Yamaha MODX - Initial Daw Setup

How to setup the Yamaha MODX in your DAW - record Arps and performances.
#modx

[@ChordFreak]

WOW! How can anyone explain things so clear, so easy and so extensive!? Thank you very much!

[@waveform-synths]

Glad it was helpful!

[@morgunkorn_]

Very clear instructions, thank you for having taken the time to create this video! I definitely look forward to seeing more of your content.

[@rolandgerard6064]

Your first video is spot on, please continue, subscribed.

[@dwightchase4013]

Looking all over the place for this! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!!

[@aloharay]

very useful information, thank you for taking the time to post this video!

[@stevebchilds]

This is brilliant. I've been trying to figure that out for hours! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

[@obwanz1921]

Fantastic video! Subscribed!!

[@paulmutter8301]

That was great. I don’t yet have a modx but I learnt a lot about Cubase as well and my I am struggling with it and my current keyboard. Really like your teaching style.

[@relikvija]

great setup

[@jfjusa1]

excellent video! this really helped me a lot! thank you!!!!

[@sethurk]

This is a life saver. Thank you so much! I watched atleast 10 other modx/cubase videos on youtube and completed one full udemy cubase course, no one explained this little 1 => any and modx setup needed for midi recording this much clear. Appreciate if you could explain in another video if it is possible to switch the recorded midi to be played with different instrument etc.

[@studiosbt]

Well done... look fwd to seeing more instructional videos...!!!

[@siliconewarlock4882]

You can say Korg as much as you like, mate. As long as the tutorial is helpful, which it is, I don't care about repeated phrases or erms etc. Keep these useful videos coming. Liked.

[@steventaylor3789]

Found this via your Synthfest vid. Keep up the excellent work.

[@steventaylor3789]

And don’t worry about the umms and errs. Appreciate the natural delivery. First vid as well - excellent and really helpful as there’s almost nothing on the MoDX other than demos at the moment.

[@Janoline6]

Thanks for sharing this! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@samscott54]

Nice job

[@TeleporterM11]

I subbed. This is a interesting synth for its price. Your video is something I will find useful when I purchase this keyboard.

[@L1915SS]

Thanks for the sub - I'll try & incorporate the Connect software in a future video - I haven't had a chance to try it yet..

[@TeleporterM11]

Waveform Multimedia Based on the way you work you may not find any use for it , But I am still interested in someone showing how it works with Cubase.

[@paulhorsley8922]

Very well done sir thank you 🙏

[@xmaverickhunterkx]

Great tutor

[@SuperMBARutgers2013]

Great tone on that guitar amp's patch.

[@Coasterdude02149]

I just got my MODX last evening. Attempted today to get it set up in Cubase. FIVE HOURS and no sound.I could see Cubase receiving input but I wasn't getting output like you. I've put it all away for today but tomorrow am going to try again. Think your video was the best. You hit on a few areas many others never hinted at. Thank you for this video!

[@waveform-synths]

Good luck - hope you get it sorted...

[@darrenhirst9900]

Install Yamaha Steinberg driver and choose it in Cubase. Modx becomes your soundcard and in order to use the modx soundcard you need to plug monitors or headphone into the modx. Audio will travel down the usb cable to the modx and modx audio do the same to Cubase. And if you want to hear audio from the computer like KZbin etc then in computer settings choose modx as audio in and out.

[@liothomasart]

@@darrenhirst9900 what if you using an external audio interface which is NOT the modx...how it goes?

[@darrenhirst9900]

@@liothomasart I use FL Studio and choose that as a driver and I still hear the modx. You do it the way I suggested so you can have the stereo pairs 1-2 3-4 5-6 7-8 etc. If you need further help please go to Yamaha website.

[@TeleporterM11]

What do you think of the MODX Connect software they advertise on the Yamaha website.

[@keyboyrecords]

Wow you got my old Korg TR Rack.

