MODX
Where did the name MODX come from?
MODX is a combination of MONTAGE and Motion Control with DX. There’s no official way to “say” MODX. So “M O D X,” “MOD X” or “MO D X” are all fine!
What is the difference from MONTAGE?
Sounds : Maximum polyphony, Part of SSS(Seamless Sound Switching), Flash capacity, Output jacks, MONTAGE has pure analog circuit
Control : Keyboard action, Numbers of Faders / Knobs / SCENE switchs, Aftertouch, Ribbon controller
Others : Weight, Dimensions, number of USB Audio connectivity
What is Motion Control?
Motion Control is a new method of real time expression and automation. This feature allows a massive number of control sources and destinations. For example, a single control could increase filter cutoff frequency, decrease the amount of an effect, change the output of an FM operator and change pan positioning simultaneously. There are literally hundreds of thousands of possible sources and destinations available for sophisticated dynamic control.
Motion Control has three main sources:
1) Super Knob
2) Motion Sequencer
3) Envelope Follower
What is the Super Knob?
The Super Knob is a macro control for the Assignable Knobs. Each Assignable Knob can have multiple control assignments as well. The Super Knob can control 64 destinations each with their own custom curve. This allows for massive sound change capabilities in a single gesture.
Can the Super Knob be controlled with an FC7 Foot Controller?
Yes. Just connect an FC7 Foot Controller to the FOOT CONTROLLER 2 jack. By default, the Super Knob is set to be controlled by FOOT CONTROLLER 2 in the Preset Performances,
What is the Motion Sequencer?
The Motion Sequencer feature lets you create step-based control sequences. You can the assign up to four “Lanes” of Motion Sequences to control various parameters. This allows for automated rhythmic or tempo-based sound control. The Super Knob allows for realtime control, but there is a special Motion Sequence specifically for automating the Super Knob called “Super Knob Auto”
What is the Envelope Follower?
The Envelope Follower converts audio input into a control output. This output can control other parameters. For example, a kick drum could be used to “duck” the sound of a bass creating an effect popularly known as “sidechain gating or compression.”
What are LIVE SETS?
LIVE SETS organize your favorite Performances. They also ways tie Performances to the Pattern Sequencer, Song and Audio Playback.
Each LIVE SET slot can reference a single Performance or Performance plus Pattern Sequence. You can give each slot a separate name and even a color code.
What are SCENES?
Each Performance can have eight SCENES.
SCENES are "snapshots" of important Part parameters.
As of OS v3.0 you can store the following parameters in a SCENE:
•Arpeggio
•Motion Sequencer
•Super Knob
•Super Knob Assignable Knob Link
•Mixing 1: Reverb Send, Variation Send, Dry Level, Pan
•Mixing 2: Filter Cutoff Frequency and Resonance, Filter Envelope Generator [FEG] Depth, Part Mute
•Part Keyboard Control (Kbd Ctrl)
•Amplitude EG: Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release
•Arpeggio Play FX (Arp/MS FX1): Swing, Unit, Gate Time, Velocity)
•Motion Sequence FX (Arp/MS FX2): Amp, Shape, Smooth Random
What is SSS (Seamless Sound Switching)?
Seamless Sound Switching lets you change from one Performance to a second Performance without any cutoff in sound.
On MODX, SSS works on Performances with up to eight Parts.
What is Audio Beat Sync?
Audio Beat Sync (ABS) is a function for detecting the beat of the audio signal input from the A/D Input and generating a clock. This clock can drive Arpeggiators, Pattern, Song, Motion Sequences and tempo-based effects.
What's the biggest difference from MOXF series?
These are the primary differences:
•Nearly 10x waveform capacity as MOXF
•128-note stereo (as opposed to mono) AWM2 polyphony
•FM-X synth engine (with 64-note polyphony)
•Motion Control Synthesis Engine
•Modeless operation
•Live Sets
•1GB Integrated (vs. optional) Flash Memory
•4 faders and rotary encoders
•Color touch screen interface
•10 out, 4 in USB audio interface
•Enhanced Scene memories and capabilities
•Seamless Sound Switching
Is there any data compatibility with MOXF series?
Yes. As of OS v2.0, MODX has MOTIF XF and MOXF Voice and Performance compatibility.
Are there "Voices" on MODX, like on the MOXF?
Yes. Voices from the previous MOTIF XF synthesizer series can be found as Single Part Performances. From CATEGORY SEARCH, select “Single” under “Attributes” to see the MOTIF XF Voices. You also use text search to find your favorite MOTIF XF Presets.
Are all MOTIF XF Preset Voices MODX?
Yes. The 1,353 Voices (9 Preset banks of 128 + 72 Drum Kits + 128GM Voices + 1GM Drum Kit)are in MODX PERFORMANCE selection.
Are MODX-MOTIF XF PERFORMANCES the same as the MOTIF XF Voices and Performances?
They are similar, but there are some differences.
The MODX sound engine was improved from MOTIF XF and uses a different analogue circuit board called “Pure Analog Circuit.” Some of the MOTIF XF voices sound slightly different, depending on the PERFORMANCE selected in MODX. All 512 PERFORMANCES from the MOTIF XF are included in MODX since OS version 2.5.
Can MODX load DX7 sounds?
You can convert DX7/DX7II/TX7/TX802/TX816 sound libraries to MODX format using the free FM Converter web application.
