Yamaha FAILED live keyboard players with the MODX

Background song:
"Can't Help It" Live Arrangement by Kendrick Kirk
Vox from JamKazam
Download it here: / cant-help-it-funky-liv...
Chameleon on a MOTIF ES, when Yamaha did it right -
• Chameleon
Headphones:
Audeze LCD2
Massdrop Sennheiser 6xx
0:01 - Shenandoah
0:55 - Intro and setup
2:54 - My signal chain
3:50 - FAIL #1
5:00 - Power up
7:09 - WIN #1, Organ (B3, Leslie, overdrive, etc)
8:32 - WIN #2, Synths compared to MOTIF
10:19 - Setup for the BIG FAIL
11:03 - WIN #3, Horn ensembles!
11:53 - A Keyboard Player's Rant
12:55 - THE BIG FAIL
15:09 - A/D Input intro
16:50 - BIG WIN - VOCODER! (Direct audio)

[@JunkSoap]

Just back from 2019 tour ( 57 gigs ) with my MODX7 and I have no complaints at all... It served me well, not a single issue, even with outdoor pretty bad conditions sometimes...

[@JunkSoap]

@@DanielSekovski It's fat for sure. There's a slight output level difference between MODX and MONTAGE, but you gotta listen to them in a side by side situation to really figure it out...

[@sniggity]

Who do you play with, JunkSoap?

[@n8goulet]

@@JunkSoap I've done that many times. Both keyboards going through the same keyboard amp sounded exactly the same. It would take really high end studio speakers to hear any difference in the DAC. For live performance (all I do), you'd need a really incredible PA and sound engineers to think you are going to notice. Your audience would be far less likely to notice. If you have a road crew & unlimited funds, there is no reason to buy MODX. The weight difference is a huge reason to buy one for live performers. You pay a lot more for the few extra things Montage does, but Yamaha offers both for different people, though hopes many will buy both as MODX is ideal for transporting.

[@darrylday30]

I loved the rant! I’m so with you on that. Sure, I can sing lead, play piano, organ, horns, pedal steel, lead guitar and do the sound at the same time.

[@doriion]

Kendrick:THERES NO PATTERN SEQUENCER 2019 Yamaha:Well there's one now

[@kalinmirchev]

Yamaha did not fail anyone. MODX is the lower tier synth, if you wanted replacement for your Motif, you should have gotten a MONTAGE. You should compare MODX to MO, MOX, MOXF line of keyboards.

[@KendrickCreates]

True, it may be very unfair to compare this model with the Montage, which I can't do anyway, never even putting my fingers on a Montage. But, for a gigging musician, weight is an issue. The Montage 7 is 37 pounds, and the MODX7 is 16 lbs, so the latter begs to be taken on the road. In fact, the simpler layout compared to the Montage just makes sense for live. However, the issues with the wall wart power, no audio aux outs, and lack of a real sequencer mean this thing just doesn't have what it takes to work outside of the studio.

[@Jason75913]

Motif is a workstation, Montage & MODX are not. There is no replacement within Yamaha products. Roland and Korg are the ones still making workstations (Krome, Kronos, Kross, FA). At least for now. They'll probably ditch keyboard workstations later.

[@n8goulet]

I replaced my Yamaha MOTIF ES rack with the MODX. The MODX is way better. It's a no brainer upgrade for most. Want sequencing, use a laptop. iPad, or even iPhone.

[@JunkSoap]

@@KendrickCreates Do you use your workstation's sequencer anyway ? lol, we're all into pro tools, cubase, studio one etc... Nobody use built-in sequencer. Never !!! There's no need for a built in sequencer in 2019...

[@94mac]

Калин Мирчев I wouldn’t call it a low tier synth it’s powerful. It’s miles ahead of the MO, MOx, and MOXf lol I’ve played them all, Modx is in a class of its own compared to those

[@mosesmedina6898]

I use my modx live all the time and have no complaints

[@BaymondRell]

@@DanielSekovski Same sound engine as the Montage. This board is pretty amazing actually and the point is you get Montage sound in a lightweight affordable board. "Sound" was their focus, otherwise, just buy a Montage and lug that beast around to get what this video's title misleads about.