[@Coasterdude02149]

Well, I had high hopes because yours was doing exactly what mine was...I thought for sure this video was going to solve my problem. Did all the settings you had...still Cubase is getting sound but not outputting. I wish I never wasted money on this thing...my Fairlight CMI was FAR FAR simpler to set up, programme and use and FAR less stressful than this heap. I hate it- I want my Fairlight back. At least on the Fairlight I was recording ideas the same day I got it, not so with the MODX. Thank you for taking the time, in any event, to upload this video.

[@darrenhirst9900]

Were your monitors or headphones plugged into the back of the modx? I had the same problem hearing no audio until i plugged headphones into the modx as the modx is the soundcard speakers have to be plugged into it to hear audio.

[@philreeves7361]

Realy good information thank you. Hoping my Pro Tools 12.5 will record midi as easily.

[@waveform-synths]

Good luck!

[@philreeves7361]

Thank you, unfortunately the Montage did not integrate well with P.T. So I am back to 5 pin DIN and the old way of recording.

[@jaybeetdown]

You got a new sub FROM TEXAS!This was the MOST helpful review I've seen thus far, even yamaha FB page couldn't answer me! My question: What if I want to record into my MPC renaissance DAW software, just like u did here, but now, I want to use track 2 on the DAW. Can I use another "part" as the MODX doesn't have "tracks" per se? Or, would I have to print what I did, then go from the top? Thanks.

[@babar141]

You mean like how do u sequance this modx on the MPC, i need 2 know this 2

[@L1915SS]

Hi jaybeetdown - I've never used MPC renaissance, but you could print to audio, mute the first midi track and go again, or (with a bit more work) create a Performance in the MODX where each part is set to Midi channel 1 to 8 - set the MODX to single midi (see my 2nd video) and select sounds in the performance so everything stays in midi until you are ready to commit to audio. Don't forget you get Cubase Ai free with the MODX, so you can follow what I do exactly - and I will do a video on multitrack sequencing - recording beats from the MODX and building up a track in Cubase (should translate to MPC!)

[@babar141]

@@L1915SS im looking forward to that video

[@waveform-synths]

New Video up on multi track recording on the MODX...

[@slikevents]

who is this genius

[@whisperingwind3430]

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

[@babar141]

Nice , i needed this,btw how do u sequance each track individually,like track1 drums,track2 piano, track 3 bass a and so on?in daw thanks

[@waveform-synths]

Thanks - I'll see if I can cover this in a future video...

[@jaybeetdown]

That's my question too, I have a more long winded version up top before I saw this question.

[@darrenhirst9900]

There is a setting in the modx that can split drums to sperate outputs to the daw.

[@chesterscott2695]

awesome! I’ve try it with my modx and my Cubase, but how can I adjust the midi notes that recorded in cubase? I tried to move them but they just stay where they are!

[@waveform-synths]

That isn't right - try searching for "Cubase Key editor" in KZbin for guides on editing notes....

[@Alan_Chapman]

The 8 amps and a TC should have 8 scenes for the 8 different amplifier simulations. On the MODX you only have 4 scene buttons so you have to use the toggle button to access scenes 5-8.

[@darrenhirst9900]

Bad Mr from Yamaha said the tone generator has aftertouch but the keys don't have it. so if you connect a keyboard that has after touch then you will be able to use it on the modx.

[@robertgianchino3954]

Thank you so much for your thorough explanations on this subject. I cannot get my head around what I am doing when I record midi info from the MODX. eg when recording from Cubase, when I press record the count in begins then automatically plays the MODX and records the ARP. However, when I playback the recording in Cubase, the MODX also plays, even with ARP off. This is difficult to explain my dilemma but hope you can understand what I mean. So once the midi is recorded, is it just midi information that is recorded and still needs the MODX connected to playback the recording? If so, where do i go from this point?

[@waveform-synths]

A big topic Robert! But yes, once you have midi recorded, and edited the way you want, you can either record that to audio to build up your track, or if in performance mode record up to 16 parts in Midi using different midi channels... Have a look at this video for details... kzbin.info/www/bejne/f4fQi5logp6WeK8

[@rolandgerard6064]

The motif serie has also a global channel. The implementation of sending multiple midi channels has started with the Montage.

