Yamaha MODX vs Roland FA...Which is Better?
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- Опубліковано 10 тра 2024
- Many keyboardists today are opting for powerful budget synths and workstations and bypassing the flagship offerings. The Roland FA series and Yamaha MODX series of keyboards sounds are compared in a head to head demo of each keyboard. Which one is better? The Yamaha MODX or the Roland FA? You make the decision.
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Just got my FA 08. Falling in love with it every single passing day.
Nice intro and setup here Darrick! You've been busy and you've upped your game as a creator. Thanks for the demo/comparison. I like those classic sounds of the Yamaha like the electric guitar at the 23-24 min mark.
Hey there buddy! Yes indeed I have been busy getting content out. And thank you for the compliment, I really appreciate it.
@@darrickkeels6387 Well deserved!
Great comparison job, but mostly, an exquisite playing technique, Darrick. Thank you!
Thank you Enrique!
The introductory statements on this video are very well judged and nicely balanced. Very well said and the depth of insight continues right through this well thought presentation. The playing is spectacular. Nice one!
Thank you!
@@darrickkeels6387 Thank you!
Great job
I love the playing.... I followed you over a year now.... Great comparison... I have korg kronos. And some roland gears come along and i do made my reviews on it.... I love your channel man. Great reviews
Owned the MODX7 since release. Love it particularly when needed to midi to iPad or iPhone for other needs/desire! Great video demo!!!
I own mx88 and now eyeing on modx8.. Do you think its worth it
Karan Singh what is your intention! Replacement or adding additional? I enjoyed both.
@@KishoreRana567 Even though both have the same GHS keybed, the keys of MX88 are not as clonky as those if the MODX8. Probably to do with resonance in the casing. The main piano sound and some of the bass sounds are good on the MX88. Everything else, the MODX8 is a huge upgrade.
When it comes to keyboard comparison I think you do a excellent job. Would be nice if you can compare the modx/ or midi+ vs Roland fantom 0.
Some really tasty and interesting chord voicings in your playing. Great example of what these boards can do.
Thank you Warren!
I agree especially with that B3 sound on the Yamaha Modx
This is a very helpful video. Thank you.
My pleasure
Thank you so much for the video. I'm going with the Roland. I must confess, I was just digging your playing. 💯🔥🔥🔥. Thank again my brother.
Thank you for watching. I appreciate it.
@@darrickkeels6387 my pleasure
Good video. I considered the modx when I was looking for a keyboard. I didn't like the rounded keys so much when I played it but may reconsider it if I upgrade my Casio in the future.
It is an awesome machine and honestly if you play it all the time as your main keyboard, you will more than Iikely get used to the keys.
Really liked the video thank you. I'm debating which of these two keyboards to go for s this helped. Still not sure which to choose though ;-)
It can be a tough decision. They both shine in different ways. What kind of music do you play, and how do you plan to use your keyboard?
The mic you uses sounds awesome man! & nice watch too ♥
Thank you!
Darrick...thanks a lot...really appreciate...ur video is really great! Have a couple more questions...so, with no sampler - how do I bring in external samples? I have an FA, but never liked the piano sounds in it....does modx have better realistic piano sounds...I am trying to sell my fa 08 (its brand new) and buy a modx...
@@rahulchakrabarti5154 If realistic pianos is what you are going for I thank the Yamaha is the way to go for sure.
Hi Darrick. Great video! It is really awesome to hear someone's opinion about keyboards, especially when you personally own them both! It is a very honest and factual review. I own a Korg Triton Studio 76 keys workstation, that I use at my church. It's old and dated and gets the job done. The comparisons you have laid out between the Yamaha MODX and the Roland FA is really fair and clear to me. I will seriously consider purchasing the MODX. The 88 key version in New Zealand is $145 US cheaper than the FA. On top of that the sounds are modern, cutting edge and just gotta love the touchscreen haha! Your review is a big help. Thanks again and have a great day!
My pleasure. Thanks for watching!
Love how you play. Thanks
Hi Darrick and thanks for sharing your impressions. I actually play in a Pink Floyd tribute and in an original prog-rock project; for this last, I do a huge use of pads, strings, synth leads and hammond. I seem leslie on MODX is not so real, especially when "braking", compared to FA. Anyway, I'd like to ask you what would you suggest between both, considering the kind of music I play? I actually have a Kurzweil K2661 which is having more than one hardware issues and I'd like to switch to a lighter 76 keys kboard. Many thanks for your attention.
Great video and comparison, one suggestion, maybe keep the title of which instrument is being played throughout, so if a viewer is multitasking and goes away and back to the video they know without having to go back to see which one was being played. Otherwise solid stuff. Thanks for the awesome playing and time spent comparing the instruments!
Thank you. Will do. Thanks for the feedback. Thanks for watching!
Good feedback, for real.
Yamaha at top, Roland at the bottom, what is not clear?
Beautiful video. Enjoyed!!! Would you be able to make a video about Juno ds, and Juno g?
Just got my modx6 lovely Keyboard ❤❤❤
Yeah I love my modx6 just got it last week. The keys are a bit noisy when hit tho.
I loved the video, I also love my MODX6! I'm looking to pair my MPC ONE with a new board and that Korg Nautilus was a let down. Now, I'm waiting on Roland's next midrange offering, maybe a successor to the FA!
Yeah I find the Nautilus to be a bit of a let down as well
@@darrickkeels6387 my only gripe on Nautiulus is the price.
Bring ot down to 1499, and I'm sold
The price difference between the Kronos 2 and the Nautilus is quite close especially in the UK, I'd spend the few extra £££ and get the Kronos 2, it's a much much better keyboard.
I wonder if Roland will ever come up with realistic sounding choirs, that's the aspect of their synth I always found extremely lacking. The patch you played at 34:00 on the Yamaha is incredibly epic!
The East West Quantum Leap Symphonic Choir plugin is a long way off on all makes of synth yet!
it’s because on modx yamaha does not use only one sound, they have more parts, proof of that is try adding this sound to a scene, on this video he was using a preset with 3 sounds, I’ve seen on other videos. The Roland was with the volume so dry and down, you should put it higher and use more tones cause the basic sound comes with one sound but the yamaha comes with more parts on the sounds, there’s a way though to add only one part and the sound would be more dry
I'm getting me the Yamaha I just love how live the sounds are and plus Yamaha is my brand of choice
Wow, I had the ModX beating out the Roland 8-6. A little surprised. Roland’s lead sounds are unmatched but the Yamaha choir and synth pads sound like the real thing.
Forget the comparison, I ended up just laying back and listening to the performance. lol
Thank you!
His an awesome player.. Got lost along the way listening to the music
Thanks for this great comparison video. Personally, I do have a winner in my mind, but this is just my personal preference. I've played the Yamaha MODX and the Roland FA and can say both Roland and Yamaha have created two fantastic, best in class instruments ...
Regardless of which one you like best, I think buying either will provide you with an awesome instrument - so you can't lose. We're so lucky and spoilt that we live in a time where you get access to so much technology and value for relatively little money! 🙏
Yes. They are both phenomenal machines capable of making great music.