[@neilloughran4437]

To be honest I think the MODX range is a damn bargain for what you get.... the difference in price between the MODX8 and Montage 8 is enormous and yet they have 99% same sounds. I went for a second hand Montage 7 in the end only due to the fact I prefer a keyboard with aftertouch... the new OS has a nice pattern sequencer now too...

[@mrdali67]

I just think Yamaha cheapent out on the keybed of these models, when you know how Yamaha always had top notch inhouse produced Quality beds right back to the earliest midi and velocity sensitive keyboards. I get that you have to cut corners to keep the price down, but really ... the keys are horendous. Couldn't they have come up with a some kind of mid way between their top keybeds and the keybeds that goes in their cheapest intro PSR boards, instead of just throwing in their absolut lowest end keybeds. bad style on a Synth series that to most players sound absolut identic to the Montage even they propably have some lower end converters and other hardware beside the chassis and external psu compared to the Montage. I checked the 61key model out, when the MoDX came out and I was so disillusined when leaving the Shop. A so otherwise great sounding Synth coupled with the worst keys I have ever played. It still is a great bargain for the price, but you better have very low standards for keybeds or have a better keyboard to trigger it from. And the new + models just got updated to be 100% identic with the Montage, so where is the Montage update Yamaha ? Any chance of getting a new model with some added features ?

[@ryannrjohnson]

Damn I wish I seen this before we just got the Modx7 plus at my church. Those keys are absolutely horrible. They are worse than my $150 dollar Yamama practice keyboard and they are basically the same identical cheap keys. Is the Modx8 weighted? I may need to send this back and get the 8.

[@caryjnicolo5740]

I have the MODX-7, it's the top keyboard over my Kronos 88. For a top synth, it does the job and has great sounds. Yes the keybed is not amazing, but I got used to it. Very easy keyboard to lean how to use. I had 25 sounds loaded in set list mode in no time.

[@DirtyRed]

Bruh I love my MODX 6 it's one of my best investments as a music producer.

[@555ontario]

There will always be some subjectivity when it comes to personal favorites and whatnot but being a MODX7 owner/operator (lol), there are very few shortcoming with this board. The only thing I have come across that is lacking would be extra polyphony. There is so much power under the hood that it would be like the body of a car not always being able to handle the size (and power) of the motor. Under most circumstances it hasn't been a hindrance but when playing a particularly busy Performance sound with a multitude of parts with arpeggiator action, even with moderate sustain pedal use, notes will cut off. It obviously will benefit from 256 notes of polyphone for PCM samples. They will also double the FM to 128 as whatever is lacking or was held back in this version will eventually come out in later versions.

[@joelorlando188]

i love your rant. Its so true!

[@AdrianJazzAdventures]

This video FAILED and not Yamaha with MODX

[@n8goulet]

Where is the "love" icon to click like Facebook when you need it! This video didn't take into account that not everyone wants or needs the same things. Many of us, like myself, are live performers only.

[@ChordFreak]

LOL🤣 ... expert? ... perhaps better for you, that you didn't really checkout this machine 😉Do you want a list of faults in the MODX??? E.g. "034" (Organ/Tone Wheel/MSB63/LSB1) -> Sample Change f/fis - and Volume. Problem with many sounds: lower frequencies not hearable, higher too loud, and in between such a sample change with not proper volume/sound. All Organ sounds are bad, worse, the worst by default...Single Key Action is okay ... but chords (organ style) *shiver... and I know, what I am talking about! "Workstation" ... after some work with tuning, they are usable. I don't remember now and here ... but there are sounds, where the Panorama doesn't change the side but only the frequency. Ever used a Volume FC7 using certain Arps? Sounds like a defect potentiometer. And which freak creates (active by default) Elements, which make the noise of the piano hammer or even worse, the noise of the rotary speaker??? 1.: the audience (fortunately) didn't hear such noises (in former times). 2.: I'm very happy, that I don't have to hear it too any more. Even modern Church Organs have remote controled Playtables, far away from the flaps. FINALLY we Organ Players can enjoy the pure sound too :D MODX: "back to the roots"😅 If the sound of the Montage is the same as in the MODX ... *facepalm Okay ... people here are comparing different Synths ... but people who played other instruments see some things more critically.

