The Yamaha TX816 is a monster of DX and FM digital synthesis. It is a unique system in that it is a rack unit that could take up to eight TF1 modules. A TF1 module is basically a DX7 condensed down to a single circuit board with almost no front panel controls. Definitely designed for use with external hardware and software controllers, the TX816 allows you to easily carry around up to eight DX7s! Software such as MOTU Unisyn, Emagic SounDiver, or even another DX7 can be used to program the sounds in each module via MIDI. This unit contains eight TF1 modules. A TF1 module is basically a DX7 condensed down to a single circuit board.

Each TF1 module consists of a 16-voice, 6-operator digital FM synth engine. So this complete TX816 with all eight TF1 modules offers up to 128 voices and 48 operators! Each TF1 also features an independent audio out (XLR) and MIDI I/O for a total of eight audio outputs and MIDI I/O's. It also has one global MIDI in/out port with 8-part multitimbrality, but no common stereo or mix output.

The TX816 is fully compatible with all other DX synthesizers including Native Instruments FM7 software-based plug-in. You can use the TX816 like it's eight separate DX7s or mix and pan each module together to layer your sounds into one monstrous DX powerhouse!

The rare and hard to find Beetle PR-7 Programmer module provides the equivalent of the front panel of a Yamaha DX-7 in a 3U rack space, as an interface to programming and editing the TF-1 modules of the TX-816. Together, these make a very formidable synthesizer sound generation and programming setup.

Yamaha TX816, excellent condition, just had my tech replace all the batteries and put plug-in battery holders on each module, for any future battery replacements.

The Beetle PR-7 Programmer is in good condition, and is fully functional. The LCD display does not have the backlight working, however. A replacement backlight display (2 lines, 16 characters per line) can be bought for $5 to $10.

Software such as MOTU Unisyn, Emagic SounDiver, or even another DX7 can be used to program the sounds in each module via MIDI.

The Yamaha TX816 is 8 TF1 modules in one MRF8 system unit. One TF1 is like a DX7 or TX7 and 100% compatible with the DX7 and other Yamaha 6-operators synthesizers. On the front of each TF1 is only 4 knobs. It is recommended to edit with an editing program via a computer, or using the Beetle PR-7 Programmer. Functions like MIDI and so on can be programmed from each TF1. Each FM voice is created by setting the value of 145 Editing parameters and 25 Function parameters (in a DX7 as well as TF1). Multiply that by 8 = 1160 Editing Parameters and 200 Function parameters.

On the rear of each TF1 module is a MIDI in and MIDI out socket, and a XLR audio output. So you'll need 8 channels on a mixing console (with XLR inputs) for the audio signal, because there is not a common stereo output on the TX816. I'll include 8 XLR to 1/4-inch jack cables to hook the TX816 up to your mixer.

On the front of the system unit is a common MIDI in and MIDI out for all 8 modules.

The Yamaha TX816 is the ultimate FM-synthesizer, a really monster synthesizer. In a typical sound, for instance an electric piano, the different modules are used to produce different parts of the sound: the attack, the key release, body sound, harmonics and so on. This approach to using this synthesizer makes it very dynamic, probably more so than most other synthesizers.

A copy of the Yamaha TX-816 operation manual with full details of its capabilities is available here:

http://www2.yamaha.co.jp/manual/pdf/emi/english/synth/TX816E1.PDF

A copy of the Beetle PR-7 Programmer operation manual is available here:

https://googlegroups.com/group/yamahatx816/attach/c25eafa4ddef4/Beetle%20PR-7%20owner%20manual.pdf?part=0.1

Will also include a digital copy of the Yamaha TX816 service manual.

Full photographs here:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1bZ9kcpolCBCO1WFz6Y50qK5AX2vKs5gJ?usp=drive_link

SPECIFICATIONS:

* Polyphony - 128-voices via eight 16-voice TF1 module cards

* Oscillators - Digital FM synthesizer with 6 Operators and 32 algorithms per TF1 module

* 48 operators per voice (when every module plays on the same MIDI-channel)

* LFO - Yes

* Memory - 256 patches (32 x 8)

* Control - MIDI 1 IN/OUT per TF1 card, 1 global IN/OUT (up to 9 I/O total) with 8-parts multitimbral

* Type - Digital Synth

* Synthesis - FM-synthesis

* Manufactured 1984 - 1987

* Filter - Contains no filters

* Sound - Digital and metallic, but also fat and warm. Good for Electric pianos, brass, basses, metallic sounds.

* Miscellaneous - 1 common MIDI in/out, 8 individual XLR audio out

* Dimensions: 19 inch wide (rack) x 7 inches high (4U) x 13 inches deep