Yamaha Montage M8x: 3 Sonic Engines & Endless Worlds of Sound

Shop the Yamaha Montage M8x 88-key synthesizer 👉 sweetwater.sjv.io/Yamaha_Mont...
For decades, Yamaha’s innovative work in sound design, synthesizers, and keyboards has led to the creation of some of the world’s most exciting, interesting, and popular music, with legacy synths like the DX7 virtually defining an entire era. Yamaha’s years of expertise have been masterfully distilled with the long-awaited successor to the Montage gauntlet: the Montage M8x. Boasting 88 keys of fully weighted GEX action, a 5-section ribbon controller, three distinct sound engines, and polyphonic aftertouch, the M8x is a synthesizer with expressive possibilities that are matched only by the near-limitless sound design opportunities. Blake Angelos from Yamaha stopped by Sweetwater to give us an in-depth look at the M8x, including the all-new AN-X engine, new performance controls, cutting-edge sound modeling, and much more. Check it out!
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#Sweetwater #Yamaha #Montage #M8x #Keyboard #Synthesizer

[@sweetwater]

Which features in Yamaha’s Montage M8x synth have caught your eye? Tell us in the comments what you’re excited to use in your writing and recording. Then, head over to Sweetwater for an up close and detailed look at the Montage M8x 88-key synthesizer from Yamaha 👉 sweetwater.sjv.io/Yamaha_Montage_M8x

[@rolandrd1000s]

what's the weight of the 88 keys version?

[@JMMinistries]

In My Honest Opinion as Someone who has been playing and touring with the Montage since its Release back in 2016 I’m a bit disappointed with this release! 😢 I was really hoping for Added Hardware Features Like Bluetooth Audio Streaming For Practicing, Bluetooth MIDI To connect To Other Devices Wirelessly. WiFi For Updating Software / Firmware Easily without the need of a Computer or USB. Also Dual or Stereo XLR / 1/4 in Combo Inputs Jacks for a Microphone 🎤 & XLR Balanced Outputs! Also a dedicated USB Audio Knob like on the MODX & MODX+. This seems more like a Software update at Most. I’ll stick with my OG Montage for another 7-8 years or until Yamaha gets it right or what the actual customers want!

[@judsonchristudas]

Nothing exciting to be frank. This is already a flop product as they have no POLY-AFTERTOUCH on M6 & M7. Poor implementation by Yamaha.

[@jerryKJose]

There is nothing exciting aesthetically to catch out eyes…! Utter waste

[@Synthshop]

​@@judsonchristudasTrue, anyone interested in the "new" AN1X is gonna want poly aftertpuch on the semi-weighted keyboards for fast playing typical of analog leads, etc. No poly aftertouch on the 61 or 76 versions is a deal-breaker. What is Yamaha thinking ??

[@fabricetimo2378]

The ANX engine with the Polyphonic After Touch sounds great. I can’t wait to get its feel.

[@SynthgodXXX]

Very nice! The sample memory upgrade is excellent for my synthesizer sample packs I've made for the MODX & original Montage! The M looks sexy!

[@synth.s]

I like everything about it. I can't wait for my MX8 to get shipped tomorrow from Sweetwater. Hopefully, I'll receive it by this weekend .I wish It would come in white, that means I have to wait another year to buy my second one in white!!

[@park171]

This sounds great, i wonder how complicated the midi routing and sound file system is?

[@calebrabion]

I always look forward to Mr. Angelos' videos for new Yamaha keys.

[@andremack1580]

And the sounds on here are immaculate. But what really has my attention is that new ANX engine. I am so jealous

[@simbaking6338]

Cant waiit to try out one of these.

[@TheIrrationalist]

This seems incredibly awesome. I'm drooling. 🙂

[@JKVisFX]

Very cool, almost everything I wanted in this new version. However, never going to be able to afford it. However, the plugin version is very exciting to me. Any word on if the plugin will be made available as a separate product? Also, you mentioned a VST. I sure hope there is an AU version too since my principle DAW is Logic.

