TEST OF YAMAHA MODX M8
Yamaha has really done us users a great service when they developed the MODX M, because this is a GIG version of the Montage M; it is built on the same DNA, and all data from the Montage M can be transferred to the MODX M and vice versa.
It is also extremely light, and the buttons and layout are almost identical to the Montage M; the only differences are really that the cabinet is made of plastic, the keybed and the screen has a slightly lower sensitivity and the hardware a slightly lower resolution.
It is assumed that those who already have a Montage M will use this in their studio, and a MODX M for GIGs.
I will not list all the technical data, but rather choose to refer to https://chellos-keyboard-players-club.co...ing-MODX-M where everything is described in detail.
A little about this test:
This is not an in-depth test, but is based on my immediate first impressions.
More tests will probably follow after some time, which go into more depth.
First impression before use:
This is one of the nicest synths I've ever seen, and even though the cabinet is made of plastic - it can be safely lifted in every conceivable way, without any negative movements being noticed in the cabinet. It seems very solid and well-damped.
All buttons and similar look the same as those on the Montage M, but they are said to have a slightly different pressing moment.
There is a very advanced LED lighting of all buttons with varying colors - very nice to look at.
First Time Start-Up:
The startup is very fast - just under 30 seconds.
Intuitive use/Layout:
In the videos everything appeared logical, but in practical use everything became chaotic and not logical at all.
The multi-functions of the buttons make reading the manual absolutely necessary - it is simply impossible to start using this synth just by trying it out.
For comparison, I have made advanced edits with the Pa5X - without reading the manual - everything was intuitively understandable.
Mechanical quality:
All buttons and sliders appear to be of high quality and work well, but the data wheel feels like it has too large a working area - it's not exactly easy to scroll carefully, as a small movement causes a big jump.
The Pitch & Modulation wheels are difficult to maneuver due to their location high up on the chassis, but they work perfectly.
The screen:
I have placed the MODX M above the Pa5X, because it is too big to stand under.
This position does not work well, because the screen has a medium resolution, and is quite critical to the viewing angle - it is not exactly easy to interpret, and feels too small.
It is very problematic to select something by pressing the screen, both because everything is too small and because the screen requires precise hitting.
The screen can still be considered as good, because I am spoiled by the best on the market - the Pa5X's.
The keybed:
This is one of the most important things - if the keybed is not good enough, everything else is dragged down.
The keybed is an improved GHS version of the one used on the MODX, and it has been compared to the one on the DGX-670.
I find no similarity, as this is much softer with less hammer effect, and is better damped; it is exceptionally quiet.
Playing it is not as expected; it feels kind of heavy and slow - It requires a certain amount of force, and those who are used to synth-weighted keybeds will probably have to play for a while to build up the necessary strength in their fingers.
I notice that fast movements such as triplets and such are not registered if you do this very quickly.
This is to some extent to be expected from a piano-weighted keybed, and must be considered acceptable.
But I already notice that I am starting to master this keybed, which is undoubtedly very well made.
Rear Panel/Connections:
All connections appear to be of good quality, but are recessed underneath, which Yamaha says is a good thing, but I don't share their enthusiasm, because everything becomes difficult to see, and they are too close to each other.
The On/Off button is a small round button, which is placed close to Out, which makes it almost impossible to use.
Playing Parts & Scenes:
It is not possible to play Parts with intro, variations, fills and ending at all.
I have not found any pre-recorded sequences for this - it seems that Parts has to be created by the user from scratch.
Scenes, on the other hand, are very well laid out, with many Performances having up to 8 scenes each.
I have a strong suspicion that Yamaha got the idea from the Korg Nautilus, which had a Configurable arpeggiator engine with 4 instantly switchable scenes - the MODX M has 8 instantly switchable scenes, which must be said to be a significant improvement over the Nautilus.
The scenes are insanely well made with great variations, which Nautilus certainly weren't.
Stopping a Scene is very problematic, as the Arp button is too far from the keybed, right next to the modulation wheel.
Sound Quality:
My immediate impression of the sound quality was very variable, but after trying many Performances it appears to be absolutely acceptable; on par with Kronos & Co or even better.
