Yamaha Modx vs Roland Fantom O Review

[@webkluns]

Having both would make a great setup.

[@chillwalker]

Brilliant. Exactly my setup right now

[@classicarcadeamusementpark4242]

Like you, I'm also some what of a Prog Rock player. My preference is easily the MODX. Both of these keyboards are very powerful & light weight, with pros & cons to both. As you pointed out, the MODX is generally speaking, better at real life instruments. I feel the MODX is better aimed at rock players over all, and the Fantom 0 at synth pop, techno & hip hop. As I have Roland's VST's which provide all of Fantom 0's sounds except the super natural sounds (of which there aren't that many) nor the B3 engine. I've also been able to check out most of the expansion packs too. I feel the MODX is about equal for analog synth type sounds as you will find tons of great ones in various sound libraries. The Fantom is probably easier for deep editing of those kind of sounds, but the MODX is about equally capable in the hands of good programmers. But as more of a rock person, the kinds of analog sounds I need are Oberheim, Moog, Prophet, ARP and much less so, the ones Roland is famous for. Neither keyboard is really ideal for this, but you can certainly get by. I mostly use VST's for that kind of stuff or my iPhone synths for the exact engines lacking in either the MODX or Fantom 0. The MODX+ has 1.7gb user memory (current model MODX) and the older version 1gb. The Fantom 0 has only 256 megs. 1 gb=1024 megs. So that is a huge difference in terms of the ability to load sound libraries that include sampled waveforms. The MODX also has significantly more on board samples at 5.6gb in rom. The Fantom 0 however does have 2 gb of "one shot" sample memory for sound effects, but not playable instruments. I feel the lack of multi-sample ram on the Fantom 0 is one of it's biggest limitations. They do however offer models of some of Roland's classic synth engines for $150 each. The Fantom 0 does have the edge on organs with an included B3 engine. From numerous reviews, while it's decent, it's not equal to a Hammond clone keyboard nor as good as what is available on VST's for computers, iPad or even iPhone. The Organimation sound library for MODX ($50) probably comes pretty close to the Fantom 0 B3 ability which is surprisingly good, allows for real-time drawbar changes cleverly using the Superknob, overdrive, etc. Probably still a little less flexible than the Fantom organ engine, but over all not far behind in what you can do with it. The Fantom organ engine like that of the Korg Kronos & Nautilus while good that they are included in a rompler, are still below that of an organ synthesizer keyboard such as those from Hammond, Nord, Mojo, etc. The MODX has direct support for an iPad or iPhone with a single cable and dedicated USB volume knob. I run iPhone synths such as the VB3 organ ($15, same engine as the MOJO organ keyboard) which is probably better than the Fantom 0 organ engine, but I mostly use my laptop for VST's. Moog Music makes a Mini Moog & Modular Moog for both iPad/iPhone. Korg has their M1, Wavestation, ARP Odyssey for both, and many more. You have to buy a device to use iPad/iPhone synths with a Fantom 0. The MODX FM-X engine includes the classic DX-7 and compatibility, but greatly expands on it. The single best thing about the MODX is it is fully compatible with the Montage sound libraries from the MOTIF XF, XS, and the earlier ES & original MOTIF (the last 2 via paid software utility), the DX-7, TX-816 & TX-802. That covers all of Yamaha's pro synth sounds for more than 20 years, plus much of their 80s sounds. There are probably more sounds you can get for the MODX or Montage than any other keyboard ever made! Your almost bound to find what your looking for. No other keyboards have retained this much file compatibility with older model synths. In summary, if your a rock player, be sure to carefully explorer the MODX as it is probably the right choice for most, unless you really only need Hammond sounds and not synth or other real iinstrument sounds. If your main thing is "making beats" as a hip hop artist, synth pop, or electronica the Fantom 0 is probably your better choice. But best to try them both out for yourself. While the MODX keybed gets a lot of hate, I prefer it to the Fantom 0 (I use the 61 key version), but both are of similar quality and work well, but not of the premium grade some people demand.

[@adamjacksonmedia]

Thank you for the informative response. I've become convinced that the Modx may be better for synth... and I've actually sold my Fantom O. I should probably update my thoughts.

[@classicarcadeamusementpark4242]

@@adamjacksonmedia For your use I'd think so.

[@UFO-Ark]

Excellent analysis. Thank you Which keyboard has best choir vocal sounds?

[@garaiss]

Thank you. Very grate comparison. Seems, that for live stage playing MODX or Dexibell, Nord or CP

[@adamjacksonmedia]

Thank you for your comment. I know this is off-topic... but you mentioned Dexibell. You don't hear of Dexibell too often... but I was looking for REAL Church/Pipe/Chapel/Tonewheel organ option. I was wanting the same sounds you'd hear in a cathedral... and the Dexibell Classico L3 is an organ I would seriously love. It's such a majestic instrument!! ❤️

[@thegerman3480]

The only winner is the consumer who has the space & money for both

[@adamjacksonmedia]

The only reason I have money is tremendous hard work and sacrifice.

[@davebassP5]

You cant charge an iPad from the MODX, unless you leave it for about 12 hours. Other than that, as an owner of both i agree with pretty much all this. I do find the MODx to sound thicker than my 06, even for the vintage sounds. I also have 3 of the expansions.

[@Grobles872]

I'm actually torn between which of these two keyboards to get. I'm looking for nice, punchy ensemble brass sounds (for latin and gospel styles), and modern leads and pads (for contemporary worship/church). Which one would you recommend for these sounds?

[@adamjacksonmedia]

I don't think you'll regret the Modx. I'm beginning to prefer some of the characteristics of the Modx.

[@cyrusalthor8583]

You look a bit like Ricky Gervais! :)

[@adamjacksonmedia]

My favourite comment 😊

[@cyrusalthor8583]

@@adamjacksonmedia Thanks! I use the Fantom 06 btw, it's pretty great. And the MODX's great great great great grandfather, the S80! :)