Montage and MODX: Do They Sound the Same? A Blind Test!

Do the Yamaha Montage and the MODX actually sound the same? Lots of people really want to know if there is a sound difference between these two synthesizers. In this video we do a blind test! Test yourself and see if you can tell the difference in sound between the Montage and MODX simply by using your ears.

[@MyShaman1]

I listen to these demos through high end headphones and I hear almost no difference. Personally, I have Montage 8 at home, but if I only decided on sound quality, MODX would be enough for me.

[@parrisbowens7851]

Great Demo Derrick. Especially appreciated that we didn't have to wait after ALL the demos but that each one was revealed post test. Loved it and agree with you concerning the sound. You the man! BLESSINGS!

[@OlavSFlaa]

Finally a sound comparison test on KZbin that makes sense! Great! The perceived loudness must be identical, the patches must be identical, the velocity from the keys must be identical etc. And most important: A listening test is useless unless it's a blind test. People hear what they want/expect to hear. And if you have paid 3000 USD for a montage then every single cell in your body want the Montage to sound best. I am a modx owner but am considering an upgrade to montage, primarily because of the key bed and the buttons on the panel.

[@OptimaMrL]

The keybed quality and controls for live performance is what's making me consider the Montage. Having the MOXF8, and the limited controls in a live setting is probably what's also influencing my thinking

[@ckatheman]

I just got an MODX6+ and the keybed to me is awesome. I came from a Roland FA06 and if you’ve ever played one, it’s obvious why. I have tried the Montage FSX and, yeah, it’s incredible, but the price tag doesn’t justify it, esp. considering the new features

[@rjkeyman]

Excellent video. Thank you! Probably already suggested but consider having the keyboards playing sequences for each test. A sequence would provide an even greater test, eliminating the keybed and the ergonomics of the 2 being at different angles and heights. Awesome 👏🏽

[@T-Slider]

It is quite gratifying, and incredibly timely to watch this video while I sit here awaiting the delivery today of my MODX8! As a performer with 66 years experience as a trombone player, I could only hear the differences on the piano and brass sounds. And as you said, the differences are very small. So as Essential Tremors force me to leave the public performance of trombone, I will enjoy learning this keyboard with its incredible sounds! Thumbs up and subscribe.

[@winddealer1]

Congratulations on choosing a great board for the money. Happy journeys on your exploration.

[@curt300s]

Brilliant test and demo. One of the best I’ve seen. Thanks.

[@darrickkeels6387]

Thank you for watching!

[@curt300s]

@@darrickkeels6387 hell yeah. . . .more like this. brilliant playing, btw!

[@dwsel]

I recognized every one of these. MODX 6 or 7 is a tad duller from Montage or MODX 8 due to difference in dynamics curve. The presets are exactly the same, it's just that unweighted keyboard on "normal" dynamic settings sounds softer than GHS weighted keyboard. It's easy to fix by setting the dynamic curve to "light" or "custom" or slightly tweaking problematic patches.

[@UDPride]

I agree. I could tell the difference on all but one patch. The Montage seems to just have more dynamic range and a tad fuller sounder. Slightly more harmonics in the tail (lifting end) of the notes. We're splitting hairs though. I wouldnt buy the Montage only for better sounds. Its no worth it. But more knobs, buttons, sliders, the pads, polyphonic aftertouch (M8x), internal power supply, better build quality, better keybed on the M8, etc. You get a bunch of other things. If you are staying away from the 88 key versions the MODX6 and 7 run a tighter race with the M6 and M7.

[@percussionboy4357]

Montage owner here. Nice tests-Thank you for volume-matching! It was interesting ... I could hear a difference in some tests, but couldn’t correctly guess which was which. And even after I knew, I still liked the MODX better for some timbres, and the Montage better for others. A lot of times it wouldn’t matter. The MODX can be a little darker, in a way that sounds more like orchestral instruments in a room (good)-like in the second example (strings). But the Montage piano killed it imo (Example #1). fwiw, I’ve been happy with a used Montage 6, lucked onto a clean one for $2,200. Like the aftertouch, keyboard, extra buttons, extra sample memory. But the MODX seems amazing for the price (and weight). Thanks for the tests!

[@irt1971]

MODX Owner - Agreed - The Acoustic Pianos aren't so great on it

[@belicakl5242]

Excellent comparison! Excellent presentation! I have one question: I'm considering a purchase of a Montage or MODX in the next near future. Either one would be a 61 key version. I'm expecting delivery soon of a Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S88 MKII. I imagine this would provide me with an excellent keyboard for dynamics. I am looking for good concert piano and pipe organ sounds which I liked in these 2 keyboards. I listened to them in other youtube videos. Because of the Kontrol S88, this should mean I can just purchase the MODX, or are there other factors I should consider? Again, thanks for the excellent video!

[@MrClarkio]

Excellent format, really nicely done and the volume matching was tip top. To my middle aged ears I could hear slight differences but got the answer wrong as much as I got it right. I think you were probably more expressive on the montage, which is probably an indication of the better quality keybed. But like most things it seems to be a case of diminishing returns. Nice vid.

