Superbooth 2025: Dtronics DT-81Z is a new compact, hardware synth programmer for the Yamaha TX81Z rackmount FM Synthesizer from 1987.
The 1980s saw the launch of the first commercially successful digital synthesizers, which now enjoy cult status. Yamaha DX-7 and Roland D-50, to name a few. It was also the era of rackmount synths, with often pretty unsexy and cumbersome interfaces.
Some were available for hands-on use thanks to a detour via hardware synth programmers. At Superbooth 2025, Dtronics is bringing a new synth programmer called DT-81Z for another classic rackmount synth of this time, the Yamaha TX81Z..
Dtronics DT-81Z
The Yamaha TX81z is a 1987 rack-mounted multi-timbral digital 4-operator FM Synthesizer. Its highlights include its multi-timbral capabilities, which allow for the creation of highly complex sounds, and the ability to use other waveforms for classic Yamaha FM synthesis.
One downside of the TX-81Z is the cryptic user interface, which invites endless button-pressing. A fix will be available soon.
The new Dtronics DT-81Z is a new hardware synth programmer for the Yamaha TX81z engine. The Dutch developer hasn’t shared any details yet, only a picture, but you can see everything on the hardware editor.
It allows you to select the individual operators and adjust the parameters on the operator level: wave, detune, attack rate, decay1 rate, decay2 rate… There are also knobs for the LFO parameters (wave, speed…), for the built-in delay, and more.
The Synth Programmer lacks a display. This is not essential, as the TX81Z’s display gives real-time feedback on the parameter values.
Further, the backside of the Dtronics DT-81Z is unknown to this date, but I guess it offers classic 5-pin MIDI.
First Impression
I’m glad there will soon be a hardware programmer for the Yamaha TX-81Z. A synth that benefits from hardware knobs. But some users like the man in the linked video, who has fun with this button-press party.
Dtronics DT-81Z availability and price are TBA. I estimate the price will be +/- in the range of the other programmers, so around 300€. Dtronics will be at Superbooth 2025.
More information here: Dtronics