The soundstage is very homogeneous, and a bit "American" with an emphasis on heavy, dynamic details, while the uppers are very controlled and a bit withdrawn.
Heavy rock becomes a rare experience, and is actually better made than those on Kronos.
Movie effects-based Performances are the best I've heard, with a level of velocity that will shock audiences.
Quality Of Mixing:
Almost all Yamaha's arrangers are extremely poorly mixed, but with this synth Yamaha proves that they can mix properly - everything fits together very well in terms of level, and the choice of sounds is very well thought out - better than on the Pa5X.
The Superknob allows mixing to be made more complex than ever before, and is a fantastic tool for everyday use.
Degree of playing pleasure:
This synth is incredibly fun to play with its countless Performances - I like it better than both OASYS, Kronos and Nautilus.
Although its layout is unfamiliar and takes some getting used to, everything works very well once you find the right button.
Compability:
The MODX M is compatible with all previous MODX and Montage models, and all data is interchangeable, dramatically expanding its usability.
Expanded Softsynth Plugin (ESP) will be available in January 2026.
With this you can edit and customize everything exactly as you do on the physical MODX M, and transfer it directly from PC to MODX M.
MIDI 2.0 support: Key controllers that benefit from MIDI 2.0 support on the MODX M include note velocity, Super Knob, and pitch bend.
This is probably the direct reason why the degree of velocity is perceived as greater than before.
Pros:
* Very good keybed
* Very high sound quality
* Very high mixing quality
* Built-in audio interface, functioning as a 24-bit 10-input/4-output USB audio and MIDI interface
* MIDI 2.0 support
* Expanded Softsynth Plugin (ESP) - available in January 2026
* Configurable arpeggiator engine with 8 instantly switchable scenes
* Ability to create Parts like on an arranger with intro, variations, fills and ending
* SSS Seamless Sound Switching
Cons:
* The screen should have been larger with the option of tilting, because the viewing angle is limited and it is difficult to see many details. The resolution could also have been better
* The Pitch & Modulation wheels are difficult to maneuver due to their location high up on the chassis
* The Arp button's location by the modulation wheel makes stopping Scene very problematic - it's too far from the keybed
* The layout is very complex and messy, and will probably take a long time to get used to.
The many multi-function buttons and changing multi-colors are confusing
* No Aftertouch (Some people don't like this, but I think it's an advantage)
* No Optical or SP/DIF connection
* USB connection only on the back
* Headphone connection on the back
* ON/OFF on the back - very difficult to access
* The data wheel feels like it has too large a working area - it's not exactly easy to scroll carefully, as a small movement causes a big jump
* Connection via the rear panel is difficult due to its recessed location, and the ON/OFF button is almost impossible to reach
* Messy and incomplete manual (online Operation Manual) - there is a complete lack of an overview of the panel's contents and the rear panel's connections, and it begins strangely without a description of the panel's basic functions, but has an over-focus on using the screen
FINAL CONCLUSION:
I consider the MODX M to be nothing less than a Game Changer, because you are essentially getting a Montage M for a fraction of the price and a fraction of the weight.
Everything that is made for the Montage M can be used on the MODX M.
With a keybed that is among the best and a sound quality that is even better, I predict that many will get rid of their old synth and switch to the MODX M.
Yamaha was once famous for its DX-7, Motif and Montage - Korg for its OASYS and Kronos.
Yamaha will once again be famous for its MODX M.
CAN ABSOLUTELY BE RECOMMENDED - WITH RESERVATIONS ABOUT A VERY MESSED LAYOUT
Yamaha has really done us users a great service when they developed the MODX M, because this is a GIG version of the Montage M; it is built on the same DNA, and all data from the Montage M can be transferred to the MODX M and vice versa.
It is also extremely light, and the buttons and layout are almost identical to the Montage M; the only differences are really that the cabinet is made of plastic, the keybed and the screen has a slightly lower sensitivity and the hardware a slightly lower resolution.
It is assumed that those who already have a Montage M will use this in their studio, and a MODX M for GIGs.
I will not list all the technical data, but rather choose to refer to https://chellos-keyboard-players-club.co...ing-MODX-M where everything is described in detail.
A little about this test:
This is not an in-depth test, but is based on my immediate first impressions.