[@darrickkeels6387]

I agree the sound difference is really negligible. If I were to play a Montage for the first half of a show and then switch to the MODX for the second half I doubt anyone in my band would be able to tell the difference. And of course the crowd would not know.

[@Deaddinoproductions]

Great comparison. I was able to identify all but one of the examples correctly. The Montage is notably more “hi-fi” sounding, I’m sure as a result of the higher quality D-A conversion and greater degree of articulation from the key bed. But the quality of the MODX for the price is amazing.

[@rrocktoo]

Hell that was a close call. The Montage has a wider soundstage and a more coherent sound over all. The latter comes to light in the attack stage of the upright bass. If I needed, and could afford, a new main keyboard it would be a used/refurbished/ex-demo Montage 8. Otherwise having a MODX 6 on a rack would be a blessing. Congrats to anyone who has already any of these synths.

[@grahamcmusic]

There was only one where I did not find the Montage better which was the bass comparison However differences were very slight

[@peterwilson69]

As a MODX8 owner, it has a beautiful key-bed feel. I couldn't justify a Montage at double the price, but sometimes I long for the Montage's level lights next to each level slider.

[@keekeefries6298]

Very nice comparison. Super super close. I agree that the Montage has a very slight edge. Main reason I'm thinking about the Montage is the extra knobs for performance/live sets

[@lundsweden]

I like the MODX's price, and to me the light build is ok. Minor differences don't bother me, but I'm very fussy about keybeds. To me it would be worth it to buy the Montage just to get that better keybed.

[@ksp1981brd]

Just got a MODX8 and the action on the keys feel awesome and the sounds are excellent! I play a hammond organ but I wanted a board that would keep me up on sounds and modx8 is where it's at.

[@toobvu]

Great comparison thanks. I generally picked Montage right away, hearing a bit more detail and separation. But the guitar demo surprised me because I actually prefer the subtle grit and warmth of MODX. I own a Montage 7 for the reasons you've suggested. Its keybed is possibly the best synth action I've ever played, and a great companion for a weighted digital stage piano.

[@wattage2007]

Nice job. Extremely useful AB comparison.

[@trebleboost7]

Nice job Darrick! I recently added the MODX6 as a second tier and I really enjoy playing it from my Kurzweil SP6. I think the keybed does make a difference. Really digging the FM engine more than I thought I would.

[@darrickkeels6387]

Thank you for watching! Yes the MODX is an amazing keyboard!

[@petersmith1521]

I've just bought a MODX 6 still learning how to drive it. I could decern very little difference between the sounds of the Montage and MODX and I think this was mainly due to the different keybeds, weighted and semi weighted. For live gigs the quality of the sound system and amplification makes a lot bigger difference and sometimes you need a more bright or harsh sound to cut through the mix.

[@ptt3975]

Well Done! You helped make my decision in favour of the MODX.

[@jp4751]

I enjoyed the comparison. I appreciate that you played the same music on both. I don't like when players do blind tests, but play different songs. It makes it harder to judge between two boards. I think the differences here are very minute and may have to do with the D/A converters, and also the midi velocity curve/articulations between the different keybeds.

[@billjacobs5577]

I was thinking the same.

[@akdm82]

Wow! I was picking the MODX at times and the Montage at others. I'm shocked. I love blind tests. Keep it up. Thanks

[@BassFunMusic]

Fire beats! 🎵💖 More of this, please!

[@plantpoweredmuscle]

I have the MOXF8 and hearing the blind comparison I almost picked the Modx everytime for better sound although they both sound really good.

[@billjacobs5577]

Thank you for this. I correctly identified the Montage with a better sound everytime but one, the piano at the beginning. Listening to that again, it does sound like the Montage sounds a little better. More depth or space around the notes.

[@DojoOfCool]

Excellent video and a topic I'm definitely interested in. In the beginning of the blind test I was could tell the difference, but once you hit the upright bass that one threw me. From that point on it became harder to tell especially is a ensemble sound with low end instruments. Basically for higher range sound I could hear a different with Montage being a touch louder and the extra volume might of played into it but the Montage seem to have a bit better note definition. Now when you did the upright bass a low end instrument I couldn't figure out which was which. Then as you went to ensemble sound that had high and low sounds both I start guessing incorrectly more that correctly. Since I recently got a good MIDI controller with excellent keybed getting a MoDX 6 would make an excellent source of sounds at a very reasonable price.

[@darrickkeels6387]

Thank you for watching my friend!! Always good to hear from you.

[@bernardm3066]

The keyboards sound the same to me overall. Even if there is a slight difference after adding different instruments, effects, mixing (and noise in a live setting) you need to have a bionic ear to hear it. I listened with high end headphones and also got some wrong. I think you buy the montage for the better keybed, aftertouch, more/higher quality knobs/buttons. In general I think after the mid range line of most popular instruments (keyboards, guitars, basses) doubling the price will maybe get you a 10% overall better instrument, maybe even less, and this is mostly not in the sound but in the feel/convenience (especially in electric/electronic instruments). If you use it a lot though this 10% can really make a difference and it is worth the price difference if you can afford it imo. I personally value the feel of an instrument as much as the sound since everything sounds decent nowadays even at lower price ranges. I have a modx btw and i am pretty happy with it. Nice comparison.

