Yamaha MODX review: Everything you need to know // full tutorial

[@georgesboutz7534]

Being an electronic music composer and having used only analog synthesizers, I am frightened by the complexity of this machine (which I was ready to buy) until I watched your entire video.. You have explained it better than anyone could. Your thorough knowledge of this machine and the way you explained each and every feature is nothing short of brilliant. Thank you.

[@Galv140577]

Being a failed electronic composer who started making music at 16, thought I would be pro and is now 43 and never been pro, I still have my old instruments and the YAMAHA ones still work and I can still produce a decent break beat.

[@djkarlmillion]

Still best synth for price and functions

[@monaaarks7554]

Effrayé ? Carrément ? Pour un compositeur de musique électronique , ça crains

[@ZotheArtist]

The only review i ever needed 😂❤️

[@performtransform]

I'm similar...be ready to menu dive. Endlessly menu dive.

[@heartpath1]

Man, you're good at this. You should have a KZbin channel.

[@iamgeorgesears]

Oh hey there :)

[@bobcatt2294]

If he had one, I would be a subscriber foe sure :)

[@findingsolutions198]

Lol

[@fpvision9851]

You really should do an updated version of this, since the MODX now got a friggin SEQUENCER with the latest update! Props Yamaha, you made a great synth even better!!!!!

[@HammyGirl999]

Yes Pleeeeaze! :D

[@WyattLite-n-inn]

@@HammyGirl999 I concur…

[@godsmacker744]

Piano roll included? :-)

[@darrenhirst9900]

Watching this has made me understand what things do unlike the manual where its just words. Your tutorial has turned the words into meaning and made it fun. Your tutorial is going to make people want to create their own sounds including me so thanks.

[@kalinmirchev]

This is not just a review, this is comprehensive, yet simple tutorial, a must see for all Yamaha MODX users, especially for these moving from another brand. Thank you for this exceptional video!

[@deanwalliss8739]

The synth is cool, but your demo is just the best. It's a really clear, dispassionate, comprehensive (but appropriately concise) summary of all the key features. Thanks.

[@cindygroves5804]

Good overview! BTW, you can speed up the responsiveness of the touch screen by turning off animations and blur in the Utilities menu.

[@samson8884]

Thanks for the tip. As I was watching this video, I felt the need to turn off the animations. Your confirmation will go a long way in helping many decide about purchasing the MODX :)

[@adam_volt]

Confirming.. works much better.

[@XanderEwald]

So basically, Windows 95 with keys? I’ll see myself out, thanks. 😂

[@BrunodeSouzaLino]

You can also turn the LED of the Motion Knob off.

[@pseudointelligence5964]

@@BrunodeSouzaLino What about the beep when tapping the touchscreen? Someone mentioned you can switch that off on the Montage but maybe not on the Modx

[@Crvmbs]

Thank you for having the persistent table of contents 💙 makes browsing through the video so much easier

[@TechGently]

Being deaf in one ear people aren't so clear to me, but your voice is so clear it's no wonder other Yamaha demo people refers people to this page.

[@thebmusproject]

Wow - I'm blown away by both the keyboard and the quality of your review - thanks a million!

[@gustavoelizondo2498]

The arpeggiators truly blew my mind. I was considering this as my new buy, now I am pretty sure I'll eventually own one! Just need to decide between the 6 or the 7 version...

[@gabrieltellez5405]

More than a review, this is a great tutorial! I got my MODX8 a few days ago and your video has been great for learning to use it. Thanks!

[@randysonnicksen9475]

This was a fantastic review! You don't gloss over the subjects, but go just deep enough to reassure me that this model can do what I need in each topic area. And, you didn't waste a lot of time jabbering on and on like other reviews I've seen. Obviously there is a TON of material to present here and I thought you found the perfect balance between an overview, and a detailed tutorial. Nicely done!!

[@chrisplansker4025]

So much better than some dude playing blues licks on a bad organ preset. Thanks for the in depth info.

[@vickhouston568]

😂😂😂

[@atokwamenaquayson6916]

Lmfao 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😭😭😭

[@reginaldworthington7558]

You really have done a remarkable job on this video. I clicked to see what this synth was all about, more interested in the basic sample sounds like piano, rhythm section, etc. to be honest. But I just had to stay with it until the very end as it was damn interesting to see the deep dive into the synth functions and you did such a great job of explaining. Production values top notch as well. Thanks and well done.

