Yamaha MODX Synthesizer REVIEW + Sound Demo & Sound Design Tutorial

Review of the Yamaha ModX Synthesizer + sound demo and tutorial.
Want to buy a Yamaha MODX?
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If you want to buy one use my affiliate links. I get a small % on each sale and its a great way to support the channel
TIME STAMPS/PARTS
00:00 Intro
02:35 Part 1: Basic features
04:44 Part 2: Creating a sound
13:27 Part 3: Adding a FM voice
19:00 Part 4: Motion control
27:13 Part 5: Computer integration
28:56 Part 6: Pros and cons
30:58 Part 7: Alternatives
☀Watch videos about the Montage to learn more about the MODX
Great Review (series) of all features • Yamaha Montage In-Dept...
Processing other synths: • Using Yamaha Montage f...
Building analog synth sounds: • Build Analogue Sounds ...
Fm synthesisers on montage • How to Get Started wit...
SuperKnob Assignments: • How To Program the Sup...
#yamahamodx #modx #synthesizer
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[@BoBeats]

Want to buy a Yamaha MODX? EU: thmn.to/thoprod/550543?offid=1&affid=623 US: imp.i114863.net/2rEyeM If you want to buy one use my affiliate links. I get a small % on each sale and its a great way to support the channel

[@JeffIrok]

It comes with a baby!!

[@evetsnitram8866]

It also has 1G of internal flash memory for your odd samples made in sound editors and whatnot.

[@HotStrange]

Ah gonna have to pass on this one then.

[@gpr4eva]

Too much maintenance, I'll pass

[@synthartist69]

I have the MODX6. For what I paid for it, this keyboard sounds amazing. It's a HUGE bang for the buck. Best sounding digital keyboard I have played. The FM patches alone or combined with the acoustic pianos are great. The acoustic guitar and lead guitar patches are amazing! This is the first digital synth I have had in a long time that inspires me each time I play it. Great video, thank you for posting..

[@djpioneer937]

synthartist69 Does the Keynes feel too plasticy? What would you compare the keys to

[@HotStrange]

djpioneer937 Keynes?

[@thesoundpainterbkny3465]

This was the best review of the MODX on the Entire You tube channel. Loved it and learned so much. Thank you! I am going to purchase the MODX8 because of this video.

[@CarlosVargas-il1gz]

Great hands on review. And nice coffee break. You made me go get one.

[@TorBruheim]

It is impressive to see how easy the operating system is to use on this synth. The review is also very good. Thank you.

[@LeviHeld]

I was set on not buying anymore keyboard instruments...until I saw this! You pretty much sold me on this! well done!

[@jthunter4933]

What a machine!!!.... Great review!.. more videos like this! Super job Bo!!!!!

[@junglsmor]

i love how your hand movements mimic your words subconciously

[@MrBasic]

Wow! Great video! So many voices, so many layers...

[@mysterio77690]

I do appreciate what yamaha made with this mini montage!! and i do love your armchair too!!!!!

[@Wulfcry]

Me to I like the armchair seems every reviewer has it on youtube.

[@luisbayo4079]

Thanx x t great vid!!... Im learning and enjoying this synth and your tutorial helped a lot

[@originalfallinggirl]

Just ordered. Thanks Bo. And I hope you’re having a nice summer.

[@babar141]

This is the Best video that explains this keyboard, thanks Bo

[@ChevonneReynolds]

I just purchased my MODX7, I love it already!! Thanks for this video!

[@pizzagogo6151]

Thank you for doing such an in depth review on this synth.. Seriously thinking of buying one of these so the detail you went into about what it’s like to program was very informative.

[@BoBeats]

Cheers!!

[@uhoh007]

Great Overview, Thank You

[@HarryFisherIII]

Great video. I like how you demonstrated the features of the MODX in an easy to understand way.

[@synriser6742]

Nice overview. I think it sounds great.

[@tekrahmuzik2119]

Can't wait to get mine

[@H4NDCRAFTED]

Great introduction, really enjoyed your video.

