Is the Yamaha MODX Synth Easy to Use?
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- Опубликовано: 11 сен 2020
- The Yamaha MODX is a great synth. But what makes a great synth other than the way it sounds? I would argue that workflow and ease of use is a close second in priority. Hence, this video is not another sound demo, but more of a how to video in which we take a look at the basic features of the MODX performance synth and workstation to discover if it is truly easy to use at least relatively speaking.
Great video and nice voice! Sounds like you should be on the radio!
Thank you Sanjay for stopping by! I really appreciate it.
Sanjay😍
I have many synths and someone asked me if I could only keep one, which one would it be. I said the MODx hands down. I wouldn't say it is my favorite because I like the analog sound of some of my others but nothing comes even close to what the MODx can do. Not even in the same ballpark. With that said, I would say it is far from a intuitive synth. This is due to the combination of how incredibly deep the synth is and also that Yamaha has not really done a great job on the UI or programing flow. I would say it is a fairly easy synth to have some fun with and combine some performances, simple pattern, etc.. However to get the most out of it, it is quite complicated and you have to do tons of research, tutorials, and forums to get the most out of it. I feel like most MODx owners barely scratch the surface of what this thing can do because it is quite difficult to learn how to get really deep with it, which is a shame because of how much they are missing out on.
Agree; The MODX has a similar vibe to the DX7. Too hard to program the DX7 so most people just used the built-in presets or bought extra sounds. Having said all that, I am getting better at programming the MODX and can even see their logic and consistency from DX7 to MODX. It almost demands a detailed approach to programming it, because it can actually do a lot of things. In some respects they’ve made very efficient design decisions at the expense of a greater learning curve. I absolutely love my MODX; its the best thing I’ve bought for myself in 30 years!
I do agree. There is no need to use the analog synths for a live performance. Most musical directors always want to fix sounds on rehearsals. So as a keyboarder I always asked to fix sound sets on my keyboards before live performance. The keyboards that have sound list for live like Kronos, Nautilus, Monstage and Modx are so useful for live. Modx is the most economic gig.
I'm one of those people. I have one but have never taken the time to learn what it does. I just scroll through the sounds and pick one I like. I'll have to make an effort but I find the thought a bit daunting.
Now the real question would be: what’s next? After the killer M8x? What’s the next MODX gen going to be like and when will they come out with it? I need better transitions (without cutouts) between performances and more polyphony, even use the 16 channels in the software. I don’t mind if it’s more expensive I need it to be light as the Modx and not heavy like the M8X
This is EXACTLY what I was looking for, an introductory tutorial that was more than just showing how to pick an instrument, but not concentrating on the esoteric stuff. I feel confident that I can hit the ground running when I get mine. Thanks so much!! (I subscribed because of this video.)
Very helpful video! You are explaining the features so well that I can’t wait for my modx to arrive now and try out everything you showed. Please keep up posting tutorials!
Appreciate you making this Darrick. I learn a lot by watching and people like you make it easier for people like me.
Thank you sir.
Thank you for such a helpful video. I've watched loads of MODX7 videos in an attempt to understand how to use the beast and THIS one has helped me the most.
My pleasure!
Thanks for some really useful information. I’ve had my Modx8 for two years and this has been instructive and helpful 🙏Love your piano playing too!
Dear Darrick, thank you from the Netherlands. I just received my MODX6+ 2 days ago and your video has helped me a lot to get started
Having just read some of the owner's manual, but not yet had time on the keyboard, this was exceptionally helpful in visualizing the basic functions and navigation for the MODX - thank you!
It would be nice if manufacturers just created videos on how to use their products. Videos are so cheap and easy to make now. It would really go a long way. I learn much faster by watching a person perform a task rather than reading it. Thanks for watching!
Excellent explanation. The best i have seen so far. Clear, to the point. Fantastic Darrick. Thank you.
Wow! So instructive. I'm about to replace a MOXF6 with a MODX8, this video is all I needed for live performance at church! Thank you Darrick
Not only an informative video on the functions of this synth but your playing is incredible...wish I had that magic in my hands...well done sir
Glad you enjoyed it!
I just got a MoDX8 a few days ago - primarily because the FA-08 was backordered til “who knows when.” I am NOT disappointed! Problem is that the terminology was almost crippling in the differences. By you using the proper MoDX “verbiage” I was/am able to start to wrap my head around the functions. PLEASE do more vids! No other vid has been so clear and concise. You take the time vs bounce through buttons and I/we wonder just what you did. SO helpful! Subscribed!!!
Thank you for your subscription! I appreciate it.
