Workstation Comparison: Yamaha Montage, MODX and Korg Nautilus
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- čas přidán 15. 06. 2021
- In this video Mike takes a look at 3 price tiers of Music Workstation Synthesizers to see how they stack up: Yamaha's flagship Montage - a premium unit with a price tag to match, the new mid-range KORG 'Nautilus' that channels the Korg Kronos pedigree, and the budget friendly but feature packed Yamaha MODX.
Overall each unit certainly has strengths. The 2 Yamaha's 8 operator FM synth engine is able to produce mind-bogglingly complex sounds and the 'superknob' is a lot of fun. However the 9 sound engines of the Korg Nautilus, plus the Sequencer and Sampler provide a lot of flexibility, and the vintage inspired Korg MS-20 and Polysix engines are fantastic.
Being immensely complex units, consider this a teaser of their capabilities. So if you're looking to buy a workstation keyboard, do your research and try to get down to a store to play each unit on your shortlist. Videos are no substitute for trying them yourselves!
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The best presentation of both choices. You also demonstrated some virtues of the Korg that no one else seemed to have knowledge of. Great job!
Thanks, appreciate the feedback
Excellent comparison and presentation. Greetings from South of Brazil!
Cheers, thank you
didn't expect to hear Anna Lee and space dye vest, wait for sleep love it.
Why compare 3 keyboards with 2 of them operating exactly the same with the same features??? Should have thrown the Fantom in there.
It would have been good if he had shown the same sound on the Montage as the MODX to prove the point that they do sound the same, and if the keybed had made much of a difference, people would be able to hear it.
also they could have thrown in the kurzweils new K2700 too, rather featuring two synths that had the same features. Compare 4 synths.
Exactly what I was thinking.
It’s called the MO DX not MOD X
@@procta2343
Kurzweil 2700 is better than MODX & KORG Nautilus
How does feel the keybad of 66 and 73- key version of Nautilus? has exactly the same keybad with Krome ex, or at Nautilus is better?
Nautilus is right up my alley
What keyboard are used and which is better long term ph or gh
Nice bit of Dream Theatre at 8:40.
There is obviously more dream theater than that in this video…
👍Amazing!👍
Excellent video!
The MONTAGE/MODX have a linear type sequencer and a pattern sequencer.
The two sequencers can work back and forth between each other.
They are fairly good, and one could create whole songs, but they are a little clunky with a somewhat slow workflow.
The KRONOS/NAUTILUS sequencer is a true workstation type sequencer that more resembles a DAW, and is easier to use.
The audio recorder part of the sequncer sucked in the KRONOS.
It slowed the GUI, and for any audio tracks the editing was useless.
I sold my KRONOS because it all comes down to the sounds for me, and the MODX/MONTAGE just does it for me.
Plus, i now use CUBASE for sequencing,sampling, instead of KRONOS.
Having owned a KRONOS, and now a MODX,
i much prefer most the MODX/MONTAGE sounds over the KRONOS/NAUTILUS.
Thank you for your comments.
I've felt the same. I just found more sounds I'm interested for the MODX than the Kronos, but both are great synths.
I gig exclusively with mine and it has made gigs so much easier and sounds great!
Yamaha wisely included Cubase instead of focusing on a stronger internal sequencer. Anyone serious about sequencing will generally use a computer.
I have a modx but notice polyphony drops out when having 3 or more layered sounds. Plus the seamless sound switching is only good for up to 4 voices and not all voices have this feature which is frustrating. Sound wise it is fantastic
@@alancummings5651 I wouldn't disagree, though I haven't found those limitations to be restrictive as a live 80s/70s rock keyboardist playing in bands. It's rare I've needed to use more than 3 layered sounds in a patch at once. I have as many as 6 splits setup in some songs, and it works great. The seemless sound switching can be tricky, but it does help me on many songs, and on a couple songs, if I had to do it, not the end of the world to cut the sustain off switching sounds. It's only rock & roll. Most of the time, I have a 2nd MIDI keyboard, and laptop running various soft synths using both keyboards as MIDI controllers. The few MODX limitations can almost always be over come with the combination I have in my setup. In fact, it's actually way more powerful than having just a Kronos as I can closely mimic almost any kind of sound engine I'd possibly want, with even greater polyphony, better than Kronos DAC (if using higher end sound card) and just way, way more options. But the MODX usually can do what I want with in reason, and I could play a show with that alone if I needed to.
