Imagine a synth where switching sounds mid-performance feels like magic—no dropouts, just pure flow. That's the heart of this 61-key workstation, packing flagship-level power into a gig-ready package that's evolved from Yamaha's MONTAGE legacy.
Its Motion Control engine blends AWM2 sample synthesis (128-note stereo polyphony with 5.67GB waveforms for realistic pianos, drums, and beyond) and FM-X (128-note polyphony via 8-operator architecture and 88 algorithms for sharp, modern tones), delivering a massive 256 notes total without compromise. The glowing Super Knob commands up to 128 parameters at once—from filters and LFOs to effects—while Motion Sequences add tempo-synced modulation for evolving textures. You'll find a 7-inch touchscreen for intuitive editing, 16-part multitimbrality, a built-in sequencer and arpeggiator, plus 76 DSP effects including 12 reverbs. Hands-on perks include dual A/D inputs with envelope follower and audio beat sync, a 4-in/10-out USB audio interface, and Seamless Sound Switching for live reliability. The semi-weighted keybed offers velocity sensitivity (no aftertouch), all in a compact 37 x 5.25 x 13 inches frame weighing just 14.6 lbs.
Players love its portability and sound depth for stage and studio, praising the Smart Morph feature that uses AI to blend FM-X tones via touchscreen swipes. A few note the lack of aftertouch as a nitpick for expressive players, but the overall workflow wins rave reviews for creativity on the fly.
