Yamaha MODX Synthesizers In-depth Overview

[@studiotherefore]

I’d like to see Yamaha release a high quality synth with their best / latest version of their FM engine without all the other parts.

[@Johnsys359]

Had to sell my MOXF6, then surprise, they come out with MODX. I've already demo'd this and it sounds amazing. I'm getting this ASAP.

[@rickygarcia7400]

John Hubbard I just got this baby love it I still have my moxf6 and mx61 DX7iifd there still nice boards.

[@dillincasa6161]

I just bought the moxf8 but was considering this or the roland fao7 how did u like the moxf?

[@MaGorSeven]

I am very happy with my MODX8 but One thing I can't or don't understand..with all that flexibility using it in a live setup with a band without the need for an external interface...How do I send a physical dedicated click track to a drummer for example?

[@jloiben12]

The DAW interfacing is amazing. That is what makes this a great buy for me

[@DobleCTheMinisters]

Agree.

[@onionhat9141]

Honestly the Modx piano patches sound amazing.

[@vaspers]

Love Blake Angelos. MODX6 is next synth I will buy.

[@kiko1935]

6:52 Maybe I'm ignorant to hardware workstations but that blows my mind. That's a daw feature in a keyboard. Wild.

[@BluesCat1980]

They consider this a synth, but it's really just at all around amazing keyboard for all purposes.

[@piyushgupta1606]

3:10 I almost faded away from the real world.

[@digitaldiezel5870]

I think this is a fantastic synth! I don’t think yamaha shows off its ability to manipulate user loaded samples enough (with the MODX and the Montage) . Either i think it does more than it can or they are undervaluing this set of features. I’m assuming the former.

[@itsmaistro]

Imagine the MODX as a stage keyboard 🤯🔥

[@sandwaves5642]

Where is the guy that demonstrated MOX series ???

[@sojimani7616]

One thing I was sad that in MODX. The faders are not assignable. This can be fixed by a Firmware Update. Comment made on Feb 17, 2021

[@BryanEddy09]

I remember crying about the price of my Yamaha PSR3000 Yamaha sounds great ,they have incredible functionality and you will hardly ever get to half of their capability .(mine even has vocal harmonizer capability )the MODX sounds great and they should be named Yamaha WTM s because they are always Worth The Money .

[@richimbrogno4399]

was an original motif owner since the early 2000's and always updated up until MOXF8. Last year went Kronos. Unbelievable featues but my Yammy's always sounded better for my tastes and traded it back. I'm going live next weekend with a MODX7 and 8. I love the pure sounds of this keyboard

[@kiko1935]

I've never regretted a Yamaha keyboard. Korg on the other hand..

[@troutmaskreplica1]

Great sounding keyboard, which I think I'm going to buy... Overall great video except how in the world did Sweetwater not give us a split screen to be able to see the actual MODX touchpad in action?? I don't believe it was shown at any point in the video, despite the mention of if several times. (insert face palm here ;-)

[@christopherpatterson715]

Ok you got me, I’m getting the MODX8!!! Sorry Roland I’m dumping you😂

[@likeanuuk6612]

good video, but i dont understand why start a "synthesizer" video with a piano demo, it doesnt feel right

[@rolandgerard6064]

It does make sense if you are a pianist. This is the 88 keys version of an hybrid synth.

[@Wulfcry]

Nope it doesn't when you think about it, If the piano patch had synthesis in it would. The piano part is just complementary for the performance part.

[@jakejacobs1689]

This is not a Moog. They want to show the AWM engines capabilities. A piano patch would be ideal.

[@mosesmedina6898]

HoshiHearts RetroGaming it makes perfect sense the first thing I wanna hear as a pianist is the piano .. plus they want to show off all the things the modx can do

[@rsvmedia3132]

Because it's not just a synth. Don't know why Yamaha seems to name this a synth, but it's closer to a workstation (though not completely there). They're misbranding their instrument...

[@HighlandStudio91]

I settled on the MODX7....as I hate the very awkward location of the pitch & mod wheels,as they are positioned more towards the top of the keyboard(on this 88-key model.)I'm really frustrated with Sweetwater's 3-pay plan,which is why I chose to pre-order my MODX7 from AmericanMusical(via the 12-pay plan.)

[@Johnsys359]

Can you elaborate your frustration with the 3-pay plan?

[@HighlandStudio91]

@@Johnsys359 Elaborate on the differences between 12 payments versus 3 payments??Which do you think,would be easier on a limited income?Also...I had to pay $105 in sales tax,with AmericanMusical...whereas if Sweetwater had a 12 pay plan,it would be minus the sales tax.