Hi. From what you presented it seems that you can use both devices in parallel and that they do not duplicate between each other. Thanks for the video. :)
I am referring, of course, to Montage and Nautilus.
They all sound great, so it comes down to the looks, feel, and build quality. Korg made great looking, well built instruments in the past: the M1, T-series, 01/W series, and they finished on the Trinity. Then it got bad. I like that the Nautilus is finally bringing back Korg's great aesthetics. I like the Nautilus, and I am contemplating purchase of the unconventional 6-octave version. Yamaha is great, but it looks too much like something for the EDM/producer crowd, which is a big turn off for me, personally. I am looking for a great looking and well build instrument for a keyboard player, and it looks like the Nautilus might be what I am looking for. So far, Roland hit the mark with the JUPITER-80 and JUPITER-X, but Korg is catching up with the Nautilus.
Still Nautilus has the power and capability of creating modern music
This is why it’s a winner for those who want to put in some work
Hi Andrew, I got the Nautilus 88 and it's probably the most solid, well built keyboard I have ever owned. Plus everything on it should keep me occupied for the foreseeable future. A brilliant instrument. Regarding the Montage and Mod X, they are also brilliant instruments it's just a matter of choice, peoples personal taste. You can make great music with all three.
@@silverbirch9502 Yeah, I want to get the Nautilus 88, too. At some point. Firsts, I think it's going to be the Juno-X though.
EPiano engine on Nautilus are PCM or acoustic modelling?
It's sample based, but using Korg's MDS technology to make everything as seamless and adjustable as possible. Unfortunately there doesn't seem to be much in the way of details on how it actually works.
Korg did have a physical model of a Wurli on their MOSS products and the later OASYS PCI, but they seem to have abandoned that approach.
Great video in so many ways. But this is a video primarily featuring the Nautilus and Montage. The Modx barely featured. I realize that the engines on the Motage and Modx are very similar but the Modx lacks certain features the Montage has, so the vid doesn’t really compare the three but just two.
Two legends are competing each other but my choices is nautilus the Korg giant....
Those analogue synths, with virtual wiring - and the sampler and 4 outputs. Cinematic patches and effects too.. omg.. sorry, the Nautilus steals the show for me. 👍
What is that song called on 1:23? I like that song.
By Elton John
@@Noisegate Ok thanks.
It's a little bit funny this feeling inside. I HOPE YOU DON'T MIND
For me this was Montage all the way. I am just going to bite the bullet and buy the M which is 2x the price of the MODx but it's something I'll keep forever and always have use for.
If I had to choose between the Montage/MODX and the Nautilus, for me personally it would be the Nautilus. To me, inherently Korg workstations are easier to use (I currently have a Pa3X). Yamaha workstations to me seem more complicated with the whole layout. I guess though it depends on what you grew up with so to speak. The ONLY reason I would choose the Montage/MODX is the fact that it has more hands on controls. Yes the Nautilus is touch screen based, but to be honest, nothing beats hands on controls.
That being said though, and no offence intended, but why are we comparing the Montage and MODX to the Nautilus and calling the Montage/MODX 'workstations'? They're not workstations. Yamaha has never marketed those keyboards to be 'workstations' not like the MOTIF EX/XS/XF before it, because by definition, the definition of a workstation amongst other things has a sequencer in it. Yes the Montage/MODX HAS a sequencer, but it's not the same thing. The Montage/MODX, are synthesizers, not workstations. Nautilus though, that's a workstation. And before people say 'oh people don't sequence on a keyboard, they use a DAW instead', yeah okay people DO use a DAW, but you know for sure that people don't sequence on a keyboard, do you? Because I can tell you right now, that that is NOT true and people DO sequence on a keyboard and prefer it that way rather than on a separate DAW on their computer or laptop. Why? Convenience. It's as simple as that.