@@cgprod that is my current dilemma, I’m about to switch to the MODX 6
@@joeyjean-baptiste7988 I own the montage6 and that's a real beast... But I never played with the Roland...
Darrick - Nice job with this demo/comparison. I have tried my band mate's MODX8, and I gotta tell you that it really sounds good and its keybed feel and action are almost as nice as that on my Korg SV-1 (RH-3 keybed). I have always preferred Yamaha keyboards' sound to those of Rolands (save their original Jupiter 6 and 8). Aside from my Motif ES6, I have moved on to all Korg (SV-1 88, Kronos 2-61, and Krome 61) and Arturia's Analog Lab 4 and V (Vintage) Collection 7. Which of the 2 tested keyboards did YOU prefer overall, if you had to choose only one of them, Darrick?
The choice for me is easy. The MODX. With motion control, more effects to choose from, over 10,000 patterns in the arp section and the ability to control 128 parameters at once with a single knob or pedal, the MODX surpasses the FA in almost every aspect. But the MODX has the internals of a flagship synth not a "budget" synth. Internally speaking it's Roland rival is the Fantom. The depth of tonal textures with the features the MODX offers is just better than the FA. Now, the FA does have a sequencer and a sample playback section (the pads) that is not offered on the MODX as the Yamaha was not really designed to be a workstation but performance synth. Lastly the operating system with the touch screen is more intuitive to me therefore making it a joy to use because I can achieve complexity in a fairly simple way often times. I know I made a sound comparison video but I believe sounds only tell part of the story. A demo like this can give a person an idea of the overall tonal quality of each instrument. But there are so many editing features nowadays, presets are really only a starting point. We are normally only limited by our own creativity or ability to master our deep instruments.
@@darrickkeels6387 Thank you very much for sharing your opinion and knowledge. We love you.
@@darrickkeels6387 very usefull comment, thanks
Great playing. Wow. Synth lead parts are my fave.
Also, I have played both keyboards extensively and could tell you played some of the synth lead sounds you were playing on the Roland was actually the Yamaha sound.
All of the the synth sounds played on the Roland were actually from the Roland. I only played pianos and electric pianos on the Roland while triggering the sounds on the Yamaha. Every other sound I played on the keyboard that generated the sound.
So about the synth leads, which keyboard do you like the best~?
In my opinion, the style, Roland is a beautuful girl in colorful world, YMH is a strong youth who can do everything, Korg is a warrior who is good at metal music.
So I choose Modx7 and Krome6 as my partners~!
Better in what comparison? There are many aspects to a synth, workflow and the easy of manipulating sampled waves - are just a few
I had the MODX7. It was a bit complicated for me, as far as recording tracks, and I sold it. I could've spent more time with it. I love the look of it, though. Recently, I've been looking at the Fantom FA 7, because it seems easier to use, as far as recording tracks. And, I love the pads on it. I wouldn't need my Novation board. I've just been partial to Yamaha boards. Makes me feel like I'd be doing something bad, by getting a Roland.
Thanks for the video. Like your playing skills. Going to buy MODX8, mostly because of its features. Roland FA sounds also quite solid, especially SuperNatural presets.
They are indeed both very solid options. I did however sell my FA08. I simply had no more use for it.
@@darrickkeels6387 ı bought fa06 last new.ıt came close box ı am very happy.frankly ı have no eyes MODX :).fa 06 very great.inside sound jv1000,jupiter 8,jüpiter 80,d50 and more sounds inside.all sound very fantastic.when ı working on fa06 ı feel like alien
Excellent video man! I think I’m going with the MODX8! The draw bars on the Yamaha sold me
Yes I need sliders. It is essential to my live set up.
@@darrickkeels6387 yes sir! I gotta have em or imma feel empty lol
So overall which one do you (or any owners of those keyboards) recommend? If you don't have one what do you think are the big pros and cons of each piano?
Great demo and really nice piano playing! Worth noting is that although you just compared the boards soundwise, the UI differs a lot with the MODX having a touch screen being a newer keyboard. The FA, released in 2014, is at its end as a product line despite its strengths. Most likely it will be replaced pretty soon with a little brother series to the Fantom having both touch screen and the latest Zencore engine, but surely limited in other areas due to being a budget version. NAMM 2021 at the latest is my guess....
Very true. In all honesty I think people make too much fuss over sound comparisons. They are loved in "UA-cam Land" therefore I find myself doing them from time to time but it really only tells a small part of the story. First of all every sound I played is a preset with absolutely no tweaks. In "real life" I never play that way. Every sound featured in a live set is completely changed. My band has two keyboard players, a drummer, percussionist, bassist, lead guitarist, two saxophonists, trumpet player, 3 vocalists, and the horn players sing too, so up to 6 people singing. Workflow becomes massively important for me. I have to be able to put sounds together quickly and capture the overall tonal quality and feel of various albums. We could be playing everything from Marvin Gaye, Earth Wind and Fire, to Chaka Khan and Bruno Mars. I like to spend the majority of my time working on transitions, chord changes, riffs, sound switching, covering synth bass, backing up horns section, string parts etc. I do not want to spend my time fighting with my keyboards. I often have to be able to "create" a sound that is on an album that is not a preset in the keyboard. I have to be able to switch sounds quickly as set lists change sometimes mid-show. Sometimes I will have to EQ my entire setlist during a 7 minute sound check. Can this be done and saved quickly? Or maybe I am playing in church and playing alone. Every sound will have layers, splits, sometimes drum tracks or full looping backing tracks, plus I am singing, engaging the audience, etc. I need a board that can effortlessly keep up polyphony wise and on the spot tweaks. All of the minute details people pay attention to in a sound comparison become rather irrelevant. When the whole project comes together how sounds are EQ'd and mixed is far more important then how they sound as individual sounds. A piano sounding like an actual acoustic Steinway would get completely lost in my band and no one would hear the piano. All of the "sparkling" details are lost in a PA system with vocals on top of it. In the studio I mainly use VST's but when I don't every sound will have some sort of compression, limiters, reverb, delay, tube or tape mastering effects etc. In short for me a keyboard being flexible and capable becomes the most important aspects. Sounds are very important but they are only the beginning. But a good keyboardist that knows how to use their tool can make any professional keyboard sound "good." No one ever complains about the "sound" of Herbie Hancocks keyboard even if they hate Korg. Because everything he touches sounds good because the musician is far more important than the gear. If we compare the sonic power and workflow of these two machines (effects, editing, arps, setlist functionality, polyphony, etc) the comparison is not even close. The MODX wins period. It basically like comparing an FA to a Montage. It holds its own but it is no flagship.
DMPM confirms that you were right .. Check out the new Fantom - Roland O with touch Screen!!
@@darrickkeels6387 You are talking like a technician, NOT like a real musician. I absolutely disagree with your "philosophy"! I play keyboards since 48 years now and I learned( in studio and on stage), that the main important thing about any instrument is always the sound (surprise?). That`s what the audience hears, that`s what you hear yourself, the sound is, what music is all about, not any technical workflow or nerdy blabla... That doesn`t mean, that other aspects of an instrument are not important at all, but:
Saying " a good musician can make any instrument sound good" is absolute rubbish: a bad sounding instrument always sounds bad, no matter who plays it, even though he/she may have impressive playing abilities or talent! Compared to the "workflow" of the synths, we had to struggle with back in the 70s and 80s, the FA is an absolute dream to work with, and compared soundwise the MODX looses period, it sounds like a toy. I respected Yamaha back in those days, when they released keyboards like the DX7 and my old beloved SY77, but those times are over.
