The Yamaha Montage M7: Unboxing and Initial Impressions
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- čas přidán 27. 05. 2024
- My Montage M7 has arrived, so I unbox it, hook it up and after spending a day or so with it, give you my initial impressions on Yamaha's newest flagship synthesizer.
Montage M6: amzn.to/46Q9STo
Montage M7: amzn.to/45WMtOU
Montage M8x: amzn.to/498ZTdj
Mary Spender's Channel: / @maryspender
Mary Spender's Website: www.maryspender.com/
My keyboard Z stand: amzn.to/3Ix5xuF
Z stand extra tier: amzn.to/3XtVpa6
My keyboard A frames: amzn.to/3YwAPav
My silver keyboard covers: amzn.to/40VySFx
My black keyboard covers: amzn.to/3Gt5oXz
0:00 Intro
0:52 Unboxing
1:14 My Old Montage 7
2:12 First Steps
2:27 Super Knob Spin
3:13 Startup Speed
3:27 Flashing Lights
4:45 Knobs
5:04 It's Incredible!
6:57 The Keybed
7:29 Mary Spender
9:13 Summary
#Yamaha #MontageM #NewGearDay - Hudba
2:27 I later discovered that you can define the flash/spin pattern of the knob (along with the color) by PERFORMANCE - so if you create a performance, and for that performance you want the Super Knob to flash or pulse instead of spin, you can select that.
It's a great improvement over the original Montage.
Pros:
1. Subtle sound improvement. The original Montage had a fierce high end. I guess this works great in a live situation getting stuff to cut through but sometimes things could be on the brittle side. This high end is still pretty sharp and clear but slightly toned down. I think this is to emphasize the warmer tones on the An1x engine but IMO it helps out all of the engines overboard.
2. 2nd screen helps out alot. It is a bit easier to see what your knobs are doing.
3. Redesigned GUI. Yamaha kept alot of the good things but made alot of things easier. Layering and splits are even easier to achieve to what I think was Yamaha Montage bread and butter. Also things like tap tempo buttons are a huge timesaver in Live situations.
4. An1x. A much needed addition, a fairly easy synth that sounds warm and smooth and achieves things that were either impossible or difficult to achieve with FMX. PWM, SYNC, etc. This feels alot more complete as a Megasynth.
5. AWM improvements. the almost unlimited element improvements, increased polyphony helps make this a layering monster. Also with the VCM Rotary effects, AWM provides a much better organ emulator without creating a dedicated engine. The Organs were a surprise.
5. Better EP Samples. EPs are much smoother. This was something original Montage was already good at. Clavs are also nice.
Cons.
1. No Sampler. I think they somewhat dropped the ball here as the audio inputs are already there with the Montage already being a great effect processor.
2. No audio stem ability. Would be amazing for live use.
3. No compatibility with original Montage patches using Soundmondo. There are a wealth of patches online for original Montage. would be nice to load those or at least download and convert. Hopefully they resolve this.
4. Sequencer is still kind of Wonky to use.
thank you for the breakdown. I'm going to save up for the M8...might take a while
Can I kindly ask what you mean by “audio stem ability”?
@@tonylancer7367
Playing audio backing tracks. For like drum loops, instruments and what not.
@@jsmacks11 Oh like how the Fantom does it with the Ableton-like grid? I think that might be possible, because on the CK you can assign a key to trigger an audio track, might also be possible on the Montage.
I haven't been interested in keyboards for 15 years now mostly because i've been plugged into the VST world since but the Montage M is making me interested again....ironicly the last keyboard i owend was the Motif ES.. Its always Yamahas
Can't wait to see your upcoming content on this
I've had my m8x for just over a month and am still in awe how amazing this beast is. I agree with you about the black keys, I was surprised I didn't even notice it prior to the purchase, but I'd get it regardless as it's not a deal breaker at all. I actually like the texture on the black keys now.
