EspenKraft’s Synth Sorcery: DX7 & D-50 in Action

23. October 2025

JET

EspenKraft’s Synth Sorcery: DX7 & D-50 in Action

EspenKraft weaves his magic once more, pitting the iconic DX7 against the luminous D-50. Prepare for a synth journey that bridges cool transparency and lush density. Punk-loving synth enthusiasts, rejoice!

The Toaster and the Dream Machine

EspenKraft kicks off with a classic: the Yamaha TX-802, rocking the factory preset A38 full tines. This is no ordinary piano sound—it’s as glassy and transparent as a window after your Nan’s been at it with the vinegar. But wait, there’s more. Enter the Roland D-550, loaded with a custom preset dubbed ‘Hot Soft Strings 1’. These strings aren’t just thick; they’re a sonic pie stuffed to the crust. The pairing is like a pint with a curry chaser—distinctly bold with a musical kick.


Layering Textures for the Sonic Feast

In the spirit of exploring new sonic territories, EspenKraft deftly layers these synthesizers to create an unearthly blend, with both synths getting treated by a Zoom MS-70CDR. Imagine an arena-sized reverb plastered onto your eardrums, coupled with analog delay and a stereo chorus for that unmistakable depth. His preset, cunningly titled ‘D-Extremes’, is deployed masterfully to achieve a seamless integration. Just when you’d think it couldn’t get any punchier for the pound, the value of the Zoom pedal makes your wallet sigh in relief. Espen crafts a sound that’s expansive yet tightly controlled—a rare find in a world of synth chaos.

Here's everything combined.

A Breath of Fresh Air

Usually we'd use the D550 for its more breathy textures, but this time we're going to use the TX-802 for the breathy textures in this…

In a surprising move, Espen uses the D550 for strings to excellent effect, but flips the script by having the TX-802 deliver breathy textures normally expected from the D-50. It’s the sonic equivalent of turning a card trick and pulling an ace from your sleeve. This innovative switcheroo adds an airy, whispering quality to the combination that intrigues and delights. By merging the D550’s lush strings with the TX-802’s feather-light whispers, EspenKraft unveils a lush, cinematic soundscape that’s as intoxicating as a night out at your favourite pub.

Culmination of Synth Alchemy

As the video progresses, you can almost feel the build-up to an epic culmination of EspenKraft’s synth alchemy. The serene music interludes are peppered throughout, a sonic tapestry meticulously woven to display the patch’s full range. Adding another layer of finesse, Espen shares some ‘finger settings’, a trade secret for wringing every last drop of potential from this sound setup. It’s like watching a master brewer craft the perfect pint, not a drop wasted. The fluidity between the instruments is sublime, the combination not just living up to expectations but exceeding them comfortably.

So at the end here let me show you some nice finger settings for getting the maximum out of a patch like this.


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