The Yamaha MODX series has long reigned as the champion of mid-range music workstations, offering the power of the flagship MONTAGE at a fraction of the cost and weight. Now, Yamaha is setting a new standard. Freshly unveiled on October 14, 2025, the MODX M series is the highly anticipated successor to the MODX+, bringing unprecedented features, enhanced control, and the coveted vintage analog power of its top-tier sibling. For working musicians, producers, and sound designers, the MODX M doesn't just improve on its predecessor—it fundamentally redefines what's possible in a portable synthesizer.
Key Features of the Yamaha MODX M
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Three Sound Engines: The most significant upgrade is the inclusion of the powerful AN-X engine for vintage analog modeling (3 oscillators, 10 filter types, etc.). This engine joins the robust existing sound generators: AWM2 (Advanced Wave Memory 2, for samples and synthesis) and FM-X (Frequency Modulation), providing a full palette of sonic creation.
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Expanded AWM2 and Memory: The AWM2 engine now features the same preset wave content as the MONTAGE M. Memory has been dramatically increased from 5.68 GB to 10.7 GB of AWM2 memory, plus 1.9 GB of user flash memory for custom samples. Critically, the AWM2 engine also allows for up to 128 Elements per Part, enabling much more complex, realistic, and layered sounds, especially for acoustic instruments like pianos and strings.
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Increased Control and Workflow: Yamaha responded directly to user feedback by overhauling the front panel controls for a more intuitive workflow:
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Eight physical faders (up from four on the MODX/MODX+).
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Six display knobs below the touchscreen for direct parameter access.
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Dedicated Part Select and Scene Select buttons.
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Expanded Super Knob control with an additional knob position button.
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Dedicated Portamento and Keyboard Hold controls.
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High-Resolution Control: All core modulation tools—the knobs, Super Knob, wheels, and sound engines—now operate with higher resolution, resulting in smoother sweeps and finer control over your sound parameters.
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Improved Keybed: The 61-key (M6) and 76-key (M7) models boast the new FSB semi-weighted keyboard action, which Yamaha describes as a substantial upgrade in playability compared to the MODX+ keybed. The M8 retains the professional GHS Graded Hammer Action for pianists.
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Expanded Softsynth Plugin (ESP): As a groundbreaking workflow feature, registered owners will receive the free ESP (available early 2026). This is a virtual version of the MODX M that integrates seamlessly into a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW), allowing you to create, edit, and mix performances in software before transferring them to the hardware.
The Yamaha MODX M is positioned to be a highly competitive powerhouse, delivering near-flagship performance, a true analog engine, and an enhanced user experience to the mid-range synthesizer market.