MODX M OS v3.0 and ESP deliver powerful new sounds, enhanced control features, and workflow improvements for keyboardists and producers. This update aligns MONTAGE M, MODX M, and ESP at the same OS level, enabling seamless file and sound sharing between instruments. Owners of both keyboards can keep MONTAGE M in the studio while taking the lightweight MODX M to gigs for maximum flexibility.

Download MODX M OS v3.0.

This article is very similar to my article on MONTAGE M OS v3.0 located here as both OS versions now have the same essential feature set. Key features introduced in MONTAGE M OS v3.0 such as expanded library slots (16 to 24), Seamless Sound Switching, and Touchscreen Ribbon Control were already part of MODX M at launch.

Sound Updates

New Clavi Waveforms

The “Clavi”, introduced in 1964, is a classic keyboard sound widely used in Soul, R&B, Rock, and Pop. When a key is pressed, a rubber damper frets a string against a surface, like a guitar hammer-on. Two electromagnetic pickups capture the string’s vibration, which is then amplified and often processed with effects like wah-wah, phaser, or chorus.

Pickup configuration shapes the Clavi’s tone. Two sets of pickups—upper and lower—are controlled by selector switches labeled “AB” and “CD.” The CD switch toggles between single (C) and dual (D) pickup modes, while AB selects the lower (A) or upper (B) pickup.

MODX M OS v3.0 Clavi waveforms feature the two most used pickup configurations:

1. “CA”: Lower pickup, more mellow, warmer sound great for comping.
2. “DA”: Both pickups, fuller, brighter sound perfect when the Clav is the prominent voice.

VCM GS1 Ensemble Chorus

Introduced in 1981, the GS1 was one of the first FM synthesizers, featuring an 88-key weighted action with polyphonic aftertouch and a solid wood cabinet. With an MSRP of $18,000, it offered a simple interface, and editing required a dedicated GS1 computer editor. Voices were loaded via magnetic cards and could be detuned or processed with tremolo or vibrato, but its standout feature was the Ensemble Chorus—an analog effect unique to the GS1 that gave it a distinctive character.

MODX M OS v3.0 includes a VCM (Virtual Circuitry Modeling) recreation of the GS1 Ensemble Chorus along with 16 new Performances. FM-X brings the GS1’s classic vibe into a modern platform, allowing you to reshape these sounds creatively. The lush GS1 VCM Ensemble Chorus can be applied to any sound in MODX M.

VCM CS Ring Modulator

An essential component of the legendary CS-80 analog synthesizer is the Ring Modulator.

A ring modulator combines two signals, outputs their sum and difference, and subtracts the original frequencies. For instance, if you send a 500 Hz sine wave and an 800 Hz sine wave to a ring modulator, it outputs two sidebands:

• A 300 Hz sideband (800 minus 500, the difference frequency).
• A 1300 Hz sideband (800 plus 500, the summed frequency). 

When you use other waveforms with more harmonics, like sawtooth or square waves, the results get interesting.  Check out the OS v3.0 Performances like “CS80 Ring Mod Pad” and “Ring Mod Scapes”. Here’s a screen showing the CS Ring Modulator parameters:

All parameters are assignable for real-time control.

Mid/Side EQ Compressor

Mid/Side (M/S) processing separates the mid and side signals of a stereo image, offering additional mixing tools compared to standard stereo processing. It allows for spatial aspect changes in a stereo image using EQ, compression, and level controls. In MODX M, the Mid/Side EQ Compressor provides a creative way to process stereo sounds for mixes and special effects, changing spatial character, phase, level, and EQ within the stereo field.

Below is a screen shot of the M/S EQ Compressor parameters:

All parameters are assignable for real time control.

MODX M OS v3.0 Performances using the M/S EQ Compressor to check out are “CFX Wide Spreaded”, “Mono<>Stereo Comp” and “AcP C3+Wide SynPad”. Move the Super Knob to hear the effect change the sound in real time.

