The Motion Control Synthesis Engine is a programmable control matrix for creating deep, dynamic and expressive sound. With Motion Control, you can create new sounds that were not possible possible on previous hardware synthesizers. It is truly a new world of synthesis.
One of the great advantages of any product is their relentless design team, which routinely issues model upgrades and improvements. Released in September 2016, the version 1.2 iteration offers you MONTAGE Connect, a free VST3/AU plug-in and standalone PC/MAC application that offers user arpeggio creation, performance recorder loop playback, separate USB connection monitor volume setting and Super Knob control via MIDI CC message.
On the computer side is MONTAGE Connect, a free VST3/AU plug-in and standalone PC/MAC application that integrates MONTAGE with popular DAW software like Cubase, Logic, Live!, Studio One, Reaper, ProTools and others. You can capture and recall a MONTAGE Performance within a DAW project, transfer MONTAGE Performance Recordings to DAW project via drag-and-drop, load and save MONTAGE bulk files (".X7B"), and organize MONTAGE Performances as VST3 Presets in the Cubase Media Bay/Sound Browser (Cubase only).
The Super Knob
With the Super Knob you can ceate dynamic sound changes by controlling multiple parameters simultaneously, which provides a wide open palette for sound creation and sound behavior.
As an example, you can change your listening position from right in front of an instrument to in the back seat of a concert hall, or you can change the character of a Performance from atmospheric and mellow to rhythmic and edgy. The Super Knob can be assigned to a second FC7 foot controller, making it easy to manipulate the sound when playing with both hands.
Motion Sequences
Motion Sequences are tempo-synchronized, customizable control sequences that can be assigned to any synthesizer parameter and provide creative new ways of programming sound. Motion Sequences also have dedicated controls on the front panel making it easy to manipulate and change in real-time, providing incredible interactivity and expression.
Massive Sound Creation
MONTAGE’s two Iconic Sound Engines modernized for amazing sound playback and complex sound design. Powered by proprietary technology for data compression and sound playback, AWM2 allows tremendous data compression without sound quality loss for realistic sound reproduction.
MONTAGE features nearly 10 times the waveform capacity of the MOTIF XF, allowing more samples per instrument for incredibly realistic and nuanced sound. Included with your MONTAGE is 1.75 GB of user flash memory with high speed reading/writing for your own custom samples or synth libraries from yamahasynth.com.
From the FM-X side, you get a sophisticated synthesizer engine capable of producing classic ‘80s or cutting-edge EDM sound with great dynamic range, power and fidelity. MONTAGE features an 8-operator FM architecture and 128-note polyphony, allowing for a massive array of sound design options.
Content is King
Every instrument needs great content to inspire creativity, and MONTAGE features a huge range of incredible sounds like a brand-new CFX Premium Grand Piano, detailed new strings and woodwinds and select content from the DX and TX family, all modernized to take advantage of the Motion Control Synthesis Engine.
MONTAGE is directly compatible with Motif XF Voices. is developing an FM converter to make it compatible with DX7 Series Voices as well. And as part of the MONTAGE introduction, is pleased to offer a detailed sample of a Bösendorfer Imperial Premium Grand Piano.
Effects
From high definition reverbs to detailed Virtual Circuit Modeling (VCM) effects, MONTAGE is loaded with DSP innovation, power and, most importantly, sound quality. Use effects like Beat Repeat, Vinyl Break or Bit Crusher to get a modern EDM sound. You can even add a compressor with sidechain for a modern “ducking” effect. Or go retro with vintage effects like Analog Delay, VCM Phaser or a variety of Amp Simulators. Piano players will appreciate piano-focused effects like Damper Resonance for a super-realistic piano experience and the HD reverbs that let you put yourself in any performance space.
Pure Analog Circuit
MONTAGE features professional balanced outputs with “Pure Analog Circuit” (PAC). PAC improves the quality of signal after being converted to analog from digital for clear harmonic reproduction and even frequency response. The result is an output capable of reproducing MONTAGE’s internal content expressively with power and clarity.
