Want to buy a Yamaha MODX? EU: thmn.to/thoprod/550543?offid=1&affid=623 US: imp.i114863.net/2rEyeM If you want to buy one use my affiliate links. I get a small % on each sale and its a great way to support the channel
I have the MODX6. For what I paid for it, this keyboard sounds amazing. It's a HUGE bang for the buck. Best sounding digital keyboard I have played. The FM patches alone or combined with the acoustic pianos are great. The acoustic guitar and lead guitar patches are amazing! This is the first digital synth I have had in a long time that inspires me each time I play it. Great video, thank you for posting..
I just got the MODX6+ I have been jumping around youtube for tutorials. This was the best tour I have found. INCLUDING YAMAHA'S TUTORIALS. I have a history with yamaha '85 I got a DX7 and CX5M (small computer with 4op synth and sequencer) In '93 I got the SY99 and have had several Tg77 SY77s these are really the precursor to the Montage/MODX line they also had AWM and FM 6op. for someone who has a little experience with FM this was a killer tour. Superb work.
Bo!!! I am super amazed at this review!!! This is without any doubt the best review of the Yamaha synth engine architecture ever done on CZcams or anywhere else for that matter. Excellent presentation of the synth engines, it was very understandable and clear to me ( I have been researching the Yamaha synth engines from their PDF manuals for years now) But you made it clear and filled in all missing parts I did not understand. THEN...you even did the FM engine and motion control, fantastic! NO ONE has ever done such a great review before on the MOX, MOtive or Montage which are basically the same editing structure. Thank you for the best review of a Yamaha synth in the history of reviews!!!!!
This was the best review of the MODX on the Entire You tube channel. Loved it and learned so much. Thank you! I am going to purchase the MODX8 because of this video.
It has many great sounds ... from cocktail lounge to rave warehouse to cathedral... 2000 presets! Lots of menu-diving... but powerful. Liked the coffee break music!
Love the ability to map fm operator levels to sliders, the only other synth that I know that gives you tactile control in fm is the akemie’s castle (which is amazing btw!). PS - never wanted a coffee so bad in my life after watching this.
Bo, thanks for really diving in and actually programming the synth! I wish you would take another look at the FM engine, with 8 operators it might be worth buying this synth just for it's FM capabilities alone. I have a feeling people will be selling FM patches for this synth for years.
Who agrees with me that Yamaha should just bring out that FM-X engine in a stand-alone instrument. Maybe call it the DX8 in honor of the 8-operator architecture and have DX8/6, ($799) DX8/7, ($899) and DX8/8 ($999) versions of it depending on keyboard size.
Thank you, Bo! I have applied for a job to the Yamaha Marketing department, ha-ha. By the way, I echo the other comments on the quality of your video. It is really useful to have someone dive into the instrument and do more than just play the factory patches. Here's another marketing idea: full length videos explaining all the features in depth, like they used to do with the Motif. I have a three DVD set on the original Motif. Something like this is more helpful than a pdf manual, one can see and hear the results of each action taken.
+gimble, Well, the MODX6 is only $1299, so it doesn't seems that unreasonable to me to offer only the FM side of it for $500 less. That $500 buys you arguably more than a $999 MOXF6 (less the full-featured sequencer.)
yeah, but i mean itmore politacally than that tbh bud, its how they price ranges and where that would fit in was more my point (i was a programmer for yamaha from 2005-2013 mostly motif and tyros) so range is an important thing to them and price points if that makes sense :) and lets face it the MODX pricepoint is stunning and expected to sell in huge numbers (and rightly so) so like i said not quite that easy/straight forward :)
So, woke up this afternoon to about 12 new videos in my recommended on this new synth lol Glad to see Yamaha is aware of the CZcams community. And of course, I clicked on yours first Bo ;) lol
Very nice demo of the MODX. I just wish Yamaha made the FM-X engine (which is based on the FS1r) like a complete FS1r. The 8 x noise generators with formants, Formant Seq and the formant waveform are missing in the FM-X engine. I hope it will added in a update.
Awesome video, this is what i needed, the real programming, too many playings in other vids, but you showed us what it really is.. Thank you.... Waiting for the product from India
one of the interesting side effects of yamaha's new release is to price drop of the Yamaha MOXF6 and usually you get the flash ram card thrown in free..and that board has a usable sequencer!
Thank you for the sound construction demo. I ordered the keyboard today on a whim (boys and their toys), after seeing a couple of sales type demos I wondered if I may have made an expensive mistake but thanks to you I can see it' relevance to my way of making music.
Finally, Montage with rythm, at a reasonable price. Yamaha has finally gotten me excited again! And I have Omnisphere, but the super knob can provide interesting soundacapes.
I found it fascinating that you mentioned the Prologue and the Digitone as I have a Prologue, I'm waiting for my Digitone, and intend to purchase a MODX6. I'm happy that Yamaha listened to not only mine, but many peoples comments on the Montage.
Thank you for doing such an in depth review on this synth.. Seriously thinking of buying one of these so the detail you went into about what it’s like to program was very informative.
Very nice job Bo! I've been looking for a legitimate, hi tech synth, but the Montage was just too expensive, and has no part of a workstation contained, so I could not justify the price. You have given way more detail than anyone else. I freakin' LOVE IT! A side by side comparison reveals the superior value of the Modx over the Montage. There is absolutely nothing, that justifies the enormous price difference in my opinion. I think I want the 61 key..maybe the 76? Not sure, but I will definitely get thus board..(and I have omnisphere, NI, etc) But I want a hardware synth. Finally Yamaha..I'm excited again.
Thanks again for a nice review. It may contribute to my return of a used Roland System 1 for a MODX6. Your video showed what Korg needs to detail for the Wavestate.
I played the 8 at GC today. The weighted action feels great...smooth and playable, not overly stiff. I think I would pay the extra to get the 88 keys, and that is extremely uncharacteristic of me.
