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Description
Product Name: Yamaha Montage 8
Category: Musical Instruments > Keyboards, Synthesizers & MIDI > Synthesizers & Sound Modules > Synthesizers
Following the iconic legacy of the DX and the Motif, the Yamaha Montage 8 synthesizer ushers in a new era of dynamic control and sound creation, setting a new milestone in the world of synthesizers. This powerful keyboard is designed to inspire creativity, offering sophisticated control, a massive sound creation, and a streamlined workflow, all in one package.
The Montage 8 features Yamaha's Motion Control Synthesis Engine, unifying and controlling two iconic Sound Engines: AWM2 and FM-X. This allows for deep, dynamic, and incredibly expressive sound creation. Its Super Knob offers dynamic sound changes, controlling multiple parameters simultaneously. The Montage 8 also includes an Envelope Follower, converting audio into a control source for virtually any synthesizer parameter.
The synthesizer is powered by Yamaha's own proprietary AWM2 technology for data compression and sound playback, offering unparalleled, realistic sound reproduction. It also features an 8-operator FM architecture and 128-note polyphony, providing a massive array of sound design options.
Key Features:
- Motion Control Synthesis Engine: Unifies and controls two iconic Sound Engines: AWM2 and FM-X
- Super Knob: Create dynamic sound changes controlling multiple parameters simultaneously
- Envelope Follower: Converts audio into a control source for almost any synthesizer parameter
- AWM2: Powered by Yamaha's proprietary technology for data compression and sound playback, allowing for tremendous data compression without sound quality loss
- FM-X: An 8-operator FM architecture and 128-note polyphony for massive sound design options
- USB Audio/MIDI Connection: Connects to your computer with a single USB cable, capturing every nuance of your creativity into your DAW
- SSS (Seamless Sound Switching): Allows for seamless performance changes without any cut-off in envelope or effects
- Physical Controls: Includes a color touch screen and eight rotary encoders and faders with stepladder LEDs
- Direct Control Assignment: Assigns controls at the touch of a button
- Cubase AI bundle: Bundled with Cubase AI, Steinberg's professional music production application that offers integrated recording and editing.
Product specs
| Brand | Yamaha |
| Model | Montage 8 Flagship 88-Key Synthesizer, Montage 8 Flagship Synthesizer |
| Finish | Black, White |
| Year | 2019 - 2025 |
| Made In | Japan |
| Categories | Digital Synthesizers, Keyboard Synths |
| Analog / Digital | Digital |
| Key Size | Full Size |
| Keyboard Action | Weighted |
| MIDI I/O | MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through, USB MIDI |
| Number of Keys | 88 Keys |
| Polyphony | 256 Voices |
FAQs
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Does the Yamaha Montage 8 have weighted keys?
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Yes, the Yamaha Montage 8 features an 88-key fully-weighted Balanced Hammer action with aftertouch, providing equal resistance across the keyboard, ideal for playing a range of instruments from acoustic piano to synth sounds.
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Is the Yamaha Montage 8 suitable for live performances?
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Absolutely, the Yamaha Montage 8 is designed with live performance in mind, offering extensive sound capabilities and intuitive controls, making it a top choice for professional stage use.
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How many voices of polyphony does the Yamaha Montage 8 offer?
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The Yamaha Montage 8 provides 256 voices of polyphony, allowing for complex compositions and rich sound layering without note dropouts.
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What connectivity options are available on the Yamaha Montage 8?
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The Yamaha Montage 8 includes MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through, and USB MIDI, ensuring seamless integration with other MIDI devices and computer-based setups.
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Does the Yamaha Montage 8 support sound design and synthesis?
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Yes, the Yamaha Montage 8 is equipped with advanced synthesis capabilities, including the Motion Control Synthesis Engine, which combines AWM2 and FM-X sound engines for versatile sound creation.
