KORG NAUTILUS vs YAMAHA MODX Comparison Review

Comparison between KORG NAUTILUS and YAMAHA MODX synthesizer workstations. We'll demo and review features and compare to their flagship counterparts, KORG KRONOS and YAMAHA MONTAGE synths.
Agenda:
► Overview
► Build quality
► Keybed feel
► Control panel
► Touch screens
► Sound engines
► Effects
► Connectivity
► Other features
► Musical demos
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#korgkronos #korgnautilus #yamahamodx

[@Soryt]

Design of the Nautilus looks a lot like the Yamaha Genos 😎🎹

[@amusic9825]

Yeah, Genos copy.

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

Talking about USB ports - the MODX type A USB port on the back is also more than just a USB drive expansion port. The MODX is running Linux, so it will recognize any class-compliant device plugged into it. You can also plug a USB hub into it, and plug devices into that. Some people have plugged in USB video cards into it, then run larger touch-screen monitors that the MODX will automatically recognize and mirror the screen to. Some KZbinrs plug a USB video capture device into it, so that they can record the screen content of the MODX directly to a video file as the MODX is being operated.

[@n8goulet]

I was unaware of all that. Thanks for point it out. I'm wondering what other kind of controllers can be plugged in?

[@WoodyPianoShack]

yeah good points, thanks, i have heard it is possible to connect to external screen via usb, although some usb-vga type of adapter thing is required. i don't think something like a nanokontrol will work, according to what others have said, i'd love to be proved wrong.

[@n8goulet]

@@WoodyPianoShack I'd like to know as I have one of Korg's original Nano controllers I could use with my MODX if it were compatible.

[@tonylancer7367]

@@n8goulet Yup you can, I remember seeing a video on YT about this.

[@urluberlu2757]

@@WoodyPianoShack Hi (from Belgium) Woody! you can find how to connect a wide screen in the modx here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n5_Vomp_idWJm6M I wish you sincerely the best for 2021 :-)

[@ajotech]

What an amazing comparison video I’ve just been scratching my head between these two thank you so much outstanding work.

[@arnaudchabo]

I love watching demo gear on KZbin (I play a cp73 and motif es6) Your Chanel is one of my favorite because you are sooo friendly ! 👍🏻

[@kenrussell7422]

Great comparison Woody, good to see the MODX still stacks up in many aspects - thank you :)

[@WoodyPianoShack]

hi Ken, thanks to you too!

[@br2jyk]

Great video, thanks. Always worth a watch anything from you

[@ufkrec]

The korg sounds so clean

[@t.music2023]

Thanks Woody for your videos - which are all very detailed and helpful

[@agostoncs3575]

Thank you Woody. Great comparison. You made my day! Keep going!

[@imoane4617]

I think the Nautilus sounds much better, more detailed live, and is much more usable live. A more complete, well-designed machine with greater knowledge. I used both in practice, I think that says it all.

[@Nandelon]

Thanks man, i like so much your reviews.

[@djmyr]

Love my MODX but I tried out the new Fantom the other day and now I have lust for that too. I really fell in love with it.

[@sagevanpelt6047]

Great review! You nailed it!

[@TheHalfp]

I have a MODX 6 Love it, I use it everyday in my studio, It's patched Into my SSL ready to go every session. I'm very used to its sonic texture & personality. That being said.., Lets not be Yamaha Fanboys here...The Nautilus soundstage is Much wider, more hifi & accurate. Its punchier in a more un-hyped way.That may translate to some people as boring, but In terms of pure sonics it seems to have a better output stage than the MODX. (Though the MODX sounds quite good) Nautilus objectively has a cleaner more realistic reproduction of sound.The MODX Is "Warmer" and some may prefer that, no judgment there. (again sounds realistic in its own right & quit nice). The Nautilus is a more detailed PCM sonically. So if your like me and want the Nautilus for realism and sonic accuracy, than it doesn't disappoint & is a more capable workstation. The MODX Sonically is Beautiful to me, hence the reason why I have one. Its emotionally satisfying & has a "thickness" about it that I love. But The Nautilus is a powerhouse that sound amazing 3-D & detailed. I have a Nautilus On pre-order & Can't wait. I think the gap between the Nautilus & Kronos is slightly smaller sound wise then that of the MODX & Montage. All being considered to me its Like super clean Superanalogue VS Super rich Neve Transformers. both wonderful depending on your taste

[@bobbykay8782]

Very informative and help me to make a right decision which keyboard i should buy , thank you from thailand.

[@armend316]

I'm glad you love both! 🙂 Korg for me thank you!' As for 2nd board Modx 🙂 Peace out!

[@wireguy123]

Im glad to hear this...Great comparison...But I too own a MODX6 and love everything about it especially the weight as I gig 3-6 times a month. As a keyboardist I enjoy the "flavors" of different manufactures. I also own roland FA06..love it...But am now suddenly drawn towards the Nautilus to use stricly in the Studio for composing and recording. How are you liking yours?

[@Pac-Man..]

Had my MODX 8 just over a year and it still delights and surprises me every day. Bang up to date presets, deep and versatile sound creation/editing which is made easy and fun with the intuitive interface. I've been waiting decades for a keyboard like this and into the bargain, it cost under £1100. If money is no object, there are more feature-rich keyboards out there but given the capability of the MODX, it's a case of seriously diminishing returns beyond this new value price point Yamaha have set.

[@Pac-Man..]

@@bentojgaard5434 If you have the MODX 6/7 then I cannot comment on these non-weighted keyboards. However, when considering the 'quality' of the product as a whole, you must keep in mind the price you've paid. Yes, I know the casing is that hard plastic and the keyboard mechanics in general may not be the ultimate in quality. But do these compromises matter if you're not a professional musician? Think what you have for your money - essentially a Montage with very few features and capability removed for less than half the price.

[@stevenrostron6671]

@@bentojgaard5434 I'm torn between these two keyboards, especially since where I live the Nautilus is on sale at the moment. But from what I understand the keyboard on the MODX 8 is the same as that on the P125 which is one of the best selling pianos in the world, often used by schools so I think it will be fairly durable, it's marketed as being aimed for Grade 4-8 pianists, which is a pretty decent level

[@brunodadivore9606]

@@bentojgaard5434 Hi The keybed of the MOD6 I own is good, not a Fatar 8 or 9 but not noisy , no woble of the keys, it is quite passive, meaning a bit lack of elasticity you can encounter on Akai keyboards for instance. You have 5 velocity settings, different curves, or fixed velocity.

[@brunodadivore9606]

Completely true I have the MODX 6 and the John Mêlas software suite. It is just an endless area of new FM sounds to the world

[@SynthgodXXX]

I like the Nautilus but the Kronos is my favorite Korg workstation. It's perfect for streaming HUGE sample packs! I've owned the Yamaha MODX8 & I loved it! Great FM-X engine :)

[@Jason75913]

wazzat? You sold your MODX8, you're saying?

[@jwillis35]

It's an interesting comparison. Both are excellent boards that can be used for many purposes. But it seems to be the Nautilus is a full-featured workstation keyboard, although somewhat stripped down from the Korg Kronos. It still comes with a heavy price tag but does give you audio recording, midi recording, sampling, multiple sound engines, and lot of very nice sounds and synthesis techniques for programming. As sequencers for hardware workstations go it is good but for those of you used to working with DAWs on your computers you will feel constricted and limited, even though there are some nice advanced features on the Korg sequencer. Hardware keyboard sequencers simply have not evolved as much over the years. The Yamaha MODX is more of a performance and sound design synth that offers a few less features and hardware functions of its big brother, the Montage. I think for sound design you will get more out of the MODX than the Korg. Again, the Korg feels more setup for song writing, composing large-score works, for combi and pattern work, etc. There is a lot of crossover and both boards can handle sound design or live performance. If you are looking to do sound design in the studio or live performance, and you are looking to work with FM synthesis along with the sample playback and digital abilities of AWM then the MODX is a great choice. If you are song writing, composing, building templates, using massive combis, or if you need to sample and record audio and you enjoy working from the keyboard and not using a DAW then the Korg Nautilus or Kronos are excellent machines. Regardless of what Computer DAW users think (and I do prefer the computer DAW, I use Reaper and FL Studio) there are folks who prefer hardware keyboard all-in-one units. This is where Korg shines for sure -- but more can be done. As an aside: I do wish Korg, Roland, Yamaha, Kurzweil, and maybe others would push the envelope with these workstations. Korg has made some beautiful synths with all kinds of workstation power. So has Yamaha with their Motif series, and the new Roland Fantom looks amazing as well. But the sequencing/audio recording features and functions all seem rehashed. We have not seen a truly innovative upgrade in quality of these features in like 15 to 20 years. That's not to say we have not seen ANY upgrades, but nothing Earth shaking. Although I love using my DAW with plugins, there are flaws there too. Depending on how many plugins you run, you often need massive RAM, powerful multicore CPUs, fast SSD drives, lots of storage, and you are always dealing with OS issues, updates, bugs, etc. When will Korg, Yamaha, or Roland get with Spitfire, Vienna Symphonic Instruments, East West, Nucleus, and others, and come up with a synth workstation that can load those programs into a custom Linux OS, offer 32 to 64 midi/vst tracks, sub group mixes, the ability to load new effects/DSP, the ability to use external SSDs, the ability to connect to a larger monitor, pro mixing features (even something like project save to Pro Tools format), etc.? Yes, this might be far fetched or even unnecessary; but it would be neat to not have to run 2, 3, 4 - even 8 or more computers using VSL Ensemble Pro networking to effectively run your plugins. It would be nice to have a keyboard workstation built to handle this power where a performer can use it for live performance or studio work; and when in the studio they have the flexibility to sit at their keyboard and create and compose using professional tools to make the best demos, mockups, without taxing the crap out of their computers. I thought Kronos might go in this direction. It did a little with the Kurt Ader samples, but ultimately the sequencer and audio recording are still last decade or older. And people want to use the VST libraries that they trust and work best with.

