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 Jun Murakami Synth81Z
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
Synth81Z is Jun Murakami's measured Yamaha TX81Z instrument, with 8 to 32 voices, Performance mode, and a hardware librarian. Intro $39, regular $59.
Technical matrix
Specs compared
| Signal | Dexed | Jun Murakami Synth81Z |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | $39 intro / $59 |
| Dubspot Score | 8.3 | — |
| Formats | VST, AU, LV2, Standalone | VST3, AU, AAX, Standalone |
| Type | FM synthesizer (Yamaha DX7 model) + SysEx librarian | Measured Yamaha TX81Z / YM2414 OPZ instrument |
| 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 | — |
| Polyphony | — | 8, 16, 24, or 32 voices |
| Performance | — | 8-part layers, splits, multitimbral, per-part pan and LFO |
| Effects | — | 5 slots, 12 effects shared with Synth-80 |
| Librarian | — | MIDI mirror, SysEx, .syx and .mid import, bank builder |
| Presets | — | 420+ factory, plus 52 Saif Sameer patches in 1.0.0 |
| Windows | — | 10 or later, 64-bit, no ARM. Standalone, VST3, AAX |
| macOS | — | 10.15 or later, Universal. Standalone, VST3, AU, AAX |
| Price | — | $39 intro through 31 October 2026 (AoE), $59 regular |
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