Yamaha MODX and MODX+ Full Review
Best Synths In 2024
Welcome to the ultimate review of the Yamaha MODX series of synthesizers, where musical innovation meets powerful technology.
Yamaha continues its legacy by offering this impressive line of synths, ranging from the MODX6 to the MODX8, and now, the remarkable MODX Plus with its larger memory.
Let’s explore what makes the MODX series stand out in a crowded market.
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Yamaha MODX and MODX+ Full Review: Best Synths In 2024
Yamaha MODX: Overview
With the competition ever-increasing, Yamaha stays ahead by combining affordability with a bounty of rich features and unparalleled performance.
Designed with musicians in mind, the MODX synthesizer series doesn’t compromise on sound quality or sonic diversity. They function as excellent home studio synths and also double as ultra-portable gig-friendly stage pianos!
The MODX and MODX+ are a fusion of cutting-edge technology with Yamaha’s long-standing tradition of audio innovation, transforming the soundscape of your music in immersive and dynamic ways.
This synth series incorporates 61, 76, and 88-note models, appealing to various musicians and individual preferences.
The MODX6+ weighs in at 14.6 lbs, the MODX7+ at 16.3 lbs and the 88-note weighted Graded Hammer Action MODX8+ comes in at 30.4 lbs.
AWM2 is a proprietary sampled-based subtractive synthesis technology
FM-X features 8-operator FM synthesis capable of producing incredible dynamic sound
Motion Control is a highly customizable synthesizer engine control matrix
MODX OS updates add new Voices, LIVE SETS, and Features
61, 76, and 88-note models available
Yamaha MODX: Design
Designed for musicians on the go, the Yamaha MODX+ is compact, lightweight, and mobile.
Each model of the MODX series caters to different playing styles and preferences. For those seeking the authenticity and feel of a grand piano, the 88-note model is tailored with weighted keys, delivering a more realistic piano touch.
The 76-note model is designed to cater to musicians who yearn for a light, nimble playing experience, opening up new horizons for rapid and intricate compositions.
The MODX series includes a comprehensive range of connectivity options such as USB, MIDI, and audio interfaces. Such features facilitate smooth integration into various music production environments, thereby enhancing workflow and productivity.
The Yamaha MODX and Yamaha MODX+ are comparable in size and price to the Nord Electro 6D.
Yamaha MODX: Sound
The Yamaha MODX and MODX+ use the same technology that powers the flagship Yamaha Montage. Two unique and state-of-the-art sound engines onboard offer amazing sound playback and intricate sound design options.
From breathtaking pianos to impactful drums and versatile synth sounds, the MODX ensures you have the tools to bring your musical ideas to life.
It boasts 128 notes of AWM2 (Advanced Wave Memory 2) sample and synthesis polyphony for stunning emulative acoustic instruments, synth sounds, and drums.
MODX+ also features 128 notes of FM-X (Frequency Modulation) polyphony – a unique, expressive, highly programmable synthesis technology for dynamic, electro-modern music creation.
With the MODX you can convert and import sound banks from the DX7, DX7II, TX802, and TX816 synthesizers, which are full of famous and high-quality sounds.
Plus, there are thousands of free sounds available to MODX+ players on Yamaha’s social sound-sharing network, Soundmondo.
The Virtual Circuit Modelling also included a massive effects engine with modulation, delay, and reverb effects. Also included are Vinyl Breaks, Bit Crushers, Beat Repeat, Spiralizers, compression with sidechain, and much more.
Pro studio headphones will help to maximize your enjoyment of the onboard sounds and effects when practicing with the MODX, as will high-quality speakers or studio monitors such as the Yamaha HS8.
AWM2 (Advanced Wave Memory 2)
The AWM2 engine is exclusive to Yamaha synthesizers and offers much more than just sample playback.
Each of the 16 AWM2 Parts features eight programmable synthesizers with 18 different filter types, amplitude, pitch, and filter envelope generators, nine LFOs, 3-band EQ, and a dedicated dual insert effect with Virtual Circuitry Modeling.
FMX
FM-XEverything you love about the iconic DX7 meets the latest Yamaha innovations. FM-X produces classic ‘80s or cutting-edge EDM synthesizer sound with incredible dynamic range, power, and fidelity.