Playing Dream Theater songs. You have my attention. 🔥🔥🔥
But the sounds of Montage and MODX are not quite identical! While using the same soundbanks, Montage sounds more airy, more spacious, due to a number of features. For me, the difference is noteworthy, and puts MODX closer to a Fantom 0 or Nautilus (Montage, imo, blows competitors out of the water, esp in terms of the "natural" sounds - and, as said, sound depth and width).
Take a look at Darrick's video on the topic where he owns & compares both. He came to the same conclusion I have when I tried them side by side several times through the same speakers. The difference in sound is faint.
It's a stretch to say they don't sound the same. Only in more unusual settings. Through the speakers that most people will be using them, good luck in distinguishing the differences.
Qué comparación e esta?????
Igual es fuerte que comparen 2 estaciones de trabajo con tanta diferencia de precio y suenen tan bien ambas, Montage esta costando 5000 usd y Nautilus más menos la mitad, y tampoco es que haya una diferencia tan importante en hardware ya que Nautilus es básicamente un Kronos con menos perillas y sin Karma, la verdad preferería pagar la mitad y perder solamente la FM excepcional que tiene Yamaha, me quedo con Korg.
This not true, Yamaha MODX and Yamaha Montage has built in sampler.
No, it doesn't. It can play back samples as wav files which can be converted to elements but it doesn't have a built-in sampler.
@@narfsounds czcams.com/video/6gbuIBZNmZ4/video.html
Actually what do you meant by sampler, I mean that it can play back certain samples at certain keys at specified velocities.
@@saronmanikv a sampler allows you to record audio as samples, edit those samples (truncate, normalize, loop, etc.) and then create programs based on those samples. In which case, the Montage and MODX doesn't have a built-in sampler, it only has the playback ability.
@@narfsounds ok, fine. Thank You for the information 🙂.
Any how. . Yamaha is win..Korg buy technology from yamaha and roland @ 2011 NAMM Usa. ..Yamaha logo U' tuning fork. All the best😁😁😁Korg meaning.. Brave worries '' Korg kronos 2 Workstation world the best announced @ NAMM why compair with modx. .montage. .yamaha say i am not synthesizer.. not Workstation..not sound design..
#I m only yamaha. #Clearly... Need to think. .no need to compair.. 😁😁😁
yamaha.. roland. korg all kb are good.. the player will choices..
An analog / FM drums sequencer should be implemented in every workstation... Without this all workstations are useless for me without external analog drums module...
don't they come with many drum samples?
Many people do this mistake : the Yamaha Montage *is not a workstation* . So, comparing it with the Korg Kronos and Nautilus has no really sense.
That's what i thought also
You have to admit though they're pretty similar. If you don't want to buy a Kronos or Nautilus, then you're gonna pick up a montage since they do the same things for live playing and creation, especially with the new OS updates.
@@DrawAndErase Absolutely not : *I have the both : Kronos and Montage* . And again, I confirm the Montage is not a workstation : no sampler, no sequencer (the Montage sequencer is only a pattern sequencer which absolutely not the same thing.)
@@liviou2004 Don't get hung up on names, keyboardists use these instruments virtually the same way. And people who don't want both will compare what they can get out of both and make the decision.
@@liviou2004 why not? They’re both incredible synths why not compare it to each other? Lol most people who use a Kronos don’t use a shitty sequencer anyway when there is a DAW it’s more like a gimmick for u people that want to claim one board over the other. No wonder why I went with the Stage 3.
Matching 2 different level keyboard just to matching the price is not really fair. I bet Montage is a more refined machine, with better perceived build quality. Also i am sure although engine is the same Kronos has better sounding DA converters than Nautilus. The same Montage have better ones than modx. And for last, this video really show better sounds of Yamaha and average of korg. Very biased video imo. Just Watching some Jordan Rudess videos of korg sound capabilities prove that and sound quality korg can produce is far above of what this video is presenting.
