Introducing Yamaha's Newest Synth: The MODX+

The rumors can no longer be contained, so much information has leaked about the new MODX+ that we can now present it in one place. We talk about what features and improvements we can expect to see on the new MODX+, and some educated guesses on what the future holds for MODX+ and Montage.
September 1 update: Well it's out, and it's pretty much exactly what was expected: 1.75GB memory, additional FM-X polyphony (128 vs 64 voices) and rubberized mod/pitch wheels. No mention of AN-X. Seamless Sound Switching is still limited to performances with 4 parts (unlike the 8 parts of Montage).
#Yamaha #MODX+ #Montage

[@jlorenzo0115]

Awesome explanation. Keep us updated!

[@dy6682]

Thanks for this timely update on the mod plus.Nice .

[@TheCasalinthesky]

I'm excited Yes thanks for the update Love your channel Scott

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

Thank you!!!

[@CookingWithTheCajun]

Thank's for the video, I just ordered my MODX6+ this morning. Should have it in a day or so.

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

I think you will love it!

[@EduardoRohdeEras]

Have a virtual analog engine on my MODX7 is my biggest dream! Unfortunately I think it will not happen, just for the new plus model. Exciting news!

[@js-sound]

Marmalade never comes out of ass. It's about Yamaha.

[@kiko1935]

I sold the Yamaha AN1X a year and change ago and regretted it. Loved the montage/modx fmx engine. Is this gonna bridge those two synths together? Holy crap

[@depositiveone2677]

I strongly agree. I also used to own a AN1X and I regret selling it. I originally paid $500 for it brand new. Now it is listed for as much as $1500. I created a lot of patches with it that today's keyboards lack. That's the only keyboard that I regret selling. Great minds think alike.

[@KUKI_de]

Great video!🔥 Thumbs up and much support from my side :)

[@KUPHSER]

great video good info

[@anderslundolsen6489]

How abbut the VL-engine. It was very nice. Or a PLG 150 connector for the old modules. I have 3 of them Vl, DX,and AN.

[@Eldadi]

Hi Scott, thank you for a great introduction! In MODX/Montage there are annoying limitations of up to only 8 Kbd-Ctrl parts and up to 12 insert effects. Any assumptions if these will be improved with MODX+?

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

I would be very surprised. Both are core to the central architecture, and would make new patches not backwards-compatible. What I would REALLY like to see is expansion beyond the arbitrary limit of 8 user libraries installed.

[@odmusicman]

I'm replacing my FA06 with the MODX7+ thanks for all your work Scott.

[@paulallenMacca]

Thanks for sharing,surely it’s time for Yamaha to bring out a new model to replace the Montage as it’s been out a while.

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

Yamaha products tend to stay out for maaaany years.

[@paulallenMacca]

@@ScottsSynthStuff But it must be time soon for a new replacement i have the Yamaha CP88 Stage Piano.

[@mikeyoung1191]

Love the sounds and layout! The keybed on the other hand, not so much…

[@lollebolle8]

An-x……love it.

[@js-sound]

Yes, I agree AN1x is unique. On my channel there is info on how to modify it so that it becomes even more unique than it was before the modification.

[@depositiveone2677]

I own the original MODX7 when it first came out in September 2018 and I'm satisfied with it. If I wanted a FM-X synth engine with more polyphony, I would have purchased a Montage in the first place. The new features are just manipulating MODX owners into thinking their keyboard is worthless which is not true. There are keyboards with 64 note polyphony which is plentiful. In conclusion, the original MODX holds the adage, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

[@woodyforrest313]

i wonder if they come up with new factory content re arps also.

[@JCox964]

I hope there is a KeyBed improvement as to the Roland Fantom & Fantom O series. The O series keybed is a better feel vs the MODX series

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

I doubt the keybed will change. I agree though, I prefer the feel of my Fantom-06 to that of my MODX7. However my Montage keybed trumps them both.

[@RikMaxSpeed]

The MODX keyboard is really very poor sadly.

[@tonylancer7367]

Hey Scott, the memory is actually just a little over 1.8 GB even though its listed as 1.75 GB in the manual. I do wonder how the new MODX+ compares to the Fantom-0 (upgrade vs brand new).

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

I have a Fantom-06. They are comparable, each have their strengths and weaknesses. Pianos are very different between the two. I prefer the sequencer in the Fantom to the MODX, but find it FAR easier to do sound design on the MODX.

[@NightOrchids]

Great video, but sad to hear this.. ive only had my modx8 for 2 months, i wonder if Yamaha will do a tradein upgrade deal

[@AydinZahedi]

Does it worth upgrading from Juno DS to MODX+?