[@moonboi317]

you're a legend for this thank you, kind sir.

[@MKA63]

Hi Jon, 1 year later and I am reading this. I just wanted to express an opinion on your comment below: Jon Willis: "When will Korg, Yamaha, or Roland get with Spitfire, Vienna Symphonic Instruments, East West, Nucleus, and others, and come up with a synth workstation that can load those programs into a custom Linux OS, offer 32 to 64 midi/vst tracks, sub group mixes, the ability to load new effects/DSP, the ability to use external SSDs, the ability to connect to a larger monitor, pro mixing features (even something like project save to Pro Tools format)" I think that it's the differences between these machines that make them unique and fit for purpose - for a 'particular' purpose and at a price point for the user. If they all concentrated on what a laptop with a USB cable can already do, then what's the point? i.e just grab a controller or 2, laptop and an interface and use that. Back to the original point, they would all be the same and it comes down to hardware capabilities such as keybeds (aftertouch, weighting etc.), modulation options (e.g sliders, footpedals). With respect, my response to your question would be that it's not going to happen. Slightly off topic - my favourite sequencer ever, was a Roland MC-500, and my favourite sampler - an Ensoniq ASR-10.

[@jarodgregor6682]

I an thinking of buying a new synth workstation. Right now I only have a Yamaha Motif 6 original 61 key synth and an even older Korg T3 I have not used in years and don't even know if it works anymore. I am used to the sequencer on that Motif and I was wondering how complicated the sequencer on the Nautilus is in comparison to the 20 year old sequencer I am using now. I prefer the sequencer I have now to something complex. I am somewhat familiar with Reaper and Ableton lite live as I add virtual instruments like Sample tank in Reaper and my vocals using Ableton live lite.

[@fabriziograti4610]

I owned two Kronos (61 and 73). Those are great workstations, but I had to sell them due to the weight. Now I own a ModX 73 which weights around 8 Kg....

[@n8goulet]

Wise replacement. It's too bad Korg didn't learn a thing or too from Yamaha, and offer a greatly weight reduced Kronos that is fully compatible, and more reasonably priced. I might have considered a MODX-like Kronos to replace my MIDI controller. Nautilus disappointed on every major point of interest.

[@Finetales]

​@@n8goulet Nautilus definitely should have been a MODX equivalent. Move the joystick and buttons up above the keyboard, slap a bigger and nicer screen on it, and make the case fit around the controls rather than being unnecessarily huge. Make it ultralight for live players (use plastic like the MODX), make it $500 or so cheaper. Instant winner.

[@n8goulet]

@@Finetales And also add full compatibility with Kronos sound collections & keep the OS the same as Kronos so there are more resources for support. The MODX remains the most powerful light weight keyboard on the market, and also the most bang for the buck, best value in keyboards. The combination of a MODX + an iPad Mini for soft synths from Moog, Korg, Roland, Hammond and others is an unbeatable combination for the ultimate in portability, power & price. Korg offers soft synths of some of the Kronos/Nautilus engines plus many more even better more famous ones not available on the Kronos/Nautilus. And if you have an iPad Mini, Moog Music makes their MiniMoog and modular synths. Korg also offers ARP synths for iPad & VST's, and Roland now offers an iPad synth and VST's of all their classics. MODX + iPad Mini = The lightest weight, tons of sound engines even more desirable than a Kronos or Nautilus alone, and the most economical solution too. And iPad Mini is so small it will fit in the sleeve of a MODX gig bag, and it offers seamless integration using the MODX audio hardware. An iPad Mini is also small enough to fit on top of any MODX with no stand needed. Transport your MODX in Yamaha's back pack as I do, setup the keyboard in no time flat and connect the iPad Mini in no time and your packing a ton of power, and very little weight.

[@Finetales]

@@n8goulet Interesting idea with the iPad Mini. You can get older models of that for not much money, too. Of course you have to then pay for the nice VSTs, but still. I could use that iPad to program my SY77 as well.

[@Roboprogs]

@@n8goulet at that point maybe just get an Yamaha MX to run your iPad through, if you are using the keyboard as a controller with built in audio interface?

[@ChrisP3000x]

Nice comparison! Thanks!

[@independent144]

True. Inevitable comparison... :-) ... thanks for this.

[@RayyMusik]

I have a MODX 7, and it‘s my desert island keyboard - most versatile, portable and best sounding digital synth I‘ve ever had. If only it had aftertouch!

[@n8goulet]

Totally agree, and including the aftertouch too. The good news is, since Yamaha, Korg and others including the 3rd party companies that make sound patches barely support aftertouch in this day of age, the feature is a lot less missed. On only synths, I could not live without this feature. On a MODX or Nautilus I could, only because so few sounds take advantage of it. But to add aftertouch, I also gig with a light weight incredibly affordable MIDI controller that has aftertouch. I can use it with my soft synths or MIDI my MODX to it and add aftertouch to the MODX sounds. About $100 on the used market in the USA.....Or cough up an extra $1500+ and buy a Montage to get aftertouch......Humm, I wonder which the better deal is? LOL.

[@rdoetjes]

I was just typing my love for the MODX. Which I bought merely as a trial to get through the first lockdown, but I never returned it. It's so versatile! And I find that I don't use my System8 and JD-XA all that much since I have it. The keyboard is better (although after touch that is on the JD-XA I do miss), And I too have the 71 key version and that's a great compromise. I loathe 4 octave keyboards (terrible idea), 5 octaves barely makes it but 88 keys is a bit too large for your average dutch appartement :D And it's so intuitive to use. JD-XA is terrible when it comes to user experience. So yeah, if I had to keep only one synth, it would be the MODX! I'd miss the F08 but again, that is usually not hooked up because it's too big and that keyboard is "weighted" already! I think it was made for elephants to play on.

[@jansenwilder1335]

If only it had a proper sequencer against my old Ensoniq Sd1, TS-10 sequencer.

[@TheRealWinsletFan]

Superkob is fantastic, but became over 9000 better when I hooked up an expression pedal to control it instead/in addition

[@kiko1935]

The real Winslet fan!! Funny seeing you here mate

[@mrdali67]

Well there have been enough Superknob jokes. Yes you can turn the disco lighting off. End of jokes ... its a fairly good controller, even not a "Super" knob pun intended. You can do pretty much the same with the korg and an expression pedal. But the Nautilus is a complete fail with not having a single fader other than the master volume and so little knobs and buttons. Since its simply not practical to instal a high res oled or retina display on keyboards your still far away from being able to live without some faders and knobs.. Ever since Korg introduced us to touch displays everyone should know by now that these is cumbersome to maneuvre with, especially if you got big phat fingers and/or bad eye sight. And on a gig you simply cant rely on that you will hit the right spot turning on/off a feature, or adjusting volume with a touch LCD in the heat of the performance, Korg really shoulda known better. You do get a considerably higher quality design and keybed in the Nautilus compared to the Modx wich is a huge plus, plus some really cool new samples compared to the somewhat dated Kronos standard. But its still a fair comparison with the MODX in relation to each of their "Motherships" Well there is actually only 1 "Mothership" according to Rudess. 1. You strip a few features from the actual sound engine of the Flagship: Modx: Check. (lower FM poliphony + som advanced modulation things removed. (Yamaha also states that both the Montage and Genos is made with "premium" components in the electronics) (Whatever that is) compared to the older Tyros and Modx/Motif models Nautilus: Check. removed Karma (very few people ever understood using that anyway) and added a simpler arpegiator 2. Stripped down Keybeds without Aftertouch Modx: Check. usable but clunky and much cheaper feel Nautilus: Check. Aparently same keybed, just without the 5$ aftertouch strip and another 3$ for the opamp controlling the aftertouch ... REALLY KORG??? 3. Lesser controls and buttons Modx: Check Nautilus Check check and check again. 4. Price reduced Modx: Check. Under half the price Nautilus: 16% reduced with the current Kronos rebate during the rest of 2020. Wich should technically be over by now. 5. Smaller display. (if those eyes werent sour already they will be now and the dots are even harder to hit with those clunky fingerz). Modx: Same size display as Montage. Nautilus: Check Is it understandable that Korg Fanboyz are a little perplexed by what Korg really want the Nautilus to be ?

