MODX ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE

I N F O R M AT I O N GUIDE FOR THE MODX MUSIC SYNTHESIZER

08|2018
 MODX ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE 08|2018

C O N TE N TS
FEATURES OF MODX 6

THE MOST IMPORTANT

FEATURES COMP ARED
TO THE MOXF SERIES 11

MODX
BASIC KNOWLEDGE 12
U S E R I N T E R FAC E 12
P E R F O R M A N C E B A S I C S 15
P E R F O R M A N C E B A N K S 18
K E Y B OA R D C O N T R O L
A N D L I V E P E R F O R M A N C E S 20
O R G A N I S AT I O N O F P E R F O R M A N C E S
W I T H U S E R WAV E F O R M S 21
L I V E S E T 21
M A S T E R K E Y B OA R D F U N C T I O N S 23

MOTION CONTROL 24
S U P E R K N O B 24
M OT I O N S E Q U E N C E 26
A R P E G G I ATO R 27
S C E N E S 28
E N V E LO P E F O L LOW E R 28
S I D E C H A I N M O D U L AT I O N 29

FM-X
THE RETURN OF FM 30
F M - X PA R T F E AT U R E S 30
T H E M O D X WAY
O F D O I N G F M S Y N T H E S I S 31
W H AT I S F M? 32

Text: Hans-Peter Henkel, Peter Krischker, Yamaha

Layout & Editor: Björn Meyer

© August 2018 Yamaha Music Europe GmbH

Siemensstraße 22-34, 25462 Rellingen, Germany

2
F I L E A ND
L I B R AR Y M A N A GEM EN T 34
S TO R I N G U S E R F I L E S 34
L I B R A RY F I L E S 3 4
B AC K U P F I L E S 3 5

S EQU EN CI N G 36
SONG RECORDING (DIRECT
P E R F O R M A N C E R E C O R D I N G ) 36
S O N G P L AY I N C L U D I N G
S TA N DA R D M I D I F I L E S 36
P L AY B AC K O F AU D I O F I L E S
F R O M A U S B D E V I C E 37

S P EC I F I CA T I ON S 38

P I C T U R ES 39

DEM ON S T R A T OR LI V E SET
P E R F OR MA N C ES 40

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 MODX ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE 08|2018

Yamaha has redefined the synthesizer

midrange: MODX is here!

Empower your creativity, take control and stand out from

the crowd with MODX: a compact, lightweight synthesizer
designed for inspired music-making.

The power of the MODX synthesis engine allows unlimited

potential to create your own unique sound demanded by
any artist.

Bring the sophistication of music production automation

to realtime live performance with Motion Control.

4
 MODX ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE 08|2018

AWM2
Only found in Yamaha music synthesizers, the AWM2
engine offers much more than just sample playback.
Each of the 16 AWM2 Parts feature eight programmable
synthesizers with a Filter (18 different Types!), Amplitude,
Pitch and Filter Envelope Generators, nine LFOs, 3-band
EQ and a dedicated Dual Insert Effect with Virtual Circuitry
Modeling.
 Demonstrator tips on page 40

S OU N D
Sound is the most important aspect of any instrument.
MODX will make your music sound amazing.
FM-X
The MODX uses the same technology powering the
FM-X produces classic ‘80s or cutting-edge, EDM
flagship MONTAGE: AWM2 (Advanced Wave Memory 2)
synthesizer sound with incredible dynamic range, power
sample and synthesis engine for stunning emulative
and fidelity. MODX goes well beyond the capabilities of
acoustic instruments, synth sounds and drums.
the original DX7 with an 8-Operator FM architecture,
MODX also features FM-X (Frequency Modulation) a 64-note polyphony, many Filter Types and more. Create
unique, expressive, highly-programmable synthesis sounds no one has ever heard with Motion Control for
technology for dynamic, electro-modern music creation. ever-evolving and changing textures.
 Demonstrator tips on page 40  Demonstrator tips on page 40

6
1 9 2 - N OT E
TOT AL P O L Y PH ON Y
MODX features 128-note stereo AWM2 polyphony
EFFECTS
and 64-notes of FM-X polyphony. Due to the unique
architecture of MODX and MONTAGE, this polyphony is From high definition Reverbs to detailed Virtual Circuit
always available without latency or compromising other Modeling (VCM) effects, MODX features DSP innovation,
features. power and sound quality. Use effects like Beat Repeat,
 Demonstrator tips on page 40 Vinyl Break, or Bit Crusher to get EDM sound. The
Spiralizer effect creates the auditory illusion of a tone
continuously rising or falling in pitch.

You can even add a Compressor with Sidechain for a

modern “ducking” effect. Or go retro with vintage effects
I N T E GR AT ED like Analog Delay, VCM Phaser, or a variety of Amp
F L AS H M EM OR Y Simulators.

MODX includes 1 GB of non-volatile, low latency User Piano players will appreciate piano-focused effects like
Flash Memory with high speed reading/writing for Damper Resonance for a super-realistic piano experience
your own custom Samples or Synth Libraries from and the HD Reverbs that let you put yourself in any
yamahamusicsoft.com performance space.
 Demonstrator tips on page 40  Demonstrator tips on page 41

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A/ D I NP UT
A stereo A/D Input allows you to bring external sources like
analog synthesizers, vocals and other instruments into the
MODX Motion Control system. The control offered goes
well beyond simple onboard effect processing. Control
individual parameters with the physical controls or have
MODX provide “invisible hands” using Motion Control.
COMPATIBILITY:
With the addition of the Vocoder, Envelope Follower, and
MONTAGE AND MOTIF
Auto Beat Sync, the A/D Input on MODX becomes an
instrument unto itself.
DX AND TX
 Demonstrator tips on page 41 Out of the box, MODX offers access to one of the largest
sound libraries ever – over 35 years in the making by our
world-class sound designers and artists.

MODX is directly compatible with MONTAGE as well as

S I DEC H A IN
MOTIF XS/XF and MOXF Voices and Performances.
Sidechain is a popular effect in modern dance music
The free FM Converter Web App on YamahaSynth.com
where a pad or other sustain part is “keyed” to the kick
makes it compatible with DX7, DX7II, TX802, and TX816
drum. When the kick drum plays, it ducks down the
synthesizer content as well.
sustained part creating a “pumping” rhythmic effect.
 Demonstrator tips on page 41
 Demonstrator tips on page 41

BÖSENDORFER
C O NT E N T As part of the MODX introduction, Yamaha is pleased to
Beyond being an amazing synthesizer, MODX is an offer an incredible Bösendorfer Imperial Premium Grand
expandable content platform. Get new sounds for your Piano download for FREE to all MODX owners. Please go to
MODX at yamahamusicsoft.com https://eu.yamahamusicsoft.com/synth/bosendorfer-
 Demonstrator tips on page 41 piano-montage# for details.

SOUNDMOND O
Soundmondo is a social sound
sharing network that lets you store
and recall MODX Performances
and share them with other users.
Each stored Performance can be
rated, named and given a custom
image from your photo library.
With the Soundmondo App for
iOS you can upload and download
new Performances and directly to
MODX with an iOS device.

8
 CONTROL
Every artist wants to sound unique. Empower your
creativity, take control and stand out from the crowd.
Bring the sophistication of music production automation
to realtime live performance with Motion Control.
 Demonstrator tips on page 42

SUPER KNOB
The Super Knob is to shaping sound as a conductor is to
an orchestra. It directs individual dynamic elements into
a single musical expression. Like a conductor, the Super
Knob can tell one player to turn up while another turns
down. You can change the shape of notes from long to
short, bright to dark or move a player from being right
next to you to the back of the concert hall.

