A six-operator FM synthesizer in the tradition of the instrument that defined the sound of 1980s keyboards. It has the complete classic voice structure, 32 routing algorithms and a modern control surface, plus eight new presets.
The idea
When the Yamaha DX7 arrived in 1983 it sounded unlike the analog synths around it: electric pianos that move from glass to bark under the fingers, bells, mallets, punchy basses and metallic percussion. Phase 7 keeps that way of making sound, six sine-wave operators modulating each other, and presents it with its own panel and its own presets. It is not a copy of any factory sound bank.
What you can shape
- Six operators, each with a ratio or fixed frequency, fine tuning, detune, output level, velocity sensitivity, keyboard level and rate scaling, and a four-rate, four-level envelope.
- 32 algorithms that decide which operators you hear and which ones shape the others. The algorithm graph stays visible while you edit.
- Algorithm feedback, which makes one operator modulate itself for a brighter, harder tone.
- A pitch envelope and the classic LFO, with speed, delay, pitch and amplitude depth, waveform and key sync.
The General page holds the performance setup: polyphony from one to twelve voices, monophonic and legato modes with last, low or high note priority, portamento or stepped glissando, one to four voices of unison with stereo spread, master tuning, and pitch bend with an adjustable range. Changing preset leaves this setup alone, so your mono, glide and unison settings stay as they are.
Getting started
Phase 7 is an instrument: play it from the on-screen keyboard or a MIDI controller. The Maru Originals bank has one starting point per family: Copper Steps (keys), Reed Current (lead), Orbit Chime (bells), Low Lantern (bass), Slow Halo (pad), Paper Pluck (pluck), Wire Weather (texture) and Hollow Tap (percussion). Each is built from plain operator ratios, levels and envelopes, so it is a good place to start editing.
Phase 7 does not load DX7 SysEx banks or include any Yamaha factory voices.
Yamaha and DX7 are trademarks of their respective owners. Phase 7 is independently developed and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Yamaha Corporation.