[@Prowler9000]

Excellent video, Bo! I can't even consider an instrument as nice as this, but it sure was cool to learn about it! The "for the lulz" part was a pretty cool sound imo. I liked all the sounds you pulled out of it though. A lot of them were really quite relaxing :)

[@WildernessMusic_GentleSerene]

Bo!!! I am super amazed at this review!!! This is without any doubt the best review of the Yamaha synth engine architecture ever done on KZbin or anywhere else for that matter. Excellent presentation of the synth engines, it was very understandable and clear to me ( I have been researching the Yamaha synth engines from their PDF manuals for years now) But you made it clear and filled in all missing parts I did not understand. THEN...you even did the FM engine and motion control, fantastic! NO ONE has ever done such a great review before on the MOX, MOtive or Montage which are basically the same editing structure. Thank you for the best review of a Yamaha synth in the history of reviews!!!!!

[@BoBeats]

Thank you! It took a lot of efforts

[@WildernessMusic_GentleSerene]

Yes, I realize how much work it is! I have an other KZbin channel where I teach viewers how to use their synths.

[@davidknight754]

I second this. Most awesome video.

[@kentxx12]

That is one of the best reviews of the Modx on youtube Bo.

[@ShadowPilot]

Great videos man!

[@dougreed3629]

I absolutely love your reviews.

[@theaudioeng]

Full on review, brill - thanks the Bo-ster !

[@davidpachuau16]

Awesome video, this is what i needed, the real programming, too many playings in other vids, but you showed us what it really is.. Thank you.... Waiting for the product from India

[@viyandsouza_stream]

A huge hi-five to that mate! Waiting for it to come to India too!

[@davidpachuau16]

@@viyandsouza_stream a friend of mine already brought it, 😂

[@viyandsouza_stream]

Ordered it an hour ago!😂😛 thanks buddy!!

[@HotStrange]

David Pachuau how is that funny? Like at all?

[@Coowallsky]

Haut Strange He may have interpreted the emoji to be of someone crying given the tears on it. That help?

[@synthacusrex4384]

I just got the MODX6+ I have been jumping around youtube for tutorials. This was the best tour I have found. INCLUDING YAMAHA'S TUTORIALS. I have a history with yamaha '85 I got a DX7 and CX5M (small computer with 4op synth and sequencer) In '93 I got the SY99 and have had several Tg77 SY77s these are really the precursor to the Montage/MODX line they also had AWM and FM 6op. for someone who has a little experience with FM this was a killer tour. Superb work.

[@BoBeats]

Thank you!!

[@silas4853]

I saw a lot of reviews on the MODX 6, even spokespersons for companys. but none was able to go in-depth like you. now I really can't wait to get one

[@hulkslayer626]

So, woke up this afternoon to about 12 new videos in my recommended on this new synth lol Glad to see Yamaha is aware of the KZbin community. And of course, I clicked on yours first Bo ;) lol

[@33Treez]

The other video's I've seen about this made MODX sound like old casio's, but your video makes me reconsider buying.... Thanks for your video work!!!

[@christopherpatterson715]

Ok I made my mind up, I’m getting the MODX8✊🏿 Thanks for this video!!!

[@andycordy5190]

Thank you for the sound construction demo. I ordered the keyboard today on a whim (boys and their toys), after seeing a couple of sales type demos I wondered if I may have made an expensive mistake but thanks to you I can see it' relevance to my way of making music.

[@user-ec4kf2dp5r]

Great video, thank you, sir!

[@housemachine509]

You got a great helper Bo! God bless

[@solidaudio6764]

👍Great Review...thank you.

[@michaeltyborski4802]

Thanks again for a nice review. It may contribute to my return of a used Roland System 1 for a MODX6. Your video showed what Korg needs to detail for the Wavestate.

[@DOMINIQUEHERROD]

KEEP PUSHING OUT GREAT CONTENT !!!!!

