Yamaha Montage 8 - Is It A Best Synthesizer? Review (2023)

Yamaha Montage 8 is an 88-key balanced hammer action synthesizer combining state-of-the-art dynamic control, big sound advent, and streamlined workflow. Yamaha Montage 8 is an 88-key computer synthesizer that combines factors of the DX- and Motif-series keyboards. Employing Motion-Control Synthesis, Montage combines two sound engines: AWM2 (Synthesis- and Sample-Based Sounds) and FM-X (Frequency Modulation Synthesis).

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General Overview of Yamaha Montage 8

The Yamaha Montage 8 is an 88-key computer synthesizer that combines factors of the DX- and Motif-series keyboards. Assigning Motion-Control Synthesis, the Montage mixes two tone engines: AWM2 (synthesis- and sample-based sounds) and FM-X (frequency modulation synthesis).

Powered with the aid of proprietary Yamaha statistics compression and playback technology, the AWM2 engine gives practical sound copy and points to nearly 10 instances of the waveform capability of the Motif XF. This potential that Yamaha Montage 8 permits far extra samples per instrument than the XF and accordingly a long way more nuanced sound.

Editor Rating: 9.3/10

Features	Rating
Performance and sounds	9.3
Connectivity	9.3
Build Quality	9.2
Value for money	9.2

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The FM-X engine is capable of producing entirety from additional 80’s FM-based basses and bells to harsh, advanced contemporary EDM-type tones. Its aspects eight operators operating culture and 128-note polyphony, permitting a massive display of sound-design options.

The Yamaha montage 8 aspects 16-part multitimbral operation, but it comes with a full variety of all-new sounds, like Yamaha CFX premium grand piano, specific new strings, woodwinds, and pick content material from the dx and tx families, all modernized to take gain of the motion control synthesis engine. Also, the moth stage is immediately well-matched with motif es/xs/xf voices, permitting you to switch your favorite presets and get all of your sounds collectively in one place.

Other remarkable features include a large color touchscreen, super knob management that controls more than one parameter simultaneously, dual insert fx for all 16 parts, an effective sample sequencer, and an arpeggiator that allows up to eight arpeggio parts at once.

For effects, from high-definition reverbs, to unique virtual circuit modeling (cm) effects, montage is loaded with DSP. Use consequences like beat repeat, vinyl break, or bit crusher to get a cutting-edge EDM sound. You can even add a compressor with a sidechain for a contemporary ducking effect. Or go retro with vintage consequences like analog delay, VCM phaser, or a variety of amp simulators.

Piano players will appreciate piano-focused effects like damper resonance for a practical piano trip and reverb that let you put yourself in any overall performance space. For USB audio/midi, connect the montage to your computer with a single USB cable and seize each nuance of your creativity into your daw.

Yamaha Montage 8’s powerful USB driver can send 16 and obtain 3 channels of stereo 24-bit / 44.1 kHz digital audio to and from your pc or ios device. Montage is category compliant, which has the ability no driver is needed, and no different hardware is required. The USB connection additionally facets full 16-channel midi support.

Motion sequences and action sequences are tempo-synchronized, customizable control sequences that can be assigned to surely any synthesizer parameter to supply new approaches to growing sound. Motion sequences also have dedicated controls on the front panel making it easy to manipulate and alternate in real time, presenting interactivity and expression.

The energy of the Yamaha Montage 8 synthesis engine approves unlimited management to create unique sounds demanded by any artist. The sound engine is based on equal technical know-how powering the flagship montage: awm2 (advanced wave memory 2) pattern and synthesis engine and a pure FM-x (frequency modulation) synthesizer modernized for impressive sound playback and complicated sound design.

Take manage and stand out from the crowd. Bring the culture of tune manufacturing automation to real-time live overall performance with motion control. Music is continually in motion. From the way a piano player hits a key to an orchestral crescendo to a drum groove, the tune always moves. Yamaha Montage 8 introduces a new way for musicians to manage sound and create an expression with motion control.

