Yamaha

Yamaha MONTAGE M8X 88-Key Music Synthesizer

88 weighted keys with per-note polyphonic aftertouch for expressive playing

88-key weighted GEX keyboard with polyphonic aftertouch
AWM2, FM-X and AN-X engines with up to 400 notes of combined polyphony
3,487 Performances and 11.29 GiB of preset waveforms (16-bit linear)
Super Knob, Motion Sequencer, ribbon controller and 16-Part hands-on control
USB audio interface with 6 inputs and 32 outputs at 44.1 kHz

MRP~~₹4,36,990~~10% OFF

YMS Price₹3,93,291

Taxes included.

Yamaha MONTAGE M8x 88-Key Synthesizer with Polyphonic Aftertouch

The Yamaha MONTAGE M8x is the 88-key model in Yamaha's MONTAGE M synthesizer series, and the only one in the range with the GEX keyboard. This weighted action adds polyphonic aftertouch, so pressure on each held key can shape that note on its own, alongside AWM2, FM-X and AN-X synthesis with up to 400 notes of polyphony.

It is aimed at pianists, composers, synthesists and producers who want a full 88-key weighted keyboard and per-note expression in one instrument. A 6-in/32-out USB audio interface, DAW Remote control and the Expanded Softsynth Plugin connect it closely to computer-based production.

Key Features

AWM2, FM-X and AN-X polyphony of the Yamaha MONTAGE M series

Three Engines and Up to 400 Notes in the MONTAGE M8x

AWM2 sample-based synthesis with up to 128 Elements per Part, eight-operator FM-X with 88 algorithms and the AN-X virtual analogue engine all run together. Yamaha quotes 128 notes each for AWM2 Preset and User Waveform Parts, 128 for FM-X and 16 for AN-X – up to 400 notes in total – so dense layered Performances rarely run out of voices.

AN-X Virtual Analogue Engine

AN-X gives three oscillators with five waveforms (two saws, triangle, square and sine) plus a noise generator, two filters with 10 filter types, and voltage drift and ageing settings for vintage-style instability. With OS v2.0 Yamaha added an AN-X Wave Folder and AN-X Smart Morph, which uses machine learning to generate new AN-X sounds.

GEX keyboard with polyphonic aftertouch on the Yamaha MONTAGE M8x

GEX Keyboard with 88-Key Polyphonic Aftertouch

The MONTAGE M8x introduced Yamaha's GEX keyboard, which Yamaha describes as its first keyboard to offer polyphonic aftertouch across 88 keys. New key sensors read pressure on each key individually, so you can apply modulation to a single note in a chord while the others stay steady. The weighted action also offers key-repetition behaviour of the kind found in grand pianos, plus a synthetic ebony and ivory key finish.

Part, Keyboard Control and Scene buttons on the Yamaha MONTAGE M

16 Parts with Motion Control

Dedicated Part, Keyboard Control and Scene buttons manage all 16 Parts of a Performance. Motion Control adds the Super Knob, which Yamaha says can move up to 280 parameters at once, a Motion Sequencer running up to 8+1 sequences, Audio Beat Sync and an Envelope Follower that turns audio from the A/D input or another Part into a modulation source.

Pure Analog Circuit 2 inside the Yamaha MONTAGE M

Pure Analog Circuit 2 and Balanced Outputs

Pure Analog Circuit 2 lowers noise and improves dynamic range, crosstalk, low-frequency phase and distortion for cleaner output at any level. Balanced 6.3 mm TRS main outputs and a separate pair of balanced assignable outputs feed a mixer or monitors directly, with a 6.3 mm headphone jack for practice.

Navigation overview screen on the Yamaha MONTAGE M touchscreen

Dual Displays and Fast Navigation on the MONTAGE M8x

A 7-inch colour touchscreen with six display knobs is joined by a second 512 × 64 LCD for quick edits. The PAGE JUMP button moves what is on the small display to the touchscreen for deeper editing, and the NAVIGATION button shows an overview of the Performance where touching any block jumps straight to its parameters.

6-in/32-out USB audio interface of the Yamaha MONTAGE M

6-In/32-Out USB Audio and DAW Remote

A single USB cable carries MIDI and multichannel audio: 6 inputs and 32 outputs at 44.1 kHz, or 6 inputs and 8 outputs at up to 192 kHz, ready for multitrack recording of separate Parts. A dedicated DAW Remote button lets the synth control the mixer, transport and plugins in DAWs such as Cubase, Logic, Pro Tools and Live.

Expanded Softsynth Plugin for the Yamaha MONTAGE M

Expanded Softsynth Plugin for MONTAGE M

Registered owners can download the Expanded Softsynth Plugin (VST3 and AU), which recreates the MONTAGE M sound engine inside a DAW. It lets you create, edit and mix Performances on your computer, with or without the MONTAGE M8x connected, and with OS v3.0 its parameters can also be controlled from the hardware's DAW Remote ESP Control tab.

Watch & Hear It

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between polyphonic aftertouch on the M8x and channel aftertouch on the M6 and M7?

Polyphonic aftertouch on the M8x lets pressure on each held key modulate that note individually. The MONTAGE M6 and M7 use the FSX keyboard with channel aftertouch; the GEX keyboard with polyphonic aftertouch is exclusive to the M8x.

How is the MONTAGE M8x different from the MODX M8?

