Both sound great! I agree with Mean Gene, the Montage generally brighter sound timbre while the Fantom generally had the darker sound timbre. Montage seems to have greater detail in the sound as it progresses for the compared strings patches / sounds than the Fantom. Depending on its application, both of them have their merits. Thanks for sharing.
SoundsAndGear Yeah I understand that, I was just pointing out that stock sounds may differ, but anyone that found the Fantom to be too dark by comparison, that can be edited.
@@anthonynewcomb1069 Yeah for sure, that's the same with any instrument. I do these videos to give an idea of what you get out of the box as I feel each has their own character. Thanks!
The Montage sounded much better and more realistic. Also, you didn't explain this, but turning the Superknob will change these sounds from ensemble to solo, or from one bowing style to another. These kinds of changes really help make the Montage much more realistic and expressive than the Fantom. I liked the Mellotron sound on the Fantom, but mostly it sounded like an old fashioned sampler. It was rather flat, with an odd, unrealistic vibrato and not really convincing at all.
Maybe I'm just being biased considering I own the Fantom 8 but I think the Fantom either matches or surpasses the Montage sounds. The Fantom sounds like the real deal while the Montage seems kinda tingy and high. I actually demo'd both keyboards before making my decision and hands down the Fantom crushes the Montage in features and creativity options. But a very awesome shootout nevertheless.
Interesting basic comparison, playing straight forward chords. Some of the real differences are in the Roland’s “SuperNatural” string sounds vs. the deeper sampling on the Yamaha. You can’t edit vibrato on many Yamaha sounds, for instance, as they sampled the vibrato ... it’s baked in at a set rate. You can edit vibrato on the Roland. The Yamaha has its own particular strengths over the Roland. That’s just scratching the surface of what would have to be a much more detailed comparison. They are both great in their own ways.
Yep, both have their pros and cons, out of the box both have a character, that's what this is about. I don't aim to try and make them sound the same, or to go into any type of sound editing for these videos. Both can be tweaked to taste.
i own a fantom and a modx i say modx takes the string category and horns and saxs. and cromatic percusion. fantom has great non acoustic sounds, but also a FAT library
Agreed yes you can mess about for hours making your own, but prefer Roland sounds think that have more warmth and depth but it's personal and everyone says our ears hear differently 👍
I am a roland guy, had the JP80, it was amazing, but the Fantom is not something I would buy from this and other demo. It sounded thin and FM ish and not nearly as good as the JP80. Montage is impressing me in all instruments and user playability factors.
I recently listen to a comparison of Montage pianos and acoustic instrument and Kronos pianos and similar instruments. Now your video with Montage and Fantom doing strings only. From listening to both video all the workstations sound excellent but I tend to prefer the Yamada out of the box sounds. The reason is Yamaha sounds like they tweak their out of the box samples. Where Fantom and Kronos sounds are more natural unprocessed. Montage seems to add some edge and reverb to the sounds that would make them cut thru in a live or in a recording. Where Fantom and Kronos give you a very realistic sound than you can then tweak yourself. So if someone mainly uses presets just as they are the Montage would be better for them. If you're used to tweaking things to fit what you're doing then any of the three I mentioned would be good. You get into flagship workstations they are all pretty close to each other the difference is in the workflow and which one fit how you like to work.
Also the hyper vibrato of all these string sounds makes these instruments sound fake. They seem to be unable to vary when the vibrato is employed as it would be with a live instrument.
@@SoundsAndGear Well after your last response I guess this is sarcasm too. If a violinist made as much vibrato as these synthesizers do their hand would fall off. Real stringed instruments also employ the steady stillness of the note as well. Again, synthesizer manufacturers have not mastered this trick yet...unless both you and I are missing some trick of a special feature (knob, lever, button...)!
@@youngeshmoney I'll have to look into that further. I feel there should be a setting where there is no vibrato at all until you add it as little or much as you want. That is the way real live string players do it. But instead they assign the vibrato and it seems uncontrollable. So I will check it out. Thanks...
@@ny10980 on the Fantom there is, I have a fantom, there's a host of things you can edit that I don't even know what they do. Legato, unison, portamento etc
Great video! I have always dreamed of being able to buy a Workstation and now that I can, I don't know which one to choose between the Kronos (or Nautilus), Fantom and Montage. Please help me! 😂
the feel of MODX is not good. Keybed feels like a $500 casio. The sounds on MODX / Montage do not warrant that price. Roland has better sounds and the PHA-50 keybed is outstanding. Once you go to the little brother of a flagship, you sacarifice a lot. Plus the back panel of the younger flagships don't give you the flagship options
Now we have the MODX+ with the same polyphony and memory as the Montage. Functionally the same, but cheaper made. But Montage is out of my price range, so I got a MODX6+ coming.
