Yamaha Montage - How to Setup a Backing Track

Had a question about setting up a backing track on the Montage so I did a little digging in the synth to see how to do it. This is not my normal workflow, so there may be other ways to do this, this is just a way I found that works.
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[@lloydlawrence2009]

Thank-you - I've only had my MODX for 2 weeks but I need to setup up a drum beat for Church real quick and I'm still getting my head around the synth itself. You really do seem to know your way around the platform and you're able to articulate your points across really well. Top man 👌🏽

[@SoundsAndGear]

Glad to help, thanks for watching!

[@TenMilL]

Clear, concise, and to the point❤️❤️

[@SoundsAndGear]

Thanks for watching!

[@pauljohnson10100]

Thanks for this video, a great help. Now I can set drum tracks behind my music and change the scenes.

[@SoundsAndGear]

Glad to help, thanks for watching!

[@katyhubbard627]

Thank you so much for making this video that was very helpful!

[@SoundsAndGear]

Glad to help!

[@atcfisherman]

Montage is awesome. And the "bad piano sound" is not the instruments problems. It's the audio recording and KZbin sounds. Go play one and it will blow you away.

[@SoundsAndGear]

thanks for the comment

[@piotao]

Yeah man, THAT was perfectly helpful, thank you!!!

[@SoundsAndGear]

Glad to help!

[@dharmeshbalsara539]

@@SoundsAndGear how do you save this pattern? Coz when I turn off and on I see the pattern name and piano in it but the drum beat is no longer there and I have to re do it all over again.

[@HeiderSati]

Brilliant video, thank you for making it

[@SoundsAndGear]

Thanks for watching!

[@dr.greggeddins1723]

Thank you !! Very very helpful !!

[@SoundsAndGear]

Glad to help!

[@GeorgeDimopoulos]

nice upload!!!!

[@SoundsAndGear]

Thanks for watching!

[@gman4674]

Thanks great job. How can you adjust tempo of the drums? Slow it down for a ballad for example.

[@SoundsAndGear]

No problem, glad to help! You may find better settings but hopefully it give you some ideas. For tempo, you'd just adjust the main tempo of the Montage, the arp will sync to that.

[@superprim12]

Thank you!

[@SoundsAndGear]

Thanks for watching!

[@davebassP5]

Very useful, thanks for explaining it all. When you change the arp patterns (the 8 slots) do these new patterns get saved with the performance, just for that performance, and not back to the original drum performance if that makes sense?

[@SoundsAndGear]

Thanks for watching! Been a while since I messed with this, not sure on the saving.

[@electricimagesaustralia6899]

thanks for the vid!! i have a modx8 and it doesnt have the 8 arp buttons to switch through them, how would i do this on my modx?

[@SoundsAndGear]

Thanks for watching, I'm not sure but I think they should show up on the screen instead?

[@Reggmail]

Nice Vid SaintJoe. ( Your audio sounds a little low. )It took me a while to learn the Motif XS sequencer. editing and backing track implementation have never been Yamaha ''Japans'' strongest points on their keys, the older drum machines where cool. It seems that the starting stopping every time you play a note /chord should have been off by default. Yamaha sounds has always been their strongest asset. I'm keeping my XS-7 because of the sounds, plus a $2400 keyboard is now only worth between $300 to $500, ''No way No how,'' I would let it die at home first...Lol. Another great video my Brother. Peace & blessings.

[@SoundsAndGear]

Hahahaha, the XS def worth more than 500 lol. Yeah it's just an arp so not really a "backing track" by default. Yeah their sounds are def dope.

[@musikman337]

Man im trying to see if i can and how to go about playing a separate midi board connected thru my montage playing sounds from the montage thru the midi board while simultaneously playn my montage. Any tutorial u can post?

[@SoundsAndGear]

I'd imagine you can do it if you hook up a controller, it doesn't disable the Montage keyboard when you do that. I do not have a tutorial for such a setup though.

[@bioticbro]

Was wondering can you download MP3 files to the Montage? Like for instance C-Dub click tracks for Praise and Worship

[@SoundsAndGear]

Not sure, but I think you can play audio files from a USB stick.

