MODX sound design Mega Tutorial #1

I've been using the Yamaha MODX6 on tour as a keyboard player in a band this year. Here's a beginner's tutorial on how to approach sound design starting out with your own custom samples.
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[@davidknight754]

This is the best KZbin demo on sound design with the MODX. Thanks so much for doing it!

[@philippesteindl3356]

It's good when you got a guy who's reasonably tech able, but focuses much more on creativity and just doing whatever with what is available (Cuckoo is basically one of those 101% creative people, who'll use an old drill machine to make music and sample it into something to chop it up later and .. well .whatever :P) .. that leads to sounds, that are novel or better show a machines capabilities etc than the ever same sounds on everything. That's why I enjoy his channel.

[@kgbinfo]

I think adding in key mechanical noise to a piano patch makes it sound like you're sitting right next to the piano and the person playing. It gives your sound a really close, cozy, and intimate feeling. Thanks for sharing your secrets! I love watching videos like this, and I really appreciate your style.

[@truecuckoo]

Thanks mate! i agree on the close and cozy. I really like that 🙏🏼

[@jrileyhill]

Great video and great sounds! I've had a Motif for year and I feel like everyone always underestimates them. When you load your own samples the engine is so funky. MODX is even better.

[@ewetoo]

This felt less like a tutorial than a friend showing me the fun bits. You've shown me a way into a process I can adapt for myself when my own modx arrives soon.

[@truecuckoo]

High five, my friend! Good hang time 😌

[@tracetravlr4029]

Fantastic sound design tutorial!! From the title I see this is tutorial #1, so I do hope you continue to produce more tutorials on the MODX!

[@kellymerrill5294]

Good to see a demo by someone with an experimental approach to sounds, I was always turned off by the smooth jazz top 40 slicksters. Well done 👍

[@michaeltihon3485]

Having very detailed explanations with the zoom on the screen to see what happens is very useful. Thank you for taking the time to make this video, definitely helps me with my choice.

[@maciej8989]

Thanks Cockoo for this amazing tutorial, it's so practical for me while digging into my beloved MODX:) would be more than happy to see the continuation of MODX series... #2, #3... your way of straightforward explaining (sometimes) weird topics is a great gift!

[@suga4all]

Thank you very much for this great tutorial. I got a MODX8 since release but mainly focused on the FM synthesis and the built in presets. Thanks to yor AWM tutorial I really consider it being a super versatile sample player!

[@andycordy5190]

Thank you. Great presentation. Your meticulous structuring of sound using the AWM 2 engine has really opened up the whole instrument for me.

[@kennyh9704]

So nice to hear back all the sounds from the live show! Excellent tutorial as always.

[@davidallred991]

Thanks for this mate. My favorite tutorial you have done so far because you go into such detail on how to fine tune one really great sound. Also the best AWM2 engine tutorial that exists by far. Hope you keep doing more videos on the MODx. I think less than 1% of owners even scratch the surface of this beast mainly because it is really complicated and it is hard to find good tutorials. The modx is amazing but its user interface is about as intuitive as a 5x5 Rubik's cube

[@randysonnicksen9475]

AMEN brother (MODX complicated, and user interface intuitive (NOT!!)

[@collinreagan9473]

This tutorial just changed my whole world. Thanks for taking the time for in depth instructions

[@truecuckoo]

🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@randysonnicksen9475]

Nice video. I’m struggling to figure out this synth, but you did a good job of explaining the small portion of functionality you focused on. You did a very good job of showing a clear view of the touchscreen which other KZbinrs sometimes miss.

[@synthacusrex4384]

Cuckoo, Thank you, you convinced me to buy the MODX6+. I am more frenetic, but your cool relaxed delivery makes me feel like I am listening to a mushroom sitting caterpillar with a hooka. I watch your circuit bending "repair" videos. This one moved me. Call yamaha and tell them they owe you a montage for being such a good salesperson.

