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From: pector@ihuxw.UUCP (Pector)
Newsgroups: net.music.synth
Subject: Re: Yamaha TX216 vs TX816
Message-ID: <1197@ihuxw.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 24-Mar-86 12:34:33 EST
Article-I.D.: ihuxw.1197
Posted: Mon Mar 24 12:34:33 1986
Date-Received: Wed, 26-Mar-86 04:09:42 EST
References: <1789@decwrl.DEC.COM> <1570@caip.RUTGERS.EDU>
Organization: AT&T Bell Laboratories
Lines: 35

> 
> Can anyone tell me exactly what is the difference between a Yamaha TX216
> and a Yamaha TX816 ?  My current understanding is that the TX816 is eight
> DX7's minus the keyboard(s) and the TX216 is two DX7's minus the keyboard(s).
> Is it possible to buy a TX216 and then buy six TX tone generator modules
> until you have the exact equivalent of a TX816 ?
> 
> Also, does anyone know if Yamaha plans to make the DX5 available in the U.S. ?
> 
> Thanks,
> Bill Kish

Bill,

The tone generator modules used by the TX216/816 are called TF1s.  They
are practically identical in function to the TX7s in that they have 32 voice
and 32 performance memories (as opposed to the DX7's 32 voice and one per-
formance memory).  The TF1s are about 60% or so of the price of the TX7s.
However, the TX216 (rack plus two TF1s) costs more than two TX7s.  The
cost advantage in fact does not favor the TF1s until you need more than
three TX7s/TF1s.  The moral:  if you need more than 3 TX7s/DX7s, consider
getting a MIDI keyboard controller (Yamaha KX88/KX76) plus the TX216 plus
however many additional TF1s you need.

In regard to your question about whether Yamaha will be selling DX5s in 
the USA, I am a very pleased owner of a DX5!  The DX5 is essentially a
76-key MIDI keyboard with the equivalent of two TX7s built in.  I got mine
11/29/85 at the Sound Post in Mt. Prospect, Illinois.  However, if you
can't get a significant discount on the DX5, I would recommend checking
the cost of a KX88 (88 piano weighted keys MIDI keyboard controller) plus
a TX216 (or instead, two TX7s) as the economics can easily swing in
favor of the latter combination.

					Scott Pector
					ihnp4!ihuxw!pector