Well, if you aren't an official Yamaha demonstrator, you should be. Extremely helpful as I just got my MODX6 and this video is a massive help. Thanks :)
Thank-you soooooo much for this tutorial!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am looking forward to watching all your videos. I was ready to return the Yamaha MODX 8, but you clarified many confusions!!!Thank-You!!
Thank you for the blow by blow construction of a performance and a split. Really clear👍
Excellent "how-to". I'm sold!
OMG you saved days or even months of my life to comprehend modx6! Thank you so much! Subbed!
Thank you for watching!
Thank you Darrick! I’ve learned more about my MODX from your video then from any other source.
My pleasure! Thank you for watching
Hello Darrick ,I just wanted to say Thank You showing us a whole lot to do with this equipment .i was somewhat stumped and taught when in the world will i ever understand this Keyboard. you made it much more helpful .I certainly appreciate it .
Thank you for watching. I really appreciate the comment! I read enough negative ones to appreciate when a person takes the time to say "thank you."
THANK YOU! I just moved from a Motif XF, this video was really helpful in getting my head around the MODX workflow. Easier than my XF in so many ways! Subscribed!
Thank you for watching!
I found your video, it was excatly what I was looking for. I'm thinking of buying a Modx 6 and this video tells me everything I wanted to know.Bravo Darrick.
Thank you so much for watching! I appreciate it!
thank you.. very well and easy explained.. i just bought MODX7 and got a lot help from you video.. god bless you
Totally thinking about getting this. Nice sounds, Awesome presets, also it supports syx so I can play it like it's a DX-7 which is my favorite synth.
One of the best tutorials I found on MODX ❤
by far one of the best MODX videos i have seen of this frankly underrated machine, you sir have just gained another new subscriber :)
Thank you!
What speaker can I connect to?
@@sustaitacuhh I use Yamaha HS8'S studio monitors and it sounds gorgeous.
Thank you, what a great video!! This is the most helpful video I have seen yet for the MODX!
Subscribed!
Thank you!!
Can you make a demo video showing how to to create a song using
all the scenes, style parts, arps, rhythms, patterns sequencer, etc?
This would be awesome !
I'm thinking of buying an MODX7 and this video has been very informative - thanks!
My pleasure. Glad I could help!
Brilliant video, extremely helpful, and well explained. Thank you. It made my mind up to get this synth.
Enjoy! It's a great keyboard. Thank you for watching!
Wow! Your brain obviously works way faster than mine. It's clear you have answered your question in between the sound demos😆.
Looking at the interface and reading the manual is really daunting, however, you have compartmentalized the functions and present them clearly,
thus breaking down what looks like an insurmountable learning curve into manageable areas of exploration for the learner. The layers of editing are no longer scary and the way in which a user might apply these tools to her or his own music making is a massive help.
Thank you. I am glad I could help!
Great video. By far the most explanatory. I really reached when I purchased the MODX7+ but after watching your video, I feel a little better about my decision. I am still learning terms and wish I had a glossary for understanding. Fortunately and maybe even better AI can can explain to, however sometimes they get it wrong. Thank you for posting this.
Just bought mine and within that day it arrive I've setup the whole setlist of sounds for my band, it is quite easy once you started to get to know it a little bit.
Blessed man - you just showed me how to use this thing lol I haven’t had a clue - can you do more!?🥶
Cheers, brother ! I like your presentation-style... works better for me than most of the others. I just scored my MODX, piano sample seems light on bottom end (sonically, compared to my old Motif-ES rack) but there are some nice facets in the hi-end.
After watching this video I might add the MODX8 Plus to my business. It has the live performance (preset features) I need, with ease. In addition, the patches, as called back in the day. are good out of the box. Nice video; this is my second time viewing a video about the MODX8 Plus in the MODX debut. I am sold. After using using MoTIFs, MOFX, etc. the MODX is the board that will take me to the next level I've playing l, without the price tag of some of the red keyboards out there Thanks. I might order it this week.
I like this keyboard, A lot easier to use than the Kronos getting to sounds that you want and layering the sounds seem very straightforward and making the set lists and storing them very good
Myyyyy guy. Best MoDX vid PERIOD. Much appreciated! Shalom!
Thank you for watching!
Extremely helpful and clear video! Hope you do more on the MODX In the future, maybe some deeper dives where you focus in an individual function per video.
I will. I am getting quite a few requests to do so
@@darrickkeels6387 Fantastic! Just subscribed, keep up the great work!