The Super Knob allows simultaneous control of up to

128 parameters in a single Performance. This means you
can control mix functions like Volume, Pan, and Effect

MU L TI - C HA N N EL Sends or detailed synth parameters like Filters, LFOs, and

Operators.
U S B AU D I O I N T ER F A CE
You can even control the Super Knob with an FC7 foot
As expected for modern computer-based music
controller making it easy to manipulate the sound when
production, MODX features a professional 2-in/10-out,
playing with both hands.
multi-channel USB Audio Interface. Coupled with two A/D
 Demonstrator tips on page 42
Inputs, MODX is a perfect centerpiece for any professional
recording studio or live computer rig.

A single-cable connection replaces the need for an

external audio interface, even for your iOS device.
 Demonstrator tips on page 42

MOTION SEQUENCES
Motion Sequences are tempo-synchronised, completely
customisable control sequences that can be assigned to
R H Y T HM PA T T ERN virtually any synthesizer parameter and provide incredible
Rhythm Patterns are an easy way to add a Rhythm Part to new ways of creating sound.
a Performance.
Motion Sequences also have dedicated controls on the
By combining Rhythm Patterns and the Envelope Follower, front panel making it easy to manipulate and change in
you can change the Patterns even further. real-time, providing incredible interactivity and expression.
 Demonstrator tips on page 42  Demonstrator tips on page 42

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E N V EL O PE FOL L OW ER
The Envelope Follower converts audio into a control source
for control of virtually any synthesizer parameter. For
example, a drum loop could drive effects parameters for
a cool rhythm or a vocal recording could control multiple
parameters for a “talking” synthesizer.

The audio can even be a “live” source through the A/D

Input.
 Demonstrator tips on page 42

MOBILITY
Designed for musicians on the go, MODX is compact,
lightweight and mobile.

LIGHTWEIGHT
A U TO B E A T SY N C
The MODX6 weighs in at 6.6 kg, the MODX7 at 7.4
ABS (Audio Beat Sync) detects the beat of an external kg, and the 88-note weighted Graded Hammer Action
device like an electronic drum kit, drum machine, or MODX8 comes in at a svelte 13.8 kg.
audio player plugged into the A/D Input and synchronises
the MODX Arpeggiator, Motion Sequencer, or Songs to
the tempo of the external input. The MODX synthesizer SOFT CASE
“listens” to live music and plays in time. The premium soft case for
 Demonstrator tips on page 42 MODX is protective, lightweight
and stylish. Not just a mere
“gig bag”, the MODX soft
case is manufactured with top-
D ED I CA T ED
notch materials like xxx Denier
US B V OL UM E Nylon, high quality zippers,
For the USB audio stream, a separate pockets for pedals and cables,
Knob is located on the MODX user and a luxurious inside that will
interface. This makes it possible to keep your MODX protected
quickly and directly adjust the volume and looking great for years to
of feeds via USB, for example. come.

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T H E MOST IMPO R TA N T
F EATURES C O MPA R E D TO
T H E MOXF S E R IE S

FM-X Synth Engine

LCD-Touchscreen 7"-Colour-Wide-VGA-TFT

Waveform-ROM expanded from 741 MB to 5.67 GB

2,370 new Waveforms, 6,347 total in ROM

1 GB Flash-ROM built-in

Ca. 2,000 Preset Performances

640 User Performances

5,120 Library Performances

Seamless Sound Switching „SSS“ for Performances with up to four Parts

13 Dual Insert Effects (12 Parts + A/D Input)

Over 256 Preset Live Set Slots, 2,048 User & 2,048 Library Live Set Slots

10,239 Arpeggios

Eight Arpeggio Parts simultaneously

Eight Scenes per Performance

Masterkeyboard functions for each Performance

Multichannel USB Audio Interface, 2-in/10-out

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M O DX
BASI C K NOW LE D G E
U S E R I N T ER F A CE

The most striking innovations in the overall picture are the Right to it the Volume of the USB Input signal can be
7" TFT Colour Wide-VGA touch display and the backlit adjusted separately. Directly below the two controls are
buttons and gain controls for the A/D Input.
buttons. The lighting of the buttons is dimmable. In
addition to simply being on or off, this is used to indicate To the right of it the Controller panel is located, with
switches, Knobs, and Sliders that partly correspond to the
whether the button has a function in the current mode at
MOXF series.
all. Name additions such as "Perf.-XY ... AF1 / AF2" are
Of course, some are assigned to new MODX functions.
now a thing of the past - a feature that greatly contributes
to the clarity. The display is easy to read from different
angles and responds sensitively to your finger tip. Thanks
to the touch display
fewer operating
elements than on the
MOXF are required.

On the top left of the

user interface the
Volume control of the
instrument is located.

12
The Assign-1/2 buttons and two other for controlling the

Motion Sequences are now located to the right side of the

Modulation Wheel. The buttons [ARPEGGIO ON/OFF]

and [MOTION SEQ ON/OFF] are located to the right,

below them there is a pair of buttons with the double

assignment [OCTAVE/TRANSPOSE].

Since the four Sliders can be practically assigned to 16

Destinations, there are corresponding selector buttons to

the left of them. The upper one decides whether the Part

Volume or the Volume of the Elements/Operators within a

selected Part is adjustable. The lower one is used to switch

A button to the left of the Scene buttons is used to switch
between Part/Element/Operator 1-4 or 5-8. between Scenes 1-4 or 5-8.

In between the controller panel and the display the Super

Knob can not be overlooked. Two buttons are used for
storing and recalling customised end positions. Below the
Super Knob the known Sequencer controls are arranged.

Below the Sequencer control panel are the

[RHYTHM ASSIGN] and [CONTROL ASSIGN] buttons.
[RHYTHM ASSIGN] is an innovation and will be described
in more detail later.

Whenever you select a parameter or value in the

display, which can be generally controlled by means of a
controller, the button [CONTROL ASSIGN] lights dimmed,
Below each slider there is a Scene button. In each of thus indicating the readiness of an assignment. Press and
hold the button in such a state and then use the desired
the eight Scenes, different assignments, such as Motion
controller. The assignment will immediately be confirmed
Sequence, Super Knob, Arpeggio Select Number, or even
in the display and the display calls up to the Control
complete Mixings can be stored, which are then retrieved Assign display where extra parameters in this context are
with the push of a button. available.

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The area to the right of the display contains the well- The [PART SELECT-MUTE/SOLO] button opens an
known combination of data wheel and the buttons for additional control panel in the display. This allows direct
cursor control, data change, the buttons [ENTER] and access to individual Parts as well as soloing or muting
[EXIT]. Direct to the right of it five buttons are arranged: individual Parts. The button [AUDITION] starts a demo
[PERFORMANCE (HOME)], [UTILITY], [EDIT], [STORE], sequence matching the Performance.
and [SHIFT]. The first three are also assigned with sub-
functions.

Further to the right of it are the buttons [LIVE

SET],[CATEGORY],[PART SELECT-MUTE/SOLO], and
[AUDITION].

The direct selection of Performances using Bank and

Number buttons is omitted, instead the Performances
are selected exclusively through Categories from the user
interface. Pressing the button with the label [CATEGORY]
switches immediately to the relevant menu (no matter in
which menu level you possibly happen to be).