[@squidbeach]

Congrats on having the first in depth review

[@BoBeats]

Cheers!

[@valdiskrebs566]

It has many great sounds ... from cocktail lounge to rave warehouse to cathedral... 2000 presets! Lots of menu-diving... but powerful. Liked the coffee break music!

[@Khordmaster]

That performance you made @5:06 is amazing!!!!!!!

[@DanielDavissynthman]

Sounds awesome.

[@suga4all]

Thank you so much for the great review Bo. That clearly was an awesome in depth explanation of the capabilities. My last hardware synth (which I am still happy to play on every now and then) was the Korg M1. Getting bored of all the hazzle with soft synths (boot system, driver crash, incompatibility issues, etc.) I would very much like to go for a modern hardware synth. I also like the idea that the MODX8 has a GHS keyboard which is just great at this price (missing aftertouch is a pitty though). After watching your review I have the impression that the MODX series is a really good all-in-one-starter package. I will most likely go for the MODX8. Thanks a lot again.

[@BrenQ99]

I call it “Bob.” Funny!! Fantastic and informative video. Thank you.

[@jmc2567]

Great explanations and details, awesome vid,thankyou,best wishes to you all, from, Auckland, New Zealand. 🎹👑⭐🏅👍💯✅❤🙂🙂🙂🎹🎼🎵🎶

[@therealniksongs]

Who agrees with me that Yamaha should just bring out that FM-X engine in a stand-alone instrument. Maybe call it the DX8 in honor of the 8-operator architecture and have DX8/6, ($799) DX8/7, ($899) and DX8/8 ($999) versions of it depending on keyboard size.

[@BoBeats]

Solid idea right here!

[@therealniksongs]

Thank you, Bo! I have applied for a job to the Yamaha Marketing department, ha-ha. By the way, I echo the other comments on the quality of your video. It is really useful to have someone dive into the instrument and do more than just play the factory patches. Here's another marketing idea: full length videos explaining all the features in depth, like they used to do with the Motif. I have a three DVD set on the original Motif. Something like this is more helpful than a pdf manual, one can see and hear the results of each action taken.

[@gimble8638]

doesnt hurt to dream, but would never be at those price points (not much more tho) :)

[@therealniksongs]

+gimble, Well, the MODX6 is only $1299, so it doesn't seems that unreasonable to me to offer only the FM side of it for $500 less. That $500 buys you arguably more than a $999 MOXF6 (less the full-featured sequencer.)

[@gimble8638]

yeah, but i mean itmore politacally than that tbh bud, its how they price ranges and where that would fit in was more my point (i was a programmer for yamaha from 2005-2013 mostly motif and tyros) so range is an important thing to them and price points if that makes sense :) and lets face it the MODX pricepoint is stunning and expected to sell in huge numbers (and rightly so) so like i said not quite that easy/straight forward :)

[@Crucial_Realm]

Love the ability to map fm operator levels to sliders, the only other synth that I know that gives you tactile control in fm is the akemie’s castle (which is amazing btw!). PS - never wanted a coffee so bad in my life after watching this.

[@SergioGarcia-jg3yy]

Congratulations! Beautiful review! Very well explained and very well done. I love that coffee part (with all of its elements and fx's haha). I'm sure I'd never use more than 10% of these deep edit capabilities, but it seems it's easy to get complex, beautiful fat sounds. I agree Omnisphere is a beast and more affordable if you already have a computer, but this thing is portable and no computer dependent if you will. A great tool for those who want to learn how to play better with inspiring sounds ready to play at the press of a button. If only I had the money...

[@lonezombieheart7808]

thank you for your amazing video

[@jaybeetdown]

Cool, I want one!

[@cfsalvo]

I'd like to hear more of "coffee break", nice work. Very informative review as well.

[@BoBeats]

Check the sound demo

[@ThatJerseyBloke]

I found it fascinating that you mentioned the Prologue and the Digitone as I have a Prologue, I'm waiting for my Digitone, and intend to purchase a MODX6. I'm happy that Yamaha listened to not only mine, but many peoples comments on the Montage.