USB Audio/MIDI Connection
Connect MONTAGE to your computer with a single USB cable and capture every nuance of your creativity into your DAW. MONTAGE’s powerful USB driver can send 16 and receive three channels of STEREO 24-bit/44.1 kHz digital audio to/from your computer or iOS device (MONTAGE is class compliant, no driver needed!), no other hardware required.The USB connection also features full MIDI support of 16 channels. MONTAGE supports the sampling rate up to 192 kHz.
A/D Input
The A/D input processes external audio sources with your instrument’s DSP. Use mics, guitars or any line source as an input and process with the internal effects. You can even use these sources with the Envelope Follower or Sidechain to create your own unique sounds.
Physical Control
MONTAGE features a comprehensive set of physical controls for intuitive music making and sound creation. Including a color touch screen, eight Rotary Encoders and Faders with Stepladder LEDs next to the faders that indicate position, making it easy to see where your current mix position is.
Keyboard Action
MONTAGE6 and 7 feature the premium FSX semi-weighted synthesizer action with aftertouch in 61 and 76 keys respectively.
Cubase AI bundle
MONTAGE is bundled with Cubase AI, Steinberg's professional music production application that offers integrated recording and editing.
76-key, semi-weighted action with aftertouch Incredibly vast library Super Knob controller Tempo-synchronized control sequences Massive waveform capacity World-class effects USB/MIDI with three channels of stereo audio
sets a new standard. Order soon.
Custom Guitar's Friend Gold Coverage
Gold Coverage goes above and beyond the manufacturer's warranty to protect your gear from unexpected breakdowns, accidental damage from handling and failures. This plan covers your product for one, two, three or up to five years from your date of purchase, costs just pennies per day and gives you a complete "no-worry" solution for protecting your investment.
Gold Coverage Includes:
Unexpected and unintentional spills, drops and cracks Normal wear and tear Power surges Dust, internal heat and humidityOther plan features include:
For products over $200, No Lemon Policy applies. If it fails for the same defect 3 times, it is replaced on the 4th breakdown. (Does not apply to failures due to drops, spills, and cracks) For products under $200 experiencing the above failures, a Custom Guitar's Friend gift card will be issued for the full price of the product + tax. Shipping fees covered if required for repair or replacement Plans are transferable in the event merchandise is sold Plans are renewable on new gear*Limitations and exclusions apply. See terms and conditions for program details
Term for New Gear begins on date of purchase but does not replace the store return policy or manufacturer coverage.
Displaying reviews 1-2
Back to top
I bought the Montage 7 a few weeks ago and am still blown away by the sound quality and features! The fidelity is amazing! Certainly an big upgrade from the Motif. I also really like the added FM-X sound engine and terrific DX sounds this adds to this instrument. The "Audition" button is a great idea. Now I can hear exactly what the programmers had in mind with each sound! With the Super Knob, the 2 assign buttons, and the expressions wheels and motion control you can, on the fly, add many wonderful elements to your sound and song. Seamless Sound Switching lets each sound sustain your current sound until you touch the keyboard with your next sound. HUGE! Also the Live Set page is perfect for the gigging musician. Certainly the best sounding, featured synth Ive ever seen! Love it!Yamaha Montage 7 76-Key Flagship Synthesizer
.My rating is really 4.25 if allowed. Sound and expressiveness is king at the end of the day and Montage gets a true solid 5. The sounds and clarity of this instrument is just astounding. I have a pair of Adam A7X monitors that I use for my keyboards and they are enough to really let this board shine (not high end but respectable monitors). But, add this to the dynamics and expressiveness the Montage offers and you really stop feeling like you're playing a keyboard or synthesizer and you're really playing an instrument! Spill over.. Finally!!! the Arp and motion control are very musical and really, really good. My only grips are with the meaning.. its not terrible by any means.. but functions just don't seem to be where I would expect them.. good luck doing your first OS upgrade.. you likely won't find it on your own ... I had to rely on someone asking how to do it on the yamaha forum. Another thing I don't like is that there are no numbers associated with presets. So as you go, good luck remembering or finding what you like... that is very, very frustrating.. I hope the OS improves as the product matures.. Oh, also wanted to mention that the feel of the keys are the best I've ever felt... perfect synth action keybed in my opinion.. just feels great!
Yamaha Montage 7 76-Key Flagship Synthesizer
.