Theres something about the sound of it. I mean its nice and super complex, but then it's kinda plastic sounding at the same. Then I think about how it would sound in a mix and it seems to have too much going on, like it just needs to be alone, if that makes any sense. Then there the menu diving for programming..it's just so incredibly awesome and has so much going that you could never really use it all and possibly just get lost. I think Im more with the alternatives that you mentioned at the end rather than this. They're far more focused and hands on. Great video as usual. I love that you actually explained how this thing works.
If this keyboard just had the FM and sampling functionality i’d be all in on this thing. The groovebox idea is cool as well though. Super unique product.
That was a very good review, Bo, and congratulations on having supercute mini-me on your show. ;-) On the last segment: To be honest, in a "real life" situation (like playing in front of people with other musicians), the differences in sound output of instrument x compared to a modern workstation are purely academical. I think it's really a "lifestyle" decision to choose multiple "specialist" machines over one "can do all". That being said, workstations like the MODX are like the teacher's pet in class: They are very good, but no one likes them because they are so boring - creating fantastic sound poses no challenge at all. :-)
Thank you for the comment! I would agree for a live situation the difference is probably not noticable. But for other uses like sound design they are pretty noticeable I would say.
In my opinion, the thing that makes the sound of the Prologue stick out, are the shimmery digital effects. And I don't think the Modx has as shimmery digital effects. The other thing is the layering, but when it comes to layering the Modx beats the Prologue by the factor of XX. The modx allows for much more modulation, to introduce more movement to the sound, compared to any analog osc. What the Prologue has though, is a much nicer interface for building sounds. So that does for example the System-8, and Peak as well... and to some degree the DSI Rev.2 and Deepmind, and even the Nord stage series. And the interface is in many cases the reason to go hardware over software. But then there is Omnisphere 2.5. Combined with for example the StudioLogic sledge, and is can be a quite affordable hybrid, if one has the computer for it. But Omnisphere doesn't cover all ground of the Modx, as it doesn't have all the general purpose samples. But I would agree with the OP that when it comes to the sound it is mostly academic, especially considering the layering and modulations of the Modx compared to the Prologue. For complexity in sound, the Modx can beat the prologue, despite the Prologue's analog OSCs. It would have been better though, if the Modx had offered additional outputs, so that it would be possible to run some sounds through external shimmery effects, to combat that part of the Prologue, while still layering the performance with general purpose sounds. Even many software instruments, especially iOS instruments, do offer better interface compared to the Modx, and may support running different layers through individual effects. But the Modx is self contained. And even though it can to a lot, there are still limitations, and consistency that may not be the case when starting to use different softwares in a DAW host. The dilemma in my opinion is that the Modx could have been an ipad app + a good controller with keyboard and a few sliders and knobs, with built in audio and midi I/O, and an adjustable holder for the ipad (adjustable for the size of the ipad, as well as tilting), and that would have been an over all better product, and possibly at a lower price, even including the purchase of an iPad, and it would have had a much better touch experience, with bigger display even, with better readability, and it would also have allowed for loading other music apps when needed even if the Modx would have been a stand-alone that would not allow for integration with other apps. The only reason in my opinion for products like this to exist today, is really that no one does that perfect ipad dock/controller with audio/midi I/O, adjustable holder and a few soft controls.
Excellent video, Bo! I can't even consider an instrument as nice as this, but it sure was cool to learn about it! The "for the lulz" part was a pretty cool sound imo. I liked all the sounds you pulled out of it though. A lot of them were really quite relaxing :)
I mostly bought the MODX8 for the piano voices, because it is very lightweight compared to my old Yamaha P200 stage piano. But it is more than I needed on stage. So I plan on having it in my home studio and plan on buying a new state piano for on stage performance.
Back again. I tried one today, it's pretty amazing. That said if you want analogue sounds for synth patches I don't think this is the best choice, all the patches as programmed are very high end dominant, not warm and analogue sounding. I still liked them but just my observation.
That's true,polished hi fi glossy sounds,but lacking that analog warmth to it.I decided finally I will not buy MODX6,which I was after few days ago,rather will go with minimal setup,will get the three Reface models CS,DX and CP that will cover a lot of ground when hooked with my rverb ,delay pedals.I want fast intuitive synths,to create sounds on the go,these menu divings are s inspiration killers for me.
It’s not lacking that analogue warmth because it was never designed to be analogue or replicate it. It just is what it is and that’s either what you want or it isn’t. I’d be interested to know how the other one who replied here got on with their Reface DX because I had one and found that way less intuitive to create sounds on compared to this or the Montage.
Thanks Bo, I knew I already wanted it, but you've done a great job going into the synthesizer on a more deep level! I have a HUGE Motif synthesizer which is also awesome in it's own way, but programming it just is nearly impossible! I haven't even found out how to do an INIT voice on it!~ With this synthesizer and you showing me how to, it will be a lot easier. I am also curious how well the FM synthesis works! I know programming on the DX7, which I owned too was also a big challenge on the machine itself, and it seems much more easy here! Almost like the good folks of Yamaha looked at how FM7 and FM8 from NI works..... It just seems much easier and has more control over the entire parts! Just a few days and then I will get my MODX.... I can't wait ;)
Thank you so much for the great review Bo. That clearly was an awesome in depth explanation of the capabilities. My last hardware synth (which I am still happy to play on every now and then) was the Korg M1. Getting bored of all the hazzle with soft synths (boot system, driver crash, incompatibility issues, etc.) I would very much like to go for a modern hardware synth. I also like the idea that the MODX8 has a GHS keyboard which is just great at this price (missing aftertouch is a pitty though). After watching your review I have the impression that the MODX series is a really good all-in-one-starter package. I will most likely go for the MODX8. Thanks a lot again.
Red Means Recording how do you guys manage to make music with so much new gear to learn all the time? I’m trying to go the whole VST DAW way... but these toys are so nice...
