Multi-Track Midi on the MODX

How to setup your MODX to record multiple midi tracks in your DAW - using Cubase as an example.
#modx

[@dwightchase4013]

Honestly, Just want to thank you very clear very easy to follow and you use the text on the screen perfectly when you skip over steps and refer to to other vids all of which is extremely helpful. Thank you for this channel

[@SoundmanCH]

I just bought MODX8 a couple of days ago. Really want to practice playing, hence the weighted keyboard. So happy to have found your channel. You are a great teacher, things are easy to follow and I somehow can remember what you have said. This is usually not the case. Thanks a lot, I hope there will be more! All the best!

[@analogshooter]

Thanks a million times. I'm new to synths and the recording of them as midi. This explanation was gold for me. Bring on a lot more about MODX and cubase.

[@dwightchase4013]

Am in the same boat this was exactly what the doc ordered!

[@jamessisson3703]

Some good tips here. You've saved me some time trying to work out where multi mode and local control are. Many thanks :)

[@theaudioeng]

Good recap on the basics for the MODX 😎

[@robertallen6989]

Watching your video, I was finally able to get the MODX and Cubase to communicate. Very eye oepning and instructive.

[@suga4all]

Great video! Thanks a lot. Got my MODX8 some 3 weeks ago. I was wondering how multi track recording is done using a DAW. Your video helped me a lot. You got a new sub ;-)

[@javiceres]

Thanks for this, I’m receiving mine next week. I hope it’ll save me the mood breaking latency problems when playing/recording VST pluggins live

[@nickyates9820]

This is wondeful! THank you for this - now on my short list!

[@deondewit3175]

Thanks the little Modx sounds great :) So glad I got myself one.

[@peteroppong1171]

GREETINGS...... I'm truly grateful for your tutorial of the MODX. THANKS.

[@studiosbt]

Easy going style instructional video showing easy in to working with Cubase and the Yamaha MODX... SOOOOO much easier than an instruction manual...!!!!! Thanku..Eddie.

[@jaybeetdown]

Lol, dude that manual is unforgiving! I REALLY appreciate this video, it's exactly what I wanted (wish he had Mpc renaissance software) this is great!

[@darrenhirst9900]

@@jaybeetdown Yamaha modx built in Japan designed in hell 👀

[@take942]

Your instructional videos are well done and clear to understand. Helps me get more creative with my MODX. Do you have a video on how to record MIDI tracks to an Audio track in Cubase AI 10.5 which does not have "Render in Place" or "Direct Routing" options available? Thank you

[@JacobAndJamal]

Great video . I was a bit confused when I received my MODX as I thought it was similar to the Motif (all in one workstation) but found out it’s more of a synth / controller to be used with a computer DAW . Not exactly what I was hoping for, but I’m sure someone else will appreciate it .

[@KimBarnerTBP]

Nice video, thanks for that - very informative

[@rolandgerard6064]

You are good in making video’s... well done.

[@AbdiPianoChannel]

Thanks. Very helpful video

[@allIhaveISMusic1]

very nice ,English relaxed type of tutorial, a delight to follow it ! Clear and to the point, well done ! We want more from you :)

[@valdiskrebs566]

Nice demo ... pretty easy.

[@anhnguyenhoang1863]

Help! I just got Modx7, and my interface is M-audio elight, 8 in - 8 out XRL. and cubase 9 1. How to use Modx7 in cubase as completely as possible. 2. How to make audio sound through R-L Modx7 out to M-audio elight. I plugged the connection cord via the XRL jack but it didn't play audio through M-audio every time I played it. I really need detailed help. Thank you very much!

[@dwijendramallik37]

Very helpful and informative video, thanku you so much for making this video. How can we create a user arpeggio in a daw and import them to modx? Plz make a separate video on this topic if possible. Regards 😊

[@KanshaChannel]

What is easiest way to then convert to audio after you have record them as midi? How come rendering doesn’t work?

[@topshot2877]

Hiya where do you get the cubase A I from

[@ClaudeDjale]

Wow thank you!!!

[@whisperingwind3430]

I solved the problem How can cubase play different voices in different tracks? If MODX in single channel mode - it doesn't work So you must go to [UTILITY] > “Settings” > “Advanced”, you must select a Multi Channel on which to communicate to the MODX Tone Generator. This allows you to play the MODX sounds split fashion

[@BastianSchick]

Hi, thanks for your instruction video, as I just got my MODX8. Which pen do you use for the touchscreen?

