Sunday was our grandson’s birthday party. At age six, this kid is already an automotive gearhead. We watch car racing and Motortrend together. “No street racing!” — your Mom said so. [And, go to college!]
I got him a spiffy red Ferrari 812 Competizione. Lego, of course, his other love.
Kid takes one look. Says, “No spoiler,” and moves on to the next gift.
Think that one over. 🙂
Yamaha Montage M documentation is now on-line: Quick Guide, Operation Manual and Data List.
The M8x is really hefty. Weight M8x: 28.1 kg (61 lbs. 15 oz.); M7 Weight: 17.6 kg (38 lbs., 13 oz.); M6 weight: 15.3 kg (33 lbs., 12 oz.)
Basic specs are confirmed as to keyboard type (M8x only is GEX with PAT; M6 and M7 are FSX).
AWM2 polyphony is 256 (max); FM-X is 128 (max) and AN-X is 16 (max). Preset wave memory is 10GB (when converted to 16-bit linear format. User wave memory is 3.7GB.
Main display is 7″ TFT Color Wide VGA LCD touch screen, 512 x 64 Full-dot LCD.
I think you can read the rest on line. 🙂 The product pages are up, too.
Pianos galore: CFX, C7, Nashville C3, CF3, S6, S700, Imperial, Hamburg Grand, U1 Upright, Felt. This instrument will give the Stage CP its own competition.
Drawbar waveforms look the same. However! Montage M has a new rotary speaker effect type: VCM ROTARY SPEAKER CLASSIC, VCM ROTARY SPEAKER, OVERDRIVE, VCM ROTARY SPEAKER STUDIO. There is now a “Rotary Speaker Block”. Its effect parameters differ from the old ROTARY SPEAKER 1 and ROTARY SPEAKER2. Do we dare allow ourselves optimism?! 🙂 I’ll be looking for an effects routing diagram as this new block is listed at the same level as the Master Effect Block.
Montage M8x: $4,999 USD (MSRP), Montage M7: $4,499 (MSRP), Montage M6: $3,999 (MSRP).
Montage M8x: $4,500 USD (MAP), Montage M7: $4,000 (MAP), Montage M6: $3,500 (MAP).
Expanded Softsynth Plugin (E.S.P.) — Montage M sound in your DAW — Coming in 2024. Looks like we will have to wait for E.S.P.
AN-X engine:
Copyright © 2023 Paul J. Drongowski
Thanks, again, to Saul at Yamaha Musicians Forum. Quoting:
Yamaha has created a software version of the Montage M. This is a 1:1 emulation with all features present.
My understanding is that the software will come free with the purchase of a new Montage M but that it will also be available as a standalone purchase.
Of course, this raises many questions about capabilities, end user licensing, distribution, pricing, yada-yada. We’ll know soon. BTW, only n00bs launch a new product on a Monday. 🙂
Back in April, Steinberg announced a “rent-to-own” partnership with Splice. Could the new partnership bring the emulated Montage into fruition?
Will the emulated Montage M interoperate with Yamaha’s new control surface?
Flash: Major leakage
A few highlights from the Hispasonic article.
The Expanded Softsynth Plugin (E.S.P.) provides an “in the box” version of Montage M. Available in January (at no cost to Montage M users), E.S.P. provides hardware and software integration (editing, use of sounds, etc.)
AN-X polyphony is 16 voices (as rumored). The basic voice architecture includes 3 oscillators, noise source, double filter section, ring and FM modulation, autosync, PWM, 2/4-voice unison modes.
Each AWM2 part of a performance can stack up to 128 elements. AWM2 polyphony is doubled. The 8-part limit on Seamless Sound Switching (SSS) remains.
Montage M factory AWM2 preset sounds (7,620 multi-samples) occupy 10GB of memory when converted to 16-bit linear format. USER flash memory space is 3.7GB (presumably uncompressed). The article refers to an additional 128 voice polyphony when playing from USER flash memory — which is similar to Genos (gen 1).
FM-X polyphony remains 128.
Yamaha Pure Analog Circuit (PAC) is improved with better mids and bass.