Yamaha Montage8 88-key Synthesizer Workstation, Black

The Motion Control Synthesis Engine unifies and controls two iconic Sound Engines: AWM2 (high-quality waveform and synthesis) and FM-X (modern, pure Frequency Modulation synthesis.)
Motion Sequences are tempo-synchronized, completely customizable control sequences that can be assigned to virtually any synthesizer parameter and provide incredible new ways of creating sound.
Montage features professional, stereo balanced outputs with “Pure Analog Circuit” digital to analog conversion.

Motion control puts pleasant and multidimensional manipulation at the musician’s fingertips for a sound that moves from radical to sublime. Welcome to the new generation from the organization that delivered you MODx and motif. Montage units are the “next milestone” with refined dynamic control, huge sound advent, and streamlined workflow. Elegant dynamic control, huge sound creation, and simplified workflow.

Montage units the subsequent milestone with elegant dynamic control, big tone origin, and simplified workflow. Interact with Yamaha Montage 8 actions with the use of motion control: a tremendously programmable manipulation matrix for creating deep, dynamic, and notably expressive sound. With motion control, you can create new sounds not feasible on previous hardware synthesizers. Track your skill and learn your unusual tone.

The super knob helps create dynamic sound changes whilst motion sequences are tempo-synchronized, definitely customizable manipulate sequences that can be assigned to honestly any synthesizer parameter and provide notable creative new approaches of programming sound. The awm2 allows data compression barring any sound excellent loss for realistic tone copy, while 128-note stereo polyphony aids in prosperous stereo sound.

Yamaha Montage 8 is a capable and integrated flash memory that helps to read and write your samples with an excessive speed. Montage excessive grand piano, unique new strings and woodwinds, and select content material from the dx and tx household, all modernized to take benefit of the energy control synthesis engine. Connect the montage to your computer with a single USB cable and seize each nuance of your creativity into your daw.

Also Read: Best Digital Pianos for Intermediate Players

Seamless Sound Switching (SSS) lets you alternate performances seamlessly without any cut-off in effects. This is perfect for live performances where you stop one track and start every other except stopping. Montage is bundled with Cubase ai, Steinberg’s professional song production application that presents integrated recording and editing.

The number of keys: is 88, keyboard type: is a balanced hammer effect keyboard. Super knob, motion seq & envelope follower. For the super knob, create dynamic sound adjustments from extreme to chic with a super knob. Super knob can manipulate more than one parameters together ensuing in whatever you can imagine. Motion series are tempo-synchronized, fully customizable managed sequences that can be assigned to any synthesizer parameter and furnish great innovative ways of programming sound.

The envelope follower converts audio into a manipulated supply for control of absolutely any synthesizer parameter. For example, a drum loop could power results parameters for a cool rhythm or a vocal recording ought to manage multiple parameters for a “talking” synthesizer. The audio can even be a “live” supply thru the a/d input.

The Yamaha Montage 8 features a comprehensive set of physical controls for intuitive tune-making and sound creation. [touch screen] select and change parameters immediately with the new color contact screen. [eight rotary encoders and faders with stepladder led] stepladder LEDs next to faders point out position making it easy to see where your present-day mix function is.

[keyboard action] montage is handy in three exclusive configurations: -montage6 and 7 feature top-class FSX semi-weighted synthesizer motion with aftertouch in 61 and 76 keys respectively, – Yamaha montage 8 facets an 88 key, fully-weighted balanced hammer action with aftertouch. This provides equal resistance for every key across the keyboard and is best for playing a range of devices from acoustic piano to electric piano, synth sounds, organ, and more!

Live set lets you arrange your performances, on the other hand, you desire to bar copying, changing order, or renaming. When a performance is selected, you can without problems register it to a live set. This is ideal for enjoying gigs or even developing your company scheme for performances.

This is one of the quality ways to pick parameters and get hands-on, short of having an analog front panel. You can additionally adjust levels and different facts within a performance. Powered with the aid of proprietary Yamaha technological know-how for data compression and sound playback, awm2 permits awesome record compression without a sound great loss for unparalleled, realistic sound reproduction.