[@okay1904]

Darrick, thank you for this comparison. Having read comments on the internet, about the difference, I was a bit concerned, cos I was about to recommend the MODX8+ for my church. I had auditioned it on headphones (AKG K701) in a store, and was quite impressed by the sounds, which was a bit of a shock cos when the MONTAGE 1st came out I was not impressed - now I look back I must have been listening to the MONTAGE through some inadequate speakers, at that time. For anyone needing a compendium of sounds, and wants to have only one keyboard, the Montage synth engine and provided sounds, especially for live sound is the top of the heap - Punchy sounds, that will cut through the mix with very little effort. The ultimate gigging keyboard, if you had to have only one. For those who cannot afford the cost or weight of the Montage, this demo proves, there is nothing worth worrying about in acquiring a MODX or MODX+

[@darrickkeels6387]

They sound so similar. I don't think most crowds will notice a difference. If you are in the studio you can come out via USB and the sounds are 100% identical at that point because it is all digital.

[@reneliebregt6319]

Very nice test and I agree hardly no difference, a tiny bit more difference in dynamics sometimes in favor of the montage but the sounds are the same 👍

[@joonglegamer9898]

The only MAJOR difference to me sounded like the Piano, which I could without a doubt tell that was MONTAGE's piano. However, I was quite surprised at the rest of the sounds, I could hear a slight difference in the "sound effects", delay etc. But for the sounds themselves (and the lack of quality on youtube sound) I couldn't for the life of me guess it correctly. I have the Montage but I was about to purchase the MODX when I got a ridicoulus offer on a barely used second hand montage for almost the same price of a brand new MODX - I could not resist, so I jumped on the Montage instead. But if I didn't get that amazing offer, I'd have a MODX with no regrets really.

[@Mike-lh4wn]

Good approach. Found myself slightly liking the MODX sounds in general. Really looking at the YC73...but a MODX might be in scope. Still researching. Thanks for the video.

[@beetleworx]

I'm not a native speaker, but - or for that reason - it's a pleasure to listen to your so well prepared videos ...

[@darrickkeels6387]

Thank you. Your compliment means a lot to me!

[@valanceo2166]

The dynamic range of the Montage is prevalent in the classical guitar and double bass voices. It seemed to resonate more than the MODX to the point that it almost sounds like the actual instruments.

[@Qba474]

Woah! Apart from guitars, I guessed all sounds correctly. 😂 I have my MODX6 for over a year now and since sound engines are literally the same on both instruments I'd say as you said, the main difference must be in keybed. I don't know but it sounded a bit like Montage has more velocity range? Love my MODX anyway. It's a great synth. Love the video, great work!

[@darrickkeels6387]

The keybed really makes a difference in how dynamic I can play. Thanks for watching!

[@ivandac5]

Excelent comparison, both have closely same quality sounds.

[@guillermo7224]

Thank you for your advice.

[@ThomasStrasbaugh]

Good call, considering a mod+, very helpful, thanks!

[@darrickkeels6387]

The MODX+ is an excellent line of keyboards!

[@alanwarner684]

Excellent comparison... Very helpful!!

[@darrickkeels6387]

Thank you for watching

[@LarryOnKeys]

Nice test. The only difference I'm hearing is in the FX. The stereo field is slightly different on some of the sounds, maybe a little a more reverb also. These things can be changed to make them sound exactly alike. I also think that velocity would play a part. Also, to boost the volume in the MODX8, you can go in the Utility>Audio I/O> and you can select to boost the +6db or +12db

[@darrickkeels6387]

Indeed. I typically boost the volume on my mixer whether in the studio or live. When I tried the +6db boost I got some distortion introduced to my sounds.

[@TechnoShamanism]

Montage sounds more open with more clarity in the high frequencies, I thought it was an audible but not a radical difference at all. Given the difference in price, I'd pick the MODX, personally (assuming keybed, build quality etc are not critical)

[@IMakeBeats]

There close but I hear 👂 a slightly better sound on the bigger keyboard 🎹 but they both sound great! Nice video 👍🏾

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

I listened to this video over my studio monitors as well as my headphones. In every case, I was able to correctly pick out the Montage from the MODX. The Montage definitely has a more pronounced, brighter top end, and the MODX has a slight bias on the left channel. Playing them back to back, the MODX almost sounds a bit muffled compared to the Montage. I definitely preferred the sound of the Montage. Is it worth the extra money? Perhaps - the keybed, aftertouch, and extra controls (plus no SSS limitations that the MODX has, thanks to added polyphony) makes it very tempting. The difference in sound, if I were working as a professional, would have me say yes, without a doubt. That said, I have a MODX7, it serves me well, I like the keybed. I'm considering a Fantom 7 as well, which is fairly close in price to the Montage 7. Whether or not I would make that choice...I'm undecided.

