SUPERBOOTH 2024: Yamaha - Montage M Synthesizer V2.0 Update

At Superbooth 2024, the team at Sonic State caught up with Dom from Yamaha to get an exclusive look at the latest updates for the Montage M workstation synthesizer. Dom showcased the new operating system update, OS2, which includes some exciting features like SmartMorph for the ANX engine. This feature allows users to seamlessly morph between multiple sounds, creating unique and dynamic textures. The *SmartMorph *functionality was previously available for FMX and now extends to ANX as well, adding even more versatility to the already powerful Montage M.
Another highlight of the OS2 update is the addition of new reverb algorithms, including a shimmer reverb that adds a dreamy layer to any sound. Dom demonstrated how the shimmer reverb can be used to enhance sounds like piano and synths, providing a lush and atmospheric quality. Additionally, the update introduces a new modifier for the ANX engine, the wave folder, which allows for creative sound design possibilities like creating kick drums and morphing waveforms. The Montage M also gets an Expanded Soft Synth Plugin (*ESP*) for Montage M, which allows users to access and edit Montage sounds directly within their DAW. The OS2 update and ESP plugin will be available as a free download for registered Montage M users at the end of June.
For more information on the Montage M and the new features, check out the Yamaha website.
uk.yamaha.com/en/products/mus...
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[@ScottsSynthStuff]

I absolutely love my Montage M7, it's the greatest synth I have owned in over 30 years of living in the synth world. I am looking forward to the new OS, and especially being able to do editing within ESP.

[@steffenfriedle3254]

As Montage 7 user, I would really to upgrade, but the poly AT it the thing for me. So I hope for a M7X

[@Heavy_Distortion]

Yamaha is awesome! Montage is the king of FM synths. Rock solid reliable.

[@blue.sunset]

Montage M needs a sequencer with piano roll and linear arranger. It needs to be transformed into a workstation. I see more and more musicians who would like to produce without having to use a computer with a DAW.

[@valtari3494]

YES !!!! I need real time sequencer !

[@trebleboost7]

Yep - when I saw this I was hoping for a true sequencer update indeed. I don’t think it is going to happen now.

[@vanessajazp6341]

@@trebleboost7 They want to steer people to the more expensive Genos for a sequencer. Montage M is designed as a performance synth, not a workstation.

[@vanessajazp6341]

They made one of those. It's called the Genos....

[@Doctormix]

🙌YEAH!!

[@KordTaylor]

Great video. Looks like an amazing upgrade. 👏🏻

[@mshhoward]

It all sounds exciting! I'm especially surprised & pleased with the update that allows us to recognize modulator/carrier at a glance :)

[@enochroot9438]

Top of my GAS list, even more so after watching this

[@jumpstar9000]

absolutely beautiful device ❤❤

[@UFO-Ark]

Any news on the upcoming replacement for the MODX+ ??

[@smokey5100]

This synth is the truth. Can we get a CS-80 emulation update similar to the new Fantom Jupiter/SH-101 update using the AN-X engine Yamaha? 🙏🏼🎹

[@GuyVignati]

Considering there’s also poly aftertouch, that would be indeed appropriate.

[@smokey5100]

@@GuyVignati 💯

[@georgecoles7268]

you can also rent a montage where you are going to go and bring the VST on your laptop and update the rental

[@AudioAtmos]

Wow this is great. Anyone who thought the M series was nothing special has been proven very wrong. My M8x is absolutely killer. So are the M6 and M7. Their portability yet just as powerful is a big plus.

[@chrisdavies9143]

That's a nice shimmer. I find most synths that try to have one, it ends up sounding quite harsh (I'm looking at you Fantom!) but that one sounds great and quite versatile with the tone shaping and modulation.

[@jorjajorjan3863]

Great presentation! Is there any info if they will release the software for Modx+ too?

[@BA-Rebel]

The camera pans away when the EPS plugin crashed. Hope the final release is more reliable. I am hearing some EPS users are also having connection problems.

[@shehzadamurthy1983]

Haha yeah noticed that too..

[@matthewwhitaker4849]

Wow fantastic!!! I'll add on here saying that as a blind user, using the plugin with Logic and Voiceover on the Mac is really good. I had a chance to test and provide feedback while at NAMM back in January. Only a few things to change so some areas can be more labeled correctly, but other than that, its great.