[@elvissrsen]

Can i load patterns that i made in motif xs7 (with wave backing tracks in it) into the montage?

[@SoundsAndGear]

I'm not sure, I no longer have the Montage and never used the XS

[@quincybaker728]

I’m planning on purchasing the Montage. I would like to know if you feel the 8 is transportable for gigging, or if you feel it’s to heavy for transporting. I really like the size and weighted keys of the 8 over 7 just wondered what your thoughts are. Thanks. Helpful video tip.

[@quincybaker728]

BTW , I’ve learned if you hold the [Shift] button while pressing the [ARP] touchscreen button on the “drum part”, this sets the ARP to HOLD as well.

[@SoundsAndGear]

I'm not sure, I didn't get a chance to try the 8 and I'm not a gigging musicians. Best I can say is if you can get to a store to try one out do it. Also another option may be to look into the MODX

[@AdzzVR]

Thank you, Also is there a way to edit the tile signature or search for specific time signatures?

[@SoundsAndGear]

Thanks for watching, I haven' t used this board in a while, not sure about time signatures.

[@nique1428]

Hello. Great video. Love it. I’ve owned my montage 8 for almost year. I love it and I seem to have a difficult time adding multiple performance voices to my montage. Can you make a tutorial please???? Need help!!!

[@SoundsAndGear]

Thanks for watching! This video may help kzbin.info/www/bejne/ipDZmnWDo7iSjdk

[@nique1428]

I apologize. I did not specify. I just realized it lol. I meant adding multiple voices to the superknob. I have tried and I seem not to get it.

[@SoundsAndGear]

Ohhhhhhhhh, I'm not sure on that one.

[@nique1428]

ok thank you.@@SoundsAndGear

[@quincybaker728]

Do you suppose you can use this performance sequencer to create your own drum tracks or click tracks. You’d just use drum kits and create separate tracks and save as a User performance right?

[@SoundsAndGear]

I'm not sure, you'd have to experiment with it to see what can be done in that specific situation.

[@lancealerta]

This video was very useful! But how do you change the tempo tho??

[@SoundsAndGear]

should be a tempo parameter, no longer have this so I don't remember exactly where

[@ducruix6685]

Isn't the enter button a tap tempo

[@docsax7769]

Great tutorial..I'm not able to get the arp select bottoms to light up. Not sure what steps I am missing..pls help. Thanks

[@SoundsAndGear]

Thanks for watching. No longer have this so I'm not sure.

[@forgottenmohawks8734]

Can you simultaneously use the arp for the drums at the same time as you use a different arp pattern for the keys?

[@SoundsAndGear]

I haven't tried it, but you can have arps for multiple parts

[@wingfeathers2]

Thanks

[@SoundsAndGear]

No problem, thanks for watching!

[@gman4674]

Could you do a video using the sequencer to create a performance using a piano, bass, and maybe drum kit. A simple performance. Thanks in advance.

[@SoundsAndGear]

Sorry, I no longer have this keyboard.

[@jakdave8765]

For example I want to record something shaker to help my drummer keep to timing for worship as my drummer is always carried by songs but when I record the shaker it doesn't loop always stops pls your help will appreciated thanks

[@SoundsAndGear]

The only way I know how to loop is what I showed here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l523c4OcoLqHgrc I no longer have this to check, you may want to look on the Yamaha forums.

[@ppsayl1235]

Dude, nice work. Thanks- not sure if you're a Cubase guy, but any idea how to use Montage Connect in Cubase (and of course Montage [now 3.0]) to send ARP data from the Montage to Cubase? Been checking out Yamaha's Bad Mister posts (he's a great resource and a very talented musician/engineer), but I can't seem to find how to sent ARP audio (as opposed to MIDI) from the Montage to Cubase (10.5 Pro, BTW) using the Cubase Montage Connect VST properly. Any help, thanks. Otherwise: thank you for your KZbin content. Your Montage videos are spot on and very helpful.

[@SoundsAndGear]

Thanks for watching! I am not a Cubase user, so I'm not sure how it works. I no longer have the Montage either so can't really try it out.

