Yamaha announce MODX M synthesizers - Sand, software and soundSand, software and sound

Well, it turns out, yesterday’s picture was not fake. 🙂 So, yes, eight sliders and six additional knobs (under the touch display).

From what I’ve been able to gather, Yamaha MODX M is a nice slimmed down version of the Montage M series. Spiffy. It has three engines — AN-X, FM-X, AWM2 — and, ta-da!, has the VCM Rotary Speaker effect.

Here are a few key specifications:

Tone generator: Motion Control Synthesis Engine AMW2: 128 Elements (max.), FM-X: 8 Operators, 88 Algorithms, AN-X: 3 Oscillators, 1 Noise
Polyphony: AWM2: 128 (max.; stereo/mono waveforms), FM-X: 128 (max.), AN-X: 12 (max.)
Waveform memory: Preset: 10.7 GB (when converted to 16-bit linear format), User: 1.9 GB
Display: 7″ TFT Color Wide VGA LCD touch screen
Live Sets: Preset: 256, User: 2,048

The AWM2 engine has the Montage M upgrade allowing 128 Elements Per Part. Knobs, Super Knob, pitch bend, mod wheel and sound engine are now high resolution, another get from Montage M. MIDI 2.0 is supported. The eight sliders and Part/Scene buttons control 8 Parts per Performance.

As to ESP, I will quote Yamaha directly:

EXPANDED SOFTSYNTH PLUGIN (ESP) — AVAILABLE EARLY 2026: Free for all registered MODX M owners, the Expanded Softsynth Plugin (ESP) replicates MODX M in your favorite Digital Audio Workstation (DAW).

The 88-key model has a GHS keyboard and the 76- and 61-key models have a semi-weighted FSB keyboard. Sorry, none of the models have aftertouch.

Weights and measures are:

     Model    Weight       Dimensions (W x D x H)
    -------  --------  -------------------------------
    MODX M8  29.9 lbs  51-9/16" x 15-3/8"   x 5-15/16"
    MODX M7  16.7 lbs  42-7/9"  x 13-11/16" x 4-5/8"
    MODX M6  14.6 lbs  34-3/4"  x 13-11/16" x 4-5/8"

Right now, I’m playing MODX6 mainly for its weight. I could see slipping up to the MODX M7 at its modest weight.

USA prices are:

     Model     MSRP     MAP
    -------  -------  -------
    MODX M8   $3,099   $2,500
    MODX M7   $2,499   $2,000
    MODX M6   $2,199   $1,800

My, tariffs and inflation have taken a toll. On-line retailers already show “IN STOCK” status.

More to come. It’s getting late, here!