[@darrylday30]

I loved the rant! I’m so with you on that. Sure, I can sing lead, play piano, organ, horns, pedal steel, lead guitar and do the sound at the same time. Welcome to my band.

[@take942]

I love my MODX8. The creative potential is infinite and the "Smart Morph" function is amazing! The O.S. is logically structured. Initially it takes some time to learn one's way around the system, but becomes second nature after learning and repeated use of the many options. I also use the MODX as a MIDI controller for playing VST instruments. With the "MODX Connect" app I am able to easily drag song "Patterns" from "MODX Connect" app into my DAW for recording or onto separate tracks for further production.

[@pcuimac]

Roland JD-XA : power cable left ; Roland System-8 : power cable right. Same generation machines and both with wall warts. lol

[@visionmusic2097]

I love my MODX. For the price your cant go wrong. I also have motif and the CP88. Your the 1st I have heard that has complained about the MODX. But we are all entitled to our opinion. 😊

[@uhoh007]

Awesome rant! I have a MOXF coming...why? Pattern STEP sequencer, baby. Who wants a friggin laptop all the time? So far I don't see the love for the new MODX sequencer....add on. Essentially yamaha killed the Motif so many loved. Oh the sounds....it was more than that.

[@KitCotter]

Wait, so you can still get a MoxF ? Can't get 'em here in Oz, to my knowledge... I still have a Mox6... some very useable Latin drum-loops, which they seem to've dropped from MODX... ?

[@TheCasalinthesky]

That vocoder is so awesome I just ordered me a mic

[@Coowallsky]

Putting “failed” in all caps in the video title reflects a toddler mentality.

[@Coowallsky]

KendrickWhines

[@BaymondRell]

I order medical grade in-line power adapters for gig boards. Just match the tip and volts. Amps can be the same or higher. I prefer higher because that's the "available to draw" "horsepower. PIA but better than the wall wart.

[@bobcatt2294]

Can you show how you did this. I am thinking about removing the cover and embed the wart board inside of the chassis, than install a surface mount AC plug. All done with a non-destructive hack.

[@BaymondRell]

@@bobcatt2294 The "In-Line" adapter is still an external power supply, just not a wall wart.....

[@bobcatt2294]

@@BaymondRell I do understand that. Having to now carry an external power supply is what higher end products avoid.

[@n8goulet]

@@bobcatt2294 Apparently part of the reason for the wall wart is the amount of time it takes a company to go through some kind of certification process to have an internal power supply. It can delay a product for a year or more just on that one issue. I'd rather have an internal one, but it's not big deal. I gig with a spare. Small and easy to carry.

[@bobcatt2294]

Makes sense about getting UL approved.

[@billgrabbe9992]

Key action is really uneven and organ can be really shrill through effects. Piano sounds are a bit weak. You can program around the action and the piano sounds, but why didn't it come out of the box with that already solved? I love the weight, but I would have been much happier if I didn't have to do a deep dive into a complicated UI just to get the basics covered.

[@rjakiel73]

Well there is a pattern sequencer now introduced in OS 2.0 and updated even more in OS 2.5.

[@waldirgarcia1909]

can you make a video of how to get the sound for your videos

[@xaverk]

Man, you could have done a little more work on the MODX before tackling the demonstration. So it can only go wrong, because you have no idea what the instrument can do.

[@NightOrchids]

I have a modx8 and its amazing except My only 2 gripes are alot of the voices and performances sound like they were created by 18 yr old rave and techno teens and the lack of a sensible sequencer.. Yes, in OS v.252.. they've updated it to an almost linear sequencer, but seriously why didnt they just code in the sequencer from the Motif XF, not everyone likes using a DAW for every idea.. it really annoys me when Devs think they know whats best for customers.. but other than thst .. its great

[@Sashabooboo]

CONTENDER definitely for best live cover band rig is a MODX-8 and a Fantom 06. The MODX horns when paired (MIDI) with the Fantom horns are excellent for things like Brickhouse, Living La Vida Loca, Rollercoaster and the usual cover band songs. The Fantom drawbars make it more flexible when using the B3 tones. The Roland Synth-Pads are a strong point while Yamaha Pianos/EP also hold their own very well.