Exactly what I was looking for! Thank you
First off, great video!!! I sold my Fantom 0 to get the Modx. The clincher for me came when I got to play them side by side through the same sound system. To hear the difference sound wise was really eye opening, maybe ear opening is the better way to say it. Roland also continues to rehash the same sounds over and over. I mean I want that wow factor for new and creative, not the deja vu because I hear my former XP30, JV1080, Juno G and Fantom X over and over again in a new keyboard. What's perplexing is this is an issue that has been going on for awhile. I had the same issue with the Fantom X going back to the earlier keyboards. Roland has always had great interfaces, but the new Yamaha interfaces have really closed the gap between the two. I was pretty much a Roland guy, but I do not regret at all getting the Yamaha Modx. Its just sound so much better and all the other bells and whistles are the pretty much there on both. I am definitely doing my comparisons side by side and through the same sound system as much as possible from now on.
I was a dedicated Roland user for 15 years (1992 to 2007). XP-30, SC-88, JV-90, JV-1080, XP-80 and finally Fantom-X.
All excellent boards and IMO in that period Roland held its own against the flagship Korg and Yamaha products.
Then they kind of hit a wall, and each new product refresh seemed to add less and less in the way of upgrades. Even the Fantom wasn't a huge leap forward on the superb XP series.
In 2007, I switched to Nord and haven't regretted it. I still keep an eye on the Big 3 anytime they bring out a new line, and in my view, Roland has fallen well off the pace of the other two, at least in the workstation and performance synth class.
I think workstations have had a bit of an existential crisis moment because they are mainly for music production, but they will never match the UI and experience of a DAW.
But they lack the organic feel of a stage performance instrument.
Just got it yesterday, great Video. Thank you.🙏
Thank you for watching
Very informative video Darrick. It was some of the sounds on the MODX that drew me in after having a Kronos 2 for some time.
Come on dude, the Kronos has 8 sound engines! This "Keyboard" is amateur night at the Apollo compared to the Boss: Kronos 88!!!. .But no shade...Lol
@@WaltMo4 , Hey Bro... perhaps but remember, one man's Morris Minor might be a Benz to someone else. The MODX suits my workflow and sonic needs for the stuff that I'm doing. The Kronos is a top keyboard no doubt, but sadly it wasn't for me.
Awesome vid man! This helped me get the basic functions down
Very nice video. Clear and to the point. New subscriber. Worth pointing out the polyphony in the AW2 engine isn’t necessary notes, its elements. The more elements you use in each part, the quicker you can run out of notes, long before actually playing 128 notes. Not normally an issue, but ive seen some people get confused and say they weren’t playing that many notes etc.
Indeed. 128-Voice polyphony is correct
Thanks Darrick thats a really helpfull video , its sure shed some light on a few easy things that I hadn`t realised.
Glad I could help!
Awesome Tutorial Video! I ordered a Yamaha Montage 8 and will be arriving next week. This gives me an idea to quickly get me started using mine! Thank You! 😃😃😃😃😃😃😃😃😃😃
Congratulations on your new keyboard. I have the Montage 7 and love it!
My Montage 7 is coming this week and I going to keep watching your videos as I am not a true keyboard player, rather a guitar player trying to learn the keyboard. I know the basic chord structures but really need to understand inversions. However, I think this Montage will help me sound really good until I learn a lot more. I plan on using the Arp on everything to add flavor. Thanks for your videos.
Thank you for watching!
Love your style of playing, man.
Thank you so much! I appreciate that.
Great video. Very informative!!
Just got my Modx6, this is invaluable info for me! - thanks! Levi in sweden
Thank you for watching!
Hi Derrick. I'm so glad you are out here & have the patience to not only figure out these complicated keyboards, but also the compassion to share your knowledge! You are a wonderful human! I do have a request tho... Could you please turn the keyboard up a little so we can hear it as well as we hear your wonderful voice? Thank you kindly. Be well & take care.
Yup, I have started turning the keyboards up in the mix lately
I've been a Yamaha user since the DX-7, then I went on to use several other series of Yamaha keyboards such as the PSR S-90XS, CP-73, as well as other brands such as Korg and Dexibell. Yamaha keyboards appeal for me because of the rich, iconic sound, but also because of the workflow that Yamaha offers the user. You get used to it once you understand the flow. There is a general feeling of being unfamiliar with a keyboard, especially if you have to read a user guide. :)
Thanks for the tip of single vs. multi parts for layering.
Very informative video, thanks!
The power wall wart is a pain and access to the i/o et al is tucked well away but you’re right it has incredible depth of sounds and facilities…many of which I will probably never use. The flashing master knob is a easily dealt with in utilities.
