DX21

Back in 1985, this synth brought the revolutionary FM sound of the flagship DX7 to more players with a slimmer design and built-in chorus—perfect for warming up those crystalline digital tones without extra gear.

It packs two independent 4-operator FM tone generators with 8 algorithms and per-operator envelope control, delivering 8-voice polyphony in single mode, or 4+4 in split/dual for layering bells, basses, and pads across its 61 full-size keys (C1-C6). Controls include pitch bend and mod wheels, data entry slider, balance knob, and a 2-line LCD for editing, plus footswitch and controller inputs for sustain, volume, and breath control. MIDI in/out/thru and cassette storage let you save unlimited patches beyond the 128 ROM presets and 32 RAM voices/32 performances, with stereo outs (mix A/B separate) and onboard chorus for instant depth.

Players love its fat dual detune for lush strings that rival bigger DX models at half the polyphony, durable build with internal PSU, and unique metallic/industrial edges—though some note the non-velocity keyboard (it accepts external MIDI velocity) and steep FM learning curve. A smart pick for vintage FM fans chasing that era's electric sparkle.