[@Tomperke1982]

Does the modx expression pedal also work on the Nautilus ?

[@TheRealWinsletFan]

@@Tomperke1982 no idea, but FWIW I'm using a cheap as chips M-Audio pedal on the MODX - It's actually not entirely correct, the range is compressed a bit, but I find it entirely useable - there's basically a bit of a dead zone at the start of the range. A more tech savvy user once explained I could alter it to match what the MODX expects by making a modification to the pedal electronics.

[@mrdali67]

@Xeraser The Motif line was an enourmeous success and like the Montage the top Yamaha Quality. I never had a Motif, but I know many users miss the Workstation functions from the Motif. Don't exactly get what your on about with the sound quality of the Montage. It is clearly better sound than the same sound comming from the Modx and everything in it apart from the absence of a real sequencer is an upgrade from the Motif line, not that I think many will notice it tho if you just need a good synth for as cheap as posibility. It got the bang for the bucks if you can live with the more cheap feel of keys and build quality. I know for sure the Montage have 192khz D/A converters and ballanced outputs. So I very much doubt it has worse analog circuitry than any of the Motif versions. But again unless you need the extra analog outputs and all the more digital channels via usb te Montage have, both have audio i/o via usb which most will use if you want to hook it up with a computer. And the digital io you have to buy an expansion board to get with the Motif XF. I have self researched if it would be an option to go for a used XF (Just for the sequencer) I could give a hoot for the FM-X engine as I have the Mod 7 engine in my Kronos. They are both good takes on a modern FM engine. But as you said the Motif's hold their value quite well. or at least the sellers think so ... Even used a mint condition XF 7 with 2 memory boards still cost 2/3 of a Montage 7 and with double the Wave Rom and FM engine. the Montage just seems a better choice if you want a Yamaha and can't live with a poor quality keybed without aftertouch. I actually wanted a Genos very bad, but think Yamaha smoked way too much when they priced that thing. I think the effect thing is just a bad taste when designing preset sounds. Ever since keyboards got multi effect processors many keyboards drence their sounds in reverb, chorus and other stuff. You can luckily edit that 😄I'm holding ou to purchase anything to see when Yamaha (and Korg) is releasing a new top board, since the newly announced Modx+ has been upgraded to be on par with Montage engine wise. It's been 6 years since the Montage was introduced. Longest period ever for Yamaha without a new Top board. And Korg is like 10 years now as Nautilus is clearly a downgrade even they call it their top board since the Kronos was discontinued. The Oasys was absolutely groundbreaking in its design, only problem was Korg never opened up for 3'rd party plugins for it. The hardware was extremely costly and to even get it to run on an old Pentium with DSP processor cards was just barely possible and Korg used tons of RnD money to develope it. They have just milked the system as long as they could to get some of the money back without any real developing for the last 2 decades. You can say as the Kronos came out its destiny was already doomed as VST had already become a defacto standard. It's in itself an achievement tho that even its newer and better than the old hardware of the Oasys, to get all that to run on a cheap 2 core Atom processor without any dedicated hardware beside the Arm chip that asfaik only job is to drives the Display. A Raspbery Pi 4 could propably run the Kronos software today. About the only thing I arent impressed with in The Kronos is that like you point out, quite many of the standard build in multisamples sounds dated, you need to invest in some Kapro libraries when they have a summer or black friday sale, The updated Pianos from Korg is quite good and EP engine is brilliant, and so are the synth engines. I don't care if it don't sounds exactly like an old Polysix or MS-20, All the engines id quite good and with those available you can make good impressions of just about any old analog gear if you really learn how to program them and theow some effects on it.Tho the CX Engine don't hold up to todays dedicated clonewheels. It can beat a rompler and a Montage any day, but it requires heavy editing to get it to sound half decent. I spent countless days to trim both the leslie effect and the sound engine and I still only use it if I need a kinda special sound. I have a Mojo61 which sound much much better in all aspects and even rivals the Korgs excelent E pianos. And the real drawbars still just seems better than a fader when you play organ, and its not easy to play organ the right way on a Weighted keybed, and I really dig the RH3 keys of the Kronos. They feel solid and heavy like a mix between a good Yamaha and Roland Keybed when Roland actually made good Piano keys which is many years ago.

[@erichickman2440]

I went with the Nautilus and I love it…that superknob was beyond tempting though. I think with my style of music I made the right choice. Super helpful! Thank you!

[@snuppssynthchannel]

Modx get my vote! Never been a stronger bang to the buck synth, not since the Alesis Fusion came out in 2005!

[@Pac-Man..]

Couldn't agree more. I am no Yamaha 'fanboy' and did consider the Kronos and Krome but unless you've got serious professional requirements or money to burn, the MODX is a compelling piece of kit for at this price point, a fact that most of its detractors seem to forget.

[@imoane4617]

I think the Nautilus sounds much better, more detailed live, and is much more usable live. A more complete, well-designed machine with greater knowledge.

[@thomasschatton3481]

What a fantastic comparison. I have actually been one of the people who have requested this video, so thank you so much for producing it and all the valuable information about similarities and - of course - differences between these two workstations! That makes it even harder to decide which one to choose. I'd like to have the MODX with the additional sound engines the Nautilus has... 😉 Since I am a pianist I would also be interested in the differences in the keys/keybeds of the 88-key-models. I guess I have to do more research on that myself respectively try them out myself as soon as stores are open again here in Germany.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

have fun trying out the 88s!

[@thomasschatton3481]

@@WoodyPianoShack Tack så mycket!

[@Coowallsky]

MODX is not a workstation

[@thomasschatton3481]

@@Coowallsky If you say so. Seems you are highly educated...

[@KitCotter]

Well explained, in practical terms, but perhaps the best thing about this video is the amount of DISCUSSION it's inspired, in the comments below ! I've been playing synths for decades now, but have learned a heap from reading these comments.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

couldn't agree more!

[@andypennington524]

love the night time garden performance ... damn wish I could play like you. Great vid though, the MODX is still the best bang for your buck.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

kind of you to say so, thanks!

[@eazyfreek]

Hi Woody.great comparison. Just a quick note, the montage and modx don't have a sampler, however you can load any wave sample into both keyboards.

[@Pagroove]

TBH They are both fine. I myself have a MODX. But I love the Nautilus too. Edited to add. You can turning the flashing of the Superknob off or half off. Tied to an expression pedal FC7 this is a killer controller.

[@rdoetjes]

Ive never used the Nautilus but I was never impressed with Korg workstations; the boot times alone. But the MODX is incredible! I adore it! It’s so versatile and easy to use. I keep being amazed that I don’t use many of my other synths when I start on it. And indeed the super knob, looked to me as a gimmick but it IS REALLY useful! And I am playing with my knob far more than I would've held possible. And I bought my MODX on a whim to get through the first lockdown. And so I bought it knowing I could send it back after 30 days. But I kept it, it is one the most used synths in my rack. And I have the Analogue eXperience pack installed, and that really opens up my 80s heart.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

someone had to make a knob joke, thanks raymond :p

[@brunodadivore9606]

Yes I have a MODX6 and it is incredible. I looked at different machines in complement and each time I found a possibility to offset with MODX. If you want really to explore the strong FM engine, I advise you to spend 60 euros and by John Melas two software which are really great to set and control in real time (some ms late!)this keyboard, without the programmation of the MODX is quite demanding.

[@Paulo_Millan_Music]

You never has a Korg Kronos un your hand... Is simply the Best keyboard in the world

[@stevenrostron6671]

It's a great comparison, along with the other sound comparison videos. On balance I think the Yamaha sounds nicer, the Kronos has some amazing sounds but at times I think it sounds dated and a bit over-processed, like it would be great for a cinematic soundtrack but not as musical as the MODX. But the big issue for me is the 3 minute bootup time, the reportedly slow screen response and the reduced performance aspects and controls. I'm combining this with a Maschine Mk3, Komplete 13, and computer DAWs so the sequencer and sampler are of no importance. As for build quality, from all reports, including a couple of very busy gigging musicians, the MODX is very robust and doesn't seem to have any problems, despite being plastic.

[@coryndavies]

I've got the MODX7 , amazing sounds , everything you need . I'd still go with this than the Korg , I've had a Triton Studio beforeans loved that but I'm glad I got the Yamaha .

[@n8goulet]

Exactly. "everything you need". The Nautilus might come with a 60 gig SSD, but the MODX has what you need even without that. And it still has many other features about it that make it great. One thing they both could use that I need however is "real" analog modeling of "desirable" classic analog legends. And Korg's modeled analogs I don't consider to be legends.

[@HighlandStudio91]

@@n8goulet MODX has everything you need...huh? Does the MODX have 7 other sound engines? No.Does the MODX have a computer-DAW-quality song sequencer with deep editing? No. Does the MODX have 16 track audio recording? No. Can you create a completely polished song from start to finish with all the trimmings without relying on Cubase? No. The MODX was designed for live performances & Yamaha does this well,as well as having a superb FM synth engine and if this is everything YOU need,then fine....but claiming that the MODX is the "Swiss army knife" of keyboards,is absolutely ludicrous.Bottom line,is that the Nautilus and MODX do not belong in the same video,as it is comparing apples to oranges and THE ONLY REASON why Woody made this comparison video,is he knew it would garner a lot of views(which is how he makes his living and that's fine)...but this video is still bullshit, nonetheless.