Congratulations Scott!
sorry to see you experienced the shipping issues on your resale. I've been blown away by videos of the new montage, can't wait to see your upcoming content. I'm going to save for the M8 but it'll take a while
Will love to see how you get on with the new Yamaha I sold both my modx and my montage 7 so still on the fence keep on rocking
Thanks for the info - Ive had to let go Roland stuff in the past for some photo sensitivity issues, so this is brilliant information. Thank you!
Yeah, if you are at all sensitive to high frequency flicker, this synth is not for you.
Congrats to the new synth!! Really curious how much easier the new dedicated displays make FM programming.
I love Mary Spender's talent.
Agree, just went over for a listen.
Congratulations, Scott! So, you couldn't resist and got one. Enjoy and keep us informed about your findings. It's still on pre-order here, but I haven't received any information about the delivery time. Please share your thoughts on the sequencer/recorder.
I watched a lot of your videos on the Montage M and kept thinking "when is this dude going to actually get one?!?" LOL! Glad to finally see one in your hands. My M6 is coming tomorrow. Can't wait to dive in!
Hi Scott, so everyone always just assumes Sweetwater is the only place to buy, there are tons of small mom and pop stores that also sell Montage Ms, and have them in-stock.
Nice to see you happy of your purchase Scott. I am tuned to know your detailed reports. Planning to buy an M7 or an M8X only when I will test related VST. I play live with a pure software setup...
Not sure why you need an M7 or M8x then if you are pure software.
Congrats on the new M7. I might eventually get an M6 if my current Montage is sold.
Awesome Scott, and congrats! I hope the lack of PAT isn't going to keep bugging you everytime you use aftertouch :) At least you can hook up the Hydrasynth if you really want to use it.. but then again having 2 synths with PAT would be pretty awesome :). Can't wait to see what other videos you'll make with it!
I figured exactly that - if I want to use a patch that has PAT mapping, I'll map the Hydrasynth into it.
yeah I still think it was dodgy to not include PAT in all of the lineup. I mean, NI Kontrol MK3 has it, Hydrasynth has it, the new Korg Keystate has it, no excuse really other than marketing to get people to buy the big boy.
Thanks for your video and honest comments. I am glad you got a MONTAGE M, as you can really get a lot from it and help others with your work on it. I have toyed with the idea of buying one, but I am nowhere close to be a good player, nor even a regular one, so it would be a big waste of resources and, well, I can still learn a lot on my "old" MONTAGE 6 and MODX+. I will anyway check out any video your produce on this nice synth, as it is always entertaining and also helpful to see what can be done when you are a good player and a synth expert. Enjoy it!!! 👍
I love my m8x. Wish they offered the white from the start. Buy yeah I agree with your appraisal it sounds better, I believe it plays better and the ANX engine is a great addition. I’m glad they included all the sounds from the xf and prior montage. Enjoy. I’ll be looking for future vids.
How's the action for playing synth lines??
You are lucky none have been avaliable in Europe and don’t know when we will get them.
We have them in Denmark
@@22duke oh we have ” Nordpost” in Denmark and Sweden I believe , marvellous how they treat their packs….UPS too
not in the neatherland, Germany or UK
Congrats Scott! For the extra bucks I think I would have gone for the M8, but what a great machine!
You might, but not everybody wants graded hammer action keys so why bother if you already have a PolyAT-capable controller?
Good to hear that they are selling out. It shows that workstations are still in demand. And that manufactures can still continue to making them.
Cool. One to rule them all. 😀
This is the best unboxing first impression video I have ever seen!! - 66 year old performer for 55 years.
It appears that the Montage M is the 2023 success of the Korg M1 from 35 years ago when so many were being sold upon their release that demand greatly outstripped supply! Well done Yamaha!
Congrats Scott. Looks incredible. I'm a big fan of Yamaha. I own a Motif and love it. The flickering lights sound a bit weird. That might get annoying if you're playing for a long time in one sitting. Can they be turned off? Look forward to a further review of the M7 from you.
Great review. Just wondering does the m7 also have a internal fan and can you hear it?