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P E R F OR MA N C E BA S I C S E DIT COM MON – FM -X

In the COMMON display of the FM Mode the "Algorithm"

MODX Performances consist of 16 Parts maximum.
can be selected in the top left below the "General" tab.
Up to eight Parts can be used as Layer Parts with all This indicates that this Part is an FM Part.

the Performance's features. The Factory Performances

exclusively use the actual Performance Parts 1 - 8. The

"Kbd Ctrl" function is always enabled for these Parts. Thus,

by default all Parts function as Layer or Split Parts.

E D I T C O M M O N – AW M 2 N O R M A L

In the COMMON display of AWM2 Normal Mode the tab

"Pitch" is available in the top left below the "General" tab.
By the way: The AWM2 Normal Mode corresponds to a
Normal Voice of the MOTIF/MOXF.
If required you can add the Parts 9-16 in the "Mixing"
display as additional Mixing Parts by using the "Part 1 -
16" function.

E D I T C O M M O N – AW M 2 D R U M

In the COMMON display of AWM2 Drum Mode, the

tab below "General" in the top left is blank. This Mode
Each Part uses one of these Part Modes: corresponds to a Drum Voice of the MOTIF/MOXF. Drum
• AWM2 Normal Parts can also easily be recognised by their Category

• AWM2 Drum "Drum / Perc".

• FM-X

The "Tag Flag" on the right of the Performance name

identifies whether a Performance exclusively uses
AWM2 Parts, only FM-X Parts, or AWM2 and FM-X Parts
combined.

The Part Edit display is different depending on the used

Part Mode.

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The respective Part Mode is fixed and can not be changed At first, a Part can only be
by selecting another Mode. If another Mode is desired for selected with the button [PART
a Part, you can either select a Part of another Performance SELECT | MUTE/SOLO].

with the desired Mode, or choose one of these Single Part The control panel that appears
Performances from the Category "Init": replaces the hardware buttons

• Init Normal on the MOXF for selecting,

muting, or soloing Parts, for
• Init FM
example. If a Part is already
• Init Drum active, you can also navigate
back to the Common area of
With the Performances of the Category "Init" it is possible
the Performance. The check box appears at the bottom
to conduct a sound programming from scratch.
or top of the screen, depending on where something is
The editing of AWM2 Elements takes place as you are currently selected and should remain visible. A really
used from the MOTIF/MOXF series. The parameters practical function!
are compatible. However, any edits will be saved in the
Performance, because in MODX there is no subordinate
Voice Mode.

But unlike on the MOTIF/MOXF or other Yamaha

synthesizers Performances in MODX are selected from
Categories.

To do so, first the button [CATEGORY] is pressed and

then the appropriate Category (eg, PIANO, KEYBOARD,
ORGAN...) is selected.

By setting filters such as "Bank" and "Attribute" the

selection can be limited, for example, "USER" and "FM-X"
only shows all User-FM-Performances.

An individual organisation of Performances in Banks is

possible by using LIVE SETS (see chapter "Live Set").

S E L E C T I O N O F P E R F O R M A N C E S A N D PA R T S

If the [CATEGORY] button is pressed - starting from

the Performance Home screen (or from a Live Set) - the
"Performance Category Search" opens directly with the
option of accessing Multi Part Performances. In this view,
you cannot select individual Parts of a Performance. If the
Part is to be added to an existing Performance or one of
the existing Parts is to be replaced, an empty Slot must
either be selected via the "+" (1) or an existing Part must
be activated.

Two different options are available for selecting existing

Parts. A tap on the Part in the display immediately opens
a side menu (2) with four options, which will be discussed
in more detail later on.

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R H Y T H M PAT T E R N Performance (2). A tap on the displayed Categories or the
name of the Arpeggio opens the side menu from which
The button [RHYTHM PATTERN] is new and combines
you can jump directly to the Arpeggio Category Search
several steps in one shortcut. The goal is to add a suitable
(3). In addition, the tempo and volume of the Part are
Drum Part to an existing Performance with this Quick
directly adjustable (4).
Assign function in the shortest way. If the Performance
Since a Drum Part is best suited as a basis for the Envelope
contains less than eight Parts, pressing this button leads
Follower (description follows in the further course), there
directly to the Category Search. In contrast to the regular is the possibility to switch it on at the bottom left of this
procedure via [CATEGORY], in this case the selection is display. Afterwards there is direct access to the Controller
limited to Drum Performances. Routing and the edit screen of the Envelope Follower.

Mostly Single Part Performances are listed, as well as Exiting the Rhythm Assign display via [EXIT] or
some Multi Part Performances where Part 1 is a Drum [PERFORMANCE (HOME)] copies the new Part with the
Part. At the top left of the display you can see which Part selected settings into the Performance. If you want to leave
is currently being processed. The routine automatically the page without the Part assignment, you can do so via

selects the first free Part of a Performance between "Cancel" at the bottom right of the display.

2 and 7.

After selecting one of the search results, Arpeggios can

be selected directly in the lower part of the display (1).
There is access to all eight possible Arpeggios of the

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P ER F OR MA N CE B A N K S In the Bank selection

of the Category
In MODX the following Performance Banks are available.
Search, the collection
Preset of Favorites behaves

These are the Preset Voices of the MOTIF XF as like a separate Bank.

converted MODX Performances (Single Part) and the However, this does not

new MODX Preset Performances (Single Part and Multi take up any additional

Part). The Preset content is fully compatible with that of storage space and can

MONTAGE from its OS v2.0 system. help significantly to keep

track of a maximum
User
possible number of Performances over all storage
Up to 640 User Performances (Single Part and Multi
areas of over 7,700 Performances (User = 640,
Part) can be stored here. It is also possible to load
Library = 640*8, Preset = > 2,000).
content from the following Yamaha synthesizers:
You can learn from this list, that the term "Bank" is used
• MOTIF XS
in MODX in a different sense than in previous Yamaha
• MOTIF XF
synthesizers, where a Bank consisted of 128 sounds
• MOXF normally. The number of Performances in a MODX Bank

Library 1 - 8 is not precisely defined. Even the - already very extensive

- Preset Bank will be further enhanced by subsequent

A Library is a copy of an entire User Bank and thus
Firmware updates. However, for the User Bank and the
contains up to 640 Performances.
Library Banks there is a max limit of 640 Performances
Such a Library is created by storing the User Memory
per Bank.
content - ie the Performance Banks, User Waveforms,
Another important difference with previous Yamaha
Samples, and User Arpeggio Patterns - as a Library
synthesizers is that there is no Voice Mode in MODX. So, to
file.
have a huge sound stock available for the programming
Up to eight Library files can be loaded into the Library
of new Performances or creating Mixings for songs, a
Banks 1 - 8.
new concept was developed for MONTAGE in which the
Read more about this feature in the section "Library Performance Mode is used both for single sounds (Single
files". Part Performances) as well as for layered sounds up to

Technically speaking, this is not a Bank. After selecting complete Song Mixings (Multi Part Performances). This

a Performance from the concept has been completely adopted for the MODX.

Category Search, it can So, while in the MOXF or MOTIF the Voices where
be marked as a "Favorite". available as individual sounds for Performances and
To do this, simply select Mixings, in MODX these are the Single Part Performances,
the "Set" at the bottom meaning Part 1 of any Performance. This Part 1 is also
of the display. The active relevant for the categorisation of the Performance. For
Performance gets a yellow example, if the Category for Part 1 is set to PIANO, the
star. whole Performance appears in the Category PIANO.

