Yamaha MODX6+ Honest Review

[@dilliot2k]

Cop Yours Here Yamaha MODX6+ www.zzounds.com/a--3981974/item--YAMMODX6PLUS

[@AlavonMajor]

One of the major selling points of the Montage/MODX series that isn’t spoken to enough is the fact that you can integrate them into your DAW over USB. No one really does videos on this for some reason. You get 16 stereo outputs that can be inserted into your DAW recording channels like plugins and can record all 16 in one pass..this is killer because back in the day with only maybe 2 stereo channels you’d have to record each part one at a time which took a while sometimes depending on the song. You should do a video showcasing that process and whether or not the grounding issue is applicable. Everyone always mentions the light weight and the live musician benefits but barely any deep studio demos for the producers.

[@jp4751]

You probably don't hear much because most people probably don't use that feature. They had this feature with Mlan and it was never mentioned/displayed much in videos. I do agree that having those 16 channels in one pass is great. Most people nowadays are either software based or hybrid at best. I doubt most that buy a MOD/X are getting it for beatmaking, probably more geared towards those that want a light gigging board.

[@MorrisChannel4]

That awesome! I been wanting to purchase one!

[@MorrisChannel4]

What about being able to save DAW VST banks to the Mod, can that be done?

[@jaymusik1235]

Would love to see a video on this feature spoken of here

[@FrontCoverBand]

DAMMIT man. I got 2 MODX8, one for the road and one for the Studio, and didn't notice that! I've been using the John Melas editing software in the Studio, I definitely look forward to accessing the 16 stereo outputs recording capability all in one pass feature!! You should do a video, lol

[@hal9000utube]

In my setup I had a 76keys master, a D50 synth and a case with three racks: Motif XS, a midi patchbay and an audio mixer. MODX7 allowed me to replace the case, in which cables and power supplies were already wired, 25 kg weight. On the other hand, I find that programming Yamaha is very complicated, but I am learning, because I like to be able to exploit its potential.

[@smoothscaperecords4918]

People who review these MODX keyboards should learn a little bit about how it works before reviewing. It’s way deeper than this guy understands!!!

[@ivanl.8201]

If I get super serious with music at some point, I might save up enough money for one of these. I love listening to dream pop/ambient music, and I think this synth would be phenomenal for it. Some of its deep, evolving pads could probably be tweaked & automated to a level where it would just make even a mediocre song sound absolutely outstanding.

[@HOLLASOUNDS]

Before the Akai Key 61, I seemed to be the only one saying that the modern MPCs are work stations without a keyboard.

[@tahdahwright9545]

If you buy a keyboard should be worth learning how to work it. You left out a lot of stuff this keyboard can do. The scenes are great with this keyboard

[@dnmusic07]

Good review. I've been playing keys since 1980, and have had many Yamaha keyboards, all the way back to the original DX7, and many since then. You were demoing those koto type sounds, and I was thinking that Yamaha is not real good about updating and growing their patch library. Their koto sounds like everybody else's koto, which is a very generic general midi type of sound. I would even suggest that Yamaha's basic patch set hasn't really changed very much since the original Motif, and a lot of those sounds came straight off of the EX5.

[@filipzawadzki9424]

4:31 Holy sweet, which patch is that?

[@amajorkeys]

Dope review bro💥 Glad you like the board. I wouldn’t sell my Montage, because it’s a very strong & effective board. The EPs are great, especially for the 90s, 80s sound

[@johncomeaux4951]

On those old "same thing" sounds, that might be geared at people who use these old sounds from across the world so they keep them intact, just a guess.

[@xaverk]

Let me add to your infos: The FM unit has 8 operators (DX7: 6), more waveforms than just sine wave, more algorithms and (the MODX+) 128 voice polyphony plus the vast variety of effects that the MODX offers. This is more than a TX816 on steroids! And I can confirm that the MODX sounds equally good on stage as on headphones. This is shurely not true for any other synth on the market. To be honest - who needs Koto? I play a lot of styles but never had problems to find (or program by myself) a sound that I needed in the special situation. The only weakness of the MODX 6 and 7 is a suboptimal keybed for piano players, but on the contrary I can transport my MODX 7 very easily. It is simply great.