To say the MODX sounds like a toy is simply your opinion and cannot be stated as fact. Professional musicians all over the world play the MODX/Montage. In fact the MODX outsells the FA by quite a large margin. Nicholas Semrad is a Grammy Nominated keyboardist and he uses a Montage on stage playing for Lauryn Hill. Lauryn Hill has 5 Grammys. I am sure she would fire a keyboard player if they showed up to a rehearsal playing a keyboard that sounded like a "toy." Corey Henry and "The Funk Apostles" have been featured on his Grammy Nominated album "Something to Say." Guess who his keyboard player is. Nicholas Semrad. What does Semrad play on stage with The Funk Apostles? A Yamaha Montage. So your whole statement about Yamaha's product sounding like a toy is pretty much out the window. People are touring and being nominated for Grammys with the sounds you despise. It really comes down to personal preference. Herbie Hancock can play a Montage, Roland Fantom, Korg Kronos, Nord Stage 3 or a Kurzweil K2700 and he will absolutely sound good on all of them. None of those keyboards are toys with low quality sounds. When I said a good musician can make "any keyboard sound good." I meant any professional keyboard made for professionals. As a professional musician myself, I value workflow so much because when you are up against deadlines and have tons of programming to do before shows, how quickly I can get a keyboard programmed absolutely matters. The crowd of 300-1000 people will not notice if I use a Roland V-Piano or a Korg German Grand. The sound will often be a dry mono sound when it hits front of house. They will add their own compression, eq, Reverb, etc. They will make sure it sounds good in a mix. How it sounds by itself is of far less importance. Any keyboard I own can and does get the job done soundwise. But that "nerdy blabla" comes in handy when I have to send a click from my keyboard to other band members. Some keyboards can't do it. Or when I need to control the lighting on stage using my keyboard as a controller for Ableton's MIDI lighting control. Some keyboards are more capable than others. When I need to load up 3GBs of backing tracks and samples into my keyboard before a show, grabbing the FA won't get the job done. In the circles I play in, music has become more "technical." Knowing the capabilities, limitations and workflow of my instruments has taken me further in my music career than having the "best sound."
Hi Darrick! Luv yr demo of the Modx & Fantom FA. Truth be told, did a blind audio test (Hid the video section & just listened to the sounds on both syns). I concur that the Modx sounded much richer & fuller. But this video was done 3 yrs ago; now its the Modx+ vs Roland 0 series - the next generation. What is yr comment on this? 2nd Q: I intend to buy 1 of these synthesizer to hook up to my Yamaha Clavinova CVP to enlarge the sound library. At the same time, hv direct MIDI-USB connected to Cubase or Cakewalk DAW. What is then yr personal recommendation - the Modx+ 7 or the Fantom 08?? The latter seems to have more sequence features with pads, whereas MODX+ also scores high on the usability & interphase for mixing & combining the various sampled sounds. Else, you're doing a great job on the videos!! Keep it up; I'll be watching you...!
Hola amigo, una pregunta, ¿Cómo haces para contralar el Yamaha a través del Roland? ¿Qué cables usas?
Hey Darrick, great video! Hey , I need an onboard multi track sequencer for composing and recording many songs. Will either of these do that or is there a better 61 keyboard for composing and recording songs? I’m not interested in a DAW, just onboard recording with keyboard.
Thanks!
The Roland is definitely the way to go if you need a sequencer. The Yamaha has one but it was more of an afterthought.
@@darrickkeels6387 Thank you for your insight!
I currently have an FA-06 but use software instruments for the most part (Native Instruments) in Cubase and Ableton. I bought the FA because I needed a controller keyboard, but wanted one I could play independent of the DAW and that had at least a scratchpad for stuff. The FA series fit that well and it has great sounds from Rolands past keyboards, etc... that I will use in the future in recording.
However.... and this only applies to the FA06 - the keybed isn't very good. It doesn't feel cheap as many have remarked elsewhere (try a Korg Krome for cheap feel), its just very poorly designed. As my playing ability has improved, the shorter, straight lever keys just do not cut it anymore - you can't dig into it at all - and can't play expressively. Furthermore, there is a velocity issue on the black keys with the FA06 on the Supernatural sounds that Roland had never addressed (maybe they can't). The problem doesn't occur on the PCM pianos nor when playing a VST such as NI's The Grandeur.
That said, I am going to purchase a Montage 6 as my next mainboard, not the MODX - and it's primarily because of the FSX keybed - which is hands down the best feeling keybed I have ever played. Plus then I will have 2 external 16 part instruments independent of the PC as well as having Yamaha's sounds and Roland's :)
Have you tried the RD2000 keybed? I believe the same hammers and keys are used in the new Fantom 8. Miles better than the Montage in my opinion.
@@keneokpareke1753 I ended up, by happenstance, to purchase a Yamaha CP73. Love it. So the FA is my top board now. However, the CP velocity is awful over MIDI (you can adjust it for the internal sounds but it doesn’t go out MIDI). I like the CP keybed, though others have remarked that they don’t, but the RD2000 is much better. Now looking at the MODX+ as the top board, because I can fully adjust incoming velocity on it.
@@keneokpareke1753 and…. I traded in the FA06 for the new MODX+…. Very happy with the keybed compared to the FA. FSX caliber? No. But way better than the FA.
Great Video!!! I'm into Epic Metal, Rock (Deep Purple), Pirates of the Caribbean and Lord of the Rings etc soundtracks and hip hop! Should I choose Roland FA 07 or MODX7?
PS: I go for the 76 keys!
Epic stuff? MODX all the way. Metal and Rock hmmm....you may like Roland better lol!
@@darrickkeels6387 maybe I should buy both!! :P
Lol! No need. They are both deep machines with lots of editing capabilities. You can make either machine work for any genre.
Hey Darrick, I think it's worth pointing out out that the FA includes a multi-track sequencer, however my understanding is that the MODX does not come with a true multi-track sequencer, but rather, it has a phrase, or pattern sequencer. That said, I understand that via a software update, one can add multi-track sequencing to the MODX. I own a FA-7 and like the fact that the sequencer is already built in, and that no software update is necessary, especially
b/c I don't use a DAW currently. Otherwise great review bruh', both boards sound good, and I hope to add the MODX to my collection soon as well. Peace Out! 😎
The MODX does have a multitrack sequencer now. Yes it is technically a pattern sequencer but it allows you to create loops up to 256 measures. So technically you can record in a linear fashion with it just like the FA provided the song is under 256 measures. Or if you record cutting you BPM in half you can record 512 measures and never loop.
Thanks for the update D. Keep on jammin' brotha'! 😎
What realy makes a difference, is the one behind the keys.
