WORLD OF MUSIC ; PORTABLE KEYBOARD - Latest Portable Music Keyboards, Synthesizers and Music News

Yamaha has officially introduced the MODX+, a major update to their MODX line of portable synthesizers that brings the synth’s capabilities closer to their flagship Montage line.

The MODX was launched in September 2018 being inspired by their top end, MONTAGE workstation keyboards but arriving at a much more affordable price point through different choices of materials (plastics rather than metals) and chipping away at memory, ins and outs and other ‘pro’ luxury features to deliver keyboards that to a closed eye did the same job but delivered far less wallet shock.

Now four years later the MODX+ range is officially revealed.

The updated MODX+ line features three keyboards: MODX8+, MODX7+ and MODX6+. Each of the synths offer more memory, greater polyphony and improved haptics over their MODX counterparts.

Yamaha MODX+ Upgrades

The three new synthesizers feature 1.75 GB of internal flash memory, an upgrade of 75 percent compared to the original models, giving you more space for custom samples and synth sound libraries. The MODX+ synths also offer more polyphony, with 128- note stereo AWM2 and 128-note FM-X polyphony.

The sound on board is AWM2 sample based (the MONTAGE is famous for its one-keyboard-does-it-all orchestra, brass, pianos and more) plus advanced FM-X for FM synth tones.

Yamaha says that they’ve also improved the line’s haptics, by rubber-coating both the modulation and pitch bend wheels for better grip and control, giving the MODX+ more of the Montage feel.

Other Features:

The MODX+ improvements build on an already-powerful synth engine.

MODX+ still features both sound engines: AWM2 stereo samples for natural-sounding instruments, and FM-X frequency modulation synthesis for synth sounds. The MODX+ also allows for up to 13 simultaneous Dual Insert effects and three additional Master effects to shape your sounds.

Seamless Sound Switching prevents notes from cutting off when switching to a different performance. The extensive sound library covers original sounds as well as compatibility with MONTAGE, MOTIF XS/XF, MOXF and even DX and TX sounds (via the free FM converter available at YamahaSynth.com). With Motion Control and a programmable matrix, these sounds can be dynamically performed, mixed and combined.

Three Yamaha MODX+ Models:

The Yamaha MODX+ series features three different models, with keyboards tailored for different types of players:

MODX6+: features 61 semi-weighted keys for sound designers and producers wanting deep synthesis capabilities;

MODX7+: features 76 semi-weighted keys for keyboardists needing a wide variety of sound, including all the layering and splitting they might need.

MODX8+: features 88 graded hammer keys for players that want an authentic acoustic piano touch.

The Yamaha MODX8+, MODX7+ and MODX6+ are available immediately, pricing:

MODX6+: $1,699.00        MODX8+: $2,499.00

MODX7+: $1,999.00       More information can be found on the Yamaha website.

Tiptop Audio and Buchla USA have announced that the Model 245t Sequential Voltage Source – a Euro-format version of the classic Buchla step sequencer – is now shipping.

With the 200 Series project, Buchla has teamed up with Tiptop Audio to resume production of Don Buchla’s 200 series, but adapted to the popular Eurorack standard.

What they shared in their update:

“The modules are packed and are now starting to ship to our dealers. The module is $245, pre orders will be open shortly worldwide, so please follow up with your favorite dealer.

Although we couldn’t fill the entire backlog, we managed to source parts to make a decent size run of these and we hope most of you will be able to get her/his order fulfilled. A follow up batch is in planning stage already too. We highly recommend checking the 245t user manual, to get to know this lovely module well.

Alongside the 245t, dealers are getting fresh stock of Model 281t Quad Function Generator. Production quantity is close to overall backorders so hopefully most of you will get your order fulfilled.”

The next module in their Buchla Eurorack line is the Model 257t Dual Voltage Processor, which they expect to ship by the end of September.

The Model 245t Sequential Voltage Source is available now to pre-order via Perfect Circuit and other vendors, priced at $245.

Find out details on the Tiptop website.

It used to be that software had all the fun, being easily upgradable, always evolving and ready to kick audio dust into the face of crusty old hardware less able to move with the times.

These days, however, you can have the best of all worlds, with a dedicated machine fulfilling a dedicated role (be it sequencer, synth and more) with its brains sufficiently opened up to new ideas and new ways of making music.

And Roland’s TR-S series drum machines are perhaps the most notable examples of such fresh, expandable hard+software combinations with new upgrades over the years adding sounds and features to help keep the hardware ageless.

And here are two new such upgrades – the V2.5 firmware for the TR-8S and V1.5 for (smaller, less-featured) the TR-6S.

New sounds

The most exciting for any drum machine is the addition of new sounds, and after adding FM-derived tones in the last upgrade now these six FM sounds are fully editable with multiple parameters spread across the TR8-S’s plentiful edit knobs.

Previously the FM tones featured a simple Morph setting to introduce some variation. V2.5’s new six FM sounds are therefore actually much more than ‘six’ sounds, each being a fully editable drum model with controls such as FM Depth, FM Ratio, Feedback, Color and more.

In addition, there’s a model for kick, snare, toms, claps, percussion and metallic cymbal (ideal for hi-hats and cymbals) each with the power to bend the source default sound far into the realms of its neighbours.

It’s really launching the TRs into drum synth territory with gritty and nasty sounds previously unattainable from an all-digital kit now being within your grasp.

New effects

Two new effects are a Ha-Dou reverb, being a familiar Roland/Boss reverb available across its hardware ranges, best described as a subtle plate-like wet reverb that introduces welcome, pitch modulation and natural frequencies and movement to what could otherwise be a monotonous predictable machine drum tone.

Pitch Delay on the other hand can be anything but subtle, giving retriggering of drum sounds at different pitches to create complex, unpredictable and unexpected new rhythms and ‘happy accidents’ through application and experimentation.

On the master bus, there are two new effects to enjoy.

A new Vinyl Master FX effect does exactly what you’d expect, adding analogue warmth and fuzz to a machine that’s obviously 100% digital. Teamed with the classic analogue sounds recreated on board it’s a helpful further step to making your TR-8S sound just that little bit more like a TR-808.

And if you’re after something a little more upfront, the new Master Fattener does exactly what it says on the tin and makes your drum tracks subtly ‘slammable’, increasing transient impacts, pumping with a little compression and giving a wider, fuller stereo field. Once you’ve switched it on, you might never go back.

Probability-based randomizer

Lastly, there’s an intriguing randomizer for self-programming with two layers of probability. Set the parameters and let the machine generate a pattern to your rules, with the results being as predictable and sensible as you want or crazier than the human mind could rightfully devise. Set probability parameters to zero and that part will never play. Set to 100% and it will always play.

In addition, a new ‘random kit’ feature which will mix up the sounds from the various kits on board. Perfect next time you’re looking for ‘that kick’ and ‘that snare’ but just can’t find a combo that works with your rhythm. So, in order to cater for the new features in hardware there’s a new V1.5 version of its TR-EDITOR plugin for your DAW as well, giving control of the hardware’s ever-increasing features in easier, well laid-out, virtual-knobbed form. To download and update your Roland unit go to the TR-8S and TR-6S webpages to get V2.5 and 1.5 respectively. To get your hands on the TR-EDITOR V1.5 head over to the Roland Cloud.