More tests will probably follow after some time, which go into more depth.
First impression before use:
This is one of the nicest synths I've ever seen, and even though the cabinet is made of plastic - it can be safely lifted in every conceivable way, without any negative movements being noticed in the cabinet. It seems very solid and well-damped.
All buttons and similar look the same as those on the Montage M, but they are said to have a slightly different pressing moment.
There is a very advanced LED lighting of all buttons with varying colors - very nice to look at.
First Time Start-Up:
The startup is very fast - just under 30 seconds.
Intuitive use/Layout:
In the videos everything appeared logical, but in practical use everything became chaotic and not logical at all.
The multi-functions of the buttons make reading the manual absolutely necessary - it is simply impossible to start using this synth just by trying it out.
For comparison, I have made advanced edits with the Pa5X - without reading the manual - everything was intuitively understandable.
Mechanical quality:
All buttons and sliders appear to be of high quality and work well, but the data wheel feels like it has too large a working area - it's not exactly easy to scroll carefully, as a small movement causes a big jump.
The Pitch & Modulation wheels are difficult to maneuver due to their location high up on the chassis, but they work perfectly.
The screen:
I have placed the MODX M above the Pa5X, because it is too big to stand under.
This position does not work well, because the screen has a medium resolution, and is quite critical to the viewing angle - it is not exactly easy to interpret, and feels too small.
It is very problematic to select something by pressing the screen, both because everything is too small and because the screen requires precise hitting.
The screen can still be considered as good, because I am spoiled by the best on the market - the Pa5X's.
The keybed:
This is one of the most important things - if the keybed is not good enough, everything else is dragged down.
The keybed is an improved GHS version of the one used on the MODX, and it has been compared to the one on the DGX-670.
I find no similarity, as this is much softer with less hammer effect, and is better damped; it is exceptionally quiet.
Playing it is not as expected; it feels kind of heavy and slow - It requires a certain amount of force, and those who are used to synth-weighted keybeds will probably have to play for a while to build up the necessary strength in their fingers.
I notice that fast movements such as triplets and such are not registered if you do this very quickly.
This is to some extent to be expected from a piano-weighted keybed, and must be considered acceptable.
But I already notice that I am starting to master this keybed, which is undoubtedly very well made.
Rear Panel/Connections:
All connections appear to be of good quality, but are recessed underneath, which Yamaha says is a good thing, but I don't share their enthusiasm, because everything becomes difficult to see, and they are too close to each other.
The On/Off button is a small round button, which is placed close to Out, which makes it almost impossible to use.
Playing Parts & Scenes:
It is not possible to play Parts with intro, variations, fills and ending at all.
I have not found any pre-recorded sequences for this - it seems that Parts has to be created by the user from scratch.
Scenes, on the other hand, are very well laid out, with many Performances having up to 8 scenes each.
I have a strong suspicion that Yamaha got the idea from the Korg Nautilus, which had a Configurable arpeggiator engine with 4 instantly switchable scenes - the MODX M has 8 instantly switchable scenes, which must be said to be a significant improvement over the Nautilus.
The scenes are insanely well made with great variations, which Nautilus certainly weren't.
Stopping a Scene is very problematic, as the Arp button is too far from the keybed, right next to the modulation wheel.
Sound Quality:
My immediate impression of the sound quality was very variable, but after trying many Performances it appears to be absolutely acceptable; on par with Kronos & Co or even better.
The soundstage is very homogeneous, and a bit "American" with an emphasis on heavy, dynamic details, while the uppers are very controlled and a bit withdrawn.
Heavy rock becomes a rare experience, and is actually better made than those on Kronos.
Movie effects-based Performances are the best I've heard, with a level of velocity that will shock audiences.
Quality Of Mixing:
Almost all Yamaha's arrangers are extremely poorly mixed, but with this synth Yamaha proves that they can mix properly - everything fits together very well in terms of level, and the choice of sounds is very well thought out - better than on the Pa5X.
The Superknob allows mixing to be made more complex than ever before, and is a fantastic tool for everyday use.
Degree of playing pleasure:
This synth is incredibly fun to play with its countless Performances - I like it better than both OASYS, Kronos and Nautilus.
Although its layout is unfamiliar and takes some getting used to, everything works very well once you find the right button.