[@n8goulet]

I'm not hearing much of a difference, or muffling from the MODX. I've tried the two side by side many times. It's nit picking to say the MODX sounded noticeably different. Especially true in the mix of my rock bands. I highly doubt anyone could pick them out from one another.

[@WiggyWamWam]

The MODX doesn’t have a left channel bias. He just accidentally switched the left and right channels (I have the MODX 8 and recognized that the piano patch was reversed.)

[@edtuckerartist]

Went back and listened to the last test as that was the one I noticed had the biggest difference, The Montage had (I don't know the term) more vocal like sounds in what I perceive as the low end of the sound.

[@Finetales]

Wow, I'm very surprised. Apart from the saxes/brass and French horn patches (which I have no use for), I preferred the MODX every time, even on the piano. Guess I can remove all doubt that the MODX is the right choice for me.

[@user-dw5fg3yp8n]

I am using MONTGE 6 and 8. The sound comparison between MONTGE and MODX is a very interesting test, but MONTAGE still feels the depth of the sound. From the player's sensibility, I feel that I can feel the difference even more. Of course, I think that MODX is so good that you can't feel the difference depending on the sound playback device. I felt that it would be possible to reduce the difference in sound from MONTAGE by devising MODX through various effectors. Thank you very much.

[@arifmuhammad434]

but are they the same now? since modx+ has the same polyphony nums

[@arcadeaudio1979]

Great video man!

[@darrickkeels6387]

Thank you. I appreciate it.

[@albertpeka]

I listened it with Audio technica athm50x and yamaha HS8, I guess them all correct. I own yamaha mox and I can tell the difference. But the differencr is quite minimal. Considering the price, modx is of great value. But, if i can afford it, I would still go for the montage because of the ease of workflow and live performance features. Otherwise, modx is a good choice. Great video.

[@gges1605]

On all samples apart from the Bass the Montage is slightly better and I can easily pick it out however I am listening with very high end headphones and I don't think it would be quite as noticeable without really good headphones they are surprisingly close considering the price difference the Bass sample I had a bit more trouble picking out any differences they sound incredibly close on that one.

[@n8goulet]

Excellent review again Darrick. All of your comments mimicked my thoughts exactly. For people that don't have to transport gear themselves, with unlimited budgets, by all means buy the Montage. For the rest of us, the MODX is going to do nearly the same job for not only less than half the cost, but less than half the weight also. I feel the weight difference is of huge value. So much so, that I would choose a MODX over the Montage if the cost were the same. I'm not making studio recordings, and playing live is all I do. Therefore, the weight difference is going to make a big difference since I'm my own road crew. If I felt I needed some of the other features, then I'd choose the Montage. But for my needs, I don't need those additional things. I get aftertouch off my other MIDI controller (a hugely important feature to me), but since the Montage sounds rarely take advantage of aftertouch, it is not badly missed. If it were another synths that too great advantage of aftertouch in it''s sound collections, then it would be more important. The MODX6 is incredibly small for a 61 key synth. This makes it ideal to fit on tight stages, tight band rehearsal rooms, and a joy to transport in my Yamaha backpack case made for it, freeing my other hands to carry other gear to gigs. Piano sounds would make the biggest difference with the keybed. For the way I play piano in rock bands, I tend to hit full force most of the time, so I'm using less velocity layers than if I played a solo show. The speakers & sound system used in the studio, home or at gigs is going to make a far bigger difference than the difference between these two keyboards, and you would need the absolute highest end systems to even tell there is a difference. And even then, only trained ears would probably pick up on them. My audience would be unlikely to tell any difference. I'm playing for them, so saving the money & effort is the better strategy for me. I played on premium keybeds for decades, and I'm just fine with this keybed. It's the most powerful "lightweight" keyboard on the market bar none. I carried heavier gear to gigs for decades. But since it's no longer required to get high end synths, why not enjoy easier gigs?

[@tubefixxer]

Really good video on the two Yamahas….thanks

[@darrickkeels6387]

Thanks for watching!

[@samiam9059]

More polyphony in the fm section and also other areas. Really depends on whether you push it to need that extra polyphony. MODX should be fine for probably most casual players and people that are not building big sequences and need the polyphony.

[@matthewgaines10]

Are you considering the new Montage M in your future. Wouldn’t mind hearing your impressions.

[@roberthedin909]

This was helpful, the MODX sounds fine, which is what I have. :) I think it demonstrates just how far D/A conversion has come. Or you could just use the USB interface built in which should just be a pure digital signal, not sure about that though?

[@darrickkeels6387]

Yes. Using USB it would be exact

[@jazzzman1000]

Appreciate the comparison, than you. The levels on your keyboard vids are low with your voice being much louder which makes it challenging to compare sounds.

[@EdMiran]

They have a slight difference in Organ patches?Montage have new and special Organ sounds ? Thank you.

