The Fourth Man

Yamaha TX81Z synth module

Compared to the disappointment of the FB-01, this unit was far more useful. It was capable of playing multiple sounds simultaneously, and it could load DX100 sounds. It also had additional editing options, which allowed more complex waveforms than the DX100. It was still a step down from the Yamaha DX7, but it received heavy usage. It was also home to one particular preset sound known as “lately bass”, which still turns up in music to this day.

In retrospect, the decision to use these sorts of four operator fm synths was entirely economical. Had I any sense (or more money), I most likely would have chosen other options. That being said, the brittle and harsh sounds of these synths became part of the overall sound of T4M, like it or not.