KORG NAUTILUS vs YAMAHA MODX Comparison Review

Comparison between KORG NAUTILUS and YAMAHA MODX synthesizer workstations. We'll demo and review features and compare to their flagship counterparts, KORG KRONOS and YAMAHA MONTAGE synths.

Agenda:
► Overview
► Build quality
► Keybed feel
► Control panel
► Touch screens
► Sound engines
► Effects
► Connectivity
► Other features
► Musical demos

MORE WOODY PIANO SHACK

#korgkronos #korgnautilus #yamahamodx

[ScottsSynthStuff]

Talking about USB ports - the MODX type A USB port on the back is also more than just a USB drive expansion port. The MODX is running Linux, so it will recognize any class-compliant device plugged into it. You can also plug a USB hub into it, and plug devices into that. Some people have plugged in USB video cards into it, then run larger touch-screen monitors that the MODX will automatically recognize and mirror the screen to. Some Youtubers plug a USB video capture device into it, so that they can record the screen content of the MODX directly to a video file as the MODX is being operated.

[jwillis]

It's an interesting comparison. Both are excellent boards that can be used for many purposes. But it seems to be the Nautilus is a full-featured workstation keyboard, although somewhat stripped down from the Korg Kronos. It still comes with a heavy price tag but does give you audio recording, midi recording, sampling, multiple sound engines, and lot of very nice sounds and synthesis techniques for programming. As sequencers for hardware workstations go it is good but for those of you used to working with DAWs on your computers you will feel constricted and limited, even though there are some nice advanced features on the Korg sequencer. Hardware keyboard sequencers simply have not evolved as much over the years.

The Yamaha MODX is more of a performance and sound design synth that offers a few less features and hardware functions of its big brother, the Montage. I think for sound design you will get more out of the MODX than the Korg. Again, the Korg feels more setup for song writing, composing large-score works, for combi and pattern work, etc. There is a lot of crossover and both boards can handle sound design or live performance.

If you are looking to do sound design in the studio or live performance, and you are looking to work with FM synthesis along with the sample playback and digital abilities of AWM then the MODX is a great choice. If you are song writing, composing, building templates, using massive combis, or if you need to sample and record audio and you enjoy working from the keyboard and not using a DAW then the Korg Nautilus or Kronos are excellent machines.

Regardless of what Computer DAW users think (and I do prefer the computer DAW, I use Reaper and FL Studio) there are folks who prefer hardware keyboard all-in-one units. This is where Korg shines for sure -- but more can be done.

As an aside: I do wish Korg, Roland, Yamaha, Kurzweil, and maybe others would push the envelope with these workstations. Korg has made some beautiful synths with all kinds of workstation power. So has Yamaha with their Motif series, and the new Roland Fantom looks amazing as well. But the sequencing/audio recording features and functions all seem rehashed. We have not seen a truly innovative upgrade in quality of these features in like 15 to 20 years. That's not to say we have not seen ANY upgrades, but nothing Earth shaking. Although I love using my DAW with plugins, there are flaws there too. Depending on how many plugins you run, you often need massive RAM, powerful multicore CPUs, fast SSD drives, lots of storage, and you are always dealing with OS issues, updates, bugs, etc. When will Korg, Yamaha, or Roland get with Spitfire, Vienna Symphonic Instruments, East West, Nucleus, and others, and come up with a synth workstation that can load those programs into a custom Linux OS, offer 32 to 64 midi/vst tracks, sub group mixes, the ability to load new effects/DSP, the ability to use external SSDs, the ability to connect to a larger monitor, pro mixing features (even something like project save to Pro Tools format), etc.? Yes, this might be far fetched or even unnecessary; but it would be neat to not have to run 2, 3, 4 - even 8 or more computers using VSL Ensemble Pro networking to effectively run your plugins. It would be nice to have a keyboard workstation built to handle this power where a performer can use it for live performance or studio work; and when in the studio they have the flexibility to sit at their keyboard and create and compose using professional tools to make the best demos, mockups, without taxing the crap out of their computers. I thought Kronos might go in this direction. It did a little with the Kurt Ader samples, but ultimately the sequencer and audio recording are still last decade or older. And people want to use the VST libraries that they trust and work best with.