[@foreverseethe]

but he does use jargon and lots. in the span of 1 MINUTE 9:50 - 11:00 i heard lfo, mod matrix, harmonic, sine , fm engine, operators. You have to be versed in synthesis terminology and waveform physics to follow his videos. But I did appreciate the attempt at informing his viewers of fm. And btw i believe the opposite of subtractive synthesis is simply additive or LA synthesis. sorry to be that guy.

[@maquettemusic1623]

@@foreverseethedon't be that guy in the future. You don't need to know "waveform physics" lmao what.

[@jjrusy7438]

WOW! This thing is off the chain. Yamaha is awesome. The price is awesome for all of this too.

[@gbkny1]

This has to be one of the best synth reviews made. I can actually understand it.

[@Pagroove]

This really is a stellar review. Every aspect covered and almost to a manual level. When I get this synth it will help me immensely getting up to speed with this instrument. Thank you :).

[@metaspherz]

Yours is the first place I check for new reviews. You never fail to expertly explain in the simplest terms without a lot of confusing jargon. I thought that the MODX was a much more expensive keyboard with all the functions and the touch screen. It sounds amazing. And the price for the 61 key version is very reasonable and much less than I thought. I assumed that a workstation of this calibre would cost a couple grand at least.

[@mikeflick4091]

A phenomenally helpful tutorial on MODX basics! Even though I've owned Montage 6 for more than a year, I learned a few new tricks from your video. The capabilities of the MODX / Montage really are amazing - especially now with the 3.0 / 2.0 OS update. Yamaha seems committed to this platform.

[@spazkong]

I really hope the individuals that helped develop this system are being very well looked after with Yamaha. Quite amazing work. I purchased one of these just for the Piano sound!

[@tommyfeinstoff]

that's a whole FM synthesis lesson! thanks for that!

[@lwpweb]

perfect presentation, excellent structured, a comprehensive tutorial in 37 minutes. Awesome. Presenter and MODX King.

[@ahol967]

I was immediatelly enthusiastic, when I see LARGE screen window of MODX. Bravo!

[@jaremajanowski7646]

Big thanks. The knowledge you have shared is invaluable, especially for beginners like me. Teaching at its best. Yamaha is my first "serious" synthesizer, so this video was extremely helpful. But enough sweetening, if you could go on with it would be really great. There are still plenty of topics to discuss here. Greetings from Poland

[@javiceres]

I just got one. The Pros&Cons stated here are absolutely spot on.

[@ToyKeeper]

It's a really deep engine. Do you find it useful for composing songs, or do you find yourself getting lost in the engine, tweaking sounds and settings?

[@MrPian0Mann]

Probably the best tutorial on the MODX that I've found. It makes so much more sense now and things are starting to click. Thanks for the info

[@michaeltyborski4802]

A MODX6 sits on my Apex dual keyboard stand now. I'm glad that I gave up planning to learn guitar. "Texas Chicken Pick" and the other guitar presets sound great. Well, all 2000+ presets sound great, for that matter. Thanks for another excellent intro and tutorial.

[@modularmuse]

I'm getting a MODX7 today and this video is already a lot of help.

[@mindphaser23]

I just recently upgraded from a MOXF6 to the MODX6. I was tempted to use the adjective “mind-blowing” for the depth, sound and complexity of the MODX6 at this price point, especially a gently used one, but I am saving that adjective for the depth, sound and complexity of your review/tutorials. Been long following you, but finally had to throw in my good word after this particular video. Even as an owner of a MOXF6 and MOX8, I was still perplexed by this machine. YOU are a so-called godsend!

[@zenmasta1260]

If you want a Montage but don't want the price tag get this, that's what I did and I love it. I don't even know where to begin with this beast. The sounds are incredible.

[@jaybeetdown]

Same here! Wanted a Montage and this was a godsend. the sounds!

[@FlatTire]

Does it have vst editor for DAW i tegration maybe??

