1. A Message from the Developer
Thank you for purchasing Synth81Z.
This software is a personal project by Jun Murakami, a music producer and former composer.
As with my previous instrument, Synth-80, I have been committed to faithfully reproducing the sound of the original Yamaha TX81Z, repeatedly measuring and refining every detail—from waveforms, envelopes, pitch, and controller response to the characteristics of the DAC itself. I take pride in the resulting sound, which I believe stands apart from existing, widely available emulators and software instruments. The user interface has been carefully designed for editing on a single screen. I hope you enjoy exploring FM while listening to the changes you make.
Software additions include expanded polyphony, continuous Pan, and independent part LFOs, primarily in Performance mode, as well as the five-slot rack of high-quality effects inherited from Synth-80. Synth81Z can also serve as an editor and librarian for a connected TX81Z.
This manual starts with installation, basic operation, and a screen tour, followed by sound-design basics and references. Start with Chapter 2 to play your first sound. If you are new to FM, also read Chapter 6.
Demo mode
You can explore the instrument before activation, but periodic demo noise is added to the output. Activating a license removes it. See Chapter 2.
Trademarks
Manufacturer and product names in this manual are trademarks of their respective owners, who are not associated with the developer of this product. Third-party trademarks are used solely to identify reference equipment whose characteristics and sound were studied and analyzed during development. Equipment, inventor, and manufacturer names are provided only for descriptive and educational purposes and do not imply affiliation, endorsement, or approval by any inventor or manufacturer.