The Montage M8x is the latest addition to the Montage lineup and Yamaha’s new flagship keyboard. The Montage M8x promises to be much more than a synth; it appears to be the ultimate workstation keyboard for performers.
In this review, we’ll find out if one of the most anticipated releases in some time lives up to the hype.
It’s hard to know where to start with such an expansive instrument, but despite its synth label, I’ll start with the pianos.
The Montage M8x features Yamaha’s CFX concert grand tone, which is always fantastic, but with the enhanced AWM2 engine, it sounds more detailed than ever.
Whether playing legato or staccato, the natural decay of notes, especially in the lower range, is as realistic as it gets. You also get variations like the Nashville Vintage Piano, which is dreamy, nostalgic, and melancholy.
Another standout is the Upright Felt Piano, which has a crisper attack than many felt pianos, which prevents it from sounding muffled.
The consensus amongst Yamaha enthusiasts is that the Montage M8x presets (over 3000) are Yamaha’s best since the height of the Motif days, and I can hear why. I was lucky enough to own a couple of Yamaha Motifs over the years (and silly enough to let them go).
To indicate the extent of Yamaha’s AWM2 enhancements, sounds from previous Montage keyboards could consist of 16 parts and eight elements per part; now, you get the same 16 parts but 128 elements per part.
Other sounds you associate with a classic Motif, R’n’B-friendly electric pianos, gospel organs, and hip-hop flutes are all present and better than before.
Overall, the sound quality is exceptional, and Yamaha has managed to recapture the excitement of the Motif days in a modern Montage.
All of that without even getting into the other sound engines.
AWM2 has a max polyphony of 256 notes.
Along with the AWM2 engine, the Montage M8x features FM-X and AN-X sound engines.
The FM-X engine isn’t new, and although not quite a DX7 clone, it’s heavily inspired by the vintage FM synth, albeit far more powerful and flexible. This 8-operator engine offers far higher polyphony (128 notes), more algorithms, and more spectral forms than the DX7.
It also has features unavailable in the DX7, like resonant filters and a Frequency Envelope Generator. The FM-X engine is ideal for anything from 80s pop lines to more engulfing, evolving sonic textures.
The AN-X engine comes from the 90s AN1x three-oscillator (Saw 1/2, Triangle, Square, and Sine waveforms), dual filter, virtual analog synth. It features 10 filter types: pulse width modulation, ring modulation, amp/filter LFO, voltage drift, and aging settings.
While the sample-based AWM2 engine is outstanding, and the FM-X engine provides every DX7 on steroids, it’s fair to say that previous Montage models perhaps lacked in the analog-like synth department. So, the addition of the 16-voice AN-X engine is significant and further cements the Montage M8x as a genuine all-rounder.
In terms of expansive sound design, you have the capabilities of individual sound engines and the combined power of all three. Yamaha’s Motion Control Synthesis allows you to control parameters in all three engines as a multi-tone-generator engine and make multi-dimensional parameter changes using Motion Controls (Super Knob, Motion Sequencer, Envelope Follower).
All three engines provide a combined max polyphony of 400 notes, which means you can split and layer to your heart’s content to create incredibly complex, multi-textured sounds.
The Montage M8x has Yamaha’s GEX keyboard with 88 weighted keys and polyphonic aftertouch. I like the new GEX action very much, and it’s excellent for an instrument that encourages so many playing styles (piano, synth, organ).
However, if I look at specific areas, like a realistic piano feel, something like the much cheaper Numa X Piano GT is better (of course, it’s miles behind the Montage in other areas), and for synths and organs, the Montage M7/M6 with semi-weighted keys is better.
In Yamaha’s defense, it’s impossible to be perfect for every playing style, and the GEX action is an outstanding middle ground. As a pianist, one of the things I love about the GEX action is that it’s incredibly responsive to fast trills and repeated notes, behaving much like a real piano.
The action also performs better for synths and organs than most stage pianos offering those Sound.