[@pianokeyjoe]

Do you know if your Modx keyboard can assign more than ONE midi channel of FM synth sounds? Pretty much EVERY synth on the market through history, can only receive FM synth on ONE midi channel or at best, bi-timbral ala DX1. Why is that? So can this yet another synth released in modern times allow you to play FM sounds on more than one midi channel? I know some virtual analog synths that can do upto 16 midi channels of analog sounds, but FM which is far simpler to generate(ask Soundblaster about that one)never seem to be able to do 16 midi channels worth of FM sounds.. on the expensive synths that is.. My little cheap PSS480 DOES 16 midi channels and it is ONLY FM synthesis, no sample based melodic tones. It is scary this keyboard specs does NOT mention FM-X 16 midi channel multitimbral playback. Only AWM2 engine is mentioned to allow this. I think, the SY77/99 allowed it but I think I may be wrong? It was AFM+AWM2 based as well.. Can anyone confirm? No word on the net about 16 channel FM synth playback anywhere.

[@jjrusy7438]

@@pianokeyjoe have you downloaded the PDF user manual? I like to check out the manual before I buy a piece. That is a really good question.

[@tigerboy4516]

Yamaha makes so many instruments. Hopefully some one watching anf booking time in one of their studio to get the job done.

[@Maulleygxxx]

Mine will be here next week 👍🏾💪🏾

[@deepcry]

I wanted to buy this instrument, but 3.6GB RAM for the arranger? String samples on my PC have 15GB, not saying other instruments. No legato on strings etc. This can be a great stage instrument or music starter, but for music production, I would definitely go with decent PC/Mac, DAW and VST plugins.

[@ccfunk1]

I a Yamaha guy so i love the sound.

[@55olas]

Does it cut the sound when you quickly change a patch while sustaining the initial sound? Or does the change in. Patch while on sustain sounds seamless?

[@darrylday30]

Short answer: no. Long answer: yes, if you’re using sounds with more than four parts. For songs that require fast, precise and seamless sound changes, I put all the different sounds I need for a song into one big performance and use the big red scene buttons below to seamlessly swap between sounds during the song. It’s much more reliable than punching at the touch screen. The live set function puts 12 performances on screen which really helps for quick sound selection between songs when you’re in one of those bands that randomly go off the set list. I usually leave the live screen up for the whole gig, stepping through performances between songs and using the scene buttons to swap between sounds during songs. You can still swap seamlessly between typical performances during a song using the touch screen but you have to aim carefully.

[@thegerman3480]

Sounds fantastic

[@domigriffin340]

Ok I got the modx6 do u think it would be worth it to upgrade to the plus ????

[@mrthomasheder]

Nice video, thanks. How easy is the sequencer to use?

[@jesusisgod4697]

How does the GHS Keybed feel on the MODX8+? Is it very difficult to play synth solos on it?

[@ErraticFaith]

It's a substantial action and I never recommend the x8. If you're a keyboardist/synth artist use the 7 and in combination with a better orientated board for Piano. If it was the FA 08 thats different. But MODX is best as an incredibly powerful satellite.

[@madness8556]

Does the newer MODX 6 and 7 have the same crappy plasticky keyboard action that makes it feel like you're playing on one of their cheap PSR models?

[@joshuaswannmusic6462]

I want to know this as well.

[@jimmyjamz7400]

Yes the synth action keys are cheap like the psr series… unfortunately most synths out there that don’t cost 4k went to that… smh

[@madness8556]

@@jimmyjamz7400 I looked at buying a Yamaha psrx900 arranger up until I played one and the action felt like playing a cheap arse Casio! Sadly the situation is obviously no better with the MODX series and it's disappointing that a company manufacturing some of the world's finest pianos and organs stoops down to this level in order to save costs!

[@alan93]

can the sliders control other midi devices? What about key weight? I heard the modx7 is semi-weighted. What's that like?

[@darrenhirst9900]

You just link them in your daw.

[@locutz]

Not gonna lie I love the sounds though its rich ,but the question is how can you use these sounds in your daw though ?

[@The_Sonic_Oasis]

The MODX6+ has a built in interface via the USB connection, So the sounds can be sent straight to the DAW with just a USB cable. and the same applies with MIDI data.