Hi Scott. Is montage Midi 2.0? Thanks. Love your channel
awesome vid Scott thought you said shit insure at first lol sounds like that's what they should be called can't wait to get a new montage
Don’t take shit from reverb. UPS destroyed my rd 2000. I will never ship a keyboard again. They tried to wiggle out of paying but eventually conceded. And I was able to get everything repaired.
Well I’d like to know how you find the new Montage M7 to the Fantom, especially with the analog patches (AN-X vs ZenCore).
Hi Scott! Another great video as always!!! Congrats on your new Montage!!! I am very curious though..... Why a Montage M7 and a Roland Fantom 06 in your keyboard arsenal??? I always think it's great to have synths like the System 8, JDXA, OBX8, etc but really only one central workstation to use as a DAW for composition or the workstation interfaced to your DAW like Cubase... for faster composition of songs... then you can add your layers from your desired external synths (OB-6, Prophet 5, etc) into Cubase?? You've really piqued my interest in the Montage M7...... I'm just concerned about adding too many learning curves and workflows......
The Montage is my main workstation that I use for just about everything, and especially with the DAW. The Fantom 6...was not planned at all, but it fell into my lap for a crazy deal that I couldn't resist. :) Then the Fantom-06 is my lightweight touring keyboard.
@@ScottsSynthStuff Thanks Scott!! That makes complete sense!! (Kinda my reason for buying the Fantom 06 as well.... I can't think of a better live performance keyboard.... add a small controller, laptop and Gig Performer (for all the VSTs) and you can have a MASSIVE sonic arsenal onstage for under 100 lbs!!! I'm trying to stop buying for synths, but this new Montage keeps calling me.......... :) Thanks again for all the great information and answering questions!! I've learned SO MUCH from you!! So it is appreciated!!
That's pretty much exactly what I do - you can see my setup here: czcams.com/video/VCQ8w5JpsM0/video.html
i'm convinced that it really depends who is working in the shipping department of the day your product is shipped. some may double box stuff, some may think it doesn't need it. my 3rd Wave came double boxed. my Virus TI2 did not, and the original box Access uses is pretty thin.
Can you hook your hydrasynth up to the montage for poly touch patches
Okay, this is my first look at the M and the front panel. No, I'm not spending this much money and have so little physical control and a tiny touch screen. The LCD? screen over the knobs indicating function is a HUGE improvement, about time! These are flagship machines, IMHO they should be offered only in 2 choices both 88 key with one synth and the other piano action. The large scale of the 88 will allow all the missing physical controls, there should be full access to at least one level of subtractive control with sliders for ADSR, buttons and knobs for other functions. Where we can edit the basic structure of a patch, then have the LCD button screen and main display provide deeper editing if needed.
I purchased a Medeli Arranger a year ago, it was reviewed by everyone as equal to a Yamaha SX700, it has a 9 inch touch screen that functions at near perfection level of control....why isn't this large screen on the YamahaM? It is massive control oversites like this that make the flagship a joke. IF you're buying a flagship as a rompler and never sound design you just wasted your money. There are better and much cheaper solutions.
Lack of ease of sound design on a flagship is its major flaw, but doesn't have to be. And still waiting for a 4x4 pad on the Montage, are you kidding me? Flagship workstations, something for the stage where you want to haul around only one keyboard? (BTW, the Medeli keyboard with its perfect touch screen has a horrible keybed to firmware interface connection, you can't control this instruments velocity accurately making this keyboard totally useless).
What's up Scott! I produce with the MODX6 using multi-timbral mode. I've demoed the Montage M @ Guitar Center and noticed they've not done anything to that sector of the keyboard, even down to the volume fluctuations when scrolling through sounds. I don't think I'm missing something but if I am or if you know something I don't, please Enlighten me. Since I'm not heavily into sound design or a gigging musician, I can't justify upgrading.
7:59 Hey, i noticed the dust cover of your synths in the background. Could u tell where to buy them abd how good is the quality.