An amazingly sophisticated pure synthesizer engine is successful in producing basic ‘80s or cutting-edge, EDM sound with super dynamic range, electricity, and fidelity. The montage features an 8-operator FM architecture and 128-note polyphony, allowing for a massive array of sound plan options. Every instrument desires excellent content material to encourage creativity.

The Yamaha Montage 8 features a large range of exceptional sounds like a brand-new Yamaha fx premium grand piano, unique new strings, and woodwind, and chooses content from the dx and tx household, all advanced to take benefit of a motion power synthesis motor.

From high-definition reverbs to noticeably distinct virtual circuit modeling (VCM) effects, Yamaha Montage 8 is loaded with DSP innovation, power, and, most importantly, sound quality.

Use effects like beat repeat, vinyl break, or bit crusher to get a current EDM sound. The Yamaha Montage 8 expertly balanced outputs with a “Pure Analog Circuit” (PAC). PAC improves the exceptional of the signal after being converted to analog from digital for clear harmonic copy and even frequency response. The result is an output capable of reproducing the montage’s internal content expressively with energy and clarity.

For USB AUDIO / MIDI connection & a/d input, attach the montage to your pc with a sole USB and seize every nuance of your skill into your daw. Yamaha Montage 8’s effective USB can ship 16 and receive 3 channels of stereo 24-bit/4kHz digital audio to/from your computer or ios device (montage is class compliant, no driver needed), with no different hardware required.

SSS (seamless sound switching) USB can change and get performances seamlessly beside any cut-off in envelope or effects. This is best for stay performances where you quit one track and kHz in some other except stopping. The a/d enters the strategy external audio sources with your instrument’s DSP. Use mics, guitars, or as an input and technique with the inside effects. You can even use these sources with the envelope follower or sidechain for a unique sound.

Also check: Best Beginner Digital Pianos & Keyboards 2024

Features of Yamaha Montage 8

88 fully weighted hammer action keys
AMW2 sample- & synthesis-based engine
FM-x frequency modulation-based engine
128-note stereo polyphony
Motion control synthesis unifies and controls AMW2 and FM-x sound engine
The Super knob controls multiple parameters simultaneously for relatively expressive sound interaction
Send 10/receive four audio channels plus sixteen channels of midi by using a single USB cable
Live sets allow performance enterprise barring copying, changing the order, or renaming
4-part seamless sound switching: change performances whilst protecting notes without sounds or effects cut off.

Sounds

Yamaha Montage 8 has tremendous sounds as well, but it is a unique instrument. One of its defining elements that play into its sound is the super knob, which allows the participant to make dynamic sound adjustments with a single movement of the hand. As we dabbled with it, you can take sounds that tone in reality upfront, and shift deep underground with a single twist. The knob is clean in its action and permits you to have the most suitable manipulation if you favor making refined or extra-intense changes. This is a great feature and gives itself to live performances, mainly EDM or electronic music performances, which is assumed his instrument prospers in.

Specifications of Yamaha Montage 8

88 fully weighted hammer action keys.
AMW2 sample- & synthesis-based engine.
FM-x frequency modulo canvased engine.
128-note stereo polyphony.

Pros

Motion Control Synthesis unifies and controls AWM2 and FM-X sound engines.
Super Knob controls more than one parameter simultaneously for highly expressive sound.
Interactions end 10/receive 4 audio channels plus sixteen channels of MIDI using a single USB cable.
Live Sets enable performance enterprise besides copying, and changing order.
4-Part Seamless Sound Switching: exchange Performances while keeping notes without sound or impact cutoff.

Cons

It’s in some way expensive you need to buy a speaker yourself.

Competition

To maintain their dominant position in the market, several companies are struggling with one another to surpass the competition. The keyboards for the contest are;

Yamaha Montage 6 Synthesizer Workstation vs Yamaha Montage 8 Synthesizer Workstation

Welcome to the new generation of synthesizers from the enterprise that added you to the industry-changing dx and vastly popular motif. Building on the legacy of these two iconic keyboards, Yamaha montage units are another milestone for synthesizers with elegant control, large sound is a series of streamlined workflows all mixed in a powerful keyboard designed to inspire your art.

