For a producer, the DX7 meant more sonic options in one box, and more versatility in a recording studio. Along with its eventual spiritual successors, the Roland D-50 and Korg M1, the DX7 marked a move away from warm analog sounds, to complex digital sounds. It was released in 1983, and was the first digital synthesizer to have an impact on popular music. Many of these sounds came from one synthesizer: the Yamaha DX7.
When you think of 80s music, some of the sounds that come to mind are sparkly electric pianos, metallic basses and cheesy orchestral elements.