[@Johnsys359]

@@HighlandStudio91 You are right, I wish they would do 3-8-12 month plans like AMS and ZZounds does. I've used Zzounds for all my purchases so far and will likely use AMS for a 12 month payment for the MODX6

[@rickygarcia7400]

John Hubbard I buy from both sounds and ams realy like thim

[@joshuaedo07]

lol bro, its not for everyone. simple

[@designersnestm569]

Does the MODX6 have an Arpeggiator..??

[@sweetwater]

Hi, thanks for your interest! Yes, the MODX line of synthesizers does feature a built-in arpeggiator with over 10,000 arpeggio types. For more details, check out Yamaha's user manual at this link: usa.yamaha.com/files/download/other_assets/5/1162395/modx6_modx7_modx8_en_om_a0.pdf Feel free to reach out to me directly with any further questions! Caleb Lowrey, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, [phone] ext. 1620, [e-mail]

[@isleofmelody8082]

Hi. Nice presentation. Can i transfer my orchestration from the DAW to MODX for it to be played via synth rather than hauling the laptop ? Thanks.

[@sweetwater]

Great question! You can transfer MIDI data into the MODX for playback without any other external devices. You can transfer via recording or via a direct file transfer. The Song Mode supports up to 16 tracks. If you have any other questions, feel free to get in touch! Jason Filloramo, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, [phone] ext. 1281, [e-mail]

[@isleofmelody8082]

@@sweetwater Thank you.

[@PeterReesvan]

Do the 4 faders, the encoders and the superknob send midi, so they can be used as controllers for a daw/vst plugin?

[@sweetwater]

Hey, Peter! Josh here at Sweetwater… Thanks for the inquiry! Great question. You can absolutely send MIDI via the faders, encoders, superknob and other aspects of the MODX8. If you want to chat more about it, just give me a holler at my contact info below! Josh Kattner, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, [phone] ext. 1689, [e-mail]

[@PeterReesvan]

@@sweetwater Thanks! Actually I have one more question. I'm really disappointed by the power supply, it looks and feels unprofessional and not road-worthy. Is the plug somehow fixable with tension relief? I'm looking for a giggable, strong and durable replacement for my trusted old S80. That thing has been my main stay for 20 odd years, and it still works, love it!

[@babar141]

Nice video thanks Blake

[@marike1100]

Really want a MODX but what happened to Erskine Hawkins III?

[@staysikth]

15:50 no one has ever been that satisfied with usb attenuation.

[@rsvmedia3132]

I feel the same :D As someone who uses Mainstage and on-board sounds, this is so welcome!

[@Apphibios]

I wish the top PSR E series can connect to Cubase LE like this. Entry level keyboard for entry level Cubase.

[@HotStrange]

The entry level keyboards are mostly for people trying to learn piano though, so not surprising.

[@boomer7393]

I have a psr keyboard, and even though I love the thing for how much it costs ha what it can do, I don’t feel like it needs Cubase integration

[@luizsongs]

Great vídeo! Tks, but nerd time , please, show the screen 👍

[@graytss]

Considering buying the 7.

[@winddealer1]

Greetings, am trying to model a wide spectrum noise generator with the MODX/Montage. There doesn't seem to be one or I'm missing it. The noise source would be used a modulation source into a single carrier/operator. With ModX or Montage, is there a means of modulating a carrier (or modulator) with random noise (or even sample & hold sequence)? How would one model a random noise or sample & hold using any of the MODx/Montage FMX operator stacks of the FM synth engine? Tried limiting this to just using three operators within a stack with various wide skirts on each operator and with feedback set to max but that doesn't quite yield a wide enough spectrum of random noise. Would a motion control sequence work? MC sequences utilze16 steps which seems like a small set to use for something "random". I know it is easy to create a AWM sample of white noise but I see no way to use it as a modulation source to the FM engine. Any workarounds or ideas to build one within the product?

[@j.frankgutierrez3276]

How to I get a discount from sweetwater? Most times I get texts of 15% or 20% from other retailers. Last time I was not happy with the other retailer because when I got home, I discovered that the product was used and had stains from someone that ate tortilla chips. Also the manual was used. This time I want to try sweetwater. Thanks.

[@NatLifeSounds]

If i'm right understood, Modx can load up to 4 different soudns in the DAW?

[@sweetwater]

Hello! The MODX series connects to a computer via USB. Through one connection cable you can send 4 channels to your DAW for recording, play back up to 10, and send/receive 16 channels of MIDI. If you'd like to go into more detail, please call my number below. Thanks for your interest! Nick LaMendola, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, [phone] ext. 1660, [e-mail]

[@NatLifeSounds]

@@sweetwater yeah, forgot to explain that i meant...is it can send 4 different sounds as VST editor in the DAW?