[@caleb5780]

This video is my new insomnia cure. Thanks cuckoo

[@davidknight754]

Love this board. I have a Montage 7 myself and find it very inspiring. This keyboard never felt like (to me) to be a typical workstation monstrosity. I find it very easy to work with and love the fact that it allows you to create multi samples (the waveforms) and apply them across the keys. The new Roland Fantom doesn’t even allow this.

[@ChevonneReynolds]

I just got my MODX7 last week! I love it! Thanks for this tutorial!

[@pseudointelligence5964]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge on the MODX...got mine 2 weeks ago and these tut-vids help a great deal!

[@mwachner]

Always love your vibe TC, great video as always!

[@Sarahbuildsstepsequencers]

Whoa, the voices blew me away. Nice. This is an amazing instrument. Always fun to drop in on you, kind sir. I love the unexpected, and you deliver. You know what’s up. ☺️

[@truecuckoo]

Thanks Sarah!

[@JMGorbey]

Just came across this...EXACTLY what I was after for assigning wav samples to the keys...Thankyou so much!

[@mwachner]

Totally love your vibe dude, you seem like a guy that would be great to tour with - And thanks for this video I have a MODX7 - helpful!

[@AJBuckleybutnottheonefromcsi]

The MODX6 is so rad.

[@bilonggrisimmeri]

Great video Cuckoo. I often wonder what the MODX is like to edit, and had no idea it does one-shot samples off flash drive. I already own a Yamaha A5000 sampler, which helped to understand your creative process. Thanks again for another excellent video.

[@teddroessler8566]

Great job on the tutorial, it has helped me make the desision to hang up my korgs & go with the modx ! Thnx, Ted :)

[@PanayiotisHajisavas]

Cannot wait for part #2 now

[@tcobu]

I usually don't comment, but I had too. This video was great. I didn't think I would watch the entire thing, but I did. I understand the MODX so much better now. I would love for you to make a video focusing on the FM-X engine. Cheers.

[@truecuckoo]

Thanks you! 🙏🏼 It’s a really versatile synth. Yamaha did a great job I think.

[@PanayiotisHajisavas]

Awesome in every level.

[@McN4styFilth]

Modx is an absolute beast machine but it definitely doesn't have the most intuitive process for subtractive synthesis. The FMX engine on the other hand is amazing.

[@keith303]

it doesn't even feature subtractive synthesis, afaik.

[@McN4styFilth]

@@keith303 AWM2 is used for subtractive synthesis on the MODX.

[@keith303]

@@McN4styFilth well, then every sampler that features a cutoff filter can be regarded as a subtractive synthesizer i guess..

[@rdoetjes]

keithX303 yes, they are. The oscillator is just a sample in that case. Which is the way the MODX does “analog” synthesis with the AWM2 too. I would have loved the option to have the FM engine to use a filter on the resulting wave shape as well, as it would speed things up. But perhaps that’s me, I am not really that fast with FM.

[@WiggyWamWam]

@@keith303 I mean, literally, yes

[@dimitreze]

thanks so much for this

[@dogdiyei]

This video change my aproach to the montage! Thanks for sharing

[@truecuckoo]

Thanks! It’s a very useful platform.

[@odmusicman]

Quite excellent thank you so much. I am moving from the Roland FA to the MODX+, there are some similarities in approach but the versatility of the MODX and interface features is far greater, and some of the sounds. The ability to drag and drop the order of performances in real time to change a live set for example blew me away.

[@truecuckoo]

It’s a very versatile platform. Yamaha did a good job.

[@Sashabooboo]

Yeah... I'm going to have to come back to this. Again, and again. It's very loaded with information and comprehensive. I skipped ahead to the 19 minute mark and thought "WOW". This is like a seminar you would pay money to attend. Excellent job and easy to follow and listen to.

[@TheJetsfan1221]

ty for this video!!! that bass fade in trick was awesome

[@truecuckoo]

Thanks Jack! It’s a very versatile and flexible system.