[@zenmasta1260]

@@FlatTire it looks like its coming in a future software update yamahasynth.com/ask-a-question/no-daw-control-and-no-vst-editor-what-else-has-been-cut-from-the-moxf

[@Utkarsh_A]

You know those Sweetwater videos on KZbin all the time where people are explaining a new product, they should be worried about how good your videos are Also thank you for making a Review on the Neutron, your video really helped me understand that synth a lot better and helped decide on what I want

[@bobcatt2294]

The dealers task is to sell, so not very objective when it comes to the, "Cons."

[@suga4all]

Thanks for the great in depth review. I got my MODX 8 a couple of weeks ago and am still learning, learning, learning... Its such a monster of a synth, you have to love it :-) Your review helped me to even find more options, such as the user defined arps!

[@andyg4082]

I have a modx 61 Theres so much to this synth its frightening Now unless your a true geek then you'll never get your head around it. But it's still a great synth.

[@daylightflute]

And imagine if it was it's bigger brother - the Montage! That's why it's best to start with Yamaha Remie and then gradually get to the MODX :D

[@janicemcwilliams3773]

Stay with it - it is deep, but you will get it and make Amazing music🎹😁

[@BritoWorx]

You really make the best product reviews. Very informative precise content. Thank you for making these videos.

[@Aetila]

The synth is cheaper than the Yammy FS1R FM rack...could be worth having it already for that. One thing is a miss...they could have implemented a piano roll view for fast editing now when it has a large touch screen. Great review as usual!

[@BobMcCarroll]

Best video on the MODX yet. Thanks for taking the time to pull this together. Cheers, Bob.

[@MichelBarbaro]

Wow! That's a top-quality video! I confess, sometimes, I've got myself distracted by the quality and details of the video. It's a tutorial to watch, at least, ten times and without getting bored. Thank you so much for your time and for this so helpful information!

[@theeventhorizon-valebridge9512]

As always, the best demonstrations, reviews and tutorials on KZbin! Thank you for your channel, it's much appreciated.

[@GadzhevStyleSample]

for me this is the best presentation of a synthesizer menu, accurate, clear and brief greeting to the whole team 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@loopop]

Thanks it’s just me and my dog for emotional support :)

[@synthplayer1563]

Wow, that's so far the best introduction to the technical aspects of MODX! Some thought that Yamaha has no coolness factor anymore but this MODX is awesome. For me one of the best buys at the moment (saying as owner of Moog, DSI, Behringer, Novation, Waldorf, Roland synths). But shame on Yamaha again no aftertouch on keyboard therefore a module version would be even better.

[@geoffk777]

You can buy a Montage, which does have aftertouch. Yamaha had to cut some things from the Montage to get the price down and a keyboard with aftertouch was one of them.

[@YouzTube99]

@Synth Player Agreed that the lack of aftertouch is frustrating. Note that in addition to Yamaha, Korg and Roland (probably others?) reserve that feature for their premium/pro keyboards. To be fair, both the keybed and electronics to support aftertouch can add significantly to the base cost of an instrument. And they want to give us some incentive to spend Big Bucks.

[@atrothe]

What a great teacher this man is. Just made for the job, very very clever simplicity.

[@Teleken1968]

That may very well be the best explanation of Yamaha-style FM synthesis I've ever seen, and I'm an old man that's been playing since the original DX7 was released. Well done! *tips hat*

[@loopop]

Thanks for the comment, Ken - really appreciate it!

[@Teleken1968]

loopop You’re welcome. What I find funny about AWM on the Yamaha synths is it reminds me so much of the editing process on the VPS Avenger VST, which I dearly love programming. That may be enough to get me to buy a MODX and learn the FM as a bonus. :)

[@ewetoo]

Thanks for this, its great that the update includes a pattern sequencer now!

[@Jtcrawford3]

Yamaha should pay you for this video. Because of this video and your excellent explanations of nearly everything I just purchased the MODX8 tonight. Say thank you Yamaha and send him some free stuff.

[@xp50player]

What I don’t like, is that they didn’t update the PCM engine at all, just made you use more parts to get more layers. The good pianos take up 4 of the only 8 available live parts. Kronos and new Fantom take 1 for the best piano, out of 16 live parts, with even more modeled realism features. I understand they wanted to maintain backward compatibility with the Motif, but they could have ported their old sounds to a new engine, like Roland did.

