Ryouta Kira has introduced KQ Dixie, a 6-Operator FM synthesizer that is modeled on ‘the synthesizer which appeared on the 1980s’, aka the Yamaha DX7.
Features:
- Almost all parameters are compatible with DX7.
- Audio Unit v3 compatible.
- Audiobus compatible.
- 32 algorithms included.
- You can manage the hardware DX7 when it is connected with external MIDI cables.
- Supports DX7 System Exclusive Messages (SysEx) and syx files.
- Supports Zip files.
Here’s an unofficial overview of KQ Dixie, by thesoundtestroom:
Pricing and Availability
KQ DIXIE is available for US $3.99 in the App Store.
I’m really glad that there so many synth developers bringing great new instruments and sonic tools to us every day. What I don’t understand is why any developer (software and/or hardware) would choose to name their product Dixie. Here in the US, Dixie is the CSA which fought a bloody war to uphold the evil institution of slavery. I know that Intellijel also chose to name a product Dixie. I think this is a very bad choice. I for one could never purchase a product called Dixie. No matter how great of a synth, oscillator, etc., it might be.
This thing could be called Auschwitz and I’d still buy it.
Dang there are some overly sensitive people out there.
Great synth, responsive dev.
Perhaps there is such a thing as being UNDERLY sensitive.
Depending on where you live, Dixie has pretty awful baggage. Just because lots of people don’t have a feeling about it, doesn’t mean that no one should be allowed to have a feeling about it.
Don’t you listen, Marc. Your sensitivity levels are just right.
For me, it would have been cooler if they’d called it Doxy, or Daxy, or even Dexy (ADHD meds?). They still get the little DX thing. If they’d called it DX-FM they could have called it Dux Farm.
This thing could be called “putting TheVimFuego and all is family in a Gas chamber” and I’d still buy it.
Great Synth
Impeccable.
Yeah, I don’t like the name either. And practically no one thinks of cups. Any name that returns a picture of the Stars and Bars as the first result in a Google search is probably the wrong one for a product.
I didn’t associate the name like that until YOU brought it up. Thanks a lot. It must be a sad way to live, associating race with everything you come across. Some so us don’t and get tired of you people that do. Just either play the synth or don’t.
Sucks to learn something new, huh?
Admin: Personal attack deleted.
Keep comments constructive and on topic.
Nothing new here.
@Marc, I didn’t know about this. However, given that there is “southern” music called “Dixieland” (New Orleans) I can’t say slavery connotations was my first association. One might argue you might be equally averse to apps called “southern” as it was the southern states that fought for upholding slavery.
Did you also complain to “Dixie Chicks” about their name?
I don’t think the developer thought of the political and historical ramifications of the term. I think it more likely Mr Kira simply likes some Jazz and wanted to play with the DX term. Perhaps another play of words would have been better, but this is what was chosen. Personally I’d never use the term even as it seems I love some New Orleans Jazz.
Seriously Marc?
It is a DX style synth (You know… Yamaha DX7),
and therefore Dee Exxy
..and sooo… DIXIE sounds like Dee Exxy, doesn’t it?
It only symbolises slavery if you choose to make that association.
>>”It only symbolizes slavery if you choose to make that association.”
That’s not how associations work. You don’t choose them.
If you saw “Bill Cosby brand sleeping pills.” Would that only be a problem because you chose to make that association?
The name is a pun/wordplay on DX7. Get over it, most people if anything would think of paper cups.
This is a fantastic app. Something I’ve been wanting on the iPad for the longest time. Presets and galore and AU.
TVF says he’d buy it if it was called Auschwitz, and implies Marc is overly sensitive. You say “get over it”.
With your keen sense of what “most people” would think (i.e., most people… who are you), you won’t need to go google “Dixie”. Yes, cups are down there in the list, but there are also some prominent examples of people removing “Dixie” from signs, songs, etc. But you already knew that.
Marc is absolutely right. There were other name choices to get DX into the name without it being so negatively loaded.
In Germany it is this:https://duckduckgo.com/?q=dixi+klo&iax=images&ia=images&iai=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F_zjVqc4znd0w%2FS9nwY3bmR5I%2FAAAAAAAABBw%2FjbXHip8UBIM%2Fs1600%2F28042010319.jpg
I’m not a big fan of the DX7 sound, but I do like to tinker.
$4 is a nice deal.
As I understand it, it is 64-bit only, so no go for iPad 4.
People everywhere are excited about the announcement of a great new Japanese music product at a reasonable price!
Five minutes later…
We regret to inform you that the DX is racist.
Yes, 6 operator FM with DX7 sysex compatibility!!
What’s the matter with it being ‘almost compatible’?? Shouldn’t it just work as expected? DX7 function is not exactly rocket science. Just to make life more interesting, or a case of losing interest on the finishing line? I will still buy it. But get this bug fixed, very please!
Yes, in German there is a brand of chemical toilet cabins made from blue plastics you very often find at festivals or construction sites, by the same name. I immediately associated a certain smell.. but I will get over it. Also U.S. < world.
A few thoughts:
I have the misfortune of my alma matter being named ‘Dixie’. The university is not even located in the south and the state sided with the North in the civil war.
That being said, the college board had a vote to change the name a couple of years ago and I regret that it didn’t pass. It’s “problematic”.
However, The United State’s issues are not a direct semantical correlation to the world. Look at all the Nazis we enjoy blasting in our video games and movies, but in Germany, the symbology is illegal.
The question of what correctness is has gone to a new level in the last decade. Its going to be a catching up or calming down period before more people come together and normalize the dialogue.
In the meantime, I’m enjoying all the FM synths that are coming out these days! I have a couple of the hardware ones too: Yamaha TX81z and Korg DS-8. Fortunately their names are ambiguous enough to not offend. 😉
Great little synth. I like the Interface.
No voice-per-channel or MPE support. To play polyphonically on my Linnstrument I needed to disable modulation options.
(The synth is still a good buy though)
“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never break me.”
It seems like a good synth with a bad name
Can only access the 32 supplied presets. Anyone know how to add more? (iPad ignoramus here)
Oops. Not that hard.
Great synth for silly money.
Folks, the developer is from Japan and probably has no idea what the word Dixie means to some.
Admin: Personal attack deleted.
Keep comments on topic and constructive.
I was looking for a good introduction to FM and Im pretty broke right now so this app was right up my alley. From the looks of the UI I thought it would be as hard to operate as an actual DX7 but looks can be deceiving, genius in its simplicity. Plus it sounds so good! And btw, Im American so please accept my apology for the rest, we believe we are the center of the world and all other counties should be sensitive to our history and culture.