TX802 = cheap TX816??

[Alex E]

Shouldn't the 8 part multi-timbral TX802 make the TX816 irrelevant? Is there something I'm missing here? Can the TF1 modules in the TX816 modulate and effect each other or something?

[Jack Spider]

With the TX-802 set to 8 different timbres, each one will be monophonic or duophonic, depending on whether the patch uses two voices or one.

Each of the 8 TF1 modules boasts the full 16-note polyphony and functionality of a DX7, so a full TX-816 gives 128 voices (and 48 operators!).

[Alex E]

Oh ok thank you. That explains a lot.

It's so annoying when synths have multi-timbrality that also limits the synth... It's almost pointless.

[Synthaholic]

Think of the TX816 as a box with 8 completely separate DX7s inside, and a MIDI thru box that sends your MIDI data to each of those modules. Each of those DX7s (actually TF1 modules) has 16 note polyphony, its own set of global parameters, LFO, patch memory, etc. You can use them individually or together, just like you would if you took 8 DX7s or TX7s and MIDIed them together. The "816" means 8 parts x 16 voices each.

The TX802 is more like a single DX7 (mkII) with 16 voice polyphony, where those 16 voices can be split up (in pairs) to create a multitimberal instrument. "802" - 8 parts x 2 voices each, but you can combine the parts to increase polyphony for each part. For example, you could have 2 8-voice parts, or 2 6-voice parts and 1 4-voice part, 4 4-voice parts, 1 14-voice part and 1 2-voice part, 1 16-voice part or any other combination. The 802 has 8 separate outputs, one for each 2-voice part, plus a pair of "mix" outputs that each part can be sent to. That way you don't have to use a submixer for the 802, unless you want to do different processing/panning for each part. You'll need a submixer (or be able to spare 8 inputs on your main mixer) to accomodate the 816.

As for your other question, the TF modules in the TX816 cannot modulate one another. Each voice has 6 operators; the modulation doesn't cross between voices or modules. Same for the TX802.

One other significant difference: The TX816 and its TF modules are based on the MK1 DX7, while the TX802 is based on the MKII. So the sound quality is different (grittier on the 816, you get that classic DX sound, cleaner on the 802).

[desdinova]

As for your other question, the TF modules in the TX816 cannot modulate one another.

Not in the DX sense, of course, however using seperate modules to create a singular, more complex timbre is really where the beast shines.
I've got an 802 and a 516, wouldn't give up either.

The only real reason I could see dissuading someone from getting a TX-rack, outside of keeping out hunting competition , is that programming CAN be tedious. It's fairly easily rectified with a large IO midi interface or some creative routing and a MIDI patchbay. This is with a stock rack, I haven't bothered with the hardware module# tripping hack.

[Z]

I resold a TX816 at the beginning of the year. Here are the photos I took which will better explain its physical structure if you've never seen one.

[AstroDan]

That looks like an excellent beginner's synth for programming.

[Sir Ruff]

I don't quite understand with the 816 why they didn't create some single midi IN type module... having 8 cables running from one TF1 to the next seems pretty silly.

[desdinova]

I don't quite understand with the 816 why they didn't create some single midi IN type module... having 8 cables running from one TF1 to the next seems pretty silly.

There's In/Out/Thru on the front for the whole rack ;P
The only reason to use the rear MIDI ports are for easing programming, or anal cabling in your racks.

[Murderhausen]

That looks like an excellent beginner's synth for programming.

Genius!

[Sir Ruff]

I don't quite understand with the 816 why they didn't create some single midi IN type module... having 8 cables running from one TF1 to the next seems pretty silly.

There's In/Out/Thru on the front for the whole rack ;P
The only reason to use the rear MIDI ports are for easing programming, or anal cabling in your racks.

oh yeah, duh....

[REwire]

I just have 1 TF1 in it's box (a 116). Lot's of extra room in there so I use it to store stuff. I did test out a 802 and liked the 116 more; sorta louder and like's been said, grittier.