[@HotStrange]

What they’re saying is you can use the built in interface to run up to 4 instruments through the MODX’s input, into a DAW. Essentially using it as an audio interface. You can also use that software to send 4 channels from the synth itself into a DAW.

[@mageor30]

Hi there great video Mr Angelos. I ve just ordered the Modx8 version....and i cannot decide which is the best sustain pedal to use with it...i will mainly use it for piano learning and later on i will do some experimentation with its other features...

[@jfjusa1]

get the yamaha sustain pedal FC4A

[@mageor30]

@@jfjusa1 Thank you sir.

[@jfjusa1]

you're welcome...i have one and it works perfectly! you will love the MODX8 - it is an incredible synthesizer! www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/FC4A--yamaha-fc4a-sustain-pedal-foot-switch?mrkgcl=28&mrkgadid=3248788347&rkg_id=0&product_id=FC4A&campaigntype=shopping&campaign=aaShopping%20-%20Core%20-%20Keyboards%20&%20Synthesizers&adgroup=Keyboards%20&%20Synthesizers%20-%20Keyboard%20Accessories&placement=google&adpos=1o1&creative=217452498629&device=c&matchtype=&network=g&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI34mmuav83QIV1EwNCh2I4w8sEAQYASABEgJ1tvD_BwE

[@rsvmedia3132]

Even though it is a Yamaha keyboard, I would highly recommend Roland DP-10. These last for years and years. Fantastic pedal, and should work with the MODX

[@mageor30]

Do you know what is the difference with the FC4 pedal? In Greece there is only this one. I could order the fc4a from abroad but it will take more time...

[@rinz1810]

Great In-depth overview by Mr.Flinstone himself

[@noitnova]

I'm going for the 61 version.

[@alexsebastian2841]

I'm going to buy 1 right after I get a job.

[@OscarBrashMusic]

i buying the 88 key. How do you feel with your modx6??

[@Phantorion]

How is the modx6? I'm deciding between the modx6 and modx7

[@stephenlennartz3466]

I have the MODX7. LOVE it!

[@patricksaxon3983]

I had just ordered mine today, as I was so impressed about being so light weight compared to my Yamaha P-200 digital piano. But sadly, it does not have drawbars available like the Yamaha Genos.

[@Ansell417]

Never compare Genos with this toy

[@patricksaxon3983]

@@Ansell417 The Yamaha MODX8 is not a toy, but a professional keyboard instrument. The Genos is an arranger keyboard, but I do not like the styles on it, as it builds up on the entro's and endings, in the middle is not as strong as it should be. The Genos is a great improvement compared to the plastic toy version of the Tyros.

[@brandrookesalva8530]

The Tyros 3,4, & 5 sounds so amazing.If you listen to professional OMB player like Horia Loan on KZbin sure everyone will say Yes to Tyros.

[@MrQuuze]

is these sliders and knobs is possible use them send cc messages to (soft) synth?

[@OscarBrashMusic]

Of course

[@MrQuuze]

@@OscarBrashMusic at least some machines such is not possible thats why i asked.

[@krakapoww]

So this is the budget montage? What have they left out?

[@shadowbanned5164]

About 2 grand

[@haukurorsson833]

The left out aftertouch, bulky/sturdy build quality, some physical buttons/controls and some polyphony. I also believe the MODX has different keyboard action. Other than that, I think this is pretty much the same as the montage.

[@benjamindminor1983]

So basically save some more and get the better Yamaha and not a inferior keyboard.

[@tuneunleashed]

Haukur Þórsson They also left out a better Keysbed and DAW Control, Pure Analog Circuit, has more Flash memory than the MODX and that’s about it. That’s the only thing they’re missing. So anybody that doesn’t mind all of this you should be fine.

[@Silvestian]

I don't know how to say... but if you play 4 instruments at the same time, the polyphony will be 64:4 = so will be 16 notes real polyphony (I mean maxim of sounds with pedal on)???

[@HotStrange]

64 is for the FM engine. The AWM/Sample engine is 128 voice polyphony and it can be split up to 16 parts.

[@DocTheopolis]

Can the MODX Super knob functions be controlled by a Roland FA08 D-Beam?