[sampling frequency = 44.1khz] input: 6 channels (3 stereo channels), output: 32 channels (16 stereo channels) [testing frequency = 44.1khz – 96khz] input: 6 channels (3 stereo channels), output: eight channels (4 stereo channels). Activity control synthesis device unifies and powers two iconic tone engines: awm2 (high-quality waveform and synthesis) and FM-x (FM dern, real regularity modulation synthesis. Motion cycles are tempo synchronized customizable manage series that can be assigned to honestly any synthesizer parameter, and, furnish,h magnificent new approaches to developing sound.

Yamaha Montage6 61-key Synthesizer Workstation, Black

The Motion Control Synthesis Engine unifies and controls two iconic Sound Engines: AWM2 (high-quality waveform and synthesis) and FM-X (modern, pure Frequency Modulation synthesis.)
Motion Sequences are tempo-synchronized, completely customizable control sequences that can be assigned to virtually any synthesizer parameter and provide incredible new ways of creating sound.
Montage features professional, stereo balanced outputs with “Pure Analog Circuit” digital to analog conversion.

Yamaha MOXF6 Music Production Workstation vs Yamaha Montage 8 Synthesizer Workstation

The Yamaha MOXF6 Music Production workstation gives you a 61-key, semi-weighted keyboard that has been signed and adjusted so that you can effortlessly and excessively play a wealthy range of sounds the instrument offers.

Based on a decade of Motifs laptop development, each of the MOXF8 and MOXF6 synths gives you the flagship Motif XF sound engine for most quality, up to 1GB flash reminiscence expandability, superior audio and MIDI computer integration over USB, lightweight, portability, greater sounds, extra effects, Yamaha’s proprietary Virtual Circuit Modeling (VCM), Performance Mode for combining up to four components together into a single MIDI channel, a built-in sequencer, MOXF boasts a prosperous collection of instruelectric-powered includes pianos, electric-powered pianos, strings, wind instruments, orchestral sounds, guitars, basses, and drums, as properly as a broad variety of old and contemporary synth sounds.

Yamaha MOXF6 Music Production Workstation

61 keys (semi-weighted keyboard)
Tone generator: AWM2 + Articulation, polyphony 128
Sequencer capacity: approximately 226,000 sound, note resolution: quarter note / 480, maximum number of simultaneous recording Scioto: 124 sound

Korg Kronos 88-key Synthesizer Workstation vs Yamaha Montage 8 Synthesizer Workstation

Lightweight Workstation with Full Kronos Power.88-note Keyboard Synthesizer Workstation with Semi-weighted Action. Solid-state Internal drive, 8″ Col TouchView Display, Ribbon Controller, and 9 Sound Engines.

Korg Kronos LS 88-Key Synthesizer Workstation

88-note Keyboard Synthesizer Wkstation with Semi-weighted Action
Solid-state Internal Drive
8" Col TouchView Display

Yamaha YC88 88-Key Focused Keyboard vs Yamaha Montage 8 Synthesizer Workstation

8YC stage keyboards function with remarkable sound, expressive contact, and current design. YC is powered using our proprietary Virtual Circuitry Modeling (VCM) organ engine which recreates individual component characters and reproduces basic organ characters and the most vital tone. It all comes with acoustic/electric pianos, and iconic FM synth sounds that Yamaha made famous.

Three keyboard movements are available for extraordinary players: YC61 features 61 semi-weighted “waterfall” keys for organ-focused players, YC73 has 73-key weighted and balanced keys for keyboardists, and YC88 uses an 88-key weighted triple-sensor action with artificial ebony and ivory keytops for pianists.

The VCM Organ engine presents an antique organ character with aid of modeling component-level circuit behavior. VCM Rotary Speaker points two actual rotary speaker sounds with customizable speeds, balances, and more, FM Organ presents pure synth sound with massive low stop and simple drawbar control, and twin Keys Sections supply realistic acoustic & electric pianos, strings, brass & more to actual FM DX EPs & synths, and Nine FX processors let you customize sound on the fly with devoted panel controls.