Exactly
True as can be
Great job again my friend.what do u think about the Krome ex88
I think the Krome is an excellent keyboard. I know when I am doing reviews I can be very critical but that is only when I am in "reviewer" mode. The reality is, all of these keyboards that cost around $1000 and up are highly capable musical instruments. A Korg Krome being played by Jordan Ruddess, Herbie Hancock or Cory Henry will sound phenomenal. When I browse the comments on their UA-cam videos I rarely (if ever) see anyone complaining about the sound of the musical instruments they are using. No one ever says, "Great solo Herbie Hancock but it sounded like your Kronos was a little muddy and could use a bit more highs." Everyone is so mesmerized with the musicianship, the specific tool used to produced the sound is not even thought of. I have seen Yanni use Korg Kromes in his live shows. So yeah...the Krome is an excellent board.
@@darrickkeels6387 I love those artist videos. But they're always going to make the keyboard sound amazing as they only ever pick the most killer artists. I'm not big into the endorsement videos however, I feel like they aren't nearly as genuine. You're both a killer musician and a genuine reviewer. Kudos!
Hi Darrick. Thank you for putting this together. I have a question for you. How would the Roland Juno DS series compare to MODX? . Now the Juno is somewhat cheaper than the MODX, but neither of them has a sequencer (pattern sequencer only. What major features would I miss out on if I were to go with the Juno? thank you.
Btw. I am looking to play 80's music (Depeche Mode, Pet Shop Boys, etc.) and looking to compose electronic music. If you have any other recommendations (other than the MODX or Juno) for a keyboard, please let me know. thank you
MODX is much better in every way, except the pattern sequencer, I know nothing about the MODX's sequencer.
Thankyou great video whicxh one is better for ambient music pads for the background of soundtracks or meditations if i am a beginner? And does the MODX 6 have good piano programs ?
I would say the MODX is better for creating complex evolving pad sounds more so than the FA. Yamaha makes great pianos. Of course there are those that cannot stand them. I am not one of those people 😂
Thankyoy Is the Modx 6 simple for a new to synthesisers person to use?
@@mignon1959 If you are new to synthesis pretty much any professional level keyboard will be hard to use.
I own a Roland RD-2000 I like a lot, but Roland sounds are a bit dull and need to tweaked. This video I think shows that as well and I liked the Yamaha especially for it acoustic instrument sounds. The drawback to the Yamaha is how many parts some of the sounds take up. That something I like about my RD-2000 is it has 8 parts and they can be internal or external sounds.
Thanks for this great video. Which workstation is better for Ambient / Trance / Electronic Sound? I want buy one of this machine
I would have to say the MODX.
I'd vote for FA in this regard, I tried one out and you can program in sounds similar enough to what you'd hear in A State of Trance and Future Sound of Egypt. Killer ambient pads, if you make them yourself. I'm told MODX lacks the same inclination towards electronic as the FA, but MODX has an incredible FM engine that no Roland synth has, though most folks aren't into FM.
Hey Darrik. I hope I am not too far off topic here. I am a primarily a guitar player but I also play keyboards in my band (keyboard players are scarce where I live). I have had a Roland XP-50 forever, but it is a bit archaic to program. I have looked at the Modx and the Korg Krome. I have decided on the Modx because of the user interface, libraries available and user community. I am 62 and have never been a piano player. I have some issues with my hands (joint pain, of which I have not seen a doctor just yet) . My question is about the key bed. I know you are not a fan of the Modx7 keybed as in another video you said it was cheap. Leaving money and keyboard size out of the picture, what are your thoughts on the Modx8 weighted keyboard versus the Modx7 semi weighted keyboard for someone in my situation?
If you have joint pain the MODX7 or MODX6 will be perfect. When I say it is "cheap," I am saying that from a piano player's perspective. It is however the lightest action keybed I own. I can play that keyboard for 8 hours straight and experience no hand fatigue. The MODX8 is a heavy action, even compared to other weighted keyboards in its price range. Going from a XP-50 to a MODX will be an absolute joy for you I believe. I play my MODX more than any other keyboard I own. So it's keybed is not so "cheap" that it keeps me from playing it. So go for it. I don't think there is another keyboard in its price range that offers more and in my opinion nothing sounds better either. It is the best value on the market right now. Hence, I own one😁. Thanks for watching. I appreciate you.
@@darrickkeels6387 Thanks Darrick for your perspective on this. You have really helped me make the decision to go with the Modx7. I have been going back and forth to Guitar Center trying to decide, but 1/2 hour here and there was not giving me an answer on which is a better choice for me.
Thanka for doing this. I have the MODX7 as well as the JDX-i and JDX-A. I am considering the FA regardless. Why not have both, such as yourself.
The Roland is certainly a good product at a great price point. I love the SuperNatural Acoustic, Drums and Synth stuff. As for the 1100+ sounds that are not a part of the SuperNatural collection...well they sound dated to my ears. But there is nothing wrong with having both. They have different tonal characteristics I think Roland really excels in synth sounds, in particular if you like the 70's and 80's type of synth stuff. A lot of the tones have a "Jupiter 8" and classic "Oberheim" quality. The Yamaha really excels at orchestral stuff and of course FM sounds. It has an overall bent toward modern EDM. So many of the pads and synth stuff will fit right in with lot of the Pop/EDM music that is being put out today. Of course there is overlap but I am just mentioning where the two manufacturers have chosen to focus their efforts.
the four-oscillator "PCM Engine" of FA is quite capable of modern EDM and techno sounds, captivating ambient pads and soundscaoes, and the 3-oscillator SuperNatural Synth engine can make some sick leads and basses, plus the all-important JP-8000-style supersawtooths for EDM
I dumped my FA06 without knowing the storage capacity of the sampling section. I found too much bread and butter sounds on the FA06, which I replaced with the Modx6.. why, ? It has better features and sounds than the previous Moxf6 and FA06.
Big work in this video, thank you a lot. Both are great. I see much more possibilities to register in deep in the fantom but very easy to play classic sounds but to manage it need to learn well to understand what we do. The modx will probably need a daw to put all our dream perfect at the end. The sound of guitars in modx seems better but the keyboard seems more cliky than the korg. The big button wheel is very easy to use and very a friendly maner to look for what we need and after go deeper if need. The korg need more learning to manage it correctly in what we need. In final for me both are great the modx and now with the + series with more memories and doble polyphony look more easy to play it should be nice for some player who don't need to tweack a lot the sound but it can do of course if needed. With and the Fantom it is more technical view, i think it's more for the musician who are used to save and tweak much more the sound directly in the keyboard.
A wonderfull demo and a very big work i know it's not easy at all to do this big job and it took a very long time to manage all them in a single video. So thank you a lot for the great demo. But of course i'd like you to correct me if you see i'm wrong in something i have said. And sorry for my english i'm french.,🙏👍😏
I hear Yamaha light years ahead in sound quality instruments like guitars, strings, woodwinds, brass.. Thank you for great review.
MAn!!!! You're a great musician!
I appreciate that. Thank you!