Both share 3,487 Performances and the AWM2, FM-X and AN-X engines, but the MONTAGE M8x has polyphonic aftertouch, higher polyphony (AWM2 256 and AN-X 16 versus 128 and 12) and 3.7 GiB of user wave memory versus 1.9 GB. The MODX M8 uses a GHS keyboard without aftertouch and weighs 13.6 kg, against 28.1 kg for the MONTAGE M8x.

Who is the MONTAGE M8x suited to?

It suits pianists, composers and synthesists who want an 88-key weighted keyboard with per-note expression. At 28.1 kg it is the largest MONTAGE M model, so players who need a lighter rig may prefer the 76-key M7 (17.6 kg) or 61-key M6 (15.3 kg).

What comes in the box with the MONTAGE M8x?

Yamaha lists an AC power cord, a Quick Guide, Cubase AI download information and download information for the Expanded Softsynth Plugin for MONTAGE M. Stand, pedals and headphones are sold separately.

Does it have built-in speakers, and how do I connect it?

Yamaha does not list speakers for the MONTAGE M8x; you connect it to powered monitors, a mixer or a keyboard amplifier via its balanced 6.3 mm TRS outputs, or use the 6.3 mm headphone jack. Power consumption is 36 W.

Can I record into my computer and load extra sounds?

Yes. The USB TO HOST port works as a 6-in/32-out audio and MIDI interface at 44.1 kHz, and the instrument has 3.7 GiB of user wave memory. Yamaha's OS v3.0 update raised the number of additional loadable sound libraries from 16 to 24.

Why Buy from YMS?

Authorised Yamaha Premium Retailer
Genuine stock with full manufacturer warranty
Demo units at our Bengaluru and Mangaluru stores
Secure delivery across India
Free domestic shipping on all orders

Specifications

Overview

Model	Yamaha MONTAGE M8x
Series	MONTAGE M
Type	Music synthesizer
Number of keys	88
Keyboard type	GEX Keyboard
Initial touch	Yes
Aftertouch	Polyphonic aftertouch

Tone Generation

Tone generator	Motion Control Synthesis Engine
AWM2	Up to 128 Elements
FM-X	8 operators, 88 algorithms
AN-X	3 oscillators + 1 noise generator
Maximum polyphony	AWM2: 256 (max.; stereo/mono waveforms); FM-X: 128 (max.); AN-X: 16 (max.)
Multitimbral capacity	16 Parts (internal); audio input Parts (A/D and USB, each a stereo Part)
Wave memory	Preset: 11.29 GiB (when converted to 16-bit linear format); User: 3.7 GiB
Filters	18 types

Effects

Reverb	13 types
Variation	91 types
Insertion A	91 types (A/D Part insertion: 86 types)
Insertion B	94 types (Parts 2–16: 91 types)
Master Effect	28 types
EQ	Master EQ (5 bands); 1st Part EQ (3 bands); 2nd Part EQ (2 bands)

Performances and Arpeggio

Performances	3,487
Live Sets	Preset: 256; User: 2,048
Arpeggio	8 Parts simultaneously; Preset: 10,922 or more; User: 256

Performance Recorder and Sequencer

Note capacity	Approx. 130,000 notes per Song or Pattern; store area approx. 520,000 notes for Patterns and approx. 520,000 notes for Songs
Resolution	480 ppq
Tempo	5–300 BPM
Formats	MONTAGE original format; SMF Format 0 and 1
Patterns	128 (16 sequence tracks each); real-time replace and overdub recording
Songs	128 (16 sequence tracks plus Tempo track and Scene track); real-time replace, overdub and punch in/out recording

Controls and Display

Controllers	Master Volume, A/D Input Gain knob, Pitch Bend wheel, Modulation wheel, Ribbon Controller, Control Sliders ×8, Knobs ×8, Super Knob, Display knobs ×6, Portamento knob, Data Dial
Switches	Assignable switches ×2, MSEQ Trigger switch, Portamento switch, Keyboard Hold switch, Ribbon Controller Hold switch
Display	7" TFT colour Wide VGA LCD touchscreen; 512 × 64 full-dot LCD

Connectivity

USB	USB TO DEVICE ×2; USB TO HOST ×1
USB audio interface	44.1 kHz: 6 input channels (3 stereo) / 32 output channels (16 stereo); 44.1–192 kHz: 6 input channels (3 stereo) / 8 output channels (4 stereo)
MIDI	IN, OUT, THRU
Foot controllers	FOOT CONTROLLER 1 and 2
Foot switches	SUSTAIN and ASSIGNABLE
Main outputs	OUTPUT (BALANCED) L/MONO, R – 6.3 mm balanced TRS jacks
Assignable outputs	ASSIGNABLE OUTPUT (BALANCED) L, R – 6.3 mm balanced TRS jacks
Headphones	PHONES – 6.3 mm standard stereo phone jack
Audio input	A/D INPUT L/MONO, R – 6.3 mm standard phone jacks

Dimensions, Power & Accessories

Power consumption	36 W
Dimensions (W × H × D)	1,446 × 170 × 460 mm (56-15/16" × 6-11/16" × 18-1/8")
Weight	28.1 kg (61 lb, 15 oz)
Shipping box (W × H × D)	1,647 × 261 × 572 mm (64-7/8" × 10-1/4" × 22-1/2")
Included accessories	AC power cord; Quick Guide; Cubase AI download information; Expanded Softsynth Plugin for MONTAGE M download information

Specifications from Yamaha India's official MONTAGE M spec sheet; subject to change by Yamaha, and sound content and features may change with OS updates. Wave memory is quoted in GiB, with preset size measured in 16-bit linear format.