With just four operators
(compared with the DX7's six), it offered less flexibility in some
respects but unlike the DX7 (and other variations on the product
range), it offered waveforms over and above the sine waves present
in earlier manifestations of FM. The multi-timbral facilities also
elevated it above other Yamaha FM synths but with only 8-voice polyphony,
its application was limited.
As you can tell from the photo above, programming was
a tedious affair with many pages and screens to scroll through but
as compensation, it did come with a good complement of presets that
were, in many cases, surprisingly good and not what you might expect
from a budget FM module.
One such preset was called 'Lately Bass' and if I'd got
a dollar for every request I have received for this particular sound,
I might not be worrying about CD sales!! For some reason that I
don't understand, this one sound has been requested over and over
again by many, many people across the world.
Well, once again, regular Hollow Sun contributor, Louis
Van Dompelsaar has come to the rescue and has carefully multi-sampled
the sound from his TX81Z. Not only are they full-length multi-samples
with no looping but each one is also velocity crossfaded to emulate
the original that had velocity based tonal variation but no amplitude
variation thus giving a robust bass sound that will underpin a track
nicely with a solid LF foundation.
I am extremely grateful to Louis for taking the time
to donate this obviously popular sound. |