MODX+ goes well beyond the capabilities of the original DX7 with an 8-operator FM architecture, 128-note polyphony, many filter types, and more. All with Motion Control for ever-evolving and changing textures to create sounds no one has ever heard before.
Smart Morph
Smart Morph enables morphing between FM-X sounds. Its sophisticated A.I. algorithm creates an interactive morphing map from up to eight FM-X sounds.
You can “play” this map from the touchscreen or use the Super Knob to move between two points. The result is a staggering number of interesting and interactive new sounds.
Yamaha MODX: Features
Arpeggiator
What sets the MODX synthesizer range apart from its competitors is its formidable arpeggiator. The arpeggiator breathes life into your music with dynamically evolving patterns, creating a vibrant soundscape that leaves an indelible impression.
Motion Sequencer
The heart of the MODX series is its powerful motion sequencer, which, when combined with an array of versatile effects, scenes, and the revolutionary ‘superknob’, elevates your music to a whole new dimension.
Motion Control is designed to bring the sophisticated automation of music production to real-time live performances and to help you create inspired music that stands out on every stage, studio, or stream.
Envelope Follower
The Envelope Follower analyzes the amplitude of an incoming audio signal and converts it into a control source.
This means that the MODX can take any external audio input, such as a guitar, microphone, or another synthesizer, and use the energy from this input to modulate various parameters within its synthesis engine dynamically.
For example, a vocalist or instrumentalist can control or modulate synth parameters in real time to maximize the nuances and dynamics of their performance. This dynamic mapping allows for a new level of expressiveness and control.
Whether it’s articulating a synth pad with the dynamic contours of a vocal or manipulating rhythmic elements with the strum of a guitar, the Envelope Follower enhances the MODX’s ability to create unique, expressive, and evolving sounds.
Yamaha MODX: Control
Superknob
At the heart of the Yamaha MODX synthesizer series is a transformative feature: the ‘superknob’. This performance control element allows you to manipulate multiple parameters simultaneously, unlocking a treasure trove of sounds.
The ‘superknob’ sets you free to explore complex layers of modulation and provides a degree of control that is unparalleled in its class.
Yamaha MODX Pros and Cons
Pros
Designed for songwriters who frequently travel on the go, the MODX is compact, lightweight, and easy to move around.
It offers exceptional sound quality despite its low weight and small form factor, and an impressive list of professional features at a reasonable price point.
Cons
While the Yamaha MODX synthesizer may lack certain features such as a dedicated tonewheel organ engine, VA engine, direct sampling, and an in-depth Motif-type sequencer, it’s the sheer depth of sonic possibilities that sets it apart.
Yamaha MODX: Price
Offering a compelling blend of powerful features and affordability, the MODX series presents a persuasive argument for being a go-to option for musicians looking for high-quality synthesizers at a reasonable price.
Yamaha MODX: Case
Piano cases are also available for all 3 models of the Yamaha MODX:
61-Key Case
73-Key Case
88-Key Case
Yamaha MODX: Comparisons
Yamaha MODX vs MODX+ (MODX Plus)
Check Price: Sweetwater (61-Key)
Check Price: Sweetwater (76-Key)
Check Price: Sweetwater (88-Key)
The Yamaha MODX+ has increased polyphony to match the Montage (128 notes for both the FM-X sound engine and the AWM2 engine).
Yamaha took a step further with the MODX Plus, expanding the memory. This means more space for custom samples, more intricate soundscapes, and an extended array of presets and waveforms.
Find out more about the Yamaha MODX and MODX+ on the Yamaha Website.
Comparisons
Yamaha MODX vs Korg Kross 2
Kross 2 is also portable and travel-friendly, allowing musicians to easily transport it to gigs, rehearsals, or studios. The Kross 2 has a waterfall synth-style keybed catering to synth sounds and facilitating ease of play for fast passages.
Kross 2 operates on the EDS-i sound engine, facilitating a range of sounds from powerful pianos to dynamic synths, though lacking the depth of FM synthesis.
Kross 2 provides a straightforward interface, supported by knobs and buttons, but lacks a vibrant touchscreen for enhanced navigation, such as the one found on the MODX.