18
As already mentioned above, a part of the Preset Bank is However, if the Category Search is performed for a Part
occupied by the Preset Voices of MOTIF XF. These appear via the Search function, the Performances appear with

as Performances in MODX. The first Part of these Single green or blue font colour and green background, as

Part Performances corresponds to a MOTIF Preset Voice, already mentioned above.

which can contain up to eight Elements. To be able to select Performances either as a complete

The new MODX Performances also contain numerous Multi Part Performances or as a Single Part Performance

Single Part Performances, so that the total selection of (only Part 1) via MIDI, every Performance has two Bank

individual sounds goes far beyond the offer of the MOTIF. and Program Select addresses (MSB / LSB / PGM):

• Performance Multi Part MSB/LSB/PGM

In the Performance Category Search display Single Part
• Performance Single Part MSB/LSB/PGM
Performances are displayed in green font colour with blue
background, Multi Part Performances are displayed with The MSB / LSB / PGM address of the current Performance
blue font colour and also a blue background. is shown in the Information display.

E X A M P L E : S H OW T H E I N F O D I S P L AY F O R P E R F O R M A N C E S

• Use CATEGORY SEARCH to select the Performance

"Gate of Eden" (Preset Bank, Category "Musical FX").
When selecting the COMMON Mode must be active.
If a Part is selected when you are using the Categroy
Searcg, not a complete Performance, but only a Part is
selected
• Leave CATEGORY SEARCH by pressing
[PERFORMANCE (HOME)]
• Tap on the Performance name "Gate of Eden" in the top
of the display
• On the left of the display tap on "Property". You will
now see the adjacent display
• At the bottom of this Info display (Bank Select and
Program Change No.) the address with which you can
call up the Performance (Multi Part) via MIDI is shown
• Press [EXIT] to exit the Info display
• Now tap on the Part name/type called "Gate of Eden“/
„M.FX Moving“ (below the virtual Cutoff Knob)
• Again, tap on "Property" on the left of the display. You
will see this display
• At the bottom of this Info display (Bank Select and
Program Change No.) the address with which you can
call up Part 1 of the Performance (Single Part) via MIDI
is shown

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K EY B O ARD CON T R OL • When the Parts 1 and 2 are selected, the layered sound

A ND L I V E PER F ORM A N CES of Piano & Strings is played

• When the Parts 3, 4, and 5 are selected, solely the

The "KBD Control" (Keyboard Icon)
sound that is assigned to this Part is played
function is available in the Performance
Main display for eight Performance If the Piano and Strings sounds should be played
Parts and can be used as a Layer switch. individually in the course of the song, just turn off "KBD

All Parts that have Keyboard Control Control" for these two Parts. You can use the Part Select

(KBD Ctrl) activated are simultaneously buttons 1 - 5 then to select which of the five individual
playable from the keyboard (Single, sounds is to be played. If you want to expand the Layer
Layer & Split). sound - for example, Piano / Strings / Organ playing
together - turn on KBD Control for Part 3 (Organ).
If needed, KBD Control can be deactivated. In contrast
to muting it with [MUTE] the sound is not abruptly cut off According to this principle extensive Live Performances
due to Seamless Sound Switching (SSS) when switching can be created. Of course it also possible, to create Split
off KBD Control for a Part. This is an important aspect in sounds.
the use of more extensive Multi Part Performances, when
If the eight Performance Parts are not enough for extremely
you are dynamically switching between different sounds
complex sound configurations, the Performance can be
of that Performance.
extended by a further eight Parts in the Mixing display.
The simplest application is to disable "KBD Control" for all
However, Performances that use more than four Parts
Parts 1 - 8. Using the Part Select buttons the eight Parts
can't use Seamless Sound Switching.
can then be alternately selected, without having the sound
cut off abruptly. Even with song productions using an external sequencer,
switching "KBD Control" on or off makes sense.
You can go one step further, if in addition to several
individual sounds also layered sounds are needed. Multi Part Performances normally send MIDI events on
multiple MIDI channels. If a Performance uses eight Parts,
EX A MPLE: LIVE PERFOR M ANCE WITH ONE the external sequencer thus receives the same data on
L AY E R A N D M U LT I P L E S I N G L E S O U N D S the MIDI channels 1 - 8. This is necessary, because the

Imagine, you need the following instruments or Performance Parts are automatically assigned to receive

combinations of sounds for a song: MIDI on the channels 1 - 8.

• Piano + Strings However, it may be desirable to record the lines for the
• Organ Parts independently. In this case, KBD Control should be

• Synth Lead either turned off for all Parts, so only the selected Part

• Synth Comp sends MIDI data. Or the desired number of Parts is set to
KBD Control on, if a layered sound is to be recorded.
Set the Parts as follows:
Using the KBD Control function a Layer Performance
• Part 1 = Piano KBD Control on
can therefore be instantly converted into a Multi Part
• Part 2 = Strings KBD Control on
Performance in which the Parts can be played and
• Part 3 = Organ KBD Control off
controlled independently.
• Part 4 = Synth Lead KBD Control off
Of course, the Parts with the setting KBD Control off
• Part 5 = Synth Comp KBD Control off
further receive the data of their MIDI channel.
Now, press the Part Select buttons 1-8 successively.

20
O R GA NI SA T I ON OF In MODX Live Set are thus a maximum of 10 Live Set

P E R F OR MA N C ES WI T H Banks (1 x Preset, 8 x User, 1 x Library) conceivable which

U S ER W A V EF ORM S may include a total of 2,385 (!) assignable Performance

allocations. That should do for every gig.

Basically, every Performance can use User Waveforms,
regardless of whether it is located in the User Bank or The User Banks of Live Set can contain Preset Performances,

one of the Library Banks. Each file type (User or Library) Library Performances, and User Performances.
contains a self-contained data structure. Performances
The Live Set Banks are part of a User file and thus are
and Live Sets are loaded into the User or Library Bank,
overwritten when loading an MODX User file.
User Waveforms are installed on the Flash Memory. The
management of the Flash Memory is done automatically. When a new Library file is saved, the Live Set allocations

are automatically redirected to the Library Performance

As long as Performances use their associated User
Waveforms only within their file, everything works Banks.

without the need to observe anything. But: When a It is left to the user for what purpose he uses the Live Set
Performance of a Library Bank uses User Waveforms
function. The primary intention is, as the name implies,
and is stored subsequently to an editing process as a
the compilation of Performances for live playing on stage.
new User Performance, then the Library containing the
So, if you are involved in several recording or live projects,
corresponding User Waveforms has necessarily to be
they can each have their own Live Set Bank assembled.
loaded when you want to use this User Performance.
Waveforms are not copied automatically when you save. The changing of the Performances also works seamlessly

This way, unwanted double storage of User Waveforms is in the Live Set. So you could easily prepare multiple
prevented. Performances for a song and change them in the required

order.
LIVE SET
It is also conceivable to use Live Set for individual Banks,
A Live Set is a "Playlist" for Performances, an individual
like some sort "Best Of" selections.
compilation of the Performances existing in MODX.

In Live Set the following Banks are available: S E L E C T I N G L I V E S E T B A N K S A N D PAG E S

• Live Set Preset Bank All 256 assigned Performances of a Live Set Bank can
• Live Set User Bank 1 to 8 be selected either on the respective pages on the touch
• Live Set Library Bank screen.