Thank you for your feedback
Don't forget Luke Edward's of Korg! Awesome demo! Sounds thicker than Yamaha. Yamaha's tech is old AWM tech compared to Korg. But I love all 3, Korg, Yamaha and Roland. Korg user here though I used to work for Yamaha. Thank you! I also love Kurzweil K2700 & PC3K6.
@@armend316 wow
The Yamaha Montage, and the Yamaha MODX line are not workstations, these are synthesizers.
Why don't you consider them workstations?
@@JuliusDeBerryJr Just for the simple reason that Yamaha did not market them like that, or intend for them to be workstations. Yamaha manufactured them as straight synthesizers.
That was true when they were first introduced however since then Yamaha has greatly enhanced their capabilities by adding a sequencer and other advanced features. So even though it’s a “synthesizer” it can go toe to toe with most “workstations”.
@@brianlewis5360 Not to forget the quasi gratis arranger-keyboard like features using the great arpeggiator function.
Well said and spot on! Korg Kronos is the Only workstation out there! And Nautilus too! Thank you! Kurzweil K2700 I think is a workstation. ✌
Nautilus and MODx have no after touch. So get the kronos or the Montage. Or better yet, get the new Kurzweil K2700.Technically, the Yamaha Montage and MODX are NOT workstations.
Since this video came out, not only did Korg discontinue the Kronos, but just recently they have released another version of the Nautilus called Nautilus AT which DOES have aftertouch.
Here yamaha distinctively take the advantage on the sound part. Specially acoustic sounds... In fact Nautilus is gonna be a flop for korg for sure. Cos it's baby kronos. If korg had done some tech Upgredation with the keyboard. It would have been a thumps up....
Also why are people complaining about Mike in this video pronouncing the MODX, as MOD-X instead of MO-DX? Who really cares? It's the same keyboard.
The Modx and the Montage are not "workstations". They're synthesizers. Yamaha certainly doesn't bill them as workstations. They are sound design tools not performance/playback/song design workstations.
Maybe not in name marketing but with the latest OS updates they do work like workstations. The fact that they have multiple layers, the ability to play samples and have seamless transitions make them perfect for live performance and if a player doesn't want to buy a Kronos or Nautilus, then the montage is another option that functions the same?
They are no less work stations than the Korg M1 that started workstations.
Yamaha doesn't advertise them that way because they know it's better to do recordings and sequencing on a computer, and in this day of age everyone has one.
The Yamaha's are really work stations. Originally, the Montage & MODX did not include an onboard sequencer, which is one of the things required to call a keyboard a workstation. This has changed! In newer OS revisions, which are free flash memory updates, Yamaha added a sequencer to both the Montage & MODX. There is debate how powerful this sequencer is vs some other on board sequencers, but it's still a sequencer and clearly seems to be better than what many past keyboards have included that was categorized as sequencers. Some people say the Montage/MODX sequencer is excellent and better than some other keyboards, and others say it's not as good. Either way, they are now workstations. They include all kinds of built in effects too, another element of a workstation.
Just crappy workstations.Synths are a different things.Anyway.....a waste of $.A lot of old gear sounds much better for same purposes and will cost you less.And these all sound very ''plastic''...
Well you are wrong, but nice input. These are some of the best single keyboards on the market right now and are important for players. Sure there are better sounding instruments but for their intended use they're worth it, sounds like you don't know much
@@DrawAndErase No offence intended, but that's still not a workstation. Even though Yamaha released a firmware update for the Montage/MODX, to 'function' like a workstation (particularly a sequencer), it still isn't a workstation, because to me a workstation would have a 'traditional' sequencer that we're used to. The layering function you mentioned, that's on any keyboard, particularly synths.
Nope, only one real workstation there. You cant compare it to itself so pointless.
Yam sounds dull
What is that on your face.. A musta*he??