This is so helpful! Thanks!
Love my MODX!!!
Well, you are the best! It's the only video where someone delves into what really matters. Hehe
Awesome video!! Great job.
Thank you I appreciate it. Without a community of viewers, I'm just some guy in a room talking to himself. Hahaha!!!
Great synth. Nice video
I’m a total noob. I don’t even play piano yet. Have wanted to buy a MOX6 or MODX for years because I think the price realistic sounds and functionality will motivate me to learn to use it. I know I can buy a much cheaper keyboard but the unrealistic sounds drive me crazy. I want to be able to creat good sounding music without going through months of of practicing old folk and nursery rhymes. I would love to see a series of step by step tutorials for beginners like me on how to create multi track music using all the functionality of MODX. This would certainly not only teach beginners to use the MODX but also also keep us entertained and interested.
My dream keyboard 😍
Superb, thank you!
I shall be watching this later to begin with my modx6 thanks
I just watched for the first time tonight. I am going to sit down at the board tomorrow with the ipad and just dry run (emulate/copy what he does) stuff because he laid it out so well.... I suspect you will too! :)
Thank you, I ordered one yesterday! 😀
It's a great keyboard! Congratulations!
@@darrickkeels6387 How would you compare it to the 2019 Roland Fantom?
19:09 You can easily change the note range directly on the performance screen where you see the [C-2][G8]
Thanks for the explanation!!! My only thing is in the split section. I wish you could have show how to shift the patches!!!
I’m a guitar player and this is my first synth and I’m learning it fairly quickly
Nice tutorial man... Great job. I was planing to get a modx....
Thank you! It's a great keyboard,
Ok...now i have to ask why the hell this man has less than 6k subs? C'mon people. This channel deserves 100x more .
Thank you!
Am new to this channel..i love this review
Have had my MODX8 for three years now and love it. The creativity is limitless. (It's also an excellent MIDI controller working seamlessly with Cubase).
The menus, editing and tools in MODX are well worth learning (FYI...Montage and MODX use the same touchscreen, software functions and synth engines). If one learns and uses many of the features consistently, MODX eventually becomes pretty easy to use. The "Smart Morph" that came with update 2.5 is amazing!
Bro,owning the modx8 for 3 years,how's your experience with it,Do u experience any kind of issues with it,I really want to know because there are some people who experienced like the pitch bend problem,We're planning on buying this instrument as jamming and stage performing purposes,So i really want to make the most out of this instrument without having this kind of problem
@@Unknown-ie4ve In response to your inquiry, I have experienced no user problems whatsoever with my MODX8. It is an amazing synthesizer! The menus follow logical sequences. Navigating the menus takes some time to learn, but after a while they become "second nature" to use. "Scenes" are great for live performances. You can record many multiple instruments and arps in up to eight individual "Scenes", then call up any particular "Scene" to play it by pressing each "Scene" button on the keyboard.
Be sure to update your MODX with firmware version 2.52. It fixed a problem in which the "Pitch Bend" controller could not control any parameters. Make sure to follow the instructions exactly on how to do the update.
Hope this helps.
@@take942 Thank you so much for your reply!,I know this instrument is a monster,it'll be quite a while to get the hang of the menus and stuff and really,also thanks for letting me know about the 'Scene' will make use of that too!
Btw,Have u ever tried or know about using this instrument as an interface for a second keyboard,Like,Using the Modx sound as like a VST for a secondary keyboard?
@@Unknown-ie4ve I believe that the MODX can be connected to another MIDI device (for ex. a keyboard) via MIDI [IN] [OUT] terminals at rear panel, then needs to be configured for it in the Utility section via the touchscreen. Using the "MODX Connect" app, I move my recorded "Patterns" from the MODX to the "MODX Connect" app. From the app I drag them into separate tracks in my DAW for multi-track recording in my DAW.
@@take942 Man...thank you so so much for taking your time explaining,I appreciate that,I hope u have an amazing day/night!
Great video guy! Your playing is nice! The church that I am playing for has one of these.. I am Korg Kronos person myself, but I like having to learn a new board... Thanks again...
Thanks for watching!
I like your videos you made because you make the videos which I want.
Thank you! I appreciate it
Hi Derrick and thanks for your MODX test. I have some question if you don't mind.
I have a list of songs in my live performance, let's say 20. Each songs is made by different patch (don't know how to name it, sorry) with different sound, for example intro by piano, verse by organ, chorus pad, final piano again etc.