[@Tigerex966]

Aftertouch? Real sequencer? Sampling through hall on?

[@jorjajorjan3863]

Any info about if they will release the computer software as in the montage m for modx+?

[@Flangad]

what about modx (not +) firmware upgrade?

[@manoaramiarimanana5635]

At first look, there is no difference compared to the MODX, is it necessary to evolve the modx into modx+ instead of create a new keyboard, between Montage and modx? like Roland (Between Fa and Fantom, there is Fatom0) and Korg (between krome and kronos, there is nautilus)...

[@suitablestrawberry687]

Curious to hear your opinions on MODX/Montage if you have the time, I think in the past you hinted they are one of your favorite synths. The MODX+ may bring the spotlight back on this range; since the original launches they seem to have faded into the background and people's attention has shifted elsewhere. What do these products have to offer today?

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

I do have a video planned on MODX/Montage - coming soon!

[@artie218]

It seems to me this info from yamaha was accidentally on purpose. There are too many leaks and either they are totally incompetent on controlling what they put out or they are testing the waters a bit. I think if the modx+ is just a modx with a few tweaks and has the same pricepoint, the only result I see is people feeling cheated that they paid for something with fewer features and it certainly doesn't seem like these small upgrades justify selling and buying. To me, I feel they would have better spent their time on either a significant upgrade like adding a tonewheel organ engine ( the biggest weakness of the modx) and compression settings to easily increase the volume output often complained about. Or just a significant software upgrade to the existing hardware. This timid upgrade forcing you to buy a new machine isn't worth it.

[@grproteus]

it's not the same pricepoint. It's 400 euro more expensive.

[@wichchagornhassadang8946]

Rimphony, is it increased?

[@TheA90plyr]

I would like to see a montage + with at least 4gb of user memory and the ability to load single samples from different libraries instead of the whole bank like I can with my older Motif XS

[@mathiasg3335]

Hi Scott ! Do you think Yamaha is going to uprgade the DAC on the MODX+, it's the only fault i see on my MODX and it could be great to have a better audio quality 😁

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

Highly unlikely - that would entail reworking a new PCB, and I think they are staying with the same PCB, just populating the new sound chip. I think they also would want to keep that differentiator for the Montage.

[@grproteus]

@@ScottsSynthStuff for a 30% more expensive synth, they damn well should upgrade Both the SSS and the awful touch screen AND create a new PCB.

[@geoffk777]

The MODX+ sounds like it will bring the MODX and Montage lines almost to parity, so the main differentiators will be the build quality, panel controls and keybed. That's Ok, but it does make the Montage look very expensive in comparison. I'd definitely like to see a virtual analog synth engine and also a Hammond organ enginer added to the Montage. Both the Kronos and Fantom already have this, and it would make the Montage a much stronger competitor.

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

I agree, a VA engine would be a big differentiator. That said, you can approximate an organ on the Montage by putting sine waves in all the parts, adjust their pitch offsets to match the appropriate harmonics, then use the sliders to adjust the patch levels like drawbars. In fact, I think there is a factory patch in there that does just that.

[@Tigerex966]

After touch Audio in and out Balanced outs. Higher quality d a c. More knobs and sliders Much better construction keybed .etal frame etc I was hoping for 4 or 8gb ram internal sad storage for samples and sounds and a true full featured sequence Er and drum pads

[@liviou2004]

There is another big difference between the both : the quality of the audio outputs.

[@IamCarlFree]

I love my MODX but wish it wouldnt drop notes when my keyboard is connected through USB. Sometimes it just drops when I'm playing regular patches like Schlager Weapon 2 I lose polyphony.😔

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

Sounds like you have a MIDI loop - so when you play something, your computer/DAW is echoing it back to the synth, so you end up using up twice the polyphony for each note. Try turning "Local Off" on your MODX and see if that fixes your problem.

[@domingoleija3436]

I meant to ask you if you tried any Kurzweil's? Pc4,PC3 ,or sampling kurzweil before you chose the montage? I like the Kurzweil sounds and not sure which one has a sampler that's easy to work?

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

I have not used Kurzweils much myself. I have used Yamaha for many years, and the Montage was actually an upgrade to my original MODX, which itself was an upgrade from another Yamaha synth.

[@MrAndy91486]

how is the keybed? is it similar to the MO6?

[@zephan1q847]

I literally just upgraded from MO6 to MODX6 and personally its a big upgrade. The MO6 was ok but a bit stiff. MODX6 is a much nicer feel with more range. It might not be for everyone but I have no complaints at this price point

[@Heavy_Distortion]

FMX desktop module please. With graphic editor VST plugin.

