Dexed
Summary
Dexed is a free software synth plugin and standalone app modeled on the Yamaha DX7. It runs on Linux, macOS and Windows, with VST, AU and LV2 plugin formats. Its sound engine follows the original DX7’s characteristics, and it includes Modern, Mark I and OPL Series engine types. Dexed also acts as a MIDI cartridge librarian for the DX7: it can load and save DX7/TX7 SysEx programs, save an individual program as a separate SysEx file, and exchange DX7 SysEx messages, including controller change. A single panel exposes 144 DAW-automatable DX7 parameters, and every operator has a real-time VU meter. Microtuning and MPE support were contributed by the Surge Synthesizer Team. Dexed is licensed under GPL v3. The project’s Wiki has minimal documentation and cautions that the software should not be expected to reproduce a DX7 perfectly. Release 1.0.1 addresses scaling issues and rebuilds the Linux binary for older glibc versions.
Who it is for
Dexed suits musicians looking for a DX7-modeled synth or a MIDI cartridge librarian for the DX7. Its DAW automation, SysEx handling and MPE support may also suit users who want those specific capabilities.
What is good
- Free software under GPL v3.
- Available as plugin and standalone app.
- Exposes 144 DAW-automatable DX7 parameters.
- Supports DX7/TX7 SysEx program files.
What to know first
- Documentation is minimal.
- It is not expected to perfectly clone a DX7.
Verdict
Dexed combines a DX7-modeled synth with program management and SysEx functions. Its minimal documentation and stated clone limitation are worth considering before relying on it as a DX7 replica.
Dexed plans and pricing
All plansCompared on software synthesizers
- Free plan
- Yesasb2m10.github.io
- Plugin formats
- vst3, au, clap, lv2asb2m10.github.io
- Standalone app
- Yesasb2m10.github.io
- MPE support
- Yesasb2m10.github.io
Facts
- Product type
- Dexed is a multi-platform, multi-format plugin synth closely modeled on the Yamaha DX7.asb2m10.github.io · 30 Sept 2026
- DX7 librarian
- Dexed is also a MIDI cartridge librarian and manager for the DX7.asb2m10.github.io · 30 Sept 2026
- Operating systems
- The official feature list names OS X, Windows and Linux support.asb2m10.github.io · 30 Sept 2026
- Sound engine
- Its sound engine is closely modeled on the original DX7 characteristics.asb2m10.github.io · 30 Sept 2026
- Automation
- Dexed exposes 144 DAW-automatable DX7 parameters from one panel.asb2m10.github.io · 30 Sept 2026
- SysEx support
- It supports DX7 input and output SysEx messages, including controller change.asb2m10.github.io · 30 Sept 2026
- Program files
- It can load and save DX7/TX7 SysEx programs and save a single program to a separate SysEx file.asb2m10.github.io · 30 Sept 2026
- Operator meters
- Each operator has a real-time VU meter.asb2m10.github.io · 30 Sept 2026
- Engine types
- Dexed includes Modern, Mark I and OPL Series engine types.asb2m10.github.io · 30 Sept 2026
- Additional capabilities
- The Surge Synthesizer Team contributed microtuning and MPE support.asb2m10.github.io · 30 Sept 2026
- License
- Dexed is free software licensed under GPL v3.asb2m10.github.io · 30 Sept 2026
- Documentation
- The project states that minimal documentation is available on its Dexed Wiki.asb2m10.github.io · 30 Sept 2026
- Clone limitation
- The wiki says not to expect Dexed to be a perfect clone of a DX7.github.com · 30 Sept 2026
- Release updates
- Release 1.0.1 fixes scaling issues and rebuilds the Linux binary for older glibc versions.github.com · 30 Sept 2026
Best Dexed alternatives
See all 12
Where it ranks on Everything Xiaomi
Is Dexed yours?
Claim it for free: prove the domain, then correct facts, plans and screenshots. An editor reviews every change.
Sources
- asb2m10.github.io/dexed/· checked 30 Sept 2026
- github.com/asb2m10/dexed/wiki· checked 30 Sept 2026
- github.com/asb2m10/dexed/releases· checked 30 Sept 2026