*Kindly make a comparison video between MODX and Fantom.*
*I was actually planning to buy MODX7 in May this year. Now, I am confused since the new competitor of Modx came up from Roland (Roland Fantom O).* *Kindly help.......*
Holy crab - Now i understand the meaning of "Soulfinger" Your keyboard playing is awesome. Greez from Germany - Oh by the way my desicion is MODX :) ... and I have one ...
Thank you for the compliment. I appreciate it.
Thanx, I’ll be getting both-
You may want to check out the Fantom-0 series of keyboards by Roland
The Fantom-0 has the same laughable polyphony issues as it's bigger brother. Avoid.
Hey Derrick, thanks for your sharing your experiences with the various instruments. I have modx7 and fa07. Love the sounds of the yamaha first and ease of sound augmenting live with mod wheel and superknob. Layering dynamics and ease of access to building layers by far simpler on
fa07 as well as sequencing and sampling, particularly sampling. Sounds are good on both but I love one for workflow ease especially live fa07 vs sound quality and augmenting with modx.
The crazy thing about these sounds is that you can have them all in your drum machine like the akai line up and the maschine plus can't create splits or anything but can def.have the sounds in it's full articulation.The only thing left for these keyboards are the functionality.
I use the Akai MPC one along with my MODX and Montage all the time. The keyboards supply the sounds and the MPC supplies the functionality.
@@darrickkeels6387 Yeah back in the early 2000's i use to use my xl in that fashion with my motif rack and korg triton le.I was just stating that people are selling these sounds now as expansion packs which sounds amazing.I always dreamed of being able have all these sounds in one place.Like i said no splits or groovy appeg.but you can sure get the sounds.Cool vid by the way brotha.
Nice video, I own both and the keybed feel of Roland Fa08 makes a huge difference. I like the FA bit more, I've been a Yamaha user for over 20 years and I find Roland cutting tru mix better. IMO Roland FA series is better sounding in the Sn department. Yamaha MODX sounds good overall, both keyboards complement each other. Piano sounds in FA are less fx drenched, in general, acoustic SN sounds are cleaner and have fewer effects on it. Yamaha pianos especially S700 is my favorite piano sounds since the original S90 which I owned and was my main keyboard for 16 years, so I know a little about it. Great video!!
Thanks for the great review, I’m torn between the MODX or the Roland Jupiter Xm. Can the MODX come close to the synth sounds of the Jupiter 8, Juno that the Jupiter XM emulates?
Yes the MODX can come close for sure but that will depend on your sound design skills. It has a multitude of editing parameters that are absolutely mind boggling and filled with complexity. If you really want that "Roland" sound, you should probably go for the Roland.
@@darrickkeels6387 thanks for the advice. I am mostly a preset guy and love doing 80s covers, and since I can’t afford those vintage Rolands. I’ll just get the Jupiter XM.
Yup I use the Roland FA08 on a lot of 80's stuff. No real tweaking necessary because it sounds like the 80's right out of the box😂
@@darrickkeels6387 I might check out the FA08 also since you use it, the Jupiter Xm is pricey for having mini keys
@@brianptguitarkeyboardcover9957 I play in an 80s cover band with a MODX and soft synths out of my laptop.
Between Montage sounds, MOTIF series sound that can be imported, and DX7/TX816/TX802 sounds that can be imported, the MODX is very good for 80s covers. There are many good sound collections already made of various famous songs.
As Darrick said, if you want to be able to make the sounds yourself from scratch, analog synth synth sounds, then the Roland would probably be easier to program. But the MODX is a much more powerful synth over all, but more complex to program. It doesn't have a virtual analog engine like the FA, but I was largely disappointed in the FA's 80s sounds having gone through every factory preset and being a fan of other Roland gear past and present. The FA's sounds seemed "watered down" inferior versions of some of the same patches from other keyboards, only "hugely noticeably" inferior versions that you don't need great pitch or hearing to be able to tell they don't sound as good. A perfect example, take a listen to Roland's famous D50 patch "Fantasia" on the FA. Day & night difference. I'm not too picky when sounds are close.They're barely in the same ball park, and that is just one of many examples. I don't just might the fidelity either. I mean the complete shape of the sounds.
I wouldn't even consider the FA over the MODX unless you get it for "less than" half the price. I've seen them at half the price on the used market, and they still didn't sell immediately. Everyone knows their not as good, generally speaking.
Hi Darrick. When it is time to join these to synths. Which one you play s master keyboard? I have both and wonder that
Good question. For me neither. I have a Roland RD-2000 and a Korg Kronos 2 with 88 keys. I use those as my "master controllers. My MODX operates as my "top tier" keyboard when I use a 2 keyboard setup. It handles pretty much any sound that is not a piano, ep or pad. So all synths, horns, strings, clavs, etc are handled by the MODX. Now, if I were to use the two keyboards together the FA08 would be my master board and the MODX would be the top board.
@@darrickkeels6387 a full year after this demo, I found myself in Keyboard hunting hell. Finally, I had worn out the S80/Motif-Rack combination. I spent all day with the MODX8 but haven’t even seen an FA-0x. This demo makes the Yamaha sound better. All I had to compare the MODX8 to was a Roland Juno DS88, with the obvious lack of sequenser and other workstation stuff and Supranational stuff and limited layering. The Juno, patch per patch, performance per performer actually sounded better, more polished to my Yamaha acclimated ears! I was shocked. Many of the voices/perfs in MODX8 were the same as my 22 year old S80 and my slightly newer Motif-Racks (I’m thinking MODX may have updated DFX). It’s possible I’m fatigued with Yamaha sounds, and “new” sounds “better”! I found my new keyboard as an open box unit online, fully warrantied for an amazing £950 (1250 usd). It had only just been listed and I jumped after some pretty good interviewing.
Oh, yeah: it’s an FA-08.
Both are still dreamy a year since the demo.
THANKS for doing the Weighted to Synth Comparison Skew. I hate Weighted keys when trying to play anything BUT piano. Like Stings and Brass are a PAIN with weighted keys.
Thank you for watching. Yes if you are comparing piano sounds it's important that both be weighted. After that anything else can be played on the synth action and it will still result in a fair comparison.
Hello, nice video. I just went with the MODx and also own the fa. I had one question, how you set up the fa to play through MODx midi ?
Are you saying you want to hit the keys on the MODX and have it trigger the sounds in your FA?
Darrick Keels
No the other way around. Hit the keys on the fa to play MODx sounds
@@garciamoses95 Simply connect your MIDI out to the MIDI in on the MODX. In your MIDI I/O settings under the Utilities parameters change it from USB to MIDI. Lastly, under Utilities-Settings-Advanced change it to Single Channel and you should then be able to use the FA to play the MODX.
I’m a Roland guy been my first love since I was a teenager in the 90s. I currently rock the G6 and the FA-06 and I have a MO6 for when I want to carry light!!! Lately I’ve been thinking about changing my work horse to MODX6 for technology reasons and weight. In my opinion Roland organs aren’t good to me but everything else gets the job done. I can find every sound and if I can’t with a couple of layers and EQ I’m there!!!
They are both actually very good keyboards! Thanks for watching!