There are links in the description of this video.
Please tell How to apply scenes and part elements on montage m series for beginners without confusing and how to use keyboard for sampleing vst tones on montage m without any software and sample only on wave file and please tell new features on keyboard
I'm jealous 😁 I'm a little disappointed to learn that in Category Search if you type some text in then select one of the results and go into the performance screen or Live Set (to add it to a live set), then go back to the search, the text has been cleared and your results from the previous search have gone. This was a big annoyance for me when I wanted to add all performances with "JP_" or "OB_" to a Live Set.
I assume that you've added all your libraries and performances from your old Montage, so this would mean that even with the 16 library limit, you are still limited to 8 new ones. Mind you it's far better than it was!
One last question if you don't mind.... Do you have any issues with the workflow transitions between the Montage and Fantom 06?? I'm thinking of what we discussed earlier about the Fantom being the lightweight on the road workstation..... I mean, If I were to get a new Montage and create all sorts of great things on it and then I wanted to play live... Wouldn't it be difficult to xfer everything over to the Fantom or rebuild it all over again on the Fantom for stage use? I'm really interested in getting the new Montage M7 but as I age (I'm turning 62) it's getting harder and harder to keep up with and learn all these new things.... I just can't do it like I used to!! LOL!!!
They are completely different, and have different UI paradigms. So...not a whole lot that crosses over, you just have to learn them both.
M7 is a monster of a synth, can't wait for you to show its potential ❤.
I bought one, could not believe it didn't come with a sustain pedal. The sounds are beyond incredible, but I have a lot to learn in that I've never had a Yamaha before, only Roland keyboards.
I haven't purchased a single keyboard in 30+ years of working with synths that came with a sustain pedal.
Yeah, for the most part I guess, however, I consider this more in line with my Kurzweil K2700, Roland RD2000, and Kawai MP11se which all came with sustain pedals, but my three synths did not. As such, for the price I just assumed it was going to come with a pedal. Cheers! @@ScottsSynthStuff
I also asked on another one of your posts…
Just wondering if you like the montage m more than fantom
Sounds
Sequencer
Thanks so much
Scott can you do a review on their software interface for this keyboard workstation when they release it. It’s the number one reason why I am going to buy this keyboard. It’s suppose to be awesome software.
Of course I will, and yes, it definitely was one of the reasons I bought mine!
Hey Scott. What is the country of manufacturing? Japan?
The AN/X is very good. I do wish it had more polyphony in unison mode. Most VAs when you engage unison or say the jp8000 when you set osc A to supersaw you get a sort of expanded voice , where your hearing many saws stacked up . (8 times in the case of the jp8k)
The jp8k has 8 voices but you can still make huge supersaws.
The ANx is a 16 voice VA but you can only do unison x 4 and then you can add two additional oscillators. I’ve been able ti get some big wonderful supersaws , but nowhere near as big and wide as other hardware VAs .
I initially tried having two parts of anx, that was WORSE and caused bad voice stealing. In the end a single part anx with chorus and reverb gave me a great supersaw.
I did also make some massive supersaws by using some custom awm sound as one layer then two layers of FM , panned left and right , then one layer ANx .
What I love most though is the amount of control, it’s just as good as hardware synths , the second screen is just such a leap forward.
It is a hardware synth...
I sold a Yamaha S90 years ago and shipped across the country using UPS. UPS destroyed the keyboard. They pawned me off onto a 3rd party to deal with the insurance claim. The process was intentionally so cumbersome that I never bothered processing the insurance claim. I run a business and am very busy. I ended up being out $2k. UPS does this intentionally, so they often won't have to honor insurance claims. I recommend selling keyboards in person when at all possible.
For sure, my preference is always to sell in person. Fedex is by far the best (and not coincidentally, the most expensive) for shipping keyboards.