[@sweetwater]

Hi, DocTheopolis! That's a great question. After perusing the manuals for both instruments, I can't think of a way to assign the D-Beam to control the Super Knob - although it may be possible via creative MIDI mapping. However, the "Foot Controller 2" input on the MODX is assigned by default to the Super Knob. So any controller you connect to that 1/4" input (typically an expression pedal) will control the Super Knob. Hope this helps, and thanks for your interest! Caleb Lowrey, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, [phone] ext. 1620, [e-mail]

[@DocTheopolis]

@@sweetwater Sweetwater Thanks for responding. I did notice that the cc number for the Super Knob is 95 (CC95), the D-Beam can be assigned to that CC number, but it's a "Phaser", so I'm still looking into that. As of now, I'm unable to get my FA to play the MODX internal tone generator via MIDI yet. I did get the FA tempo button to control the MODX pattern tempo, a plus. Looking for help with that problem, as well. Not giving up yet on either of those interests. Thanks again.

[@DocTheopolis]

Pleased to say, that after a complete Power Down and back On again (resetting?) of both instruments, the FA08 did finally play the MODX internal sounds over MIDI and the exciting news is that assigning your D-Beam to CC95 on your FA06/07/08 will allow control of the MODX Super Knob. I can not report any further details, but so far, it's kinda fun!!!

[@seandaly7369]

Currently the only exciting synth in this price range.. sorry Roland you've been great until now

[@johnsorrentino7471]

This seems a bit easier to use than the MOXF but what would be really great is if Yamaha would hire Blake to conduct free webinars to actually teach HOW to do some of the things like recording, doing splits and layers or whatever. I haven’t replaced my MOXF with one of these because I’m not confident that I can do what I want with it. After buying my MOXF I discovered it was really counterintuitive to use all the features but every video I watched before buying was just like these, claiming hoe EASY it was to use and what it was capable of but never telling you HOW. My desperation sucked me into buying several video tutorials that were no help.

[@HotStrange]

Or you could read the manual, study synthesis, and learn your machine.

[@alexlifeson8946]

Better quality panel end caps and a white option would be nice. The side panels feel cheap. Bendy, thin plastic.

[@limengying4441]

does modx8 have a trumpet sound?

[@sweetwater]

Hello! Yes, the MODX8 does have a trumpet sound, in addition to lots of other types of brass sounds. Here is their full patch list, which is extensive, but it will give you a sense of how deep this keyboard is - it can make a tremendous diversity of sounds: usa.yamaha.com/files/download/other_assets/2/1192592/modx_en_dl_b0.pdf If you'd like to go into more detail, please call my number below. Thanks for your interest! Nick LaMendola, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, [phone] ext. 1660, [e-mail]

[@limengying4441]

@@sweetwater Thank you so much ;)

[@eareoriemmanuel.areori7726]

Id really like to buy MODX, send me informations please

[@jerryKJose]

The only thing I dislike is the placement of mod and PB wheels as well as AF 1 & 2 switches.. though there are reasons why Yamaha placed them there for mobility, light weight, it really affect the play-ability since it is not placed ergonomically as it was with MOXF and Montage. Mobility and light weight are never gonna a replacement for ergonomics....

[@rsvmedia3132]

Some corners had to be cut when introducing what is essentially a mid tier low price version of Montage. I know I can live with it, but yeah it's not effective when playing. Thankfully the Motion Control can allow for any controller to take it's place. Even high end models from other brands feature this MW/PB placement, so I think what you get for the price is quite amazing

[@radurobert1]

Only 1 GIGABYTE of user space is a shame . This should have at least 8 gigabytes possibility of expansion . I mean is this really that hard to put 2 ram slots in there ??. And I will gladly buy 2 ram sticks .Such a shame ....

[@gregsaddie]

place describe the action further. This action - is it ivory coated, or is it similar to other actions out there. I would like the same action description of the Montage. Are we getting an action that is lighter then say.. Kawai GH3.. or Korg? Are the keys weighted? 3 sensors?

[@gregsaddie]

The piano CFX samples through these actions - are they on par or close to CP4, without all the reverb?

[@sweetwater]

Hi, Gregory. Those are all great questions! If you are looking at the MODX8 keyboard, it is not saying anything in particular with it being ivory coated, but it is going to have the Graded Hammer Action keyboard that is similar with the MOXF8 series. The Montage keyboard has a Balanced Hammer action with after touch that the MODX8 does not have. With the MODX8, the keys are going to have a heavier feel on the lower register and be lighter to the touch with the upper register. With the samples, I would imagine that they are going to be very close to the CP4. Let us know if you have any other questions! Maryann Shirley, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, [phone] ext. 1774, [e-mail]

[@jorghufner1205]

The weight is 13kg and not 13 pounds - BUT this is still a w e s o m e light !!!