[@waveform-synths]

Thanks for your sub - I've still got a Motif Rack XS, but wasn't sure about the workstations - cheers...

[@jaybeetdown]

Even though they took out the sequencer on this model? I'm getting one today and stacking tracks is major concern for me. Thanks.

[@nhaezer5121]

Can you have like for example, 20 tracks on Cubase all playing various instruments/patches from MODX at the same time? ie a full production running piano, bass, drums etc with the sound on MODX (like you'd run multiple instances of say Kontakt and Omnisphere in a daw )?

[@waveform-synths]

Hi - The limit on the MODX is 16 Tracks/Channels, with full drum kits only taking up 1 Channel - so 16 parts in total. Some layered or piano performances use more than one part, and that can catch a few people out, but starting with an initialised performance will let you add 15 different parts and a full drum kit…

[@joserios7024]

The MODX is a headache !!! I don’t understand why Yamaha did this. I just want 16 multi timbral tracks with 16 midi channel, one for each track. How you do a program change ? I’m going crazy with this workstation.

[@phly23]

Thanks Was -curious how do you resolve the Modx sending out multiple channels out on performances with multiple parts, as you explain at --8:00-- with midi aux.....so far I just use performances with only one part that resolves the problem but sometimes if you forget you and up with up to 8 parts deep! which creates a phase problem obviously and it’s hard to delete it afterwards- thanks

[@waveform-synths]

A quick way, as discussed in a later video, is to disable the Green Keyboard control Icon for each part you want to disable sending midi...

[@chordkeys]

I tried my hands on the MODX8 today. My thoughts: 1. Great sounds 2. Keys feels heavy 3. No DAW remote function 4. Quite lightweight (a plus) I got montage 8. I use MODX8 in church. I like it except for the heavy keys

[@Coasterdude02149]

I had a DX7 FD Second gen back in the 80's and paid roughly the same price as the MODX. I just got my MODX 7 yesterday and was shocked at how cheap the keybed felt. The DX 7 in the 80's felt much more solid. No excuse for such a bad keybed. If they did it in the 80's they can do it today.

[@frankymino8773]

@@darrenhirst9900 We expect a decent keybed that doesn't resemble a toy from toys r us.

[@moritako0125]

Thank you very much! My Cubase AI will be active with MODX! But I didn't understand the metronome settings yet. I would like to listen to the metronome click from my MODX with another sound instead of Mac's internal sound.

[@waveform-synths]

Make sure to load the Audio Driver on the Yamaha website and I think that'll work the way you want to...

[@moritako0125]

@@waveform-synths Thank you for your response! My problem was solved. I didn't set the input device of audio connection, so metronome click sounded from my mac.

[@noitnova]

Can i use more than one performances in Cubase at the same time or must i select on the 16 tracks the single sounds my sell?

[@L1915SS]

Hi, One performance at a time, and each performance has up to 16 midi parts. If you want to use more than one complex performance with multiple parts in the same Cubase arrangement, you'd have to record each performance to audio tracks in Cubase. I'll try to do a video on Audio tracks in December...

[@bmcbean49]

Thank you first of all. I wanted to know if anyone is working with the MODX w/ Digital Performer

[@waveform-synths]

Hi Bernard - not that I'm aware of. Most of the steps covered will help in DP - perhaps any DP users could comment below...

[@airjones]

Have you decided how you're going to deal with the lack of aftertouch on the MODX and recording arp and drum patterns? I'm going to pick up an Arturia KeyStep and I've already picked up an Akai MPD226. Thanks.

[@waveform-synths]

Hi, have a look at the following video -kzbin.info/www/bejne/f4fQi5logp6WeK8 for recording arp and drum patterns. I'm working on an aftertouch video now...

[@darrenhirst9900]

The Yamaha Modx dose have aftertouch but you need a keyboard that has it to control aftertouch on the modx. The MODX responds to Channel Aftertouch. It is the MODX keybeds that do not generate Aftertouch, but the tone generator fully responds to Aftertouch coming in via MIDI. Thanks for the question.