Yamaha YC88 88-Key, Organ Focused Stage Keyboard

The VCM Organ engine provides vintage organ character by modeling component-level circuit behavior
VCM Rotary Speaker features two authentic rotary speaker sounds with customizable speeds, balances and more
FM Organ provides pure synth sound with massive low end and simple drawbar control

Nord Compact Semi-Weighted Keyboard Headphones vs Yamaha Montage 8 Synthesizer Workstation

The Nord Stage 3 Compact seventy-three Key Semi-Weighted Keyboard is the ultimate instrument for performing musicians. It facets the Nord Lead A1 Synth Engine with sample playback, Nord C2D organ, a radically more desirable Piano Section, and sizable hands-on Effects – all in one fantastic performance keyboard.

Song Mode lets you without problems prepare a crew of Programs for each particular tune in the list. Each piece of music can consist of 5 exclusive Programs, freely assignable from your current Programs. You can create special Song Lists for exclusive bands, names and orders can be easily custom-made on the fly except by connecting them to the computer. The suitable Piano area aspects doubled memory (2 GB) for the extraordinary Nord Piano Library, 120 v ordinary, and innovative Piano Filters.

Nord Stage 3 Compact 73-Key Semi-Weighted Keyboard Bundle...

Bundle Includes: Nord Stage 3 Compact 73-Key Semi-Weighted Keyboard with Physical Drawbars, Adjustable X-Style Keyboard Bench, Adjustable Double X Keyboard Stand, Keyboard Piano Style Sustain Pedal, and Closed Back Over-Ear Headphones (Black)
Keybed: Each Fatar keybed is meticulously calibrated to ensure an even response over the whole range. The Nord Stage 3 Compact Keyboard uses 73 semi weighted organ keys with a rounded waterfall tip, brilliant for rapid organ shredding and synthesizer licks, but also plays nice with piano sounds at key range E-E
Multiple Functions: This keyboard features two super-clear OLED displays for on-stage clarity offering excellent overview when selecting sounds and editing programs, Seamless Transitions when changing programs/sounds, extended Split functionality with optional crossfade, and the addition of the Song List mode

Conclusion on Yamaha Montage 8

Yamaha Montage eight is an 88-key balanced hammer action synthesizer combining state-of-the-art dynamic control, huge sound creation, and streamlined workflow. It is relatively advised. Montage is one of the nice common keyboards on the market today, and the Montage is also one of the fine live keyboards.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a Yamaha Montage 8?

Yamaha Montage 8 is an 88-key balanced hammer action synthesizer combining state-of-the-art dynamic control, huge sound creation, and streamlined workflow. It is incredibly recommended. Montage and Kronos are references that produce first-class Overall keyboards on the market Today. However, Nord Stage three and Montage are the Best live keyboards!

2. How Many Sounds Does Yamaha Montage 8 Have?

Montage 8 points to an 8-operator FM architecture and 128-note polyphony, allowing for a big array of sound layout options. There are over 1900 preset sounds that come with pre-installed Yamaha Montage. Montage SSS works between Performances of up to 8 Parts. Montage has additional assignable outputs. The montage has an interior power supply.

3. Is Montage Eight a Workstation?

Pleasant to the new generation from the organization that added you to DX and Motif. Montage units the subsequent milestone with elegant dynamic control, massive sound advent, and streamlined workflow. Synths and workstations are each unit that produces sound. The distinction is that a synth produces sounds from its inner oscillators, whilst a notebook uses an external MIDI system to create music. Synths offer extra flexibility as they can be used in many distinctive ways.

4. Does Montage 8 Have Built-in Speakers?

No built-in speakers. The polyphony is only 128 notes. The best construction is not top-quality to some competitors. Montages use music to underscore the action that is growing rapidly and the emotions the characters are experiencing.

5. Are Yamaha Montage 8 Weighted Keys?

Yamaha Montage 8 facets an 88-key entirely weighted Balanced Hammer motion with aftertouch. This gives equal resistance for every key across the keyboard and is ideal for taking part in a range of gadgets from acoustic piano to electric piano, synth sounds, organ, and more! sixty-three lbs. 15 oz, Weight: 63 lbs, 15 ounces.

Best Synthesizer Yamaha Montage 8 Review (2024)