Thanks for the comparison. My new Fantom arrived today. It's early yet, but having played the MODX for the last year, I'm prefering the Yamaha orchestral sounds, but I can work with the Fantom and I'll be loading new sounds. The workflow and interface on the Fantom is extremely luxurious and liberating. It's not your focus here, but I'm excited and wanted to share. The song/pattern creation interface seems so much better on Fantom. Thanks for the helpful videos.
As far as stock sounds go, it's all about preference. Side-by-side you hear differences, in isolation you get used to them. It's not like either sounds terrrible. The super knob on Montage/MODX does allow for some sumptuous manipulation on-the-fly, but both can load new sounds and allow you to change sounds to your taste. With Roland we have ZEN-Core which is a bit of a game-changer really and opens a wealth of options for people. For example, do I purchase a Fantom or do I purchase a Macbook Pro/Windows Laptop with a nice MIDI controller and use Zenology (amongst a plethora of others)? Sonically-speaking, you'd be hard-pushed to tell the difference, and the prospect of things like the D50 library dropping into Zenology and hence any ZEN-Core compatible hardware, it's hard to ignore. What I do like about Roland's approach with Fantom is their attention to the workflow and interface. It's beyond sublime, and that along with the plethora of inputs and outputs on the back, make it an absolutely killer master keyboard, especially with the really nice synth action keybed (which I would still give to the Montage, but only by a hair). There is enough onboard functionality to create full songs without the need for an external DAW, but hooked up to my iPad via its audio interface, much like the MODX it quickly turns into a production powerhouse (for me as an amateur anyway!).
@@georgegeorgio1751 Cool, good thing there are choices for everyone lol. I won't enjoy making sounds I don't like the workflow of the instrument personally.
I like layering my Fantom strings with my MODX strings or using one for strings and the other for brass or percussion. Both synths sound great but very different. The best of both worlds.
I was kinda expecting the Fantom to come out as the victor in the strings department, but i actually prefer the Montage on this demo at-least. I think the Montage is the better synth in general, because of FM-X and the pianos (was never convinced by the V-Piano engine) but the Fantom get the edge in the GUI front, also the analogue filter is a nice feature. Both are great machines, and what a huge step-up the Fantom was from the FA-08. I would still get a Jupiter 80 music synthesizer over a Fantom though.
Previously, I thought that Roland and Yamaha had their own sound in Strings. However, after watching your video, they have a little bit difference of their sounds. So I think that we just choose what we want. (but I want them :P Now my plan is to buy montage7 and fantom8.) Thx for uploading your Video.
This is very interesting as they both sound great. I noticed the Yamaha took on a brighter aspect, where the Roland had the darker aspect. Compared to the other videos this is a draw for me. I’m loving these Keyboard 🎹 playoffs. I still think we need them Korg Kronos videos.
Thanks for watching bro! Man there's def some extra detail I notice in the Montage, especially on these type of sounds. Haven't had any time with a Kronos, maybe one of these days.
@@X22GJP Yes there’s plenty of choice but in this case the comparison is with a sample playback synth with analog filter vs an FM synth (that goes way beyond the original Basic FM in the DX7) that also has the advantage of Rompler Waveforms so the 2 types of waveforms can be combined in the MODX/MONTAGE for more complex sounds than the modelled synth sounds in the Fantom, I’ve played around with both as a friend has both and I easily got more inspired and came up with sounds quicker in the MODX that he has.
That white Montage is simply a beautiful looking instrument. Then again, I prefer gear that looks like doctor’s equipment rather than an athlete shoe design. Both synths sound great.
Thanks for your comparison series of videos. I think it'd be interesting to hear the natural sounds played with external controllers. Midi violin, Midi guitar..or Roland's own Aerophone for the wind sounds.
That Montage is OP when it comes to sounds the synth on the other hand the Roland is reeaaaally good and I have a Montage 8 by the way and is one the reasons why I would like a Roland Jupiter X. Would you ever the Roland Jupiter X!?
Thanks for this. Although apparently there's something wrong with me because unlike a lot people, I really liked the sounds on the Fantom _much_ more than I liked similar presets on the Montage. I especially liked some of the lo-fi presets on the Roland. I'm real curious what the tone-wheel sounds and rotatory simulator on the Fantom are like and if the Montage has anything comparable.
Roland is warmer over all, while Yamaha is brighter and airy. Yamaha would cut through better in a mix. But are really good. With that said the Roland is a real work station while the Montage is not. I really like both a lot. Depending on the type of music would dictate which one would be better. Now to compare brass and pianos
Disagree the FM engine in Montage can Achieve incredible sounds and with all the DAW features these days I only really want a scratch pad sequencer and lots of Arpeggio’s in a Synth and Montage has all this, the only feature the Fantom has that I like is the VCF which they should have included on the new Jupiter silly omission .
Hey! I'm looking for a good quality (no reliability issues) 61-76 key keyboard, something with control over the sound with preference for internal speakers.. Any good recommendations for something around $650?
