Yamaha TX81Z
The Yamaha TX81Z is a rack mount FM synthesizer introduced in 1987. It has 8 voices of polyphony, is 8-part multi-timbral and operates at 12-bit/55.93 kHz resolution.
In comparison to the DX-series synthesizers which use 6 sinewave operators to create their sound, the TX81Z uses only 4 operators. This limitation is compensated for by the TX81Z's ability to "read" its sine waveform in 7 different ways, effectively creating multiple waveforms from which sounds can be created. The TX81Z also has the ability to create pseudo-delay/reverb effects through MIDI (as well as auto-panning and chord mode), allowing for many creative sound design possibilities.
However, most musicians found the module tedious to program and largely used the 128 factory presets, the most famous of which is C15 "LatelyBass." Originally popularized by Babyface, it went on to become a signature bass sound in early 90's dance, R&B and new jack swing. The Yamaha TX81Z has been used by Ace of Bass, Al B. Sure!, Babyface, Deee-lite, Fluke, The Fresh Prince, Guy, Haddaway, Heavy D & The Boyz, Hi-Five, Janet Jackson, Jodeci, Keith Sweat, Madonna, Orbital, Teddy Riley, TLC, Ultra Nate, and Whigfield among others.
This page contains patch banks for the TX81Z in SysEx format. All archives are complete collections, checked and labeled for accuracy. Please note that these sounds require the original hardware to play.
Factory Patches
AfterMarket Patches
MiDI QUest LIbraries
MIDI Quest allows you to label, organize, and search your sounds, which is invaluable when dealing with massive patch collections. Below are links to TX81Z patch libraries in MIDI Quest format, with labels for sound type, author, ROM, and patch number. As labeling must be done manually, these libraries are only available for select patch banks.
*COMING SOON*
Missing Sounds
If you know of banks we're missing (or if you have any sounds not listed here), please send an email to:
All sounds that are available for purchase have been linked to their official websites. If we've mistakenly hosted any sounds that are still for sale, send us an email and we'll redirect our link.
Software TOols
We recommend the following SysEx librarians:
Service & Repair
Syntaur and VintageSynthParts carry replacement parts for the Yamaha TX81Z.