As rumored, only the M8x model gets polyphonic aftertouch. The M6 and M7 have channel aftertouch. (Probably FSX keybeds as before.)
Overall, the Hispasonic article repeats, confirms or amplifies the most recent leak. I’m still waiting to see the manuals, especially the Data List PDF. The analog cultists hate everything already.
A few other random comments. A separate leak claims “VCM Rotary Speaker effect and realistic drawbar behavior deliver authentic organ control and sound.” Well, as far as eight sliders will take you, anyway. I think this means flipping the slider behavior. Maybe Yamaha ported the Stage YC rotary speaker effect to Montage M? That would be welcome on both Montage M and Genos (mark 2).
Wonder where all the preset waveform memory went? The “Best of Montage M” screen lists four pianos: CFX Concert, Ballad Piano, Hamburg Grand and Imperial. Pianos notoriously chew through sample memory.
The pictures aren’t up to Yamaha PR quality (resolution). Seem kind of home-brew. That carpet is hideous. I tore out one like it from our first house — 30 years ago. 🙂
Copyright © 2023 Paul J. Drongowski
Congrats to Saul and the folks at Yamaha Musicians Forum for snagging leaked Yamaha Montage M specs. We won’t have to wait too much longer for details. Maybe next week’s Yamaha Tech Talk will explain all?
Caution is recommended at this stage. Some of the numbers in the leaked specs don’t add up for me and the grammar doesn’t read like smooth marketing-speak. The dealer — who is now in trouble with Yamaha — might have transmogrified the original specs while copying them to their Web site. For example, Yamaha usually state whether wave memory size is physical capacity or “converted to 16-bit linear format.” [The latter is their current practice.]
The polyphony spec looks a little off, too. Yamaha avoid specifying polyphony in terms of notes, knowing that it’s number of active elements that matter.
As to pricing, the leak claims:
MSRP? MAP (street)? The cents aren’t consistently stated either. Perhaps another transcription error?
For $5,000, the M8X had better have piano features comparable to Yamaha’s best (VRM, Grand Expression, etc.) I’m primarily chasing a good piano playing experience, so my needs probably don’t match yours — and that’s cool. 🙂
Have fun. Exciting times!
Copyright © 2023 Paul J. Drongowski
As predicted, the Yamaha portable digital piano line has a new flagship — the Yamaha P-525 — replacing the popular P-515.
Lucky for all of us, the price has not gone up. USA MAP is $1,600 USD ($2,000 MSRP). It is already appearing on retailer sites for pre-order.
The P-525 web page is up. Here are the improvements over the P-515 and a few extra highlights (for the impatient):
A number of features carry over from the P-515: CFX and Bösendorfer Imperial featured pianos, binaural sampling (CFX only), VRM, and half damper pedal. The P-525 amplifiers got a small bump.
The big change is the GrandTouch-S keybed, replacing the NWX keybed. I really liked playing the P-515’s NWX. Here’s hoping that the P-525 has the same non-fatiguing action and key-to-sound connection. [I’m dying to try it.]
Giggers will truly welcome the registration memories and adjustable EQ. Now you’ll be able to store panel settings in the piano itself without resorting to the Yamaha Smart Pianist app. Nothing against Smart Pianist, but a tablet (or phone) is yet another thing to carry and set-up at the job.
The P-525 brought over the XG sound set and drum kits (480 voices and 18 drum/SFX kits). These are mainly used for MIDI file playback, but feel free to dip in. The P-525 adds four new effect types for specific voices (and cannot be selected by the Voice menu):
The new effect types bring the P-525 closer to CP88 territory although the P-525 still lacks several important stage piano features (zones, front panel gizmos to control effects in real time, etc., etc.)
The P-525 adds a few voices that make use of the new, voice-specific effect types:
I noted inconsistencies in the MSB/LSB/PC numbers between the P-515 and P-525 (Data List PDF). I don’t know if these differences are significant. Perhaps Yamaha need to proofread the MIDI voice assignments? One PDF claims “1-128” numbering and the other PDF claims “0-127” numbering WRT program change numbers.