If you want built-in speakers, at that money you're looking at the higher end of the home budget keyboards from the likes of Casio and Yamaha (no bad thing). Check out the Yamaha PSR range and the Casio CT-X and WK ranges. There are a lot of options there in each. You'll have less control over sounds compared to a dedicated synth, but compromises have to be made somewhere. If you can stretch to a higher budget, the Yamaha SX700 is absolutely fantastic value for money for what it can do, and sounds amazing. If you are happy to buy some cheap external speakers, your options open up massively. Korg Kross and Kork Krome become accessible at those prices, and for a little bit more you can get a Yamaha MODX which is absolutely phenomenal value for money and will give you all the control over sounds that you could ever want. It's basically a flagship Montage in a cheaper, lighter, package with a few sacrifices here and there that won't really matter to a home user.
@@djjas764 Like em both for different reasons, lean more towards the sounds on the Montage, but the Fantom is a better all around workstation/controller and has better navigation/interface in my opinion.
Hahahaha, depends on what I'm trying to do, if I wanted to do sequencing and everything in one I'd go Fantom. If it was just about the sounds then I'd go Montage.
Strings can definitely be played realistically on a keyboard. That's how most string recordings are played when there isn't a live string ensemble. You just have to know the approach and technique that a live string ensemble uses
@@laronrhodesmusic Correct me if wrong but you are not a music producer. Because a production either calls for strings or calls for samples. As played in this video strings sound terrible. Ext controllers might help but Idk.
@@wreckage-vs5jv I am a music producer and you clearly need to look up Mike Patrick playing strings on the Montage. Sounds just like a live string ensemble.
Thank you for the very good video .I tried a Fantom at a music shop .I found that with strings the use of the X / Y pad on the touch screen gave some interesting ways to modulate and shape the string sound without loosing the value of the sound .
To play strings correctly you need to incorporate the sustain pedal so there is a smooth transition note to note. When you just lift your hand off the keys it all sounds pretty miserable.
@@SoundsAndGear That's kind of funny...since you encourage responses and opinions. You must have meant only "thumbs up" responses!!! However, in spite of your technical failures ;) I did get the idea that synthesizers in general still suck at making authentic orchestral string sounds. I guess there is no reason to sell my older Motif...yet! It wont get me anything better unless I can find a mellotron for sale!
@@SoundsAndGear Now that would have been a great review...the 3 of those together! I don't know much about them other than what great albums the Mellotron appeared on. I know that they were tapes inside. But why nobody can mimic them is amazing in this new century.
The only issues I've heard of are squeaky rubbing keys on the MODX8 model. But most haven't experience this. A few have reported crooked keys, but again, very few. I've had my MODX6 for 2 years and follow groups every day. I've heard nothing about touch screen issues. Aftertouch is a great feature, but very poorly supported by the Montage or Kronos sound libraries. I can trigger aftertouch from my other MIDI keyboards "if" I ever find any sounds in the the Montage format that greatly benefit from it. My older synths made great use of aftertouch. A largely ignored feature in modern sound design for some reason. Zero key-bed issues on my MODX6 so far. In fact, I've been used to "premium" 61 key keybeds for the past several decades, and have had no issues using the MODX6 so called toy keybed. All I can say is these people that put them down haven't tried a wide variety of keyboards made since the early 70s. But I recommend any potential buyers that are considering springing for twice to the price just over this issue to try both the Montage & MODX before buying.
@@n8goulet Hi - The issue with the touchscreen is that the membrane is a plastic film which, over time, gets scratched and cloudy. I ordered the model with the crooked keys - it is a design feature.
@@bobcatt2294 Which model was that (with the crooked keys?). My touchscreen is still clean 2 years later. People that are concerned about it should use the same kind of plastic screen cover made for tablets. Cut to size if concerned about it. My only concern is my cats just started jumping on my keyboards. Never did that before. I have two kittens. The keys on mine are straight.
@@n8goulet MODX-7 has crooked keys around G above middle C. I maintain that the proven and tested touchscreens on mobile phones would have been in step in the offering a product of this caliber. About your cats jumping on the keyboard, is the synth on when they jump on it?
LOL, Thanks for watching! It still sounds good, just depends on what you want. Heck, the Motif still sounds good! But so does the Fantom (and the older Fantoms).
Some say the opposite, but I have not found a Fantom to try yet. I keep asking at Guitar Center when they will have them on the floor. Both companies have made some good stuff, as has Korg.
If anybody is on the fence on which keyboard to purchase in current times, I own both. The Fantom acoustic sounds are trash for the most part compared to my MODX and Kronos. Very disappointing. The synth sounds are pretty good but no better than the other 2.
Fantom sounds to me like plastic sounds. I prefer Yamaha sounds. Roland sounds seem to use more reverb to hide the „plastic“ sound. I think yamaha hits more my prefered spitfire chamber strings sound.