Videos
Sweetwater
Yamaha Montage 8 Keyboard Synthesizer Demo by Sweetwater
Reviews
PROS
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Easy to grasp interface, quick to start-up
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Fully weighted keys on Montage 8 provide superior feel
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Touchscreen and menu format enhance accessibility
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Robust sound engine with broad tweakability
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Durable, designed for live performances with "body guard" protection
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"Super Knob" offers unique control capabilities
CONS
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Missing sequencer and sampling features for studio use
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Sound improvements over Motif XF are minimal considering the price
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Faders may not immediately respond for layer volume adjustments
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Stacking 8 layers can lead to note cutouts
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Transport buttons cannot be mapped for external MIDI
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Super Knob durability issues reported
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha Montage 8.
User experience
Comparisons
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The Roland Fantom 8 is slightly lighter than the Montage 8, while the Fantom 0 series is notably easier to transport due to its lighter build.
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The M8X feels more modern with a more responsive UI compared to the original Montage 8, though the difference isn't drastic.
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While the Montage M8X is seen as attractive for its onboard sounds, some users find the immediacy and control of hardware like the Yamaha CK61 more appealing for live performances.
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The MODX+ retains the same synth engines as the Montage but features a lighter, all-plastic build, making it significantly more portable.
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Use cases and applications
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The Montage 8's extensive sound library with 88 weighted keys is praised, but portability is a major issue for gigging musicians.
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Users found that turning on a Montage M and waiting for boot-up is comparable to launching a VST, favoring its low-latency response for immediate play.
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The MODX+ is recommended for those prioritizing portability and budget, despite having fewer controls compared to the Montage.
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Setup and maintenance
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Adding a road case can increase the total transport weight by 20-30 lbs, further complicating gigging logistics.
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Features and functionality
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Owners appreciate the included softsynth plugin, enhancing portability by allowing functionality transfer to a laptop.
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The Montage M8X offers a significant polyphony increase to 400 voices, which could be beneficial for complex compositions, though not essential for all users.
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The FSX keybed in the Montage M6/M7 is praised for its solid build and ease of use, outperforming the MODX 6/7 in feel and quality.
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The Montage M includes AN-X synthesis, allowing sound creation not possible with the original Montage or MODX, which both utilize sample-based and FM synthesis.
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Build quality
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The Montage M8X features black keys with a fake wood grain texture, providing a premium tactile feel that some users appreciate.
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Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 3 Reviews and 16 Ratings
36
A rock!
Deeper than most people are willing to go. Covers all of the bases. Very little that it can't do.
144
Amazing sounding keyboard
Use it for almost anything....I just wish the super knob would not break every once in a while
Artist usage
Add artist
In this Instagram story from Audien, he can be seen playing with a Yamaha Montage synth with the caption:
satisfying
The placement of the knobs and buttons relative to the keyboard keys indicates it is the Montage 8 version of the synth.
Bruno Mars uses the Yamaha Montage 8 keyboard, as evidenced by a live performance captured on video during his "Die With A Smile" concert in Jakarta and Las Vegas with Lady Gaga playing on it. In the video, the branding of the keyboard is obscured, but the instrument is identifiable.
In the video "Logic gives a tour of his gaming house and studio" you can see the Yamaha Montage 8 sitting on the floor.
In this FaceBook photo (March 8, 2022), Tori Amos shows her keyboard setup for her 2022 Ocean to Ocean Tour (starting March 11, 2022 at The London Palladium in London). The left side of the photo shows her Yamaha Montage 8.
https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=512355826926787&set=pcb.512357633593273
Matt Johnson uses the Yamaha Montage 8 synthesizer, as noted on Yamaha's official product description page.
Modern day Minoru runs a dual Yamaha Montage setup as he composes melodies for Japanese transit systems.
David Bryan is confirmed to use a Yamaha Montage 8, as demonstrated by a photograph showing him with the instrument.
Album Usage
The Yamaha Montage 8 has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Yamaha Montage 8, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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