[@revp01]

Thanks for this Montage M introduction, Blake. I was not a fan of the original Montage & MODX but with this Montage M (and the workflow of their CK series) Yamaha has really gotten my interest. majorly. Montage M8X just may become my main instrument, especially since there will be a full VST3i version of it as well. Well done, Yamaha. You have my won my keyboard/synth respect. ❤😊🎉

[@dominicisidore]

The news about the VST3 is REALLY exciting! I can’t wait!!

[@jorjajorjan3863]

There is a vst or not?

[@mathieuroehm8107]

Cant wait to get one of these.

[@danwentz]

Poly aftertouch and the endless encoders, more synths need both of these features.

[@danielortizdecaracas]

sounds really impressive

[@josephbecerra9211]

Dude that thing is a monster

[@joseluishernandezseptien]

Wow! Finally! I love my Yamaha Montage 6, the M8x is exciting! The two screens, polyphonic aftertouch, the future Montage M plugin and the SOUND really make it a great upgrade from the previous generations.

[@priscilab8758]

Yeah I cant wait to play this new montage

[@jerryKJose]

There is no after touch for 61 and 76 models

[@joseluishernandezseptien]

@@jerryKJose there is channel aftertouch in the 61 and 73, however it is not polyphonic aftertouch

[@ablesam]

@@jerryKJose There is aftertouch on M6 and M7, just not polyphonic.

[@JuliusDeBerryJr]

How is 5.67gb doubled equal to 9.97gb?

[@ccfunk1]

The rich warmth of Yamaha's Montage can't not be compared. too bad i can't afford one.

[@Digiphex]

If I was in charge of this project it would have a CS-80 model and a full ribbon as the Hydrasynth has, RM1X groovebox features and sampling and with that would crush a Fantom. As it is, it is for church organists mostly and ignores a huge DJ and home musician market.

[@joebrewer4529]

I think products have become less innovative

[@s.kxx1956]

Like kurzweil k2700

[@MIKEMOKRONOS]

I love it

[@PianoManPaul]

Well, leave it to Yamaha to improve on ... PERFECTION -- beautiful!! ONE day ... I'll have this 88 key MX! (I'll be trading up my Montage8 for it of course!!) 🎹🎹🎹🎹🎹🎹🎹

[@thefool2007]

This is an incredible feat with synthesizers- multi engine, insane polyphony, and a gorgeous UI. Expensive- but industry leader (the new standard) and professional grade to the max. Sounds top shelf. I wish they would have equipped all the Montage M models with poly aftertouch (channel is so outdated). Otherwise, nice job, Yamaha. You made the CS-80 (or Jupitar 8) of today. Those screens are a thing of beauty.

[@andreievkalupniek5717]

Poly aftertouch is a great addition. But Yamaha really needs to add a proper piano engine with String Resonance, Pedal resonance and Pedal noise controls. The samples sound beautiful but I can hear these things are missing.

[@Jason75913]

Stage performers don't care, that's why they are missing in all the keyboards that keyboardists use. If you are performing with one of those portable digital pianos with such extra features, good for you, but you are almost unique in that.

[@andreievkalupniek5717]

@@Jason75913 I think some do, considering the success of Nord Stage and pianos. Like many people I am performing with a Nord Stage 4 that has these things. I just wish Yamaha paid more attention to this since they are also traditionally a great acoustic piano company.

[@panutalus]

@@Jason75913 Stage performers are using a lot of Nords having realistic piano with string resonance etc.

[@theclaverman]

@@Jason75913All Nord Stages has string resonance, dynamic pedal noise built into their samples…it really makes a difference

[@christopherpederson1021]

You can always buy VSL synchron and control it from the Montage. Better have a good computer with a lot of memory cause they are heavy CPU hogs

[@Enice43]

Yes I want one😊

[@RickJohnson]

Excited to try it, but my Montage 7 doesn't get enough use as it is.

[@lamayciahackett3635]

Nice update, however this beast will not be cheap, question is getting the Os in the older versions and the new sound banks,

[@Jason75913]

The new keyboard runs much more potent CPU/GPU, the older keyboards are undoubtedly incompatible.