Both sound great! I agree with Mean Gene, the Montage generally brighter sound timbre while the Fantom generally had the darker sound timbre. Montage seems to have greater detail in the sound as it progresses for the compared strings patches / sounds than the Fantom. Depending on its application, both of them have their merits. Thanks for sharing.
Word, I agree, generally, though both have some great sounds, there are some small details that shine on the Montage in certain patches.
It's worth mentioning that everything on the Fantom can also be edited for further shaping of the sound.
@@anthonynewcomb1069 The sounds on both can be edited to your tastes.
SoundsAndGear Yeah I understand that, I was just pointing out that stock sounds may differ, but anyone that found the Fantom to be too dark by comparison, that can be edited.
@@anthonynewcomb1069 Yeah for sure, that's the same with any instrument. I do these videos to give an idea of what you get out of the box as I feel each has their own character. Thanks!
When demonstrating the solo violin, it is important not to play notes lower than its range (i.e. G3).
Cool, looking forward to your demo. Thanks.
The Montage sounded much better and more realistic. Also, you didn't explain this, but turning the Superknob will change these sounds from ensemble to solo, or from one bowing style to another. These kinds of changes really help make the Montage much more realistic and expressive than the Fantom.
I liked the Mellotron sound on the Fantom, but mostly it sounded like an old fashioned sampler. It was rather flat, with an odd, unrealistic vibrato and not really convincing at all.
Yeah I agree, and really came to love the Super Knob lol. Thanks for watching.
I agree, I have all three keyboards, but with the super knob it takes Yamaha to another level.
great video and comparison bro! both sound great, the montage just felt more lively and "mix-ready" imo! 👍
Thanks for watching bro! I agree with you here 👍🏾
Keep up the great work rasta! Bless
Thanks for watching!
Maybe I'm just being biased considering I own the Fantom 8 but I think the Fantom either matches or surpasses the Montage sounds. The Fantom sounds like the real deal while the Montage seems kinda tingy and high. I actually demo'd both keyboards before making my decision and hands down the Fantom crushes the Montage in features and creativity options. But a very awesome shootout nevertheless.
Cool, all personal taste, thanks for watching!
Interesting basic comparison, playing straight forward chords.
Some of the real differences are in the Roland’s “SuperNatural” string sounds vs. the deeper sampling on the Yamaha.
You can’t edit vibrato on many Yamaha sounds, for instance, as they sampled the vibrato ... it’s baked in at a set rate. You can edit vibrato on the Roland.
The Yamaha has its own particular strengths over the Roland.
That’s just scratching the surface of what would have to be a much more detailed comparison. They are both great in their own ways.
Yep, both have their pros and cons, out of the box both have a character, that's what this is about. I don't aim to try and make them sound the same, or to go into any type of sound editing for these videos. Both can be tweaked to taste.
I wish, you would not keep moving the mod knobs for a more realistic comparison.
Feel free to do your video how you wish.
@@SoundsAndGear turn off comment if you can’t handle criticism.
I’m not bothered at all. Don’t comment if you can’t handle replies lol .
@@SoundsAndGear don’t make comparisons if you just wanna jam, you’re wasting people’s time. You got my dislike 👎
@@turtlefeet7722 LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks!
i own a fantom and a modx i say modx takes the string category and horns and saxs. and cromatic percusion. fantom has great non acoustic sounds, but also a FAT library
Nice combination for sure!
Agreed yes you can mess about for hours making your own, but prefer Roland sounds think that have more warmth and depth but it's personal and everyone says our ears hear differently 👍
try comparing with Kurzweil Pc4 🙂
The Montage sounds better, i.e. more realistic, while the Fantom has a better UI and is a great master keyboard.
I agree with everything you said, exactly my experience with these two.
I have all three keyboards and i have to say I feel the yamaha is better.
Nice both sound beautiful but I'm a Yamaha dude
I feel you! Thanks for watching.
I am a roland guy, had the JP80, it was amazing, but the Fantom is not something I would buy from this and other demo. It sounded thin and FM ish and not nearly as good as the JP80. Montage is impressing me in all instruments and user playability factors.
Cool, thanks for watching!
Totally unfair comparison... montage does string swell as well ...and even better. Learn the instrument!
Your comment doesn't make any sense, there is no fair or unfair, just sounds. My personal preference is the sounds in the Montage.
They both sound great. but to me the Montage sounds HUGE!!!!!! not to stay the Fantom doesn't sound good. but this is a cool comparison video.
I feel you fam! Thanks for watching!
Brilliant. Thank you!
Glad you liked it!
They both have great sounding strings:
Montage: 1 point for it's looks
Fantom: 1 point for the violins.
Word fam, thanks for watching!