@@JeffCfreeradiorevolution if you're focusing on learning new gear for reviews or demos than it's legit hard to make music. It's only really through practice and knowing your stuff inside and out that you get real results, so it's important to take time away from learning new gear to do that. But, also, learning the gear by making music on it is the best way to learn.
Red Means Recording yeah I totally agree. I’m currently learning piano to go with guitar and drums that I’ve already learned. It’s so important not to get distracted by new gear and focus on practice and making music. Thanks.
Good review, very deep. I have a fair bit of experience on an older, but somewhat similar board, the Korg Krome. I really liked the Krome, especially its generous multi-timbrality. However, the one drawback was that, much like a soft synth, you needed to know what sound you are looking for before you started diving into the menus to program. If you like turning knobs and moving sliders, or plugging in patch cords to discover new sounds on the fly, this is not the synth for you. However, if you are a gigging musician, you can set one of these MODX's (or a Krome) to cover a whole set of sounds with just a tap on the screen, or turn of the dial, which is cool. With the sample-based engines you also get the "bread & butter" pianos, EPs, organs, strings, choirs, etc. that are the staples of most sets. I think Yamaha will sell a bunch of these to gigging musicians working with the excellent (but aging) MOTIF workstations.
I had a Krome too, as well as one of the first MOXs. Eventually sold them both for different reasons, kind of regretted selling the MOX so this should be a nice combination of them both. I heard this has a full sequencer in it, not sure abut that yet though.
Totally agree with that geecen .... out of all the features on what Yam are claiming as a 'performance synth for the road' (ie. stage), it MUST have AT right?, even at this price point. I asked Dom from Yam this specific qu. on his channel regarding whether it receives / responds to AT and also Release Velocity. He just said today in his qu/ans review of our YT'ers MODX queries it does for AT which sort of helps (need to check RV too as he didn't mention that) - it should be in the MODX "MIDI Implementation Sheets". I truly believe it's not due to on-cost of the AT keybed as loads of low-end synths have this feature, but rather if they did, it'll kill the Montage 'pro' board sales, in the same way they had to pick 44.1Khz sample rate rather than 192 which again in this day & age, would only be nominal cost hit, honestly. Shame :/ If they brought out a desktop or flat rack panel version I'd be up for that! :p Cheers.
Do you mean an actual preset as opposed to a sample of a preset?. If so that's amazing, but surely that would require the modx to either have or know about all the omnisphere waveforms and samples?. I would love it to be true as omnisphere is my favourite vst synth, so, I hope you don't mind me asking you to clarify.
wow . if only there was an explanation like this when i got my montage ! thanks so much.this looks great. not sure though if i could handle the menu diving...so deep. the montage made me feel ill just trying to save things,but this video makes me understand whats hapening !!!! i rekon this is one the best sounding live synth made for sample based sounds ....... but i hate that touch screen.... and no sequencer it seems....
No need to constantly downplay your own keyboard skills, my friend. You can certainly play well enough to create an enjoyable and informative video. I think I’ll grab one of these! I have a DX7, EX7, TG77 and An1x in my collection so I clearly love Yamaha synths. Lol.
Congratulations! Beautiful review! Very well explained and very well done. I love that coffee part (with all of its elements and fx's haha). I'm sure I'd never use more than 10% of these deep edit capabilities, but it seems it's easy to get complex, beautiful fat sounds. I agree Omnisphere is a beast and more affordable if you already have a computer, but this thing is portable and no computer dependent if you will. A great tool for those who want to learn how to play better with inspiring sounds ready to play at the press of a button. If only I had the money...
All those nice sounds...and most of us won't buy it because they don't put the Montage key action on it. Cheap, and loud keys. They put that entry level casio type action on an otherwise nice keyboard. They need to bring back the S series.
This is my main complaint about the MODX6. Very noisy keys. Actually cheap sounding. I will eventually trade up to the MODX8 which I understand has the better quality keys.
Hi BoBeats I liked your conclusion about comparisons while differenciating. This video is quite old now but what would be your new conclusion today ? Same ? Thanks
I may never live long enough to see Yamaha releasing something beyond the AWM2+FM combo that in its essence dates back to SY-77. Nice to have touch screen and a trimmed-down Montage basically at a very nice price point, but... once upon a time we had non-zero probability of seeing something new in a new synth. The FM engine is, just to put it in context, a tiny fraction of what 18 years ago their supreme FS1R module could do - and if we think of EX5 and the potential of combining FM with e.g. physical modelling and other engines, i.e. stepping out of this Groundhog Day of same box of FM thinking... nowadays at very affordable prices. Ah well.
LeventeZone: Been at this too for 50 years, started with a organ in the 60's. Never been able to afford a Moog, but next year in retirement...maybe a SubPhatty. Just been incredible to be a keyboardist for the last 20 years! And YES, I agree, always looking for new way to sound design, Started FM this year with the Reface DX a very easy to use interface and editing. Next is the TastyChips granular synthesizer...incredible!!! And for digital piano maybe Dexibell has finally created a Dpiano that will function and sound exactly like an acoustic grand...maybe??? Then we can talk all the analog stuff introduced, but I have not bought any....still trusting digital. Then Roland with ACB technology release the Boutiques and the System8....just the best oscillators I have ever heard in a digital subtractive synth. I am happy, could not tell if you were from your comment????
Very happy overall, I use very different tools, SW and HW, to get the alchemy I want, so overall happy - my gripe was a bit specific, admittedly, I look at some of the big names with enough R&D budget to go beyond re-re-re-relasing same engine, especially as some have evolved way beyond what is being re-re-released. So the frustration comes from the hype that preceded this launch to find that after 3 years, one finds the very same engine under the bonnet with some extra presets and sample memory. And the end result is, at the end from a user perspective, exactly as you mention, one choses tools and if those are not suitable, turns to others. I still have my FS1R and cannot get rid of it, but it can't feed samples into the operators of course- but its FM capabilities are simply insane compared to last 20 years of FM products. When I need the sample-based engine + FM close integration, turn to Kronos etc. As a DSP fanatic, I just hope some HW manufacturers who spent decades with considerable R&D departments to treat us to new things that correlate with the hype, instead of a copy-paste from a previous product...