60 New Performances

MODX M OS v3.0 adds 60 new Performances using the added new features. To check out them out:

• Tap “Category” and make sure no Categories are selected.
• Press [CATEGORY] to enter Performance Search.
• Set the sd“Bank/Favorite” field to “All”:

• Tap “Attribute” and tap “MODX M OS v3.0”:

Want to check out audio examples of all 60 Performances? Check out this SoundCloud Playlist:

Control Updates

A useful Part LFO update, the release of ESP for MODX M along with ESP Control setting in DAW Remote expand and enhance your MODX M.  Check it out!

FM-X and AN-X Part LFO

One of the coolest things about the Part LFO is how it locks in with your tempo. Before this update, FM-X and AN-X parts could only sync to a few basic destinations. Now, with MODX M OS v3.0, you get way more options—specific controls for FM-X Operators and AN-X Oscillators—so your grooves stay tight and creative.

ESP for MODX M

ESP, VST3/AU plugin that originally launched for MONTAGE M, is now available for MODX M with OS v3.0. MODX M users will see the MODX M version when launching the plugin, authorized by the code included with the keyboard in the same manner as MONTAGE M. Owners of both MONTAGE M and MODX M benefit from automatic version switching based on the connected instrument, creating a unified workflow. All sounds, libraries, backups, and user files can be synchronized across ESP, MODX M and MONTAGE M for seamless integration. Here’s what that looks like:

There are separate ESP authorization codes for MONTAGE M and MODX M. If you only have ESP for MODX M, you will only see that version.

Downloading and Installing ESP

Please consult the ESP Installation guide here for step-by-step installation instructions. It’s essentially a three-step process:

1. Use Steinberg Download Assistant to enter the Download Access Code.
2. Activate ESP to authorize for your computer.
3. Download and Install ESP For MODX M.

Here are more great features in ESP and MODX M OS v3.0.

Hardware and Software Integration with ESP Control

ESP Control is added as a new option in [DAW REMOTE]. This adds deeper ESP control via MODX M sliders, knobs and buttons and greatly improves usability. You’ll find a new tab on the left side of the Touchscreen when pressing [DAW REMOTE]:

When “ESP Control” is selected the MODX M front panel mirrors many of the functions of the hardware and repurposes the Display Knobs as assignable controllers for ESP. Here is a graphic showing the ESP Control functions:

MIDI Learn

MIDI learn makes ESP MIDI control easy. Simply right click on a parameter in ESP and a “Learn” message appears. Move a physical control like a fader, modulation wheel, knob, etc., and that control is assigned to the selected parameter. You can then easily set ranges or remove the control assignment by selecting “Forget”. Here it is in three easy steps:

Song/Pattern Import

MODX M Song/Pattern import, a frequently requested feature from the YamahaSynth IdeaScale forum, allows users to drag-and-drop Song or Pattern sections from the keyboard to a DAW. ESP 3.0 adds this useful MONTAGE/MODX Connect feature:

Smart Morph

Smart Morph unlocks a new level of creativity in sound design. Powered by advanced machine learning, it analyzes multiple FM-X or AN-X sounds and blends them into a unique, expressive tone. Originally designed for FM-X and later expanded to AN-X in MONTAGE M OS v2.0, Smart Morph now comes fully integrated in ESP 3.0. This means you can effortlessly create, edit, and shape dynamic sounds—all within the plugin. Check out the ESP Smart Morph Edit screen below:

Workflow Updates

Our development team strives for improved usability. Here several important MODX M OS v3.0 workflow improvements. 

User Live Set Enhancements

MODX M OS v3.0 adds Live Set Insert to User Live Sets, making it easier for you to place Performances in any slot you wish. Check it out below:

Scene Note Limit and Note Shift

The ability to store Note Limits and Note Shift within a scene was a popular posted request in the YamahaSynth IdeaScale forum, and that feature was been added in in MONTAGE M OS v3.0. With MODX M OS v3.0 a new “Note Limit” switch allows you to save split points between Parts and allows you to transpose Parts by +/- 24 semitones. This is a great feature that adds better Part control for your live performance. Check it out:

MODX M OS v3.0 and ESP for MODX M are available NOW. Get them right here.