[@ashankadeniyage6453]

Is there a new FW update for the modx+ ?

[@81rockstar1]

I hope yamaha brings back a Linear Sequencer, PLEASE!!!!

[@londonsounds6212]

Hi Scott, I've subscribed to your channel and I'm enjoying it so much! I've watched your video showing your top ten synths and whats good for beginners. I was wandering if you could just help me a bit more please: Please could you recommend me a synth for around 300 dollars? I know its a small budget but I'm just a student. I am making VERY SIMPLE sounds for hip hop like sine lead whistle sounds and basslines. Any recommendations please? I was thinking Korg Monologue but if there's something cheaper I'd love to get it. Thank you 🙏

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

For a mono synth, the Monlogue is an excellent option, as is the Microfreak.. If you want polyphony, then the Reface CS would be a good bet.

[@londonsounds6212]

@@ScottsSynthStuff thanks bro!! Checking them both out! Ps the modx+ has been officially released now! That was quick!!!!! Keep up the amazing vids!

[@RetroNightsDJ]

Hi Scott I have the MODX8+ In Mexico that you talk about.

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

That's fantastic! How did you come by it?

[@RetroNightsDJ]

@@ScottsSynthStuff The person who sold it to me, wasn´t aware of what was it, everything it´s possible in Mexico.

[@Wagoo]

@@RetroNightsDJ out of interest, what firmware version does it show you on? ⚙️ Icon in top right then "System" page should show it. Normal MODX is 2.52 right now. If you press the "category" button then touch "Attribute" on the screen does the menu that pops up on the left show anything other than: All/AWM2/FM-X/FM-X+AWM2/MC/SSS/Single/Multi/Smart Morph? Cheers :)

[@Tigerex966]

The leaks were not my mistake, but to get customers thinking of. Buying the akai m61 to hold off. ... I think.

[@nyainaa]

What about keys quality ? Very bad like modx or better than modx ? In MO line I prefer to play MO6 on stage , not modx, I buy this if better keys

[@liviou2004]

Hi Scott ! Another possible evolution fort the Montage is a bridge between the two engines. As in the SY77 and 99 : using samples from the AWM2 engine as waveforms in the FMX operators. All that in the v4.0 firmware.

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

Interesting, obviously not possible with the current architecture, but it would give FM-X some new capabilities.

[@liviou2004]

@@ScottsSynthStuff Yes Scott - Actually, it wouldn't add new capabilities but *restore* very ancient ones 😄 One thing is quite strange : the Korg Kronos' Mod7 engine (wich is an FM engine) has this capability while Yamaha - wich is the historical FM Synths creator - got rid of it.

[@VexylObby]

I once thought that computers would see exponential technology gains each year. But man have things really slowed down, even more so for synths. I would have thought that Yamaha would have a new flagship by now, but definitely not. I am actually kind of happy this is how it is, though. The world doesn't need to be dug up as much so we can have "the new thing" so often.

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

Yamaha really doesn't release products all that quickly, their products tend to stay around a long time. As for the exponential technology gains...the problem is, what we have today still does the job really well!

[@VexylObby]

@@ScottsSynthStuff I really think so. And it would probably help many people's financial well being if they didn't think they had to buy the new synth every year.

[@terrygray7465]

I imagine the pandemic and subsequent supply chain issues (chip shortages) had a lot to do with the slowdowns.

[@VexylObby]

@@terrygray7465 Oh I mean before that too. Especially at the tail end of the PC Building renaissance.

[@squeakD]

Gotta love Yamaha’s accidentally on purpose leaks to get the consumers talking LOL.

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

If it's not intentional leaks, it's the most absurdly incompetent attempt at secrecy ever!

[@PRORECMUSIC]

Faltó incluir el cambio de panel LCD más veloz y más brillo

[@ckatheman]

Has anyone actually confirmed the second swp70 chip is in there? I bought a MODX6+ to replace another synth (never had the original). I’m not opening it, but, knowing the Internet, someone has probably done it 😊

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

Not that I've seen (and I've been looking). We need someone with a + to open it up and take some pictures!

[@rrtramel]

Yamaha is pulling an Akai

[@BluesCat1980]

I own MODX 6 and a MODX7, and to me, there is not enough sizeable difference in the MODX+ keyboards to warrant buying it.

[@Madmohawkfilms]

Saw the video from the dude that got one by mistake but was in Spanish so had no clue what he was saying. Once this drops I foresee a lot of MODX’s on eBay and reverb etc

[@js-sound]

absolutely right.