[@puresoulg]

I also can hear that certain patches or samples require more filtering, whereby which those particular sexes patches like horns sections, which shine better with a Montage than the Modex Because better in power for filters, according to the power supply, DC voltage versus AC voltage

[@GospelMusic4Life]

I’m still trying to find my perfect next keyboard for gigging. Still have not found what I want in the sub $1000-1500 range. I always feel like something is missing but they know what they are doing. 😃 I may need to take another look at the modx. I realized the other day that it can be hard to switch sounds and beats live without a touch screen unless you save all your sound sets.

[@marchangel7462]

Get a motif

[@GospelMusic4Life]

@@marchangel7462 I see gospel musicians plan to release new iPad software that just might be what I’m looking for aside from drums and auto accompaniment

[@synphonix123]

Agreed - not much difference. The best sound I get from my Triton Extreme is when I connect its digital optical output into my old ONKYO AV receiver and listen through its headphone jack. No DSP program is selected on the ONKYO, bass and treble set to 0, so should be a direct D/A conversion. There is something about that D/A converter and that signal path that produces a surprisingly rich, warm, and detailed sound.

[@nielsjanssen6491]

Did you check the L/R outputs where the same? Because the stereo fields when playing the strings are the opposite of each other. Normally the low strings should be to the right and higher strings to the left (like in a real orchestra). The MODX sounded reversed: low to the left and high strings to the right.

[@darrickkeels6387]

No they are reversed. I didn’t realize it until the video was uploaded

[@donnar278]

Great video. But need to hear some organ sounds on the MODX. Haven't found that on KZbin yet.

[@edtuckerartist]

Every test you played I could tell which was the Montage and which was the MODX - Thought I'd not be able to tell the difference so very surprised that I could. there seemed to my ears to be slightly more depth to the Montage sounds, if the sounds were mixed into a song with other instruments etc I think it would be very difficult to tell them apart. Listened on my HP Compaq PC built in sound card with Cheap JVC headphones. I'm no musician as can only just play a little ukulele which I learnt by watching KZbin video's.

[@helsinkioslo836]

Hi! May i know the audio interface used in the recording?

[@xaverk]

I was always right to tell Montage from MODX, just through the speakers of a tv. I have a MODX and keep it. In live situations the differences will be neglectable. I think it is the same effect as when you change the audio resolution in your computer system, let‘s say from 24 bit/48 kHz to 32 bit/192 kHz. The sound becomes more lively and gets more depth with higher values. For me it is more important that both instruments do not produce any noise, and the MODX sounds professional in every aspect.

[@kalinmirchev]

You have MODX stereo image inverted, I noticed that on the Intro and could not unhear it afterwards, thus voiding big part of the blind test. A small overlook but so essential... MODX definitely sound a bit brighter on most sounds or maybe it's the Montage being a bit "fuller" in the lower mids. They are very close, but not the same.

[@darrickkeels6387]

Yes I am aware of that now. Many people have commented on that. But nonetheless like you said the difference in the sound is fairly small. I've played one show with the Montage one night and the next night used the MODX. No one in my band noticed a difference. The MODX is noticeably quieter though. I have to Franklin it up higher than the Montage but I do that with my mixer.

[@jerzboybeats9555]

I think some differences has to do with velocity curves. Because of the weighted keys the attack is different on certain patches. I was dead on with listening in the blind test. Also the Montage has aftertouch. Awesome video. 👍🏾

[@DjRuthful]

Thanks for this comparison. I been eyeing the MODX for a bit and now I can make a better judgement.

[@darrickkeels6387]

It's a great keyboard in my opinion!

[@tosinkingfishercheeseburge8901]

Darrick you some really good keyboard

[@parthmaru4797]

I listened it carefully and my findings:- 1. There is a great depth in PIANO sounds in montage than Modx. 2. Except piano tones the only difference is there is a bigger pan depth in modx than montage. Given the price difference, the sound quality is excellent in modx as compared to montage with a very negligible diffence in tone characters.

[@fairlightmusic]

Before I bought my Montage 8 I made a one to one comparison with one headphone between the Montage 8 and the MOD 8 at Thomann Music Store. If you have a trained ear you hear that the sound of the Montage is a little bit fatter. But these are still nuances. In studio surrounding I recommand the Montage. For live issues the MOD is nice but not perfect because the MOD has no balanced signal outputs. I bought before 3 years also a MOD6. As an engineer I opened the MOD6 for interest. And what should I say. The built quality is totally different in comparison to the Montage. The Montage has better PCB material, better cable quality, higher quality caps.

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

One other thought: If you are utilizing the built-in audio interface in either synth rather than the analog outs, then the output circuitry is rendered irrelevant, as both are streaming the identical audio digitally over the USB connection. In that case, they two synths will sound absolutely identical.

[@darrickkeels6387]

That is correct. Hence I consider the MODX a great value for the money

[@WiggyWamWam]

This is a good thought! I could plug it digitally i to my scarlett!

