Yamaha MODX+ (MODX PLUS) Specifications

The new Yamaha MODX+ (MODX Plus) will be launched on September 1st. However we already know what is included in the updated hardware.

The main improvements have been to the internal Flash memory which has been increased to 1.75GB the same as for the Montage. And the polyphony for FM-X has been raised from 64 voices to 128 which again matches the Montage.

It should be noted that the original MODX did have the same 1.75GB as the Montage but this was restricted in firmware for the MODX. So rather than “add” additional memory, Yamaha has simply opened access to what was already there.

Having seen the user manual for the MODX+ it would appear that these are the only changes of note.

However we do know that Yamaha are giving away the Bösendorfer Piano For MODX+ as a special offer for users who have completed MODX+ product registration.

The Bösendorfer Piano For MODX+ features 24 performances based on carefully sampled waveforms of a Bösendorfer 290 Imperial Premium Grand Piano.

There may have been other tweaks to the MODX+ firmware but we have not seen anything so far that would indicate this.

The features and spec below are for the MODX8+ and apart from the keys, these apply to the MODX7+ and MODX6+

FEATURES

88-note weighted-action keybed, for a familiar feel to pianists
Motion Control Synthesis unifies and controls AWM2 and FM-X sound engines
256 notes total polyphony (128 AWM2 + 128 FM-X)
1.75GB internal Flash memory
Super Knob controls multiple parameters simultaneously
Send 10 and receive four audio channels, plus 16 channels of MIDI, via a single USB cable
Live Sets allow Performance organization without copying, changing order or renaming
Four-part seamless sound switching—change Performances while holding notes without sound or effect cutoff
Motion Sequences drive synthesizer parameters through rhythmic control data you can interact with in real time

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Yamaha MODX8+ 88-Key Synthesizer

Keys: 88
Keybed: Weighted action
Polyphony: 256 notes (128 AWM2 + 128 FM-X)
Internal Flash memory: 1.75GB
Included case: Soft
Weight: 30.4 lb.

Price & Availability

The MODX+ is being officially launced on September 1st and it is expected that it will also be available in stores either immediately or within two weeks from that date.

Pricing has yet to be announced but we have seen the MODX8+ listed at $2199 in the USA including soft case.

In the UK the oiriginal MODX8 was available for around £1400 and we have seen it as low as £1199 although most stores are now out of stock. So the above price, if correct, would represent a substantial increase for very little gain over the original MODX.

However, lets keep in mind that the MODX+ has not yet been officially released so that price of $2199 may fall by quite some margin. Time will tell!