[@Philmarusa]

The Kurzweil Forte, as another great piano rig, it is a matter of Marketing. If it they had kept the engine on the MODX exactly the same, no one would want the Montage. Don't get me wrong. The marketing doesn't tell you everything that is different between the two and when you get it , you find out. I may just wait until a used Montage becomes available or get the MODX and take a loss to upgrade to a used montage!!!!! No one wants to talk about these issues. I hate stripped down models but they are necessary in todays battle for you Tuppence!

[@aycc-nbh7289]

There are people who have programmed decent electric piano, FM piano, etc. patches for the Reface DX. Since this synthesizer uses much the same engine, couldn’t something similar be done with it?

[@michaeltyborski4802]

Your super review put the MODX6 on my acquisition list. Funny, I have not even started using the Korg Krome 61 (used) that I just bought. The MODX6 manual(s) will be the deciding factor. You are right about the learning curve. Presets help beginners, such as myself, get started.

[@YourFreeBeats]

Did you end up getting one? I have the 7 and love it. Probably a tad more than my FA06. If you didn't get it and are wanting a mid-market Yamaha WS, I can also recommend the MX. In fact, I probably prefer my MX over the MODX..and it's half the price.

[@noitnova]

Yamaha must pay you for making this. Nice clear review.

[@ruikazane5123]

I'm just finding a synthesizer. And I found this video. Oh my...! That customization! I can never put everything all of those in my mind! But that is too bulky for me, as I do keytar things. But if I want a proper one, this is it.

[@tirameyhey1845]

Everything you need to know to get started in a nutshell, and so well explained! Thanks a lot for this tutorial, it is very helpful!

[@dude65535]

Thank you! You really did cover everything I actually wanted to know to help decide whether to trade in my MOX8 for a MODX8, including things like how you actually fiddle with the FM synth or program your own arpeggios (I will be able to do them!). Thank you. :)

[@rolux4853]

Jerome what do you mean with it seams? Could you tell by looking at the video? Did you play it yourself? Did you read it in a synth forum? And how do you know about the longevity? Do you own it? It’s not that long on the market so the keyboard has to be really whacky if it has already broken down. No offense, I’m just curious how you’ve gotten to your conclusion..

[@bobcatt2294]

@Jerome Casio does make great hallmark level keybeds.

[@winiarjt]

Bravo...finally someone that did a tutorial properly!

[@demolitionkid2]

5 mins into it and i already know this is the review i was looking for. thank you this is really helping me decide betweeen this and the f-06

[@adamjerny5051]

and what do you decided??

[@ChevonneReynolds]

I just ordered my MODX, I can hardly wait until it gets here! Thanks so much for this video!

[@220nextlevelsound]

How you liking it?

[@regplasma7906]

'Head over heels'.An under rated classic from TFF.Roland's best vocals.

[@mh22xv]

Hi Loopop! Thanks for your excellent work on tutorials! I have a request: can you do an in-depth tutorial on the version 2.0 MODX os? Especially if you could focus on the new sequencer!? I own the MODX7. Thanks again and have a great weekend!

[@loopop]

Thanks very much! Not any time soon, I have quite a few other things to finish prior, but not ruling it out

[@ShEhsan]

This tutorial could answer several questions of mine about Montage actually. Great! Thanks

[@jeffty60]

Nice work...this video has really helped me understand my new MODX7 in deeper ways than I could glean from the manuals. I adore this new synth and I look forward to learning how to use and understand it better. Thank you!

[@mymg9587]

Excellent presentation skills on this MODX in a very detailed with technical terminology… Modulations, amplification, Oscilations, Gain, DC pulse and AC waveform with various electronics terminology… Awesome! Thanks for sharing.

[@EBMZEQUENZER]

The GUI is very clean, I like

[@woopteedeewoopteedye]

I ve had it for a month now. I m impressed about the last updates bit I m having such a hard time with the GUI design.

[@AliothSenator]

The architecture is deep, but not complicated. People who find the MODX hard to dig into, clearly didn't try Kurzweil's VAST lol

[@lordbachus]

I owned both, with menu driven synths the deeper they get, the more complicated they become. With montage/modx the interface and big screen make programming it a breeze compared to my pc3x or even the predecessor motif.. teh only thing i dont't understand is why yamaha created a new engine for FM, they could have added this to the current engine if they wanted... all they then needed to add would be VA Oscilators and Wavetables and they would have the next generation of Dream synth.