1. Do I have seamless smooth sound when I step to these patches inside a single song?
2. Can I step between these patches inside a single song by using a footswitch (and SSS)?
3. Can I have these patches with one layer, let's say piano, with another empty layer controlling a MIDI channel, for example channel 5, pointing to a VST host on a usb connected PC?
Many thanks!
Very helpful man 😍thankyou so much!
Thank you for watching!
Thank you it means a lot to me
Great topic!
It’s very easy to use guys. You will like it. I had a montage 8 but once you go deep it may bother your head a bit.
Hey bro, what do you use and what do you wish to have?
Tony Lancer I use the Nord Stage 3 and the Roland Jupiter-X
@@tuneunleashed Can I ask why you jumped to Nord and left your Montage? I'm guessing you got the Jupiter for the synth sounds?
@@tonylancer7367 Well sorry for the late reply 2 years later.... I sold the Jupiter-X cause it was trash but...I went with the Nord cause its light...but I do miss some features in the Montage though you can upload larger samples because it has more 1.75 GB and The Nord has 400 something MB thats absolutely foul!
I own a MODX and I've found it overly difficult to program. Some things are very easy, but it has so many incredible features that this naturally makes it more complex in general. You will never get bored learning new things it can do... but it can do SO MANY incredible things, you could easily spend 30-60mins just programming a sound and tweaking it. You know those EuroRacks with massive amounts of wires connecting all the different modules? Well.. the MODX & Montage is basically like that except with software and it just takes time to learn.
absolute pain in the ass, especially if your using many elements. its also annoying having to fine tune them so they can sound good, and many of the samples are very outdated.
When making a slit you can also select the note limits from the main screen without having to hit edit.
awesome content
Your commentary is very thorough and detailed. Didn't I hear a bit of "The Savior is Waiting" @17:45? I also hear bits and pieces of Bruce Hibbard's "We Are All His Children" in your demos. I love those chords. Awesome job, Darrick!
Yup those are the bits you heard lol! Old stuff I didn't think people would recognize lol. Good ear.
Yessir... Respect!
Just sent you a friend request on Facebook. Not sure if you're active on that platform. I always enjoy networking lol
btw Darrick, skills on the playing and great video
Thank you! I appreciate your compliment.
I loved the “Savior is Waiting” moment:)
Nice video please do more tutorials. Thanks
I have a little question: if I use the audition mode the volume is much higher than the volume of my performance I am playing at that time. Do you know how to level them?
Really good video. Very helpful. Thank you for creating. Maybe consider playing slower notes when demonstrating the sounds of the keyboard. Difficult to hear the true nature of each sample. But, good video overall.
I always enjoy your videos. I wish you can make a video on some more advanced effects. I have been struggling trying to simulate a tremolo effect in oriental instruments such as the Ud, where the tremolo or note repeat is triggered by either velocity or mod wheel. I have seen sone try to achieve this with tremolo effect, echo or trill arp.
Thank you for watching.I appreciate the compliment. I am seriously considering thinking about making some more advanced tutorials for the MODX. I do base a lot of what I choose to post based on what people watch and comment on.
@@darrickkeels6387 would love to see more, you make the topic easy to follow and understand. I used to have a Korg pa900 and pa4x, I used to be able to make such edits easily using their simpler user interface. The modx has its own way and I am constantly searching youtube for advanced topics
Amazing thank you
My pleasure. Thanks for watching
Hi, how can i permanently upload a loop or style onto modx via USB. Have tried this and i can actually play the beats when the USB is connected but i want the style to be permanently stored on the keyboard? Thanks
Great video ! Definetely information i need, please make same video for roland fantom 0, thankyou so much
Nice video :))
Can you do transpose on this keyboard, register a sound and selected key in it?
Thank you for this important video. Ease of use is often overlooked. You explain the functionality clear and fast.
One comment: the super-knob is distracting and annoying.
The Super-Knob flashing light can be turned off. 😄
@@darrickkeels6387 Can you turn it off by default, so it won't flash right when the instrument is powered up?
Dear Darrick, with the multitrack sequencer , is it possible to stream each track to a different wave file via USB?
Yes
Darrick, thanks for this extensive video. Maybe I missed it --- when you store the scenes through buttons 1-8... how do you save them to recall them? not immediately, but say you set it up, eventually change scenes 1-8, and then want to recall the first set of scenes a few weeks later? Is this through saving the Performances?
Yes you save the Performance and it will save the scenes🙂
I just got my hands on one of these a few days ago. I am still trying to get mine set up for gigging. Can you tell me, where the hell is the adjustment for the pitch bend wheel? I have been digging and I cannot find it. Awesome video here!
This is cool keyboard