[@DagToreLarsen]

Me personally did not hear any significant difference between them, and I work as audio engineer listening to pro studio monitors Yamaha HS8. I think they are both good. And now that they released the MODX+ the gap between them have been even smaller, both versions now have 128+128 polyphony (Except now Montage M is also out with 400 notes polyphony) I am watching all this videos because I plan setting up a rig for a concert using Camelot Pro to control everything. So the key beds on the MODX+ doesn't worry me as I do not plan to play on it direct but via a higher quality MIDI master keyboard. Too bad I cant find a 76 key Midi controller with aftertouch. So I will opt for StudioLogic SL88 Grand + a couple of 61 synth action MIDI boards. I think my rig will be Akai MPC Key 61, MODX+, Fantom 06 and Korg Nautilus AT 6. I would also use various instruments from Native Instruments. So with Camelot Pro I can cherry pick sounds from any of those keyboards and layer them as I please using an external keyboard. I guess my total polyphony will be quite high.

[@conradsenior5843]

Thank you

[@darrickkeels6387]

Thank you for watching! I appreciate it.

[@deejay7339]

I got them all right. The Montage has a different mid sound. But people should also consider you lose some of this in a mix. The MODX has a lot of value.

[@AimeeWalton]

Stereo image seems to be flipped between the two, I'm guessing that's happened in the recording rather than the instruments though?

[@darrickkeels6387]

Good ear! Yes happened during the recording

[@sliezsky]

Thank you ;)

[@darrickkeels6387]

Thank you for watching! I appreciate it.

[@user-wl4rp9tk2y]

THE USOUND SO CLOSE BUT I COULD TELL ON ALL THE PERFORMANCES. YOU CAN TELL BY THE AFTER-TOUCH AND THE MONTAGE HAS A SLIGHTLY WARMER MORE DEFINED SOUND.

[@allanallen1835]

when i play my modx through my ipad it only plays ipad piano and not the instrument on the modx, how do I get it setup so I can actually record the mod x voices in my iPad GarageBand

[@darrickkeels6387]

I'm sorry. I never hook my MODX up to my ipad or use Garage Band, so I can't be much help.

[@geoffk777]

If there is a real difference, than I couldn't hear it. So I totally agree with you. Buy the Monage for the better keyboard. Or buy the MODX for the weight, portability and price. But you'll get largely similar sounds either way.

[@titomartinez3680]

it sounds like Montage sound is richer than MODx, as you say it must be because of the better audio converters. I'm and modx6 owner but I'm not sure if it is worth paying almost USS 3500 to upgrade to the Montage.

[@dekzan]

Great job, thank you !! 🤯🤣 I'm in trouble. I said.. If that acoustic piano kb 2 is the MODX, I'll buy one today.

[@darrickkeels6387]

Now the MODX+ is out!

[@dekzan]

@@darrickkeels6387 Some are saying you have to raise the MODX key velocities for it to sound louder and brighter with lighter key pressure. I need mid range in the acoustic pianos. My Juno DS 88 is so good, had an FA 08, hated it sounded so thin. Your MODX sounded very nice.

[@GenilsonOficial]

Excellent video! But what does Yamaha say about it? Is it the same sound?

[@darrickkeels6387]

The samples are exactly according to Yamaha. If you play them though the USB they will sound 100% identical because it is a digital signal. Where differences can be heard is coming out of the analog outs because this requires a digital to analog conversion. The converters in the Montage and the entire analog circuit is of higher quality than that of the MODX.

[@GenilsonOficial]

@@darrickkeels6387 So it's explained! Have you tried recording the sounds on a flash drive, playing in the recording software and inverting the channels to see what happens?

[@fabianopasche2010]

I have a MODX 8 i yhink so modx have a little bit more release on the presets

[@ronaldparade2604]

different if we compare very complex sounds like dj montage etc. to record I'm obviously going to use a montage modx like the yamaha psr sx series in general

[@allanallen1835]

No way is the modx like a Yamaha psr lol. I have a Yamaha psr and I sold it because it sounds like something from a toy shop in the 80s compared to the modx.

[@DarylWiseJr]

Yamaha library developer here, the only comparison to be made between these two is price and polyphony. Same exact sound engines, same exact AD/DA. This is also why the latest firmware on both the Montage and MODX allow for file cross-compatibility. An MODX file can load on a Montage and Montage file on MODX. It's a no brainer unless you want more polyphony to get the MODX. Here's another fun fact. Both keyboards also feature ALL, yes ALL, MOTIF ES, XS and XF waveforms. 99% of the MOTIF Classic Waveforms are also present. That's why in my libraries I have Classic and ES presets that are not sampled but rather using the old patch data and waveforms already in the board. I find the Montage and MODX to be the best keyboards out to date. Ditch the Classic, ES, XS, XF and MOXF and get an MODX. ALL of the waveforms are there, just got to find the patch data to make it a voice which you can easily find online.