To be fair, although physical modelling is cool, in many cases it doesn't make a lot of sense. Because to be able to play it convincingly, ones has be very skilled, and now how expression works on the actual instrument. Or it has te be played with some kind of phrase engine... and then it might just as well be sampled. But physical modelling could have it's place as resonators (a variation to traditional filters, or as an addition). When it comes to the FS1r, I don't see that this lacks that many of the relevant features. It doesn't have the formant sequencing, but that was more of a proof of concept than it was actually usable. This synth is probably not using their Analog Modelling engine of the AN1x, but rather sample based VA (there are some hardware VA synths, and some software VA synths that have used samples as the base, even though they have had the look of subtractive synths, so it hasn't only been the way of workstations), but it seems to work ok. Not sure it would make much of a difference. AWM2, today don't sound like in the Sy-77. They should have re-named it long ago, even if it is possibly based on the same compression algorithms. Layering and modulation, is what makes this synth powerful. However, it takes a long time to set-up, and isn't all the system isn't all that user friendly for it. I don't find many faults with the included feature-set. But the interface doesn't feel welcoming to me. I much rather see an iPad app version of it.
The main sound structure reminds me off my jv-1080. Really deep editing possibilities,but it’ll take a bit of practice. Definitely easier than the JV though, even with patchbase.
Yo Bo, how do you feel about it after having worked with it for a while? Everything that I’ve heard from it sounds so glossy and shiny to my ears. Where would you start if you wanted to introduce friction, textures, character, grit, punch etc? I’d love to dig a little bit and see what’s possible.
Hey!! I think you are correct that its easy to make it sound glossy. What I would do is look at the part FX and introduce distortions, compressions etc. And then try and create a modulation for it, either with the motion sequencer or super knob, or both. Since I think you have a ton of options available from the insert FX to modulate this could make for some more living, dirty, textures. I would also stay away from the more pure sample sounds, and work from the synth waveforms instead and FM engine as they sound less "workstation", if that makes sense
@@BoBeats Agreed, I had wished Yamaha had put the basic waveforms into Init submenu (square wave, etc) on page 1 rather than having to search them out.
I have exactly the same question. Every time I hear the Modx sounds, I feel like i 'm entering the lobby of an expensive hotel where the carpets are thick and everything is polished and clean. On the other hand its architecture is promising great sonic adventures and unheard soundscapes. So the question is, can someone create something that feels raw, dirty, unpredictable, weird and unpolished with this charming toy? And the question uses the verb "feels" not "sounds"....
Want to buy a Yamaha MODX?
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I have the MODX6. For what I paid for it, this keyboard sounds amazing. It's a HUGE bang for the buck. Best sounding digital keyboard I have played. The FM patches alone or combined with the acoustic pianos are great. The acoustic guitar and lead guitar patches are amazing! This is the first digital synth I have had in a long time that inspires me each time I play it. Great video, thank you for posting..
synthartist69 Does the Keynes feel too plasticy? What would you compare the keys to
djpioneer937 Keynes?
It comes with a baby!!
It also has 1G of internal flash memory for your odd samples made in sound editors and whatnot.
Ah gonna have to pass on this one then.
Too much maintenance, I'll pass
I was set on not buying anymore keyboard instruments...until I saw this!
You pretty much sold me on this! well done!
Yamaha seems to have sent lots of these around to people which is good. People can truly decide from all these videos.
I bought mine after watching a video.
I just got the MODX6+ I have been jumping around youtube for tutorials.
This was the best tour I have found. INCLUDING YAMAHA'S TUTORIALS. I have a history with yamaha '85 I got a DX7 and CX5M (small computer with 4op synth and sequencer) In '93 I got the SY99 and have had several Tg77 SY77s these are really the precursor to the Montage/MODX line they also had AWM and FM 6op. for someone who has a little experience with FM this was a killer tour. Superb work.
Thank you!!
Bo!!! I am super amazed at this review!!! This is without any doubt the best review of the Yamaha synth engine architecture ever done on CZcams or anywhere else for that matter. Excellent presentation of the synth engines, it was very understandable and clear to me ( I have been researching the Yamaha synth engines from their PDF manuals for years now) But you made it clear and filled in all missing parts I did not understand. THEN...you even did the FM engine and motion control, fantastic! NO ONE has ever done such a great review before on the MOX, MOtive or Montage which are basically the same editing structure. Thank you for the best review of a Yamaha synth in the history of reviews!!!!!
Thank you! It took a lot of efforts
Yes, I realize how much work it is! I have an other CZcams channel where I teach viewers how to use their synths.
I second this. Most awesome video.
i love how your hand movements mimic your words subconciously
It is impressive to see how easy the operating system is to use on this synth. The review is also very good. Thank you.
This was the best review of the MODX on the Entire You tube channel. Loved it and learned so much. Thank you! I am going to purchase the MODX8 because of this video.
I ordered a modx7 yesterday. Before watching any review. I wanted a montage but the €€€... This is the one
It has many great sounds ... from cocktail lounge to rave warehouse to cathedral... 2000 presets!
Lots of menu-diving... but powerful. Liked the coffee break music!
I do appreciate what yamaha made with this mini montage!! and i do love your armchair too!!!!!
Me to I like the armchair seems every reviewer has it on youtube.
Love the ability to map fm operator levels to sliders, the only other synth that I know that gives you tactile control in fm is the akemie’s castle (which is amazing btw!). PS - never wanted a coffee so bad in my life after watching this.
Bo, thanks for really diving in and actually programming the synth!
I wish you would take another look at the FM engine, with 8 operators it might be worth buying this synth just for it's FM capabilities alone. I have a feeling people will be selling FM patches for this synth for years.