[@PhilAndersonOutside]

I owned both, could program both. VAST, barely, as it’s like leaning schematics along with sound structure. I don’t blame Yamaha for taking this approach as they made beautiful FM sounds accessible to the masses. But I also really believe Yamaha is missing out by not offering a true FM synth with 8+ multi-stage, mixed-waveform operators able to be constructed in a user-structured algorithm. Such a unit would be the ultimate FM synth, deeper even than NI’s FM8, but programming it without a hardware interface of many knobs and a large touchscreen would be too much of a challenge to realistically overcome, and result in a costly machine, even if the engine of it were inexpensive to produce.

[@mzekonis]

Thank you for this video - it’s been invaluable to me as I begin to learn the MODX architecture.

[@SrNutritivo]

First time in 20 years that I actually understood what FM synthesis its about.

[@AdrianoStAubyn64]

I bought the modx7. Great sounds and features. I know it's not the montage but the keybed did not need to be so bad.

[@gagealbright]

what is wrong with the keybed? is the action too light? thanks

[@jumpingman8160]

You know what... I'd like to see you review the Kurzweil's Forte V.A.S.T. synthesis capabilities. All 300 hours of it XD

[@thedarkestrainbow]

David I wish Kurzweil would overhaul their UI to something like this. Would make programming VAST vastly more enjoyable.

[@jumpingman8160]

@@thedarkestrainbow indeed.

[@MrSirMargas]

V.A.S.T. synthesis engine is enormous and fantastic !

[@snuppssynthchannel]

@@MrSirMargas True, but so is FM-X with motion control synthesis.

[@Individual_two]

Excellent review! I love digital synths and the MODX is truly a steal given its capabilities.

[@lancepage1914]

You're presentation is beautiful, you are the most comprehensive reviewer of gear. I like that. This machine is phenomenal. This is why Yamaha will always be in business. They have packed everything they have pioneered in synthesizers into one affordable package. Simply amazing I need one. Thank you Loopop.

[@BritoWorx]

Lance Page well put. I’m selling some of my gear now to get one of these. I’m not a synth savant but I don’t understand why people bash this synth, seems great to me.

[@Jason75913]

@@BritoWorx all of the bashing motivation is trivial stuff or bs from what I've read so far

[@geoffk777]

Great demo. I have a Montage 8 and this was actually quite helpful, even after owning it for a while. The extra controls on the Montage are nice, but the extra weight is a killer--it's barely portable. I'm actually thinking of getting a MODX as a gigging keyboard, and I would have probably just gotten a MODX instead if they had been on sale a year ago. The sounds and control on this instrument are incredible. Being able to go from a solo violin or horn to an ensemble and back again with the Superknob really adds to the realism and expression. And the pianos are outstanding, especially the Bosendorfer download.

[@Cap10NRGMusic]

You did a really nice job of going over the ModX. These are great keyboards - and at the price, they are amazing! I had already bought a Montage and love it.

[@johnoneill4924]

It’s like the type info you get in Sound on Sound....this is a terrific tutorial....well done .....I even listened to the FM stuff, having had a DX7 and a TX 81z and abandoned FM programming at a much younger age...lol...thanks for posting.

[@bobcatt2294]

Dude, please use the name SOS sparingly, that is a monster dedicated to synth reviews that is well respected. The writing and in depth reviews is without qualification - full stop!

[@joonglegamer9898]

This tutorial style review is even useful for Montage owners like myself - so keep making those, Montage and ModX are def. beasts that needs to be tamed, can be a bit intimidating at first.

[@rickanderson9360]

Excellent! I've gigged with the MODX for over a year and am just starting to really did in and do more programming. I just referred back to this video today, I still get a bit confused where things are with elements > parts > performance. In particular, the analog-style poly and lead patches that you can build are way better than the lousy stock patches in those categories.

[@Danieltoritomayor]

Hi, i like your explain, the review its excellent, better than the Yamaha demos. Thank You.

[@yusun5722]

This is exactly what new buyer needs. Thank you for the amazing contents.