[@tonybattaglia84]

Would love to see polyphonic aftertouch in the 61 key version

[@ChicoBlack]

The best keyboard so far.

[@christopherpederson1021]

yammy nailed it with this one

[@JanMichalSzulew]

Will there be a paid version of the ESP VST available for non Montage-M users?

[@cystatinC]

Is't possible to connect external oriental /Arabic scale to montage m8x?..like maqam/kelfar scale box ?

[@markushein3274]

I'm excited and happy. German🎹

[@PottedJam]

This is amazing!!!

[@TheCyberMantis]

I think Jordan Rudess needs one of these.

[@masonarchard]

this is amazing how you call your old technology, new technology. wow!!! game really is over. dividing up a short ribbon controller. it never caught up with the korg kronos. all that and i would still buy it... when i decide to cut back on all life necessities . Congratulation Yamaha.

[@Talia.777]

😂😁

[@alancummings5651]

Best synth out

[@smokey5100]

It sounds great. Yamaha is you're listening please enable ir create more presets to utilize PAT especially for the M8X.

[@manoaramiarimanana5635]

Nice keyboard

[@edwardaverilliii1658]

Lovely unit! Give me a desktop/rack unit and I might fork over for one, but even the 61-key version is too large for my small studio. But then, I'm likely not their target audience... le sigh.

[@markom1976]

How many seconds is the boot time? Thanx

[@aristotlekumpis7095]

It looks and sounds lovely. Heavy price tag too. I wish at these prices, the 61 and 76 key would also include poly aftertouch.

[@EduarBeta]

Montage M Pro Max 76 & 61 w/ Poly Aftertouch

[@deyoungstar]

Make an RM2X with these sound engines, please 🙏

[@sarahhey8654]

Hopefully the ANX engine has some CS80 poly aftertouch inspired presets...

[@s.kxx1956]

Most likely, the previous one had cs80 sounds in the awm2 engine and some in the fmx engines

[@axelmaldini4218]

Are the real time changes you make to the sounds recorded when you put it in the sequencer?

[@sweetwater]

Hello, Axl! Yes they are. The sequencer on the Montage M8x records all incoming MIDI data, including effects, pitch bend, mod, etc. Thanks for the interest! Cody Kraus, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, [phone] ext. 1766, [e-mail]

[@antoniorusso5149]

Awesome new Montage. I loved my Montage 7 which I lost in the Maui wildfires only a few months after getting it from Sweetwater. This new version just ups the ante even more. I am going to spring for the 88 key version because of the poly AT which I had in the Hydra Deluxe. Gonna give Ryan at Sweetwater a shout out soon !

[@Talia.777]

So sorry for what happened to you and others in Maui...😔👍

[@michaelekwulugo8659]

Sorry for what you went through with those fires, I pray you are blessed with one of these new machines 🙏🏾🇬🇧💛

[@antoniorusso5149]

⁠@@Talia.777thank you so much. We are slowly but surely recovering and planning our future.👍

[@antoniorusso5149]

⁠@@michaelekwulugo8659thank you so much. I am recovering and I am definitely praying I can be blessed with one of these new Montages. Music heals the soul.

[@synth.s]

I'm sorry to hear that. Hopefully, everything will be back to normal for you guys soon, and you get your hands on new montage m soon!

[@frooke2]

JWXTRPY FM2R4! .... AWM2 WR4 KR 5.3MONTAGE KR4TR2!... I asked a buddy about this one and he said "AMX PAT QR 10 34 522 64 XR27 PAT ENGINE EDIT QR 86" pretty cool if you're into the HW 45 QR78 Mark IV series with the gh45q7S module of course!

[@user-bd8jb7ln5g]

The oscilloscope is not just for show, its useful for AN-X and FM sound design.

[@niellseen]

Wow😊

[@BlueJavaTN]

Hope they can add x to the M6 and 7 for polyphonic aftertouch too.

[@mike42441]

Thanks, great demo! Questions: Is this synth loaded with all of the same exact sounds/patches that the original montage came with? If not, are they available to buy? And finally, is the texture of the keys the same as the smooth montage keys? thanks!

