New MODX Synths

[SeaGtGruff]

I wasn't sure whether to post this here, or in "The Next Yamaha Keyboard," but that subforum is really for speculation and this is about an actual keyboard.

And I know that these forums are focused on the PSR and other arranger models, rather than on synths, but I know that several members are also very much interested in synths.

Anyway, I haven't seen an official announcement from Yamaha yet, but apparently there are three new synths coming out-- the 76-key model will supposedly be shipping from one UK store sometime next week, and hopefully the 61- and 88-key models won't be too far behind.

So far the only solid information about this new synth line-- called the MODX6, MODX7, and MODX8-- comes from the Gear4Music web site:

https://www.gear4music.com/Keyboards-and-Pianos/Yamaha-MODX7-Synthesizer-Keyboard/2NRS

If the "Estimated delivery" dates of "13th - 17th September" are correct, we should start seeing more information about these new synths very soon.

EDIT: By the way, the ad says that "The AWM2 engine delivers 28-note polyphony and 64-notes of FM-X polyphony," but apparently that should be 128 and 64, because earlier in the ad it says that "The MODX7 Synth also includes 1GB of integrated flash memory and 192-note total polyphony."

[vbdx66]

Hi Michael,

Thanks for the Information, this looks very impressive.

« MODX7 » such as in « Montage » and « DX7 »?

Aesthetically, I find that this new synth has something of the Genos. Must be cool to have both boards on a the same stage or studio rack.

Isn't it a bit strange that a dealer is already advertising these new synths without having Yamaha communicating anything? Could this be a leak or am I missing something here?

Have a nice Sunday,

Vinciane

[SeaGtGruff]

I think perhaps "MODX" as in "MO"NTAGE plus "DX." There are/were different models of each, so I don't think it's from the DX7 specifically, and some people have suggested that the FM synthesis in the MONTAGE (and now the MODX) is more similar to the FS1R than to the DX7, although I'm not familiar enough with any of Yamaha's FM synths to know whether that's accurate.

Apparently Gear4Music put the ad up because they're accepting orders on the MODX7, even though it isn't available yet-- which is common practice these days with so many things (Blu-ray releases, books, musical keyboards, etc.)-- and they say they're expecting to be able to start delivering the MODX7 sometime within the coming week. If that's true then the only reason I can imagine why Yamaha might have wanted to keep it under wraps until the last minute is if they intend to unveil it at a musical instrument trade show. As it happens, there's a trade show in Russia this week-- NAMM Musikmesse Russia-- which will be held on about the same range of dates that Gear4Music listed, but I have no idea whether Yamaha will be there and (if so) whether they will present the MODX synths there. And it seems like news about new Yamaha products frequently "slips out" about a week before their official announcement, which has led some to wonder whether these "slips" are actually deliberate as a way to stir up buzz before the official announcement.

[Joe H]

It looks like a "baby" Montage with a FM synth engine.  Did you see that Super Knob?

I would suggest this to mean we will see a new line of arranger that replaces the (carrot-on-a-stick S970 upgrade) PSR S975.



Joe H

[vbdx66]

@Michael: yes, I also think that these « slips » are delibarate

@Joe: I thought the Montage already had a FM engine built in?

Exciting news anyway, it would be great to have a new line-up of middle of the range arrangers in a few years time. PSR S with « S » like in « Superknob » ? LoL

Vinciane

[SeaGtGruff]

Some of these "slips" could be accidental, because Yamaha frequently must get information to dealers and distributors ahead of any official announcement so everyone will be ready to "go live" on the same date. And each online retailer's web page for the new product must be created before it can be published, so it isn't unheard of for someone to accidentally publish a web page early when they were supposed to wait until a certain date.

Of course, sometimes Yamaha announces a new product well in advance of its release, such as when they announce a new PSR-E model at NAMM but then we must wait 3 or more months before it becomes available in any stores.

But in this case it appears that the release/availability may have been intended to coincide with the announcement/unveiling, and in that type of situation things can and do go wrong as far as keeping everything quiet and under the covers until the moment of the planned unveiling. Of course, that sort of accident can create excited buzz, which is generally not a bad thing.

