On Mar 24, 2021, at 9:52 AM, Bruce Wahler via <bw@...> wrote:

Hi Kevin,

I won't say that you *can't* get an OB-Xa sound on a DX7, but it's definitely a 'walking against the wind' task!? The OB-Xa is an analog subtractive synth, a la Moog Arp, Prophet, etc. EVH used a pair of sawtooth or maybe mid-width pulse waves and some detuning.? One can simulate this with an FM synth, but the end result is far from perfect, IMHO.? It's definitely outside the 'sweet spot' for FM synthesis.? (Think:? snappy basses, realistic brass, and shimmering bells.)

The Jump! sound is easy to create on just about any analog or virtual analog poly synth around:? Dave Smith, Roland, Korg, Behringer, Arturia, even a Nord Electro or Stage.? But not so much on a DX7.

OTOH, it will still probably be better than an SK1, if that's your only alternative!

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The general rules for analog waves on an FM synth are:

Wave???????? Op1 (Carrier) ??? Op2 (Modulator)

Sawtooth???? 1.00x???????????? 1.00x
Square?????? 1.00x???????????? 2.00x
Wide Pulse?? 1.00x???????????? 3.00x
Thin Pulse?? 1.00x???????????? 4.00x or 5.00x

Go easy on the amount of the modulation.? A little extra modulation from a third operator at the start of the wave may help to add grit; it should have a very short envelope.? Use an algorithm like #3 or , #4.? Start with the 2nd chain muted, and get a saw wave sound that you are happy with on the first three operators.? Then duplicate that sound on the second three, and use frequency detune to get the proper mix and swirl.

One other thing:? FM synthesis tends to be a bit more 'cold' and sterile than analog synths.? Players sometimes complain about a "lack of bottom end."? I often compensate by adding in some sine wave to fill in the bottom, but one can't layer sounds on the DX7, limiting your options.? You might try getting the base sound with just two operators, using something like Algorithm #5 or #6.? Use operators 1-2 and 3-4 for the sawtooth/pulse sound, then turn off operator 6 and mess around with the level of operator 5 (sine) to fatten the bottom end.

Good luck!

Regards,

-BW

Bruce Wahler
?
bw@...

978.597.7008

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On 3/24/2021 8:57 AM, Kevin Syler wrote:

Thank to everyone for the great information. The other thing is how to hook the DX to a computer, and, Mac is my preference since I own an iMac and an iPad. I also may purchase a MacBook Air or Pro for this and some other jobs. I also have iConnectMIDI which I’m pretty sure will make the connection since it has USB, midi and lightning connectors. Now to start reading the great stuff you guys sent and getting things going. My main program to load or dial in the the OBX sound Van Halen uses on Jump. One of the bands I play with is doing a Van Halen tribute set in 4 weeks and I would like to use the DX instead of my SK1-73.?
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Kevin Syler