Yamaha MODX M: the MODX+ hardware Synthesizer successor with significant improvements, including the AN-X engine and more hands-on controls.
In 2023, Yamaha introduced the next generation of its synth workstation, the Montage M. A highlight was the new AN-X analog modeling engine, based on the still-beloved AN1X VA Synthesizer from the 90s.
The MODX M is the little brother of the Monatage M with fewer features at a more affordable price. Today, Yamaha has released the MODX M series, the successor to the MODX+, with many improvements known from the Montage M.
Yamaha MODX M
The MOD X M is once again available in three configurations: the MODX M6 with 61 keys and the MODX M7 with 76 keys have a semi-weighted synth action called FSB that feels fast and solid under the fingers.
The MODX M8 comes with an 88-key tried-and-true GHS-graded hammer-action keybed. All three versions are identical in features except for the keys.
Hardware-wise, the new keybeds aren’t the only new feature. The new Yamaha MODX M also features more hardware controls, making it more hands-on. For example, it now features eight faders (vs. four on MODX+) and dedicated part-selection buttons.
There are also new dedicated scene-select buttons that allow control of arpeggio on/off, motion sequences, super knob position, reverb, and more via part parameters.
Then, it has a new keyboard hold, portamento controls, and expanded quick edit with up to 24 controllable parameters via the control knobs. Additionally, it adds a page-jump button to move parameters from quick edit to the touchscreen for deeper editing.
MODX M improves Super Knob functionality with three Knob Position buttons that snap the Super Knob to Left, Mid, and Right positions.
Also, the number of LED Patterns and colors is expanded. It also ships with six new physical display knobs below the touchscreen. So seen, the MODX M has taken a considerable step forward in hardware control compared to its predecessor, the MODX+.
Expanded Sound Engine With AN-X
Hardware Control is one point, a second is the engine Upgrade, which is also anything but small. Also, here, many features and improvements come from the flagship Montage M synthesizers.
The highlight is undoubtedly the introduction of the AN-X synth engine in the MODX M. 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 passes through two filters, each with 10 different 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 simulates the behavior of vintage synths.
Alongside the new AN-X engine, you can find again the best-known sample-based Yamaha AWM2 engine. In the MODX M, it gets a massive update in both content size and the number of elements per part.
They cranked the engine up to 128 elements per part. That’s a massive boost over the original MODX, which had eight elements per part.
It also has more content, including all 10GB of presets AWM2 wave from the Montage M, as well as 1.9GB of user wave memory. And the MODX M is also compatible with existing MONTAGE content.
Part of the new Yamaha MODX M is the powerful FM-X synth engine, with eight operators and 88 algorithms. It also got a boost with a new motion control synthesis system, offering up to 32 assignable part destinations for lots of FM synthesis modulation.
There is also a new VCM rotary speaker effect in the multi-FX section, and the polyphony has been raised to 268 voices, up from 256. It is also now possible to switch up to six sounds seamlessly. This was only possible with four in the previous MODX+.
The Software MODX M
A big highlight of the Montage M for me is the Expanded Softsynth Plugin (ESP), which lets you bring the Montage M engine into your DAW. It also enables you to switch sounds between hardware and software in a flash.
Good news: this is also coming in early 2026 to the new Yamaha MODX M. They promise that ESP for MODX M will work in the same way as on the Montage M. That’s excellent news.
On the back, everything remains the same, with a stereo output, a stereo input, full 5-pin MIDI, a USB-to-device port, and more.
First Impression
At first glance, this is a major welcome upgrade for the MODX Synthesizer series. They’ve made significant progress in terms of sound engine and control. The AN-X and upgraded AWM2 engines, in particular, make the whole package more interesting.
Yamaha MODX M series is available soon for the following prices: M6 for $1799,99, M7 for $1999,99, and M8 for $2499.
More information here: Yamaha
This is nice, but certainly not an upgrade choice for existing MODX or MODX+ users. I have the MODX7+. I would have to sell that which goes for about $1300. So, the upgrade is about $700. There really isn’t $700 worth of interest for me. MODX7+ is already a beast, and I never felt anything was lacking.
depends on what you have or do to be fair. I think over the original MODX it’s a huge update, just the extra power in the OS and hardware so it’s more efficient to build stronger patches with more polyphony and seamless transitions for live use, plus the improvements to livesets, the extra drawbars and YC rotary sim plus ANX engines and better keybed is kinda huge.
I feel pretty much the same as the first poster. I have the ModDX6+ and while the extra memory & polyphony is nice, I just don’t see the extra $$ to upgrade for the VST and FM. The AN-X VA engine has never really knocked my socks off though it does sound better than the PlG-150AN cards from the old CS6x/S80 line of synths.
That’s a lot of coin for a workstation synth that doesn’t have aftertouch. I do like the software integration though. For both my Waldorf Blofeld and my Korg MultiPoly, it has been SO nice to crank out patches when I want on my laptop and easily export over to the hardware.
For one thing, the improvement of hands-on control (e.g. more knobs, faders, buttons) is huge, MODX/MODX+ & Montage/M are compatible with the newly released Omnisphere 3 hardware integration, MODX M will follow soon.