Thank you! It could possibly be a follow up video
Who agrees with me that Yamaha should just bring out that FM-X engine in a stand-alone instrument. Maybe call it the DX8 in honor of the 8-operator architecture and have DX8/6, ($799) DX8/7, ($899) and DX8/8 ($999) versions of it depending on keyboard size.
Solid idea right here!
Thank you, Bo! I have applied for a job to the Yamaha Marketing department, ha-ha. By the way, I echo the other comments on the quality of your video. It is really useful to have someone dive into the instrument and do more than just play the factory patches. Here's another marketing idea: full length videos explaining all the features in depth, like they used to do with the Motif. I have a three DVD set on the original Motif. Something like this is more helpful than a pdf manual, one can see and hear the results of each action taken.
doesnt hurt to dream, but would never be at those price points (not much more tho) :)
+gimble, Well, the MODX6 is only $1299, so it doesn't seems that unreasonable to me to offer only the FM side of it for $500 less. That $500 buys you arguably more than a $999 MOXF6 (less the full-featured sequencer.)
yeah, but i mean itmore politacally than that tbh bud, its how they price ranges and where that would fit in was more my point (i was a programmer for yamaha from 2005-2013 mostly motif and tyros) so range is an important thing to them and price points if that makes sense :) and lets face it the MODX pricepoint is stunning and expected to sell in huge numbers (and rightly so) so like i said not quite that easy/straight forward :)
So, woke up this afternoon to about 12 new videos in my recommended on this new synth lol Glad to see Yamaha is aware of the CZcams community. And of course, I clicked on yours first Bo ;) lol
Very nice demo of the MODX. I just wish Yamaha made the FM-X engine (which is based on the FS1r) like a complete FS1r. The 8 x noise generators with formants, Formant Seq and the formant waveform are missing in the FM-X engine. I hope it will added in a update.
Awesome video, this is what i needed, the real programming, too many playings in other vids, but you showed us what it really is.. Thank you.... Waiting for the product from India
A huge hi-five to that mate! Waiting for it to come to India too!
@@viyandsouza_stream a friend of mine already brought it, 😂
Ordered it an hour ago!😂😛 thanks buddy!!
David Pachuau how is that funny? Like at all?
Haut Strange He may have interpreted the emoji to be of someone crying given the tears on it. That help?
Great hands on review. And nice coffee break. You made me go get one.
The other video's I've seen about this made MODX sound like old casio's, but your video makes me reconsider buying.... Thanks for your video work!!!
I saw a lot of reviews on the MODX 6, even spokespersons for companys. but none was able to go in-depth like you. now I really can't wait to get one
one of the interesting side effects of yamaha's new release is to price drop of the Yamaha MOXF6 and usually you get the flash ram card thrown in free..and that board has a usable sequencer!
I wasn't aware that I needed this and I also wasn't aware how sensual coffee can be
Thank you for the sound construction demo. I ordered the keyboard today on a whim (boys and their toys), after seeing a couple of sales type demos I wondered if I may have made an expensive mistake but thanks to you I can see it' relevance to my way of making music.
Congrats on having the first in depth review
Cheers!
Finally, Montage with rythm, at a reasonable price. Yamaha has finally gotten me excited again! And I have Omnisphere, but the super knob can provide interesting soundacapes.
You sir are sneaky.. "here just let me sneak this super cute baby in here while I play some super dope music" now I must have this
🤣💪
Indeed. Now that they've -appeared- co-starred in your vids, does Swedish tax code allow you to declare your children as business deductions? ;o)
I found it fascinating that you mentioned the Prologue and the Digitone as I have a Prologue, I'm waiting for my Digitone, and intend to purchase a MODX6. I'm happy that Yamaha listened to not only mine, but many peoples comments on the Montage.
That is one of the best reviews of the Modx on youtube Bo.
I just purchased my MODX7, I love it already!! Thanks for this video!
That performance you made @5:06 is amazing!!!!!!!
Thank you for doing such an in depth review on this synth.. Seriously thinking of buying one of these so the detail you went into about what it’s like to program was very informative.
Cheers!!
Very nice job Bo! I've been looking for a legitimate, hi tech synth, but the Montage was just too expensive, and has no part of a workstation contained, so I could not justify the price. You have given way more detail than anyone else. I freakin' LOVE IT! A side by side comparison reveals the superior value of the Modx over the Montage. There is absolutely nothing, that justifies the enormous price difference in my opinion. I think I want the 61 key..maybe the 76? Not sure, but I will definitely get thus board..(and I have omnisphere, NI, etc) But I want a hardware synth. Finally Yamaha..I'm excited again.
The New sequencer update makes it the best value workstations board out there imo
Bob is dope. I can only dream Yamaha will release a VST version.
Thanks again for a nice review. It may contribute to my return of a used Roland System 1 for a MODX6. Your video showed what Korg needs to detail for the Wavestate.
I played the 8 at GC today. The weighted action feels great...smooth and playable, not overly stiff. I think I would pay the extra to get the 88 keys, and that is extremely uncharacteristic of me.
Theres something about the sound of it. I mean its nice and super complex, but then it's kinda plastic sounding at the same. Then I think about how it would sound in a mix and it seems to have too much going on, like it just needs to be alone, if that makes any sense. Then there the menu diving for programming..it's just so incredibly awesome and has so much going that you could never really use it all and possibly just get lost. I think Im more with the alternatives that you mentioned at the end rather than this. They're far more focused and hands on. Great video as usual. I love that you actually explained how this thing works.
If this keyboard just had the FM and sampling functionality i’d be all in on this thing. The groovebox idea is cool as well though. Super unique product.
Wow! Great video! So many voices, so many layers...