[@ppsayl1235]

@@SoundsAndGear If you don't mind me asking, what did you trade the Montage for? Please don't say Kronos. Lol. Thanks.

[@SoundsAndGear]

@@ppsayl1235 I didn't trade it for anything, was just testing it out lol

[@ZforZ07]

Is there a way to map the arp buttons (1-8) to a midi pedalboard?

[@SoundsAndGear]

I'm not sure

[@Sonny789]

Hey pal is this keyboard a workstation too? How many tracks can you record together? And can it be exported and edited? Many thanks

[@SoundsAndGear]

You can checkout all the specs here - usa.yamaha.com/products/music_production/synthesizers/montage/index.html

[@rnic74]

@SoundsandGear .. I cannot find the "Arp Select" on the MODX+, any ideas? Those "Arp Select" buttons don't exist on the MODX+.

[@SoundsAndGear]

Not sure, I haven't use the MODX+, and I haven't used a Montage in a few years.

[@wingfeathers2]

At first when I got mine...the overdue or replace existing ...selection would come up...now I can't find that selection...any help?

[@SoundsAndGear]

I'm not sure what function you're referring to so I'm not sure.

[@NamzKay]

Is the montage and modx6 same system ??

[@SoundsAndGear]

Pretty much the same engine with a few differences in terms of polyphony, etc.

[@kellysharpemusic6873]

What I'm looking for is a tutorial that will show me step-by-step how to set up each scene with a different part of the song - Scene 1 = Intro, Scene 2 = verse, etc. After I record my parts for Scene 1, I go to Scene 2 and all my recordings are still there. I want a different recording in Scene 2. If you know how, could you make a tutorial? If not, could you point me in the right direction? I'm looking for anything after the 3.0 update. Thanks!

[@SoundsAndGear]

I never used it this way so I'm not sure, I'd say check the Yamaha Synth forum. I no longer have this so I can't explore it.

[@bioticbro]

I tried to play mp3 files from a usb stick but no luck. Do you have any directions on how to do this?

[@SoundsAndGear]

No, this is not something I have tried sorry.

[@AdrianDerBitschubser]

I think you can only use wav files with either 44 or 48 kHz

[@jakdave8765]

Mine is that I can not find the loop function for my recording so that it can play continuously while I play my keys with the sound/beat I created ending... This is messing me up

[@SoundsAndGear]

This may help kzbin.info/www/bejne/l523c4OcoLqHgrc

[@ashoksagaya8340]

Would u plz make more detailed video like time signature, style etc plzzzzzzzz

[@SoundsAndGear]

Not something I use

[@ashoksagaya8340]

Over montage

[@SoundsAndGear]

@@ashoksagaya8340 style, time sig, etc, I don't really get into in the sequencer. I mainly record audio into my sampler/sequencer of choice.

[@danieloliva2090]

How do I get a straight kick??

[@SoundsAndGear]

No sure what you mean

[@kierenmoore3236]

Who knew Billy Gibbons had his own keyboard preset (Pearly Gates) ... ? ;) Looks like a NASA control console. Sounds good, tho'!

[@SoundsAndGear]

Ahahaha, thanks for watching lol.

[@SoundsAndGear]

It sounds great!

[@quincybaker728]

Great vid. Can the ARP and HOLD parameters be saved as a default so that anytime you select a drum track it’s already set?

[@SoundsAndGear]

Thanks for watching, I'm not sure about the parameters being saved as defaults. Maybe if you save the patch/performance with them on it should be on when you start.

[@quincybaker728]

Thanks.

[@quincybaker728]

I wonder if there’s a global setting

[@SoundsAndGear]

I'm not sure I no longer have this in the setup it was a loaner.

[@dharmeshbalsara539]

How do you save this ?

[@SoundsAndGear]

As a performance

[@dharmeshbalsara539]

@@SoundsAndGear thanks! But i don't see it when I turn the montage on and off. Its like it doesn't get saved. Not sure if I am doing something wrong?

[@SoundsAndGear]

Sorry, I no longer have this and it has been a while since I used it.