[@sweetwater]

Hi Mike, thanks for the question! The M8X will undoubtedly share many of the same patches, whether it retains the exact same patches, I am not sure. It has about 1000 more patches than the original Montage, so I don’t think they are lacking space! They don’t have downloadable libraries at the moment, but I am sure they will add them down the line. The keys are the same smooth finish as with the previous. The key bed feels fantastic, as good as any hammer action out there as well, despite also having aftertouch. If you want to talk more about it, give me a shout! Drake Sobehrad, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, [phone] ext. 3271, [e-mail]

[@mike42441]

@@sweetwater Hi Drake, sounds good, and thanks for circling back! I'm looking into the libraries and a few other things and will reach out to you soon. I'm really glad the keys are still smooth, as I've heard some false rumors about that. Thanks again! -Mike

[@judsonchristudas]

So sad, no Poly-Aftertouch on the 61 & 76 versions. Silly decisions Yamaha. It's possible with Synth Action keys as well. Refer Waldorf Iridum synth.

[@s.kxx1956]

Historically the yamaha synths with poly aftertouch with the exception to the GX1 were the cs80,GS1 and the DX1 all of which had weighted style keys

[@Schluuma]

i know this man loves his job

[@Jason75913]

Probably why he has been at it for so many years.

[@darrylday30]

Seriously, is that the same resistive touch screen? It sounds magnificent, why not use a multi touch tablet? I don’t get it.

[@danielcolfer4671]

My 88 key is coming tomorrow.

[@mikehalmajan7283]

Step sequencer?

[@JBrm]

The main feature that caught my eye was the weight. Definite nope, i wanna be able to walk when i end my stage career ;)

[@s.kxx1956]

Weight= quality, and a free gym workout

[@Jason75913]

Time to hit the gym now 🤣🤣🤣

[@Criticasparareflexio]

I would like to know if this keyboard has the "HARMONY" feature that the Genos/PSR-S have, where the keyboard can automatically play a duet, trio or quartet just based in a chord and the note played on the right hand.

[@sweetwater]

Hello, Criticasparareflexio! Great question but no, accompaniment features like this are more common on arranger type keyboards, like the Genos you mentioned. Thanks for the interest! Cody Kraus, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, [phone] ext. 1766, [e-mail]

[@alancummings5651]

As much as I like the Roland Fantom, this is the best synth keyboard

[@ILLRICARDO]

Can it do rocky 4's training montage??

[@amackclassic6737]

I always thought I'd be a Yamaha player. All my life I have told others Yamaha was a superior keyboard instrument. I bought a Fantom two years ago bc Roland created a DAW integration and sample pads with multifunctionality. I waited and waited for Yamaha to make a workstation with the integration and the pads and they just never did. I just don't understand it... it's really heartbreaking that I'm really in love with the Roland. I'm sorry Yamaha!! I'll always love your digitals, grands, and uprights... but I've NEVER seen a montage in a big studio.... just saying! 😢

[@NickyMitchell85]

Is there a multifaceted and sophisticated SEQUENCER on the MONTAGE M SERIES like the *MOTIF XF* did?

[@sebastiendubois5873]

The screen is very too small for the price and the complexibility. Can we Connect an other one tactil independent one day ?

[@namenaim1560]

Tempo knob?

[@bagushibrida9274]

How good are the keys? Do they feel better than Roland RD2000? I have been using Montage 8 since 2018 and want to buy a new one to replace it. Do you have any suggestions for what I should replace the Montage with??

[@sweetwater]

Hello - great question. Key feel is relatively subjective but we found that the RD2000 keys were 4 grams heavier than the older Montage 8, so not really a huge difference there: www.sweetwater.com/insync/keyboard-action-and-key-weight-experiment/ We haven’t weighed the newer Montage keys, they are likely similar. There are a lot of other factors that we’d need to consider before we can suggest a new keyboard for you so feel free to give us a call, as it is a little bit too in depth to go into in the scope of a comment. Thanks! Jason Filloramo, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, [phone] ext. 1281, [e-mail]

[@bagushibrida9274]

​@@sweetwater thank you for the great information. The RD 2000 and M8x may not be directly comparable. Before I used the Montage 8, I had been using RD 700NX and in my experience the PHA III keyboard feels amazing.