Also predicted, Yamaha have a new, portable triple pedal unit, the FC35. The FC35 plugs into the P-525 triple pedal port. The FC35 is compatible with other Yamaha digital pianos which implement the triple pedal port (e.g., DGX-670 and P-225). The FC35 retails for $100.
I’m going to call it a night and will take a close look at the Owner’s Manual tomorrow. Start browsing for deals on the P-515, if the 525 doesn’t float your boat!
I didn’t catch it last night, but the P-525 has an updated speaker box. Yamaha claim:
We also made significant improvements to the speaker boxes. Flared bass reflex ports and proprietary sound-absorbing tubes substantially reduce wind noise, vibration noise, and other excess noise, which helps to deliver a higher quality of sound.
The P-525 is also the first digital piano equipped with an FIR filter, which makes fine adjustments to the phase of the sound. This allows your audience to hear a naturally pleasing sound as you play.
I don’t think they’re lyin’ because I have not seen the FIR filter touted in other Yamaha digital piano blurbs.
The FIR filter is a digital crossover between the mid-range woofer and the tweeter. I haven’t reviewed it yet, but I’ve been playing through a Yamaha Stagepas 100BTR, which features a digital FIR crossover filter. It’s good stuff.
The P-525 adopts the registration memory scheme which should be familiar to Yamaha arranger people. The software engineers overloaded the “Piano Room” button with a REGIST operation, i.e., press and hold the button for registration operations. Use the arrow buttons to navigate to a bank, then press a (voice) button to select a registration within a bank. The bad news here is holding the REGIST button while hitting a second button to execute the selection. This would be an awkward gesture if you’re trying to change registration while playing.
The P-525 has a 3-band Master EQ (low, mid and high). You can select from three EQ presets or create your own USER setting. The Master EQ setting is saved in a registration along with a bunch of other important panel settings. Check the manual.
There is only one thing to bust Yamaha’s chops. The feature overview video demo claims “542 attractive voices.” The number is incorrect: 44 panel voices plus 480 XG voices is 524. Further, the 480 XG voices are really intended for MIDI file playback. There are some usable XG voices, but the entire lot of them smells like the 1990s. I laud the new AP/EP voices (and DSP effects), but C’mon man!
I have played the P-515 several times since my initial review. Each time, the P-515 left me favorably impressed. If the GrandTouch-S action is non-fatiguing and playable, the P-525 should be everybody’s serious candidate. You will get most of the benefits of a full-blown CLP in a quasi-portable package — $2,000 USD (street) for a slab, stand, bench and pedal unit. That’s excellent value.
Copyright © 2023 Paul J. Drongowski
Yamaha have issued the following statement regarding their participation at Synthfest UK 2023 this weekend:
“Yamaha are looking forward to joining SynthFest UK this weekend to display a wide range of hands-on products along with Yamaha specialist staff to support any enquiries.
We will be exhibiting our recent releases including the CK Stage Keyboard Series and Finger Drum Pads, in addition to our more established MODX+, CP, YC and Reface ranges.
There has been much speculation regarding the launch of our successor to the flagship Montage synth which has been announced as an October release. To manage any expectations ahead of the show, we would like to clarify that unfortunately the timing of this new release means that it will not be featured at the show.
We look forward to seeing you all there.”
Celebrate Hatsune Miku’s 16th birthday with a special Steinberg UR12 MK16th edition audio interface and an MK16th-themed VKB-100 Vocaloidâ„¢ keyboard.
Illustration by iXima [Yamaha]
I couldn’t possibly comment. 🙂
Copyright © 2023 Paul J. Drongowski
With discussion focused on the upcoming Yamaha Montage M, we’ve forgotten about the other unicorn in the room: Yamaha SEQTRAKâ„¢.
Before I add anything new, here’s a brief review of what we know from the public record. As many others have cited, “SEQTRAK” is a trademark registered by Yamaha. The “SEQTRAK” character mark is registered with both the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO). None of this should be surprising.