[@Gangl10n]

Like! Cool! That your headphones?

[@marvinkmooneyoz]

ahh, you skipped pianos and E.P.s, but I like them better on the MODX then the SV-1

[@jumpingman8160]

Maybe you should play the kazoo

[@Chavacano]

...Pattern Sequencer? Watda .... Bro, can you tell me where you get your weed...... :)

[@b-man8498]

Worst keyboard demo ever.

[@Canarosenna]

Dude should better stick to ol' kazoo! Same awesomeness :)

[@Kaipiano_]

Hey are the keys for modx6 weighted? Or do they feel good at least?

[@caryjnicolo5740]

MODX 6 and 7 are not weighted, only the MODX 8 is

[@kumbiaboy2729]

They are the same keys you find at any entry level PSR keyboard

[@Kaipiano_]

@@kumbiaboy2729 thanks I ended up getting the modx8

[@FuZhixiang]

@@Kaipiano_ how do you feel about the key action?

[@Kaipiano_]

@@FuZhixiang i like it it feels smooth

[@NyashaKeys]

@12:00 Such a Big Baby ... Ha ha

[@thiagoborges892]

You're good at click baiting...

[@ChordFreak]

It comes over the prize ... low budget crap. Also Yamaha Service and Forums. Name it: "low budget". I can tell you ten's of faults this machine has... from lacks regarding "live playable" to sample failures if you are playing some sounds over the whole range (different sound, different volumes). You can clearly hear the sample ranges. Sometimes strange Pan(orama) ... and, and, and... "Workstation" ... means "lot of work with this machine". I cannot imagine, what it is good for. It is nothing than an I/O device to a DAW, because it is only able to do 2 things simulatiously. Scenes, Superknob ... what to do with them? Press one key, playing around with those knobs and sequencing it with the DAW??? What is this good for? I would prefer to handle those things while playing. If you want to do so, you need all available FC's and FS's, one can buy. Handling? The software is cruel. Without extensive experience, no chance. If I had a Video equipment, I would make a video to show all those crap. I'll buy a top keyboard to be able to play live and perhaps use the MODX as an dumb sound expander.

[@markjaylandes]

Its pronounced MO DX7

[@KendrickCreates]

Text @ 1:01

[@gpr4eva]

Should have gotten a Montage

[@KendrickCreates]

$2000 more to relieve my frustrations? Probably worth it!

[@gpr4eva]

@@KendrickCreates the Modx has 90% of the functionality of the Montage. For some people the other 10% is worth the upgrade for some it isn't. You got what you paid for.

[@n8goulet]

Only if you require: Aftertouch a higher quality keybed a small ribbon controller double the number of sliders & knobs A "slightly" better D/A converter. Unimportant in live situations & armature recordings A few more notes polyphony for splits & layers, but MODX is plenty sufficient for most. A metal shell to protect it on the road. Assuming you have a road crew as it's heavy. perhaps a few other fairly "insignificant" features unimportant to "the majority" The keybed differences are the #1 reason some prefer the Montage. Try it out yourself. I'm fine with the MODX keybed. MODX simply includes most of the features people actually require. The cost is significantly reduced, and the weight is significantly reduced, critical for use weekend warriors playing gigs.

[@samscott54]

MO. DX. Moe- dx

[@twinklebishwa5266]

Pliz make a video of MODX vs psr x900🔥🔥🔥 I hope it will be helpful for us like me who loves keyboard ❤❤❤👍👍👍

[@Canarosenna]

Very entertaining! But perhaps not in a way young dude was aiming for? -->Young dude from clueless murrica did not accomplish anything in life, but knows so well about the fails of a worldwide successful company. Find the facepalm.

[@matroswe]

I guess you paid more for your ES...

[@KendrickCreates]

I can't remember, honestly. But it was so long ago, if you include inflation I'm sure it was!

