Quint wrote:

Will the (MIDI) master-keyboard functions be similar to the Motif XS?
- On stage, using the XS-master mode, i can set all my other equipment via MIDI. Program, volume etc. While playing, I can control all other equpment via the XS. Such as sustain, bender, modulation etc.

Hi Quint, Welcome to Yamaha Synth!

The MASTER KEYBOARD functions are available for each and every Montage Performance. When activated you can define 8 Zones... Zones can be transmitted OUT via MIDI or a Zone can be designated to an internal Part. There is no separate Master mode as in the Motif XS/XF (there is only PERFORMANCE mode, a Performance can contain from 1 to 16 Parts). Most of the functions will be very familiar to Motif XS/XF users, except that when you design your Performance part of the functions you define is what happens OUT via MIDI. The capabilities/possibilities when interacting with your external devices, like most everything with Montage, has increased, exponentially; particularly because your externally controlled devices can now be used interactively with the Motion Control engine.

We will have the next couple of months to put it through its paces, so be sure to check back in for details and workflow concepts.

The XS doesn't have a "MIDI- merge function". It would be great if the MONTAGE could merge MIDI THROUGH and MIDI OUT. On stage Í use an external keyboard (AX1-keytar). Each time I play this external keyboard via MIDI IN, I have to switch the MIDI connector from MIDI OUT to MIDI THROUGH.

? Sorry, I'm not quite sure what you mean that you have to switch the MIDI connector from MIDI OUT to MIDI THRU... (?) If you don't mind, could you give us a better description about how you currently use your external controller with XS. And specifically what a "MIDI-merge function" would do for you.

? Sorry, I'm not quite sure what you mean that you have to switch the MIDI connector from MIDI OUT to MIDI THRU... (?) If you don't mind, could you give us a better description about how you currently use your external controller with XS. And specifically what a "MIDI-merge function" would do for you.

Thanks for your reply.
My setup is following:

keytar (Roland AX1) MIDI OUT ->
-> MIDI IN Yamaha XS MIDI OUT ->
-> MIDI IN Korg Triton Extreme MIDI THRU ->
-> MIDI IN Roland Module MIDI THRU ->
-> MIDI IN FX-processor

The Yamaha XS7 is the centre of my setup. Suppose I play two songs:
Song 1: I choose the setup on the XS7. All other synths/modules are controlled by the XS7
Song 2: I play this song on the AX1-keytar. In order to control the synths, module and FX by the keytar. I have to switch from MIDI OUT to MIDI THRU. Only now I'm able to play XS/Triton sounds on the keytar.

When MIDI OUT and MIDI IN signals are merged to MIDI THRU. I don't have to reconnect cables.

I hope it's clear to you.

When MIDI OUT and MIDI IN signals are merged to MIDI THRU. I don't have to reconnect cables.

Sorry, I don't understand.

Seems you need to invest in an external solution.

I think this is a function called "MIDI soft through".

I already have an external solution "Midi merger" which can do the trick. However I do not like an extra component in my live-setup (and two extra MIDI cables). i believe the Roland Fantom's and other synths do have this function. It doesn't seem very complicated [for a layman 🙂 ]

That many MIDI THRUs is not recommended. You need a good MIDI junction box. You'll find your timing will improve in addition to being able to configure exactly what you need. Yes it is more cabling and perhaps more expensive but it is far better performance and will give you the flexibility you require. We used to make one called the MJC8 which back in the 1980s was an elegant solution... (Check EBay) or an old MIDI Timepiece (MOTU)...

Hi,

I would like to add to this request, which is basically the MIDI Echo Back function as seen in the Yamaha EX5 (check out P274 of the EX5 manual).

If it could be done in the EX5 back in 2000, why not the Montage in 2016? You would not believe how useful this function is, which basically merges the MIDI in data with the synth's own data and echoes it on MIDI out.

My stage setup is currently Roland FC300 ---> EX5 ---> Kronos

Because the EX5 has a MIDI Echo, I don't need an external box to split/merge the FC300 data and extra cables (so less things to go wrong on stage). The Kronos needs to receive data from both the EX5 and the FC300.

Prior to the Kronos, I went out with

FC300 -->EX5 --> Remote61 --> Gig Rack (Motif Rack ES, TG77, FS1r, Nord G2 Engine)

Because the EX5 and the Remote61 both had this Echo function, I did not need external hardware to control any synth from either the FC300 or the two keyboards.

I will be looking to retire my EX5 from gigging and the Montage is a probable contender. I would love to have this echo function implemented in whatever synth I pick rather than faffing about with external solutions and more cables 🙂

Quint is right to wish to minimise the number of devices/cables needed on stage.

Regards
Derek