The USPTO trademark process has two major steps: intent to use and statement of use. The initial filing data — intent to use — was filed October 20, 2020. An applicant (Yamaha) must eventually file a Statement Of Use (SOU) when the mark is placed into actual use, i.e., the trademarked product is available for sale. If an applicant doesn’t file a timely SOU, they must apply for an SOU extension. As to “SEQTRAK”, Yamaha filed for and received its fourth extension on April 13, 2023.
Given the pandemic, supply chain issues, etc., SEQTRAK has been delayed. There may be technical reasons, but we don’t know that.
A trademark is valid only within a specific field of goods and services. “SEQTRAK” is valid within the following clases:
Breaking this down into English, we get the following uses under Class 009:
For class 015, Yamaha state:
Well, that really narrowed things down, didn’t it? Not. 🙂
Standing back, however, one gets the impression (gestalt) that SEQTRAK is a piece of hardware (like a sophisticated synth/beatbox) which integrates with downloadable software for sequencing. The software part kind of sounds like Steinberg Cubase, Groove Agent, Halion, etc.
First, I am not going to reveal sources and methods, and neither should you. The “SEQTRAK” name appeared in the warranty list spill to which Yamaha put a quick end. Zip it, Scott.
I’ve seen SEQTRAK described as a “music production studio”. Yamaha have used the term “music production studio” in the past. The most relevant past use is the venerable Yamaha RS7000 Music Production Studio. The Yamaha RS7000 is a groovebox combining a sequencer, sampler, synth, digital effects and mastering tools.
The RS7000 is the beast from 2001. [The year, Not the film.] Yamaha haven’t played in this space since then. They are due.
We know from the earlier reveal that there are two SEQTRAK models. Both models are functionally the same; you get a choice of black or orange livery. Physically, SEQTRAK is about 13.5″ wide, 3.8″ deep, 1.5″ high. That’s roughly the size of a small QWERTY keyboard. Connectivity is USB-C and Wi-Fi. Wired connections are made through one of the side panels. SEQTRAK is intended for desktop use, maybe in front of a QWERTY keyboard or laptop.
Let’s imagine an attractive, modern-looking desktop control surface. The surface is divided into five panels:
On-board, one expects a synthesizer — oh, what the heck, make that two synthesizers — and a sampler.
Two big questions loom in my mind. First, what is the assignment of music production activies (synthesis, editing, ya-ya) to hardware and software? Is synthesis built in or is synthesis performed by Halion, for example? Second, does SEQTRAK integrate with other hardware products like Montage M and the new FGDP-50 finger drum? Please recall, FGDP-50 does not have standard MIDI IN/OUT and seems a little lonesome by itself. The FGDP-50 would be a natural companion for a groovebox. Is Montage M part of the “music production studio”?
Yamaha have been very, very busy…
Copyright © 2023 Paul J. Drongowski
For some reason, the best news pops up over the weekend. In this case, it’s announcement of the four-octave Hammond M-solo tone-wheel organ+. You got your drawbars, percussion and scanner controls, and four-octave keyboard in one compact unit. Hammond is pitching the M-solo as a second board to add over your other stage instruments (e.g., slab piano). Four octaves, though, is enough for real two-handed sport.
“The 8 pound M-solo features 49 keys, driving our “MTW II” Drawbar engine as found in our XK-4 Organ. All the essential HAMMOND ingredients are aboard, like Vibrato-Chorus (C1,C2,C3 etc.) and Touch-response percussion. Our high-definition digital LESLIEâ„¢ is on hand.”
Hammond need to hire a native English-speaking tech writer to edit the M-solo manual right doggone now. The grammar is horrible. Please.
The Hammond M-solo has four engines:
You can read all of the Hammond M-solo specs here. The drawbars control mix/timbre for all four engines. You can store up to three patches.
The polyphonic synthesizer is a two oscillator (triangle, sawtooth, square, pulse main and sub osc), filter and envelope affair. No mod or pitch-bend wheels; articulations are produced by pushing the (percussion) buttons.
The transistor organs and string/vocal ensemble are throw-backs to yester year (the 70s).
