Oberheim DX Digital Drum Machine

Anyone here know anything about this drum machine? I've done some researching on the net, and have found some stuff, but pretty much a lot of the same stuff. It's selling at a local thrift shop for $175 without a manual or a power cord. The refund policy is sold as is, so how do they know if it works if they have no power supply? Anyway, just seeing if anyone has used one of these.

I've fixed and used a DMX, they are pretty cool, but not worth keeping, just sample it. They use a computer cable so no external power supply can be missing. The DX has pots on the back for sample tuning, but you can do the same with the samples.

Try to haggle the price down, they don't go for as much anymore. Either see if you can try it then return it after you sample it, or go in with a recording device and get your samples.

Also, make a pattern and save it, then switch it off, and see if it is still there. If it isn't then the back up battery is dead. Not a hard fix, but just tell the dudes it's broken and have them knock off a sizeable amount of money.

The DX is a classic hiphop machine. I used to have one, but I sampled it and sold it (although I didn't want to.) I did keep my DMX though, as it's the most classic hiphop drum machine (along with the 808).
The DX sounds are similar to the DMX, but they are NOT the same.
I love the DX crash cymbal, and the shaker (when tuned low). It also has a very recognizable clap sound.

If you want to hear the DX, listen to old school jams like:
"Can You Rock It Like This"(Run/DMC)
"Jam Master Jammin"(Run/DMC)
"I Can't Live Without My Radio" (LLCoolJ)
"You Can't Dance" (LLCoolJ)
(keep in mind on these records, the sounds have been beefed up with effects, eq, etc.)

It takes the same kind of power cord that the MPC uses. Just bring one in and see if it works. Even if it does work, I'd try to get them to bring the price down a little.

By the way - there were two versions of the DX made. One had MIDI and the other one did not. The buttons on the front were slightly different also. The MIDI one is probably worth more.

dj_evs:

I'm currently looking at a DMX that I've seen in a Pawn Shop - I'm undecided as of yet. Anyway, check out :

http://www.prepal.com - Used musical Instrument Prices

It lists the current price of the DX at $129 ...

Do a web search on "Mark Glinsky" - you might find that he can provide the users guide and service manual for the DX for a price ...

elmacaco:

"Also, make a pattern and save it, then switch it off, and see if it is still there. If it isn't then the back up battery is dead. Not a hard fix, but just tell the dudes it's broken and have them knock off a sizeable amount of money."

I couldn't figure out how to do that on the DMX. I was trying to see if the battery was dead. Can you tell me the button sequences to do that? I played around with it for 30 minutes and couldn't do anything other than triggering the pad beats.

there should be a manual online.

press record and play at the same time (rec first I think) then hammer something out.

you should hear a click with the metronome volume up when recording.