[@classicarcadeamusementpark4242]

@@HighlandStudio91 First of all, if you look through my comments you'll see I have frequently mentioned I use my keyboards specifically for live performance, and that I play 80s & 70s rock. I don't disagree that differnet people have differnet needs. That said. Why would I want to do a multitrack recording directly with a keyboard? Do you use a dedicated word processor for writing a letter? Unlikely. Everyone knows a computer is the best tool for that. Very few people would want to use anything else. And multitrack recording is no different. Yamaha wisely forced people to do it the right way, and even includes Cubase for free. The Nautilus does include more sounds with it, one of the "few" good points when comparing these synths. Like most people, I don't just depend on the onboard sounds, I depend on 3rd parties and others to create many of the sounds I need besides the ones I make myself. Yamaha offers several collections for free that can be downloaded for free, plus all the ones on their user sharing site Soundmondo, and plenty can be found online to download both for free and paid collections. What happens on the Nautilus when you need sounds not provided? You can't turn to Kronos. It's incompatible (dumbest thing about a synth using the same DNA). The Nautilus could have been what the MODX is to the Montage. I may have even considered having both if they had followed in Yamaha's winning footsteps. Nautilus only will hurt the Kronos userbase instead of increasing it's numbers. And most people I believe that want the different features than MODX will wisely choose Kronos over Nautilus. The only reason I'd want a Kronos would be to futher increase my sound collection. But Nautilus can't use Kronos sound collections. It's too heavy and expense to consider, and ludicrous to buy a Nautilus with all it's disadvantages and only a small savings over a Kronos. I'll be amazed if Nautilus is still on the market in a year or two from now. I don't need those other 7 engines for a few good reasons. One, i'm under impressed with Korg's analog synths except maybe their Mini Korg (not offered as an engine). And also, I already have some of Kronos engines as software for my laptop (unimpressed with the analog classics), an unimpressed with their CX organ engine, but very impressed with Korg's digital classics (unavailable for Kronos/Nautilus) but I do have them for my laptop & some for my iPhone even. Why would I want to carry a keyboard that heavy, for that kind of money with few expansion options when I can have a MODX, download tons of useful sounds, and a laptop that offers me dozens and dozens of sound engines far superior to those Nautilus engines, with far more drive space and even Korg engines of their "real" classics which Korg keyboards don't even offer? The comparison is perfectly legit. One of these keyboards is likely amoung the best selling synths and probably will be one of the best sellers of all time, if not the top. The other seems to me to be a turkey. Not because it's junk but because it makes little sense to buy one over the Kronos which it's DNA comes from. And I doubt it will be a hit. Much more likely another quickly forgotten offering. I have been a huge Korg fan since the 80s and have raved about some of their synths of which I own. I also believe they will likely make more good products. Nautilus however, isn't one of them. By the way, I'm also a huge fan of ARP synthesizers which Korg has been working with one of it's founders on reissuing them. If Korg offers ARP synths as a future engine for whatever replaces the Kronos, I'd welcome that.

[@makximumlive]

Every keyboard is designed for a purpose.

[@makximumlive]

If you want to play live all by yourself, you can always buy one of the best arrangers Yamaha has released. They have the 16-track song sequencer you're talking about. Place it on the bottom, and add a MODX on top of it for more complex sounds...

[@jPaulofe]

Thank you very much for the great video Woody! After trying a Kronos and owing a MODX6 for a few months (that I regrettably had to sell for urgent reasons...), my vote goes definitely to the MODX! What a great sounding and capable workstation that is! A great value for the money As a suggestion for a new video, I would like to see a comparison between the Montage/MODX and the new Fantom too. Cheers PauloF

[@n8goulet]

Woody, it was a good review. The only thing, you forgot to mention the "single biggest difference" between these two keyboards, which I've pointed out to you in previous comments and many other people also mentioned this difference as well. This is of great importance to most people. And that difference is, the MODX is not only Montage DNA but it is fully compatible with Montage sound libraries, along with the MOTIF, MOTIF ES, MOTIF XS & MOTIF XF which dominated the synth market for a good part of the past 20 years. In addition, it can import DX7 sounds, TX816 & TX802. While the Nautilus is made of Kronos DNA, it is "completely incompatible" with sound libraries made for the Kronos, and the Kronos also did not offer compatibility with Korg's earlier mainstream file formats, which would be the Triton series. It can load DX7 sounds though. How important is it to load additional sounds? If you were to buy a new laptop running Windows or Mac, or a new iPad, how likely would you be to load additional programs besides the ones that come with it? This is nearly important to everyone. It's true some people write their own software, or make their own patches. Even those that do, still want to be able to tap into a huge bank of additional ones. Those computer devices are hugely popular because of all the great programs you can get for them. And each retained compatibility with a platform not based just on one past product but actually of many generations. Just like the MODX. Microsoft's Windows RT, a great flop restricting what software could run on a Windows RT computer, proved that people aren't just interesting in running what comes with their computer, and maybe a very limited amount of expansion sounds. While new patches could be made for Nautilus, and old ones converted, unless this product really takes off that isn't too likely to happen in any great quantity. You did make a lot of other great comparisons however, and pointed out a lot more advantages of the MODX vs the Nautilus than I was even thinking. As a long time Korg fan and owner of their products since the M1 which I'm a huge fan of, Korg missed on the 3 most important things to me between Nautilus & Kronos. Those are: Compatibility, weight & cost. Three strikes from Korg, three hits from Yamaha. Another advantage not pointed out is that the MODX and the Montage have basically the same user interface and practically the same OS. There is a ton of support online that shows how to operate these for almost any feature, and support groups on Facebook. Nautilus users are not on the same page with Kronos users. This could be very discouraging to some people. Yamaha wins by a mile I believe. They have a far better price point, and the number of sound libraries like a computer OS, benefits all users MODX & Montage users a like. The MODX is causing software developers to make a lot more patches for the entire platform. At the extremely reasonable price of admission, a lot more people can afford a MODX. Some of them will end up buying a Montage, and many will want both for a much lighter weight and compact keyboard for gigs. You pointed out further a lot of other benefits of MODX vs Nautilus I wasn't even thinking of. I agree the Nautilus is likely a slightly better build quality. If you handle gear yourself and take care of it, it will likely last. I still have synthesizers made of similar plastic shells from the mid 80s like my Casio CZ-1000's, which still are undamaged even with the gigging. You are correct that the black keys are wider. The MODX shaved off about a millimeter off the keys. These makes it extremely compact, and in mass quantity maybe saved a on tiny bit on material. It was the size of the compact size of the MODX6 for a 61 key synths that first attracted me to it. I don't even notice playing on the smaller keys as I play regular size keyboards at the same time together. But I imagine someone out there could have an issue with that. Always try before you buy! I could be wrong, but I suspect the Nautilus will be another of Korg's many products that is here today, and gone tomorrow. I don't expect it to have a long manufacturing lifetime or a great amount of software developed for it. I think it's a turkey, but time will tell. Especially the 61 key version, which is the size I usually prefer. They shaved off a mere 2 lbs from the Kronos. All the sounds other than what comes with it and support for the Kronos is out the window. They expect people to learn a new OS just for this one synth, and the Kronos does not cost too much more money and they stripped out many things for that kind of price difference without saving weight. Most people would be crazy to choose Nautilus over a Kronos if they were interested in these sounds. I'm sure I'm far from alone in how I feel. Kronos is 10 years old this year. With Korg's history, they are likely to abandon the whole platform and replace it with something new that is 20% better and completely incompatible. But we'll see.

[@n8goulet]

UPDATE: I just wanted to mention Korg "might" be addressing the compatibility issue with the Kronos. After reading reviews in publications talking about how the Nautilus is completely incompatible with the Kronos (the single biggest disadvantage to Nautlius), and over a 100 comments from people on the subject, Korg recently posted a video with a brief mention of a Kronos conversion tool. It sounds like it has some limitations, and was not described in detail. But if it works with 3rd party sound collections, this could be a serious improvement on a very serious flaw. Perhaps too many people complained about it, they listened and did something about it? If the conversion tool were in the works already, they made a huge mistake holding back about it's existence. It's still possible it may only work for Korg's sounds only, but who knows. They locked Triton VST users out of the world of sysex bank compatibility for some reason, so I wouldn't assume you could import 3rd party sounds unless they say so. It has been made clear the tool has some limitations, and sounds from the Nautilus can not be imported the other direction into the Kronos. But to be fair, upon learning of this yesterday I thought I'd update my post.

[@user-hq8rc9st4u]

Great video. I went with a Nautilus 61 and think it's superb. A great feature for me is Set Lists - playing in a covers band this is so helpful!

