They don't make them like that any more: the Yamaha DX7 keyboard

FM synthesis vs. sampling and other methods

• Multiple commenters dispute the article’s implication that sampling largely replaced mathematical synthesis.
• FM is praised for its expressive, velocity‑dependent timbral changes; subtractive analog and sampling often change mainly loudness.
• Physical modeling (e.g., modeled pianos and other instruments) is cited as a modern, still‑advancing alternative to both FM and sampling.
• Some argue sampled strings and pianos can be highly convincing; others feel many “synth strings” and sample libraries still sound artificial.

DX7’s impact, sound, and legacy

• Widely regarded as an era‑defining instrument; heard on countless 80s tracks and games.
• Several commenters reject the idea that FM or the DX7 “faded into obscurity”; FM is still used in modern synths, plugins, and even cheap consumer devices.
• The DX7’s dynamic, velocity‑sensitive EPiano and bell/bass sounds are repeatedly cited as iconic and uniquely “alive.”
• Some listeners carry long‑term dislike for “that FM sound,” often due to exposure to harsh PC/game FM music.

UI, programmability, and playability

• Consensus: stock DX7 interface (membrane buttons, tiny LCD, single data slider) made programming difficult and discouraged deep sound design.
• Others argue the real challenge is FM’s non‑intuitive parameter space: great sounds live in “islands” where small tweaks can wreck a patch.
• Several note that the DX7’s keybed, velocity curves, and timbre–velocity mappings are central to its musical feel; playing it is different from merely replicating its engine.

Hardware design & technical details

• Discussion of OPL/DX FM chips: sine lookup tables, log‑domain math, table size affecting “smoothness,” and aliasing behavior.
• Explanations of DX7 aliasing at high pitches and use of keyboard scaling and feedback filtering to tame artifacts.
• Notes on DAC choices (effective bit depth, oversampling via time‑multiplexed voices) and period‑specific “lo‑fi” character.

Modern FM synths, emulations, and related gear

• Many recommendations: Dexed, Arturia’s DX emulation, FM8, various hardware FM synths (Reface DX, Opsix, Digitone, Volca FM, etc.).
• Several highlight newer instruments that make FM more approachable with knob‑rich interfaces and software editors.

Market, pricing, and collecting

• Debate on whether DX7s are “expensive” or “cheap,” with prices cited around $400–800 depending on condition.
• Some lament hoarding and speculative pricing of vintage synths; others argue these are substantial, well‑built antiques and prices are reasonable.