Also, if Yamaha will be attending the NAMM Musikmesse Russia trade show this week, and if they will be presenting the new MODX synths at that show-- neither of which I have any way of knowing, so I can't stress strongly enough that I'm just idly speculating here-- then this could be a way to help boost awareness of the NAMM Musikmesse Russia trade show. Certainly I had never heard of it until I searched for "is there a musical instrument trade show in september 2018" to see if anything came up that coincided with the expected delivery dates on Gear4Music's web site. And if this "slip" does create an excited buzz, then it could conceivably help boost attendance at NAMM Musikmesse Russia if people are hoping that the MODX will be presented there and want to see/hear it for themselves. Of course, if it's going to be available in stores at about the same time, then people could just run down to the nearest Yamaha retailer.

[Joe H]

@Joe: I thought the Montage already had a FM engine built in?
Vinciane

Yes the Montage has FM and AWM2 Voices. I just think there is a BIG change coming for next PSR arranger too... like there was for the Tyros upgrade to the Genos. For me, the S975 release suggests there will be some included expansion packs or...  FM, or possibly a AN (analog synth engine) built-in.  I don't like the sound of the FM-X engine in the Montage, So I hope it will be an analog synth engine instead.

We'll just have to wait and see.



Joe H

[SeaGtGruff]

Just to set the record straight-- my idle speculation about a possible unveiling of the MODX synths at NAMM Musikmesse Russia appears to be utterly wrong, at least based on what someone who may or may not know and who's not allowed to say more about what he does know has said. (Shorter, less confusing version: Someone said the launch event won't be at NAMM Musikmesse Russia.)

[pjd]

Hi --

Football is wrapping up, so it's back to keyboards. 

The mid-range synth line started with the MO, a cut down Motif. The names have progressed through MO, MOX, MOXF, MODX. The preferred Yamaha pronounciation will probably be "MO DX" empasizing continuity with the MO line and FM-X.

I posted an MODX vs. Montage comparison on http://sandsoftwaresound.net/

Amazon accidentally posted a page for an 88 key model (now a 404).

I'm thinking about upgrading my MOX to an MODX. Having a Yamaha synth complements a Yamaha arranger and vice versa. I learn a lot about Yamaha voice programming by deep diving voices on the synth.

Have a good week!

-- pj

[pjd]

Seems like Yamaha releases one or two keyboards in the Fall to catch the holiday sales season.

It's a genuine cycle. In computer-land USA, there are three seasons: back to school, holiday and "Dads and grads." The musical instrument cycle is probably similar with marching band sales driving back to school.

Always glad to have a new keyboard to analyze and discuss!

-- pj

[SeaGtGruff]

I missed the Amazon page for the MODX8; I would have liked to have saved the photo(s) from it.

I suspected that the Gear4Music page would be taken down, and it was-- but not before it created a bit of a stir, which may have been the whole point (if the "leak" was deliberate).

[SciNote]

The Gear4Music page in the link in the opening post has worked for me.  It shows a price of 1399... is that pounds for the "L" looking symbol?  And that is for the 76 key version.

"Montage Lite" is exactly what I thought, as well.  If a 61-key version comes out for about $1000 US, that would be pretty cool.  That would be a third of the price of the 61 key Montage.

[SeaGtGruff]

Gosh, you're right-- the link does still work! But I think they removed the page from the "MODX" search results-- unless I was looking at the "US version" of their web site by mistake?

[vbdx66]

Seems like Yamaha releases one or two keyboards in the Fall to catch the holiday sales season.

It's a genuine cycle. In computer-land USA, there are three seasons: back to school, holiday and "Dads and grads." The musical instrument cycle is probably similar with marching band sales driving back to school.

Always glad to have a new keyboard to analyze and discuss!