I recently listen to a comparison of Montage pianos and acoustic instrument and Kronos pianos and similar instruments. Now your video with Montage and Fantom doing strings only. From listening to both video all the workstations sound excellent but I tend to prefer the Yamada out of the box sounds. The reason is Yamaha sounds like they tweak their out of the box samples. Where Fantom and Kronos sounds are more natural unprocessed. Montage seems to add some edge and reverb to the sounds that would make them cut thru in a live or in a recording. Where Fantom and Kronos give you a very realistic sound than you can then tweak yourself. So if someone mainly uses presets just as they are the Montage would be better for them. If you're used to tweaking things to fit what you're doing then any of the three I mentioned would be good. You get into flagship workstations they are all pretty close to each other the difference is in the workflow and which one fit how you like to work.
Yep, I agree that all can produce great sounds, ultimately just depends on which one fits your taste.
Secret violin montage was nice bro
Thanks for watching fam
i like the Roland!
Thanks for watching
YO, 2:08 that pitch bend Crazy!!
Ahahahahaha
You give great demonstrations! Keep up the good work! I just bought a fantom and it's neat!
Thanks for watching!
Roland sounds more warm and full and strings sounds are varied. Yamaha has more highs in its sounds so sounds sharp. Both are different.
Cool, thanks for watching!
A great combo would be to get the Montage and the Integra-7.
Indeed
Also the hyper vibrato of all these string sounds makes these instruments sound fake. They seem to be unable to vary when the vibrato is employed as it would be with a live instrument.
Cool
@@SoundsAndGear Well after your last response I guess this is sarcasm too. If a violinist made as much vibrato as these synthesizers do their hand would fall off. Real stringed instruments also employ the steady stillness of the note as well. Again, synthesizer manufacturers have not mastered this trick yet...unless both you and I are missing some trick of a special feature (knob, lever, button...)!
@@ny10980 you can vary the vibrato while playing with a control pedal
@@youngeshmoney I'll have to look into that further. I feel there should be a setting where there is no vibrato at all until you add it as little or much as you want. That is the way real live string players do it. But instead they assign the vibrato and it seems uncontrollable. So I will check it out. Thanks...
@@ny10980 on the Fantom there is, I have a fantom, there's a host of things you can edit that I don't even know what they do. Legato, unison, portamento etc
The Montage is using AWM2 samples while the Fantom is using the ZenCore modeling, correct? Or did you only use XV engine sounds to compare?
Correct
What does that mean in simple terms?
Whats language Are You guys Speaking?
@@godislove712 Whats a Sanguage yoo speking abet?
Great video! I have always dreamed of being able to buy a Workstation and now that I can, I don't know which one to choose between the Kronos (or Nautilus), Fantom and Montage. Please help me! 😂
Thanks for watching. Any of those would be a great choice, hard decision for sure lol.
@@SoundsAndGear Yes thanks 😁
Korg Oasys The best keyboard all Time
@@tudorhoria764 cool!
So, the MODX can do all that for way less? (Which I have) Fantom remains a "want" and not a "need". I love it, just can't justify the purchase.
I hear ya!
the feel of MODX is not good. Keybed feels like a $500 casio. The sounds on MODX / Montage do not warrant that price. Roland has better sounds and the PHA-50 keybed is outstanding. Once you go to the little brother of a flagship, you sacarifice a lot. Plus the back panel of the younger flagships don't give you the flagship options
Now we have the MODX+ with the same polyphony and memory as the Montage. Functionally the same, but cheaper made. But Montage is out of my price range, so I got a MODX6+ coming.
Thanks for the comparison. My new Fantom arrived today. It's early yet, but having played the MODX for the last year, I'm prefering the Yamaha orchestral sounds, but I can work with the Fantom and I'll be loading new sounds. The workflow and interface on the Fantom is extremely luxurious and liberating. It's not your focus here, but I'm excited and wanted to share. The song/pattern creation interface seems so much better on Fantom. Thanks for the helpful videos.
Totally agree, the interface/workflow on the Fantom is much better in my opinion, which is a huge plus.
As far as stock sounds go, it's all about preference. Side-by-side you hear differences, in isolation you get used to them. It's not like either sounds terrrible. The super knob on Montage/MODX does allow for some sumptuous manipulation on-the-fly, but both can load new sounds and allow you to change sounds to your taste. With Roland we have ZEN-Core which is a bit of a game-changer really and opens a wealth of options for people. For example, do I purchase a Fantom or do I purchase a Macbook Pro/Windows Laptop with a nice MIDI controller and use Zenology (amongst a plethora of others)? Sonically-speaking, you'd be hard-pushed to tell the difference, and the prospect of things like the D50 library dropping into Zenology and hence any ZEN-Core compatible hardware, it's hard to ignore.
What I do like about Roland's approach with Fantom is their attention to the workflow and interface. It's beyond sublime, and that along with the plethora of inputs and outputs on the back, make it an absolutely killer master keyboard, especially with the really nice synth action keybed (which I would still give to the Montage, but only by a hair). There is enough onboard functionality to create full songs without the need for an external DAW, but hooked up to my iPad via its audio interface, much like the MODX it quickly turns into a production powerhouse (for me as an amateur anyway!).