[@waveform-synths]

I use a stylus from an old pda and also a replacement stylus for a Samsung Galaxy note that was about £1.50 on ebay.

[@kohlekocher]

@Waveform: Thanks for the video! Is it also possible to export the generated Midi File to .mid and load it via USB to the MODX - so I could playback the midi file, together with the created Performance - without having to connect the keyboard to the computer for playback? 🙂If yes, do I have to consider something specific for the exported midi file, in order to be compatible with MODX? (e.g. regarding channels and their mapping to parts etc...)

[@waveform-synths]

Hi - You'd have to record the performance to your Daw & save as a midi file. Assuming you didn't change them, Part 1 = Channel 1 Etc. MODX does let you load midi files, so you could load it back up via usb stick etc. ...

[@alulamedia-es1ki]

Thank you for these videos - they're really helpful. I've had my MODX8 for a month or so and starting to learn the art of Cubase. One quick question - I've followed your Multi/GM setup, but when using the CFX Concert as one of the parts, it sounds different, almost like an electric piano. Is this because it uses four parts in the actual preset and I'm trying to assign it to just one in the Multi/GM section perhaps? Thanks for your help.

[@waveform-synths]

Hi - Yes, that is one of the "problems" of the multi-midi channel approach Yamaha has taken. I'm going to try to cover it in a future video, but after recording the piano part into cubase, you can always add parts (say from part 5 onwards) so you get the "full efect" piano.

[@suelikesspurs]

Most other videos show people selecting performances that are coloured green not blue. Green is a single part sound, blue is a multi part sound. Only the first part of a sound gets copied across. It will be interesting to see how to copy multi part sounds into a new multi/gm performance.

[@cdot803]

How do I do this in Logic Pro x

[@gregreynolds4888]

Do you know if modx will interface like this with Logic Pro x or pro tools? This is a great video!

[@waveform-synths]

Hi Greg - Yes...the same principles would apply to any DAW with Midi capabilities...

[@tanza14]

love your vids. just got modx8.. is a usb cable all you use into the computer for audio and midi? I have mine into the computer via usb i can trigger vst's but i cannot get the sounds from the modx. Im not using the audio interface on the modx. I have a profire 610. Ive watched your other vid to set midi record to daw but i still get nothing.. Am i supose to use quarter inch from modx to audio interface?

[@L1915SS]

Yes, record audio via your interface once everything is edited correctly in midi, or install the audio driver for the MODX and record audio that way...

[@ralphhamer4685]

Very helpful video. Thank you so much. I've got two questions: 1. Sound selection takes place inside the modx in your situation. Do you know if it is possible to send the program change for each channel/track from your DAW, so it would not be necessary to make a performance on the modx for each song...??? 2. Now in this multi/gm screen I only see 8 parts. You mentioned that 16 parts are possible. How can get to that 16 part situation...??? Thanks again.

[@waveform-synths]

Hi Ralph. Q1 - Yes, Set the DAW Midi In/Out to be MODX, and you'll find all parts can receive program changes sent from your DAW (defaults to GM). Q2 - If you've loaded the Multi/GM performance, press "View" at top left, select 9-12 on the part row and hit enter, you'll now see parts 9-16. Select View 1-4 to get back to the first 8 parts...

[@alulamedia-es1ki]

This might be useful too: www.yamahasynth.com/ask-a-question/mastering-modx-midi-record-on-daw

[@jesusconcristo]

Great video. My Modx8 read midi within Studio One 5, but, can't write it. What am I missing? Greetings from Switzerland

[@waveform-synths]

Hi, I'm not familiar with Studio 1, but assuming you have Quick Setup 1 selected (Midi Rec On Daw) on the MODX, try using a utility like Midi OX on the PC or Midi Monitor on the Mac to check the MODX is ouputting midi...

[@Stomp_It]

Thanks for the video! Question: what is your PC setup? What do you find are the minimum requirements to run Cubase smoothly with no latency?

[@waveform-synths]

I'm running an i7 with a MOTU 1248 soundcard. For softsynths, I'd suggest an i5 or i7 CPU - the higher clock speed the better. The latency you get is largely down to your audio interface, most Motu, RME & Focusrite models will give decent latency results on a modern PC these days...

[@Stomp_It]

@@waveform-synths thank you !