The goes-ins and goes-outs have the essentials: expression pedal, stereo 1/4″ jacks, phones, AUX IN (3.5mm), USB-B TO HOST, 5-pin MIDI IN and OUT, and something labelled “Leslie FAST”. The AC adapter in looks like a Casio-standard jack, uh-oh.
Someone floated a Japanese price on Keyboard Corner, but I could not verify it on the Suzuki web site. I suspect that Hammond are aiming for the magic $999 USD price point. I wouldn’t expect much for $1,000 these days, so forget about luxury features. Hammond Suzuki are offering a limited number of units in burgundy color.
The big (errr, small) spec that jumps out at me is 7 pounds 15 ounces (3.6kg). After 71 years, I have herniated just about everything that can be herniated. Small is good; light is good.
For me, I see the M-solo replacing my Yamaha Reface YC. I mainly use the YC at rehearsals — quick in, quick out. I’ve used the YC at the church job, when slugging MODX is too much for my health. Several things about Reface YC really annoy me: the fast rotary speaker speed, its chorus/vibrato and the three octave keyboard. Mini-keys are somewhat annoying, but hot-damn, either my left and/or right hand runs out of space on that friggin’ three octave keyboard. Three octave keyboards should be outlawed. No diggity.
Demo-wise, the organ demos have me interested. If you only have time for one video demo, play this one.
Definitely a big step up from Reface YC. The poly synth demo sounds are pretty weak. I’m hoping to get one or two good pad sounds out of it, maybe a flute-y lead. The string ensemble is a little too “PAiA Stringz’n’Thingz”, but I expected that. (Solina? Not so sure.) I don’t need much for rehearsal. And the M-solo will scratch my occasional itch for combo organ.
Copyright © 2023 Paul J. Drongowski
I checked out an interesting observation made on the Yamaha Musicians Forum. The Steinberg Online Shop is currently (and temporarily) kaput.
“Our online shop is run on our behalf by a third party, Asknet Solutions AG. Unfortunately, Asknet has entered into self-administered insolvency, and consequently Steinberg has decided to engage a new trusted business partner to restore our online shop.”
“The Steinberg online shop is currently unavailable. A wide range of Steinberg products is available via our worldwide network of authorized resellers. To find your nearest Steinberg reseller, use our reseller locator. We know you may have questions about this unusual situation, so please read: Online Shop Info”
Makes it rather awkward to synchronize the Cubase 13 release (MIDI 2.0) with the Montage M or GENOS II announcements. 🙂
Launches are never that easy or turbulence free! 🙂
Copyright 2023 © Paul J. Drongowski
Thank you Gearnews and KORG for rescuing us from endless discussions about the meaning of “M”. [Be Zen. Labels are useless and wrong. Accept.]
A retailer slip-up previewed the new KORG Keystage line of MIDI 2.0 controllers. The retailer’s page is now gone.
Hmm, Gearnews and other big-name sites have been rather quiet about the Yamaha Montage M. Perhaps they have review units already? Rumor-wise, mark October 9th on your calendar. Gearnews, by the way, is a subsidiary of Thomann.
The Keystage are handsome beasts. The big news is polyphonic aftertouch (Polytouch®) in partnership with ASM. Neat! Keystage are equipped with an audio interface. Each of the eight parameter knobs has its own OLED display. Slider fans will be disappointed, however — no faders.
The 49- and 61-key models are light: 9.3 pounds and 11 pounds, respectively. Both have 5-pin MIDI IN and OUT. The 49 is priced at $599 USD (MSRP? MAP?) and the 61 is $699.
A small music/tablet rest is provided. The rest can be positioned at center or left/right. This is thoughtful.
From my own perspective, I wonder if the two pedal inputs support an expression pedal in addition to footswitch? At these prices, it should. The front panel seems a little short on assignable buttons. I like to use buttons for patch changes while playing. Hope it can send a full Bank MSB, Bank LSB, Program Change MIDI message sequence — my pet peeve and soapbox issue. Hope it’s all MIDI 1.x backward compatible, too.
Copyright © Paul J. Drongowski