That was a very good review, Bo, and congratulations on having supercute mini-me on your show. ;-) On the last segment: To be honest, in a "real life" situation (like playing in front of people with other musicians), the differences in sound output of instrument x compared to a modern workstation are purely academical. I think it's really a "lifestyle" decision to choose multiple "specialist" machines over one "can do all". That being said, workstations like the MODX are like the teacher's pet in class: They are very good, but no one likes them because they are so boring - creating fantastic sound poses no challenge at all. :-)
Thank you for the comment! I would agree for a live situation the difference is probably not noticable. But for other uses like sound design they are pretty noticeable I would say.
In my opinion, the thing that makes the sound of the Prologue stick out, are the shimmery digital effects. And I don't think the Modx has as shimmery digital effects. The other thing is the layering, but when it comes to layering the Modx beats the Prologue by the factor of XX.
The modx allows for much more modulation, to introduce more movement to the sound, compared to any analog osc.
What the Prologue has though, is a much nicer interface for building sounds. So that does for example the System-8, and Peak as well... and to some degree the DSI Rev.2 and Deepmind, and even the Nord stage series. And the interface is in many cases the reason to go hardware over software. But then there is Omnisphere 2.5. Combined with for example the StudioLogic sledge, and is can be a quite affordable hybrid, if one has the computer for it. But Omnisphere doesn't cover all ground of the Modx, as it doesn't have all the general purpose samples.
But I would agree with the OP that when it comes to the sound it is mostly academic, especially considering the layering and modulations of the Modx compared to the Prologue. For complexity in sound, the Modx can beat the prologue, despite the Prologue's analog OSCs. It would have been better though, if the Modx had offered additional outputs, so that it would be possible to run some sounds through external shimmery effects, to combat that part of the Prologue, while still layering the performance with general purpose sounds.
Even many software instruments, especially iOS instruments, do offer better interface compared to the Modx, and may support running different layers through individual effects. But the Modx is self contained. And even though it can to a lot, there are still limitations, and consistency that may not be the case when starting to use different softwares in a DAW host.
The dilemma in my opinion is that the Modx could have been an ipad app + a good controller with keyboard and a few sliders and knobs, with built in audio and midi I/O, and an adjustable holder for the ipad (adjustable for the size of the ipad, as well as tilting), and that would have been an over all better product, and possibly at a lower price, even including the purchase of an iPad, and it would have had a much better touch experience, with bigger display even, with better readability, and it would also have allowed for loading other music apps when needed even if the Modx would have been a stand-alone that would not allow for integration with other apps.
The only reason in my opinion for products like this to exist today, is really that no one does that perfect ipad dock/controller with audio/midi I/O, adjustable holder and a few soft controls.
It's an interesting synth with many deep layers and sounds great. But all that menu diving might just send me round the bend !!
Excellent video, Bo! I can't even consider an instrument as nice as this, but it sure was cool to learn about it!
The "for the lulz" part was a pretty cool sound imo.
I liked all the sounds you pulled out of it though. A lot of them were really quite relaxing :)
I'd like to hear more of "coffee break", nice work. Very informative review as well.
Check the sound demo
I mostly bought the MODX8 for the piano voices, because it is very lightweight compared to my old Yamaha P200 stage piano. But it is more than I needed on stage. So I plan on having it in my home studio and plan on buying a new state piano for on stage performance.
This is the Best video that explains this keyboard, thanks Bo
What a machine!!!.... Great review!.. more videos like this! Super job Bo!!!!!
Back again. I tried one today, it's pretty amazing. That said if you want analogue sounds for synth patches I don't think this is the best choice, all the patches as programmed are very high end dominant, not warm and analogue sounding. I still liked them but just my observation.
That's true,polished hi fi glossy sounds,but lacking that analog warmth to it.I decided finally I will not buy MODX6,which I was after few days ago,rather will go with minimal setup,will get the three Reface models CS,DX and CP that will cover a lot of ground when hooked with my rverb ,delay pedals.I want fast intuitive synths,to create sounds on the go,these menu divings are s inspiration killers for me.
It’s not lacking that analogue warmth because it was never designed to be analogue or replicate it. It just is what it is and that’s either what you want or it isn’t. I’d be interested to know how the other one who replied here got on with their Reface DX because I had one and found that way less intuitive to create sounds on compared to this or the Montage.
@@X22GJP Yes but it has analogue type sounds example, saw, sine, pulse etc. which sound very digital that was my point.
Thanks Bo, I knew I already wanted it, but you've done a great job going into the synthesizer on a more deep level! I have a HUGE Motif synthesizer which is also awesome in it's own way, but programming it just is nearly impossible! I haven't even found out how to do an INIT voice on it!~ With this synthesizer and you showing me how to, it will be a lot easier. I am also curious how well the FM synthesis works! I know programming on the DX7, which I owned too was also a big challenge on the machine itself, and it seems much more easy here! Almost like the good folks of Yamaha looked at how FM7 and FM8 from NI works..... It just seems much easier and has more control over the entire parts! Just a few days and then I will get my MODX.... I can't wait ;)
That first patch (Bob) reminded me of 'When I grow up' by Fever Ray
I call it “Bob.” Funny!! Fantastic and informative video. Thank you.
Can't wait to get mine
I would like to see Yamaha put an external monitor output and mouse control for those people with crap eyesight (like me)
You add touch monitor via USB to Device port. There is a video on this.
Great video. I like how you demonstrated the features of the MODX in an easy to understand way.
Thank you so much for the great review Bo. That clearly was an awesome in depth explanation of the capabilities. My last hardware synth (which I am still happy to play on every now and then) was the Korg M1. Getting bored of all the hazzle with soft synths (boot system, driver crash, incompatibility issues, etc.) I would very much like to go for a modern hardware synth. I also like the idea that the MODX8 has a GHS keyboard which is just great at this price (missing aftertouch is a pitty though). After watching your review I have the impression that the MODX series is a really good all-in-one-starter package. I will most likely go for the MODX8. Thanks a lot again.
Great walkthrough, Bo! I want one of these now! I hate you!