[@juanm45]

​@@The_Sonic_Oasiscan't you also use the line outs into your audio interface? or does it have to be via the usb

[@The_Sonic_Oasis]

@@mvrl5760 yes you can use the line outs into your audio interface. If you use the USB the keyboard becomes and audio interface as well

[@FrankCrow]

How well do you think this would work along with older Yamaha XG sound modules?

[@agensop]

Does yamaha do soundpacks for this like Roland does with zencore for the fantom=0??

[@edrumsense]

Initially, I was planning to purchase the Modx+ instead of the Roland 06. However, I am currently feeling extremely unsure about the poor quality of the plastic bridge keys in the MODX, but from your camera I kind of see that those are the same keys. It is frustrating that in this day and age, a key hinge mechanism like that is still present. I find it hard to believe that even a low-cost MIDI controller priced at 100 USD can have superior keybeds with proper pivot hinges and springs. I do understand that they may be going for a cheaper montage path option, but this cheap keys in a 2000 USD keyboard is insulting.

[@williamshaneblyth]

Ah it's got 2000 plus sounds it has new koto sounds and is backwards compatible with motif board sounds

[@roberttaylor2916]

I have a motif 6 and moxf6 and Yamaha prs500 now I am interested in the new one . What can I do on this one sound wise that’s better then the ones I currently have now..

[@jamellbattle31]

Dillo what type of mic were u using in the video with Mcree?

[@demetriccauthen-no1jy]

Question i have the motif xf 6 im thinking about upgrading to modx7 plus is it worth upgrading

[@ricardodelgado9123]

Modx8+ vs Roland fantom 08.

[@Losdeorooficial]

So this MODX6+ has all the DX7 Sounds already? Like the BrTrumpet, Horns? Thanks great Video

[@darrenhirst9900]

It has the sounds from the DX7.

[@ksager123]

Thoughts on Korg krome ex?

[@thatlovejones]

Did you keep it? Were you able to update to the latest firmware easily? Mine is giving me fits to update, have followed the directions exactly, used approved USB sticks, called support, still won't update. Seller is sending me another one, but I doubt it's the keyboard, that would be too weird. I'm hoping this isn't a common issue. Mine's a 7, but that shouldn't matter.

[@ckatheman]

There is no update (yet) for the MODX+, the firmware is different from the MODX. It’s the same feature set as the current versions.

[@cdot803]

I got a Modx is it worth the upgrade in your opinion? I love using it with my MPC One 💪🏾.

[@jessieharris3915]

im trying to see the same thing and cannot find any reason to upgrade besides memory

[@FluffyAnvil]

@@jessieharris3915 FM voice polyphony is doubled as well.

[@Soundboy817]

I stopped at yamaha motif xf mainly because of the reasons you just brought up..but it’s an all round great keyboard as an addition to your Arsenal 🤷🏾‍♂️

[@The_Sonic_Oasis]

That XF is crap heavy though. 62 Pounds is no joke when you need to move around.

[@jp4751]

Yep, I stopped at the XS. 😆 I actually see major artists still playing Motif Classics/ES's on stage. We all know that Vintage 74"and R&B Soft been in there forever!!! Roland is kind of the same from JV-XV-Fantom-Integra, etc, a lot of similar bread and butter sounds.

[@aresoltero]

While memories are cheaper and faster than ever, workstation manufacturers refuse to utilize all the possibilities offered by modern sampling methods for maximum expressiveness and accuracy, especially for natural sounds. Even at the level of physical modeling, they remain stuck in the era of the VL1 or the Prophecy, while companies like Swam or Musical Sampling have achieved results that we had never imagined. The pursuit of mere commercial popularity cannot always be the excuse. Once, workstation manufacturers led their era and drove the discovery of new musical genres. Today, they settle for merely following, usually unsuccessfully, musical trends.While memories are cheaper and faster than ever, workstation manufacturers refuse to utilize all the possibilities offered by modern sampling methods for maximum expressiveness and accuracy, especially for natural sounds. Even at the level of physical modeling, they remain stuck in the era of the VL1 or the Prophecy, while companies like Swam or Musical Sampling have achieved results that we had never imagined. The pursuit of mere commercial popularity cannot always be the excuse. Once, workstation manufacturers led their era and drove the discovery of new musical genres. Today, they settle for merely following, usually unsuccessfully, musical trends.