[@prestonbutton6493]

Great vid. I'm considering this and the Fa 06 and now w the update for a 16 track sequencer on the Modx I'm going nuts. You went further in depth than anybody I've seen and that screen magnifier is the best. We need more vids & Thank You sir.

[@microfx]

again the best presentation out there! keep it up!

[@InTheMixReviews]

This is an amazing walk-through video! I'm totally buying this!

[@sivrisayzir]

THE BEST VIDEO EVER ABOUT MODX GOOD JOB!

[@stixvane]

Wow.... this makes thing soooo much easier to go dawless than the old motif or csx series 🤔... not to mention you can mimic any other synth type... all be it with a lot of work and not so much work at times..... I Love It

[@aloharay]

great video man, you hit all the feature and provide just enough demonstration without getting bogged down. subscribed.

[@nickpritchard7130]

A highly complex synth. Huge learning curve. Great vid. Thanks.

[@TenMilL]

Love your humor in pointing out the obvious first, referring to the 23min mark.😅 good job.

[@smiljanicn]

Top notch review! That screen is very helpful, nice color sceme they picked. After review, in MODX,I see parts of Kurzweils VAST and that it is still pretty much relevant today.

[@thesnipecatcher116]

Great video as always! Loved the sound of these from the get go, but man, the menu diving is pretty daunting. I checked one out at a music store and had no idea how to get around at all...either did the salesperson:)

[@derecwilsom4546]

I love the way you compd in the close up of the screen, it looks like it has some kind of holographic large display, I was dissapointed when i figured out that it didnt have one :) great video

[@autobotsNdecepticons]

Wow, thanks for the great tutorial. Had no idea how all this synth stuff worked.

[@duckunderground183]

Fantastic overview as usual! Love your content man

[@Philmarusa]

The best music Tutorial on a keyboard. Don't take money from the big keyboard MFG or you will have to change your honesty. The Kurzweil Forte, as another great piano rig, it is a matter of Marketing. If it they had kept the engine on the MODX exactly the same, no one would want the Montage. Don't get me wrong. The marketing doesn't tell you everything that is different between the two and when you get it , you find out. I may just wait until a used Montage becomes available or get the MODX and take a loss to upgrade to a used montage!!!!! No one wants to talk about these issues. I hate stripped down models but they are necessary in todays battle for you Tuppence! Thanks again for you honest review and a greater tutorial would have been twice as long! Oh Well!

[@Audiorial]

i love this beastie synthie ! and always dig your content/voice/ambiance on your videos..

[@zebramasklover]

I ordered one, waiting for it to arrive! Your demo is very helpful, you show so many things, and I can't wait to try out making my own arps! That would be awesome!

[@MrARProductions]

Great Tutorial, I have been looking for in depth information, Thanks!!!

[@alterI4]

Wow just bought this and at first the whole UI confused the heck out of me lol Im not really a fan of all the presets I was looking forward to creating my own synth sounds and im super happy that was the first thing you addressed 🙌

[@ish233]

I've always liked that song and band, lovely intro, I started doing karaoke to myself.

[@melluzi]

Been playing with MODX7 for a couple of weeks now, probably still using around 3% of its capabilities.

[@ajotech]

WOW!!!!!! You are an amazing wealth of knowledge, talk about experiencing a complete mind expansion. It’s like you were on the design sound engine team at Yamaha lol:) Thank you so much

[@paulmutter8301]

Great review. So thorough and a perfect aid for anyone seriously thinking of buying one (like me :))

[@liviou2004]

Excellent explanations, as always. Thank you. Will you do a special video about the last software Modx 2.0 ? thanks.

[@loopop]

Thanks! Not any time soon as I have other things in the queue

[@isleofmelody8082]

Awesome review and tutorial buddy. I am actually on the look out for a good synth and your video has given me a good clarity. Subscribed.

[@uhoh007]

I'm looking to get my first synth. What turns me off with ModX, is so much of my learning time is non-transferable. If this was gonna be my last synth, it would be tempting. The DM12 is much more attractive to me right now, learning very much tranferable to a bunch of analog stuff, and I love the sounds I hear from it. ModX sounds are also impressive, and it does many tricks the DM12 cannot, if one has learned yamaha OS. One thing both synths appear to have in common: weak sequencers.