Video Tutorial for the Yamaha MODX M

Total Runtime: 2hrs 25mins

View example lesson from our Yamaha MODX M tutorial course.

Overview
This instructional video course is for the Yamaha MODX M Workstation and gives an in-depth explanation of all of the features, menus, and controls that will bring you to a professional level. You will instantly have the knowledge to edit performances and record your own music in a concise list of videos that total nearly 2 and a half hours!

About the Author
Paul Duffey is certified trainer for the last 20+ years. He is also certified trainer and video content provider for other affiliates such as TechnicalLead.com.

Video Lessons List:

Introduction - Runtime 10:55
This video highlights key improvements of the MODX M over the previous MODX, including expanded physical controls such as eight sliders and eight scene buttons for easier real-time performance and editing. The video also introduces the new AN-X virtual analog engine, which provides a dedicated interface for analog-style sound design with parameters like ring modulation, FM, and pulse width. Finally, we'll compare a few features against the Roland Fantom 0 series.

1. Navigating Performances & Live Sets - Runtime 5:20
In this video you'll learn how to quickly navigate sounds using Performance and Live Sets. You'll also learn how to save your own Live Sets in order to quickly access stored favorites. 

2. Category Search - Runtime 3:12
This tutorial explains how to quickly locate sounds in the instrument’s performance library using category and subcategory filters instead of scrolling through multiple pages of presets. Users can filter sounds by instrument type and tonal characteristics, then scroll through the filtered results with a rotary knob to audition each sound. Once a performance is selected, it can be confirmed and taken into the performance editing section for further customization.

3. Using Audition - Runtime 1:35
This tutorial explains how to browse and select performances within the Live Set interface using category search tools to quickly filter sounds by instrument type or performance style. It also introduces the audition button, which plays a short factory-programmed demo phrase so users can preview a sound before selecting it. This feature works both in the main browsing screen and within Live Set, making it faster to evaluate performances without fully loading them.

4. Scene Functions - Runtime 6:57
This tutorial explains how Scenes on the Yamaha MODX M allow users to store and instantly recall different parameter settings within a single performance. Up to eight scenes can change elements such as arpeggiator patterns, mixer levels, part mutes, filter settings, and the initial position of the Super Knob. This makes it easy to switch between different musical variations or sound configurations in real time during a performance.

5. Selecting Arp Patterns in Scenes - Runtime 6:37
The video tutorial provides a detailed walkthrough on how to use scenes within a performance on the Yamaha MODX synthesizer to switch between different arpeggiator patterns. These scenes allow users to change parameters such as playback styles, mixer settings, arpeggiator sequences, and super knob configurations within a single performance, offering dynamic control during live play or sound design.

6. Quick Edit Knobs & Part Control - Runtime 16:18
This video provides a detailed tutorial on navigating and using parameter controls, part selection, and effects within the Yamaha MODX M synthesizer performance mode, specifically focusing on a dual super saw patch. The core concepts revolve around managing multiple parts within a performance, adjusting individual and common parameters, and utilizing arpeggiators and motion sequences to shape sound dynamically.

7. Mute Solo Functions - Runtime 3:10
This video segment explains the mute functionality and slider controls on a performance mixer panel, focusing on the behavior of sliders and the use of part select buttons for muting individual parts of a mix.

8. Assign Knob Controls - Runtime 4:03
This video tutorial explains the functionality and usage of assignment knobs on a synthesizer or music workstation, focusing on how these knobs control various parameters within a performance setup. It builds on previous knowledge of parameter knobs and introduces how the assignment button and related controls allow users to customize and manage multiple parameter adjustments.

9. Motion Sequencer - Runtime 7:12
This video provides a detailed walkthrough on using the MODX M’s motion sequencer, a feature that allows parameter modulation in a step-sequenced manner rather than traditional note sequencing. The presenter guides users through accessing, editing, and customizing motion sequences within the MODX M synthesizer.

10. Super Knob Assignments & Motion Sequencer - Runtime 4:47
This video tutorial explains the use and functionality of the Super Knob in a synthesizer environment, emphasizing its role as a powerful macro controller capable of manipulating multiple parameters simultaneously. The Super Knob can control up to 16 parameters at once, consolidating control of various individual knobs into one master control.

