Yamaha Montage M: Sequencer - Detailed Overview - YES!!! It Has A Sequencer!

[@fernandoborstmann]

12:48 ABS stands for Audio Beat Sync, it's the function that kind of "guess" the tempo based on the AD input

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

Thanks for the info! And thanks for watching! I'm working on a followup video for the sequencer.

[@JacobAndJamal]

When I think sequencer, I think of something like the Yamaha motif or RS 7000. As in one through 16 buttons, track one drums ,track two bass, track three keyboard, and so on with the ability to arrange those loops into sections like intro verse chorus . Modern Day equipment seems to have regressed compared to older equipment, which clearly stated that you could create an entire song with one device. 🤔

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

What you describe is exactly what this keyboard has.

[@JacobAndJamal]

@@JuliusDeBerryJr awesome thank you so much 🤩

[@Sagittarius-88]

This board is an absolute unit. Great in depth review of the sequencer. The amount of features this thing has is quite something, and from what I've heard, the sound quality is top notch. RIP my tax return. I do believe this is the one.

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

Thanks for the kind words! Yes it is pretty nice. I think they did a great job with it! Still a few desirable things, but it's cool 😎 either way!

[@ckatheman]

The biggest issue is the lack of visual/piano roll and better arrangement tools. Even the Roland FA series had a linear measure view.

[@NightOrchids]

Totally agree with you.. Yamaha programs fully functional linear and step Sequences into their boards since the Motifs, but theyre almost like an afterthought because they dont advertise them or talk about them, or even bother giving them some amount of space in the manual.., yet theyre good sequencers, pushing Cubase AI. on us instead, but what yamaha cant or refuse to grasp is not all musicians and composers like to be powering up, rigs or use time consuming DAWS all the time when writing.. but this is thing about yamaha, unlike Korg... .. Yamahas gear support like Manuals, instruction videos, support forums with devs is very very poor,

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

@NightOrchids what type of videos would you like to see on the montage?

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

@princecynebaldEl3164 sorry that's not correct information. You can connect the Fantom to a computer via USB (audio interface) and record all 16 STEREO (technically 32 tracks) over USB to the DAW. So there is no need to export individually or together. You can take your finished tracks (mixed or not) and record them directly to the DAW. That's an incredible tool. Ableton's clip based sequencer is a very powerful and popular tool these days. You can definitely go linear. Just increase the numbers of measures within a clip. But even if you don't want to do that, songs are made up of sections. Linear vs pattern is just a technicality. You can move linearly WITHIN a pattern. Easy

[@NightOrchids]

@@JuliusDeBerryJr it would be nice if yamaha made instruction video manuals in a similar vein to korgs, for all their boards, just 20 - 30 minutes getting started or basic outline videos, especially for their sequencers.. Just to give a bigger overall network , but yamaha seem as if they just push devices out without any after care

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

@NightOrchids what would you like to see specifically? I can do some videos

[@matthewwhitaker4849]

Wow! Really cool features on here. Thanks so much for making the video. Would love to see more videos on this keyboard. Keep up the great work.

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

There's more on the way!

[@88mokeyz8k]

I am looking forward to you building a Song!

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

Yeah that's going to be a fun video. Lol

[@joonglegamer9898]

Thanks for this tutorial. I was like, okay the Montage M now has an Audio Track recorder? It can record audio? And then just "Because" I tried that on my old Yamaha Montage that I bought second hand 3 years ago, and your tutorial worked on my old Montage as well. I was blown away, I've been able to record audio tracks ALL THIS TIME and never knew about it, lol...I'm a little embarrased now.

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

Don't be embarrassed. !!! Gotta dig.. our boards offer way more than people really know. I'm glad this helped. Stay connected for more Montage education related content. !!!

[@TIMOTHYCook-z4l]

Very good tutorial.

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

Thank you very much. A follow-up is coming very soon.

[@trstack]

Simple, easy to follow tutorial....keep 'em coming...

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

More to come! Thanks for watching!

[@ripvanwink9699]

Just came across your YT channel… excellent instructions/info! Subbed. I’ll look forward to seeing more of your info coming! Thank you!

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

Hello! I appreciate that VERY MUCH! I look forward to continuing to provide info that you find useful! Stay connected!

[@niellseen]

Nice video about sequencing in Montage , I would like to see a video about extern midi workflows with external hardware synth and in my case with Logic Pro for iPad , I guess it could be a killer combo 😊

[@mrdali67]

47 min of just talk and NO action .. 😵

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

Hi Neil. I'll be sure to add that to the upcoming content! Stay connected!!!