[@rebekahsmall6456]

Hi thanks for this video it was really helpful. Can you you do a video on how to do a audio mix down with using the MODX set on arp rec on DAW. I keep getting silent mix down, and have searched through a bunch of video's and Steinberg videos and manual and can't find the issue. I'm a bit of a novice so it's probably some real y simple I'm missing. thanks

[@waveform-synths]

Hi Rebekah - I'm going to cover that in a future video - do please subscribe, and you'll be notified of my uploads - thanks...

[@ralphhamer4685]

Oh yeah, question 3, and I also have the problem like someone mentioned here before, that for instance the CFX patch already contains 5 parts in itself. Could you do a video about recording that correctly in a multi part situation (so with the cfx and the drums and the bass, and so on)? Thank you.

[@waveform-synths]

Hi Ralph - the Quick answer On Cubase is to make sure the midi track for the Piano is set to "Any", then it'll record all 5x parts correctly in one track. Assuming the bass is on part 6 only - set Cubase to Midi Ch 6 for recording that part. Using that method, if you have bass already setup on part 6, switch the green keyboard Control symbol off on the MODX for parts you don't want to record and they'll be excluded from the "Any" Tracks recorded. So to record piano only - make sure the green Kbd Ctrl switch is off for part 6 and the other way round to record bass only...

[@ralphhamer4685]

Thanks once again for your reaction, but I can't get it to work properly. First of all I use cakewalk sonar platinum (not cubase), but it should work in the same style. Here's the situation: I make a first track in cakewalk, set the modx to "rec midi on daw", select the multi GM init", in cakewalk I keep the track on omni "any" and I make the program change for the CFX+EP. When I record and playback everything is perfect. Then comes the second track: I put this track on channel 6 (like you mentioned, because of the 5 part piano), give in the program change for the bass sound and start recording. From this moment on the Modx plays both tracks on the bass sound (no piano sound for track one, but the bass sound). Also the MODX has jumped back to "stand alone mode" and the modx screen shows the edit page for the bass sound (and not the multi gm init). I don't know what I'm doing wrong. Can you help? Thanks again.

[@waveform-synths]

Hi Ralph - It sounds like Cakewalk is transmitting the program change for the bass on every midi channel (omni = "all" rather than "any")...if cakewalk forces you to work that way, all I can suggest is dialling up the bass sound on channel 6 and so on for any other tracks you want, and then save the multi away with the same name as the piece you are working on and avoiding program changes....

[@bandacelebrity3749]

Hi, can you use the modx with other midi sequencing software besides cubase: Like sonar or garageband? Thnx in advance for your comments

[@waveform-synths]

Yes, any midi based daw or sequencer will be fine - the reason I use Cubase in the videos is that you get a complimentary copy of Cubase ai with the MODX, so everyone can follow along...

[@calderadelescocia7325]

Great tutorial!

[@noitnova]

Thanks for explaining. can i edit the FX form the MODX like the super knob in Cubase?

[@waveform-synths]

Hi, not 100% sure what you mean, but you can edit the super knob to control the fx and record that into cubase so it adjusts the super knob in Cubase on playback.

[@noitnova]

Ok so like a vsti you can edit all the FX like delay or distorsion later on in cubase on the tracks?

[@waveform-synths]

No, to edit FX later on, you'd use the MODX screen, but Midi tracks recorded in Cubase will record changes made to FX if you control levels or sends or distortion using the super knob.

[@lassel1644]

When controlling my Modx from FL and the tempo is set to 125 the tempo on my Modx varies from 124 -127.

[@darrenhirst9900]

I turned local control off on the modx and FL Studio controls the tempo and mine dose the same. The tempo varies a little I think due to a slight variance. It doesn't seem to effect the music.

[@raphaelel-baze6855]

If anyone knows how to use the modx8 with logic pro x, please help me :)

[@jaybeetdown]

Al B. Sure "Night and Day" used lately bass!

[@TCfromSC]

Does the modx have all of the dx7 patches?

[@SidJ8300]

Hi, thanks for the video. If I am not mistaken, you are using the sounds of MODX to be recorded on Cubase and not the VSTs to use keyboard as a controller. Kindly let me know. Thanks 😊

[@waveform-synths]

Yes - all sounds from the MODX...

[@SidJ8300]

@PianoMan 2018 That is wht I asked what I asked .. And it turns out that, with the MODX, we can directly record sounds of the keyboard in DAW.