[@RikMaxSpeed]

I hope they’ve improved the keyboard - it was truly poor on the MODX and the reason I sold mine.

[@BluesCat1980]

My guess is it is the same keybed as the regular MODX.

[@jfphotoandlife8287]

We don't care about MODX+, We want a new RS7000

[@DarkSideofSynth]

Not me. I have the original one ;)

[@azeiteeluz]

Meu Deus do céu , esse teclado que eu sempre quiz ter mais entendo a minha situação e as vezes é melhor continuar sonhando , pelo menos consigo tocar nele qua do durmo 😔

[@MarkFromHawaii]

No wonder Sweetwater isn't carrying the MODX right now. Loose lips... 😉

[@kelvinperez8845]

We need to stop buying expensive keyboards like the yamaha montage , Roland fantom and korg kronos . It is not necessary to buy those keyboards when we have a yamaha modx, a Roland fantom 06 and a korg nautilus, we have to let the companies know that we want good and cheap keyboards

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

I think there is a place for both. I love the MODX, but I love my Montage more, it's definitely easier and faster for sound design, and the keybed is exquisite. I wouldn't mind a full Fantom, but my Fantom-06 does everything I want for a live gigging keyboard.

[@kelvinperez8845]

@@ScottsSynthStuff Everything that montage does can be done by creating an economic model , the problem is that people keep buying keyboards at that price and companies take advantage of it . We cannot all pay 2,500 to 3,000 dollars, and 1,500 to 2,000 is more attractive.

[@BluesCat1980]

I disagree. The build quality of the Montage is so much better than the MODX. Without the Montage, the MODX wouldn't even exist because the MODX is just a stripped down version of the Montage. I own two MODX keyboards, and taking them on the road with me is scary. Because they are plastic, that can Danaher a lot easier that a keyboard like the Montage.

[@BluesCat1980]

@@kelvinperez8845 Yes more attractive, but the build quality suffers majorly.

[@jesuscuadrado2920]

That "+" is not enoguht to talk about a "new" synth. We've only got a new (and higher) price.

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

Yup, unless you're regularly running out of FM-X polyphony, there's not a whole lot new to love.

[@mikeyoung1191]

Will they possibly improve the keybed of the 6 & 7. I have the 7 and imo it has the worst keybed of any synth I’ve owned in the past 40yrs. I have a Casio keyboard I bought at the swap meet for $15.00 and the keybed is far better than my $1500. Modx7. C’mon Yamaha! Your better than that!

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

You haven't played one of the new Korgs then. (Wavestate, Modwave, Opsix). :) I didn't hate my MODX keybed, but I certainly have better ones.

[@grproteus]

Shameless yamaha adds a + on the title and sells if for 400€ more.

[@ProjectVastness]

Well nice way that Yamaha has to screw modx users lol instead of updating systems nah fuck it, let's bring a new modx+, soon a also a montage+. Nah that's why my modx soon goes away and I'll stay with my korgs and Kurzweil

[@terrygray7465]

Not sure how you’re getting screwed. If you’ve used it (and continue to use it), then it is what it is. A new iPhone, iPad and MacBook comes out every year. The MODX has been out for several years now and a newly designed chip on the main board goes way beyond a simple firmware update. Your MODX won’t stop working when the plus is released and if it’s in the same price range, I know I’ll be adding it to my collection. They’re cheap, by way of comparison, to the Montage.

[@js-sound]

There is nothing worse than Yamaha synthesizers these days! The next will be another MODX Plus, but in white. I don't expect anything else from Yamaha. This synthesizer is another Yamaha duck.

[@kevinadams6370]

Where does this leave us modx owners ? How much is an upgrade going to cost. Music shops offer peanuts in part exchange, selling privately will be difficult with new modx plus now being released. Very poor by yamaha, just money grabbing

[@xray1085]

No AN-X, no aftertouch, same engine, insane prices... sorry for that, but I'm sick about this company

[@js-sound]

I think Yamaha is the dumbest electronic synthesizer campaign to date. They've been doing stupid things lately. They only need to make acoustics and leave the electronic synthesizer market. I have no hope for Yamaha. They are not even able to implement the simplest solutions in new updates for their flagships.

[@BluesCat1980]

Yamaha was actually one of first electronic keyboard manufacturers. I have nothing but love for them! Their keyboards are fantastic. I don't what you're complaining about, but they have been a musical icons in the realm of keyboards and digital pianos.

[@MuzicGirl73]

Think about the Yamaha DX-7? This was used by many 80s bands and was a very popular board then.