[@elvinlewis4233]

Finally, Montage with rythm, at a reasonable price. Yamaha has finally gotten me excited again! And I have Omnisphere, but the super knob can provide interesting soundacapes.

[@paulbrennan5807]

great video I want one for the dx

[@zebramasklover]

Thanks Bo, I knew I already wanted it, but you've done a great job going into the synthesizer on a more deep level! I have a HUGE Motif synthesizer which is also awesome in it's own way, but programming it just is nearly impossible! I haven't even found out how to do an INIT voice on it!~ With this synthesizer and you showing me how to, it will be a lot easier. I am also curious how well the FM synthesis works! I know programming on the DX7, which I owned too was also a big challenge on the machine itself, and it seems much more easy here! Almost like the good folks of Yamaha looked at how FM7 and FM8 from NI works..... It just seems much easier and has more control over the entire parts! Just a few days and then I will get my MODX.... I can't wait ;)

[@DanceVidaSweden]

more videos please! 👌 🤩

[@GenosGlory]

Yamaha seems to have sent lots of these around to people which is good. People can truly decide from all these videos.

[@darrenhirst9900]

I bought mine after watching a video.

[@livingintheawesomeness7336]

I love long videos, like Cuckoo 👍 #Congratulations

[@goodboid]

Bo, thanks for really diving in and actually programming the synth! I wish you would take another look at the FM engine, with 8 operators it might be worth buying this synth just for it's FM capabilities alone. I have a feeling people will be selling FM patches for this synth for years.

[@BoBeats]

Thank you! It could possibly be a follow up video

[@DJ_PROMO_PR]

Bob is dope. I can only dream Yamaha will release a VST version.

[@klonhead]

BoBaby is so cute! all the best man!

[@GONZOFAM7]

Another great review. Like'd it before the first few seconds for your beautiful baby.

[@superconfort]

I ordered a modx7 yesterday. Before watching any review. I wanted a montage but the €€€... This is the one

[@exnihilo7806]

I wasn't aware that I needed this and I also wasn't aware how sensual coffee can be

[@cresshead]

one of the interesting side effects of yamaha's new release is to price drop of the Yamaha MOXF6 and usually you get the flash ram card thrown in free..and that board has a usable sequencer!

[@elvinlewis4233]

Very nice job Bo! I've been looking for a legitimate, hi tech synth, but the Montage was just too expensive, and has no part of a workstation contained, so I could not justify the price. You have given way more detail than anyone else. I freakin' LOVE IT! A side by side comparison reveals the superior value of the Modx over the Montage. There is absolutely nothing, that justifies the enormous price difference in my opinion. I think I want the 61 key..maybe the 76? Not sure, but I will definitely get thus board..(and I have omnisphere, NI, etc) But I want a hardware synth. Finally Yamaha..I'm excited again.

[@krakapoww]

The New sequencer update makes it the best value workstations board out there imo

[@Jorge.O85]

Dang ! Great review >..👍🏼 I just want to return my Push 2 and get this one ! I still have few days to do that, im 🤔 what to do. 🧐

[@jorgentraun]

Very nice demo of the MODX. I just wish Yamaha made the FM-X engine (which is based on the FS1r) like a complete FS1r. The 8 x noise generators with formants, Formant Seq and the formant waveform are missing in the FM-X engine. I hope it will added in a update.

[@markquavertune2003]

Thank you for the informative video .A question that might not be obvious .How long does a touch screen last ?

[@WoodyPianoShack]

nice 1 bo! quick off the mark as always. i'll check out the full vid after the launch event. but, already I am wondering how do you get the dark theme on the display, I can't find that setting, need some expert advise please! :D

[@BoBeats]

Ive had it for a few weeks

[@WoodyPianoShack]

perfect, i'll try and catch up by watching your tutorial!

[@maxloomis1712]

Long time soncw i posted. Wow is that a new little bo?! Congratulating!