[@erikfox8471]

hello, is it possible to set the drums from modx to separate outs when recording into cubase 11.?? regards

[@darrenhirst9900]

Yes you can there is a Yamaha video showing that. Its in the settings somewhere where is ends the drums on channels 9-16.

[@dwightchase4013]

Only Question, (Using the ModX7). It would appear that neither cubase or the mod are respecting Panning. Is there something I'm overlooking? Thanks for the input

[@waveform-synths]

I'll try that out next time I'm in the studio and let you know...

[@lassel1644]

That Modx 1 2 3 thing. Aha.. i will try that ..👍

[@cdot803]

Very informative video! How do I set this up in logic x?

[@waveform-synths]

Hi Carlin - Setup should be similar in Logic x - I'm not a Mac user, so can't help with specifics...

[@cdot803]

Waveform I use Mac only so the is the determining factor for me. I’ve been reading and watching videos on it. I’m about to purchase one next week.

[@waveform-synths]

Great! Don't forget you get a free copy of Cubase when you register the MODX, so you could follow along exactly, but I'm sure you'll get Logic X running with the MODX relatively quickly... enjoy!

[@allIhaveISMusic1]

However, It seems in order to avail of the nice performances you need to use multiple midi channels. How can I do that and work it out in protools when protools cannot play multiple midi on one track?

[@waveform-synths]

Seriously? No Midi "All" or "Any" on Protools? I just googled a 2007 Sweetwater knowledgebase, and the version at the time had "Midi All" - Sorry, I don't run Protools - perhaps a Protools user could chip in...?

[@allIhaveISMusic1]

@@waveform-synths But while in multi gm mode I see it offers green and white sounds and they work. There are only 8 tracks in there or can I add? Can I save a setup for a song? I wonder why dont they standardize such things.. Such a waste of tine and inspiration to figure out each keyboard...

[@PakBudiTarigan]

Can we record midi or audio file without software and without computer, i mean like psr s970 does?

[@waveform-synths]

You can record midi performances directly into the MODX, but it lacks the editing power of software (or earlier Yamaha keyboards such as the Motif series)...

[@jaybeetdown]

I've noticed when i sync midi to the MPC, It transposes the noted a half step up. These are the sounds coming straight out of the MODX. Any Idea why?

[@waveform-synths]

???!!! - So you're sending (say) a trigger note of C and MODX is playing c#??? If that's right then you've got me beaten... I'm working on a video about drums & beats now. Try that utility app - Midi OX on PC, or Midi Monitor? on Mac - hit a pad, and see what note it transmits

[@jaybeetdown]

@@waveform-synths thanks man. The problem was it was playing a VST channel and doing something weird, lol. Thanks fornALL your help. Keep the vids coming, you're a HUGE part of me enjoying this synth!

[@jaybeetdown]

Question, when I'm exporting my track from the MPC software, everything bounces except the audio info from my MODX midi tracks. Any idea why that is? Thanks.

[@L1915SS]

Hi jaybeetdown, I'm away from the MODX for a week or so...wish I knew more about your setup,...have you installed the Yamaha audio driver?

[@jaybeetdown]

@@L1915SS Hi, shortly after, I fixed the problem. I had to record the midi data into the software on an audio track! I've always used software synths so this went over my head.

[@kennyflores7265]

Does this also work for Roland Fa-08? And can it record vocals too?

[@waveform-synths]

I've no experience of the Fa-08, but it does handle multiple midi tracks in a similar way...

[@kennyflores7265]

@@waveform-synths ok thanks!

[@nikolataushanov7732]

well done my friend.it would be better for your listeners to switch the metronome off while recording because you have a little bit of latency

[@babar141]

Thank u thank u thank u

[@rolandgerard6064]

Do you plan to make more video’s?

[@waveform-synths]

Hi Roland - I'm half way through an "adding aftertouch" video, I'll be looking at the external inputs, and I'm thinking of a beginners guide to FM... any topics you'd like covered?

[@HighlandStudio91]

I had a brief brush with Cubase when I had the MOX6,but found it too troublesome to work with.That said,I still am quite ignorant with regard to Cubase...but from this video,it seems that the MODX user can use the MODX's onboard sounds as VST's??If so,why aren't the presets appearing on each track,inside Cubase??From what I've read,as well as what videos I've watched...I was under the impression that you could only record audio from the MODX,into Cubase?I am so utterly confused by this video.I know that Kurzweil's Forte stage piano has the ability to have it's onboard progams used as VST's within DAW's...but I've never seen that in action.Things would be so much simpler if the MODX just had onboard song sequencing.