In each Bank up to 256 Performances can be organised

in so-called "Slots".

16 Performances are displayed in each of the 16 display

pages of a Bank.

The compilation of the Live Set Preset Bank is already

done at the factory and can not be changed.

The Live Set User Banks, however, can be put together

completely individual.

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EX A MPLE: INSERTING A PERFOR M ANCE IN A

L I V E S E T U S I N G T H E [ S H I F T ] B U T TO N

Enable the Performance mode and select the Performance

that you want to add to a Live Set.
• Press the button [SHIFT] and then additionally the
button [LIVE SET]
• The display changes to the Live Set User Bank and
jumps directly to the first available Slot of the Live Set
Pages
• The Slot is marked by a flashing border
• Tap on the Slot to assign the Performance to it
• If desired you can assign a name for the corresponding
Slot by tapping on "Slot Name". Use the field "Color"
to also assign a colour, in order to make relationships
visually recognisable

If you would rather like to use a different Slot, you are free
to change the Page and select the Slot you want. Switching
the Page and choice of Slots works like described above
with the help of the buttons. Hit the [ENTER] button to
confirm this operation. Both the User Bank and every
single Live Set Page can have individually assigned a
name in the boxes from the top of the display.

22
 MASTERKEYBOARD
FUNCTIONS
Experienced users know and appreciate the MOTIF
Master Mode. Its functionality is also implemented in
MODX. To use the Masterkeyboard functions, they have
to be activated globally in the Utility settings.
• Press [UTILITY]
• Select „Setting“ > „Advanced“ > „Zone Master“
• If necessary, change the value from OFF to ON

Thus the conditions are given in order to make appropriate

adjustments. The Master Mode of the MOTIF series is
limited to eight Zones. In MODX, all 16 Parts (!) may be
provided with Master settings. This means that you can
configure each Part individually.

The procedure is as follows:

• Enable the Performance Mode
• Press [EDIT]
• Select the Part to be edited with the [PART SELECT]
button
• Tap "Part Settings" > "Zone Setting" on the display
• Set "Zone" to ON

This gives you the option to set the MIDI Transmit channel,
a Keyboard Range, and parameters such as Note Shift
and Transpose. Furthermore, MIDI Program Change
commands (including MSB / LSB), MIDI Volume and
Panorama can be sent.

Save the Performance by pressing [STORE]. Of course,

the settings remain stored in the Performance even if
"Zone Master" in the Utility Settings was switched to
"OFF". Live keyboardists will very much appreciate that
the Masterkeyboard functionality is now available in every
Performance. In conjunction with Live Sets MODX can truly
become the central master position of a keyboard setup.

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M OTI ON CO N TR O L

An outstanding feature of MODX is Motion Control. It is SUPER KNOB

comprised of the following components:
With the Super-Knob it is possible to control several
• Super Knob
parameters simultaneously. Both parameters of the
• Controllers Common Performance and of each Part can be controlled
• Motion Sequence via an extensive controller matrix. The following is an
• Arpeggio example with a relatively simple Super Knob programming,

• Envelope Follower which is also suitable as a "test object" for a first own
Controller Routing.
• Side Chain Modulation

The figure "Motion Control - Conceptual Diagram" E X A M P L E : P R E S E T P E R F O R M A N C E " F M WA R M

explains the complex interaction of the different B R A S S " ( C AT E G O RY " B R A S S " )
components. Multidimensional sound changes affect
This is a Single Part Performance with a simple, well
the Tone Generator which can also process the sound
understandable assignment of the Super Knob.
with effects. All used components of Motion Control are
running in sync with the Tempo and can even be controlled First, play a few notes while determining the effect of
by external audio signals. Super Knob.

24
 • Now press [EDIT] and select "Common" in the lower left If you move the Common Assignable Knobs while "Auto
corner of the display (if not already shown) Select" is still active, the individual connections between
the Common Assignable Knobs and their Destinations are
• Select "Control" > "Control Assign" in the display
displayed.
• Activate "Auto Select" in the upper left of the display
Now a further Routing is to be added as an example.
• Move the Super Knob (shown in the Display Filter)
In this case, the starting point is the target parameter
The Super Knob cannot be assigned directly to a (Destination). The Effect Send of the Variation Effect

parameter. The connection is always made via at least should be increased with the Super Knob. This is a Part
parameter. The following steps are required:
one of the Assignable Knobs. There are eight virtual
Assignable Knobs per Performance in the Common Area • Press [PART SELECT | MUTE/SOLO].

and eight in each individual Part. Up to 16 Destinations • Tap on the 1 to the right of "Common"

can be assigned to each Source. • Select "Part Settings" > "General" in the upper left
corner of the display
Two assignments are displayed. The Super Knob selected
• Press "VarSend" (the button [CONTROL ASSIGN] starts
by "Auto Select" in the Display Filter is connected to the
to dim)
Common Assignable Knob 1 (A). The Common Assignable
• Press [CONTROL ASSIGN]
Knob 1 controls the "Part1 Assignable Knob 1" (B) and
this controls the "OP Level" (C) parameter. The Common The following information display appears:

Assignable Knob 2 is also controlled in parallel (D), but its • Turn the Super Knob

routing is not yet displayed in this view.

The assignment has been made and the display changes

directly to the Control Assignment page of Part 1, where
you can make further adjustments. Experiment a little with
the "Ratio" and test the result with the Super Knob.

This graphical illustration of the connections and the

corresponding displays of this Routing.

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MOT I ON SEQUEN C E If eight Lanes are already active, one of these Lane must
be turned OFF before another can be activated.
With the Motion Sequencer complex sound controls can
The Motion Sequence parameters of the Parts are
be carried out on the basis of parameter assignments in
available in EDIT mode from the display "Motion Seq" with
the Control Assign displays.
the two sub-pages "Common" and "Lane".
The Motion Sequencer works similarly to a conventional
The display "Common" shows the Knob parameters which
multi-track step sequencer, but with the difference that are related to the areas Arpeggio and Motion Sequence.
here no notes, but in the Control Assign assigned sound These are used for changing global parameters in real
parameters can be controlled in real time. The Motion time and play no role in the programming of Motion
Sequencer can be used independently of or in addition Sequences.

to the Arpeggiator and synchronised with all Tempo-

dependent processes in MODX.

The Motion Sequence function is present in each

Performance Part. The Common Part and the Parts 1-8 all
have up to four Lanes available. However, a maximum of
eight Lanes can be used within a Performance.

A Lane can be virtually regarded as a Track of the Motion

Sequencer, which controls the parameters that were
assigned to it in Control Assign. Each Lane has its own set
of parameters. Each of the four Lanes available in a Part The display "Lane" shows in a matrix the settings for the
Motion Sequence functions of each Part.
contains eight Sequences. So, in one Part a total of 32
individual Sequences can be included.

In PLAY mode, the display "Motion Control > Motion Seq"

conveys an overview of the Lanes used in a Performance.
For each Part there is a global Motion Sequence Part
Switch ("PartSw"), which is set to ON for all Parts per
default. The respective Lanes 1-4 are activated to the right
of the PartSw. For example, if the Lanes 1-3 of a Part are
set to ON, at the top of the display "Active 3/8" appears.
Therefore there are three of eight available Lanes active.
The Lanes can be switched on and off using "LaneSW".
These switches are identical to the Lane Switches in the
Overview Page in PLAY mode as described above.

