19. July 2025

JET

Gear Gripes and Laughs with AudioPilz: A Clown’s Critique of the Yamaha DX200

In the newest episode of ‘Bad Gear,’ AudioPilz navigates the quirks of the Yamaha DX200, an FM synth infamous for its build woes and design missteps. Laugh along as he rips into its impracticalities and briefly finds some redeeming sonic features. With comparisons drawn sharply against contemporaries like the Elektron Digitone and a verdict that questions its current worth, it’s a comedic yet insightful jaunt into electronic music gear.

A Punk Rock Approach to Buying Gear

Kicking things off with a typical AudioPilz intro, Florian dives right into the heart of ‘Bad Gear,’ characterizing his purchases as calculated risks, immune to the usual trap of gear acquisition syndrome. He announces his latest ‘clown’ purchase: the 2001 Yamaha DX200, a unit more notorious for its dubious construction and outdone by free plugins than anything else. “Why did I buy this?” resonates with a tone that’s equal parts self-deprecation and genuine curiosity.

The Usual Suspects: A Rundown of the DX200's Features

Florian presents the DX200 like an inmate at a line-up, noting its FM engine with full patch compatibility to the Yamaha DX7. However, unlike its predecessor, the DX200 limits parameter access from the front panel, leaving you wistfully longing for a DX7’s intricacy. Yes, there’s a promised filter and a potpourri of effects, but this guy feels more like a shady street vendor peddling 80’s leftovers. It’s a mono-timbrel beast with many layers yet manages to dangle just out of reach—especially if you’re counting on those tactile interface tweaks.

Comparing the Misfits: DX200 vs. the Rest

AudioPilz expertly draws lines between the DX200 and rivals like the Elektron Digitone and Korg Volca FM. While the DX200 might sport a DX7 engine, it kicks up less of a sonic storm compared to modern groovers. The groovebox edge feels more like a blunt bowling pin than a slick katana, offering scant four monophonic sequencer lanes and a maximum pattern length of just 16 steps. The Elektron Digitone, in all its glory, seems like a seasoned gigging veteran against the DX200’s somewhat laughable attempts to join the band.


The Funkiness and Faults

Ah, the FX section—a slice of the 90s with distortion you’d expect from an overzealous guitar pedal, complete with hidden reverb algorithms. Florian pulls no punches in revealing the clunky software editors and build quality quirks. At times, one is left wondering if Yamaha made this only to fund more sensible endeavours. Crackling outputs and flaky buttons complete this retro horror show, leaving one pondering if buying a sealed unit might lead to spontaneous combustion.

Treading Through Jank: Final Thoughts

In the end, AudioPilz delivers the DX200’s verdict with a cheeky nod to its bizarre charm. Concluding it’s an oddball amidst newer, more refined tech, Florian suggests a plan B for those lured in. He recommends pairing a Volca FM with a decent sequencer for a fraction of the DX200’s cost. For those who delight in such anachronisms, factoring maintenance costs becomes essential training before plunging into this penny-gobbling abyss.