[PRESET WAVE AND FLASH MEMORY UPGRADE] MONTAGE M offers twice the memory over its predecessor with an increase from 5.67GB to 9.97GB of Preset Wave memory, and an increase from 1.75 to 3.8GB of User flash memory. Plus, you’ll find a host of new sounds and instruments, including pianos, orchestral instruments, drums, and more!
[FM-X] MONTAGE M rekindles the Yamaha legacy of expressive and dynamic FM Synthesis with its 8-operator FM-X engine, offering a wide variety of diverse tones: from crisp and bell-like, to edgy and aggressive, to mellow and evolving. This is an excellent complement to the AWM2 and AN-X engines.
[VCM ROTARY AND DRAWBAR BEHAVIOR] Using sophisticated modeling technology, the VCM Rotary Speaker effect simulates the rich and enveloping motion of a classic rotary speaker cabinet. Plus, the new organ drawbar fader setting simulates the vintage “pull out” drawbar organ behavior.
[16 LIBRARY LOCATIONS] With 16 Library slots at your disposal, you can house up to 10,240 additional Performances (that’s in addition to the over 2,700 performances in the presets), facilitating quick searches by Category, Name and Attributes.
[PURE ANALOG CIRCUIT 2] The upgraded Pure Analog Circuit included in MONTAGE M reduces noise and improves the dynamic range, crosstalk, low-frequency phase, and distortion rate, resulting in clearer sound at all volumes. You’ll also find the sound has more detailed low-mids and presence.
Features 5.0
The Yamaha Montage M8x has no shortage of features; here are some of the best.
I think the M8x is the best-sounding Montage to date, which is impressive because they all sound good. As remarkable as it sounds, my favorite thing about the new Montage might be the vastly improved interface.
The M8x offers more hands-on control than any other Montage, with dedicated and color-coded buttons, assignable knobs, and faders. Six new endless encoders under the main touchscreen do much of the heavy lifting.
For me, the parameter screen mentioned above is the most significant enhancement because it ties everything together. Previous Montage models weren’t nearly as tedious to navigate as the DX7, but a convoluted workflow was a common complaint. It’s especially useful to perform quick edits in the FM-X engine.
With such an in-depth instrument, the interface has to be right, and this time, Yamaha got it right.
The Montage M8x is a substantial unit weighing over 60 lbs. It doesn’t take long to realize that it’s built like a tank, and the only complaint you’d have gigging with it is having to carry it.
All of the buttons and controls are robust with a premium feel. The endless encoders are extremely accurate, whether making precision adjustments or broader changes. Faders can often reveal a lack of care or attention to detail, even in high-end keyboards, but the faders here are smooth and sturdy.
The Yamaha Montage M8x is a well-planned and well-executed machine.
You get MIDI In/Out/Thru and three USB ports (two type A, one type B). There are four pedal inputs: one sustain, one assignable, and two foot controller inputs – all 1/4-inch.
The M8x has four 1/4-inch TRS audio outputs and two audio inputs. Some users might have liked to see more audio inputs or even XLR outputs, but I doubt it will deter many potential buyers.
You also get a single 1/4-inch headphone jack.
I love the Montage M8x, but it’s a hefty investment, so here are some worthy alternatives.
I prefer the Montage over the Nord, but I believe the Stage 4 is a significant improvement from the last model. Some users will prefer the classic Nord interface. Read the full review
The RD-2000 might be relatively old now, but considering the difference in price, it’s always worth considering. Read the full review
The Fantom 8 and Montage M8x have a lot in common; they are both exceptional machines. Right now, I just think the Montage M8x is the best in its class.
The Super Gemini is a different beast, but if you want to forego the stage piano element and go for a pure synth, it’s hard to top this one.
The Montage M8x is for performers, producers, and composers who are serious about sound design. It’s vast, so make sure you need it.
Original price was: ₦7,200,000.00.₦7,100,000.00Current price is: ₦7,100,000.00.