[@WoodyPianoShack]

oh yeah, if i were still in a band i would be loving that feature! congrats on your naut

[@brianpetersen3429]

Excellent comparison.

[@U.N.]

Nice video. Thank you.

[@donsimpson12]

Love the your videos Woody. You provide very positive information from both sides of the fence. There is one part that everyone seems to miss. Having programmed our Motif Xs's for years now, I've gotten pretty proficient with tools by John Melas. I also picked up a Krono's a couple of years ago for it's superior features but found it rather difficult to design sounds used in diverse cover band. I simply never could get comfortable being bound to the touch screen of the Kronos. I've recently purchased a Montage to replace the Kronos and am much happier and more efficient programming sounds now. Another thing is that the Yamaha's are rock solid. The Korg products are flaky from time with various issues. Sounds not loading consistently, Key bed issues, OS Locking up and more. These characteristics are not deemed acceptable for live performance. You just don't see this on the Yamaha side. Yamaha is hands down more stable. This is one of the reasons you see more Yamaha's on professional stages rather than Korg products. Keep up the good work !!

[@user-by9yg4ph8w]

Woody Piano Shack Thank you for the comparative analysis. Now I understand what I was missing in the MODX 8 - SSD 60Gb , sampler , record full audio tracks and multi-track audio......

[@n8goulet]

Buy a MODX and get a small laptop full of soft synths, and be able to use far larger sample collections, and many much, "much more useful" sound engines. On the used market there are a ton of them from Dell and others between $50 - $100 with 8 gigs of ram, and tons of drive space. That's exactly the route I've gone. Or at least get an iPad Mini. It still has better organs available (like the B-3X), analog synth engines of classics I actually care about (like Moog, Oberheim, and many more), etc. Even Korg's analog classics (I use that term loosely as I'm not a big fan of Korg's analog classics) synths included in the Kronos/Nautilus is available both for laptops & iPads. Further more, Korg makes available their real classics. Their digital synths. Get an M1 engine, Wavestation (fully sysex patch compatible) for Windows, Mac or iPad. And for computers, add the Triton Extreme too. Try loading those sounds into your Nautilus or Kronos. Those are exactly the engines I believe Korg should have included in a hardware keyboard, and "by far" the engines Korg is most famous for. I do agree the 60 gig SSD is still nice to have that space onboard. But it has it's downsize too (like 2 minute boot up time, potential drive failure, and slower response time than ram based like MODX). I believe the combination I use it the winning combination, except for people that are not good with operating computers.

[@user-by9yg4ph8w]

@@n8goulet I understand. I would rather record with different methods on the synthesizer itself than on a computer. I think that Roland Phantom is a very good fit for this. I think that the management is very clear .

[@n8goulet]

@@user-by9yg4ph8w It all depends on what you want. Some people don't want to work with a computer. I actually prefer it to tweaking on a hardware synth.

[@user-by9yg4ph8w]

@@n8goulet yes. I understand. But the last thing I want to do is work with a computer program. I like to record "improvisation" right away, on a synthesizer . I think it's especially convenient to do this on the Roland Phantom. There is everything for this. Including TR. .

[@n8goulet]

@@user-by9yg4ph8w I can understand that, but it doesn't bother me at all. The Nautilus & Kronos take two minutes to boot, so that "right away" feeling is out the window, so might as well be running Windows. Right?

[@drtolgaege]

I prefer modx too :I have used Kronos before. Now I have montage. They are both ( nautilus and Kronos ) computer based (intel atom processor inside) hardwares. Kronos owners might say again “nine engine”.Forget it and slow boot time. Buy cheaper, lighter modx and iPad Pro or M1 chip Mac mini. They will be same Or lower price than nautilus. You can integrate modx with your DAW easily and you will have dozens of engine (or vst’s what it is ). M1 chip Mac mini can run tons of sound engines, effects processor more than 16 inch i9 MacBook Pro.addititionally modx have 8 channel out 4 channel in 24 bit 192 kHz audio interface. It is better in montage. Perfect solution for gigging and Studio musicians.

[@n8goulet]

100%. Exactly what I have been saying. Except I'm a PC & iPhone user. But the new M1 chip does look good. Mac, PC or iPad isn't important. What is important it choosing one of those with a MODX over buying a Nautilus.

[@freddyperezmusicentertainment]

Most comments refer to the price, and not the actual sounds, Modx is a very good sounding keyboard, but the 9 sound engines on the Nautilus is as impresive as the Kronos, The Nautilus can do, and sound pretty much like the Modx, but the Modx, can not do, or sound like the Nautilus. The plastic built vs aluminum built, makes a huge difference thru wear and tear as well. However Korg is difficult to navigate... great video, thanks

[@davidmartin123]

To quote Dr. Ellie Arroway, regarding the minimalist Nautilus interface, "Seems like an awful waste of space."

[@PeterWalkerHP16c]

That would be Dr. Carl Sagen.

[@mrityunjaytripathi5588]

It looks like you ripped out speakers and controls because you didn't have enough money..

[@shrikant943]

Nice informative video.

[@jansenwilder1335]

I have the MODX6 and kronos 2-73, features wise the Nautilus is better than modx but more expensive, the Nautilus has a full sampler, 60Gb SSD, great sound engine and better sequencer. The choice is up to your budget and what features you prefer...

[@DaraM73]

Great video, Woody. Fair and balanced

[@igorcarvalhopadilhaandrade5886]

🥰How Good It Is To Have A Keyboardist Family🥰

[@haniamiktom9346]

Great Video.... Thanks

[@eddiezzz100]

thanks woody on the boot up time thats a killer for me.

[@n8goulet]

Another thing I wasn't thinking about. I think I clocked the MODX at taking roughly 15 seconds. This can make a difference at a gig when the power is tripped. At gigs we're very limited on time and 2 minutes can make a difference. Plus at home, 2 minutes can make a difference in inspiration if you have an idea and want to try it out before you forget it.

[@poldidak]

Before I got a Montage I used a motif ES7 which doesn't retain samples in RAM when powered off. While boot up time wasn't bad, loading a 128mb piano sample library from a card takes 5 minutes. Feels like an eternity when someone accidently unplugs your power during a set and you're apologizing to t the audience for the wait.

[@classicarcadeamusementpark4242]

@@poldidak I hadn't heard that before, but thanks for sharing. One more great thing about the MODX. About 15 seconds, and everything is booted. Even if you want to access 1 gig samples or even 1.75 gigs on the newer MODX+ that came out a couple months ago.

[@ProjectVastness]

I've a Triton le 61, a yamaha Modx 88 and a kurzweil , happy with all but the warmth and sci fi sounds of the Triton are unbeatable for me. Just with vsts ofc.

[@jemkeystv5717]

I have the kronos61 and a modx7 and they both sound great, you can't go wrong with either one, but a new modx7 is much more financially obtainable than a new or used kronos

[@jean-gabrielclermont-tonne2475]

Super video ! Merci bien.

[@Finetales]

Thanks for this! I've been looking for an upgrade to my trusty Korg Kross for live and studio playing and the Nautilus 61 and MODX6 have been in a dead heat fighting for my attention. I'm a Yamaha FM-head with an SY77 sitting next to me as I type this and I've very much enjoyed the MODX every time I've played one. But I've also loved Korg workstations since the Triton and have tons of experience with the Kronos both recording and playing live. The Kronos platform just gets it done at the highest level, plain and simple. It may be old but it's still the king. It is very hard to ignore the many advantages the MODX has though. The compact size, the ultra-light weight (two things I've definitely been spoiled with on my featherweight Kross), the much lower cost, the better screen and ease of editing, more real-time controls...seems like an absolute no-brainer. But man, the Nautilus is so enticing, and I KNOW it would do absolutely everything I needed it to. Then there's the dark horse option in the Nord Wave 2, which is on a different planet of immediacy and user-friendliness and has samples that blow both the others out of the water IMO. Obviously not nearly as deep as the MODX or the Nautilus, but do I really need it to be for playing mostly bread-and-butter aux keys? Such a tough call!

[@WoodyPianoShack]

it's tough, take your came as the research and thrill of the chase is a lot of the fun! :) just to clarify, the screen on modx is no better than nautilus, nor is the modx easier to edit. but both are workstations, with sequencer, master controller and other features that you won't get on the NW.

[@logan979]

are different sound libraries available for the Nautilus ? TY

[@michael-zabrocki]

Great review but in my opinion you seemed to have an obvious slant toward the Nautilus but ended up convincing more folks to buy the MODX (based on the comments). Which makes this an honest abd healthy review. Thank you. I currently own the MODX7 and PC4. They compliment each other quite well. I spent some time tossing between the Nautilus and the new Fantom 0 and chose the Fantom 07. Awaiting arrival.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

thx for the feedback, i'd have a really hard time choosing between these two! and now the fantom-0 makes it even more omplicated! congrats on your purchase, i'm sure you'll love it, all these boards are fabulous.

[@anthonybennett3226]

Thanks Woody. Excellent Job As Always. Except For the Fact That Now I Want Both Of Them. Lol

[@n8goulet]

If Korg had done what they should have, I might have wanted both of them. Nautilus should have been priced similar to MODX. It should have operated identical and been full compatible to Kronos, and it should have weight about half of what Kronos does. Korg failed on all three points of interest.

