In October 2025, Yamaha released the MODX M in full force. With the DNA of the flagship MONTAGE M, this mid-range model features three powerful sound engines and enables more intuitive control than ever. The Motion Control Synthesis Engine—the same sound engine system as the MONTAGE M Series—includes two tone generators with 128-note polyphony, an AWM2 for faithfully simulating the original sounds of acoustic instruments for richer, more natural expression, and an FM-X for smooth, dynamic tonal variation. The added AN-X virtual analog tone generator (12-note polyphony) captures all the nuances of an analog synthesizer and creates faithful digital simulations, accommodating more creativity in sound creation and more dynamic output than previous models.

A key point in this significant evolution is the group of controllers one might expect from higher-end models. The MODX M6 and M7 have eight faders, Part control buttons, and Scene buttons—twice as many as the conventional mid-range models—and the same knobs, wheels, dials, and panel switches as the MONTAGE M, making them exceedingly easy to operate.

Notably, MODX Series synths are also far more playable; the M6 and M7 feature the newly developed weighted FSB keyboard, while the M8 is equipped with a GHS keyboard that reduces the physical sounds the keys make when played.

The next remarkable feature is the design. MODX Series synths look sophisticated and stylish from the audience as well as from the stage. The compact size, lightweight body, and easy-to-carry shape address all practical concerns and result in a far more portable synth than Yamaha or competitors have realized with their existing models. Options (sold separately) for the respective models include a soft case with casters (SC-MODX M8) for improved safety, and a soft case with backpack-type straps (SC-MODX M6/SC-MODX M7).

MODX M Series synths also include Expanded Softsynth Plugin (ESP), a cloned software synthesizer that makes the transition between live performance and music production environments seamless. ESP is a special plugin that is not sold separately; it can only be used by those who purchase MONTAGE M or MODX M synthesizers.

ESP brings many advantages. For example, you can use ESP to load and modify voices without having the synthesizer in front of you. There is no longer any need to lug the main unit to and from rehearsals, venues, the studio, or the tour van—simply open ESP wherever you are, add and edit voices, download them onto a flash drive, and upload them to the main unit the next time you use it.

Also, while composing, to import voices created on your MONTAGE M or MODX M synth to your DAW for mixing, simply open ESP, call up the voices, use any other plugins necessary, and then export them. Since you can open as many ESP windows as your computer can handle, your machine’s specs are the limit to the number of MONTAGE M and MODX M voices you can work with when composing.

MONTAGE debuted in 2016 as Yamaha’s next-generation flagship synthesizer, designed for unprecedented new musical expression with Motion Control, the revolutionary voice control mechanism. In the 10 years since this genesis, MONTAGE synths have garnered quite a following worldwide through numerous upgrades, the emergence of mid-range equipment, and evolution to the second generation.

Based on our unwavering belief that synthesizers are instruments for creating sound, we will continue to not only preserve the wealth of versatile technology developed by our predecessors over the past half-century, but translate the inspiration we draw from it into development efforts to create innovative instruments that exceed customers’ expectations.