[@damonfibraio5667]

Hi. Your comment caught my attention as a blind owner of the prior Montage. Are you seriously telling me that the ESP plugin is accessible to voicoever and I don't have to wait for John Melaz editors? If this is seriously true and I can deep edit and load sounds and all that, then you have just made my year. Please, tell me more. Any idea if this is accessible under Windows as well? Thanks for any info you can provide.

[@judsonchristudas]

Great demo Dom

[@wernerjurgen5416]

Monster Synth 😅💪💪

[@tjasonbarney]

Will the update have an AAX version for Pro Tools?

[@Guerrilla_OP]

I'm tempted to get one of these. The only thing that I don't like about workstations, is they become outdated every few years. Due the high cost, that's the biggest concern of mine. Paying $3k-$4k today, and then it only being worth $1500 in 4 years, is a scary purchase. It would be different if I was making money from it. Unfortunately, music is more of a hobby/love for me, so I prefer gear that keeps some value. I'm really thinking about buying a used one, though.

[@YEE941]

All tech gets outdated … at least Yamaha gives their workstation line up some good updates though out it’s life span

[@DrawAndErase]

I think you will be fine! I'm still using a korg kronos from 2011 as my main keyboard for live because there isn't that much more on the market that can compete. This one is modern enough and the software is probably great. These kind of keyboards still hold decent value.

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

The Montage is a premium, professional instrument, and it holds its value. I bought my Montage 7 for $2200, had it for quite a few years, and sold it for $2,500. The used Montage M's are selling for pretty close to the prices they are going for new.

[@Guerrilla_OP]

@@ScottsSynthStuff I might just get one. It's very tempting.

[@Keysounds0]

The previous Montage 8 still goes from 2800-3200 on the used market. The component that becomes outdated is the workflow, Song making etc but montage is a true synth.

[@666JGNotts]

It would be great if they had any stock of this in Europe and the UK. It was released many months ago but still hardly any available.

[@chrisdavies9143]

Exactly. It's absolutely maddening and to be honest, a little unforgivable for a company of this size not to be able to keep basic stock levels

[@666JGNotts]

@@chrisdavies9143 It makes me think it might be deliberate on the part of Yamaha so they can keep the prices higher

[@billevans7488]

@6:00 What performance was being used? Is it a preset? If so, which one.

[@jimhewes7507]

I was kinda hoping the next OS version would make use of the GEX initial touch on the m8X, like the Osmose and now the Polybrute 12.

[@noitnova]

It will be nice if it was in stores.

[@BeatsAndGuitars]

I wonder if they’d release the VST at some point for people that just want the VST.

[@martinmole5741]

The Pro version will be released in summer and should be available to everyone.

[@tonylancer7367]

@@martinmole5741 Can you share where you got this info?

[@deep6293]

I love the Wavefolder 😀. But wasn't the wavefolder in the previous os version already? The montage m is currently still not available in Europe.. So hurry up yamaha!

[@Pianosiano]

Originally, the Waldorf Iridium keyboard, according to sources, did not have polyphonic aftertouch. But Waldorf added polyAT with an OS update, and current Waldorf Iridium keyboards include that feature. Dom Sigalas said there will be a "major" OS 2.0 update for the Montage M sometime in June. Many Yamaha enthusiasts were very disappointed that Yamaha did not implement polyAT on the Montage M6/M7 models. Only the Montage M8x has polyAT currently, plus the M8x has the new GEX keybed technology, but whether the GEX keybed has anything to do with the implementation of polyAT on the M8x is anybody's guess. But if not, is there a possibility Yamaha will add polyAT to the Montage M6/M7 with this new OS 2.0 update? I can tell you one thing for certain. If it is possible to implement polyAT for the M6/M7 with an OS update, it would immediately boost sales of those two models, in my opinion. The only reason I passed on getting the Montage M7 is because it did not include polyAT like its big brother M8x has. Since Dom didn't mention anything in regard to polyAT implementation with the OS 2.0 update, that leads me to assume Yamaha won't implement polyAT on the M6/M7 via an OS update. But maybe Dom was instructed not to spill the beans, and in that case we will have to wait and see. If Waldorf could add polyAT to the Iridium keyboard by way of an OS update, you would think Yamaha could do the same with the M6/M7. No? 🎹 🤔