Scott, today was the amended delivery day of my 8xm, also from Sweetwater. FedEx initially told me Sunday, and then it changed to Wednesday -- weird. In recent weeks FedEx has overperformed and delivered early. Like yours, mine was shipped in a single box, the box from the manufacturer. Normally, I am not a fan of staples in boxes, but if it were not for the staples the box would have completely opened. Inside, the styrofoam was broken into pieces and loose in the box. When I unwrapped the instrument I noticed the keys were in various stages of depress, some of them had even moved front to back of the key. One key does not depress at all, and there is a significant dent in the bottom of the case -- mind you the case is significantly sturdy. Stating the obvious -- not good, and what a huge letdown. I contacted my Sweetwater rep first. I have purchased 15+ synths from Sweetwater over the years, not counting a few odd guitars and plenty of other stuff; my first being a K2000 in 1994-ish. I'm pretty sure they have all been double-boxed until this one. This is the first bad experience I have had (mostly the fault of FedEx, though).
Mine had the staples in it as well. It's odd - they clearly opened up the box, because the Sweetwater folder (and candy) were floating around inside with the synth. So I can only assume that it was Sweetwater that put the staples into the box when reclosing it. One of the styrofoam blocks in my box was broken as well, and it apparently was like that when Sweetwater got it, as someone had "fixed" the broken styrofoam with some packing tape. That worked as well as you would have expected (i.e. not at all). Fortunately my Montage was not damaged.
Like you, I have bought MANY synths from Sweetwater over the years, and this is also the first one I've ever received that wasn't double boxed.
wow, a couple of ANX sounds to demonstrate the improvement would have helped drive that point home.
I want to sell some synths, but where do you find boxes/packaging to fit the unusual size of a synth and keep it safe with double box with bubble wrap between the two boxes?
I have some boxes that I keep from synths I have bought, and I have also in the past bought boxes from Reverb. I keep the bubble wrap sent to me by Sweetwater and reuse it to ship synths.
That startup time is incredible. Die hard Nord-users have defended the tiny piano/sample-storage because it saves on startup time, load times etc., but with this there's really no excuse anymore.
There never was an excuse, they just won't splurge on fast microchips and/or cheap SSDs to save pennies.
@@Jason75913 With the prices they are charging for a Stage 4, they surely will fall behind. They are years behind the competition by this point, and no amount of organ emulation or VA synth engines can make up for that…
This is a beautiful keyboard, and I love the Yamaha sound. But I don't play live, and $5,000 is a lot of money, at least to me. I'll keep an eye out for the VST version of it, due next year. I wonder what the pricing will be on it though?
VSTis are the new Sound Modules. That will be nice. I was thinking about getting a Modx6 or 7 to compliment the Montage for live use but might consider the VSTi and a controller with polyphonic aftertouch.
@@jsmacks11 Yup, I'm also thinking of buying a controller with poly aftertouch, like that new Korg Keystage or NI Kontrol 49, 61 or 88, haven't decided which yet.
If I understood well a MontageM VST will be available only for guys who purchased the hardware device. These news are making me think to buy an M8X to keep it at home and play live with computer and VST
@@furiobisotti8150 Thats a pity, oh well thankfully there's competition and other great VSTs available.
@@furiobisotti8150 Yamaha will make the VST available separately - be stupid not to. After all, the engine is already there, just needs a new UX/UI over it. At the end of the day, those who want a Montage M will buy one. Those who are on the fence will either buy one, or maybe wait for the VST. Priced appropriately, being software with negligible logistical costs, the VST could be just as, if not more profitable for Yamaha than the hardware.
I think it’s a big failure to not include poly aftertouch in the M6 and M7. Heavy piano action is not great for playing fast synth stuff and the M8X is just too big to gig with. I’ll wait for the M6 and M7 MkII with a poly aftertouch keybed. Come on Yamaha!
I agree, I think it's a huge miss on Yamaha's part.
I did not like how Yamaha did not program all the Motif and Original Montage sound to take advantage of 8 Q encoders
Hey-Wow,incredible !take it eassy-;)
Hopefully they make a white version
There has been no change to AWM2 engine other than increasing the elements to 128. That said, majority of samples in Montage M come from the old Montage. How can it sound different?! Also, Polyphonic AT on M8X is kinda stupid as heavy keys aren't good for synth voices.