[@TeleporterM11]

This was a very helpful video. I subscribed. Could you do a video on the interface software for the computer. Thanks.

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

I'm planning to buy unfortunately the plugin won't authorize on my computer. No help from Yamaha yet. I was actually told that their support team hasn't even gotten their hands on the plugin yet.... They have been no help at all. I contacted them the day after it was released I think. I was told it would be 24-48 hours before I got a response. I didn't get one so I followed up. They apologized but still didn't have any answer.

[@TeleporterM11]

@@JuliusDeBerryJr I saw a video on KZbin that says customers were having trouble with it communicating to the workstation. I am planning on getting the Yamaha M6. Do a update video when you get the software fixed. Thanks

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

@TeleporterM11 my computer will connect to the computer. they made an update to the update. But my computer itself won't authorize the plugin. It won't even come up as selectable in logic.

[@TeleporterM11]

@@JuliusDeBerryJr I build PCs now and then. I would try updating the Mac OS, but that is probably already up to date or set on automatic. Did you try the correct usb port on the back of the keyboard. Also try a different usb cord. The one that came with the unit usually works best. I know how technical it can get I own a Roland Fantom. Maybe it needs your internet open while you’re opening it. Does the Keyboard have Wi-Fi.?

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

@TeleporterM11 hmmmm. I assumed it was nothing to do with the keyboard. I thought the plugin would run stand alone... With that said it is saying the plugin isn't authorized even though authorizer says it is. 😆. Does it not run in stand alone? The au authorization thing in logic and reason both send it back as invalid.

[@philmagnotta5553]

The other choice...A/D ABS is for the rear-mounted input called A/D in or Analog-to digital converter which listens to peaks from actual audio and will sync according to the program material or musician playing, provided they are supplying a usable beat

[@yamahamotifxs]

There have been complaints about the Montage sequencer in the past, but in my opinion you can do anything you want with it. The songs can also be recorded in parts, which can be done by linking the 8 Scenes in order, or if the Measures value is set to the maximum 256, it also ensures continuous recording. I was able to do the things I wanted to edit, so the editing can also be solved. The Super Knob can also affect many things, for example, to fade out all 16 Tracks of the song at the same time, or even a specific track. The best thing for me is that we can save more settings in 8 Scene. The 16 adjustable instruments can be the same in all 8 Scenes, but the currently used sounds, Split settings, Solo, MUTE settings of instruments can be set differently in all 8 Scenes. This is useful if you need a different Split setting for a specific part of a song. For example, Scene 1 Piano+Strings, Scene 2 Pad+ Guitar, Scene 3 Strings+ Saxophone, etc. Since Scene 1-8 can be set in order with the Scene Chain function, these Scene changes are automatically changed together with the split settings of the instruments, so there is no need to switch the Scene buttons. This is useful, because when playing music you only have to concentrate on playing, not on switching the buttons in time while playing. You also have to switch with the Roland Fantom, which is not good, because you have to reach across the keyboard, and if you time it wrong, the game will be inaccurate. As far as I know, Kronos and Nautilus can switch song sections (Split, MUTE, SOLO) in such a way that you have to switch from one song to another manually in the Set List. What I mean by this is that the song is the same, but the Split settings of the song parts are different, and if I switch manually while the song is playing, the song played in the sequencer remains continuous, it does not stop. As far as I know, Kronos cannot do this automatically. I have Nautilus, but the principle of operation is the same. The other thing is that Montage M instruments are already recorded with their own effects in the sequencer, while in Kronos the effects are either added manually or by adding Copy Program. I think it's a big step up from the traditional sequencer that was used in Kronos. Both are great instruments, but the Montage M offers a faster workflow when you want to create a song. ​

[@judsonchristudas]

Still not a workstation as Motif XF. Yamaha knows this, hence Yamaha call Montage a Synthesizer.

[@ryananderson8174]

So this montage doesn't actually have an onboard sequencer like the original Motif ES? It seems like it does. Any help would be appreciated man. Thanks

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

This is the same sequencer that was in the motif classic, es, xs, & xf.

[@judsonchristudas]

@@JuliusDeBerryJr Super wrong!

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

What do you mean? It does have the pattern based sequencer.