[@nico_lezicos6674]

Well done thanks

[@larrbaII]

i have a Krome Ex and it works for me, but why lose the ribbon strip on the nautilus that the krones had?

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

Neither the MODX nor the Montage have a sampler. The main differences are slightly higher polyphony on the Montage, higher quality DACs, higher quality keybed with aftertouch, a ribbon controller, more controls on the front face, and more memory. But sonically, they are identical - you can create a sound on one and load it and play it on the other with no problems.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

nautilus is a sampler, check the product page to confirm for yourself, and there is a big "Sampler" button on the front page menu that i've never dared to press. sampler is removed on the modx but retained /and enhanced?/ on nautilus.

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

@@WoodyPianoShack Woody - I didn't say that, I said that neither the MODX or the MONTAGE have a sampler. You mentioned twice in the video that the MODX did not have a sampler, but that the Montage did, which is incorrect - the Montage doesn't have a sampler either.

[@n8goulet]

@@WoodyPianoShack Yamaha left off this feature to reduce cost or focus on "more important things", but it's really not needed just like a sequencer to most people. Sampling is a task much better done with a computer just as sequencing is much better on a computer. Yamaha wisely figures there wouldn't be a lot people interested in sampling directly from the keyboard, but rather on their computer (who doesn't have a computer?) and then import the samples into the MODX. I've done it myself, and it works fine. I was surprised with the MODX display how easy it was to do this, and even map specific keys and tune them as I like. Bottom line: Yamaha left out the sampler simply because....you don't need a sampler to get sampler features any longer. If anyone in your band asks if your MODX has sampling ability, the answer is basically yes. But to create the samples, you'll need access to a computer. Just like if you want to write a letter, you need a computer. Not a dedicated word processor. Outdated concept. Samplers in keyboards are an out dated concept.

[@poldidak]

@@n8goulet great analogy with the word processor example

[@KitCotter]

@@n8goulet Cheers for that... I've often wondered about the current status of the sampling process, relative to current synths.

[@tomlangmusic9623]

Very helpful video, thanks! I've been researching both but for me the Nautilus is likely to win out. I've tried, but I cannot get used to the narrow, spongy keys on my MX61 though I love the sounds. I understand it's the same keybed - huge deal for me. This is my main reason for updating my 2nd tier keyboard - I get more enjoyment from and play better playing my Nord E6. Also, I'm a gigging keyboardist and all the DAW/Sequencer features are un-necessary as I use a laptop for that. YMMV!

[@lundsweden]

Yeah, the crappy Yamaha keybed rules it out for me too

[@bouchoupapapapabouchou470]

Thank you for your very well done comparison. I owned a Montage for two years, and sold it, discouraged by the most cronophagous and anti-ergonomic management interface imaginable. Errare humanum est, perseverare diabolicum. I don't want to make the same mistake again ... Perhaps you could devote a video which explains memory management, if we can see the memory as on a PA4X, for example, if it is easier to make compositions there, and finally, if the patterns of drums are correctly replaced by the arpeggiator, which is quickly unmanageable on the Monstage.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

hi, thanks for the request, but a bit too technical for me! i just like to tinker with the presets :D

[@_mickmccarthy]

I was willing you to make that Montage pun at 5:35, excellent work. Your videos have definitely sold me on picking up a MODX7 (partially influenced by the fact that I'll have a 'DX7' of sorts!). Don't suppose you're set up as an affiliate with any online stores? Think it's only fair you get a slice of the purchases you're responsible for! Keep up the great work!

[@WoodyPianoShack]

thanks for asking mick, only with Thomann in europe, links on my website.

[@funkmachine6420]

@@WoodyPianoShack after the whole brexit shambles it might be worth trying to establish a link with a UK supplier as well now

[@kevinhanrahan2255]

wow great job

[@talkboxerr4463]

All the way for modx! You can’t get more for your money. Will get one for myself in the next days. Thanks for your Videos Woody 👍🏽

[@WildernessMusic_GentleSerene]

IF you want to add sampling the 1010music BlackBox could sit right on top and add that last bit of kit.

[@n8goulet]

@@WildernessMusic_GentleSerene Using a computer would be the best thing. I've done it. I normally even gig with a laptop so it's next to my MODX all the time, but it isn't necessary as sampling is not something you'd normally need to do at a gig. Sampling does not need to be built into the MODX. There are few advantages to doing that in this day of age. Much better to sample on a computer (laptop or desktop), use a great wave editing program (like the free Audacity) and then copy the wav files from a flash drive into the MODX. Yamaha also did a great job of making it not only easy to import them, but also easy to map them directly to keys with some editing ability from the MODX screen. I didn't even need to read a manual. It was pretty straight forward, but could have been complicated. Pretty much everyone has a computer of some sort. It's the best way to do it. Why should they have included this ability directly on the unit? Years ago, sure. I'm glad we saved some money there. Should we go back to using dedicated word processors? No..A computer is the "industry standard" way of doing that task. Same for sequencing.

[@ThatBonsaipanda]

I soooo would love to see a super compact desktop version of the MODX. Sorry, unrelated. Awesome video, Woody! \o/

[@djmyr]

Yeah a rackmount version like the rackmount Motif would be fantastic

[@Tomperke1982]

I always thought it was ment to be a rackmount, but they just glued a bad keybed to it…

[@mellowords]

It's like Q is giving me the rundown of a wonderful new gadget!

[@McN4styFilth]

I'll never regret my MODX purchase.

[@Johnherlihy1]

I owned the MODX6, 8 and spent months trying to get a good piano sound. If you put on headphones you will always hear a ringing with them, and I tried them all, and with layers and hours of editing. Garbage to my ears!

[@armend316]

Design of the Nautilus is like my Korg M1 thank you! 🙂 Korg Kronos 2 88keys & Nautilus for me! 2nd. Roland Fantom 3rd. Yamaha Montage 7 thank you!

[@BrainToMush]

Keep in mind, the modx 6 and 7 don't have weighted keys, but the modx 8 has the fully weighted Yamaha GHS key bed.

[@terrykeefe8386]

And the keyboard on the MODX6 is really cheap feeling, especially when you're talking price comparison. Returned it and got the MODX8 which is a totally different, better experience than the noisy, small MODX6 keys. Now you're truly talking comparable prices and a big win for Yamaha over the Korg.

[@BrainToMush]

@@terrykeefe8386 Exactly. The Modx6 has very typical synth keys. If you want more of a piano key feel, you need to opt for the Modx8.

[@lassel1644]

After a horrible first two weeks with my Modx i eventually feeling better about it...paying just 800 bucks im all happy

[@WoodyPianoShack]

i would be too!

[@TheCasalinthesky]

Hey Woody great job on this video! I have been watching your videos for a while now and must say you are a really down the earth dude. I own a MODX 8 love it! I think the big difference with MODX and Montage is the Polyphony. I think MODX is only 64 vs Montage 128!!

[@n8goulet]

Most sounds use the AWM2 engine. Some sounds use FM-X or a combination. It's only the FM-X portion affected on polyphony, reduced to 64 in the MODX. AMW2 sounds still have 128. Hope that explains it.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

appreciate that, thanks! yeah, poly might be something you want to compare if you're doing a lot of multi-timbral sequencing for sure! it seems the seamless sound switching better implemented on korg too, doesn't always seem to work on modx, if that's important to you.

[@geoffk777]

I don't own either of these, but I d own a Montage and Kronos 2, so here's my take: The Montage sounds way better than the Kronos. Yes, the Kronos has 9 engines, but it is mostly irrelevant. The Kronos has an acoustic piano engine, but the acoustic piano on the Montage is better. The Kronos has an EP engine, but I prefer the Montage EPs. A few of the virtual synth engines on the Kronos are nice, but the Montage does analog synth sounds well. Only the organ engine on the Kronos is clearly better than the Montage in my opinion. On the flip side, most of the instrument simulations like strings, brass, flute and guitar are way better on the Montage. They sound more expressive, natural, professional and modern. The effects are also better on the Montage, and the scenes, Superknob and controls make it a more expressive instrument overall. The place where the Kronos wins is that it's a true workstation, with a powerful internal sequencer and sampling. The Montage sequencer is basic (it's 16 track, but with limited editing) and it reads samples, but can't create them. If you have a PC or Mac, than your DAW and sampling app can fill in these gaps. But for some people, these missing capabilities are important. For me, it's not a big deal, and I prefer the Montage in pretty much every way. If it was my money, I'd go with the MODX. If I really wanted a workstation, than I'd consider the Nautilus, but it's a tough call. The Kronos is only a little bit more and has more controls, a better screen and Karma (a complex auto-play feature). But some samples on the Nautilus, especially the pianos and EPs, are newer and improved. I'd probably skip both and try to save up for a Roland Fantom in that situation. The Kronos is really outdated and overdue for a replacement (it's ten years old by now!)