[@oozly9114]

You make this thing look extremely buyable

[@yeoldmedic7572]

50:10 this has a vibe hah. great tutorial man, the sound design was the last element of this keyboard i needed to explore. this looks like the winner for me beating out the FA and Krome. i have many roland tones from the cloud and korg collection. but no acess to yamaha sounds witch are actually my favorite!

[@5amJones69]

awwwwwwww thanks man. This is great. You're a lovely teacher.

[@MattiasHolmgren]

Thanks for this great insight into the MODX, looks like an awesome powerful lightweight synth! Great combo with the iPad. I have an Yamaha EX-5 which still is a really nice beast that I kept (actually gave it to my son...but it's in the family.) ;) Superb video Cuckoo! Soothing little jazzy / game jam at the end 1:10:53. ;)

[@truecuckoo]

Thanks Mattias! Keeping synths in the family is great ❤️

[@ScareCrowReview]

I immediately want one of these. Incredible instrument and wonderful sounds made Great video, really hammered home how great it would be to have one of these

[@pneptun]

The only synth you need imo (except for hammond sounds, those are kinda meh, you need a clonewheel like ferrofish or something for that, but everything else you can totally get from the MODX)

[@ScareCrowReview]

Jan Simacek yeah it’s definitely a strong piece of kit. Although I am that kind of person that would just own a bit of everything just to see what I can make

[@smiljanicn]

Very similar and more powerfull sounds and performance zone setups could be achived using Kurzweil K series. Dirt cheap these days...

[@corecreekproductions6533]

Great video. Thanks!

[@roblewis5044]

Great tutorial, as ever buddy, thanks

[@dogdiyei]

Very nice work bredi! Thanks!

[@piotao]

awesome, learned A LOT! Thank you!

[@aloharay]

I watched this video back when you first released it and I first got my MODX. I just sat through a second time after 18 months and got even more details from your work here. Thank you Cuckoo! 39:50 I did see you use a level boost based on velocity on an element 2 that already was at Level 127, so I am not sure if the Level/velocity +22 setting would do much there unless you lowered the amplitude LEVEL setting to below 127. What do you think?

[@Aetila]

This is what I was looking for, thanks mate!

[@truecuckoo]

Thanks! 🙏🏼 Glad you found it!

[@Aetila]

@@truecuckoo I was just looking for a small workstation with sample import...I've never thougt the MODX has 1 Gb Flash memory for samples. (It costs tons of money for a Motif XS, XF) Great tutorial on sample import!

[@Jvaldes609]

That was an amazing tutorial I like the speed we can keep up,

[@aphexon.]

Was a nice concert at verket in Moss :) cheers for that, and the tutorial!

[@truecuckoo]

Thank you! 🙏🏼

[@terrygray7465]

I've watched a ton of videos on this synth in my research, but yours has sealed the deal. My credit cards does not like you, but I thank you.

[@pabloessgalhardo5317]

Thanks for the video. would also be nice to ear those sounds in context of the music you played on tour

[@jamessisson3703]

you're like a wild dolphin. this is brilliant

[@knopfler2006]

Will we have one day "MODX sound design Mega Tutorial #2" ?

[@brunodadivore9606]

Great. Having a Modx since July 2020 I learned a lot on PCM synthesis. Thanks. Your English is very understandable for my french culture and precise words are helping rather a lot of « cool » expressions in many videos.

[@ramunasteniukas7259]

You are Einstein of Sound MODX

[@dalce81]

Hi True Cuckoo thank you for your video !!! where have you got the Waveform that you import from your USB drive?