I love you!! 😘
Red Means Recording how do you guys manage to make music with so much new gear to learn all the time? I’m trying to go the whole VST DAW way... but these toys are so nice...
@@JeffCfreeradiorevolution if you're focusing on learning new gear for reviews or demos than it's legit hard to make music. It's only really through practice and knowing your stuff inside and out that you get real results, so it's important to take time away from learning new gear to do that. But, also, learning the gear by making music on it is the best way to learn.
Red Means Recording yeah I totally agree. I’m currently learning piano to go with guitar and drums that I’ve already learned. It’s so important not to get distracted by new gear and focus on practice and making music. Thanks.
I read "I hate you" in Anakin Skywalker's voice.
Ok I made my mind up, I’m getting the MODX8✊🏿
Thanks for this video!!!
that sound @10.03 can be easily used for a John Carpenters "Escape From New York" cover theme. nice!
Good review, very deep. I have a fair bit of experience on an older, but somewhat similar board, the Korg Krome. I really liked the Krome, especially its generous multi-timbrality. However, the one drawback was that, much like a soft synth, you needed to know what sound you are looking for before you started diving into the menus to program. If you like turning knobs and moving sliders, or plugging in patch cords to discover new sounds on the fly, this is not the synth for you. However, if you are a gigging musician, you can set one of these MODX's (or a Krome) to cover a whole set of sounds with just a tap on the screen, or turn of the dial, which is cool. With the sample-based engines you also get the "bread & butter" pianos, EPs, organs, strings, choirs, etc. that are the staples of most sets. I think Yamaha will sell a bunch of these to gigging musicians working with the excellent (but aging) MOTIF workstations.
I had a Krome too, as well as one of the first MOXs. Eventually sold them both for different reasons, kind of regretted selling the MOX so this should be a nice combination of them both. I heard this has a full sequencer in it, not sure abut that yet though.
Waaaaaaayyy too much menuing for me ... but still sounds great !
Also, good review ;)
Long time soncw i posted.
Wow is that a new little bo?! Congratulating!
Thank you Max!!
Just ordered. Thanks Bo. And I hope you’re having a nice summer.
Main downside from specs seems would be - for me - lack of aftertouch. I know it will have cuts from the montage, but it seems a bad decision.
Totally agree with that geecen .... out of all the features on what Yam are claiming as a 'performance synth for the road' (ie. stage), it MUST have AT right?, even at this price point. I asked Dom from Yam this specific qu. on his channel regarding whether it receives / responds to AT and also Release Velocity. He just said today in his qu/ans review of our YT'ers MODX queries it does for AT which sort of helps (need to check RV too as he didn't mention that) - it should be in the MODX "MIDI Implementation Sheets". I truly believe it's not due to on-cost of the AT keybed as loads of low-end synths have this feature, but rather if they did, it'll kill the Montage 'pro' board sales, in the same way they had to pick 44.1Khz sample rate rather than 192 which again in this day & age, would only be nominal cost hit, honestly. Shame :/ If they brought out a desktop or flat rack panel version I'd be up for that! :p Cheers.
AT would add $1000 to the price,
The tone generator responds to after touch so just connect a keyboard that has it.
actually you can export a Omnisphere preset and upload into the Modx, for me it's a gamechanger.
Do you mean an actual preset as opposed to a sample of a preset?. If so that's amazing, but surely that would require the modx to either have or know about all the omnisphere waveforms and samples?. I would love it to be true as omnisphere is my favourite vst synth, so, I hope you don't mind me asking you to clarify.
Through using Sample Robot?
wow . if only there was an explanation like this when i got my montage ! thanks so much.this looks great. not sure though if i could handle the menu diving...so deep. the montage made me feel ill just trying to save things,but this video makes me understand whats hapening !!!! i rekon this is one the best sounding live synth made for sample based sounds ....... but i hate that touch screen.... and no sequencer it seems....
No need to constantly downplay your own keyboard skills, my friend. You can certainly play well enough to create an enjoyable and informative video.
I think I’ll grab one of these! I have a DX7, EX7, TG77 and An1x in my collection so I clearly love Yamaha synths. Lol.
Thanks Elmo!
Nice overview. I think it sounds great.
BoBaby is so cute! all the best man!
Im diggin the toddler... great marketing strategy
Thanx x t great vid!!... Im learning and enjoying this synth and your tutorial helped a lot
That screen and menues reminds me of MPC live.
I'm good with that then cause MPC Live is my main DAW now for beats.
Congratulations! Beautiful review! Very well explained and very well done. I love that coffee part (with all of its elements and fx's haha). I'm sure I'd never use more than 10% of these deep edit capabilities, but it seems it's easy to get complex, beautiful fat sounds. I agree Omnisphere is a beast and more affordable if you already have a computer, but this thing is portable and no computer dependent if you will. A great tool for those who want to learn how to play better with inspiring sounds ready to play at the press of a button. If only I had the money...
wish my kurzweil k2000 had a touch screen like that.
Great introduction, really enjoyed your video.
Great Overview, Thank You
Full on review, brill - thanks the Bo-ster !
as a guitarist just looking to buy my first synthesizer workstation sounds amazing but very complicated
Another great review. Like'd it before the first few seconds for your beautiful baby.
Great explanations and details, awesome vid,thankyou,best wishes to you all, from, Auckland, New Zealand. 🎹👑⭐🏅👍💯✅❤🙂🙂🙂🎹🎼🎵🎶
I love long videos, like Cuckoo 👍
#Congratulations
I haven't even watched this yet, i liked it for the kid.
id defo say that the 8 is the bargain as its weighted (aswell as more keys obv) and when you conscider the costs its worth the frankly little bit more
According to Yamaha, you are supposed to say it "MOE--DEE--ECKS." When I first saw it I said MOD-X, too!
Moe-Dx, makes me think of the simpson character
You got a great helper Bo! God bless
All those nice sounds...and most of us won't buy it because they don't put the Montage key action on it. Cheap, and loud keys. They put that entry level casio type action on an otherwise nice keyboard. They need to bring back the S series.