[@BoBeats]

Thank you Max!!

[@johnnyraphaell]

Bo you give good demos to the world thanks!!! Can it sounds cnarly and how is the compressor and overdrive? is there a pre filter drive to fatten up the sounds? Ringmodulator? can it cut through in a mix with with analog synths?

[@tilleyroadaffairproduction6752]

Thanks for this nice video. I am looking for a nice full keyboard and also nice synth sound machine to connect to the keyboard. Do you have any ideas about this?

[@fernandoborstmann]

Hi congrats for this great video, I still have one question, is it possible to send ipad app sounds trough the built in audio interface like MOXF?

[@BoBeats]

Yeah it works likr an audio interface for ipads yeah

[@seancraig5373]

Thanks- Great overview! I had not realized how deep this synth is-nor how complex it can be. Not sure I am ready for such complex sound sculpturing yet--need to learn more about sound sculpting on more simple synths first. Not that I am uninterested in such deep sculpting--just that the multiple, multiple options on each screen leave me feeling a bit intimidated. It's nice to be able to make music without reading many pages of the manual--Do you ever feel that way?

[@whisperingwind3430]

Thanks for video! Can you make little demo on the integration in DAW of Modx? Does it dispens voices as VST on different tracks? I heard that montage have DAW mode - what does it give to us or what we loose in modx?

[@dougbrwn]

That first patch (Bob) reminded me of 'When I grow up' by Fever Ray

[@_Thorsten]

Your Mini-Bo is awesome ;)

[@patricksaxon3983]

I mostly bought the MODX8 for the piano voices, because it is very lightweight compared to my old Yamaha P200 stage piano. But it is more than I needed on stage. So I plan on having it in my home studio and plan on buying a new state piano for on stage performance.

[@mr_floydst]

That was a very good review, Bo, and congratulations on having supercute mini-me on your show. ;-) On the last segment: To be honest, in a "real life" situation (like playing in front of people with other musicians), the differences in sound output of instrument x compared to a modern workstation are purely academical. I think it's really a "lifestyle" decision to choose multiple "specialist" machines over one "can do all". That being said, workstations like the MODX are like the teacher's pet in class: They are very good, but no one likes them because they are so boring - creating fantastic sound poses no challenge at all. :-)

[@BoBeats]

Thank you for the comment! I would agree for a live situation the difference is probably not noticable. But for other uses like sound design they are pretty noticeable I would say.

[@TheJonHolstein]

In my opinion, the thing that makes the sound of the Prologue stick out, are the shimmery digital effects. And I don't think the Modx has as shimmery digital effects. The other thing is the layering, but when it comes to layering the Modx beats the Prologue by the factor of XX. The modx allows for much more modulation, to introduce more movement to the sound, compared to any analog osc. What the Prologue has though, is a much nicer interface for building sounds. So that does for example the System-8, and Peak as well... and to some degree the DSI Rev.2 and Deepmind, and even the Nord stage series. And the interface is in many cases the reason to go hardware over software. But then there is Omnisphere 2.5. Combined with for example the StudioLogic sledge, and is can be a quite affordable hybrid, if one has the computer for it. But Omnisphere doesn't cover all ground of the Modx, as it doesn't have all the general purpose samples. But I would agree with the OP that when it comes to the sound it is mostly academic, especially considering the layering and modulations of the Modx compared to the Prologue. For complexity in sound, the Modx can beat the prologue, despite the Prologue's analog OSCs. It would have been better though, if the Modx had offered additional outputs, so that it would be possible to run some sounds through external shimmery effects, to combat that part of the Prologue, while still layering the performance with general purpose sounds. Even many software instruments, especially iOS instruments, do offer better interface compared to the Modx, and may support running different layers through individual effects. But the Modx is self contained. And even though it can to a lot, there are still limitations, and consistency that may not be the case when starting to use different softwares in a DAW host. The dilemma in my opinion is that the Modx could have been an ipad app + a good controller with keyboard and a few sliders and knobs, with built in audio and midi I/O, and an adjustable holder for the ipad (adjustable for the size of the ipad, as well as tilting), and that would have been an over all better product, and possibly at a lower price, even including the purchase of an iPad, and it would have had a much better touch experience, with bigger display even, with better readability, and it would also have allowed for loading other music apps when needed even if the Modx would have been a stand-alone that would not allow for integration with other apps. The only reason in my opinion for products like this to exist today, is really that no one does that perfect ipad dock/controller with audio/midi I/O, adjustable holder and a few soft controls.