-- pj

Yes, it has almost been one year now since the Genos speculations begun, it has became way to quiet on this forum 
A high-end synth at 1000 USD/€... Christmas ain't far away 

Vinciane

[voodoo]

Look at this:

  https://fccid.io/R-REI-ymk-MODX7

Date of Application:   2018-04-13

[pjd]

Look at this:

  https://fccid.io/R-REI-ymk-MODX7

Date of Application:   2018-04-13

Hi Uli --

Thanks! Yep, I did catch the application date. Too late for Winter NAMM and Musik Messe. Someone also posted a link to the Montage 2.5 update calling it the "MODX update," so that must have been sync'ing the Montage to the MODX functionality. Some one made a marketing decision to skip Summer NAMM and release in the Fall.

But, d-mn. I searched the FCC ID database last week looking for some other Yamaha thing or two and didn't find that record!

1,400 British Pounds is about $1,800USD. I don't know if the price on Gear4Music is street (MAP) or list (MSRP). The current MSRP for MOXF6 is $1,499 and the MSRP for the MOX8 is $1,999 USD.

A few thoughts keep running through my head. I suspect that the MOXF line is a good seller. It has the sequencer and DAW integration that was lacking in Montage. Will Yamaha keep the MOXF line in addition to MODX? The pricing suggests "No." another point against -- Yamaha has to run out of the old SWP51L tone generator chips eventually. I can't see them making another production run of the old chip. Better to boost volume of the current SWP70.

Always fun to discuss this stuff with like-minded folk!

-- pj

[pjd]

BTW, the FCC and KCC MSIP led me down a legal rat hole.

The FCC has "Mutual Recognition Agreements" or "MRAs" with several regions/countries. Korea is a Phase I MRA where Korean certification test results may be submitted to and are recognized by the FCC. The purpose of the MRAs is to improve trade between the USA and the regions/countries covered by the MRAs.

Interesting that Yamaha submitted the Korean testing and not Japanese results... (I have no life.)

-- pj

[markstyles]

I'm gonna go look at the link now.  I usually deal with Frank at Audioworks.  I've bought Tyros 4,5, and Genos from him.  I paid for the Genos immediately (one month ahead) and I got one of the first 20 units shipped to the East Coast.

Frank was very careful about what he revealed to me.  I would ask a question, and he would tell me, his agreement, and continued dealer relationship of Yamaha hi end products, he couldn't release that information, but would say, I guarentte you'll like it. if not you can return it.  So I think most dealers would be careful about slipping info before hand, they risk losing their distribution from Yamaha, not to say it couldn't happen.

[pjd]

USA pricing and the MODX Owner's Manual are now available. I've been posting updates to:

http://sandsoftwaresound.net/yamaha-modx-announcement/

I did a quick side-by-side comparison of the MODX manual vs. the Montage manual. The on-screen MODX user interface is nearly the same as the Montage UI. A lot of the differences are due to the elimination of the Montage's front panel switches -- less direct access.

Quick summary -- you get a lot of Montage with lower weight and price. I think Yamaha will sell a lot of there thangs even though the prices are little bit higher than MOXF. Flash expansion modules are now officially EOL (end of life), BTW.

All the best -- pj

P.S. No Data List yet.

[Marty]

Take a look at the 'Woody Piano Shack' channel on YouTube. He has just unboxxed and given a brief review.

Marty

[SeaGtGruff]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01jyFy3jfJ4

[Al Ram]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01jyFy3jfJ4

Impressive synth.   Nice review.

While i will not buy this synth.   I like the keyboard stand shown on the video . . . it looks like the Ultimate Support APEX AX-48 Pro, will check it out for Genos.

thanks for sharing

[Bill]

Yamaha Production Guide available with the MODX review.

http://www.easysounds.eu/MusicProductionGuide_2018_MODX_EN.pdf

Bill

[Joe H]

Here's an official demo by Yamaha on the MODX

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjzwYd0MlvI

Joe H

[keynote]

The Montage will have been out 3 years already come January. Time flies when you're having fun right? The MODX is a great synthesizer from the looks of it. There are obviously some differences vs. the Montage. Less buttons on the panel. No after-touch on the MODX. 192 polyphony vs. 256 for the Montage. More I/O's on the Montage. Better key-bed on the Montage too if I'm not mistaken. But the MODX brings a lot to the table plus with the huge price difference it makes it such a great value vs. the Montage.