[@Anything.is.Possible]

I'm getting modx sounds through daw but for some reason the drum tracks won't. Like I'm recording a piano sound with a drum beat then on play back the drum sound is gone.. lol Any advice how to fix it? Another thing I noticed was my monitors had a slight ground loop buzz in them but once I plugged a usb from my pc to the modx the buzz disappeared.

[@L1915SS]

Have a look at the next video on multi track midi on the MO DX, and see if that helps. Ground loops are a pain, you have to be methodical in isolating them, try unplugging the psu from the back of the MODX, and see what happens with and without the USB...sometimes balanced leads to the monitors will help...good luck...

[@ChazSeamus28]

Can I use the mo dx as a midi controller in ableton live 10?

[@darrenhirst9900]

Input modx and it will be used as a controller. To stop audio coming through you turn off a setting i think monitor?

[@fzunigat]

Hello. I have been thinking about buying a yamaha modx due to the fact that it can work with a DAW, and I think it is the solution to my problem, which is the need to mix, equalize, compress, limit, etc, all the synthesizer signals that I require for a live show. I've been looking at the possibility of switching to a Korg Kronos for a long time, but I saw that this was also limited in this regard: it only has 12 possibilities of inserting effects per project. This is a problem that I have been carrying for more than a year and I cannot find, due to my ignorance, an answer. Does this midi mapping of the Yamaha MODX work with any DAW, for example with ableton? Do you have downsides in this ableton, versus cubase? And the other more important question, could you make this same connection, in which the workstation functions as the control base of the DAW, with the Korg Kronos? I would infinitely appreciate your help. Excuse my English. A greeting and I wait for your answer!

[@waveform-synths]

Hi Francisco - due to the dedicated controls, Daw control would be easier on the MODX, and Cubase is easier than Ableton as it is mapped for you (plus you get a cut-down Cubase with the MODX) - see if your Yamaha dealer will demonstrate this for you, or see if you can buy from a retailer with a 30 day return policy to try it out and see if it works the way you want it to...

[@goodboid]

Is there an arpeggio hold function on the Modx? I can't seem to find it.

[@waveform-synths]

Edit the part in question - select arpeggio and set hold to on. Then, the Arp Icon will go yellow on the performance page for that part, and you can toggle hold on or off...

[@fnonaka]

Are you recording the audio from Modx in Cubase, or as a midi file?

[@waveform-synths]

This video covers Midi as most people will be using an audio interface - but a future video will cover audio over USB and using the MODX as an interface...

[@76ODDY]

Kronos is great instrument I'm use it as a master keyboard too

[@waveform-synths]

Still got my Kronos, but not really used as much as I should!

[@BehzadBhandari85]

Hi I just got a montage and have been looking for a tutorial on this.. How are u monitoring ur sound? Monitors connected to ur keyboard output or to ur pc output.. Coz I tried a lot of things.. Could not hear what I was playing although I could see that the pc was receiving data.

[@waveform-synths]

Hi, I'm monitoring via my soundcard, with the MODX plugged into a little sub mixer feeding into the soundcard. I do switch to the USB outs of the MODX when recording audio into the PC, and I'll be showing that in a future video...

[@darrenhirst9900]

According to Bad Mister from Yamaha. When you connect monitors speakers to the back of the Yamaha Montage audio will play through them. When you connect your daw and change the setting to record audio on daw the setting to play audio through the monitors is turned off. The soundcard on the montage is activated and is sending audio to the computer through the usb cable. To hear audio from the Montages soundcard you need to go into audio settings. Under settings it has input and all you do is choose Montage. The output is set to speakers but I have headphones so I hear sound from the Modx through them. When you play the Montage you should now hear sound and if not just choose Montage as input in your daw mixer. Hope this helps anyone that's having trouble? I had the same problem not hearing sound from the Modx until I choose Modx in the system audio settings. Anyways Waveform is a whizz Kid at this.

[@fcf8269]

do you have connected only the usb cable from the MODX or also the audio out from the MODX? When I open cubase I hear nothing, the audio is coming out only from the headphone out or the L and R out, not from the USB connector.

