After a few weeks of having it available in the studio, I am finally getting around to seriously learning the MODX6+. The workflow is not as straightforward as my old Motif ES6, but it is manageable. The AWM2 and FM-X sound capabilities are more than suitable for the R&B stuff I am presently working on and provides enough variation from my other modern workstations, a Akai MPC Key 61 and Roland Fantom-06.
The 3 synth card expansion slots of the Motif ES series are missed, which I installed a PLG150-DX and two PLG150-ANs. An AN1x analog modeling engine would be a welcomed addition to the MODX+ series. On the plus side, no complaints about the FM capabilities. The MODX+'s FM-X engine exceeds that of the old PLG150-DX expansion card.
The key bed and build quality are not great, but I am mostly using the MODX6+ as a sound module. Therefore, not a major problem for my use case.
Hello, I discovered the world of workstations a bit by chance, and one thing led to another, from research to research, I came across the modx, a somewhat hybrid beast.
A synth but with workstation-type playing abilities…
This reminds me of a config that I tinkered with a sipario and lots of synths (blofeld, nord modular G2, analog keys, peak etc…) based essentially on multitimbrality and keyboard splits…
I have a few questions for modx users if you don’t mind.
All the conversations seem to say that the FM is exceptional on this machine but everything I hear seems very conventional to me.
Do you have any examples of really crazy FM things to do with it ?
Can we use several different motion sequencers on the envelopes and feedback for example to create fm beats like bass+percs+kicks etc…?
Can you confirm that there is no onboard sample editing at all, not even a trim?
Can we easily improvise when we know the machine?
I mean, is it possible to create a few dozen reference “patches” and twist them live to make something new while playing?
Or are we really tied in pre planned performance, without the option of changing parts on the fly to do something else?
Is there a efficeint library classification system ? When I see the quantity, of onboard stuff, it seems absolutely tremendous…
Best way to go for is to check John Melas Software. There you can do those type of changes. As Well as some of the prepwork below.
Last year he had a CyberWeek deal.
Technically possible to an extend on Partlevel. There are pre defined things you can do with the 4 Knobs common stuff like offset to Filter/ Resonance/AmpAttack/Decay/Release. If want to go deeper you need to use assignment slots to the assign button.(think as macros). That requires some planning.
As for most workstations this thing thrives in live setup. But for good smooth live performances you do not like surprises. Hence upfront planning and rehearsals are key. And a deep knowledge of your instrument.
The indexing and search system is actually not bad. I recommend to learn it from the references manual to start with. If you want to use custom patches in custom library for specific performances I recommend to include the group the performance that belong together into the same library and add into the part name a hint of the performance and be consistent per performance.
Check out how some performances named from commercial patches.
The MODX is a rewarding instrument to master. Tons of years of experience Yamaha added from their SY and Motif lines.
The new montages are step ahead with onboard controls and software integration. But hopefully it will flow down to MODX in a few years.
Just got my modx+ since a few days, and I must admit it has been a huge oversight not to have a look at it earlier !
A little question, is there a way to import multisampled instruments, I mean 40 audio files for example, in a single batch or are we tied to use not really cheap external softwares ?
I went to a GuitarCenter to play around with a MODX8+. This thing wants you to sell everything and just stick to its presets. Is there any sound thats not in there already? Wow. I need to learn how to play properly asap!
This was not Pierre’s intention but his demos of essential sounds for the gigging keyboardist does a decent job of selling the MODX series as a stage keyboard.
I will probably upgrade from the MODX6+ just for the AN-X engine. The other improvements are welcomed as well. Any changes will occur after purchasing the Kurzweil K2061.
This person previously complained the sound was not as full bodied as on the Montage M, as well as polyphony issues.
He learned the master EQ could be used to to dial in the body. EQ settings are shared
He solved his polyphony problem by finding ways to use less elements.
If my keyboard skills get good enough for playing out, I’d like to audition the MODX M7 vs the Fantom 07 - which is the closest thing Roland has - for live playing.
Picked an M6 up discounted at Guitar Center today. Sound is outstanding. Got it hooked up to the MPC Live 3. Brass patches are instant jeezy, guitars sound amazing, an-x synth engine definitely impressive. I shouldn’t have spent the money, but I’m glad I did.
My set up is down right now, but I’m basically just planning on using the M6 and my Astrolab37 with the Live 3 and its own internal sounds (especially when not able to bring keyboard around. Can’t wait to set up my pedal board with it via the MPC buss outs. Simple melodic arps through Chroma Console/Microcosm/blooper and hopefully soon the Mess will make great for some textured melodies/samples.
I like these more than most other preset walkthrough videos. Useful bits of info that he’s learned as a new owner are interspersed between playing examples. And he has good keyboard playing skills and musical vocabulary.