@@X22GJP I agree here as well, definitely comes down to preference, and when it comes to workflow I do think the Fantom is better in that area.
@@SoundsAndGear Yeah but give me better sound making capabilities over workflow any day.
@@georgegeorgio1751 Cool, good thing there are choices for everyone lol. I won't enjoy making sounds I don't like the workflow of the instrument personally.
I was a roland fan.. Time to think about yamaha
Thanks for watching
Kronos have the best string
Cool, haven't used one much
That's probably true. Too bad you need three doctorates and a team of Swedish scientists to operate one.
@@Crates-Media LOL!!!
I like layering my Fantom strings with my MODX strings or using one for strings and the other for brass or percussion. Both synths sound great but very different. The best of both worlds.
No doubt!
I was kinda expecting the Fantom to come out as the victor in the strings department, but i actually prefer the Montage on this demo at-least. I think the Montage is the better synth in general, because of FM-X and the pianos (was never convinced by the V-Piano engine) but the Fantom get the edge in the GUI front, also the analogue filter is a nice feature. Both are great machines, and what a huge step-up the Fantom was from the FA-08. I would still get a Jupiter 80 music synthesizer over a Fantom though.
I hear ya! Yeah Fantom wins GUI hands down imo, both have some nice sounds though for sure. I still want to try a Jupiter 80.
Previously, I thought that Roland and Yamaha had their own sound in Strings.
However, after watching your video, they have a little bit difference of their sounds. So I think that we just choose what we want.
(but I want them :P
Now my plan is to buy montage7 and fantom8.)
Thx for uploading your Video.
Hahahaha, thanks for watching!
This is very interesting as they both sound great. I noticed the Yamaha took on a brighter aspect, where the Roland had the darker aspect. Compared to the other videos this is a draw for me. I’m loving these Keyboard 🎹 playoffs. I still think we need them Korg Kronos videos.
Thanks for watching bro! Man there's def some extra detail I notice in the Montage, especially on these type of sounds. Haven't had any time with a Kronos, maybe one of these days.
The Montage sounds by far better.
Thanks for watching!
In your opinion of course. We all have preferences for what something should and does sound like. It's why we have choice.
Yep, plenty of choices out here!
@@X22GJP I completely agree. I meant it that way, 🤗
@@X22GJP Yes there’s plenty of choice but in this case the comparison is with a sample playback synth with analog filter vs an FM synth (that goes way beyond the original Basic FM in the DX7) that also has the advantage of Rompler Waveforms so the 2 types of waveforms can be combined in the MODX/MONTAGE for more complex sounds than the modelled synth sounds in the Fantom, I’ve played around with both as a friend has both and I easily got more inspired and came up with sounds quicker in the MODX that he has.
That white Montage is simply a beautiful looking instrument. Then again, I prefer gear that looks like doctor’s equipment rather than an athlete shoe design. Both synths sound great.
I love the look of the Montage as well.
Thanks for your comparison series of videos. I think it'd be interesting to hear the natural sounds played with external controllers. Midi violin, Midi guitar..or Roland's own Aerophone for the wind sounds.
Thanks for watching! Yeah that would be cool, not in my realm of capability but I'd love to see it!
That Montage is OP when it comes to sounds the synth on the other hand the Roland is reeaaaally good and I have a Montage 8 by the way and is one the reasons why I would like a Roland Jupiter X. Would you ever the Roland Jupiter X!?
I feel you! I had the Jupiter Xm for a little while, I dug it for sure, Jupiter X or Xm with a Montage would be killer!
Thanks for this. Although apparently there's something wrong with me because unlike a lot people, I really liked the sounds on the Fantom _much_ more than I liked similar presets on the Montage. I especially liked some of the lo-fi presets on the Roland.
I'm real curious what the tone-wheel sounds and rotatory simulator on the Fantom are like and if the Montage has anything comparable.
Cool, thanks for watching!
You are not alone. I think I like the fantom's sound more. I feel it has more depth, richness, more "wet", elegance
I don’t like this strings from the keyboards and if you Play the solo violin in the low octaves sounds very artificial ...thanks for sharing
Because violins don't go into the low octaves....
Jim Pickins oh!! I don’t know it!!👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
Thanks for watching
Roland is warmer over all, while Yamaha is brighter and airy. Yamaha would cut through better in a mix. But are really good. With that said the Roland is a real work station while the Montage is not. I really like both a lot. Depending on the type of music would dictate which one would be better. Now to compare brass and pianos
Yeah, Montage was definitely not designed as a workstation like the Fantom. Sound wise, just depends on personal taste, both have good sounds.
