DX7IID & DX7IIFD

Back in 1987, this synth took the revolutionary FM sound of the original DX7 and gave it real-world upgrades that players had been dreaming about, like actual buttons you can feel instead of flimsy membranes.

It packs 6-operator FM synthesis with 16-voice polyphony across a velocity-sensitive 61-key keyboard with aftertouch, now enhanced by bi-timbral split and layer modes for richer, two-part performances. The sturdy chassis measures about 39 inches wide by 13 inches deep and weighs around 23 pounds, with larger real-time sliders for hands-on control of parameters, dual LED displays, and improved 16-bit digital circuitry for cleaner audio via stereo outputs. Memory jumps to 64 internal voices and 32 performances (128/64 with external storage), plus better MIDI implementation, micro-tuning, and multiple LFOs.

Players love how it builds on the glassy, crystalline tones that defined '80s pop and beyond, with the FD model's floppy drive making patch management a breeze even today. That said, some note the learning curve for deep editing remains steep, true to its FM roots.