[@simplygroove]

Hi i would like to know if is possible to export all audio tracks from the modx to the Logic via usb ? Thank’s for this great video

[@liho26]

Interesting video. Thank you. But, what is difference between MODX and Montage except knobs on the body?

[@caydilemma3309]

If this keyboard just had the FM and sampling functionality i’d be all in on this thing. The groovebox idea is cool as well though. Super unique product.

[@DJ_Kelpie]

You sir are sneaky.. "here just let me sneak this super cute baby in here while I play some super dope music" now I must have this

[@BoBeats]

🤣💪

[@YouzTube99]

Indeed. Now that they've -appeared- co-starred in your vids, does Swedish tax code allow you to declare your children as business deductions? ;o)

[@admdnh]

Great

[@jimburke9333]

Does the audio interface work for Auria DAW for iPad as well?

[@PakBudiTarigan]

Does it has pulse wave sound inbuilt

[@jemine5396]

Im diggin the toddler... great marketing strategy

[@RonaldRademaker]

hi can u show or tell how to put a sample under one or more key?

[@johnpeter17171]

Can you share video how to save 8 different tones in 8 scene swtich button which is in left side.

[@WingHouseCup]

Theres something about the sound of it. I mean its nice and super complex, but then it's kinda plastic sounding at the same. Then I think about how it would sound in a mix and it seems to have too much going on, like it just needs to be alone, if that makes any sense. Then there the menu diving for programming..it's just so incredibly awesome and has so much going that you could never really use it all and possibly just get lost. I think Im more with the alternatives that you mentioned at the end rather than this. They're far more focused and hands on. Great video as usual. I love that you actually explained how this thing works.

[@cursedsound]

Can i control Ableton with it? i would like to use it as a synth and also as a kind of midi keyboard for Ableton to record midi and also automations

[@digitaldiezel5870]

I played the 8 at GC today. The weighted action feels great...smooth and playable, not overly stiff. I think I would pay the extra to get the 88 keys, and that is extremely uncharacteristic of me.

[@brunodadivore9606]

Hi BoBeats I liked your conclusion about comparisons while differenciating. This video is quite old now but what would be your new conclusion today ? Same ? Thanks

[@krakapoww]

Oi bo. Great content. I would like to see you breakdown some beats you have made with the mod x. Go through youre tracks and show how you did the instrumentation. Tweakin patches etc. Show how it does in the field. And also, would love to see u sequence it with the digitakt.

[@architectofechoes4]

It's an interesting synth with many deep layers and sounds great. But all that menu diving might just send me round the bend !!

[@erikfox8471]

hello Bo, im new to modx and i cant find any tutorial how to use init multi/gm ?is it for importing midi songs? i wanted to import but i dont understand at all, theres no any tutorial on yt for this..regards

[@nikhilraj8565]

How to assign modx to Mainstage. Like how to control/Change mainstage patches using MODX?

[@brianlewis5360]

I purchased a Novation Impulse 61 so I could use Aftertouch with the MODX. However, no matter what I’ve tried it will not work. Is there any help you could give me to figure out if I need certain settings. I’ve tried MIDI as well as USB cable. Single, Multi and Hybrid modes as well as other settings adjustments and I can’t get Aftertouch to be recognized on the MODX. You are so knowledgeable and I haven’t been able to find an answer from anywhere. Thanks for anything you can do to help would be greatly appreciated.