"MS FX" determines whether the global parameters

Amplitude, Shape, Smooth, and Random are active or not
to be controlled with the Motion Seq Knobs.

"Trigger" can be activated for each Lane when the Motion

Sequence is to be started by pressing the [MOTION SEQ
TRIGGER].

26
"Sequence Select" selects the Motion Sequence Numbers ARP EGGIATOR
1 -8. When switching the Sequence all Lanes are switched The Arpeggio functions of MODX have been largely taken
simultaneously. over from the MOTIF/MOXF series. However, there are the
following enhancements:
To edit the selected Sequence of a Lane simply press "Edit
On the MOTIF XF/MOXF there were five ARP SELECT
Sequence" at the bottom of the Lane Page. numbers for each Voice or Part, which were selected by the
five sub-function buttons (SF1-5). On MODX Arpeggios
There, the Sequence can be programmed similar to a
can be assigned to the Scenes 1 - 8.
conventional step sequencer.
The number of Arpeggio Types has been increased from
7,981 (MOXF) to 10,239 (MODX).

There is a new group of special Arpeggio Type for musical

styles like Dance / Electronic, which are marked with the
suffix "2Trk". These 2-Track Arpeggios contain a switch,
which is dependent on the number of keys you play.

If you press one keyboard key, only Track 1 of the

Arpeggio is played. This includes an authentic Dance /
Electronic phrase, for example, a typical step sequence, or
sequences that may include chord changes.

However, if you press more than one keyboard key, a

The number of Steps can be set with the parameter
conventional Arpeggio is played, which is also suitable for
"Cycle". The default setting "Cycle = 8" offers eight Steps.
playing chords.
For each Sequence with "Pulse A" and "Pulse B" two
different curves can be selected. These can be played back
either forward or backwards (reverse) and - depending on
the selected curve - be modified by one (Prm1) or two
parameters (Prm1 + Prm2).

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S C EN ES Part in EDIT Mode and call up the display "Arpeggio >

Individual".
With the Scenes 1-8 certain settings of the Parts can be
In the graphic below, all parameters which can be saved
stored like a snapshot in digital mixers.
in a Scene are summarised.

The illumination of the Scene buttons indicate whether

a Performance uses Scenes or not. Dimly lit buttons
indicate that Scenes can be selected. The current Scene is
characterised by a fully lit button. The button [1-4 / 5-8]
to the left of the Scene buttons switches the corresponding
areas and signals the selection with an LED.

In the Preset Performances the Scenes are mainly used

for a common switching of MOTION SEQ SELECT and
ARP SELECT. With these, a Performance can be arranged
ENVELOPE FOLLOWER
similar to a music production.
An interesting feature that can also be settled in the
With these steps you will quickly understand how the broader sense in the field of Motion Control, is the

Scenes work: Envelope Follower. With this function parameters of a Part

can be modulated by the output of another Part. In this
• Select a Performance which uses Scenes - you can see
way, movements or rhythmic sequences of a Part can be
from the illumination of the Scene buttons (a good transferred to other Parts.
example is „Surprise Package“) The setting of the Envelope Follower takes place by
• In the Home screen select the display "Scene" selecting the appropriate parameter assignment in the
Part display "Mod / Control > Control Assign".
• Play the Performance and try the Scenes 1-8 to get to
For this purpose there are "EnvFollow" 1-16, "EnvFollowAD",
know the arrangement that is realised with these Scenes
and "EnvFollowMst" available as a Source. The numbers
Each time you switch to another Scene you can see on 1-16 correspond to the Parts 1-16, "EnvFollowAD" picks up
the display that the Motion Seq Select and the Arp Select the signal from the A/D Input, while "EnvFollowMst" uses
the signal from the Main Output.
numbers change.
As described in the example in the section "Super Knob",
the Envelope Follower can also be selected immediately as
Controller Source using the button [CONTROL ASSIGN].
For this purpose, the information screen offers a direct
selection option of the Envelope Follower A/D and 1-8.

In the Scene display you can set the Arp Select numbers
1-8, but not the Arp Types themselves. In order to
determine which Arp Types are assigned to the respective
Arp Select numbers in a Part, you have to select the desired

28
If one of the Envelope Follower 9-16 is to be used, the
Source can be changed directly in the Control Assignment
(1). Parallel to this, there is also a direct jump option from
this display to the Edit page of the Envelope Follower (2).

S I DE C H A I N M OD ULA T I ON
The Side Chain Compression effect has long been
extremely popular in music styles like Dance / Electronic
- in MODX this effect is easy to implement using the
compressor effects with their Side Chain Modulation
parameters.

In Side Chain Compression (also called "ducking" or

"pumping") the signal of a track is turned down in volume
when the level of other tracks - ie the modulating signal -
rises. For example, a bass drum signal is often fed to the
Side Chain Input of a compressor.
A typical application of Side Chain modulation is the
The following insert effects of MODX feature a Side Chain rhythmic level reduction of a trance synth pad by a bass
Input: drum that is played exclusively on the four beats ("four

• VCM Compressor 376 on the floor"). The resulting sound is often referred to as
"pumping pad".
• Classic Compressor

• Multiband Comp

• Uni Comp Up

• Uni Comp Down

• Ringmodulator

• Dynamic Ringmodulator

• Dynamic Filter

• Dynamic Phaser

• Dynamic Flanger

The Side Chain modulation is activated for a Part by

selecting the Part that is to be used as a modulation
source in the "Side Chain" parameter in the Insert Effect
Page. This will be mostly the Drum Part or the A/D Input.

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F M -X
TH E RE T U R N OF F M

The expanded FM synthesis used in MODX is referred to • Filter with multiple types
as "FM-X". • Additional Common LFO

• 3-Band and 2-Band EQ

F M - X P ART F EA T URES
• Multiple FM Parts can be used in a Performance
What distinguishes an FM-X Part in MODX from the classic
• Insert and System Effects
FM tone generation in the DX7?
• Motion Sequences
The main enhancements over the DX7 are:
• Intuitive sound editing with Sliders, buttons, and Knobs
• 8 Operators (DX7 = 6 Operators)

• 88 Algorithms (DX7 = 32 Algorithms) • Sound control using the Super Knob

• 7 Spectral Forms (DX7 = only sine) • Sound can be modulated by other Parts or external

• Spectral Skirt (Broadening the Harmonic Curve) audio signals using the Envelope Follower

• Spectral Resonance (Shifting the Harmonic Peaks) • Combination with AWM Parts and Drum Parts

• Frequency Envelope Generator • Arpeggiator with 10,239 Arpeggio Types

• Comprehensive Controllers • FM stereo sounds possible when using two

• Random-controlled Panorama or more Parts

30
TH E M OD X WA Y

O F D OI NG FM SY N T H ESIS

With MODX Frequency Modulation becomes a completely

new experience in this price range. Due to the touch screen

and the intelligent arrangement of parameters any dive in

deep menu levels is omitted.

For example, you can easily make a choice from the 88

Algorithms by using a clear matrix. If you select "Part

Settings > Algorithm > Search Algorithm" from the

Part Edit display (Common), you get the opportunity to

narrow down the search for the number of Carriers and

Modulators. The horizontal selection "Carrier" determines

the number of Carrier Operators while "Chain" (vertical)

indicates the index for the Modulators. A discreet

background-image contributes significantly to this clarity

by indicating how many Algorithms correspond to the

selection made.

