MODX+: Glad that’s over! - Sand, software and sound

Yamaha launched its MODX+ keyboards today. The MODX+ has a few modest improvements over the MODX (Mk1):

1.75GB user waveform memory
Rubberized pitch and mod wheels
New livery (black end-cheeks)
128 tone FM-X polyphony (maximum)

Seamless Sound Switching (SSS) is the same as MODX (limited to 4-part Performances). There are a few on-line videos that are incorrect. The USB audio spec has not changed either.

In case you missed it, Yamaha have a MODX+ Early Adopter Promo Rebate. Register your MODX+ and receive a free FC7 expression pedal and FC5 foot switch. The promotion ends 31 December 2022. That should take some of the sting out of the new prices: $1,499 MAP for the MODX6+ versus $1,399 for the MODX (Mk1). Look for a bundled gig bag, too.

Yamaha are promoting a downloadable Bösendorfer piano. Gotta fill up that expansion memory! Look for new additions to the Montage/MODX+ library in the future. Yamaha IdeaScale participants previewed a new CP-90 piano currently in development. Big multi-samples to drive MODX+ sales.

Anticipatory discussion was filled with wishful thinking and speculation concerning the addition of a second SWP70 tone generator chip and possibly AN-X™ virtual analog synthesis. Judging from the boost in FM-X polyphony, the MODX+ quite likely got the second SWP70.

Speculation about AN-X borders on fantasy. It is based on the premise that an SWP70 is even capable of virtual analog synthesis. Other than Yamaha, does anyone really know what is inside of an SWP70 tone generator?. I don’t.

Adding further doubt for the wet-blanket brigade, I offer the design decisions surrounding the Reface series. The Reface YC and CP are genetic sisters. Both are based on AWM2, both using the SWX08 processor with integrated AWM2 tone generation. Why then, did Yamaha deploy the SSP2 digital signal processor in the Reface CS? Surely, it would have been more cost effective to share the same logic board as Reface YC and CP. Thus, I have my doubts unless SWP70 has some hidden, yet-to-be revealed functional capabilities. Yamaha have the new SSP3 to play with, too.

Given the limitations of the Montage/MODX user interface, including relatively few front panel controls, AN-X on Montage/MODX+ is just putting a bag on the side of a fine product. [Apologies to Tracy Kidder.]

So, I don’t think Yamaha is finished with announcements. There are still CK61™ and CK88™ to account for. Marketing 101 says “Don’t muddy the waters with multiple product launches in a given lane.” Plus, Yamaha marketing is not that big and poor Blake needs to flog the MODX+ while it’s hot. Stay tuned, boys and girls.

Punters are trying to justify the small price increase in terms of component count, etc. Yamaha priced MODX+. Done. If they don’t shift boxes, Yamaha will drop the regional MAP. Currency fluctuation may have more to do with variations in price than component count. Unfortunately, the suits often win.

As to price, one more observation. MODX and MODX+ have crashed the psychological $1,000 USD barrier. Smash it. The MX series is the only sub-$1000 offering. (Reface don’t count with its mini-keys.) There is a big gap between MX and MODX. I don’t think Yamaha can raise prices on the current MX, so maybe something else is coming?