[@russ254]

interesting, thank you

[@GizzyDillespee]

The polyphonic aftertouch definitely has to do with the keyboard that's specifically in the 88 key. It's not something that can be added in a firmware update to the other keyboards, unfortunately. The Waldorf Iridium Keyboard used the polyAT keyboard from Fatar from the start. You're thinking of the Quantum Mk1 vs Mk2, which has a different physical keyboard compared to the Mk1. Or perhaps they gave polyAT to the pads on the Iridium module? Adding that to individual pad buttons is easier, because each button already has its own sensor. On the non-polyAT keyboards, they'd have to retrofit new hardware. To give an example of the cost of that, UDO has a polyphonic aftertouch keyboard available separately for their Super 6 49 key keyboard, which is user installable - there's only a ribbon connector to unplug, and then you remove the old keyboard as one unit, slide the new one back in, plug in the new ribbon cable in, and update the firmware for polyAT. It costs £400. That's something Yamaha could do for the M6/7, but knowing Yamaha, they'd make you bring it to an authorized service center.

[@KUPHSER]

M6 and M7 will respond to polyAT with an external polyAT keyboard. But yes those models should both have it as standard

[@davemolino-hn6rp]

hi Dom looking forward to the new V2 software , so here is my problem bought montage M6, 6-7 months ago since then ESP does not work does not open in 5 DAWs, Cubase 13 , NEXT, tracktion wave form CWBL, and Unify , all my 150 plus VST plug in work without issue, ESP is the only plug that does not work, it shows up in Steinberg Download and is Activated, i have installed it all the files are in place at correct location, the DAW's recognise it a VST plug but says it cannot open. Yamaha UK does not know why its not working, neither does Steinberg, so do you have any ideas, I hope is the new software V2 will just work, very frustrating any advice welcome

[@KordTaylor]

FINALLY the Yamaha + Steinberg connection is sorting an integrated sw + HW synth plan. Nice! ❤

[@vanessajazp6341]

The most important piece of info is at the very end: When is V2.0 being released? End of June.

[@ManueleMontesanti]

Great Dommmm!!!! 🤟🤟🤟🤟😅

[@mrthomasheder]

what about the performances? Are there any new good multi part performances for jump-start composing inspiration? I really think Yamaha shoud be focusing much more on making additional multi part performances that you can use to be inspired instantaneously, rather than making more synth sounds. We don't need more sounds -we have thousands already to choose from, but we could really use well designed multi part performances for all kinds of styles just like the typical arranger keyboard. That would make a big difference, eg. a swiss-knive "does it all" arranger/worstation/hybrid synth. And also focus more on making a easy to use sequencer so that you can make a complete song using just the montage and it's ESP and without the need for an additional DAW. That would make it the worlds best product. Thanks to yamaha for finally making the ESP -finally! What about having the option to connect a mouse, and an external monitor for bigger screen?? Best regards M.Sc.EE Thomas Heder, Denmark

[@jimhewes7507]

If the VST can play on a computer you gotta wonder why they couldn't just use a typical CPU in the Montage M instead of the specialized processors. Is the VST on the computer limited in the number of voices? Are the specialized processors able to generate more voices than a typical CPU? Would've been a good question to ask here.

[@jimhewes7507]

And yet they built the VST which runs on a CISC processor, or more to the point, a general-purpose processor. Does it have glitches? Does it not have seamless sound transition? Does it have limited number of voices? Perhaps. I don't know. But look at the Korg Kronos. The audio portion runs on a dual core Atom processor. General purpose processors can be low cost for the power because of the quantities that are produced. And often they can run at a high frequency. The Eventide FX boxes like the H8000 ran on DSPs but the H9000 runs on ARM processors. General purpose CPUs usually have better software tools available as well. Shorter development time. Yes, the Kronos needs a fan for cooling, but so does the Montage M. Edit: This was meant to be a reply to a post which is apparently now deleted.