[@ronnienichols8401]

How can I start and stop the drums/ track without using the keys?

[@SoundsAndGear]

Not sure, been a while since I used this keyboard, no longer have it. I never really used the backing track feature myself I just did it to answer a question I got.

[@ronnienichols8401]

@@SoundsAndGear ok, Thank you for the response

[@SoundsAndGear]

@@ronnienichols8401 You're welcome.

[@ZforZ07]

The drum loop cuts out while I play. Does that happen to anyone? Na how can I fix this? Thanks!

[@SoundsAndGear]

No longer have this, not sure, I'd suggest contacting Yamaha for assistance.

[@levialston9046]

can u make a goog churchy beat

[@SoundsAndGear]

I'm sure you could if you wanted to

[@levialston9046]

@@SoundsAndGear still trying to learn this keyboard shouldve kept my es7

[@SoundsAndGear]

@@levialston9046 Word

[@byrdman6752]

Does anyone other than stage musicians buy the giant keyboards anymore?

[@SoundsAndGear]

Yep lol, people who prefer using hardware over plugins

[@SoundsAndGear]

Yeah, I know many who wish it had a sequencer, I don't mind that it doesn't. Whenever I had a workstation over the years I almost never used the sequencer, it was just a sound source for me. The only one I sequenced on a little bit was the fantom (sequencer reminded me of the MV8800) but generally I would just sequence with an MPC, or some other sequencer. I guess with Montage they assume everyone will sequence with their computer these days so they just made it a powerful synth. I personally record audio from it into the MPC (or if I'm using Maschine/Live, etc, record there) But I def get why people are upset with the change. Sometimes it is cool to just zone out on the keyboard and create ideas. I think that's why Yamaha didn't call it a workstation, no sampler (though you can load samples) or sequencer.

[@californiamusic]

Yep.. we do. I have a Montage 8 (88 keybed) and am a studio musician. It's all about the Yamaha keybed.. best piano feel outside of the real yamaha grand IMO. ; )

[@SoundsAndGear]

Nice!

[@SoundsAndGear]

Studio Desk is dope! Nice!

[@Blowyourmind2020]

Fill in

[@SoundsAndGear]

Thanks for watching

[@ElectricEddieDaus]

Hey there? I have a similar question as to backing tracks. How would you set one up similar to the Preset called "DJ Montage" I believe that's the name off the top of my head? Thx ElectricEddie

[@SoundsAndGear]

Not sure

[@wingfeathers2]

Let's say you lay down a strings track...then you go back to record and want to lay down sax as an overdub... not replace the strings..but overdub...its on this machine..as the prompt came up several times but can't find it now

[@SoundsAndGear]

Yeah I'm not sure man, I don' t remember ever seeing it hahaha. I know the sequencer is pretty simple but if you've seen it then I'm sure it's in there. I just don't know where as I've never tried it.

[@wingfeathers2]

@@SoundsAndGear it's a great feature as a workstation and did it twice but now the prompt won't seem to come up

[@SoundsAndGear]

Yeah, never saw it man, I believe you, just haven't used or seen it myself.

[@SoundsAndGear]

@@wingfeathers2 Figured it out, just posted a new video on the sequencer, thanks for the question it made me dig in deeper! kzbin.info/www/bejne/l523c4OcoLqHgrc

[@JFairweather]

The next step would be how to build a song progression for the drums - verse / chorus / bridge. Required for serious live performance.

[@SoundsAndGear]

Not sure, but I know you can have multiple drum/arps that you can trigger at various times.

[@EverettDudgeon138]

SoundsAndGear I wonder...would switching scenes be able to achieve this? Having a different set of arps on different scenes?