[@thegoldenamerican]

Just sold mine and getting Roland Fantom. Fantom is more of a bonafide workstation and complete sequencer. Fantom is mind blowing and extremely simple all in one

[@WyattLite-n-inn]

I sold my MODX and am buying a Fantom 0 as well

[@thegoldenamerican]

@@WyattLite-n-inn I gave the roland back within 45 days and now I’m getting the MPC Key 61

[@WyattLite-n-inn]

@@thegoldenamerican I can dig it…My friend has both and he’s a certified synth maven…He said next to each other the MPC wins in terms of production capability but the Roland kills it in terms of it being an actual instrument/sound content and character. To me it all boils down to an “All in One”(MPC), or “all in 2”(fantom0 plus laptop running Ableton using the Fantom as a control surface…I’m leaning toward the Fantom/Ableton concept.

[@proteus1]

Just picked up the Montage, big learning curve and need training vids.

[@paulhorsley8922]

Well done cuckoo , another brilliant demo have learnt so much from your videos, you are one brilliant nice guy ❤️ cheers mate 👍 Any chance you could do one on the new sequencer? Paul.

[@truecuckoo]

Thanks! I should really take a look at the new sequencer. I still haven’t looked at it.

[@TheKeithlb]

Thank you!!! ❤

[@yannseven7096]

Many thanks to you! Great video

[@dazboot2000]

Excellent stuff thank you learnt so much from this video ....Tutorial 2 ?

[@oozly9114]

Awesome video

[@AbdiPianoChannel]

I seriously like that mirror

[@pairotesangthong6131]

Thank you... love

[@dessiplaer]

I really appreciate the in-depth tutorial on this synth. Was the person you were backing up satisfied with the sound of this keyboard?

[@truecuckoo]

Thanks. Yeah she was happy, and the sound engineer too. It worked out really well with the band.

[@cseagrist]

I have umm, many analog synths. I was wondering if I could sample them directly into the MODX and use just the MODX as a stage synth as it would be a pain to break down and set up multiple analog synths. Would the quality be equivalent or close enough? (Some of my friends recently wanted to start an 80s style synth pop band). I know the MODX has inputs... can you play an analog synth directly into the MODX and save it as a sample rather than just importing a .wav?

[@TommyHelgevold]

Yes you can, That's one of the main features in Yamaha ModX and Montage series, it's called SAMPLE-ROBOT, it's free for Montage owners till March 2020 I think, maybe even ModX owners, check with Yamaha. Sample Robot is AMAZING - you can literally connect the MIDI and Audio of your OTHER synths, and it will "steal" most of the settings + sample, and you can use it as if you used that synth, and make changes to your sounds later.

[@TornacenseDeFuturo]

29:13 You can play Prince Of Persia (DOS sound style)

[@synthercat]

I am between Yahama MODX7 and the Korg Krome EX as it should have a better keybed (and sounds I love). Was a semi-pro musician now VR developer :P Cuckoo (and all the good people reading) do you have any input on that please?

[@Phantorion]

Hi, great video, it's so helpful man, I really appreciate these videos because it's true, there are only few tutorials about these boards in a span of 4 years? I have both montage 8 and Modx6 and damn it's so complicated. I'm starting to learn about anything about synthesis with these beasts. Could you, in your future tutorials, show us how to achieve similar prophet 08 brass sounds? Particularly Nick Semrad's Prophet 08 patches which he uses on 1999 prince cover, I've trade it all, and that free style jam they did at jamm card with b. Slade. That would be so great, because it could also help us out on how to program the filters, mod wheel, super knobs, ass switches, etc. =D, and I'm literally confuse even with just the filter cutoff, cutoff/velocity, feg depth, feg depth / velocity, different Ins A, B cutoff fx,.... Reverbs, insert reverbs of common part 1 - 8, and master reverb of whole part,. Seriously man, it's just so confusinnnnnng, I think I'm doing a lot of fx redundancy and I don't even know what I'm doing anymore. Hahaha heck I even forgot what I was writing about. Sorry about the long rant/request. I really do hope you can cover some these topics though, it could really help us beginners. Especially using montage or the modx. OH and a Happy new year to you. =)

[@cloudrun654]

Do you have a link to any of your live performance with this group? Thanks!