[@darrickkeels6387]

I have to say the MODX is the better value. It gives you more "bang for your buck" for sure. However, there are more differences than simply the FMX polyphony. The Montage has a metal chassis rather than a plastic one. This is a pro or con depending on who you ask. The Montage has more buttons, sliders, encoders, LED lit sliders and encoders which comes in handy on a dimly lit stage. It has seamless sound switching for up to 8 parts versus 4 parts on the MODX. This can be crucial for the live player. You get 34 simultaneous insert effects versus 26 on the MODX. The Montage keybeds are higher quality with aftertouch. That isn't present on the MODX. There is a ribbon controller on the Montage not on the MODX. The Montage has 32 outs and 6 ins via USB 10 and 2 for the MODX. The Montage has an additional set of analog outs giving you 4. The MODX only gives you a left and right. Yes a MODX and Montage basically sound the same, but there are some differences beyond the polyphony that could make a person opt for a Montage rather than the MODX.

[@DarylWiseJr]

@@darrickkeels6387 Agreed 100% which is why I said near the end of my paragraph to get a MODX. Great overall synth.

[@gautrstafr]

Nice Comparison, but for some of the velocity it was a big tell that one was a weighted keybed and the other a synth action. So easy to guess on that regard, but mostly due to differences in playing.

[@darrickkeels6387]

That's correct. But it does go to show in the "real world" keybeds can make a huge difference. Just the "samples" alone are not the only thing that affect the sound.

[@gautrstafr]

@@darrickkeels6387 Totally agree! That's why in my setup I have a MODX6 on top and a Casio PX-5S on bottom. I tried a lot of 88 keybed and the Casio was my favorite, even over the MODX8 (but CP88 blew all out of the water). This way, I get super portabililty with the MODX6 but also have a great keybed to play with.

[@st8kout961]

There's another video about how the MODX piano volume is low compared to (in his video), the 'audition' sound. To match the volume, he found that the velocity offset is too low by default. He cranked it up from 67 to 87 for all four parameters from low to high, then stored and named it.

[@darrickkeels6387]

Nice! Good to know. I typically just turn it up on my mixer to compensate. The Montage is quieter than my Korg and Roland products. I do the same. Compensate on the mixer

[@MrEMann]

Listed with good monitoring headphones. Negligible differences. By the time those sounds are in a mix no one would be able to tell. For me it comes down to whether the extra knob functions assist in live performances. I have the modx8 and love it but miss a few access features and after-touch might make me spend the extra money. Thanks for the great review.

[@darrickkeels6387]

That's exactly how I feel. In a critical listening environment can I tell a difference yes? In an actual live venue? No. Running mono vs stereo will make a much bigger difference. Using a keyboard amp versus large loudspeakers, your EQ settings, the room itself etc will have a far bigger impact on the sound. In the studio I can run my MODX via USB instead of coming out of the analog outs. When done that way it's a pure digital signal and the sound is exactly the same as the Montage.

[@Dr88Keyz]

Nice comparison, Darrick. I went with the MODX8 a year ago love it especially since the sounds/features are mostly the same as the Montage8. The biggest selling points for me were weight and cost. At 30lbs the MODX8 is much lighter than the 50lbs of my S90ES (and 63lbs on Montage 8! 😳) which is a big advantage especially when having to carry it up stairs. I occasionally miss aftertouch but don’t use it enough for it to be a showstopper and I’m fine without the additional buttons and LEDs. I occasionally miss 8 sliders ... something I got used to having on my Motif XS7 which the MODX8 replaced. What synth lead patch did you play at 9:40?

[@darrickkeels6387]

Honestly I cannot remember which lead patch I played 😂

[@Dr88Keyz]

Ok lol 😂. I’ll try to find it as I explore the sounds.

[@tuneunleashed]

Well, it’s the same sound guys can’t judge a video based on KZbin compression that’s #1 and #2 MODX has the AWM2 engine and same FM-X engine with less polyphony/specs compared to the Montage and it doesn’t have Analog Circuit like the Montage, the playability in the montage is miles ahead. That is literally the only difference.

[@SamStormsKBD]

Despite the Montage sounding clearer and a bit louder, the MODX is definitely a good option on the market. All in all, it's just a matter of preference and budget, of course, of keybed and other features like ribbon, aftertouch and sliders, as mentioned in the video

[@idomusics]

Great comparison. The only problem is that you inverted the cables out of the Modx and the Pan is reversed.

[@darrickkeels6387]

Yup I noticed that afterwards

[@ShayenGeorge]

Good comparison, but after playing a Yamaha Motif for many years, I was disappointed with my MODX7. I would like to see a comparison between the MODX and the Motif. I have been playing a Yamaha Motif 7 for the past 20 years. In 2011, I purchased a Motif XF7. One year ago, I played a Montage at a local Guitar Center, and was impressed with the various features and improvements. I purchased the MOD7, since it was lighter and easier to transport for gigs. Once I started playing it, I immediately began to notice how weak the piano sounds were. I even watched KZbin videos on "How to fix the thin piano sounds on the MODX. In the end, I have gone back to using my Motif. The key bed is much better, and easier to play, and while it is not as versatile, I find the piano sounds of the Motif to be much better. I may have been happier with the Montage, however, after lugging the very heavy Motif around, I opted for the MODX instead. I noticed that some of the comments reflected how good the key bed of the Montage is, however, I found that the playability of the MODX7 keyboard feels cheap and less responsive, similar to the early cheaper YTP keyboards that Yamaha produced.