My gut reaction is that Yamaha is about to release a Montage successor. Probably by winter NAMM 2020 or thereabouts. When you think about it people will be hard pressed to purchase a Montage now that the MODX is out and offers so much value for the money. Of course a lot of professional musicians need the best equipment so they will continue to buy a Montage vs. the MODX but most people aren't well known professional musicians and that's who Yamaha is marketing the new MODX to in my opinion. So Montage sales will start to decline now that the MODX is out and therefore Yamaha must have something up its sleeve to counter the MODX's sudden popularity. I think Yamaha will sell a boat load of the MODX by the way. It's really a great deal for what you get. Yamaha will rake in the dough but eventually they will need a new TOTL synth to replace the Montage now that the MODX is out which is basically a slightly scaled down version of the Montage from the looks of it. And that's where winter NAMM 2020 comes in according to my estimation. Time will tell.

Here's another YouTube video of the Yamaha MODX

Mike

[Joe H]

Yamaha has done a good job of recycling their technology.  The Motif series is an example of that as well as the now legacy XG plug-in cards and then Reface.

So... lets hope that Yamaha will recycle some of the Genos features in a new arranger at a lower price point.  Maybe we will see those 4 encoder knobs and 4 faders from the MODX on the next arranger, and more Live Control options including assignable to a pedal, (and 3 pedal inputs) with the ability to SAVE those settings in a registration.  Also more built-in arps and an arp editor.  The arpeggiator is new to arranger players but they should know that our style Parts and Multi Pads (including drum parts) for every genre of music are just recorded arps.

I'm hopeful that the next arranger will be really somethin'



Joe H

[mysterio FTS]

Hi Joe!
That would be nice indeed!!!!
Regards.
Mysterio FTS

[Bachus]

Its more then half a montage..(i dont think many people would miss those features)
And if you can live with the lower end keybeds and no aftertouch.. its just perfect...
Half the weight half the size and less then half the money... for an instruemnt that has virtually the same engine...

Even the missing daw controll will be  patched in, according to bad mister..
And we all know that yamaha synth division does as they promisse, thats what we have seen with the montage...


Fun thing, the modx has exactly all those features i declared missing on the Genos, for it to become that full workstation..

[vbdx66]

Its more then half a montage..(i dont think many people would miss those features)
And if you can live with the lower end keybeds and no aftertouch.. its just perfect...
Half the weight half the size and less then half the money... for an instruemnt that has virtually the same engine...

Even the missing daw controll will be  patched in, according to bad mister..
And we all know that yamaha synth division does as they promisse, thats what we have seen with the montage...


Fun thing, the modx has exactly all those features i declared missing on the Genos, for it to become that full workstation..

Hi Bachus,

This is exactly the point. Yamaha probably doesn't want its TOTL arrangers and synths to overlap too much. If the perfect keyboard is out there, who will buy next year's models...?

Regards,

Vinciane

[pjd]

BTW, the rest of the MODX manuals are up in the Yamaha manual library. There is also a V1.10 update available for download with a few new (small) features. Yamaha are expected the MODX to be in stores around September 27.

One of the new features arose from a discussion on the YamahaSynth.com forum. It's a quick way to load a WAV/AIFF file into expansion memory and create a key to play the waveform. One of the folks wanted a way to trigger a backing track.

That's where Montage/MODX still lag the competition. Why load the backing track as a waveform? The Montage/MODX can play a WAV/AIFF from a USB drive, but it requires a bunch of menu diving. This is one area where PSR/Genos shine.

Yamaha needs to extend Live Set buttons to remember a Performance (voice), a path to a WAV/AIFF file, audio level and AUTO-start status. A user could then push one button and start playing with a backing track on USB flash drive.

Yamaha needs more performance-minded engineers and the synth guys could learn a lot about convenience from the arranger keyboards, even if they don't make a single, one-size-fits-all keyboard.

All the best -- pj