Find out more about. theKorg Krome on the Korg Website.
Yamaha MODX vs Yamaha Montage
Check Price: Sweetwater (Montage 6)
Check Price: Sweetwater (Montage 7)
Check Price: Sweetwater (Montage 8)
The Montage offers more polyphony and integrated flash memory, allowing for richer and more complex sound creation.
The Montage also incorporates the Super Knob and touchscreen but offers more extensive control features like assignable rotary encoders, making it even more versatile in live and studio settings.
The Montage also has a more robust build, giving it a premium feel as a professional stage piano and instrument. While this also means it is heavier, it assures durability and a solid presence on stage and in the studio.
Find out more about the Yamaha Montage on the Yamaha Website.
Yamaha MODX vs MOXF
The Yamaha MODX is a newer model and a replacement for the older Yamaha MOXF. The Yamaha MOXF also presents a compact design but is somewhat heavier compared to the MODX, making it slightly less favorable for frequent transportation.
While the MOXF also utilizes the AWM2 engine for high-quality sounds and samples, it doesn’t house the FM-X synthesis engine. Its sonic architecture is primarily reliant on detailed sampling.
The MOXF adheres to a more traditional interface without a touchscreen, but it is still user-friendly and comprehensive in its control offerings. It is discontinued by Yamaha but still available on used marketplaces such as eBay.
Yamaha MODX vs Korg Krome EX
The Korg Krome EX thrives on its powerful EDS-X engine, which brings to life exhaustive sound selections ranging from meticulous piano tones to robust drum sounds.
It boasts a natural playing feel, particularly well-suited for piano sounds, reflecting a balance of playability and expression.
The Krome EX also has a touchscreen and excels with a vast collection of preset sounds, complemented by an impressive assembly of drum kits, perfect for various music production needs.
Find out more about. theKorg Krome on the Korg Website.
Yamaha MODX vs Roland Fantom
Check Price: Sweetwater (Fantom 6)
Check Price: Sweetwater (Fantom 7)
Check Price: Sweetwater (Fantom 8)
The Fantom manifests a rich sonic architecture with the ZEN-Core synthesis for a wide sonic palette and V-Piano technology for extraordinary piano sounds. The Fantom boasts wooden sides and has excellent build quality.
With a generous touchscreen and an array of knobs and sliders, the Fantom fosters an immersive and interactive user experience. The Fantom’s connectivity is also comprehensive, with CV/Gate outputs, useful for synthesizer integration.
The Fantom is another excellent workstation keyboard, flourishing in studio environments with a professional sequencer, robust connectivity, and immersive interface. It appeals to composers and producers who want a musical centerpiece.
Find out more about the Roland Fantom Series on the Roland Website.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is the Yamaha MODX Series Suitable for Beginners?
Absolutely! The MODX series is designed to be user-friendly, making it a fantastic choice for beginners. Its intuitive interface and a vast array of sounds make it easy for newcomers to start their musical journeys.
Q2: How Does the Modx Plus Compare to Its Predecessors in the MODX Series?
The MODX Plus takes a leap forward with its expanded memory, offering a richer variety of sounds and thus allowing for a more versatile and profound musical expression.
Q3: What Makes the MODX Series Stand Out From Its Competitors?
Yamaha’s MODX series brings a unique combination of excellent sound quality, a robust synthesis engine, and affordability, which allows it to stand tall among competitors in the same price range.
Q4: Are There Significant Differences in Connectivity Options Among the MODX Series Keyboards?
All keyboards in the MODX series come well-equipped with a variety of connectivity options like USB, MIDI, and audio interfaces, ensuring compatibility with various music production setups.
Q5: How Portable Are the Yamaha MODX Series Keyboards?
Yamaha has prioritized portability in the design of the MODX series. Their lightweight build ensures musicians can easily transport them, making them suitable for live performances in various performance spaces.
Conclusion
Yamaha’s MODX series keyboards, with their plethora of features and the latest enhancement brought by the MODX Plus, establish themselves as formidable tools for musicians and producers.
The MODX series has extensive sonic versatility and is an outstanding choice for budding and seasoned musicians.
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