What is the Maximum polyphony of MODX?
MODX has two separate engines: AWM2 and FM-X. The AWM2 engine features 128-note stereo polyphony and the FM-X engine features 64 note polyphony.
Are there any expansion options for MODX?
No. MODX has a flash memory and USB Audio/MIDI capability onboard.
Can MODX be used in a 16-part Multi timbral application?
Yes. Each MODX Performance can have 16 Parts. A single Part is fully playable: It could be a drum kit, concert grand piano, solo or ensemble strings, guitar, bass, synth pad/lead, etc. Creating full musical arrangements is possible with a single Performance.
* All preset Performances are constructed with potentially up to 8 parts. An initialized 16-Part setting can be created in CATEGORY SEARCH by selecting INIT MULTI.
How can I bypass the effects?
Yes. MODX has this setting in UTILITY.
You can also access this setting directly by simply pushing the "FX" icon on the top edge of MODX touch screen. All screens have access to the "FX" icon.
Does MODX have a Digital Output?
MODX has a digital output using USB Audio. This allows you to record digitally to any DAW computing device and *iOS device. MODX can send 16 Stereo channels to a DAW and receive three Stereo channels from a DAW at 44.1kHz. MODX can work at higher sampling rates with a reduction in channels. See the Audio Interface section below for more details.
* Using a USB to Lightning adapter.
Does MODX have a "Master Keyboard" function?
Yes. There are settings in the Utility mode of the keyboard. Each Performance in a MODX has Master Keyboard function capability, allowing for control of eight Zones internally and externally.
Does MODX have a DAW Remote function?
Yes. MODX has DAW Remote functions for Cubase/Nuendo, Pro Tools, and Ableton software products.
Does MODX have a Sampling function?
No. But MODX can load .wav files. MODX does come with a copy of CUBASE AI. Audio files can be recorded with CUBASE and exported ontp a USB memory device and then loaded into MODX.
Does MODX have on-board recording capabilities?
Yes: Each MODX Performance allows you to record in three different ways within the integrated Performance Recorder:
•MIDI: This is the fastest and most basic method of recording and a great way to get an idea down fast. Press record and go, press stop when finished. You can set a time signature and record quantize for the recording.
•Audio: Insert a USB drive into the [TO DEVICE] slot on the back of MODX first. You can then record a stereo audio file directly to the USB drive and transfer it to a computer for further editing or uploading to a cloud-based music service or social media.
•Pattern: Introduced in OS v3.0 is Pattern Record. This allows pattern-based loop recording into 8 Sections. Each Section contains up to 16 Tracks. The Pattern Recorder includes editing jobs like quantize, cut/copy/paste, divide drum track and Play FX (real time quantize).
MODX does come with a copy of Cubase AI, a fully functional DAW recording application for Mac or PC. You can transfer music recorded in MODX to Cubase AI for further production.
Can I record to MODX itself?
MODX features a Performance Recorder and Pattern Recorder (built-in multi Track sequencer) for recording your keyboard performance as MIDI data.
This function allows you to instantly record and store your musical ideas.
You can take these internally recorded ideas and transfer them to a DAW.
When you connect a USB flash memory device to MODX, you can record as Audio data to USB flash.
Can MODX play MIDI files and Audio files?
Yes. These are the compatible formats:
MIDI file: MODX original format and SMF format 0/1
Audio file: .WAV (44.1 kHz/24 bit/Stereo or 44.1 kHz/16 bit/Stereo)
Is a “Ten key” available?
Although a physical ten key does not exist, the software ten key is available on some functions and parameters.
Are there any PC/Mac software tools for MODX?
Yes. There is MODX Connect.
This software has two functions, "Recall" & "Performance record transmission".
With which computer platforms and operating systems is MODX compatible?
Check the latest information here.
Which USB driver does MODX use?
The Yamaha Steinberg USB Driver.
What's the compatible sampling rate on connecting PC/Mac?
44.1 kHz Input: 4 channels (2 stereo channels),Output: 10 channels (5 stereo channels)
Can MODX connect with an iOS device?
Yes. MODX is iOS Class Compliant, so you can connect with Music Apps.
When you connect with an iOS device, it is recommended to use an Apple "Lightning - USB Camera Adapter".
What's the difference between MODX 6/7/8?
The primary difference is the keyboard action. MODX 6 has 61 keys and has an FSX synth-action keyboard, MODX 7 has 76 keys and also has an FSX synth-action keyboard, and MODX 8 has an 88 weighted-key action Balanced Hammer keyboard. All three keyboards support Channel Aftertouch. System and Tone Generator specifications for all three MODX models are the same.
Does MODX work with Bluetooth wireless MIDI adaptors like MD-BT01 or UD-BT01?
Yes, MODX supports both the MD-BT01 and UD-BT01.
Does MODX work as an Audio Interface?
Yes, MODX works in the following manner:
MODX can send 5 Stereo channels to a DAW and receive 2 Stereo channels from a DAW
Which devices support MIDI connection via "USB TO DEVICE"?
The instruments below have been tested and confirmed by Yamaha to support MIDI connection via “USB TO DEVICE”:
Synthesizers: MODX, MONTAGE, MOTIF XF, MOXF, MX, reface
Stage Keyboards: CP1, CP4/40 STAGE, CP88/73, YC Series
Please note that you need MONTAGE v3.0 / MODX v2.0 or higher.