The presentation and editing of Envelope parameters

for example is solved appealing and comfortable. Value

changes are possible by selecting

the appropriate field and using

the buttons and the Data Wheel,

moreover, another tap on the field

opens a numerical entry window.

Parameters such as Spectral From and Spectral Skirt

bring "analog feel" into the world of Sine-based FM tone

generation. A wide selection of Filter Types, LFOs and

EQs for each FM X Element also help to shape the sound

according to your wishes.

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W H A T I S FM ? When editing Voices the Volume and Frequency of the

Operators play an important role. The Volume of the
The FM synthesis was already developed in 1967 by the
Modulator determines the modulation intensity. The
American scientist Prof. Dr. John Chowning of Stanford
University, but not published until 1973. A year later the higher it is, the more harmonics are added to the Carrier's

Yamaha Corporation bought the patents to the then signal. With increasing count of harmonics the sound gets
revolutionary synthesis method. In 1983 the Yamaha DX7 brighter. The basic sound of the Carrier Operator - a pure
was introduced and put the synthesizer world upside down sine wave - is transformed by simple modulations to a sine
- pushing even synth legends like Moog or Oberheim to
wave that's enriched with harmonics.
the background.
Using further modulations and corresponding Frequency
Countless music productions were decisively influenced
settings then create square waves, sawtooth waves or
by the sound of the DX7, whose strengths lay mainly in
completely new electric pianos, synth basses, harps, complex sound spectra which can not be produced with

organs, and metallic synth sounds. The dynamics of these conventional analog synthesizers. In addition, the sound
sounds were the benchmark for all future digital sounds. is characterised by multi-stage Envelope Generators that

FM is short for "Frequency Modulation". Here Oscillators are present for each Operator.
are modulated by other Oscillators whose Volume
After the ground breaking success of the DX7 the FM
and Frequency critically characterise the sound. In the
synthesis has been implemented in a large number of
Yamaha terminology the Oscillators of FM synthesis are
Yamaha synthesizers.
called Operators. The simplest interconnection is that one
Operator as Carrier is modulated by another Operator Some popular examples are: TX7, TX816, DX21, TX81Z,
as the Modulator. But, since the FM tone generator of
DX27, DX100, FB01, DX7II, TX802, V50, SY77, SY99,
MONTAGE, however, features a total of eight Operators
FS1R, DX200, PLG150-DX, reface DX, MONTAGE.
for a sound, the Algorithms (that determine how the
Operators are linked) are often much more complex.

32
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FIL E AND
LIBR ARY
M A NAGEME N T

Storing and managing large amounts of sounds for In addition to the Preset and User Banks there are eight
MODX is extremely simple thanks to the support of USB
Library Banks available, which can be loaded as Library
drives as storage media.
files (extension ".X8L"). The difference to the User Bank is

S T O R I NG USER FI L ES merely that the Performances of the Library Banks can not

The entire user data can be saved as User files with the be edited.
extension ".X8U" on a USB memory stick. A User file
includes the following data:
LIBRARY FILES
Performance max. 640
Curve max. 32 (for Control Assign + A Library file is a copy of a complete User Bank.
Motion Sequence)
The Library file is created by string a User Bank - ie all
Arpeggio max. 256
Motion Sequence max. 256 User Performances, User Waveforms, Samples, and User
User-Waveform max. 2,048
Arpeggio Patterns - as a Library file. Subsequently, the
Micro Tuning max. 8
Library file can be loaded into the instrument, whose
Live Set max. 2,048
System Preferences Performances can then be used like user-created Presets.

34
The full contents of User Memory (incl. User Waveforms
and Samples) can be saved as a Library with these steps:
• Press [UTILITY]
• Select the display "Contents" > "Store / Save"
• Select the Content Type "Library" at the top of the
display
• Tap on "[Save As New File]"
• Enter a name and confirm with "Done"

Right afterwards the saved Library file can be loaded with

these steps into a Library Bank:
• Press [UTILITY]
• Select the display "Contents" > "Load"
• Select the Content Type "Library" at the top of the
display
• Select the previously saved Library file (extension ".X8L")

I M P O R TA N T N OT E :

If you are editing a Performance from a Library Bank, it

can only be stored as a new User Performance. It is not
possible to directly store it in the Library Bank. For this
reason, in addition to the Library file you should always
store the same memory contents of the User Bank as a
User file. If it is later necessary to change Performances
of a Library or to add Performances to it, this has to
be done in the User Bank the Library was made from.
Subsequently, the modified User Bank must be saved as a
Library file and the changed Library to be reloaded again.

B A C K U P F I L ES
A Backup File (extension "X8A") contains all MODX data
that goes beyond the Preset content. These are:
• User Memory (as described in detail above)
• All installed Libraries including Library Waveforms
• Songs (max. 128)
• System Preferences

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SEQU ENCI NG

The sequencer functions of MODX are enormously helpful A resulting recording is automatically saved as "New
to record the inspiration you just have with the instrument - Song *", the number * varies depending on the number of
with a simple push on a button. Or prepare backing tracks already saved recordings.
which you can then embed in your live performance. Every important recording should be saved as a MIDI file
(format 0) for backup purposes. This is directly possible
S O NG R E C OR D I N G from the Record display. It requires a connected USB

( DI R EC T PERF ORM A N C E storage device. If the MIDI file is to be processed further in

a DAW, you should extract the parts by their MIDI channels
R E C OR DI N G)
after having imported the file onto a MIDI Track of your
The Song features are accessible by selecting the DAW. If the Performance is active in MODX you should be
Play / Rec function (from the Performance Main Page). able to playback the file instantly. Only the "Arp Play Only"
The button [RECORD] in the Sequencer Transport block is parameter must be disabled for the corresponding Parts. .
always active and immediately switches to a MIDI Record
Mode. The display offers a few settings such as Tempo, SONG PLAY INCLUDING
Time Signature, Position selection and Quantisation. By STANDARD MIDI FILES
default the Tempo is taken from the active Performance
MODX can load and play back Songs and Standard MIDI
and all Parts are set in the Play Mode. The Playback
files from a USB storage device. The following steps are
button starts the recording. This functionality is known
required:
from the MOTIF/MOXF series as "Direct Performance
• Enable the Performance Mode
Recording", to quickly and easily realise recordings of your
performance. All operations of controllers such as Super • Optional: Select the „Multi/GM“ INIT Performance

Knob, Knobs and Faders, Scene parameters, Assign and • Select Play / Rec on the display
Motion Sequence buttons are recorded. • Select "MIDI"

36
 • Tap on "Song Name" and then "Load"
• Tap on "Content Type" and then ".mid File"
• Locate the MIDI file on your USB device and select it

With this procedure, the MIDI file is loaded into the

current Performance and the RAM memory. This way up
to 128 files can be loaded that are kept in memory and
are available even after the instrument was shut down.
The selection is made via the Content Type "Song&Perf".
General MIDI files are played correctly.

P L A Y B A CK OF A UD I O
F I L ES F R O M A US B D EV ICE
Audio files can be directly played back from a connected
USB storage device, the file has to be in .WAV format. The
following procedure is required:
• Enable the Performance Mode
• Select "Play / Rec" on the display
• Select "Audio"
• Tap on "Audio Name" and then "Load"
• Locate the audio file to your USB device and select it
• Start the playback

After a tap on the fields of Position and Volume these can

be changed with the dial. During playback, the screen
and several buttons are locked. The selected Performance
is, however, active, as are the Scene buttons, Super Knob,
and Controllers.