[@judsonchristudas]

Can't agree with you. Sorry! You said its the same sequencer as Motif XF and I said NO and here's why. The Motif XF sequencer is divided into two related parts: a 16-track looping Pattern sequencer and a related 16-track linear Song sequencer. These both work based on a one instrument per track paradigm. Each track is assigned a single Part, each Part represents a different instrument in your virtual ensemble. Each track is assigned a MIDI channel and all communication to an instrument takes place on that single channel. The Montage sequencer is a single linear 16-track song structure. However, the architecture of Montage allows that more than one Part can make up an instrument, so often the one instrument per track paradigm may not apply. Each track is still assigned a single Part, it is just that one playable instrument program may contain multiple Parts. And those Parts interact in a number of new ways. The Montage MIDI sequencer can be described as a "direct Performance recorder"... It is designed to record your Montage performing, which by its nature can/will be necessarily different from what you encountered on the Motif XF. And while a track still records either your playing, direct, or it records the output of an arpeggiator, it is also documenting all the interactions between Parts, as well. There is Voice, Waveform, and Arpeggio compatibility between the Motif XF and Montage (meaning they will load into the Montage), and sequences exported as SMF (Standard MIDI Files) can be ported over, but for your XF data to work in the Montage you will perhaps need to limit your selection to Single Part programs. The "Full Concert Grand" is a single Part, 8 Element stereo grand piano. The Montage's "CFX Concert" is a four Part, 18 Element stereo grand piano. The Montage is clearly built to be a Music Synthesizer, documenting your performance can be done quickly and easily right on board. That quick documentation of your musical inspiration is an important common request among synth users. That recording of data can reference CLOCK (whether you record MIDI to the internal sequence recorder or you document your playing direct to a USB drive as audio)... Meaning you can easily export your inspiration to your favorite DAW where you can continue your work. Much of what you perform on Montage is best captured as Audio - thus the very robust 32-bus audio outputs available to record your Montage music, built-in, ready to rock. Every Part, including the A/D Input Part can have its own dual Insertion Effects. Individual drums from any drum kit can routed to their own discreet audio output. Montage is an instrument much like the acoustic piano is a musical instrument... Just add a digital, clockable, musical recorder that allows you to document your performance and you have it. The Montage is not a standalone Music Production system like Motif XF (with its Integrated Sampling Sequencer) where Patterns are built into Chains, and then converted to a linear Song. At this price point we've found overwhelming use of computer DAWs as the "best tool" for the job of recording. The focus of Montage was to deliver a powerful music synthesizer that can be as big as your musical imagination, in many ways it's bigger than the MIDI channel that is trying to contain it. You'll see that new production opportunities aplenty exist within this synth engine. As you begin to study some of the factory Performances (there are no Preset Performances, they are all just suggestions) you see that they are often complete through-composed compositions or are the basis for being the instrumental bed of a composition. "Motion Control" offers players a completely new set of musical parameters to play with, and new workflows and methods are beginning now. That tag line about a "new era", is true for the hardware synthesizer, no doubt. The Montage will be able to output its multiple Part Performances as MIDI in two modes: MIDI I/O mode MULTI - where each Part is output on a separate MIDI channel (as you are probably familiar) MIDI I/O mode SINGLE - where a Multi-Part program is output on a single MIDI channel Each has itS use when recording to a computer DAW. As the synth is likely just one instrument in the target recording, integrating your musical instrument to the studio is something every musician needs to approach... This is true whether you're a keyboardist, guitar player, or tympani is your main axe. If you ever tried to record multiple Parts of the Motif XF to an external DAW, you earned a MIDI Jedi Merit Badge in the process. Playing Multiple Parts, simultaneously, is a big kick, a big jump start to synthesizer composing... Just wait til you see what's on offer in the Montage to jump start your compositions. Yes, a computer is the target studio recorder for external parts, but neither a guitar, piano, nor a tympani can record external things either... To make the Montage as powerful as it is, we had to break the all-in-one-box thing open, and set the Montage free to be a powerful musical instrument.

[@davlippo7]

Some of what you are showing like editing midi information I'm betting will be much more simplified when the softsynth M is released.

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

I'm wondering what the actual interaction will be like since you will be able to use the softsynth independent of the keyboard.

[@williamcarnelosso3620]

Helo, Yamaha Montage M8x Has an mp3 player?

[@taichibluestudios9418]

Great presentation Julius. Thanx for the great detail! I would like to know what's the maximum sequencer memory (total number of notes that can be held in all 128 patterns) and does the pattern/song mode have an event list that can be edited? But good job!

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

Thanks for the kind words!!!! I'll check into the max number of notes. I have not seen an event list yet.

[@ryananderson8174]

So basically yamaha listened to everyone who were disappointed that the first montage didn't have an onboard sequencer? Am I correct that this keyboard has an onboard sequencer reminiscent, nearly identical to the original Motif ES8? It seems like it but any verification would be greatly appreciated.

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

Yes. The pattern based sequencer. And the original montage had the same thing. Thanks for watching!

