8.3Great
Dexed is a free open-source Yamaha DX7-style FM synthesizer and cartridge librarian for Windows, macOS, and Linux in VST, AU, and LV2 formats.
Plugin comparison
Dexed vs discoDSP OPL 3.0
Specs, price and the Dubspot Score, side by side — with our verdict on which synth to buy.
Independent score / workflow fit / buying signal
Contenders
The side-by-side
discoDSP's emulation of the Yamaha OPL2/OPL3 FM chip behind AdLib and Sound Blaster game audio, updated to v3.0 with all eight OPL3 waveforms per operator and 16x oversampling.
Technical matrix
Specs compared
| Signal | Dexed | discoDSP OPL 3.0 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | $49 (free upgrade for existing owners) |
| Dubspot Score | 8.3 | — |
| Formats | VST, AU, LV2, Standalone | VST, VST3, AU, AAX |
| Type | FM synthesizer (Yamaha DX7 model) + SysEx librarian | — |
| License | Free / GPL v3 open source | — |
| Synthesis | 6-operator FM (DX7-style) | — |
| Cartridge tools | MIDI cartridge librarian/manager for DX7 SysEx | — |
| Formats | VST, AU, LV2 (platform-dependent); standalone builds | — |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux | — |
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