I don’t like Roland organs either. The ep’s on the Yamaha are much more characterful too. I think a lot of it is the Roland amp sim. I used to own the RD800 and its an amazing instrument, the acoustic piano sound was ridiculous and the stock samples for ep and organ were good but if you want that vintage ep through a guitar amp sound with the growl or fuzz that comes as you hit the keys harder you couldn’t do it short of running the output into an actual amp which kind of defeats the point of the built in effects. Rolands amp sim to me is just a pretty basic sounding distortion effect. The Montage and MODX have a better amp emulation that actually gives you the feel you want at your fingertips when you dig in to the keyboard and seems to add some harmonics similar to the saturation you get from overdriven valves.
The Yamaha choir starting at 32:32 was impressive 👍
I took piano lessons when I was a kid many years ago then got married, raised a son and haven't played for 50 years. Now after listening to you I want to get back to it.
I would like to recreate the rock tunes of my Era like Peter Frampton, Boston, Kansas, Journey...you know on and on.
What should I get that will give me all those sounds?
*Your question would be better answered by someone else due to the genre. Since your musical tastes seem very 70s, I would gather that you’d prefer analog synths and/or virtual analog synths. You can try a lot of VSTs (cheap, software synths) to get an idea of what the real analog synths (expensive) would sound like.*
Honestly, either Yamaha or Roland, things are so versatile nowdays. Bob Mayo on the keyboards... buy it, any it, now. Refine in a year :) PTB
When you (and others) mention the FA has great synth sounds, what types of sounds are we talking about - horns, arpeggiating hip-hop stuff, solo analog synth sounds? I'm particularly interested in which of these 2 keyboards would have the best solo synth sounds (eg, like Herbie, Chick, Bob James, Jeff Lorber, etc.)? Thanks for sharing your expertise!
I am referring to the classic 80's type of synth sounds. The Jupiter 8 type of sounds. It also has some good digital "Oberheim" synth brass, and some good classic analog synth leads. One of Roland's strongest areas is their "classic" digital synth sounds because they played a big role with the Jupiter 8 in 1982 being one of the first synths to feature MIDI. The Juno 106 and the D-50 also became classics. However me personally I find the overall tonal quality of the MODX to be better. It has great synth stuff as well. I am able to make it sound like the early 80's stuff if I want to. But I can also have it sound more modern kind of like Omnisphere. I feel that Roland is kind of relying on the classic sounds they have made in the past but not really pushing the envelope anymore as far as creativity is concerned. When the Jupiter 8 launched it was groundbreaking innovation, not simply a remake of an older keyboard they had made. The MODX is not a Motif. It is not a DX7. Sure it has elements from those boards but it is certainly a different animal and sounds like it. If I had to pick one keyboard between the two it would be the MODX. Unless you need a traditional linear onboard sequencer.
Wow! What a rapid response! And how about Rhodes EP sounds? Which of these two keyboards do you feel excels in that area? Thanks!
@@cohenville I prefer the EP's in the FA. The did a good job with he SuperNatural EP's
@@darrickkeels6387 Thanks!
@@darrickkeels6387 Hey Darrick. Trick question. EPs on the Roland vs Korg Krome. Go.
Can you play really fast repeated notes on the Roland FA?? My Juno DS could not do this and i was disgusted... i couldn't play fast high hat parts on the keys at all... apparently this is true on some other roland keyboards.
I own the MODX8 the key bed is much better than the 6 or 7 but still not as good as the Montage. Also like to say you are a really great speaker a total natural !!!great job!!!!!
To be fair, you are comparing the MODX8 with the Roland 6 and 7, which are both synth action keybeds, albeit that the FA07 has a semi weighted (supposedly) bed. The FA07 is much nicer to play than the 06. The MODX8 has a piano style, fully weighted keybed, which would have to be compared opposite the FA08 as a like for like comparison. Do you agree?
@@mac651000 I agree. But what I am comparing is mostly the sounds not the keybeds.
Darrick Keels hi. I realise that. I was replying to TheCasalinthesky’s comment praising the 8 Keynes above the FA 06 and 07. I understand the context of your video. By the way l, you play the board beautifully
@@mac651000 yes I agree!
@@mac651000 Thank you sir. I just noticed that your original comment was a "reply" 😂. Sorry for the confusion.
I will take Fa08, better keys and better feeling performance. Nice video by the way!
compare with the modx8, not the modx6
I have the Roland Fa 06, I’m never giving it up
Had a FA08 and now a MODX 7. FA has some good sounds, but when I use them in a mix, the sounds came out unprofessional... just sounded thin. With MODX I get better results. Not perfect, but global mix is much better. Simply put, in real life, MODX sounds are ready to use, no need for too much tweaking and effects to get the job done. FA need some coloring and workaround.
Cómo es la calidad de las teclas en uno y otro? y cómo se siente la acción de las teclas?
Gracias
I believe that each one compares these two wonderful instruments depending on the objectives. It depends if you are going to use them live or in a studio. And if it is for bowling, it also depends on the type of music.
And I have the MODX6 and I am absolutely in love with it. My friend, in comparison, has the FA8. I use my Yamaha MODX for live and for me it is an instrument with infinite capabilities (for my case), you can create several layers with different sounds, load and test dozens of libraries that are for sale on the web, use FM syntheses and it sounds super cool (I've converted various sounds that I had on my Yamaha DX7 iiFD). I play in various cover groups and compared to the NORD STAGE 2 thatI have, I found my MODX6 more capable of recreating the sounds of any style, it is more versatile.
Aslo I'd like to say, If you like to edit or program sounds, MODX IS YOUR INSTRUMENT!!!
IMHO of course;)
I have a FA08. I didn't know it could connect to another keyboard. Please can you explain how you do this. Thanks
You can connect another keyboard by coming out of the the MIDI OUT jack on the FA08 and plug it into the MIDI IN jack of another keyboard. Set the MIDI channels in both to the same channel and it will work.
Which will be good for indian tones playing
Own an FA06 and am lusting slighty to the MODX6...Hav a Nord Electro5D for my bottom board and use the FA06 & an MX61as the top board. Mostly need EP/Piano and some synth stuff. I play live 90% of the time in a rock band. Will I notice a huge diff between with the MODX?
If you have the FA06 and a MX61, I don't think you are missing out on much sonically by not have the MODX6 honestly.
@@darrickkeels6387 Thanks Darrick....You know us musicians...always chasing the next best thing
I bought the MODX and am loving it.....Roland FA06 is put on back burner
Did you use any effects on MODX like EQ or velocity.? It's just that the MODX dosent sound so good out of the box very flat in comparison with the roland Supernatural piano
No I did not. All I did was use preset piano sounds. But of course you can edit the pianos in both machines and get it tailored to your liking.
@@darrickkeels6387 Thanks mate for the response.
Thanks for the info. I was told the Roland FA 06 can record midi into it's sequencer being sent to it from another keyboard. Can the MODX do this?
Yes they can both do it. The Roland sequencer has more features than the MODX though.
@@darrickkeels6387
Thanks again for being a solid resource. Looks like I have a MODX6 in my immediate future. If I may ask, if you could only have one, which do you think best serves your purposes?