[@JazzTigan]

Thank you. Please do like this with pulse wave and saw tooth Synth.

[@bionicle141197]

Thanks for the awesome in-depth tutorial! What would be the best format for the samples to save as much space as possible while maintaining a decent sound quality on the modx?

[@truecuckoo]

Mono. Fading out the ends faster than you think you’d need, to make the files shorter. Don’t sample EVERY tone unless absolutely necessary. 4 tones per octave is often “good enough”. Find that limit where it’s good enough. Chords are good enough with 4 per octave. Solo instruments often require more. Invest in a software (such as Sample Robot) that can also create native MODX files and also create loop points. So instead of a long recording, perhaps a looping section in the middle is good enough?

[@bionicle141197]

@@truecuckoo Thanks a lot for the reply! I really consider switching to the modx from my Roland FA mainly because of the lack of user waveforms.This helps a lot!

[@chagkruzart7695]

I found this video when look for "Roland FA vs MODX". Now it seems to compare bicycle vs airplane ((:

[@aaronwibr]

Hello went to your online store to try and aquire some sample+performance packs. Didn't notice any for the Modx family. Would it be possible to purchase "My Best Piano Collection" and follow some of your tutorials on your page and use these samples as a base??? Maybe you have a video referencing how to dial in your own piano samples... wouldn't mind just paying for it all. Lol.

[@daylightflute]

Any link to the complete song at 5:03? Great presentation!

[@alejandrocavaliere1687]

this is the guy!

[@johnnyparker2128]

Do I have to do anything special to set up the FC7 expression pedal?

[@flutesondaylight7231]

What patch is used at 4:27 ? Is it from modx? Or it can be downloaded from somewhere? It sounds amazingly fantastic! I found some similar to it inside my modx but not the same :( Thank's in forward!

[@truecuckoo]

Hi. Sorry it’s a special sound that i made out of Hanne’s samples from her material from the album. Can’t share it I’m afraid.

[@flutesondaylight7231]

@@truecuckoo That's a pitty :( but Thank you so much for your reply! 🙂 One of the main yhings contributing to the decision choosing my MODX 6 was actually this excellent presentation and expected I'll have that special voice sound included (btw I'm an amateur, just experimenting, you might laugh but few months before buying MODX, I was using simply Yamaha Remie PSS-E30). While you did mention her name at the beginning of the video, since it was with Norwegian accent (and I ❤how Nordic languages sound) I misheard something like Han, Hook and Berg and was surprised not being capable finding these 3 "guys" nowhere on the internet. 😝 It was only when I searched the songs by name learned about Hanna and her interesting songs. That being said, I must say I expected something completely different, especially from "Silverhaired". I think you should make a slow ambiental relaxing version, or even a new song, exactly like the one that can be heard in this video including the bell tower too. Tusen takk once again!

[@djdacar]

I bother you with a consultation, can you sound more than 8 tracks at the same time? When I start putting together a sample with more than 8 tracks in "Multi-gm", the tracks from 9 to 16 does not show me the "KBD Ctrl" therefore do not sound. What do I have to do to enable them? From already thank you very much

[@jumpingman8160]

is that voice sound from the modx or a user sample?

[@alexendrix6]

men you r a great Cat, very good tutorial thx a lot

[@Amadeuz829RD]

Excelente 🎉❤

[@christianmosch9961]

Great - thank you! :)

[@vinsflokor]

Please please please: can we have that Silverhaired patch? It's BRILLIANT! :O

[@onionhat9141]

I see I can remake the sounds from the GS-1 if I got a reference.

[@toddmarshall7573]

53:24 If elements share XA (Extended Articulation...of which Key Off is an instance), they must be in the same group. All elements in a group must be using XA.

[@filipzawadzki9424]

Are you still using it? I want to use/createy aound palette and have everything in one instrument. Do you think MODX is the right way to do it?