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SP ECI FI CAT IO N S

ENGLISH VERSION NEEDED

38
P IC TU RES

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D EMONSTR ATO R LIV E S E T

PERFORMAN C E S
To help demonstrators, we list a series of Performances from the "Demonstrator Live Set", which successfully demonstrate the
individual aspects of the MODX. In the brackets are tips or controller recommendations that also lead in the right direction.

S OU N D FM-X
(See page 6) (See page 6)
• FM Flight (use the filter resonance and cutoff) • FM Brass Ensemble (very dynamic)
• FM Spectral Spirits • CS-80 Brass (AS add effects)
• T3 UberFunk (use the SK, filter and resonance) • Sine Pad StrNoise (very dynamic via SK – goes
• FM Warm Shivers (use SK, Assign Switches and add completely into noise when full right)
RHYTHM PATTERN) • FM Double Filter (AS changes effects, SK does filters,
SCENE recall different Motion Sequencer)
• FM PWM Pad (SK entirely changes character)
AW M2 • FM Landscapes (it goes forever)

(See page 6) • FM Bow Ring Mod Pad (SK adds ring mod, good to add
RHYTHM PATTERN)
• Pop Horns (use velocity and AS to switch articulations)
• FM Film Pad (cool, grungey FM sound)
• CFX + Pad 2
• FM Sweep Analog Pad
• Slow and Steady
• FM Chillout (Arps and Motion Sequence, good to add
• 88-key Soft
RHYTHM PATTERN)
• CFX Stage
• FM Wave Dream (SK)
• Seattle Section (use SK to go from quartet to ensembe,
• Clavi Stuff (good for release stuff)
AS2 to change to marcato articulation)
• FM What Else Is (kind of an EP/solo lead when you
• Jazz Full Out 2
move the SK)
• Strings and Brass Swell
• TX416 E. Piano 2 (show the dynamics)
• Boogie Legato (use the cutoff knob)
• Fingered Steel (velocity for slide, AS1 for harmonics)
• Orch Clarinet (SK adds Bassoon, AS1 for short
articulation)

192-NOTE
TOTAL POLYPHONY
(See page 7)
I N T E GR AT ED F L A S H • ACPF FM Pf Pad DA (play lots of notes with the pedal
(See page 7) down)
• Ultimate Piano collection (MODX8) • CFX Shrine
• Chick’s Mark V (MODX7) • Free Running
• MONTAGE Expanded (MODX6) • Choir/Str/PipeOrgan (use SK to go from soft to loud)

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E F F EC T S CONTENT
(See page 7) (See page 8)
• Spiral Feedbacker (Spiralizer on SK) • Create dummy Performance
• Creeping Voltage (Spiralizer on SK)
• RD Echo (Analog delay on MW, SK = Echo amount) L I B R A RY R E C O M M E N DAT I O N S:

• Two Blue Hands (Rotary Speaker on SK) MODX6

• Ice World (Spiralizer on AS2) • Free
• Fax Science (Ring Modulation, VCM Compressor/ >> MONTAGE Expanded

Phaser) >> CS-80

• Paid
• Surfing 60s 1 Coil (Tremolo on SK)
>> Phat Analog
• CFX Stage (SK controls reverb and proximity effect, >> FM Experience
features HD reverb and Damper Resonance DSP)
MODX7
• Free
>> Chick's Mark V
• Paid
>> Organimation

MODX8
• Free
A/ D I NP UT
>> Bosendorfer
(See page 8) >> Ultimate Piano Collection
• Vocoder and Follower (SK changes Vocoder) • Paid
• Create new preset for ABS >> American Grand

• Create new preset For Envelope Follower

• Create new preset for Vocoder
• Create new preset for vocal input
• Create new preset for guitar input
• Create new preset for analog synth input

COMPATIBILITY
(See page 8)

S I DEC H A IN Taken from MONTAGE OS v2.5 Presets:

(See page 8) • Piano Electro

• Main Room Riffmaker (Sidechain, C1 has kick drum to • Secret Film

trigger the sidechain – good to show how sidechain • Yamaha Concerto

works) • Silent Lake

• Mr. Sidechain (can turn drums on and off, works with Taken from Soundmondo:
an arp) • EP: http://soundmondo.com/voices/23710
• EDM SideChainer • Brass: http://soundmondo.com/voices/23825
• EDM Fun 2 • Bass: http://soundmondo.com/voices/23738
• Horns: http://soundmondo.com/voices/23793

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 MODX ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE 08|2018

MU L TI - C HA N N EL SUPER KNOB
U S B AU D I O I N T ER F A CE (See page 9)
(See page 9) • FM & AN Elements (SK builds from small to big, all the
• Create dummy Performance other controls do something, SCENES are good)

• Play a song from phone • Inauguration (SK adds brass and glockenspiel – good

• Play a virtual instrument on phone/tablet for orchestration)

• Connect to laptop DAW • Turn it Up (AS add sidechain and effects, SK changes
tone)
• Deep Motion AS 1&2 (AS, SK)

MOTION SEQUENCES
R H Y T HM PA T T ERN
(See page 9)
(See page 9)
• Pad Pulsations (SCENES change Motion Sequences)
• CFX Concert (hit RHYTHM PATTERN and select
• Cold Motion (Motion Sequence and SK)
“RealBrushesKit” - jazz)
• Motion Sequencer Choir Pad (SK adds octave, MS)
• Rd1 Gallery 2 (hit RHYTHM PATTERN and select “D’Elo
Kit”- hip hop) • Trigger Horizon (SK, MS)

• Chillout (hit RHYTHM PATTERN and select “Brachial

Kit” – downtempo EDM-ish)
• Dance Synth Demo (hit RHYTHM PATTERN and select ENVELOPE FOLLOWER
“European EDM Kit 2”) (See page 10)
>> EDITS: SK down full, make drum volume higher) • Follow the Trap Kit (Blake’s custom Performance, no
>> Edit exists on MODX8 arps except for drums – all done with the Envelope
Follower)
• ht tps://yamahasynth.com/resources/mastering-
montage-the-envelope-follower-video

C O NT R OL
(See page 9) AUTO BEAT SYNC
• Cricket Night (SK introduces different sound elements, (See page 10)
evolves over time) • Connect the iPhone/iPad audio out (must be audio,
• Wave Surfer (SK Auto, good with using the CUTOFF the Lightning to USB Camera Adapter doesn’t work) to
knob and changing SCENES) MONTAGE “A/D INPUT” (Stereo is best)

• Motion Sweep (SK changes the arpeggio to a pad, • Open Synth Book app on iPhone/iPad
good with using the CUTOFF knob and mod wheel • Touch “Music Remixer”
adds elements) • In “EDM 1,” select “1B Drum” (four on the floor)
• Tine Transformer (SK adds harmonics from the FM • Select “Tempo” tab to change tempo and show how
engine, AS add effects) MONTAGE follows the beat
• Telharmonics (SK Auto, MW adds effects, cutoff and • On the MODX, select UTILITY/TEMPO SETTINGS
resonance are good too) • Under “SYNC” select “A/D In”
• Granular Motion (AS) • Make sure “A/D INPUT ON/OFF” is “ON”
• Orch Brass Swell (SK – big dynamic) • Use the front panel A/D INPUT GAIN to set input level

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