[@waveform-synths]

Through the Audio Outs - To use USB Audio, Install Yamaha's USB Audio driver, and enable Audio Rec On DAW in quick setup - I'll be covering this in one of my next videos...

[@fcf8269]

@@waveform-synths thanks a lot! BTW I made few performances and saved some from a library and would like to save them as individual performances so I can import them again as user performances and delete the library with the other performances I do not need. Is this possible ? I was able to save the whole memory as backup, but not a single performance

[@waveform-synths]

@@fcf8269 Have a look at the data utility section of the MODX Reference Manual (P203) for details, but keep saving the whole memory so you can always "rewind" if things go wrong!

[@whisperingwind3430]

Hello! how can I export the midi-tracks into the wave file? When I export in Sonar midi-track into the wave file it silenced . VST tracks go well into the mix wave file. The only escape is to prerecord to the audiotrack the voices of midi tracks?

[@waveform-synths]

Hello! - Yes, you have to either record from the Audio output of the MODX, or use the MODX as the audio interface for your DAW - (Select Quick Setup - Audio Record On Daw) - I'll try to cover this in a later video...

[@whisperingwind3430]

@@waveform-synths Thanks a lot. IT was this way in Motif xf allready, I hoped it was repaired

[@chordkeys]

Hi. Is DAW remote coming to MODX?

[@L1915SS]

I hope so...that would be cool...

[@Andre14guitarist]

Can anyone please teach me how to connect MODX to logic pro? I can't use multiple midi track with different sound from modx. I also cannot find it anywhere on web. Thanks in advance

[@alicaramba7680]

You should switch MODX MIDI I/O mode to “multi”.

[@zlatkoanastasov4648]

Hello, since you have KORG KRONOS as well, can you tell which is it better for music creation, and recording, and feeling if you wish when playing, comparing with MODX?

[@waveform-synths]

That is a tough question! Since getting the MODX - I’ve been using the Kronos less and less. Stand-alone, for recording, the Kronos wins due to it’s on board sequencer, but with a DAW, the MODX seems more comprehensive to me. I prefer the way the MODX handles drums. Karma on the Korg is awesome, but confuses lots of people - I feel more in “control” using the ARP patterns on the MODX. Sound-wise, it’s a draw, but the MODX seems to “fit in” to mixes better. I don’t use Piano weighted keyboards, and although it’s noisier than the Korg, I personally love the feel of the MODX7 keys (though some hate it - and it has no aftertouch). I wish the MODX had assignable sliders like the EXT mode of the Kronos… Try to audition them both if possible - similar, yet different beasts!

[@zlatkoanastasov4648]

@@waveform-synths Thanks.

[@josephg8818]

I see how it is set up to work with a d a w, but can it be controlled and sequenced by a hardware sequencer like an MPC 4000?

[@waveform-synths]

I can't really help with the MPC, but yes, it should be fine - add parts one by one from that initialised multi, and match them to the midi channels on the MPC.

[@josephg8818]

@@waveform-synths thanks , thst what i was doing but it only works when mpc is on channel 1

[@josephg8818]

@@waveform-synths I actually figured it out today, I will share it on here if case someone else is having the same issue. You have to go into the settings and change it to multi Channel instead of single Channel

[@waveform-synths]

Glad you got it sorted!

[@OBI0429]

How to set up with Fl Studio kindly help

[@waveform-synths]

Sorry, I don't have FL studio...

[@walkinbird]

Hi, I really wanna know that if the MODX8 can work with logic pro well as an MIDI keyboard ? And can its knobs and faders be functional as my MIDI controller for virtual instruments in any DAW? Thank you so much!!!

[@waveform-synths]

No Problem with Logic Pro. All the knobs are fine with external midi gear or controller use (2x banks of 4x Knobs plus the super knob), but the sliders (in the current firmware) are tied to levels within the MODX in either performance mode or at an individual voice level. I got a little Korg box to compensate shortly after getting the MODX...