Disagree the FM engine in Montage can Achieve incredible sounds and with all the DAW features these days I only really want a scratch pad sequencer and lots of Arpeggio’s in a Synth and Montage has all this, the only feature the Fantom has that I like is the VCF which they should have included on the new Jupiter silly omission .
The Montage has more definitions and on par with high end strings VSTi's, thanks for the demo!
Thanks for watching!
Hey! I'm looking for a good quality (no reliability issues) 61-76 key keyboard, something with control over the sound with preference for internal speakers.. Any good recommendations for something around $650?
Not familiar with many boards with speakers so not really
If you want built-in speakers, at that money you're looking at the higher end of the home budget keyboards from the likes of Casio and Yamaha (no bad thing). Check out the Yamaha PSR range and the Casio CT-X and WK ranges. There are a lot of options there in each. You'll have less control over sounds compared to a dedicated synth, but compromises have to be made somewhere. If you can stretch to a higher budget, the Yamaha SX700 is absolutely fantastic value for money for what it can do, and sounds amazing.
If you are happy to buy some cheap external speakers, your options open up massively. Korg Kross and Kork Krome become accessible at those prices, and for a little bit more you can get a Yamaha MODX which is absolutely phenomenal value for money and will give you all the control over sounds that you could ever want. It's basically a flagship Montage in a cheaper, lighter, package with a few sacrifices here and there that won't really matter to a home user.
@@X22GJP wow thank you for the detailed answer, I will definitely look into what you recommended
These two are piece of beauty, I wish I had started playing piano rather then wasting my time with something else.
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Never is too late...
Looks like Fantom is your main keyboard coz that’s under your desktop table tray. Is it your favorite?
Nope that's just where I had it in the video. Both were on loan, both have been sent back.
@@SoundsAndGear OK. Before sending them back. Which one is your favourite out of both.
@@djjas764 Like em both for different reasons, lean more towards the sounds on the Montage, but the Fantom is a better all around workstation/controller and has better navigation/interface in my opinion.
If you had only one of these you could take with you on a remote trip of transcendental meditation, which would it be?
Hahahaha, depends on what I'm trying to do, if I wanted to do sequencing and everything in one I'd go Fantom. If it was just about the sounds then I'd go Montage.
@@SoundsAndGear Good feedback on qualifying - "depends on what I am trying to do." Let me ask, the Fantom workflow is better than that of the Montage?
For me the Fantom sounds better. I have tried the Montage in person but a lot of the strings have too much vibrato in them.
Word, all about preference for sure!
I don't know just shows once again strings can't be played on a keyboard. And where are the realistic attack sounds?
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Strings can definitely be played realistically on a keyboard. That's how most string recordings are played when there isn't a live string ensemble. You just have to know the approach and technique that a live string ensemble uses
@@laronrhodesmusic Correct me if wrong but you are not a music producer. Because a production either calls for strings or calls for samples. As played in this video strings sound terrible. Ext controllers might help but Idk.
@@wreckage-vs5jv I am a music producer and you clearly need to look up Mike Patrick playing strings on the Montage. Sounds just like a live string ensemble.
Thank you for the very good video .I tried a Fantom at a music shop .I found that with strings the use of the X / Y pad on the touch screen gave some interesting ways to modulate and shape the string sound without loosing the value of the sound .
The X/Y is pretty cool for sure! Thanks for watching.
Ummmm.. They both sound like Caca! And I'm a Roland User. The Yamaha is waay too digital and the Rolands are entirely too muffled!
Cool, thanks for watching.
To play strings correctly you need to incorporate the sustain pedal so there is a smooth transition note to note. When you just lift your hand off the keys it all sounds pretty miserable.
I play how I play, you can make your own video and play the way you want to play. Thanks.
@@SoundsAndGear That's kind of funny...since you encourage responses and opinions. You must have meant only "thumbs up" responses!!! However, in spite of your technical failures ;) I did get the idea that synthesizers in general still suck at making authentic orchestral string sounds. I guess there is no reason to sell my older Motif...yet! It wont get me anything better unless I can find a mellotron for sale!
Oh you’re free to respond as you wish, so am I lol. Mellotron is nice, almost got the micro recently.
@@SoundsAndGear Now that would have been a great review...the 3 of those together! I don't know much about them other than what great albums the Mellotron appeared on. I know that they were tapes inside. But why nobody can mimic them is amazing in this new century.
I’ve played the new ones a few times, they sound incredible
Would like to also see built quality. The MODX in all models have built quality issues - key-bed and touch screen.
Montage build quality is great
The only issues I've heard of are squeaky rubbing keys on the MODX8 model. But most haven't experience this. A few have reported crooked keys, but again, very few.
I've had my MODX6 for 2 years and follow groups every day. I've heard nothing about touch screen issues.
