The latest Loopop video takes a look at the Yamaha MODX synthesizer, which features the synth engine of the Montage in a more affordable package.
The video takes a comprehensive look at all the main features of the MODX, including both synth engines, the arpeggiator (including how to make custom arpeggios and sequences) and MODX’s powerful mod matrix and motion sequencing features.
Timeline:
0:00 Intro
0:40 Basic concepts/Performance
1:40 Sound engines
2:10 Samples (AWM2)
3:20 Elements
7:40 Common controls
8:20 Effects
9:40 Common LFO
10:05 FM-X engine
15:00 The mod matrix
16:30 Assigning knobs
17:30 Control Assign
20:15 Envelope Follower
21:20 Motion Sequencer
23:30 Super Knob
25:00 10,000 arpeggios?!
27:05 Creating your own custom arpeggios and sequences
30:30 Mixing, layering and splitting parts
32:00 Finding content on board and online
34:00 Using scenes
34:45 Connectivity
37:00 Pros & cons
hi Yamaha i would like this in a rack or desktop format, please.
even better, just reissue the FS1R at a fair price.
This is a very good keyboard, ALMOST. Had it been given aftertouch on the keyboard, it would be a great keyboard. No need to read any nonsense about it adding too much to the price. The Numa Compact 2 has 88 keys, 128 note polyphony, 1gb of good sounding samples AND aftertouch. With all that the Compact 2 is only $499.
I got an FS1R because I was tried of waiting for a ModX rack. Maybe next year, maybe not.
Same sound engine as the Montage or no?
Well if anyone says its a good keyboard…i didnt got that idea when i heared that Tears for Fears tune…it sounded like a dull keyboard…ive an Yamaha Mox8 that sounds much better than that. I don’t use btw electric guitars sounds that sound like that :s
I think it looks like a pretty powerful engine to play around with!
Great demo; I like the synth even better now! What “people” always want is an instrument between (in this case) the flagship Montage and whatever the company actually released as a trickle-down, as with the MODX. As contorted as Yamaha OSs have often been, this one is basically Just Right, even with its admitted level of menu diving in places. You can import your own samples, which is a major plus if you even halfway apply it. Multi-channel USB interfacing, too. IMO, mono aftertouch is too blunt to be all that great and poly AT is rare. I landed a pair of poly AT controllers for sounds that really benefit from it, like string sections. There are fairly easy ways to get there if you’re keen on it. Otherwise, don’t sweat that in the face of so much else. I don’t need any new hardware at the moment, but I’d call this a good choice for both newbies and more seasoned types. It sounds lush and the GUI is unusually accessible for YaMAha.:P I’m sure a fair number of people will put this at the center of some analog gear and have major fun. I’m more of a DAW & Korg guy and a bit jaded by now, but the MODX impresses my @$$ off.
Can you stop that blinking knob??!
Yes it is a choice in the setup menu. On of Off
Can it import patches/presets for the DX7 & SY77/TG77 ?
Yes you can stop the blinking knob entirely or even just dim the thing with various intensities.
The MODX is really, really good…synth playground powerhouse. Yep, after this the Montage is certainly down the road for me gear lust-wise. The compliment of eight knobs/sliders and actually the part select buttons (which are omitted on the MODX) would come in handy for me. I don’t like seitching between the two bank of four knobs/sliders and using the touch screen is a drag for part selection because of the additional steps required to access them via screen is not the optimal method. The onboard sequencer leaves a lot to be desired and yes I do understand their reasoning behind their decision to have it as it is… it that could easily be so much more.
Touchscreen is nice but after using the iPad for so many years it is a step back in haptics.
Overall, MODX is bitchin’…SO happy they came out with it!