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Yamaha
CX-5MC
1 In Collection
The Yamaha CX5M, released in 1984, was one of the first MSX home computers focused on music production and MIDI integration. Built around a Zilog Z80A CPU clocked at 3.58 MHz, it included 64 KB of RAM and 32 KB of ROM containing MSX BASIC and Yamaha’s Music Software Library. The system stood out by offering two major music expansion options: the CX5M Main Unit with FM synthesis and the optional Music Module and Sound Processor Cartridge.
The Main Unit featured four-channel FM audio via Yamaha’s YM2149 sound chip. Users could upgrade to the Music Module, which added an external rack-mount FM voice synthesizer, and the Sound Processor cartridge, which enhanced MIDI capabilities and added more complex sound synthesis options. The CX5M included built-in MIDI In/Out ports, allowing seamless integration with external instruments and sequencers—a first for MSX systems.
Display capabilities matched MSX standards: a 256×192 resolution with 16 colors via the TMS9918 video display processor. The system also supported cassette tape storage and, with optional add-ons, floppy drives. It shipped with music applications like Music Composer, Music Sequencer, and Music Data Recorder, bringing studio-style sequencing and notation to the home user.
The CX5M gained favor among musicians and educators for its blend of computing and musical ability. Its innovative design bridged the gap between consumer computing and professional music production, earning it a prominent place in the history of computer-based music technologies.
The Main Unit featured four-channel FM audio via Yamaha’s YM2149 sound chip. Users could upgrade to the Music Module, which added an external rack-mount FM voice synthesizer, and the Sound Processor cartridge, which enhanced MIDI capabilities and added more complex sound synthesis options. The CX5M included built-in MIDI In/Out ports, allowing seamless integration with external instruments and sequencers—a first for MSX systems.
Display capabilities matched MSX standards: a 256×192 resolution with 16 colors via the TMS9918 video display processor. The system also supported cassette tape storage and, with optional add-ons, floppy drives. It shipped with music applications like Music Composer, Music Sequencer, and Music Data Recorder, bringing studio-style sequencing and notation to the home user.
The CX5M gained favor among musicians and educators for its blend of computing and musical ability. Its innovative design bridged the gap between consumer computing and professional music production, earning it a prominent place in the history of computer-based music technologies.
| Manufacturer | Yamaha |