[@marcobassini3576]

Every hardware synth nowadays is software running on an embedded (= super low end resource limited) computer. Sure they could sell you the software to run on any super powerful PC, but how much money could they ask? Would you pay 4k€ for a Montage in software form? And could they ask you another 4 grands five years down the road with the excuse of new hardware, when in fact they only changed slightly the software? The Montage M chip can only handle 128 voices and 4GB of samples. This is 25 years old technology. A current day PC worth a few hundreds bucks could easily manage 1000 voices and unlimited samples (1 TB SSD costs peanuts).

[@vanessajazp6341]

If you search KZbin for "Scott's Synth Stuff", he recently put out a great video describing all the inner workings and processors involved with the Montage M. Here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hZfUhqdqoLGJl68 It actually does have a very powerful CPU in addition to the specialized processors. That CPU runs the insert effects and the ANX engine, and has TONS of unused processing power!

[@RogerBrenon]

@@marcobassini3576 They won't listen to you. Been telling em the same thing for years. These are EXTREMELY OVERPRICED and SUPER LIMITED compared to a half the cost computer. The "Won't overuse your CPU" excuse is a long outdated lie and excuse to sell you more for less.

[@marcobassini3576]

@@RogerBrenon At the end of the day is the consumer that has the last word: vote with your wallet and do not buy! I have stopped buying high priced and underpowered hardware synth long ago. Not to the mention the fact that their firmware is often limited, buggy and almost never updated.

[@beat2009]

I'd buy anything shown by Dom :)

[@musicx44]

It's already on the market. Why it's on the show??

[@The_Sonic_Oasis]

Firmware update brought new features. That's what they are showcasing in this video

[@The_Sonic_Oasis]

So can you own the montage software without owning the hardware?

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

No.

[@djpioneer937]

@@ScottsSynthStuff Are there plans for this to be available for none montage owners?

[@misterpigman]

@@ScottsSynthStuff hi scott, i have a monrage m6, but sometimes there are gigs that has small spaces and only allows mini keyboards. Is it possible to use a midi controller and montage software for these kinds of gigs?

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

@@misterpigman yes you could do that!

[@misterpigman]

@@ScottsSynthStuff that is awesome news man! thanks!

[@edjefferson9175]

Sell everything and just have this….

[@judsonchristudas]

This is the reason why Kronos has a Vector Joystick

[@alshk6763]

What a great piece of gear, sounds are so phenomenally good, every time I've played it at a local GC, felt inspired to play more, and feels like i play "better". Lord willing, this is next kit to get.. maybe even let the OASYS go...

[@GuyVignati]

This definitely is the new Vangelis kinda machine

[@GuyVignati]

13:57 ehm did it just crash? 😅😅😅

[@virtuosopacific]

Yeah, that was awkward - the camera never pans back to the laptop after that! The current plugin is a massive CPU hog on certain patches, to the point of being actually unplayable, so I hope they've made some performance optimizations.

[@chrisstrobel3439]

I wish Yamaha would bring back the KX88 and KX76 with the same keybeds. I get the same quality sounds not only in my Laptop these days .. but also iPad, what’s needed are midi controller keyboards with the build quality and semi-weighted quality keybeds of the 80/90’s.

[@SiddharthaNaithani]

Yes, totally endorse this take. I want a MIDI controller with a premium Yamaha keybed. I'm still using my 20+ year old S80, which feels pretty good but does need replacement. I would love to get a Montage M88x, but it's so much more than I need, and I'm more productive on the computer than on hardware anyway.

[@poldidak]

The KX 2.0 of my dreams would usher back in features of the Yamaha synths and controllers of yesteryear as well, including *Poly-AT (but this time with completely drawable response curve), *a long ribbon (CS80 style) that can also be divided into zones and assigned different functions, *the return of the Breath Controller (but this time Bluetooth wireless), *a third programmable wheel (like the big EX), *a total of 6 1/4” pedal inputs that are completely assignable for sustain, expression and maybe something new such as a pressure-sensitive expression foot “pad”, *10 or more faders with wLEDs, plus a corresponding number of button/toggle switches, all of which can send longer SYSEX strings, *multiple MIDI 2.0 DIN outputs, *Super Knob plus similar assignability of other controllers to adjust multiple parameters/MIDI CCs at once, *2 or more MIDI inputs that can process and filter select incoming data, *a minimum of 8 independent MIDI zones with front panel zone on/off switches that wait for keys or sustain pedal to be released before turning off a channel so as not to cut off or hang up existing note-on data, *programmable scene switches like Montage that select different combinations of zone on/off within a single Performance Patch, *a screen at least as big as Montage for visualizing MIDI assignments and routing. What else am I forgetting here?’

