crisp LCD screen, 38 responsive rubber buttons, and dual sliders for precise parameter tweaks across 8 algorithms, while top-mounted pitch and mod wheels keep live control intuitive. Memory shines with 192 ROM presets, 24 editable RAM slots, and a clever Bank Play mode for custom 96-voice sets—plus a cassette interface for backups and MIDI In/Out/Thru for velocity from external gear, sustain/portamento footswitch, and breath controller inputs. Battery-powered on 6 C-cells or adapter, it's a road warrior at 628 x 219 x 75mm.
Players still chase these today for that iconic DX bass grit—think techno pioneers like the Belleville Three and Aphex Twin—and while the mini keys demand adaptation and presets can feel dated without edits, its build quality and sound potential keep it a cult favorite in electronic setups.