@@matthewgaines10 I would choose the MODX for sure. There are a multitude of reasons for this. The FA does have some good things going for it though. It boast a more traditional linear sequencer (if that's your thing). It has the ability to trigger samples using the pads on the right. It is 16-part multitimbral. And it's SuperNatural sounds allow you to do things like adjust hammer noise on a piano or its string resonance due to Roland taking advantage of hybrid sampled/modeled sounds versus simply using samples like the Yamaha. That gives it some sounds design features the Yamaha cannot achieve through its AWM2 sample playback engine. So why would I choose the MODX? For starters, when I am doing serious recording, I do not use my on board sequencers, I use Ableton Live. It is just far more powerful, flexible, and feature rich than ANY hardware sequencer. If I do decide to go the hardware route, I use the Akai MPC One. So an onboard linear sequencer is not all that important to me. If I am laying something quick and easy down, the MODX has me covered with its easy to use sequencer. The Yamaha has two sound engines versus one. This not only increases its flexibility but also polyphony. I can create or choose a pad and string sound from the FMX sound engine, while playing piano and EP with with the AWM2 sound engine and not have to worry about notes dropping out. This is because the FMX engine has it's own 64 voices separate from the 128 voices of the AWM2. In the Roland every sound pulls from the same 128-voices. The MODX has motion control, so creating soundscapes that morph and move is a lot easier on the MODX. I like the flexibility of being able to control up to 128 real-time simultaneous parameters using the super knob or an expression pedal. This is so useful during live performances. Not to mention it has seamless sound transitions for up to four parts. The Roland's sounds will cut out when you switch. Again that is a great feature for live players like me. It has more effects than the Roland. All the basics, Reverb, Compression, Delay, but quite a few wild effects that give it more of an edge and modern feel when needed. It has a better setlist feature and utilizes its touchscreen to implement it which is a feature the Roland does not have. The list really goes on. I just feel that the MODX is quite simply twice the keyboard. Its features stack up fairly well with the Roland Fantom actually, because it is so close to the Montage. Lastly Roland has moved on to Zencore technology. This means they are no longer pushing updates for the FA series of keyboards because the technology is not compatible. The MODX is still receiving updates from Yamaha. They haven't abandoned the platform. I think as far as the sound is concerned they are both professional sounding keyboards, each with their strengths and weaknesses. Sounds, however, are largely subjective. But if you start comparing the number of effects, the routing capabilities, real time controls, the number of arps (Over 10,000 arps in the MODX! The Roland is not even close. Less than 1000 if my memory serves me correctly.), touchscreen setlist, a full FM sound engine, more polyphony, etc...the MODX becomes the clear winner in nearly every category.
@@darrickkeels6387
Man, thanks for the deep insights. This is incredible.
Now there is the new Fantom 06/7/8. Time to do this video again!
The pianos are different. I have the Korg, Yamaha, and Roland. What I use is very subjective to the project. If I want that crystal bell tone, it’s the Yamaha. Very nice with bell pads and warm pads underneath for ballads and in a mix. For intimate, expressive passages and jazz, I prefer the Roland because it is so dynamic. For me the Korg pianos are best for classical, rock, and pop. Also for jazz but it depends on the piece. Korg pianos to me are great for a very warm “room reverb” sound, while the Rolands have a sharper high end and a punchier bass end for those Latin jazz percussive left hand parts.
IMO the free Bösendorfer patch for the MODX lends itself well to classical pieces.
Ain't nobody ask you about your Korg. Keep in topic
Thank you so much for responding to my query. I’m responding here because I know you’d have not been notified I added anything new to that string.
I can’t begin to explain how finding your channel has helped me beyond words. I know a great deal of this has to do with our two worlds colliding together at just the moment in time it gave perfection with what you are sharing. And me understanding as a 62 year old rocker but ultimately a NEWBIE regarding playing piano/keyboards or synths. I’ve played a lot of instruments in the last 50+ years. Mostly guitar. But I didn’t grow up with a piano. The piano teacher when I was 5 believed boys should not play piano. I went on to get a degree in music and I understood the mechanics but never really played. I all but left music in the early 80’s to pursue what my mom would have said “a real job” I did own a DX7 and a korg analogue something early 90’s late 80’s when that along with countless thousands of other gear was stolen.
Of course during that pre internet magnetic tape recording time in history. I’d not gotten much further playing keys than I had prior to them disappearing.
Retired now & moved into a new home where I’m building a studio which is all of the second floor. Now In searched
Of something more than a Clavinova & the P515 that I have now.
I’m not going to gig just a few musicians over to have a good time I’m learning to use a DAW which coming from a tape it’s a whole new instrument to learn. But when I lay a track down I’ve got that guy to jam with when others aren’t there. And I’ve never really jammed with myself. Another new experience.
That said I don’t believe I need to record on a keyboard. Least I don’t think I do. For me it’d be nice to get you on the phone or invite you over jam a bit share a great meal perhaps we could all get in the pool it’s all heated so combining that with being in Baton Rouge LA in the south it’s a nice way to enjoy a Saturday. And thank you for the video & knowledge you share. I do the same with free guitar lessons for anyone that wants to and I can maybe turn into a real musician so perhaps it won’t die as an industry and not just an art which I believe would kill us all.
Thank you so much for watching. Your compliments keep me motivated to keep putting out content to contribute to the music community!
Mr darick,these instruments have great ability, but I despise external power supplies, And I favor well crafted instruments..The fa 07 would be the best choice to retire the xp 80, considering it's price point.Combined with a battery powered VR 730, the best choice overall, if I have to live with plastic
The only instrument from Yamaha to be considered is the yc 61
While using an 88 key keyboard to trigger a 66 key keyboard. Will the 66 key keyboard have notes it doesn’t have keys for while accessing it with a keyboard that has the keys for those notes? I know this sounds right in my head I hope it does when you read it.
Yes if you connect an 88 key keyboard to a 61 key keyboard it will play all 88 notes. A 61 key keyboard has all 88 notes readily available. You just have to use octave buttons to access them. But having an 88 Key controller alleviates this.
@@darrickkeels6387 hi, do u have any tutorial that covers how you were able to call sounds from the other keyboard and play it on the other ? Such that if you have two keyboards but one has better tones than the other then you can share the tones. And could u play both at the same time ? One maybe piano and assign strings or pads to the other keyboard. 😅 hope my question also makes sense.
Does the modx have a sequencer or sampling buttons like the FA?
The MODX has a sequencer but it is a pattern sequencer. It does not have a sampler.
Off the wall question: Do any of these (other?) keyboards do "Bagpipes" sounds? I don't think I've EVER heard that. Just curious.
Yes they do
As an musician what is your suggestion which is the best one to choose in the same budget with little of difference yamaha Modx , Roland fa or korg krome ex as I am confused so pls help so I can buy confidently without any of confusion
If you do not need a sequencer, I would definately go for the Yamaha MODX. In it's price range nothing truly competes. It's internals are almost identical to their flagship Montage. If you need a traditional linear sequencer onboard, then I would recommend the Roland FA.
What about Yamaha Modx and korg krome which one is more powerful ????
@@art_velocity_302 The MODX is more powerful. But if you really want more of an on onboard sequencer, the Krome is better because it is a workstation.