This is my main complaint about the MODX6. Very noisy keys. Actually cheap sounding. I will eventually trade up to the MODX8 which I understand has the better quality keys.
I absolutely love your reviews.
Think my recently repaired SY77 will do just fine.
don't be shy to use the term workstation :)
last shot was the best part
Workstation is problematic as many connect it with built in multi channel sequencers. I think performance synthesizer fits better :-)
Thats right. Workstations have sequencers. The Montage and family don't.
Such a cute little baby! I miss when my little boy was that size. :)
Hi BoBeats I liked your conclusion about comparisons while differenciating. This video is quite old now but what would be your new conclusion today ? Same ? Thanks
I may never live long enough to see Yamaha releasing something beyond the AWM2+FM combo that in its essence dates back to SY-77. Nice to have touch screen and a trimmed-down Montage basically at a very nice price point, but... once upon a time we had non-zero probability of seeing something new in a new synth. The FM engine is, just to put it in context, a tiny fraction of what 18 years ago their supreme FS1R module could do - and if we think of EX5 and the potential of combining FM with e.g. physical modelling and other engines, i.e. stepping out of this Groundhog Day of same box of FM thinking... nowadays at very affordable prices. Ah well.
LeventeZone: Been at this too for 50 years, started with a organ in the 60's. Never been able to afford a Moog, but next year in retirement...maybe a SubPhatty. Just been incredible to be a keyboardist for the last 20 years! And YES, I agree, always looking for new way to sound design, Started FM this year with the Reface DX a very easy to use interface and editing. Next is the TastyChips granular synthesizer...incredible!!! And for digital piano maybe Dexibell has finally created a Dpiano that will function and sound exactly like an acoustic grand...maybe??? Then we can talk all the analog stuff introduced, but I have not bought any....still trusting digital. Then Roland with ACB technology release the Boutiques and the System8....just the best oscillators I have ever heard in a digital subtractive synth. I am happy, could not tell if you were from your comment????
Very happy overall, I use very different tools, SW and HW, to get the alchemy I want, so overall happy - my gripe was a bit specific, admittedly, I look at some of the big names with enough R&D budget to go beyond re-re-re-relasing same engine, especially as some have evolved way beyond what is being re-re-released. So the frustration comes from the hype that preceded this launch to find that after 3 years, one finds the very same engine under the bonnet with some extra presets and sample memory. And the end result is, at the end from a user perspective, exactly as you mention, one choses tools and if those are not suitable, turns to others. I still have my FS1R and cannot get rid of it, but it can't feed samples into the operators of course- but its FM capabilities are simply insane compared to last 20 years of FM products. When I need the sample-based engine + FM close integration, turn to Kronos etc. As a DSP fanatic, I just hope some HW manufacturers who spent decades with considerable R&D departments to treat us to new things that correlate with the hype, instead of a copy-paste from a previous product...
LeventeZone yep FS1R for life !
To be fair, although physical modelling is cool, in many cases it doesn't make a lot of sense. Because to be able to play it convincingly, ones has be very skilled, and now how expression works on the actual instrument. Or it has te be played with some kind of phrase engine... and then it might just as well be sampled.
But physical modelling could have it's place as resonators (a variation to traditional filters, or as an addition).
When it comes to the FS1r, I don't see that this lacks that many of the relevant features. It doesn't have the formant sequencing, but that was more of a proof of concept than it was actually usable.
This synth is probably not using their Analog Modelling engine of the AN1x, but rather sample based VA (there are some hardware VA synths, and some software VA synths that have used samples as the base, even though they have had the look of subtractive synths, so it hasn't only been the way of workstations), but it seems to work ok. Not sure it would make much of a difference.
AWM2, today don't sound like in the Sy-77. They should have re-named it long ago, even if it is possibly based on the same compression algorithms.
Layering and modulation, is what makes this synth powerful. However, it takes a long time to set-up, and isn't all the system isn't all that user friendly for it.
I don't find many faults with the included feature-set. But the interface doesn't feel welcoming to me. I much rather see an iPad app version of it.
The main sound structure reminds me off my jv-1080. Really deep editing possibilities,but it’ll take a bit of practice. Definitely easier than the JV though, even with patchbase.
Dang ! Great review >..👍🏼 I just want to return my Push 2 and get this one ! I still have few days to do that, im 🤔 what to do. 🧐
KEEP PUSHING OUT GREAT CONTENT !!!!!
Great videos man!
Is this some sort of late-nineties retro party? Digipunk taken to extreme?
Yo Bo, how do you feel about it after having worked with it for a while? Everything that I’ve heard from it sounds so glossy and shiny to my ears. Where would you start if you wanted to introduce friction, textures, character, grit, punch etc? I’d love to dig a little bit and see what’s possible.
Hey!! I think you are correct that its easy to make it sound glossy. What I would do is look at the part FX and introduce distortions, compressions etc. And then try and create a modulation for it, either with the motion sequencer or super knob, or both. Since I think you have a ton of options available from the insert FX to modulate this could make for some more living, dirty, textures. I would also stay away from the more pure sample sounds, and work from the synth waveforms instead and FM engine as they sound less "workstation", if that makes sense
@@BoBeats Agreed, I had wished Yamaha had put the basic waveforms into Init submenu (square wave, etc) on page 1 rather than having to search them out.
I have exactly the same question. Every time I hear the Modx sounds, I feel like i 'm entering the lobby of an expensive hotel where the carpets are thick and everything is polished and clean. On the other hand its architecture is promising great sonic adventures and unheard soundscapes. So the question is, can someone create something that feels raw, dirty, unpredictable, weird and unpolished with this charming toy? And the question uses the verb "feels" not "sounds"....
BoBeats l
Can u do a making a beat video with this keyboard and DAW?
Why should we buy a montage?
Great video, thank you, sir!