1:04 Montage montage :D
Milhares de possibilidades e incontáveis menus tornam esse tipo de teclado algo pouco prático. Prefiro Moog, Prophet e Oberheim. São bem mais amigáveis.
Aw, c'mon Scott, you're getting my GAS all going again. I have no good reason to get another synth, especially not something this powerful or expensive, but now I have the itch.
r the pianos/ep's thin? Because the last montage pianos were very thin ...
If you want killer Yamaha pianos, get the YC88 or P-515 or something, not a workstation or Montage.
Great Review Scott! I have the MODX6 as a 2nd tier, and really love it. Would definitely jump on the M8 if it had a better sequencer - it would become my centerpiece keyboard. Great endorsement of Mary Spender too. I really like her channel and will definitely check out the album now!
The way I screamed on the pics of your old Montage 7 😖
I wish it also had a good sequencer and an integrated drum pad. Just to make it 100% complete.
Montage had exactly the same brass sounds as Motif - is that also the case for montage M?
I think so. That said the sound quality is a bit less bright so sounds like Pop Brass bright sounds less harsh which was getting me in trouble live.
@@jsmacks11 I had the montage and my motif xf i my ears through my mixer, and when I discovered that all patches were exactly the same. Trumpet = trumpet. Bigbandbrass=bigbandbrass etc. (except a range of new primarily synth/piano patches)
To me Brass is hugely important. A little less bright PopBrass could be good, if it makes i more real.
My advice. Layer brass sounds. Detune the slightly, and you'll discover brass-sounds, that amazes.
The amount of hardware synths manufacturers are releasing lately is just ridiculous. It’s perfectly fine to go back to hardware since the same happened with vst’s, and we know laptops are not reliable for live setups. I’ve gone full circle and stopped my GAS with a full analog synth (my 4th in 25 years), which allows you to do everything. You just don’t need 20 synths( money, yes) to be a good player, just ask Vangelis (if he were alive). Great synth and great channel, though.
My M8x from Sweetwater was double boxed
i wonder if they do this because the M8x is heavier than the M7?
I never buy or sell any expensive items online. Just don't want to deal with damaged packages. I sold few keyboards at Sam Ash store, but they only pay 40-50% of original price.
I think a bunch of experts could write a small encyclopedia on the entire spectrum of scams that businesses have used in the past. Dishonesty, fraud, breaking the law.. it's almost everywhere, when you know where, or dare, to look. Anyway, very nice keyboard!
how do you unbox and never touch the keys / make a sound? Seems strange.
That's the following video. This was (as the title says), just unboxing and initial impressions.
I think it has to be a HOLY GRAIL (See: SUMMIT) and then you get double-boxing.
Sounds GREAT,
Except, it can’t sound like a summit
That was rude, I know .😊
HOW COULD they NOT make it MPE Alive, I cannot understand.
Hi Scott ! You said the Montage M can do anything. Well, that is not true. I would say it can play only samples, FM and Virtual Analog. That's all !!
So many synths get VA for long time. I think of Korg Oasis/Kronos/Nautilus with its 9 sounds engines..
And what about Wavetables, Sampling, Granular and so many other synthesis method?
To be honest I'm really disappointed by this "new" Montage. It would have been possible to add VA engine in the "old" Montage and create a real new flagship with a real sequencer in it and many other great specs.
After several years without the least firmware update in the Montage, I was expecting some real innovations in their new flagship... Clearly, no innovation at all!
Ok, this Montage is still a good keyboard. But I won't sell my Montage for this one.
Please activate the subtitles in Spanish, there are many people from Latin America who follow you. Thanks and greetings from Ecuador 🇪🇨
the ole montage is obsolete! the new GEX keyboard is nice at times, then at times I dont like the sluggish behavior....the after touch I could live without, requires too much pressure to activate
Not in the least. In fact I returned the M6 and kept my original Montage as the differences weren't huge and I didn't like hearing a fan in my keyboard. M6 was great, no doubt about it, but so is the OG.