[@n8goulet]

@@KendrickCreates I'm very happy I replaced my ES with a MODX. It's also a huge improvement over the XS & XF too. Many times the onboard sampled sound waves, a way better touch screen user interface, easier to import sound collections, FM-X, and the list goes on. The lack of a sequencer is unimportant to many of us. Use your phone or something.

[@ablack9431]

Do you really want the guitarist to try doing more than play the guitar 😂 Anyway why didn’t you buy the Korg Kronos so you can load in some samples for decent horns and have a better sequencer or a sequencer at least?

[@darkwing7966]

It has a sequencer now.

[@dgp1080]

I thin’k the Modx is a really good (all in one) keyboard, probably one of the best right now, but I have to disagreee with the hammonds and the leslie.... this is the only part that yamaha still have to work really harder....I think they sound really awfull😓

[@Paulplayskeys]

I bought KSounds Organimation and that solve my problem.

[@dgp1080]

Thank’s Paul! I will try it!👍🏻

[@n8goulet]

I agree David. Hammonds (especially the Leslie) and classic analog lead synths. I've tried the MOTIF version of Organimation and it is better. The Leslie is still not the best. I'm told the Montage/MODX version is a different animal and works differently, so it may be a lot better. I'm hoping for better demos on KZbin.

[@MusicalDrewby]

What a whiner

[@fishing4444able]

If you’re a real piano player and you play this thing hard during a gig you’re going to get tendenitis fast.. the 1/2 depth of the key throw is not cool.. it makes your arms hurt. I bought one of these and got rid of it fast. The CP88 is the way to go or Montage 8.

[@MarvinAdrielVillatoro]

Can you please elobarate? Are you saying the modx 8 keybed would give tendinitis compared to montage 8? I haven't had a chance to test either but I'm leaning toward modx 8 because of the price. I have long practice and gig sessions.

[@caryjnicolo5740]

Yea I use my Kronos for all my main keyboard stuff. The MODX will just be a top board, easy playing stuff

[@mister088]

I am not thrilled with the feel of this keyboard. Can you please explain what you mean by “half throw”? I’ve tried real hard but the finger press to ear connection (especially for piano) is lacking! Have you tried the cp or the yc 88? Because of this damned COVID no ones got anything on the floor to try out!!

[@ARayMaddy]

Great Video! Refreshing to see a real stage ready player demo. Question: MODX or Fantom06 to be able to work with individual sequencer tracks ..ie: send out tracks wav's and adjust vol etc them import them back into the keyboard to be used for SONG MODES / accompaniments live... Your thoughts?

[@marcuswilespage]

I do like this board, but I disagree about the quality of the Leslie emulation. It definitely sounds better than anything from korg or Roland, but the Nord and Hammond stuff still blows this outta the water with the Leslie stuff IMO. Great video🙏🏻

[@mrdali67]

Its still not top notch. Was always the biggest problem with Yamaha. I still have an old P9000Pro sitting at home and all the way thru those and the Tyros gen, the leslie sim was the culprit. I used to run the Organ sounds out on a seperate output from the P9000 into a Dynachord CLS 22, which sounded much better. And Yamaha has proven with the latest update of the YC 61 that they CAN make a good leslie sim. They need to update their MODX and Montage models with the same update to the leslie sim. Pretty sure the DSP of the MODX, Montage, Genos and YC series very alike if not identical. Any of the modern dedicated clonewheels blows Yamaha away, tho with the update to the YC it's actually sounds much better. And if I hadn't already chosen a Mojo61 when it came out, today I would propably be very interested in the YC61.

[@mickehaglund4119]

Dope video. I got the same modx how and where did you plug in mic into it, and what patch when you were singing? It’s funny I reacted just like when I noticed the power adapter, I was like why Yamaha? Something that cheap looking adapter? Glad you brought that up. Love your stuff! 👊🏽

[@graemenelson7956]

Hi Kendrick really like you version of "cant help it". Can you please tell me where are the drums from

[@orangenotviolet]

I guess the soundguys are all pretty impressed when you insist.......and there is reason for the use of walwarts...it makes keyboards affordable for the cheapies.