Compability:
The MODX M is compatible with all previous MODX and Montage models, and all data is interchangeable, dramatically expanding its usability.
Expanded Softsynth Plugin (ESP) will be available in January 2026.
With this you can edit and customize everything exactly as you do on the physical MODX M, and transfer it directly from PC to MODX M.
MIDI 2.0 support: Key controllers that benefit from MIDI 2.0 support on the MODX M include note velocity, Super Knob, and pitch bend.
This is probably the direct reason why the degree of velocity is perceived as greater than before.
Pros:
* Very good keybed
* Very high sound quality
* Very high mixing quality
* Built-in audio interface, functioning as a 24-bit 10-input/4-output USB audio and MIDI interface
* MIDI 2.0 support
* Expanded Softsynth Plugin (ESP) - available in January 2026
* Configurable arpeggiator engine with 8 instantly switchable scenes
* Ability to create Parts like on an arranger with intro, variations, fills and ending
* SSS Seamless Sound Switching
Cons:
* The screen should have been larger with the option of tilting, because the viewing angle is limited and it is difficult to see many details. The resolution could also have been better
* The Pitch & Modulation wheels are difficult to maneuver due to their location high up on the chassis
* The Arp button's location by the modulation wheel makes stopping Scene very problematic - it's too far from the keybed
* The layout is very complex and messy, and will probably take a long time to get used to.
The many multi-function buttons and changing multi-colors are confusing
* No Aftertouch (Some people don't like this, but I think it's an advantage)
* No Optical or SP/DIF connection
* USB connection only on the back
* Headphone connection on the back
* ON/OFF on the back - very difficult to access
* The data wheel feels like it has too large a working area - it's not exactly easy to scroll carefully, as a small movement causes a big jump
* Connection via the rear panel is difficult due to its recessed location, and the ON/OFF button is almost impossible to reach
* Messy and incomplete manual (online Operation Manual) - there is a complete lack of an overview of the panel's contents and the rear panel's connections, and it begins strangely without a description of the panel's basic functions, but has an over-focus on using the screen
FINAL CONCLUSION:
I consider the MODX M to be nothing less than a Game Changer, because you are essentially getting a Montage M for a fraction of the price and a fraction of the weight.
Everything that is made for the Montage M can be used on the MODX M.
With a keybed that is among the best and a sound quality that is even better, I predict that many will get rid of their old synth and switch to the MODX M.
Yamaha was once famous for its DX-7, Motif and Montage - Korg for its OASYS and Kronos.
Yamaha will once again be famous for its MODX M.
CAN ABSOLUTELY BE RECOMMENDED - WITH RESERVATIONS ABOUT A VERY MESSED LAYOUT
Shared knowledge provides increased knowledge
If we all share everything we have, we all have everything
Every theory is only a hypothesis until it is practically proven
KEYBOARDS, SYNTHS & MODULES I HAVE HAD AND HAVE
