What can we assume about the spec of the MODX/MODX+ successor?

[vertig0spin]

AIUI, an SWP70 can only address 4 GB of physical sample storage. If the MODX successor contains all the preset waveforms from the Montage M plus some space for user waveforms, then they need two SWP70s. Or they would need to change the hardware architecture, which seems less likely.

Yeah, that's a good point, which I think may be correct.
Whatever they do, they will do the cheapest way possible, so if they have two SWP70's it may contain less memory chips on the second one. Or perhaps they find a way to make it work with a single SWP70..!? They did some things on the MODX classic with a single SWP70 that many were surprised by. Maybe they don't give people the 1.75GB of User memory and cut that back to 1GB like the MODX classic, giving that extra .75 toward Preset waveforms..!? Or perhaps they find a way to tweak a single SWP70 to handle an extra 1 or 2GB of memory? Hard to say what they'll do...

[mx49]

I am starting to wonder if ESP might be the end of the mid-tier series. I expect that ESP will eventually be sold separately. This would be an affordable option for some people (who already use a computer and already have a controller keyboard).

[sonic2000gr]

I am starting to wonder if ESP might be the end of the mid-tier series. I expect that ESP will eventually be sold separately. This would be an affordable option for some people (who already use a computer and already have a controller keyboard).

That would signal Yamaha transitioning to a software-based synth company and I doubt it. The ESP would have to sell for significantly less to be a success. People won't easily spend this kind of money for something that is not tangible. Of course there is always the subscription trick.

But I think as long as the competition still creates real mid-tier keyboards, Yamaha will do too. Regardless where they go with ESP.

[ITB-Music]

Whatever they do, they will do the cheapest way possible, so if they have two SWP70's it may contain less memory chips on the second one. Or perhaps they find a way to make it work with a single SWP70..!? They did some things on the MODX classic with a single SWP70 that many were surprised by. Maybe they don't give people the 1.75GB of User memory and cut that back to 1GB like the MODX classic, giving that extra .75 toward Preset waveforms..!? Or perhaps they find a way to tweak a single SWP70 to handle an extra 1 or 2GB of memory? Hard to say what they'll do...

It was indeed fascinating to see that they managed to make a MODX+ (using a single SWP70) do (almost) all of what a Montage with 2x SWP70s can do. Unfortunately, they cannot make a chip address more memory than it can, and designing and printing upgraded chips for the lower tier of products makes no sense at all.
As already mentioned, the biggest challenge of using a single SWP70 would not be the computing power (knowing that it can run 128 AWM2 voices + 128 FM-X voices + 13 insert effects), but the attached sample memory, needed to fit all of the Monatge M waveforms and keep the compatibility, which was a big selling point for a few generations now. One approach would be to scale down the factory samples - bits, Hz, lengths and loop points... whatever they can, but I guess this will require much more actual human work (both upfront and with every next update) than just adding a second SWP70, which on the other hand will result in higher cost.
Since the AN-X and the send/master effects are processed by the main CPU, I would expect them to be available for streamlining and compatibility, but I will not be surprised if they cut off the AN-X voices to 8 for purely marketing reasons.
They will surely cut all of the extras, the plugin version, the new Analog Circuit 2, the quick edit screen, would most probably keep the encoders under the screen and ditch the pads on the right. Minimal hardware with nearly the same software, this is what MODX(+) has been and what I expect the next one to be.
Pricewise, MODX7+ came at 300~400 EUR (25%) extra for essentially adding rubber pitch and modulation wheels and a firmware update. But if they try to push the prices even further, they will get away from the sweet spot and the competition. Still, I am sure they will try to push the prices...

[aliaksej]

I think Yamaha will follow the concept of previous generations. The same sounds. And a bit limited effects in comparison with flagship.

I don't believe there will be MODX+ successor this year. But it definitely would be great!

[montageusr]

My guess is that we won't see a new model anytime soon, for reasons that the MODX+ is already close enough to the M and the competition doesn't offer anything much better.
Of course I'd be happy to be wrong, because if there's a new MODX M, there'll most likely be a new super EX update for the Fantom-0 as well, which would be welcome to me.

[ITB-Music]

My guess is that we won't see a new model anytime soon, for reasons that the MODX+ is already close enough to the M and the competition doesn't offer anything much better.
Of course I'd be happy to be wrong, because if there's a new MODX M, there'll most likely be a new super EX update for the Fantom-0 as well, which would be welcome to me.

The point is, this is Yamaha and they are setting the trends, not trying to keep up with them. Otherwise they would be still selling the n-th generation of Motif in brushed titanium with black wooden cheeks (trololol!)
While some will definitely disagree, looking at historical patterns and Yamaha's stubbornness, we can almost safely assume that we will see a MODX(+) successor at the end of the year or in the middle of the next one, unless there is some real problem with manufacturing or distribution. Considering that they have a 50-year anniversary this year, they should definitely deliver more, not less.

And I don't want to break it for you, but Fantom-0 simply does not have the hardware capabilities to get anywhere near the EX territory. Roland shot themselves in the foot with this one by deliberately making it incompatible with the actual Fantom. Still sold a lot to cheesy synth sounds lovers, I guess.

[montageusr]

My guess is that we won't see a new model anytime soon, for reasons that the MODX+ is already close enough to the M and the competition doesn't offer anything much better.
Of course I'd be happy to be wrong, because if there's a new MODX M, there'll most likely be a new super EX update for the Fantom-0 as well, which would be welcome to me.

The point is, this is Yamaha and they are setting the trends, not trying to keep up with them. Otherwise they would be still selling the n-th generation of Motif in brushed titanium with black wooden cheeks (trololol!)
While some will definitely disagree, looking at historical patterns and Yamaha's stubbornness, we can almost safely assume that we will see a MODX(+) successor at the end of the year or in the middle of the next one, unless there is some real problem with manufacturing or distribution. Considering that they have a 50-year anniversary this year, they should definitely deliver more, not less.

And I don't want to break it for you, but Fantom-0 simply does not have the hardware capabilities to get anywhere near the EX territory. Roland shot themselves in the foot with this one by deliberately making it incompatible with the actual Fantom. Still sold a lot to cheesy synth sounds lovers, I guess.

It is very likely what you are saying will happen. I would even go even further in my predictions. Yamaha has recently launched MODX+ and CK in the mid-range, why not release a successor to the MX (AWM2 + AN-X) that would refresh the market at the moment.