[@walkinbird]

@@waveform-synths wow thank you for your quick reply. Korg box...Sounds interesting! Can you tell me more about that please? Is it an mini midi keyboard or a pure midi controller with knobs and faders etc.? I think I might need that someday. Thank you again.

[@waveform-synths]

@@walkinbird "Korg Box" - Not very descriptive, was it ?!! I got the Korg NanoControl 2 - (8xSliders 8xKnobs plus transport), it was on offer for £35. However if you want a really well built comprehensive "knobs & sliders" box - I use a Novation Launch Control XL for nearly all my softsynths. I got the Korg for specific tasks (which I'm covering in a future video)...

[@walkinbird]

@@waveform-synths Noted! You are the kindest!!! Have a good day!

[@darrenhirst9900]

In FL Studio I clicked link to controller and moved a knob on the modx and it worked. I feel posh like Waveform now 🤣

[@zlippery1]

If you use Modx in studio setup does the monitors need do be connected to the modx?

[@waveform-synths]

I'm going to cover this in a future video, but yes, you could do that, or monitor via a mixer or soundcard the MODX audio outs are connected to.

[@zlippery1]

@@waveform-synths ok! Cause I use a a primary interface with many outputs for external effect. Using modx on pc force me to change to USB studio setup and the audio goes to modx output. Only solution I see is to use a pair of second monitors. Otherwise I can only monitor with headphones.

[@waveform-synths]

Hi Martin - it might be worth a phone call to Yamaha support - you should be able to route the MODX to your primary interface, perhaps by using a little sub-mixer if you have used all your inputs.

[@tanza14]

do you like the kronos or modx better? i can get a kronos for just about the same price

[@waveform-synths]

I do like the MODX and will be keeping it - if I were forced to choose one, then it would probably be the Kronos due to its versatility. It does FM (though the MODX seems a more logical approach to me as a former DX7 owner) and I miss the ability to use the knobs and sliders on the Kronos in external mode to control VST instruments. If I were playing live a lot, then I'd probably go MODX as my (early model) Kronos seems more flimsy - both are good choices!

[@tanza14]

@@waveform-synths thank you for getting back to me.. its a tough call..

[@rios_5314]

How i do this with logic pro x?

[@waveform-synths]

The MODX settungs should be the same, but I've no experience to speak of on Logic - Don't forget you get a free copy of Cubase when you register your MODX, so you can follow along exactly if you wish.

[@sebastianrichieblaj]

I also use Logic and own a MODX. please let me know when you figure it out.

[@cursedsound]

Can you use it to play vst synths too and also use the knobs to control the vsts? i wanna buy this to also use it as a midi controller if possible

[@L1915SS]

Yes you can, check out my other video on using the MODX with vst's. The knobs can be fiddly, as they have different functions depending on what mode you are in..they will work but you might want to think about a dedicated controller for vsts like a Korg nano controller.

[@CollectiveVoice]

picked up the modx this week can anybody tell me where i can fine the midnam file mac version for this unit yamaha does not have one

[@georgepettus]

you never finished showing how to update the firmware though!!!

[@ThePragmo]

The video has not helped me yet. I thought something called "Yamaha Corporation" to "MODX" would be tackled. It comes about when you are still trying to set up and you get into VST instruments to access the MODX after connecting and installing USB and Drivers. I want the scenario where am seamlessly accessing all the individual tones in the MODX without arpeggiating/Performing or all that stuff.

[@kaivinsky]

Awwww dont put a thing on it, it breaks my heart :D

[@gearoftones8585]

Yamaha don't half like to make things difficult

[@darrenhirst9900]

Even Nasa hate Yamaha 🤣

[@collinreagan9473]

If I had a $1 for every lip smack I could buy another MODX

[@charlesquint525]

Are you serious ?? I can do better things with only a old DX7, a Atari 1040Ste with cubase 2.0 and a Roland MT120 Sequencer, a Roland SC88 Pro Expander all for only 330 dollars on eBay. How much cost all of your gear 30000 dollars, for THAT pieces of shit sounds?! what's wrong with yamaha?!