[@radurobert1]

Motif ES was released in 2003 having 1GB of user memory . Montage is released in 2018 having only 2GB of user memory over ES. Strange right ? . With a 100$ cheap personal computer you can have 16 GB of memory if you want . But with this 4000$ synth you can't put more user memory space even if you want that . I think Yamaha are afraid to put more user memory because in such case they won't sell future products . That's why they expand only the factory library space of new products and the user memory remains limited to 1gb since Motif ES that was released in 2003 . What a tricky conspiracy to rip our money . 16 years have passed and they don't want the user to have more memory . So they avoid putting 2 ram slots (user option if he want to buy 32gb of ram or flash or not over the 1gb of factory flash) and instead they promote their new products saying that the factory sample memory was expanded from 700mb to 5 GB...etc etc . So they always maintain user memory as low as possible because they promote their new products using the factory sample memory size as marketing tactic . This way some users will buy the new flagships because they are tired of the factory sounds and only 1gb of flash user memory is a joke ...marketing tactics folks . Is not practical to load erase and reload sound banks by staying limited in 1gb....I have 50 Motif XS sound banks . But I can load only 3 or 4 and if I want to load a new one I need to erase the ones that are stored so you can have 100 banks but will be a pain to load reload for different projects ..

[@SoundsAndGear]

Seems like none of the big 3 are doing this anymore. Kronos comes with about 2, I don't think it is expandable, at least it also has an HD but I'm not sure how that determines what you can use from your personal library. Roland on the FA series doesn't have expandable memory either, it's a finite memory that you can add extra libraries into. Seems like this is the way forward for most of these keyboards now. More ram/storage would be dope. I'd prefer more flash ram or an upgradable option there so what you load is instantly available. 16, 32, 64 gb options would be dope in my opinion.

[@radurobert1]

@@SoundsAndGear If Yamaha will add the possibility of huge memory expansion they won't sell future products that well because the user will be able to upgrade his sound arsenal without the need of purchasing a new product . So they keep the user limited and they promote their new products by expanding only the factory memory . So if you need more memory and samples you need to always buy their new flagship instead of expanding the keyboard you already have . For the new flagship they will come with 10 GB of factory memory or something over this Montage so the Montage users will feel trapped thinking to upgrade to the new model ..

[@SoundsAndGear]

I don't think everyone works like though, so it wouldn't matter. Not everyone even uses samples, or wants to spend time curating their own sample library. Even when they used to sell memory expansions for the Motif, not everyone purchased them or used them. I think it just depends on the user, and simply adding expandable memory wouldn't keep everyone from buying a new product with other features that they may want. My opinion of course. I guess we'll never know though as they do not seem interested to go this route.

[@radurobert1]

@@SoundsAndGear ha ha when I had a Motif XF I was in shock when the flash was full of sound banks . It was a totally new synth with much better sounds. But I was unhappy with only 2gb

[@SoundsAndGear]

Lol I hear ya, just depends on your workflow I suppose.

[@BluesCat1980]

I hate the fact that you can't record your own patterns track by track like you used to be able to on the Motif series of keyboards. I think it was a huge mistake not to include that function on such a nice keyboard as the Montage.

[@SoundsAndGear]

I hear ya, the Montage is definitely not a workstation like the Motif series, I think that's where a lot of people get confused because it looks like the same form factor, but is focused on being a synth/instrument than an all in one workstation with sequencing and sampling.

[@liothomasart]

SoundsAndGear sad, Yamaha made weird decisions.... they could have treat it like a synth AND a workstation. This knob could have been used like a Maschine Mk3 one too...Motif or Phantom G are the best old school solutions atm. The Kronos is still the best in the same price range.

[@BluesCat1980]

@@liothomasart A workstation is everything in one. The Motif has full synth functionality.

[@SoundsAndGear]

Yeah, not sure why, but that's what they chose to do. I know many would have loved to have a traditional sequencer on the Montage.

[@wingfeathers2]

You can

[@blue.sunset]

That piano sound is horrible. I have better even in my IPad.

[@SoundsAndGear]

Cool, thanks for watching. This video isn't about the piano sound. It's simply one of the basic sounds in the board I used to show how to set something up. There's tons pianos in here, just depends on the sound you want. We all have our own tastes. Enjoy what you enjoy, I like the iPad too.

[@johnathanshuey7776]

@@SoundsAndGear - Sounds like it is the raw piano sound without it's FX loaded in.

[@SoundsAndGear]

Yep

[@ruanof7]

Thank you !

[@SoundsAndGear]

Glad to help!