Casio CTK 811-ex ||| Roland EXR-7 76 ||| Yamaha DGX-620 ||| Yamaha PSR-550 ||| Yamaha PSR-S700 ||| Korg Pa800 ||| Korg Pa3X 61 ||| Deebach XMS-Pro ||| Ketron Ajamsonic ||| Casio WK-7500 ||| Yamaha Tyros5 61 ||| vArranger ||| Ketron Audya5 61 ||| Yamaha PSR S950 ||| Solton X8 Chromatic ||| Yamaha Tyros4 10th Anniversary ||| Korg Pa4X 61 ||| Roland BK-7m ||| Technics KN-6000 ||| Technics KN-7000 ||| Roli Seaboard RISE 49 ||| Deebach MAX Plus ||| Yamaha Genos ||| Korg Pa700 ||| Korg Kronos2 73 ||| Tyros4 61 ||| Deebach BlackBox ||| Korg Pa2X Pro ||| Yamaha A3000 ||| Ghenos Plus ||| Medeli AKX10 ||| Korg Nautilus 73 ||| Yamaha DGX-670 ||| Korg Krome EX-88 ||| Korg OASYS 76 Sondius-XG version ||| Korg Pa5X 76 (Pythagoras Tuned) ||| Yamaha Tyros1 ||| Ketron Audya 76 (Own developed OS) ||| Yamaha PSR-3000 ||| Yamaha 9000 Pro ||| Yamaha MODX M8 ||| Korg Grandstage X ||| Roland Juno-D7 ||| Korg Kronos 1 73 (Pythagoras Tuned)
MY PA EQUIPMENT NON-ACTIVE AND ACTIVE
Aune S6 32 bit/384 kb DAC ||| Topping USB Isolator ||| MOTU 32 bit Audio Interface ||| TEYUN Q26 32 bit/384 kb Audio Interface ||| FM Acoustics FM 300A Power amp ||| FM Acoustics FM 255 Resolution Series Pre amp ||| MBL 6010 Pre Amp ||| STAX SR-L300 (Lambda) electrostatic headphones with STAX SRM-252S Amplifier ||| beyerdynamic T70 headphones (without pads) ||| Baffle horns equipped with Seas Exotic 8" fullrange units ||| JBL horns with Compression Planar membranes ||| Fountek NeoPro 5i (Special Edition) ribbon tweeters with Compression Planar membranes ||| Hexagonal subwoofer with 12 pieces Push&Pull coupled Seas Prestige 8" units, 1 item 10" slave unit and built-in XTZ power amplifiers & Cambridge Azur 640A as pre amplifier ||| Yamaha HS-5 active monitors connected to all keyboards
If we all share everything we have, we all have everything
Every theory is only a hypothesis until it is practically proven
KEYBOARDS, SYNTHS & MODULES I HAVE HAD AND HAVE
Casio CTK 811-ex ||| Roland EXR-7 76 ||| Yamaha DGX-620 ||| Yamaha PSR-550 ||| Yamaha PSR-S700 ||| Korg Pa800 ||| Korg Pa3X 61 ||| Deebach XMS-Pro ||| Ketron Ajamsonic ||| Casio WK-7500 ||| Yamaha Tyros5 61 ||| vArranger ||| Ketron Audya5 61 ||| Yamaha PSR S950 ||| Solton X8 Chromatic ||| Yamaha Tyros4 10th Anniversary ||| Korg Pa4X 61 ||| Roland BK-7m ||| Technics KN-6000 ||| Technics KN-7000 ||| Roli Seaboard RISE 49 ||| Deebach MAX Plus ||| Yamaha Genos ||| Korg Pa700 ||| Korg Kronos2 73 ||| Tyros4 61 ||| Deebach BlackBox ||| Korg Pa2X Pro ||| Yamaha A3000 ||| Ghenos Plus ||| Medeli AKX10 ||| Korg Nautilus 73 ||| Yamaha DGX-670 ||| Korg Krome EX-88 ||| Korg OASYS 76 Sondius-XG version ||| Korg Pa5X 76 (Pythagoras Tuned) ||| Yamaha Tyros1 ||| Ketron Audya 76 (Own developed OS) ||| Yamaha PSR-3000 ||| Yamaha 9000 Pro ||| Yamaha MODX M8 ||| Korg Grandstage X ||| Roland Juno-D7 ||| Korg Kronos 1 73 (Pythagoras Tuned)
MY PA EQUIPMENT NON-ACTIVE AND ACTIVE
Aune S6 32 bit/384 kb DAC ||| Topping USB Isolator ||| MOTU 32 bit Audio Interface ||| TEYUN Q26 32 bit/384 kb Audio Interface ||| FM Acoustics FM 300A Power amp ||| FM Acoustics FM 255 Resolution Series Pre amp ||| MBL 6010 Pre Amp ||| STAX SR-L300 (Lambda) electrostatic headphones with STAX SRM-252S Amplifier ||| beyerdynamic T70 headphones (without pads) ||| Baffle horns equipped with Seas Exotic 8" fullrange units ||| JBL horns with Compression Planar membranes ||| Fountek NeoPro 5i (Special Edition) ribbon tweeters with Compression Planar membranes ||| Hexagonal subwoofer with 12 pieces Push&Pull coupled Seas Prestige 8" units, 1 item 10" slave unit and built-in XTZ power amplifiers & Cambridge Azur 640A as pre amplifier ||| Yamaha HS-5 active monitors connected to all keyboards
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