[@truecuckoo]

The modx is a kinda Swiss Army knife. And it’s relatively cheap. What it lacks in mojo and build quality (it’s very plasticky) it makes up for with possibilities. I gotta say I’m choosing the NordWave 2 over the modx now. It’s is a much more expensive synth though. But I just love it. But still, for touring I might go for something light weight and plasticky again, to save my back. Perhaps even more lightweight like Korg WaveState or ModWave. For everything-in-one modx can absolutely be such a synth though. It’s got a huge built in library, and you can make very elaborate multi layered synth patches with professional effects processing.

[@filipzawadzki9424]

​@@truecuckooIm asking as I want to sample my old analog JX-3P synth patches which I love and move on only with one synth solution having it all + synth engine for new sounds. Sad MODX hasn't mojo, just from what I hear from your patches, it can have it if injected properly. Lacking proper VA synth tho. Yamaha announced new Montage with AN1X equivalent. I'm really in trouble choosing proper one solution workhorse. Thanks for letting me know

[@isaacdolores4493]

Hello, how are you, greetings to all, can someone help me by explaining to me what FM sound is and what is its benefit?

[@dahoodmozart6107]

Thanks

[@WyattLite-n-inn]

Yes, thanks!!!

[@truecuckoo]

Thank you guys! 🙏🏼

[@beefing313]

👍🏾

[@WyattLite-n-inn]

I think this thing paired with a Deluge might be enough to forego actual computers altogether if Deluge implements audio recording eventually . Also nice to see someone besides me who thought that the MODX 6 was the ONE to get vs the 7 or 8.. The action also is decent despite reports to the contrary .

[@WyattLite-n-inn]

Would love to see more on the MODX from you, Cuckoo, as well as a full length tutorial on the Deluge

[@truecuckoo]

Thanks Charles! Yeah the key action is decent. First impression is that it’s a bit on the low end, but it’s consistent, and decent. I saw an image of the MODX8, and it seems to have a better keybed, no?

[@ramonkey2939]

@@truecuckoo I own the MODX8 I'm not a pianist but I feel as a musician/drummer the modx8 has a great feel and touch. In college I worked in a recording studio and they had a dx7 I missed playing and created sounds on that instrument fast forward . Today I'm having a lot of fun

[@WyattLite-n-inn]

@@truecuckoo Of course .. The MODX 8 is weighted .

[@nliviumihai]

5:31 sounds like the patch Universe from Korg M1...

[@truecuckoo]

Yeah my thoughts too! I never asked exactly where the sample came from. My first synth was an M1, so I had a little nostalgic chuckle :)

[@felippeboulderdash8453]

Hello! When I load a sample in to Modx, it is set to loop. I don't know how to turn it off. Can you help me?

[@felippeboulderdash8453]

very strange. I got back to Modx, I had a different sample loaded. It doesn't loop. I have to figure this out. anway, Thanks for the great tutorial and other vids 😃 !

[@felippeboulderdash8453]

...so, some waveforms loop and some don't. I don't know how to turn it off.

[@kongphimtaydam2993]

How to create left hand side chord?

[@superconfort]

All this to play Minecraft music. LOL. Now seriously, awesome tutorial, please, now #2. Thanks

[@obwanz1921]

Great and very well done video! Subsscibed, and looking forward to checking out others! 👍

[@oc10121989]

the keys of the MODX7 and MODX8 are different from the MODX6, the MODX7 has better key technology and the MODX8 has piano like keys, not normal "synth" keys think of that before buying!

[@dealsbetweenfriends]

had it for 2 weeks still needing time to learn the in's n outs .. yamaha user for 12 years +

[@AbdiPianoChannel]

Just like my keyboard

[@ericnataf9206]

Hi, why dont you preper 50 special patchs for playing live only not at home in studio , Put all your imagination into this project , a lot of modx user wiil be huppy to buy them , i just went into your store and fought i will finde somthing to buy for my modx + , who have the time and knowlege to seat houres like you and dive deep to the editing section ... Please M.r genius sound design ?