[@makethisfood8574]

Maybe you should build your own Talk Box presets full of different sounds for Talk boxers to use I don't think anyone has ever done that 🤯I'm going to need 5% of each sale though 💯🤔🤑

[@jackprice7828]

How does the semi-weighted key bed feel?

[@dilliot2k]

It's good. Not to expensive. Very playable

[@ckatheman]

I like mine too. Replaced a Roland FA06, which had the worst keybed of all time 😊 it’s not FSX good, but still fine

[@makethisfood8574]

Moog Sub 37 Talk Box patch video 🙏

[@GerenM63]

Nice commentary. You hit a couple of my feelings about Yamaha in general, especially around the 3:50 mark and a little after, and that's Yamaha's reliance on some things, both tech and samples, they've been trotting out for 30 years or more. Don't get me wrong: Yamaha's making really good stuff, and they've kind of earned a bit of right to rest on their laurels, but I see keyboards like this as being much more evolutionary than revolutionary -- I mean, really, if the UI tech had been available in 1989 when Yamaha debuted AWM2, this is what the SY77 would have been. About the your comments on whether or not the MODX+ would be a good choice for someone who's already got a great workstation, you're probably right -- unless you're getting old and decrepit like me, and dragging a 40-60lb keyboard in a heavy case around to gigs is getting to be a chore. I'm currently in the Korg camp, and love my Kronos 2. But man, it's heavy! And, I really don't use anywhere near all of its power on a gig. From Korg, I honestly wouldn't want anything less than a Kronos at this point for a covers gig. But the MODX+ (and now, the new CK series) is really intriguing as a more manageable gigging instrument. In fairness, I also recognized that the Kronos is also a collection of nothing new, encompassing recreations of Korg technology going back decades. So, don't crucify me on that, 'k? 😉 Cheers!

[@ErraticFaith]

Hit the gym! I am a tiny Asian lady (for what it matters) and carry Kronos 2 88/Nord Stage and others around easily. They aren't prohibitive. I used to walk over a mile and a half to school with Korg Triton Extreme strapped on my back. Today; you people are spoiled. And the Kronos 2 is a legend. Always will be. Perspective is a wonderful thing.

[@GerenM63]

@@ErraticFaith Good for you. I’m glad you can still carry your Kronos. However, after multiple back injuries and spinal surgery, simply “hitting the gym” is not an option for me - it would do more harm than good. I know that I’m not the only player in similar condition.

[@danreavey2062]

I gig with a Triton Extreme 61 as a top board. Can’t imagine ever carrying it on my back though. Interested in an MODX6+ or Roland Fantom 06 as a lighter, better sounding workstation. I’ve had the Triton for almost twenty years and the only things that are better compared to trickle down boards, are keybed, onboard power supply and build.

[@MentalBlue]

you know ...

[@diampc99]

The mic is the way

[@giovannimarcomarco1918]

resample the koto ??? 😆 who cares about that

[@Georgemdb]

Only a guy who searching for negatives lol , when have a great machine and dont know how is working :)

[@BRJHA80]

I just recent bought a modx 7+ and I'm still trying to get the hang of the sequencer. It is the most complex sequencer compare to other keyboard workstations Ive had in the past.

[@billwatcher9321]

Try a Roland product. My Juno-DS has all of the same exact sounds as my 20 year old Roland keyboard. Roland hasn't done ANY improvement to there sounds in 20 years. They just keep regurgitating the same old crappy sounds. This is why I just bought a MODX6+.

[@joldschool64]

Its all a matter of opinion .

[@ripsniff9742]

"Same thing" edit the sounds man 😊

[@shivercanada]

Yeah I’ll pass. Yamaha always disappoints me over and over. The sound may be pretty good but 1 to 2 gigs of sampling? Are you kidding me? You can buy a 64 gig USB drive for under $30. If not less they couldn’t put 64 gigs of Sample memory in an expensive keyboard? Bad move, I’m getting the AKAI MPC key 61 or the Roland Fantom thank you very much.

[@kevinbirge2130]

Not gonna lie, I have a cheap Casio that could stand-in for some of these sounds.

[@darrenhirst9900]

Not all the sounds are good a lot are old.

[@alexlifeson8946]

Those old pan flute sound is totally useless

[@darrenhirst9900]

And why are they?

[@bjornkreuze7423]

I just made 3 albums with it 😮😊