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MODX/MODX+/MODX M
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Topic starter
Got an external controller (set to channel 8 ) to play a part on the MODX-M.
I have confirmed via a MIDI monitor it is indeed sending notes and other data over this channel via USB and MIDI din. So it IS transmitting!
Connected both (and singly) the USB out and MIDI out from the controller to the MODX and set the appropo MIDI source switch.
Trouble is, I get zero response from the MODX.
I thought it would be as simple as setting the part to external, set the MIDI channel and that's that, which is how it works on pretty much all other keyboards, but not apparently the MODX.
So how do I do this?
Posted : 20/03/2026 2:46 pm
I thought it would be as simple as setting the part to external, set the MIDI channel and that's that, which is how it works on pretty much all other keyboards, but not apparently the MODX.
You're setting the Yamaha part to external? That's for when you want the Yamaha to play an external sound over MIDI. Since you're trying to play a Yamaha internal sound, it should be set for Internal. Just set it to receive (Rx) on channel 8.
The other variable is USB vs. 5-pin connection. The Yamaha will only directly use one or the other, depending on which setting you select. I'd use the 5-pin. The ability to act as a host for a USB MIDI controller keyboard generally works fine, but it is not guaranteed to work with every keyboard. Once you get it working with 5-pin, you could try switching to USB and see if it still works if you prefer that for some reason, but at least you'll have removed one more variable for testing purposes.
Posted : 20/03/2026 3:45 pm
Joel reacted
Topic starter
I thought it would be as simple as setting the part to external, set the MIDI channel and that's that, which is how it works on pretty much all other keyboards, but not apparently the MODX.
You're setting the Yamaha part to external? That's for when you want the Yamaha to play an external sound over MIDI. Since you're trying to play a Yamaha internal sound, it should be set for Internal. Just set it to receive (Rx) on channel 8.
The other variable is USB vs. 5-pin connection. The Yamaha will only directly use one or the other, depending on which setting you select. I'd use the 5-pin. The ability to act as a host for a USB MIDI controller keyboard generally works fine, but it is not guaranteed to work with every keyboard. Once you get it working with 5-pin, you could try switching to USB and see if it still works if you prefer that for some reason, but at least you'll have removed one more variable for testing purposes.
Thanks Scott
Posted : 20/03/2026 4:55 pm
Also make sure the "Int Sw" is ON or the tone generator won't sound for this Part.
Posted : 20/03/2026 5:35 pm
Joel reacted
Hi, to complete Scoot and Pete great answers, i have two videos that can help you.
Recorded with Montage M, it's work in the same way for the MODX M
Yamaha Montage M Essential | Understanding MIDI Management https://youtu.be/XfFfOrPEXO8
Yamaha Montage M basics Tutorial | Using control or master keyboard with the Big M ! https://youtu.be/XHGFTEqkOeM
Hope it will help you
Posted : 21/03/2026 9:13 pm
Also make sure the "Int Sw" is ON or the tone generator won't sound for this Part.
That's for older models, he's got a MODX-M. The "internal" setting discussed above is basically the equivalent to what used to be "Int Sw". (Unless I'm missing something.)
Posted : 22/03/2026 2:48 pm