Yamaha has released the Montage M, the next generation of its Montage Synthesizer (M6, M7, M8X) with a new AN-X synth engine, new display, and more.
In the past few days, numerous leaks about the upcoming Yamaha Montage M series have occurred, including one that unveiled the complete feature set and price of the new versions. This also confirmed speculation that Yamaha would also use the new AN-X engine for the first time.
As a reminder: Yamaha only discontinued the original Montage in the summer and teased the next generation for the end of the year. Today is the day we have been waiting for since summer. Ok, the Montage community especially. The new Montage M series is now official, and there are three new versions: the M6, M7, and M8X.
Yamaha Montage M6, M7, M8X: Features
Anyone who has read the leaks knows that the new Montage M series is not a groundbreaking further development. It’s more of a solid continuation of the Montage synthesizers with new features and more hardware controls.
All three versions share most of the features, although there are some differences. Especially with the Montage M8X. They have these functions in common
- AWM2, FM-X, and AN-X sound engines
- 128-element AWM2 architecture for higher-definition sound
- Pure Analog Circuit 2 for clear harmonic reproduction and even frequency response
- 7” TFT Full-color wide VGA LCD touch display screen with streamlined workflow
- 512 x 64 pixel LCD quick edit display screen
- The super knob (or assigned expression pedal) allows the control of eight real-time parameters with one motion
- 9.97 GB of internal waveform memory
- 400-note total polyphony with 128 notes for AWM2 presets, 128 notes for AWM2 user memory, 128 notes for FM-X, and 16 notes for AN-X
- 3.8 GB of internal flash memory for custom samples or synth library downloads
- Virtual Circuitry Modeling (VCM) recreates the sound and behaviour of vintage effects and signal processors
- Send 32 channels and receive 6 channels of audio, and send 16 channels of MIDI through a single USB cable
- “Live Set” allows for easy organization and access of the most used performance voices
- “Seamless Sound Switching” allows changing performances instantly without any cut-off in envelopes and effects
- Modeless operation ensures all modifications to performance voices can be made quickly and easily
- 8 faders and rotary encoders allow deep real-time control editing
- Integrated 16-track sequencer and performance recorder
- Full metal chassis with IEC power supply
AN-X Engine
A big highlight is the new AN-X engine that re-creates the sound and behavior of an analog synth. It consists of three oscillators with five waveforms (saw 1, saw 2, triangle, square, and sine) with PWM, self-sync, ring mod, FM, and waveshaping. Plus, you get a noise generator. All this goes in two filters with ten different filter types.
On the modulation side, you get an envelope for the amp, and two LFOs for the amp and filter, It also features a new voltage drift and aging setting that simulate the behavior of vintage synths.
I hope we’ll see these in a standalone synth in the future.
Also nice are the refined engines, more memory, and the upgraded “pure analog circuit” that reduces noises, and more. Live players, in particular, will be happy about the new performance controls with a new five-segment ribbon control, a keyboard hold button, and more.
Additional Display
Another good addition to the new Yamaha Montage M6, M7, and M8X is a new display on the left side. It’s a 512×64 pixel LCD screen allowing you to edit your sounds quickly with instant visual feedback.
Virtual Montage For Your DAW
Another exciting new feature is the new Expanded Softsynth Plugin (E.S.P.) that replicates the MONTAGE M in your favorite Digital Workstation (DAW). In easy, you get the Montage M sound engine as a virtual instrument for your DAW.
Free for all registered MONTAGE M owners, E.S.P. allows you to create, edit, and mix MONTAGE M Performances anywhere you happen to be – without the hardware – offering an unprecedented level of stage and studio integration. Yamaha plans to release the first version of the new E.S.P in early 2024, in Summer 2024, a version with more advanced features.
Mono and Polyphonic Aftertouch
The trend in the keyboard market is towards polyphonic aftertouch. Native Instruments, Korg, and now Yamaha. With the “Montage” M8X, Yamaha is introducing a Synthesizer with a polyphonic aftertouch keybed for the first time in many years.
It hosts a new GEX action with polyphonic aftertouch that provides enhanced key repetition behavior that is typically found on grand pianos.
Unlike the flagship M8X, the new M6 and M7 will ship with a 61 or 76 full-sized touch-sensitive synth-action keybed. It features a non-leaded Fast Spring (FSX) key action mechanism and channel aftertouch (mono AT).
First Impression
A nice continuation of the Montage series. AN-X is finally a reality and I’m excited to see how versatile the new engine is. Hope we see them in a standalone device too.
The Yamaha Montage M series is available now for a starting price of $3999,99 for the M6, the M7 for $4499, and the M8 with polyphonic aftertouch keybed for $4999.
More information here: Yamaha
Available at my partner
The AWM2 improvement is mind blowing, almost as big as AN-X in my book. Previously, each AMW2 slot/part used had only 8 elements.(remember it’s by default 8 slots each slot can be a different engine)
Now that’s multiplied by 16, from 8 elements per part all the way up to 128 elements per part. This means you can actually have 1,024 different sounds at once, one per element, instead of 64.
Hopefully this will be reflected into way more responsible and detailed AWM2 based sounds.