[@ryananderson8174]

@@JuliusDeBerryJr Awesome. I was one montage to early. I purchased the original montage 8 thinking it had the onboard sequencer and was sadly wrong. Now I'm selling it for 3k and will probably buy this version. This is great, thanks man.

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

@ryananderson8174 the original montage DOES have the same sequencer. They added it in an update.

[@ryananderson8174]

@@JuliusDeBerryJr oh interesting. Yeah I gave up on the original montage after like a year or so of waiting. Working with DAW's wasn't for me during that period. Is the interface as easy to use as the montage M8x? Which one do you prefer for sequencing, updated montage or montage m? I appreciate you getting back to me, very nice, man 👍

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

@ryananderson8174 no problem. I never owned the original montage. It didn't catch my attention at all.... Was never even on my radar period. Lol. But if you are just buying it for the sequencer, then you'll probably be happy with the original.... Or even one of the motifs. FYI.... For clarity, it's a pattern based sequencer.

[@Khordmaster]

Dude appreciate this! Going to watch this post haste!

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾

[@kalinmirchev]

Weirdly, you left off the Play FX, which IMO is the best feature in this sequencer, all the non-destructive awesomeness that you can apply on each track, without ruining your recorded data, it's worth noting!

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

That's an inaccuracy? Or an ommission? I did note at the beginning that I was mainly centering around things that I'd traditionally use in the sequencer. But the video also got long, so I figured I could go back and talk about some other things. I didn't talk about arps either.

[@kalinmirchev]

@@JuliusDeBerryJr Omission, of course. It would be worth it to add it to the next video you make, using Play FX for nondestructive MIDI editing is really a huge thing.

[@taichibluestudios9418]

The video was long enough., If he had gone into Play FX, Song Mode, etc it would have been a couple of hours. My guess is he'll get to that stuff when he has time :-)

[@kalinmirchev]

To be honest, this video made me reevaluate the pattern sequencer in Montage(M)/MODX(+) and there are a lot of features in it I have overlooked. I am a Cubase guy, so I rarely need or use my MODX as a workstation, but it's good to keep in mind that it has a lot of potential, should I need it. It's also worth noting that there are some inaccuracies here and there (not only those addressed by subtitles in post-production), but anyway, it's great that you brought attention to the matter.

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

Reevaluate it in a good way or a bad way? If you'd please be so kind as to let me know what the inaccuracies are. You can email me or post them here. Thanks!

[@philmagnotta5553]

if your using the keyboard to record patterns, you must be using INTERNAL as sync...not MIDI because MIDI means you are synced to an external MIDI clock device.

[@khayree]

Thank you! Pt 2! Pt2!!!?

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

👀👀👀

[@Tigerex966]

Yamaha needs to add a cubase sequencer lite to the montage . This can be game changing and its only weak point

[@taichibluestudios9418]

This pattern sequencer + song sequencer + tight integration with Montage M is already better than any Cubase lite sequencer. The real problem is Yamaha tried to sell the Montage as a synthesizer only and was originally trying to force musicians to sequence in Cubase (fortunately they were forced to add a pattern sequencer to the montage). Yamaha should just make the Montage a full workstation synthesizer and stop trying to force musicians to use computer based daws

[@Tigerex966]

@@taichibluestudios9418 believe it or not that's my points, the cubase name is legendary I think Yamaha should improve the montage sequencer and call it cubase on the montage. Not computer. Adding many of the editing mixing drum grid screens for truly a all in one workstation. And they might just do that as they are adding a montage m plugin for owners this summer.

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

I wonder why people insist on using keyboard sequencers now... It seems like a computer would be the much more powerful and flexible option.

[@Tigerex966]

@@JuliusDeBerryJr people who spend $4500 on a keyboard want an all in one creation tool that can sequence exceptionally well without a computer... Yamaha of course owns cubase and wants you to buy a never ending licence for that dongle we don't trust you and give us money for life for future update earnings.

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

Yeah I don't feel that's true at large... Maybe to an extent but within my circle of musicians and people within the church community, they are not using keyboard sequencers for tracking. They are spending 4500$ on sounds, keybed, and a control surface. There is an extremely specific demographic that uses sequencers on keyboards. It's a small sample size of the whole, but still a very important one.

[@aalamood]

Im sure Yamaha Montage is very good keyboard, but the sequence on Roland Fantom way easier and more logical as user interface to work with, but it is may be just a matter one what you used to work with

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

Definitely boils down to preference.

[@TheEdwin73]

no steptime (TR-drum machine style) sequencher yet?, just as the regular montage, thats to bad because those 16 green buttons on the right could be used as such...oh wel just use cubase then, or some hardware sequencher instead.