[@onlymeCC]

I totally agree. I sold my Kronos 2 and purchased a MODX8. Cheaper build quality by far, but the sounds are FAR more immersive on the MODX. And those ep’s !! Wow.

[@LARESISTENZA]

Perfect

[@ivnsports518]

lol what a joke you are...If you are unable to make the Kronos to sound good....then you are at fault, not the Kronos.

[@geoffk777]

@@ivnsports518 I never said that the Kronos doesn't sound good. I said that it doesn't sound as good as the Montage. It's a fine keyboard, but it's clearly showing it's age.

[@ivnsports518]

@@geoffk777 I didn´t say that either. Your remarks are priceless by the way: "the Kronos has 9 engines, but it is mostly irrelevant", when compared to the Nautlius "the Kronos is only a little bit more and has more controls, a better screen and Karma (a complex auto-play feature)", and the absolute gem "It's a fine keyboard". Definitely what a joke you are.

[@junkokinoko7277]

Great demo Woody is the memory on the MODX expandable?

[@WoodyPianoShack]

not the onboard flash memory, but I guess you can load additional stuff from usb thumbdrive? don't know for sure though.

[@Keyboardnut99]

Great comparison Woody I have a MODX7 and a Montage 7 and i love the MODX for its lightness and usb in switch for audio missing on the Montage. I also have a Kronos from 2011 so the Nautilus is interesting button not a direct comparison ! I do think for the money the MODX is the best value for money of any keyboard at present but no one machine will ever do it all, i am also a big Nord stage 3 fan....One thing for sure we are spoilt for choice these days....and of course there is also the new Fantom and of course the MainStage route, shame there are no gigs ...... check out purple fish band on youtube if you get a moment...... keep well and keep up the great work!

[@WoodyPianoShack]

loved the band, great musicians, fantastic energy and great choice of tunes, well done, nice playing too mate!

[@Keyboardnut99]

@@WoodyPianoShack Thanks Woody means a lot!

[@n8goulet]

Totally agree Paul. Especially that the MODX is the best value of any keyboard on the market, and also, that no keyboard does it all. Pretty exactly what I have been saying for years. One get get a Nord for additional abilities. I prefer the software route and also a 2nd MIDI controller that is light weight and offers aftertouch, many sliders & knobs. This could also have different action for those that say wanted a MODX8 for piano hammer action, but also wanted synth/organ action too.

[@davidviera3347]

Good comparison, but it's better when you compare two products that playing the same, because the feeling, the sounds, the interpretation because all of this can be subjective

[@patrickarend8707]

Great video! I always enjoy your videos. I had a KRONOS for about five years. I did the unthinkable. I sold my K and got a MODX. Most MODX bread n butter sounds sounded like real instruments, where KRONOS did not. Both synths have great synth sounds. Just my preference.

[@WildernessMusic_GentleSerene]

Really! wow, tell us more...

[@WoodyPianoShack]

shock, horror!

[@n8goulet]

Seems perfectly logical to me. I tend to prefer Montage/MOTIF sound collections from what I have heard so far, but it really depends on the specific music your playing. I play 80s & 70s rock. Neither MODX or Kronos are ideal for virtual analog sounds for me. Both can make some useful sounds. The Kronos can make some decent analog synth sounds just as the MODX, but if you really want to recreate the famous sounds perhaps used by the famous artists your band is covering you need the right tools for the job. Sorry Korg, but the MS-20, PolySix & other onboard engines are not the right engines for the of what I do, or a lot of people. Try engines modeled after the "real" famous analog synths. Korg's famous synths are their digital synths. Not their analog. Get that straight Korg. Stick to what your best at. Maybe include models of the ARP synth technology you've taken over? Maybe you'll get this right "next time" around what whatever replaces the Kronos/Nautilus? 10 years old now, undoubtedly they have something up their sleeves just based on the age alone of Kronos. I'd be afraid to buy either keyboard from Korg with the fear of it soon being replaced, no doubt. Maybe they would come out with something really good to replace it? Certainly possible, but I suspect those are dying technologies from Korg. This is like the VHS / Beta formats.

[@gabrielirlanda]

Really? I was quite disappointed with my KromeEx when I got it but after learning that the factory sounds sucks and you have to edit the ADSR and adding some Fx's then it sound much better and real, this is a must in order the instruments sound pretty cool, also using the instrument in COMBIS, I'm surprised MODX worked better for you than Kronos.

[@ErraticFaith]

Make no mistake, such opinions are outliers and not held by many (if any) stage players. Of all the people I've worked in tech for - 90% of them are Kronos users. It dominates. With little besides it but Yamaha. Korg presets are some of the most used and familiar on the planet - because they are designed, adapted and made by some of the very best in music. Korg's tech holds such esteem that I still get to set up Tritons - two decades almost after their real golden age. That's some feat for electronics. Korg will continue to dominate the industry. But by all means, push the idea that they are 'garbage' all you like.

[@Tomperke1982]

What’s the best one soundwise for people building on scorings, epic music? I also have some nice drumloops in wavform, I guess these would colaberate better in the Nautilus if I wanted to use them without a computer?

[@WoodyPianoShack]

i think the kronos is more often used for that kind of thing, so nautilus having same sound set would be similar, whereas MODX better for wacky FM and arpeggiated stuff. fair to say?

[@Naotaku]

It's crazy that the Yamaha has motion sequencing and Korg doesn't :) (Wavestation) Super tempted to get the MODX, and I'm normally a Korg fanboy :D Thanks for this comparison video.

[@ElektronicCricket]

Hmm .... I played once on a Kronos ... Sounds great but I didn't like the touch screen. If you want to use the sequencer (without computer) you must have patience. Very difficult to editing and also the controls (knobs,faders, ...) not for me :). Although, l like the screen for choosing presets. I'm wondering how to use the KORG in a live situation. Is it possible to store multiple songs (midi,audio) , making a set list ? And how fast can you load an entire song (songs) ? ... In other words, is that a midi (audio) player as well ?

[@Supremeteamcaptain]

The Nautilus and the Roland FA are budget versions of flagships. Aside from FM polyphony, the MODX IS the flagship Montage in a different chassis.

[@AlavonMajor]

How many channels of audio can you record in to your DAW over usb from the MODX? Is that feature only with the included DAW software or can you record multitrack audio in to Logic or other DAWs as well?

[@lofty1963]

It's 10 out from the modx over usb, I use it with Logic, took a bit of figuring out watching videos, but worth it.

[@stephenlennartz3466]

My MODX7 was nearly $900 less than the Korg. Of course ... that was about 2 years ago. If I even consider a second keyboard at this point... think I would lean toward a Roland. Btw ... the Yamaha MODX7 is probably THE best musical instrument of any kind that I have ever owned. While guitar is my first instrument ... Yamaha just knocked it out of the park. I use the MODX for both live performance and recording. Highly recommended!

[@WoodyPianoShack]

won't disagree with any of that!

[@patrickarend8707]

I completely agree.

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

I agree as well. My MODX7 is just a universal instrument that can do just about anything. Sax part? Guitar part? I don't play either, but I can get a pretty passable one out of my MODX. Emulation of vintage analog synth? Right there. 80's DX-7 EP? In spades. It just does everything well.

[@n8goulet]

@@ScottsSynthStuff As much as I agree, I haven't heard a decent sax out of the MODX yet. I also haven't heard out out of the Kronos. But the old Korg M1 could make a great sax. Try a VST of it or iPad version.

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

@@n8goulet You tell me: Here is a song where you can see and hear me playing guitar and sax on my MODX: kzbin.info/www/bejne/noaod4qherOeY5o

[@erichkohl9317]

I too get a little frustrated at the boot up time of my Krome EX… but I still love the keyboard.

[@musicbycandlelightmbc3225]

Hi Woody!! I have provided all the current Canadian prices as of January 23, 2021 for the flagships and for the scaled down versions that you are demonstrating. I love that keyboard stand you had used outside. Seems really heavy duty. Love your playing and omg you play really low. You appear to be quite tall and from what I saw, the keyboard seemed set really low....lol. Or was it Jedi mind tricks?...haha. I can only window shop and envy those that can afford the plethora of keyboards many YT users have along with their boxes and boxes of toys. Love your channel Woody! Current Price in Canada for KORG keyboards Jan, 2021: * Korg Kronos 88 - $5,299.99 CDN * Korg Kronos 73 - $4,849.99 CDN Compared with: * KORG Nautilus 88 - $3,649.99 CDN * KORG Nautilus 73 - $3,249.99 CDN Current Price in Canada for YAMAHA keyboards Jan, 2021: * Yamaha MONTAGE 8 - 88 - $5,199.99 CDN * Yamaha MONTAGE 7 - 76 - $4,599.99CDN Compared with: * YAMAHA MODX 88 - $2,599.99 CDN * YAMAHA MODX 76 - $1,999.99 CDN

[@WoodyPianoShack]

thx for that, helpful for some I'm sure! prices on kronos have fluctuated more than bitcoin in last 6 months :) i'm very fortunate with my free loans, grateful to the manufacturers for making these videos possible!

