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It looks like we are getting closer to the launch of the new version of Yamaha’s Montage,  and there’s speculation that it’ll come with a new AN1x-style virtual analogue engine.

Yamaha has shared a sneak preview of a new ‘next generation’ Montage synthesizer.

In July, the company announced that they were retiring the original Yamaha Montage. At the time, they said that a next generation Montage will be coming in October.

The Montage, originally introduced in 2016, has been Yamaha’s flagship synthesizer, offered with three types of keyboards. In 2018, they introduced the MODX, a mid-range keyboard synth line, based on the same technology platform as the Montage.

Yamaha Synth has uploaded a selection of images to its website, and their file names suggest that the new instrument will be called the Montage M. There’s what looks like a sizeable touchscreen, and the Montage’s very handy SuperKnob macro controller appears to be also making a return.

The question is what’s going on under the hood. We’d expect Yamaha’s AWM2 waveform-based subtractive synthesis and FM-X engines to be retained, but there’s also speculation that an engine based on the company’s AN1x synth could be landing.

A late ‘90s classic, this was a retro-inspired virtual analogue keyboard that built up a loyal fanbase. Rumours of its return were sparked back in 2022 when Yamaha applied to trademark the AN-X name in relation to “electronic musical keyboards, electronic pianos and music synthesizers.”

We’ve seen no sign of the name since, so an appearance inside the Montage M is certainly possible, and maybe even likely. There are certainly some big analogue-esque sounds among the impressive audio demos, adding audible fuel to the fire.

Yamaha has also shared some audio demos of the new synth:

More audio demos are available at the Yamaha Synth website.

An official announcement on the new ‘next generation’ Montage line is expected to come next month.

The latest Off The Matrix video demonstrates this – and shows how Yamaha’s DX synthesizers were designed to support expressive control options that can make sounds come alive.

FM brass sounds have a reputation for being cheesy and unexpressive. This is less a reflection of FM synthesis, though, and more a reflection of the way keyboard players tend to approach performance.

Watch the video and share your thoughts in the comments!

Yamaha has announced 2 new finger drumming pads in the shape of the FGDP-50 and FGDP-30.

Both FGDP finger drum pad designed to capitalise on the increasing popularity of tabletop beat performing, each model features a core setup of 18 pads, with the FGDP-50 also offering a further eight RGB-lighted pads, a display, flash drive support for playback/recording and note repeat.

The layout is to be conducive to three-finger drumming, with the thumb triggering the kick, the index finger firing the snare and the middle finger powering the hi-hat. The pads are velocity-sensitive, and pushing down on one mutes the sound (useful for creating cymbal choke effects, for example).

As regards to sounds, Yamaha has reconfigured the ones from its DTX modules for the new pads. These are said to have been optimised for playing with fingers rather than sticks, with special focus put on how they respond to different velocities.

The sound libraries are well-stocked: there are 1,500 voices and 48 preset kits inside the FGDP-50, and 1,212 voices and 39 preset kits in the FGDP-30.

Both FGDP pads can operate completely standalone thanks to their built-in 2.5w speakers and rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. Besides, you can also use them as MIDI controllers via the USB port, which also outputs audio and enables playback from another device so that you can jam along.

Yamaha FGDP-50 and FGDP-30 priced at MSRP: $387.60 and $258.40 respectively. Find out more on the Yamaha website.