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

Every keyboard won't have everything.... Not even necessary to have EVERYTHING under one roof. People act like they can (or will) only buy one machine. We all know that's not true. Lol. Use it for what it's good for them get something else to fill the gaps!! Win win! 💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾

[@krzysztofgaweda4840]

This is sequencer? . Thank you .

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

Yes. I have a follow-up video coming today will demonstrate it a little better.

[@miekwavesoundlab]

I own Motif XF, can Montage M playback my patterns section A-P and 5 mute memory toggle buttons?

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

I could not get it to play my patterns.

[@clockspeed-nu4kj]

THANKS

[@mucy2807]

Looking forward to this - getting one of these next year 😍👍🏻

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

Great!!!! I really hope this gives you a clear picture of what the sequencer has and doesn't have! Enjoy!

[@demuntresmith6666]

That board is nice

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

Definitely

[@alexlifeson8946]

What's a pattern?

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

Hi Alex! Thanks for taking the time to watch my content. I appreciate it. A pattern is just another word for a section or part of a song/music.... It can be looped indefinitely or a certain number of times.

[@plutostube]

easy to use sequencer as always :))))) for 3.5k

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

Definitely!

[@ashfaqazad8132]

Can you edit midi notes?

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

Yes, to an extent.

[@DrGargani]

although it is nice to have complete control over every single aspect of the sequencer, there are far too many steps here before you can start laying down your tune. I think they went a bit overboard and complicated it way more than they had to....as usual, of course, Julius, you break it down as best as possible, but really, to take 45 minutes to explain set up without even being able to construct any part of the song is going to scare off some people. For people hoping that the manual will clear things up, they are in for a surprise: the operations manual is NOT in PDF format, and it is this totally confusing set of constant clicking on one thing after another to open up one thing or the other! Really, the manual is a living nightmare to navigate!!

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

45 minutes was just to explain every part of the sequencer. It wouldn't take any time at all to begin recording. Nowhere near that! This was just an in depth overview to show people that the sequencer is here and what options are available within it. You can start laying down a song with very few steps. Please stay tuned for a follow up video showing me record a small piece of music.

[@taichibluestudios9418]

Dude he showed at the beginning of the video that you could just press record at any point and it would bring you into the recording process immediately. The long video was Julius doing a deep dive into the parameters and screens

[@DrGargani]

Julius, I would love for you to comment on the online manual....@@JuliusDeBerryJr

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

Comment as far as what specifically?

[@DrGargani]

@@JuliusDeBerryJr the chaotic layout of the manual.....instead of being in a page by page, sequentially, PDF format, it requires pushing one button after another to get to what you want....when it is in PDF format, you can just select certain pages you want for printing.....

[@chriscopeman8820]

Why is it so much harder to delete stuff? It happens all the time.

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

What do you mean?

[@chriscopeman8820]

@@JuliusDeBerryJr Apologies for being vague. When I started using Mac products I could create new notes but not delete old ones. It happened with Arturia presets and other computer stuff. Did you figure out how to delete sequences on the montage m?

[@jithinjoseph1057]

This is so expensive here in india😮..

[@clockspeed-nu4kj]

bro!!!! make a beat!!!!!

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

I just may do that. Thanks for checking out the video. Stay connected! More to come!

[@clockspeed-nu4kj]

thanks, I know your a rnb guy but I need you to make a hiphop beat.

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

@clockspeed-nu4kj I'm honestly a gospel guy. But I can do RnB stuff. I've done rap production before too. It's been a while, but I have some stuff. Just curious, by why do you need me to make a beat? Just to see it done, or are you actually looking for production for your own music?

[@clockspeed-nu4kj]

@@JuliusDeBerryJr people want to see production done. especially using the montage new keyboard. montage just updated their operating system for pattern mode. if your just into making sounds that's cool. but people want to see production also..

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

@clockspeed-nu4kj cool thanks. I'm not really that kind of channel, but I have done some sequencing tutorials on how to use the machine. But we will see. I'm not saying I can't or won't. I definitely appreciate the suggestions from the audience! 💪🏾. By the way, the OS has been updated for pattern mode all the way back to the first gen montage. But yeah, I'll definitely look into making some production videos.

[@axelmaldini4218]

garbage from the 90's

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

What do you need it to do that it doesn't do?

[@JacobAndJamal]

When I think sequencer, I think of something like the Yamaha motif or RS 7000. As in one through 16 buttons, track one drums ,track two bass, track three keyboard, and so on with the ability to arrange those loops into sections like intro verse chorus . Modern Day equipment seems to have regressed compared to older equipment, which clearly stated that you could create an entire song with one device. 🤔

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

Same ability here on this board. Easy