[@andrewtclr3686]

Yamaha only lets Blake Angelos go outside when he's scheduled to film a product overview with a distributor. That's why he's so pale in this one.

[@Jason75913]

lol

[@neoison4915]

I keep seeing these how to Montage / Modx videos by Yamaha. A new or current hobbiest could easily become overwhelmed. Most people want to select a sound and just play and use their pc to sequence. Not having to hit 10 buttons to do create something that sounds amazing. It will be interesting what new keyboards hit winter namm this year. Hold out and wait I bet Korgs Krome will have a new successor soon.

[@rsvmedia3132]

Don't know how you could get intimidated by this. It's by far the easiest and best user interface on the market. Korg (both Krome and Kronos) has one the worst interface I've ever tried, only beaten by Kurzweil. It's like a weird version of Windows XP, with bunch of small buttons that becomes insanely annoying to program, and I don't expect this to change any time soon. Kurzweil is just an illogical old school nightmare. Roland does't really have a common interface, all are different and are often too complex or too limited.

[@neoison4915]

@@rsvmedia3132 I've been playing "Pro" boards since 1988. You expect them to be complicated but this modx is targeted at a beginner or hobbiest. It's cheap. It's 100% plastic except for the screws.. I think it's great Yamaha is trying to become more competitive offering cheaper made products for less. It really separates the Modx from the Montage. It's like some people buy a Honda Civic and some buy an entry level BMW. They pretty much both get you to point A to B but the BMW is just made better and does it in style.

[@paolodegliesposti5838]

Great synth. I have it since 3 days but I can't believe that 2 keys beat hard making a bothersome noise when they go back up 😡

[@Aetila]

For me it's a punch in the face that Yamaha skipped the omboard sequencer (now when they have a nice touch screen)...it could haven been used in a Cubase stile (parts layout + piano roll) like on Roland G6. Not everyone can afford an extra iPad with Cubase 5 and also, if I compose in Cubase and load in the arrangement I would STILL need a sequencer for fast editing, otherwise it's just a sound module, grrrr.

[@YEE941]

It is a sequencer now and the 2.0 update

[@Aetila]

@@YEE941 Hm, interesting! How does sequencer layout look like?

[@SoftMkeys]

So really buying montage is waste money, and go for modx that's what you trying to say ?

[@benjamindminor1983]

No

[@biggmt6832]

If you are a hardcore keyboard player, get the Montage.. If you are just learning or doing a little production, playing a few chords here and there you can settle with the modx hell maybe even a MX

[@HotStrange]

Lol no. Idiot.

[@johnsorrentino7471]

Thank you Haut Strange for your judgemental comment based on knowing nothing about me, my age, whether or not I have any mental or physical challenges or any other details about my personal situation. We should all be blessed with your talent.

[@leobastosmusic]

Like 2 , nice vídeo 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@Christof_Classen]

4:30 *DISLIKE, because the Camera did not show the MODX-Display ;(*

[@benskia]

lol - 18:10 - Nearly dropped your own 76 key version off its stand. Careful.

[@shadowbanned5164]

Its a synth people leave the frickin piano playing for the end not the start.

[@architectofechoes4]

I agree, we all know synths at this price point onward do great acoustic/electric pianos. I want to hear the stuff that sets it apart from its rivals at the get-go that way you stay interested throughout the demo. It is a great synth tho'.

[@t.c.ubelee2]

Just 1 (ONE!) GB Memory in the Modx, al littel more in Montage . "Sample Memory full" after 2 librairies......." Whatt? Loading takes 5min, deleting 3.... thats the furure? To buy sounds, that u can't use in modern (?) synth? This 8 librairies -thing is a fake i.m.h.o. Now , now the Laptop ist on the keyboard via USb and i use Native Komplete. As i did before... My original plan was to buy a whole lot of interesting sounds-and there are some- and feed the synth up to a killermachine. Deleted by Yamaha. Sad. After all-it'll end up as a controller...

[@ccfunk1]

Soundmondo sucks. it sure would be nice to buy sounds from pro programmers

[@enossifiedossified3145]

You can...Easysounds in Germany, for instance, sells some excellent libraries for MODX.

[@stephenlennartz3466]

Also ... take a look at narfsounds.com ... though these are more performance sets. I have purchased live sets 1-4 from narfsounds.com and they are phenomenal!

[@cliffjones40]

cliff jones lesson to be learned google

[@mansourfarzane_music]

Just blaaablaaaa blaaa what r u doing???!!!💩👎😷

[@godsmacker744]

You should really evaluate your own conscious experience prior to actually using your fingers to type out comments akin to this one