[@stevied6286]

And makes them featherweight and cuts the risk of Ur keys going up in smoke or you getting electrocuted..all fairly positive I'd say!! Long live cheap to replace AC to DC 12v power supplies!!

[@webexpertcharlie]

It clearly doesn't offer everything you need it to do, but how are the actual sounds it has? Horns, Electric Piano, Wurlitzer, Strings? Do they sound good? I'm looking for a keyboard with versatile sounds for a good price. Thank you, you're a great player.

[@tonylancer7367]

Yamaha usually excels in acoustic sounds, that is, sounds of horns (sessions and individual), strings, guitars (both bass and guitar electric and acoustic) and their pianos (no surprise, they make pianos, C7, CFX etc). What I'd like them to improve is their EP sounds, they sound like they've carried it from their previous boards, but their newer boards (CP, YC) have a new generation of samples which sound much better. But of course, you can load Chick Corea's sampled Fender Rhodes and load into the MODX and then you have nothing to complain about. 😊

[@webexpertcharlie]

@@tonylancer7367 thanks for the info, I ended up buying the MODX. I’m very happy with it overall. The keys are very light though, I wish the action were a little heavier. My next job is to watch some KZbin videos on how to load sounds on to it...

[@miguelrejas5034]

Then.. go for a Kurzweil. 😉

[@mrdali67]

@@tonylancer7367 Yamaha always had generally very good bread and butter sounds. of cause it doesn't rivals top notch Kontakt libraries but they are mostly all very usefull. I do like the Pianos of my Kronos. It's Piano and EP engine is just amazing, tho I wish Korg would have opened up for 3'rd parties to make Piano sounds for the SGX-2 engine instead of having to use the HD-1 sample engine, but for the build in guitars, strings, brass and woodwind samples the Kronos itself sound a bit dated unless you invest in some libraries. The Yamaha''s built in sounds is much more uptodate and cause of their libray sounds been shared between both the Tyros, Motif and Montage/Modx for a couple decades their easy to use SA and SA2 sounds sound quite good even when comparing to big advanced to use keyswitched multi articulation Kontakt libraries. And the CFX Grand and Boesendorfer samples available both to Genos/Modx/Montage for free is great. Wish I could snack that for the Kronos without having to resample it with Sample Robot 😄

[@DocTheopolis]

What did you do to get that nice Vocoder sound? I only get squelching and intense feedback when the unit's volume is turned up some.

[@markfernandes9627]

TBH keyboard players have to do a hell lotta layers which is literally impossible with 2 hands

[@darrylday30]

How’s the STAY keyboard stand working out? BTW, trading I’m trading in my MOFX61 on a MODX7 this week. It’ll be my only keyboard on stage. I’m going to need the SSS (Seamless Sound Switching) Scenes and Live Sets to keep my rig down to a single keyboard. Yep, more music on less gear. I was tempted to get a stage keyboard but it was too easy to stick with a MO and keep my old sounds. BTW, I totally agree about the Leslie. Probably the best “synth” Hammond/Leslie combo in the price range. Let me know about the STAY. I’m looking a lighter and more compact stand than my Apex. I’ll order one if it’s still working out for you.

[@caryjnicolo5740]

The MODX is is the baby of the MONTAGE, not Motif! C'mon man!

[@paulleighton9568]

This is what I needed a real life use of the keyboard and not an advertisement. Ty for posting this.

[@TheCasalinthesky]

Which performance organ are you using ?

[@sunpathviewer]

Hear you on that comp rant!

[@sebastianrichieblaj]

is there a way to use the input on the modx as an in ear when playing with a band?

[@n8goulet]

Not sure what you mean. It functions in two ways. The inputs can process signals as an effects processor. It does have an envelope follower, which allows it to sync with a drummer to control arpegiator speeds. I use the line-in as a mixer for my laptop at some gigs I don't feel like dragging the mixer.

[@stevied6286]

Certainly not a " to die for" sound out of the box..guessing with hours of fiddling may help but listened via headphones and the new yc61 kicks its ass out of the park along with the korg sv2..sounds like a Moxf which I think is too thin a sound..cool vocoder though

[@wilcandou]

Need Montage!

