Our verdict: Dexed is the go-to free way to get authentic DX7 sounds in a DAW. It loads original DX7 patch banks and can even edit a real DX7 over MIDI. FM programming itself remains hard to learn.
About Dexed
Dexed is a plugin synthesizer closely modeled on the Yamaha DX7, built on the music-synthesizer-for-android engine by Raph Levien. All 144 DX7 parameters are on one panel and can be automated from your DAW, and each of the 6 operators has its own level meter.
It doubles as a DX7 cartridge librarian: any .syx file in its Cartridges folder appears in the CART browser, and programs can be dragged between banks. Dexed sends and receives DX7 SysEx, so it also works as a patch editor for a hardware DX7 or TX7. Three engine types let you choose between a clean modern sound and emulations closer to the original chips.
What it does well
- DX7-style FM engine. 6 operators and 32 algorithms, modeled closely on the original synth.
- Cartridge manager. Load, browse and save DX7 SysEx banks and single programs.
- Hardware editing. Send and receive DX7 SysEx to edit a real DX7 or TX7.
- Engine types. Modern, Mark I and OPL Series engines with different resolutions.
- MPE and microtuning. Added with help from the Surge Synth Team.
Who it is for
Good fit
Producers who want classic 80s FM sounds such as electric pianos, basses and bells in their DAW.
Look elsewhere
Beginners looking for an easy synth; FM sound design is less intuitive than subtractive synthesis.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Authentic DX7 sound
- Loads original DX7 patch banks
- Works as an editor for hardware DX7
- Three engine types to compare
Cons
- FM programming is hard to learn
- Interface mirrors the DX7 and looks technical
How to install Dexed
Run the Windows installer and choose the plugin formats you need, then rescan plugins in your DAW. For thousands of extra sounds, unpack DX7 SysEx banks into the Cartridges folder, which you can open from CART → SHOW DIR.
Questions about Dexed
Is Dexed free?
Yes. It is open source under the GNU GPL v3.
Can Dexed load original DX7 patches?
Yes. It reads and writes DX7/TX7 SysEx files, both full cartridges and single programs.
Does Dexed sound exactly like a DX7?
It is closely modeled on the DX7. The Mark I engine aims to be closest to the original hardware, while the Modern engine uses a cleaner 24-bit implementation.