[@crazypainter56]

Pretty WILD__

[@KaeRZed]

New ANx engine ? The AN1x was produced in 1997... 😉

[@Steven-zg5bq]

time to throw my old montage in the garbage!

[@Jason75913]

send it to me instead, I'll get rid of it for you responsibly

[@christianthompson1473]

Why no poly AT in the 61/78 key versions?

[@CRayBeats]

because they want you to buy the 88key..

[@Ansell417]

Marketing

[@supercompooper]

Is anyone bummed that they didn't create a polyphonic stylophone emulation? 😉😋

[@danieldougan269]

Please offer that VST (or as much of it as you can) to us DGX owners!

[@SelfSealingStemBolt]

Dumb question: Can you plug in a mic or a guitar/other instruments? I really want one of these.

[@sweetwater]

Hi, thanks for your interest! The short answer is yes. The Montage M instruments have a stereo pair of “A/D Input” jacks which can accept any analog audio signal. However, keep in mind that they’re low-impedance line-level inputs, so you’d probably want to use a preamp or effects pedal to connect a guitar or mic. BTW, love the username - I’m a lifelong Trekkie and DS9 is my favorite. Feel free to contact me directly if you have any further questions! Caleb Lowrey, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, [phone] ext. 1620, [e-mail]

[@SelfSealingStemBolt]

Thank you Caleb! I love shopping at Sweetwater. Your shipping speeds are lightning fast! I will hit you up when I’m ready to pull trigger. Nice to meet a fellow Trekkie! Thank you again for the help and super informative video. 😊

[@MIKEMOKRONOS]

What about the sequencer

[@HamedOmar-vy4nu]

❤

[@jamesp5478]

Is it a Capacitive or Resistive Touch screen?

[@Jason75913]

Same resistive touchscreen as before, but the CPU/GPU are upgraded, so it will respond faster.

[@ALIENGOATMESSI]

11:42 pianos

[@judsonchristudas]

Don't get fooled thinking you can play ANX sounds on M6 & M7 as showed on the M8X. You will never be able to replicate the same sounds as shown on M8x on your M6/M7 without Poly-Aftertouch.

[@jjrusy7438]

I just knew Yamaha was cooking up something killer

[@dylanmadsen5079]

Can you still import original DX7 mk1 patches straight into this new montage? I have a DX7 mk1 that i would love to use alongside this new montage.

[@ArtinRu]

100

[@s.kxx1956]

It will be like the previous montage

[@anthonyb8994]

Why no poly after touch on 61/76 key? That’s lame. Why take a synth feature and make it only available on a hammer action key bed? Makes no sense…. And bring back the sequencer that you had in the motif xs .

[@lunaproaudio]

Anx is new..... Hahahahahahaha....come on!! Most of us are above 50yo, you can't fool me!

[@Talia.777]

Yeah, that was a foolish statement 😅🤣

[@ampdoc]

I clearly remember owning an AN1x. Or was it just a dream?

[@kingtrance307]

Ha! 😀

[@madness8556]

I remember almost buying an AN1X in 1997! It's not new and polyphonic aftertouch also isn't new as Ensoniq had poly aftertouch in their keyboards in the late 80s and early 90s!

[@Jason75913]

inb4 people lead to believe it is the AN1x engine start bitching later that it isn't the same

[@faruzzy]

It would have been really cool if the vst was ready with the release of the board. This goes to show, this is just software at the end of the day.

[@Jason75913]

Like every digital synth ever? Well, duh

[@atulc]

Why didn’t they add after touch on M6/7? Seriously Yamaha ! Now we have to wait for the M+ 6/7 and wait two years … very disappointed. And it’s not that they have not figured it out. They have it and done it. They want us to buy this version now and then buy the one later after 2 years …

[@synth.s]

It's a marketing decision to make cheaper and more affordable versions. If they are all going to have that feature, then they are going to be at the same price range, maybe with a few hundred dollars different than each other and makes it hard to sell for the vendor and hard to choose for the consumer.