[@darrickkeels6387]

I personally started out with the MODX and then purchased a Montage. The keybed of the MODX was just too cheap for me and I found myself playing a bit sloppy because of it on gigs. I have just become accustomed to playing premium quality keyboards and to play something with a keybed like the MODX is just something I can no longer do. It was my auxiliary keyboard which means I did a lot of soloing and fast riffs and runs on it. I am wasn’t just playing simple 3 or 4 note chords. So I still have the MODX but mainly as a backup to the Montage. It rarely ever gets played.

[@BRJHA80]

I hear a bit more hammer action with the piano in keyboard 2. The strings sound the same to me.

I couldn't which is better, but there's a clear difference between stereo balance of each other.

[@AchillesWrath1]

Does a montage have more sample sounds or are they the same?

[@darrickkeels6387]

They are the same.

[@elmehdioubouhouch]

please do a comparison between the sound quality in korg kronos and montage because i have to decide which one is better to make a purchase in this week i want to know which piano sound is good for me

[@tuneunleashed]

Go at the store and test it out! Don’t trust online. Derrick is just guiding you on what these instruments can provide for you. You would have to make the decision on what’s best for you

[@elmehdioubouhouch]

@@tuneunleashed i really want to go and check at the store but here at my city there's no store I'm from Morocco but i really want to buy a keyboard i have to decide between kronos and fantom and montage so confusing

[@jeremyfrey5589]

@@elmehdioubouhouch same problem here between the three synthesizers

[@elmehdioubouhouch]

@@jeremyfrey5589 me to i have a headache because of that i almost watched two thousand videos on KZbin but still confused i think I'm going to and with montage for the quality of his sounds but kronos have much bigger library and i think the keypad action on kronos good for piano but he is so complicated and so much digital stuff it is hard for live performance and the fantom has a better work flow for producing music and i like the ph 50 action on it but the piano sounds on it not that good i prefer cfx piano on the montage i think the solution is having them all

[@geoffk777]

@@elmehdioubouhouch I agree that it's best to test them yourself. There are a lot of considerations: 1. Do you need a full workstation with sampling and a powerful sequencer? Than the Kronos is a better choice. 2. Do you want true virtual analog synthesizers? The Montage has some of these capabilities, but the Kronos is a better choice. 3. Do you just want the best piano and keybed? I have both and prefer the Montage. In fact, I prefer the Montage sounds overall. The samples are much newer and sound more authentic and expressive to me, and the Superknob helps too. 4. Do you do a lot of EDM music? The Montage is very good at this. 5. Do you do a lot of touring? Than the MODX is portable and compact. The Montage is very heavy and the Kronos can be fragile. Of course, there are many other choices too. The Roland Fantom has an even better keybed than the Montage and excellent pianos. Some people disagree, but I think that the physically modeled V-Piano engine on the Roland is very authentic and expressive (and it has many excellent sampled pianos also).If you need a full workstation that is also a great piano, than this might be the best single option. If you don't care about workstation capabilities, but want an excellent piano and keybed, than a Yamaha CP-88, Korg GrandStage or Roland RD-2000 are good choices also. The CP-88 has a much better keybed than the MODX8, but is cheaper and more portable than a Montage. Note that the Korg Nautilus, GrandStage and some new Kronos have updated pianos from the original Kronos 2. I don't recommend buying a used Kronos anyway, as they can be troublesome. Hope that helps.

[@Marian1st.]

On sound quality of the instruments, what to choose between MODX and Fantom 0? Probably Yamaha, right? But on the hardware and the way it feels to play them, Fantom 0. Am I right?

[@darrickkeels6387]

I think the sound quality is a matter of personal preference. I personally like Yamaha better but I can see how a person that plays in an 80's coverband would prefer the Fantom. As far as the interface the Fantom wins. The touchscreen is better, the sequencer has a piano roll allowing you to edit your MIDI data after it's recorded. This cannot be done on the Montage. Both keybeds feels great to play on however. Unless you are talking about the MODX. That keybed is the definitely a lower quality the Fantom-0.

[@Marian1st.]

@@darrickkeels6387 So that leads us to Fantom vs Montage. I would put Montage first as I also like the Yamaha sounds better. I’m very new to this. I never used a synthesizer. So the less complicated it is the better for me. I don’t play professionally, don’t have gigs and I never wrote a song yet. That’s why I was considering PSR SX900. Looks less intimidating and if it has very good sounds, it’s a winner. I also want to put sound quality of the instruments / synths first. Not a fan of some of the cheesy sounds on SX900.

[@DaveNob-by5ut]

I like the montage and the modx