[@waveform-synths]

Hi - No, nothing to do with VST instruments, every sound is generated inside the MODX and everything inside Cubase is pure midi data. Once all your performances are edited and completed to your satisfaction, you can use the MODX as an interface to the computer and record the final mix to audio in Cubase. For a piano piece - you could go straight to audio, but for muti-tracks that may require editing, recording the midi first is the way to go. Hope that helps - I'll cover audio in future videos, but the next few will still be midi based.

[@HighlandStudio91]

Okay...I realize you can record onboard performances using the onboard performance recorder,record this to audio via the interface and that the MODX can be used as a midi controller for VST instruments...but I still do not understand what the purpose is,of what you are doing in this video?According to the staff of Anderson's Music,the MODX was meant to be a replacement for the MOXF series(which has an onboard song sequencer in it)....but the MODX only has a performance recorder.It was always my understanding,that the Montage was primarily designed for live use and that the MODX is a slightly scaled down version of the Montage...but yet to some,the MODX is considered to be a MOXF replacement??So then...there's no way to build a song using the pattern/copy/paste method,using the onboard sounds of the MODX?I suppose I could eventually upgrade from Cubase AI to a version of Cubase that has audio quantizing,but that sounds like a terrible pain in the ass.I apologize if my level of ignorance is irritating.Thanks for your reply.

[@waveform-synths]

The recorder in the MODX is basic (as of this firmware version). There's no way to build up a song like you describe within the MODX - hence the purpose of this video. You can cut/copy/paste, quantize and build up a composition within Cubase AI - and when everything is 100% to your liking, record the final mix to Audio - no audio quantisation required.

[@HighlandStudio91]

So in essence,what you are saying is,once you lay down the midi notation in Cubase and you execute the playback of the midi composition,it is triggering the selected presets of the MODX and this is what is recorded to audio inside Cubase?Interesting...

[@waveform-synths]

Correct!

[@josephg8818]

How come on mine when i hit category then init it don't show multi ?

[@waveform-synths]

I'm not sure - have you updated the MODX to V1.10?

[@josephg8818]

@@waveform-synths no , but when I shut the power off and turned it back on it showed up, I don't know why. But it is working now.

[@lassel1644]

Yes you could quantize the arpeggio if you are not using FL Studio where the quantize doesnt work in the first place 🙄

[@dualvortex]

Hi, as I can see the modx performance has 8 parts, like yahama montage. (instead of 4?) .

[@dualvortex]

OK, solved... Modx and montage have 8 parts.. BUT..... in Modx only parts 1-4 -are SSS. In Montage SSS works for parts 1 to 8. ca.yamaha.com/files/download/other_assets/5/1162395/modx6_modx7_modx8_en_om_a0.pdf

[@dualvortex]

Thanks .. for your videos :)

[@rolandgerard6064]

We want more..... :-)

[@AxelsoftMusic]

Great videos ... thumbs-up ! Am I the only person who IMMEDIATELY went into the settings menu and disabled the beep sound ? :-) Best Regards, Axel.

[@suga4all]

The beep sound and the flashing knob ;-)

[@mpmi7588]

Can I do this with Hardware on my MODX6?

[@waveform-synths]

Apart from the methods in this video, you can use an external hardware sequencer, or in the new OS V2.0, the MODX range now have an internal sequencer (though without the comprehensive editing of a DAW like Cubase)...

[@mpmi7588]

@@waveform-synths Thanks for responding. Much appreciated. I still didnt understand the answer tho. Lol. Apologies for my brain function. So I can control other outboard gear with the MODX6 being the master? If So, Do you know how much outboard gear it can control? Im trying not to buy another keyboard like the SLMK3 if the MODX6 can do it.

[@waveform-synths]

@@mpmi7588 Ah, I see…to control external devices, you could use the midi out of the MODX and a midi splitter box like those made by Kenton to control multiple midi devices (not cv/gate). You could set up a performance on the MODX to transmit multiple parts to multiple devices. (Device 2 set to midi channel 2, Device 3 to 3 and so on) - so yes, just setup each device to operate on a separate midi channel….

[@mpmi7588]

@@waveform-synths Thanks man. This helps a whole lot

[@BrenQ99]

Cubase? Ugh.

[@keyboyrecords]

Jesus change the default horrific metronome sound.

[@bariloche1988]

Boring..Zzz