[@Kevin_Keyzie_Nelson]

The m6 and m7 both have standard aftertouch, they just don't have the polyphonic aftertouch that the m8x has.

[@iforgot3942]

I was thinking that too. The Montage 6/7 M+ will include the polyphonic after touch a few years from now. But why not now? So you buy this one and that one later.. Boo… Yamaha.

[@GODNDYARD]

Mr. Carl is that you

[@JasonVermillion]

Almost 30 minutes and no demonstration of the FM-X engine...

[@samyar]

For 10 mins you are googooing over the added search feature??? Wow...sound search...Jesus Christ...

[@clisthanler]

I'll wait for the general purpose Au to come out for $149

[@itsmaistro]

Beautiful instrument, but i don't have $5k right now for it 😂

[@calote]

One question. Do you know if Santa is already accepting wish letters?

[@kevinmortimer1883]

it is an awesome instrument. but over £4000 uk which is far too expensive

[@SlaserX]

100GEX

[@stevehunt2125]

The x stands for polyphonic aftertouch. Wut?

[@hussledupgamejam]

id love to show this to a 15th century peasant lol

[@meilstone]

I'm waiting for a time when we get 44.1 k waveforms per note and 96 k notes of polyphony. 😂

[@antikytheramechanism7909]

Someone give this guy a napkin.

[@joseluisrevelo]

No offense Blake but I was really looking forward to a Loopop video with his usual didactic attention to detail

[@Jason75913]

Then why in flying fiddles are you looking at the Sweetwater channel sales demo instead of waiting for Loopop on his own channel? Loopop never posts on the Sweetwater channel to begin with.

[@dominicjenkins812]

so much I don't know about keyboards lol

[@NickyMitchell85]

Is there MUSICAL STYLES on this bad boy like the *MOTIF XF* did?

[@sweetwater]

Hi, thanks for your interest! Although the Montage M series doesn’t have a dedicated “styles” function like some other Yamaha instruments, the “Arpeggio” feature serves a similar purpose. Here’s some detail quoted from Yamaha’s user manual: “The Arpeggio function on the MONTAGE M allows you to play typical Arpeggios, as well as add more complicated rhythm patterns and backing tracks to your keyboard performance. It not only provides inspiration and full rhythmic passages in your live performances, but it gives you fully formed instrumental backing parts of various music genres for ease in creating songs. You can assign the desired eight Arpeggio Types to each Part and simultaneously play back Arpeggios of up to eight Parts.” There are preset arpeggios in some of the included Live Sets, and of course you can also create your own. I hope this helps - feel free to contact me directly with any further questions, and thanks again! Caleb Lowrey, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, [phone] ext. 1620, [e-mail]

[@eduheloucomposer]

Cool but pricey and figure out the maintenance may be too as well💲🎹👍🏽

[@DanielNicuCretu-ys9vq]

Korg kronos nr1❤

[@djfilippo1]

RIP Kronos!

[@Phattouch]

I'll wait to see what Korg comes out with 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@garymcaleer6112]

Everything is etherial these days with effects that aren't even music. Its a great keyboard for $4500. What concerns me is how acoustic instruments sound: strings woodwinds, brass & percussion. It has good orchestral sounds. But solo instruments, I wonder. In the concert grand there is no natural swelling of the over & undertones as they mingle in the sustain: just the usual dead tone in the fade. Other than a great attack, it's just another digital piano. The great beauty of the acoustic grand piano is how the timbre of the decay caresses the acoustic nerve, making the most amazing bell sound to the ear, sweeter than the sound of the attack. But with all the other features it sure beats the old Farfisas. (:^D

[@ElliotComposer]

Exactly! Love their weighted keys but their acoustic library is one of many things why opting for a 88key midi control w East/West bank and others is far more inspiring than Yamahas.

[@Jason75913]

Yeah, stage performers don't care for string resonance and stuff, that's why all the typical stage keyboards lack that.

[@terrys101]

Jesus, take my money!