[Soryt]

Design of the Nautilus looks a lot like the Yamaha Genos 😎🎹

[TheHalfp]

I have a MODX 6 Love it, I use it everyday in my studio, It's patched Into my SSL ready to go every session. I'm very used to its sonic texture & personality. That being said.., Lets not be Yamaha Fanboys here...The Nautilus soundstage is Much wider, more hifi & accurate. Its punchier in a more un-hyped way.That may translate to some people as boring, but In terms of pure sonics it seems to have a better output stage than the MODX. (Though the MODX sounds quite good) Nautilus objectively has a cleaner more realistic reproduction of sound.The MODX Is "Warmer" and some may prefer that, no judgment there. (again sounds realistic in its own right & quit nice). The Nautilus is a more detailed PCM sonically. So if your like me and want the Nautilus for realism and sonic accuracy, than it doesn't disappoint & is a more capable workstation. The MODX Sonically is Beautiful to me, hence the reason why I have one. Its emotionally satisfying & has a "thickness" about it that I love. But The Nautilus is a powerhouse that sound amazing 3-D & detailed. I have a Nautilus On pre-order & Can't wait. I think the gap between the Nautilus & Kronos is slightly smaller sound wise then that of the MODX & Montage. All being considered to me its Like super clean Superanalogue VS Super rich Neve Transformers. both wonderful depending on your taste

[RayyMusik]

I have a MODX 7, and it‘s my desert island keyboard - most versatile, portable and best sounding digital synth I‘ve ever had. If only it had aftertouch!

[kenrussell]

Great comparison Woody, good to see the MODX still stacks up in many aspects - thank you :)

[coznova]

I've got the MODX7, amazing sounds, everything you need . I'd still go with this than the Korg, I've had a Triton Studio beforeans loved that but I'm glad I got the Yamaha .

[ajotech]

What an amazing comparison video I’ve just been scratching my head between these two thank you so much outstanding work.

[Penno]

love the night time garden performance ... damn wish I could play like you. Great vid though, the MODX is still the best bang for your buck.

[ScottsSynthStuff]

Neither the MODX nor the Montage have a sampler. The main differences are slightly higher polyphony on the Montage, higher quality DACs, higher quality keybed with aftertouch, a ribbon controller, more controls on the front face, and more memory. But sonically, they are identical - you can create a sound on one and load it and play it on the other with no problems.

[fabriziograti]

I owned two Kronos (61 and 73). Those are great workstations, but I had to sell them due to the weight. Now I own a ModX 73 which weights around 8 Kg....

[TheRealWinsletFan]

Superkob is fantastic, but became over 9000 better when I hooked up an expression pedal to control it instead/in addition

[Pac-Man..]

Had my MODX 8 just over a year and it still delights and surprises me every day. Bang up to date presets, deep and versatile sound creation/editing which is made easy and fun with the intuitive interface. I've been waiting decades for a keyboard like this and into the bargain, it cost under £1100. If money is no object, there are more feature-rich keyboards out there but given the capability of the MODX, it's a case of seriously diminishing returns beyond this new value price point Yamaha have set.

[jansenwilder]

I have the MODX6 and kronos 2-73, features wise the Nautilus is better than modx but more expensive, the Nautilus has a full sampler, 60Gb SSD, great sound engine and better sequencer. The choice is up to your budget and what features you prefer...

[snuppssynthchannel]

Modx get my vote! Never been a stronger bang to the buck synth, not since the Alesis Fusion came out in 2005!

[jPaulofe]

Thank you very much for the great video Woody!

After trying a Kronos and owing a MODX6 for a few months (that I regrettably had to sell for urgent reasons...), my vote goes definitely to the MODX!
What a great sounding and capable workstation that is!
A great value for the money

As a suggestion for a new video, I would like to see a comparison between the Montage/MODX and the new Fantom too.

Cheers
PauloF

[Pagroove]

TBH They are both fine. I myself have a MODX. But I love the Nautilus too. Edited to add. You can turning the flashing of the Superknob off or half off. Tied to an expression pedal FC7 this is a killer controller.

[NeilThompson-jz]

Great video. I went with a Nautilus 61 and think it's superb. A great feature for me is Set Lists - playing in a covers band this is so helpful!

[imoane]

I think the Nautilus sounds much better, more detailed live, and is much more usable live. A more complete, well-designed machine with greater knowledge. I used both in practice, I think that says it all.

[donsimpson]

Love the your videos Woody. You provide very positive information from both sides of the fence.
There is one part that everyone seems to miss. Having programmed our Motif Xs's for years now, I've gotten pretty proficient with tools by John Melas.
I also picked up a Krono's a couple of years ago for it's superior features but found it rather difficult to design sounds used in diverse cover band. I simply never could get comfortable being bound to the touch screen of the Kronos. I've recently purchased a Montage to replace the Kronos and am much happier and more efficient programming sounds now.
Another thing is that the Yamaha's are rock solid.
The Korg products are flaky from time with various issues. Sounds not loading consistently, Key bed issues, OS Locking up and more. These characteristics are not deemed acceptable for live performance. You just don't see this on the Yamaha side. Yamaha is hands down more stable. This is one of the reasons you see more Yamaha's on professional stages rather than Korg products.

Keep up the good work !!