Yamaha DX200

Groovebox with 1 FM synth track + 3 tracks beats / samples.
Connectivity: 1 out left, 1 right out, 1 twelve o'clock In, 1 MIDI out, 1 headphone
1 not sequencer 16, at two stages of the synthesizer with possibility of morphing between two.
Ability to record automation parameters up to 8 steps.
The step sequencer can also be used in front of transposable keyboard 7 or 8 octaves.
1 multi-mode filter powerful enough
1 multi-effects fairly well but configurable
Memory: 256 patterns factory, 128 user patterns.

UTILIZATION

Well, it is not simple, it's Yamaha.
Sequencing and rhythmic synth tracks is a bit obscure, but in the end we came to understand the operation and you can compose quickly enough and with some pleasure.
In fact this boiboite hides a lot of opportunities, a lot of hidden features of type "shift + button ...".
But do not panic, why the manual is very nice because it takes the form of a tutorial / tips that make us know the machine very quickly and fun. We quickly found what you want in the manual if in doubt.

SOUNDS

The FM synth is very good, you can create very airy structures, highly crystalline, FM, everything. Well, for me it is random editing, because FM is hot to master, but it's still fun because with all the knobs on the front there is always something to be learned.
Attention, in-depth editing some parameters through the editing software, but I personally have not, but I do not care. I often plant based patterns and I back in every way to make my "own thing".

The rhythms are very well I find a set to complement existing. This sample is therefore quite limited edition (pitch, gate time, velocity, selection instruments). Do not expect a serious beatbox type Elektron, Jomox, TR, etc.. but you can create some interesting rhythmic combinations, since it may take several different beats on the same track. In addition there is that of the drum, there is bass notes, oriental percussions, fx, etc.. Cool.

The filter is composed of a cut-off, 1 resonance, one modifier envelope.
The filter is very powerful enough, can get good infra LP mode can be quite loud in the other modes.

Finally, I find the multi-effects very well, we have an excellent reverb for the dub, delay (very good), flanger, phaser, and overdrive.
One big downside: you can select an effect pattern-set the same way on each track. Only the volume of the effect can be different from one track to another.

I put 8 sounds (synth 9, 7 for rhythm)

OVERALL OPINION

This machine is not the center of my config, it is clear, but I love it.
She decorates a set beautifully. There is always something to be learned.
I like eg smacking a snare, a tom with a good reverb above (yes I love dub) or use the synth as Fx, or superb FM leads well.

In addition I paid 200 € and it is largely under-side for fun and the possibilities it offers.

It is so well this little box that when I have the opportunity I will take the AN200, his little sister.

It's a treat this machine, difficult to feed with seriously, but it's good!!

Groovebox three tracks of rhythm and an FM synth, sequencer not til 16, a multi-effects, two tuning parameter of the synthesis by patern with the posibility of morphing to go from a 4-track and other al movement button up til 8 measures.

UTILIZATION

To abort the first day I find the composition a bit dificult paterns with many using the shift button, but the second utlisaion j ca finally have found very ergonomic and rapide.Les synth parameter in almost all its frontage and for the effect , is a sub menu arboressance very simple, and just have the small display. The manual and clear and cool, it's like to follow a tutorial, the coup was the end all we know of the beast.

SOUNDS

The FM is great!! At any point and the sound of bass note ryhtmique are pretty good but very little effect editables.Les are quality.
J have been perfect because of a synth

OVERALL OPINION

J had to explore the not more than four hours, that is enough to understand how it works. But it will take me much longer to master the FM, cons quickly found by fiddling of sound has its taste.
J also have an EA1 and KSrack that are not really comparable to the DX200.

J adore:
The ITS FM
the posibility of editing notes with potentiometers
the extent of editing of the FM once we managed (after of heavy tests) has DX200editor install under win XP.

J not like:
nothing
be little minimalism of the rhythm section but little not have everything.

Very good value for money second hand.
J as well buy another to replace in case ....

Characteristic:
Control box FM Synthesis
6 FM operators + filters (Noise, AMP .,...)
Polyfony 16 channels and 32 notes.
256 + 128 User preset Partern patern (only)
Scenes 2 (for the sound mix 2)
MIDI in & out
headphones output jack 6.35
Output R / L mono or stereo 6.35
weight 1.6kg
software (not great) for Windows or Mac OS.
outdoor power supply (C better!)

UTILIZATION

C the first time I had on hand a instrment of this type ... more accustomed to software that I was.
use and apretissage are tedious.
but with the instructions supplied by the manufacturer even a beginner (which is my case) finished (with some hair in less anyway) a way out.
FM synthesis is extremely difficult to handle (?), note however, as long as we take the trouble, the results in terms of sonnorites really interesting.
however, it is my humble opinion was necessary to add the + speed and a MIDI keyboard can be a data archiver.
pity that the lack of maneuverability of the harm apareil autantba use (or is it the lack of dexterity due to my lack of practice?), because the note recharcher turning the pots .... it hurts a little creativity.
otherwise, no one came to regret having a good time!

SOUNDS

Difficult to do anything other than music .... LOUD !!!!!!!!!!!!
the

OVERALL OPINION

After hearing prioduits as 100% digital synthesis q'uanalogique s'es my choice is on FM.
This changes the sound of analog products.
+ sounds are clear and dry and, surprisingly, do not lose too much heat.
too bad the price is a bit expensive (547Euros) ...
in terms Of Report Q / P anyway, in this type of machines, there is no concurrency to date.
with lots of practice (the machine is attached), I think the choice are not a regret, because (almost) everything is possible with the DX200.

The DX200 is halfway between a groovebox and synth sound research
a track for the synth
three for the part percussionist / bass sounds in wavetable XG type, for those who do not see, think RM1X
Almost everything can be edited with the buttons and control knobs, the DX200 is handled like an analog.
In audio, headphone jack and line out left / right stereo, MIDI out / in / thru sync master / slave with any sequencer.

UTILIZATION

Publishing is a simple inversely proportional to the complexity of FM synthesis. The configuration is never a problem, when compared with the groovebox it has nothing to do, while TSE simple, the manual tends to show redundant.

SOUNDS

Contrary to what some say, FM synthesis was intended to create realistic sounds, and finally only when one considers that she was better than analog. Today it may seem horribly dated when using a DX7, but with the DX200, is another world opening jaded to all the FM: 3 types of filters, delay, overdrive, a flanger, chorus, several LFO, noise generator, a brief summary of what to upgrade that finally has something to say. The noise level gives a good variety of sounds, tablecloths, low terrible of portamento lead in very hot, so Propellerheads organs, electric pianos or even sounds a guitarist would not disown (I myself am and I even laid the rhythmic well sealed with the ministry!).
All styles are affordable little we invest in mainpulation sound, house, for the deaf bass Drum n 'bass, hard teak, industrial, rock, pop and probably trance.

OVERALL OPINION

I have two years, it's my favorite synth, I sometimes do not play with the rubber keys to intrude restrictions as may be fairly creative. What really bothers me is that Yamaha could go well beyond simple compatibility with the DX7 SysEx, the DX200 would have been a remote editing MIDI rack for most of the FM band, the TX81Z, the TX802, the TX7. The sequencer part is disappointing in terms of external communication. MIDI notes do not pass to the outside, it could have a nice 4-track sequencer TR X0X Yamaha if it was the trouble.
For me, the DX200 FM7 is the best ambassador for the FM, I see no equivalent if not better a TX802 + control interface type Control Freak and a multi-purpose low-end and a DR 202 Boss made the addition, wins again with the DX200!