[@chrisstrobel3439]

@@poldidak Sounds good 👍 Heck I’d just settle for a good keybed action

[@poldidak]

@@chrisstrobel3439 , well yes, there is that! I keep my old Motif ES7 around primarily for that classic Yamaha FS semi-weighted action they introduced with the DX7. My Montage 6 action is also very nice, but I’m holding out for the M7x (2.0) before I trade up so I can presumably get Poly AT like the M8 has.

[@PawelSzuszkiewiczMODX8]

It would be great to remove limitation of only 8 keyboard controlled parts and 8 arpeggios. It is ok that modx is limited but next generation of Montage should be able to do more.

[@user-zn8su4eb5p]

🇮🇳🇮🇳❤👌❤👌❤👌❤

[@park171]

ESP hogs cpu, i hope it runs better

[@JKVisFX]

I really hope Yamaha releases the Montage software as a standalone product for those of us who cannot afford the multi-thousand dollars that the hardware synths cost.

[@GizzyDillespee]

Yeah, I can't carry a Montage 8. Even though I'd have preferred that, I got a CK88 (which is great - the things it does, it does really well... except the Leslie fx are just okay). Anyway, it would be great to play a Montage from the CK88, via a laptop. I think they'd want to push the hardware for a while longer, and maybe keep some things unique to it? Also, people have been asking for a software version ever since Motif, and they never did it, even via Steinberg. But, we can hope.

[@sonicstate]

I imagine it's coming at some point. But it's likely to be after they release more powerful hardware . This is a guess...

[@tonylancer7367]

Still a missed opportunity by Yamaha to release the plugin for everyone. I get that they are protecting their IP, but I think it's rather short sighted of them to do so, compared to Roland and Korg who fully embrace the software world.

[@antskaljurand3091]

hahah Morphing is the new HD.

[@mh22xv]

Well, that’s it. I’m selling the other kidney. One can live with no kidneys right…. RIGHT😅

[@jimhewes7507]

So I'm curious which keyboard was funded by the first kidney? 😀

[@kyma1999x]

wave folding....something kurzweil k2000 and all K/PC family has since 1991, and vst like europa in reason studios since almost 10 years...5k dollars/euro for what? nice instrument I have old montage I'm not sayin' it's not a good synth but I don't see really innovations that justify this kind of prices.

[@kevinmortimer1883]

so the update is basically to let the montage do what the kronos was doing 10 yrs ago. zzzzzzzzzzx

[@wladimir5150]

Hi guys, I am writing this because I want to reach Yamaha, Japan. I am sure Montage is an excellent instrument. I started as a Yamaha customer long ago. I was 14 years old. My question is why Yamaha is making so much publicity about the montage! I said this because I was promised Yamaha Music London a Montage in January, paying £410 in December. ELISABETH DEARSLEY Yamaha Music London. doesn't know about future deliveries of the Montage M 88X. It is not ethical to request a deposit when Montage is not in production. I waited seven months, and Yamaha UK told me there were no issues with delivery. I am still waiting. I sent an email to Yamaha Germany, and I got an email telling me they didn’t know about the future production of Montage. Please, Yamaha Japan, ensure the excellent reputation of Yamaha sellers because they ask £410 per person, and if they have 10,000 people, paying a deposit equals £41.000.000 of money without selling any Montage. I hope one day I receive my montage. Regards, Vladimir Cifuentes. My next step is to wait. My apologies, but people need to know, and Jamaha Japan should be dealing with this

[@sonicstate]

Have you requested your deposit back. That doesn't sound right

[@wladimir5150]

@@sonicstate No, I want to know if they can honor it. I don't believe Yamaha Japan doesn't know when they are producing more montages. Even the guys from Yamaha Music London told me that it is made in Japan, and the war in Ukraine and Gaza stopped the delivery of the Montage to the UK.