11. Effects Section - Runtime 9:27
This video provides an in-depth explanation of the effects section in the Yamaha MODX M synthesizer, emphasizing its structure, functionality, and flexibility within performances. It guides users through navigating and editing effects, highlighting how these contribute to the overall sound design.

12. Splits & Layers - Runtime 5:51
This video tutorial demonstrates how to set up keyboard splits and layers on the Yamaha MODX M synthesizer, focusing on combining piano and string sounds within a single performance. The instructor uses the factory preset CFX Concert piano as the base and shows how to layer string sounds to enrich the texture or create a keyboard split to assign different sounds to different key ranges.

13. AWM Sound Engine Overview - Runtime 4:59
This video provides an overview of the sound editing capabilities in the Yamaha MODX M synthesizer, focusing primarily on its different sound engines. The MODX M uses three primary sound engines to create its wide range of sounds: AWM (Advanced Wave Memory), FM (Frequency Modulation), and the AN-X analog engine. Each sound engine offers distinct characteristics and is often combined within a single performance to enhance the tonal complexity and realism of the instruments.

14. AWM Sound Engine Overview - Runtime 5:09
This video provides an introduction to frequency modulation (FM) synthesis, specifically focusing on the FMX engine used in the MODX M series synthesizers. The tutorial uses a preset from the live set to demonstrate how the FMX engine functions and how to navigate its interface for sound design.

15. ANX Analog Synth Engine Overview - Runtime 9:05
This video provides a detailed explanation of the ANX engine, the analog synthesizer engine integrated into the Yamaha MODX M. Unlike its predecessor MODX, the MODX M includes this dedicated analog synth engine, which emulates the behavior and sound characteristics of traditional analog synthesizers.

16. Isolating Oscillators - Runtime 3:14
This video tutorial provides a detailed guide on how to edit individual oscillator parameters within the ANX engine and MODX M synthesizers. The tutorial emphasizes practical techniques to isolate and manipulate oscillator settings for clearer sound design.

17. OSC EG & LFO - Runtime 7:39
This video tutorial focuses on editing LFO (Low-Frequency Oscillator) and EG (Envelope Generator) settings for oscillators in a Synth Brass patch, specifically oscillator number three (OSC3). The presenter guides through adjusting pitch and other sound parameters over time, demonstrating how to shape sounds dynamically using these modulation tools.

18. Wave Folder - Runtime 1:50
This video tutorial focuses on wave folding, a parameter used in synthesizer engines to modify the harmonic content and tonal characteristics of oscillator sounds. The example is demonstrated using a synth performance, specifically targeting Oscillator 3 to isolate the effect of wave folding on the sound output.

19. Pattern Sequence Setup - Runtime 7:32
This video provides a detailed walkthrough of the pattern sequencing feature on the Yamaha MODX M synthesizer, focusing on how to create, record, and manage musical patterns for song creation. Unlike a traditional linear sequencer found in DAWs, MODX M’s pattern sequencer allows users to stack and link chunks of musical phrases (patterns) to build songs.

20. Recording Arpeggiators - Runtime 4:20
This video tutorial demonstrates how to record an arpeggiator into a pattern within a music production environment, emphasizing workflow efficiency and key settings for optimal recording. The instructor uses a project structured as a collection of patterns or musical phrases, arranged into tracks and scenes, which is fundamental for song arrangement.

21. Recording Drum Patterns - Runtime 4:30
This video tutorial provides a detailed walkthrough on how to record drum patterns using a synthesizer or groove workstation, focusing on workflow optimization and saving settings to avoid losing configurations. The process is compared to recording an arpeggiator but highlights key differences in initialization and setup.

22. Realtime Recording Baselines - Runtime 5:02
The video tutorial focuses on real-time recording of a bassline within a music production setup, emphasizing the use of manual performance input over automated patterns such as arpeggiators or drum patterns. The instructor walks through the process of selecting and recording a synth bass part, configuring relevant settings, and ensuring the correct track is targeted for recording.

23. Chain & Song Overdub Record - Runtime 12:13
This tutorial demonstrates how to arrange musical patterns and scenes in the Yamaha MODX M by copying, editing, and chaining phrases to build a structured song. It shows how to modify tracks within scenes, remove unwanted elements, and create smooth transitions using the scene and chain features. The video also explains how to overdub live performances on top of arranged patterns to add expressive layers without affecting existing data.