Aftertouch is a great feature, but very poorly supported by the Montage or Kronos sound libraries. I can trigger aftertouch from my other MIDI keyboards "if" I ever find any sounds in the the Montage format that greatly benefit from it. My older synths made great use of aftertouch. A largely ignored feature in modern sound design for some reason.
Zero key-bed issues on my MODX6 so far. In fact, I've been used to "premium" 61 key keybeds for the past several decades, and have had no issues using the MODX6 so called toy keybed. All I can say is these people that put them down haven't tried a wide variety of keyboards made since the early 70s. But I recommend any potential buyers that are considering springing for twice to the price just over this issue to try both the Montage & MODX before buying.
@@n8goulet Hi - The issue with the touchscreen is that the membrane is a plastic film which, over time, gets scratched and cloudy. I ordered the model with the crooked keys - it is a design feature.
@@bobcatt2294 Which model was that (with the crooked keys?).
My touchscreen is still clean 2 years later. People that are concerned about it should use the same kind of plastic screen cover made for tablets. Cut to size if concerned about it.
My only concern is my cats just started jumping on my keyboards. Never did that before. I have two kittens.
The keys on mine are straight.
@@n8goulet MODX-7 has crooked keys around G above middle C. I maintain that the proven and tested touchscreens on mobile phones would have been in step in the offering a product of this caliber.
About your cats jumping on the keyboard, is the synth on when they jump on it?
Thanks for the upload !
Thanks for watching
Montage- there’s no question!
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Yamaha is better at every sound.
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Montage is from 2015, sounds like a motif. I'll go for the fantom 2019
LOL, Thanks for watching! It still sounds good, just depends on what you want. Heck, the Motif still sounds good! But so does the Fantom (and the older Fantoms).
Montage came out in 2016 and is updated via software updates.. adding new sounds, control and features. It's like a computer. Get current Petrus
@@californiamusic time for a montage 2 👍
@@petrusramdayal5494 we have montage 8 now
Thank you
Thanks for watching!
Which one has the best piano sound that comes close to the sound of an acoustic piano.
Really depends on your tastes. Some prefer Roland, some Yamaha, others Korg, Nord, etc. And others just prefer a real piano.
@@SoundsAndGear I'd imagine any sane person would prefer a "real piano" but it's not affordable lol
Kougeru eh. I love jamming out in a real piano but I’m not trying to mic one up each time I wanna have piano in my tracks lol
SoundsAndGear I would love an acoustic piano but simply no where to put it because of the weight.
I have all three keyboards, and I feel yamaha has better piano sounds, than roland and last korg.
Montage/Modx pisses over it 😂
LOL! Thanks for watching!
Roland is better
Cool, thanks for watching.
In your opinion of course. We all have preferences for what something should and does sound like. It's why we have choice.
roland vs montage saint joe
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you welcome........ both sound good I have the modx which has the same sounds as the montage and I am getting ready to get the new roland..
@@superchickensuperchicken7939 nice!
Honestly, by the one that's on sale.... They are both great sounding pro boards.
They both are nice indeed!
who is better, I Have to buy one, so I buy which ?
That's a personal choice, pick the one that has the features/sounds you want.
my opinion, go for the fantom
@@the80386 cool
montage
Ok I have bought Cubase 11 pro, RME sound card, midi keybord and VST for 3500$, it destroys MONTAGE and FANTOM, bye.
Montage.
Cool
Fantom ♥️
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I think the montage sound a little bit toyish to me, while fantom has more depth, richness and elegance.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
@@SoundsAndGear thank you for your video and reply
@@indramarosa7675 no problem!
Some say the opposite, but I have not found a Fantom to try yet. I keep asking at Guitar Center when they will have them on the floor.
Both companies have made some good stuff, as has Korg.
@@n8goulet Yep, all about personal taste really
Yamaha Montage,,, champion 🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🎹🎹🎹🎹🎹🎹🎹🎹🎹🎹🎹The best keyboard of the World
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In my opinion the Roland fantom sounds more fun, but the Montage sounds more realistic.
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If anybody is on the fence on which keyboard to purchase in current times, I own both. The Fantom acoustic sounds are trash for the most part compared to my MODX and Kronos. Very disappointing. The synth sounds are pretty good but no better than the other 2.
Thanks for the comment
I’d agree 100%.
Roland thumb up
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The string sound is way off or the election was not correctly calibrated
cool
XV5080 Sounded better ;)
LOL word, thanks for watching
Korg M-3 better than Roland Fantom X8. Thumbs up SoundsAndGear.
@@bobcatt2294 Cool, thanks for watching!
Fantom sounds to me like plastic sounds. I prefer Yamaha sounds. Roland sounds seem to use more reverb to hide the „plastic“ sound. I think yamaha hits more my prefered spitfire chamber strings sound.
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Komplete kontrol mk2 + Vsti , kontakt , best our synth in world
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nope
what is the best one for piano sounds and who is better for emotional sounds
That really depends on your tastes, try to demo as much as possible.