What is your opinion about the depth of the piano sound on Yamaha modx vs. Roland fa ?
I personally like the pianos on the Yamaha more.
@@darrickkeels6387 Thank you for replay
How do you transfer the audio of the piano being played to a video like yours?
Through a focusrite scarlett audio interface. The interface converts the analog signal into a digital signal which is read by the computer
@@darrickkeels6387 the one with a 2i2 USB or the solo USB?
@@kennyflores7265 It is an 8i6. 8 inputs and 6 outputs, 3rd generation.
@@darrickkeels6387 oh ok. But can I use another interface like maybe 2i2 (3rd) for a Yamaha MODX8 or a Roland FA-08?
Lol,I'm struggling with the same. I can get my head round the modx6 but not the recording and videoing at same time. 👍
Btw I find It kinda silly that i recognized almost all sounds from the Yamaha as being identical ti the ones in my mx61,which Is too a scaled down motifXF. Why can't they improve their library? I'd bet even the FX are the same,I instantly recognized the rotary since I use It extensively
There are definitely some shared characteristics between the MODX and any Yamaha synth using the AWM2 tone generator. But the MODX is certainly a different animal than the MX61. The MX61 contains sounds from the Motif XS. It has a total wave ROM of 166MB vs the MODX having 5670MB (5.67GB) of wave ROM. The rotary effect is the same (I don't care for it. I use a Nord Stage 3 for live organ stuff) but the effects engine is not the same 85 different types of insert effects vs 48 for example. Over 10,000 arpeggiator patterns vs 1000, motion control, way deeper editing, etc the list goes on. When it comes to sounds and effects the MODX/Montage are by far the most advanced synthesizers Yamaha has ever made. The Motif XF was/is a beast for sure but it only has 741MB of wave ROM, 53 types of insert effects (not 85). In short, tonal quality will be similar as it is with all manufacturers. They all recycle sounds (the FA has over 1100 tones from 20 years ago and beyond) but what you can produce with the MODX even if using a Motif sound is far superior to what could be produced on those older machines.
@@darrickkeels6387 Thanks for replying!
I upgraded from an MX61 to MODX7. Actually, I had originally intended to keep both, but found there was way too much overlap, and the MODX was far more capable and easy to use, so I sold the MX.
There ARE a lot of sounds the same - but the MODX has SO many more. As well, a lot of the sounds in the MODX have multiple articulations based on velocity, etc. whereas the same sound in the MX has just a single sample for the same sound.
The FX in the MODX are light years beyond what the MX has. And of course it has the FM-X engine in it, which the MX has nothing to compare to. There's really no comparison, the MODX is so much more of a synth than the MX.
Darrick...thanks a lot...really appreciate...ur video is really great! Have a couple more questions...so, with no sampler - how do I bring in external samples? I have an FA, but never liked the piano sounds in it....does modx have better realistic piano sounds...I am trying to sell my fa 08 (its brand new) and buy a modx...
You would have to use a 3rd party app in which you prepare your samples and then bring them in as waveforms into the MODX. Tha MODX is not a sampler. This means you cannot "chop up samples" set loop points, create various velocity zones etc. If bringing in samples and playing them is a major feature you need I would suggest looking at the Korg Kronos instead. As far as the pianos being more realistic, I think that is a matter of preference. I personally prefer the piano samples on the MODX if realistic is what I am going for. Thanks for watching and asking questions. I appreciate it
Darrick - cant thank you enough for sharing your knowledge. As long as I can bring in samples from outside, thats what is good enough for me and looks like that can be done. One last question - I am really undecided on whether to go with the 76 or 88 keys...I like the real light version 76 keys, but in checking out those keys in the store, they dont seem to be that good. Do these keys make any noise as mentioned in another video I watched? Personally I dont like the heavy weighted keys as in FA 08...but the keys in modx 8 seemed nice...not too heavy? As long as the keys in modx 7 are not bad, I would prefer that one...any help is appreciated...thanks again
@@rahulchakrabarti5154 If you like the keys of the MODX8 you should get that one. The keys on the 7 and 6 are really not that good in my opinion.
I have an FA08 and will use that as the master board and the Yamaha modx as the second keyboard.
That's a great setup
@@darrickkeels6387 I originally wanted a Kronos but I find the interface a bit intimidating and I wanted to focus more on making music. I got the FA08 and fell in love with the drumpads as well as the keybed and got it for the sequencer as well as the access to the Integra sound library for much cheaper. But I found the Yamaha Modx allows you to create custom patches by scratch thanks to the onboard engines that are reminiscent of those found on the Yamaha Montage. The layering on the Yamaha is also fantastic! I'm getting the 61 since I already have the weighty FA08; with two of those boards, I could cover at least 95 percent of all my basis.
Maybe I'll get the Kronos but in the future.
@@synthguy7774 Sounds like you have everything you need.
@@darrickkeels6387 when I get the Yamaha Modx then I guess I would lol. Keep making that content. You do great work!
Hey if I buy the face can download the same sounds from the new Roland Fantom 8
No
If you ever made a film or Docu , you could make your own music for it ..
The keys on the Roland are the best on thier 88 the Yamaha key bed has very loud clacking sounds if you want sampled instruments Yamaha, synth and strings etc Roland my opinion...they are both great but each has it's own strengths
Agree with you, it's a shame the keys are so clunky on modx. Got any ideas how to dampen those clunky key strikes?
@@allanallen1835
Disassemble and add felt is the typical way.
Wow man you are a great player. very clever.
Thank you! I appreciate it.
who is the best I have to buy one keyboard now
Sir which keyboard is best for live program and UA-caming Yamaha modex 6 or Roland fa06
I think the MODX is best for live performances. I am not sure what you mean by "YouTubing." But I have used both of these keyboards live. You cannot go wrong with either one.
Hello! I am undecided between yamaha modx8 and roland fa 08. Which one have better hammer action, better feel ?
Well I don't own the MODX8 but the MODX6. However, I have played plenty MODX8's and I personally like the feel of the FA08 better.
@@darrickkeels6387 thanks
@@karandsl My pleasure
good presentation. from team robotics
The Modx take this one easily, it is so close to the Montage that it can very well take on the new Fantom.
Agreed
The Fantom V2 is in a league on its own….The MODX is not a complete workstation as the Fantom…. Fantom V2 is the holy grail status as of current. Fantom V2 sounds more realistic but MODX has a more stereo wide sound acoustics. I prefer the Fantom by far. The half ass ed sequencer from MODX is a joke w/ 10 outs. Fantom V2 also has sampler and it’s workflow is simpler. The MODX wins overall on most things over the FA. But remember that the FA has quite a few years on the MODX. I owned the MODX and sold it as I became utterly uninspired by it in so many ways after writing 50 plus songs on it during the pandemic. I will either buy the Fantom V2 or wait for Rolands next mid range board.
I’m waiting for Rolands next offering. Hopefully, NAMM will reveal the FA s successor.🙏🏽
I think workstations and this type of HW synths are way more than VSTi in terms of sound quality and what is more important, they have souls.
lol
I have both. Really both are great but Modx is better for me taste.