UPS Claim process is abysmal. I am so sorry to hear about your experience.
Your comment echoes my anticipation of this instrument in that I believe I can justify the price via the fact it will probably be my one and only/primary synth for a long time. Thank Scott.
Why would you sell your keyboards by postal service? Guitar Center isn't that destructive.
I didn't send them by postal service, I sent via UPS. I won't do that again.
You must have a very understanding wife/partner to spend so much on your passion!
Mines came double boxed
I’m n pain for the one who bought your Montage 7
Sorry - I don't see the demand so high. The biggest vendor in Germany even does not have it in stock since the beginning. Others too. So guess they did just not produce that much. AND. I guess with the high / overpriced model, and a video showed it sounds like the old Montage. So it's just the different User Interface and the AN-X. I tested it, and ok - nice. But sorry U-HE DIVA is WAYYYYY better. So I bought a NI Kontrol S61 MK 3 and have poly AT with my PowerMac as tone generator. And even much cheaper .. As I bought really good patches for the "old" Montage - which have plenty of LEAD sounds and Atmospheres .. I don't see what the new Montage should give me for a delta of 3000 EUR which I need to invest ..
If AMS can put polly aftertouch, and a ribbon on the Hydra, Yamaha could have as well.
Your music will not get any better though if even if you have the latest gear. I'm gonna stick with my MoDx 6 that i bought for 600 bucks
Wow, a whole video where you didn’t play a note?!!😢
Good sound but nothing incredible. Let's say you can't easily and quickly create unique electronic sounds like you could from Bitwig or from FL Studio 21, nor is it a complete workstation where you could master and publish your sounds within it. It's a good synthesizer with some correct pianos and some 'old' sounds that smell like mothballs from the 80's. The display is difficult to read and not very sensitive to touch so you have to hit it a couple of times for it to react. The complexity of the editing menu and the number of knobs complicates everything. For my taste it sounds good but I returned it, since I have Spectrasonics plugins for pianos that sound much better than the Montage M. I have synths like the Avenger from Vengaence that is unmatched and you can't beat it with this Yamaha. Recommended for the live musician but it is a waste of money for the studio musician since the VST synths available on the market are far superior to the sound engine of this Motif/Montage.
I would think these boards are more geared for live playing than studio production where you need to quickly change patches, and doing splits and layers. Where in the studio you need flexible sound design, sound quality and don't really need a lightning fast workflow.
You can do it with PCs with often better sound variety and more flexibility but the workflow is much slower and often requires more preparation before the show and if any new songs are called out and you are not prepared it can often be hard to make changes on the fly like you can with something like a Montage.
I think alot of live situations calls for those cheesy 80s-90s patches as well which can be harder to find in software (although they are there).
A good fairly flexible digital synth like the montage or Modx7 comes in handy here.
At some point though probably with midi 2.0 and boxes like the Push 3, I think PCs will be embraced more for live use as many do now but there is still a desire for simplicity and speed with a minimal number of equipment.
@@jsmacks11I play live with a full software setup. Dozens of good plugins, a MacBookPro M1, and the perfect software to make a full automation. I use GigPerformer. I am much faster programming everything on a computer than on a workstation. For this reason I sold my Montage7 and I am interested to evaluate an M8X only if I will be sure of its VST
Some of the sounds actually are incredible.
At least compared to the 20 odd keyboards I’ve owned in my life…
I bought the yamaha montage m7 from guitar center and I wasn't not happy with the piano sound do I sent back to the store
Yamaha you could do better than that for all that $ money $
4.360.00 usd
So Scott i know
You get pay for the video you do
For yamaha
No, I do not. I do not get paid by anyone for ANY of my videos. I have on very rare occasion shown something that was sent to me for free for review, but I have always stated that fact right at the beginning of the video.