[@synthmania7275]

I just ordered the modx 6 plus today :)

[@WoodyPianoShack]

woop, congrats and enjoy!

[@lassel1644]

Great video...however the sequenser in the Modx OS 2.52 is a pattern sequenser thats nothing to write home about 😅

[@judethree4405]

What is the patch name at 8:05? I have an modx, but haven’t heard that coolness with the vocal sound.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

so sorry, i did not make notes of the presets.

[@FrankyGun]

Great video, Woody!!! It’s simply unreal, how much ground the MODX covers and holds in this comparison, and that for nearly half the price of the Nautilus!!! Soundwise, the MODX supersedes the Nautilus as well, at least imho... Finally, given the minimalistic and fiddly controls on the Nautilus, the massive weight, minimal price difference to the Kronos, etc. it should be a no brainer for any gigging musician to go for the MODX. If I should give a market forecast, I’d say that the Nautilus will meet the fate of its given name and dive down to the abyss of long forgotten keyboards that never really took off. Not even the better keybed will change that. It’s completely beyond me, how Korg could create such a fail in regards to price/value while pumping out dream machines like the Wavestate and OpSix for under a thousand bucks... If Korg would have opted for a plastic body and cheaper keybed, similar to the MODX, with a price matching the MODX, the Nautilus could be a serious competition. But like this???? Naaaaahhhh... 😔 Keep up the excellent work, Woody!!! Love and light from Khao Lak, Thailand 🇹🇭 ❤️☀️🏖🌴🥥🐘🌈

[@WoodyPianoShack]

great comment, thanks for sharing your opinions, greetings to you and thailand, wonderful part of the world! :)

[@FrankyGun]

@@WoodyPianoShack - dear Woody, thanks for your kind reply and the greetings. Please come and visit us together in Khao Lak with your loved ones if you ever visit southern Thailand's west coast. You can find us at www.coconut-homes-khaolak.com Would be more than happy to accommodate you f.o.c. and in return you could show me a few piano tricks, as my playing skills are medioker at best. Please keep up the great work, producing uplifting, inspiring and valuable videos like this one! Really love to watch your videos, whereas I hold you personally responsible for me feeling urged to buy a MODX-6 about half a year ago (and I love it!!!!!) :D

[@imoane4617]

I think the Nautilus sounds much better, more detailed live, and is much more usable live. A more complete, well-designed machine with greater knowledge.

[@JJDPROMEDIAPRODUCTION]

Thanks, Woody.. 👍😊 That's my thoughts and hesitation on the Nautilus.. The cost is almost there for a Kronos.. Questions: 1) Hard Drive Expansion? 2). Third-Party Libraries? 3) How much additional Ram/dram/pram/ can you expand to... I mean, We're talking $2700.00!! For and 88 key version.. That's the same price for a used Top of the Line Kronos.. Something tells me that Korg has a pricing problem..

[@classicarcadeamusementpark4242]

The lack of third party support of the Nautilus I feel is one of the main disadvantages of the Nautilus. Originally it had zero Kronos compatibility with 3rd party sound collections, or adding any kind of Kronos sounds at all other than the sounds included or offered for Nautilus. Due to mass user complaints, Korg eventually offered a converter tool, but it leaves a lot to be desired and is still incompatible with more than half of the available Kronos sound collections, including some of the really good one. The MODX goes the other way. Not only can it load all Montage sounds, but it also can load nearly all of the Yamaha MOTIF series keyboards that have dominated the market for 20 years. This is a huge plus for the MODX. As for hard drive expand ability, I think like the MODX it's limited to what it comes with, but the Nautilus does have a 60 gig hard drive so there is already a good amount of storage included.

[@bruin4937]

Woody, you are always so on top of things! Yes, I am among those who were wondering about these 2 instruments and how they compared with each other, so thank you for this comparison video. BTW, what's the story behind you playing your MODX outdoors at dusk?

[@WoodyPianoShack]

glad it was helpful, not much of a story really, just one of the crazy things i like to from time to time, treat my synths to a nice outing! started with the wavestation i think...

[@bruin4937]

@@WoodyPianoShack Nice! I think by doing so you are also inspired - I like what you were playing in the final clip.

[@funkmachine6420]

I'd prefer the modx before we even get to the price difference.

[@n8goulet]

Excellent point. I feel the MODX is the better synth even if the Nautilus were priced the same. For that matter, I also would buy MODX over Montage if the price were the same, because weight and size do matter a lot to gigging musicians. For the longest time, if you bought a smaller laptop, you paid more than a regular sized one for the convenience of it being smaller. Not as much so in today's market though. A small size & value does have a lot of value in itself.

[@doublebabba]

excellent!!!... meets the decision i have to make😉

[@Kevindnowak]

i have the modx... sure wish i could connect my ipad and use it to adjust the parameters... does the korg or roland have an ipad feature?

[@WoodyPianoShack]

the modx has a great editor for pc, the kronos too, nothing for nautilus yet...

[@ramialkhoury930]

Thanks for nice and good comparison , I would like to ask you any comparison between Nautilus and Kronos ? Best regatds .

[@WoodyPianoShack]

thanks for the request, i don't have experience of the Kronos, sorry, but off the top of my head, more controls, better keybed, aftertouch, bigger screen, but the nautilus gets usb audio, new sounds.

[@thewoodster]

As I first time synth buyer I'm leaning towards the MODX7+. Being such a novice I have a basic question I'm almost embarrassed to ask. Is there a pattern sequencer on the MODX models? I've seen some videos of the Roland JD-Xi crossover synth. Different beast but the pattern sequencer looks very simple to programme using the physical keys.

[@johnrockwell2717]

I think the criticism about the keys on the MODX is valid (except for the 88 version). But the sound of the MODX/Montage series just blows me away. Nothing quite like getting FM synthesis from the original source. I thought I'd love the Nautilus, but the units I've demoed haven't inspired me the way the MODX still does, especially for the price. Yamaha really puts serious sounds at everyone's fingertips for an affordable price. I get the fascination with Korg... I just saw Andy Grammer, and his keyboardist tours with a Kronos AND a Nautilus, and I'm sure he was also running some sort of softsynth or rack from the Nautilus. Who are we kidding, this is the golden age of synths and samplers. Everything sounds so good!

[@thorstenweimar1190]

⚓ for me! It is deeper in sound design, the MODX is great and has a lot of flexibility, especially when playing live. Yamaha sounds like Yamaha (since the 80's), which is amazing or maybe not so amazing ;-). Of course it also has modern sounds...but the Nautilus gets deeper and Iike its synth engines more. To make it short, ⚓ is fantastic for interesting advanced sounds. Yamaha is packed with its great bread and butter sounds... Nautilus looks great, I personally get 😩 by the blinking of the MODX. If you would like to compose without a DAW, having some fun without staring at your Computer than the Nautilus is better. For live or occasionally purposes, the MODX rules the game. And soundwise for me the Nautilus has got more beef. Great video by the way, Thanks!

[@BackToFE_OnlyTruth]

Thanks for the great review🌸 What's the name of the song in 5:44?

[@WoodyPianoShack]

spectrum, thanks!

[@BackToFE_OnlyTruth]

@@WoodyPianoShack Yes! Zedd :)) that was a good memory :) Thanks again

[@federicovalmassoni3827]

What about the keybed action quality of 61 keys version? I tried Nautilus 61 and it was very bad but Nautilus 73 and Modx7+ had really nice action...how can it be possible in Korg this difference?

[@docteurgreene]

Thank you Woody for your comparison of the key action on both keyboards. The more video I watch regarding the Korg, the more I find it too expensive. 2000 € (in France) is the starting price for high end stuff and this keyboard does not feel high end...(I can't explain why, maybe the sounds)

[@n8goulet]

Also keep in mind not only does the Kronos have a better keyboard than the Nautilus like the Montage does vs the MODX, the Kronos also includes aftertouch. At the price difference between Montage & MODX this is perfectly understandable. At the pitiful discount you get on the Nautilus vs buying a Kronos, it is not understandable.

[@docteurgreene]

@@n8goulet I don't use aftertouch but yes, I agree. I really think this Nautilus won't sale very well if Korg keep this price range.

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

You mention that the Nautilus' screen supports dragging where the MODX does not. That's actually incorrect, the MODX (and Montage) screen does support dragging input, used on the Smart Morph function to modulate FM-X parameters on a KAOSS-style virtual pad on the screen. You might also note that the screen on the MODX is quite a bit more responsive than the Nautilus - I find the on-screen user interface on the Nautilus quite laggy, sometimes almost a second of lag between finger press and actual UI response. Lastly, one benefit of the resistive touch screen (versus the capacitance touch screen used in phones) is that it is pressure sensitive: you can operate it wearing gloves, with a stylus (or any other hard object), or if your fingers happen to be excessively dry, when capacitance touch screens won't work.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

thanks for pointing out the dragging, i haven't actually installed latest os with the morph feature. but dragging only supported on that feature i think, so you're out of luck for fader movements, someone correct me if i'm wrong. but anyway like i said, on these screens, prodding the parameter and spinning the rotary encoder works more reliably and precisely anyway :)