[@n8goulet]

Yamaha hasn't failed with the MODX. Everyone's needs are different. I replaced my Yamaha MOTIF ES rack with a MODX. I also have an MX49 and many other keyboards from Korg, Roland, etc. MODX is far better than any MOTIF series keyboard. Better user interface, more powerful sound engine, etc, etc. All of the MOTIF series preset sounds are included too, so it's an easy upgrade. The MODX offers a lot of functionality in a very compact & portable design with flagship synth engine technology, also at a much more affordable price. MODX6 costs $1299. Montage 6 $2999. Same synth engine, and a few mostly insignificant features to use live performers. Huge different in weight too. I went with the MODX6 & Yamaha's backpack case. Can't get much more portable for a 61 key synth. I generally use it with other synths at gigs, but it has a ton of features. A few people have complained about the MODX keyboard. I have no complaints with mine. Try it out first I'd say before buying. My only gripe, and also is an issue for the Montage (and MOTIF) is the kind of sounds developed for it are targeting modern music more than classic music, and I play in an 80s / late 70s rock band. The kinds of sounds I often need are analog synths, especially lead synths . Any of these 3 Yamaha's I mentioned are generally weak in that area. In combination with my laptop & many analog soft synths, you can do a lot with it. Sample Robot may be able to clone some of my lead patches if I wanted to play a gig with MODX alone. The user interface is excellent. Like most Yamaha synths, sometimes a bit complex to do some simple editing, but plenty of support groups and users around to ask. I hope in the future, Yamaha & third parties will focus more on cloning famous lead synth patches and rock organs from 80s & 70s music, which were by far the best sounding ones. Most of the other kinds of sounds a rock keyboardist would use are there. I'm not a fan of the new modern sounds, or that style of music. MODX excels at them though. If a song uses "Beats", I'm probably not gonna listen to it. I'd really have loved it if an analog synth engine had been included instead of FM-X.

[@lcceo22]

Great rant. One problem: as you said, everyone's needs are different. And while they didn't "fail" someone like me, they created a clumsy, convoluted clusterfuck in the MIDI department. It's a mess, and they offer little more than corporate yes-man responses to the very valid criticisms of it. Namely they fact that you can't assign each individual midi channel to the channel of your choosing.... like virtually every other major keyboard product out there. Yes, they took something that wasn't broken, tried to be cute, and fucking broke it, because from a studio standpoint, it makes the multipart performances a pain in the ass to utilize. Sure, we can duplicate MIDI tracks to all for all of the parts of a multipart string performance or what have you, but it's counterintuitive and counterproductive because I can't just play the entire, layered performance. I have to duplicate the track and let it play back. Sorry, but that's just plain fucking stupid and there is NO good justification for that decision. The midi implementation is convoluted and impractical to the point of nuisance. It's hot garbage.

[@n8goulet]

@@lcceo22 I'm a live performer only. Always have been. So what your saying is a complete non-issue for me. And if I were into recording, why not just record live audio tracks? Use a 2nd computer, they are pretty affordable & portable. I'd treat my MODX just like any of my older keyboards or sound modules.

[@lcceo22]

@@n8goulet Funny, *you* said that everyone's needs are different- but now, you're coming across like your needs are the only ones that matter, and that everyone else should just find workarounds for Yamaha's poor OS decisions. I'll work how I work, and I don't really need your (not very good) suggestions to makeup for Yamaha's (pretty bad) midi channel choices. I work with my MODX just fine, despite that really stupid midi channel setup. That Yamaha made a really dumb and wholly unnecessary decision doesn't mean I can't work with it- and the fact that I can work with it doesn't make it a really dumb and wholly unnecessary decision.

[@classicarcadeamusementpark4242]

@@lcceo22 Exactly as I said. Everyone's needs are different. And MODX is not a good choice for you. But it's an excellent choice for me.

[@lcceo22]

@@classicarcadeamusementpark4242 No- it IS a good choice for me- ut you're so self-centered that you can't see that. The fact that it has a really dumb midi channel setup doesn't mean that it's not a good choice for me.