Greetings from Norway.
I have a MoXF currently, which I plan to sell, and buy a MoDX M some time next year.
I have to rent MoDX or Montage locally for flying gigs,
The goal is, to load my MoXF sounds onto a rental Yamaha in a fast and convenient way at the sound check. Rentals are usually Montages(maybe+or M) or MoDXs(maybe+)
1. I have saved a Moxf X6A file (no extra samples). Can I convert this to formats readable by all generations of MoDX`s and Montages with John Melas software, and, and import a preconfigured Live Set from a USB stick, since I don`t anticipate having time to spend to do all the required configuring?
Which tool can perform such a task?
2. Is it possible to pick and choose Performances and/or single patches/voices from the .6XA file, and save them together as a Live Set readable by ModX/(+or M) and Montage/(+ or M)?
3. Is it possible to do all this without connecting the Synths? I only have the MoXF so far, but need the conversions done before I get the new MoDX M.
4. Which version of the software is best suited to me, the newest?
5. Later on, when I have tweaked my live set on my new MoDX M, can the software tools convert between them, so I can make different backups, that ensures file compatibility on any generation of MoDX/Montage?
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ChatGPT told me the following, but seems unsure if it is possible to do without connecting an actual MoDX or Montage.
ChatGPT:
"To convert a MOXF X6A file to MODX or Montage format and create a LiveSet without directly connecting the synth, you can follow these general steps:
Steps to Convert MOXF X6A Files
1. Use a Software Conversion Tool
John Melas' Tools: There are specific software tools created by John Melas that allow for file conversions between different Yamaha formats. You can look for the tool that supports MOXF to MODX/Montage conversion.
Yamaha’s Software: Check if Yamaha provides any official software that allows you to convert and manage sounds between these formats.
2. Export Data from MOXF
Locate the specific MOXF X6A file you want to convert.
Use any software tool to open the MOXF file and export the data. This might include patterns, performances, and single sounds.
3. Import into Montage/MODX Format
Open the converted data in the software designed for MODX or Montage (like the Montage Connect or similar).
Import your previously exported data and save it in the appropriate format.
4. Create LiveSet
Within the Montage or MODX software, create a new LiveSet by organizing your imported voices, performances, and patterns.
Ensure everything is correctly arranged as per your desired setup.
5. Saving and Transferring Files
Save the LiveSet to your computer.
You can then transfer this LiveSet file to your Montage or MODX when you are ready.
Software Recommendations
John Melas' Software: Offers user-friendly interfaces for conversions.
Yamaha's Music Software: Check for any recent software from Yamaha that might facilitate these conversions.
Note
Make sure to check the compatibility of the versions between MOXF and MODX/Montage files, as some features may not directly translate."
:text-thankyouyellow:
There is no 'one size fits all' solution for what you describe.
Your Moxf will be the 'weak link' in the chain. Library files created on the Modx/Montage line can generally be loaded onto other models in that line. The Moxf is the oldest of the instruments and has the more limited interoperability.
Our advice would be to rent the instrument that you MUST be able to play your performances on. So if you may have to use a modx at some point you should target that model. If you know you will always be able to use your new Modx M then just start with a rental until you get yours.
That will give you the most time to work out the kinks in the process. No matter which model you plan to use it isn't going to sound exactly the same as the Moxf. But HOW MUCH different it sounds will depend on the features you use now in those performances.
Are you using mostly presets? Or are you using heavily customized performances?
How many performances? Are they AWM2 only? Are you using custom waveforms, curves or other objects.
It can often be easier and less problematic to just put the two instruments side by side and program a new performance for the new instrument while you review the programming on the old instrument.
You're going to want to get Melas Tools for Montage and create an X7L file (library) and X7U file (user) from your MOXF X6A. A library (or user) file for Montage can be read by MODX(+), Montage, MODX M, and Montage M. A library file allows for loading without overwriting the user bank which may be useful.
Get the complete Melas set so you have the Live Set editor included. I haven't used any of this but I imagine this is the only way to offline generate a live set which will be saved to your library or user file.
Current Yamaha Synthesizers: Montage Classic 7, Motif XF6, S90XS, MO6, EX5R
There is no 'one size fits all' solution for what you describe.
Your Moxf will be the 'weak link' in the chain. Library files created on the Modx/Montage line can generally be loaded onto other models in that line. The Moxf is the oldest of the instruments and has the more limited interoperability.
Our advice would be to rent the instrument that you MUST be able to play your performances on. So if you may have to use a modx at some point you should target that model. If you know you will always be able to use your new Modx M then just start with a rental until you get yours.
That will give you the most time to work out the kinks in the process. No matter which model you plan to use it isn't going to sound exactly the same as the Moxf. But HOW MUCH different it sounds will depend on the features you use now in those performances.
Are you using mostly presets? Or are you using heavily customized performances?
How many performances? Are they AWM2 only? Are you using custom waveforms, curves or other objects.
It can often be easier and less problematic to just put the two instruments side by side and program a new performance for the new instrument while you review the programming on the old instrument.
thanks for your input, Toby!
I don`t know which models will be available for rent at the different local venues, so I just try to cover all possible bases. I would much prefer to bring my own keys to every gig, but it is not always possible. I won`t be able to rent an instrument on my own beforehand either. The venues usually cover backline rental costs. I use tweaked presets, performances/voices with a few custom splits or layers. About 20 or so, no custom waveforms, just AWM.
Cheers, K.
You're going to want to get Melas Tools for Montage and create an X7L file (library) and X7U file (user) from your MOXF X6A. A library (or user) file for Montage can be read by MODX(+), Montage, MODX M, and Montage M. A library file allows for loading without overwriting the user bank which may be useful.
Get the complete Melas set so you have the Live Set editor included. I haven't used any of this but I imagine this is the only way to offline generate a live set which will be saved to your library or user file.
Thank you so much, Jason!
So, if I understand you correctly, I need the Melas Tools for Montage, because the output can be read by all models. That is great news!
Im`m a little confused about the different versions, though. I would really like to be able to use Melas Tools on a MoDX if or when I buy it later. Since they are sold separately as "Montage Tools" and "MoDX Tools" , i assume that they are not compatible?
(I did send Melas an email a few days ago, he hasn`t had time to reply yet, maybe later, I hope)
Cheers, K.
At least the demo version requires you hook this up to an instrument and the Montage version only looks for a Montage while the MODX version only looks for a MODX. So ... if that holds for the paid version then you'd want to go with what you've got on hand. I recommended the Montage version thinking it could work fully offline and Montage (classic) output files can be read by everything after Motif XF (Montages, MODXs - M or not M).
Current Yamaha Synthesizers: Montage Classic 7, Motif XF6, S90XS, MO6, EX5R