Roland vs Yamaha - Is the NEW MODX+ better than the Fantom-0?

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⏰ Timestamps ⏰
» 0:00 What We Are Doing Today!
» 0:50 Piano Sounds!
» 1:40 Rhodes
» 2:03 Wurli
» 2:28 Organ
» 2:43 Strings
» 3:20 Saw Synth
» 3:40 Jack's Thoughts!
» 4:50 Thanks For Watching!

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#Andertons #yamaha #roland

[tntills]

if you're going to compare organs, at least use the tonewheel organ engine on the fantom (only on channel 2), and pick a similar drawbar setting, Seems like the roland choices were made to make Yamaha sound better.

[classicarcadeamusementpark]

I prefer the Yamaha, but both are good.

To make the most of the MODX+, the user should download additional patches. Yamaha is currently (and very often) offering the Chick Corea Rhodes collection for free, as well as the Bosendorf Piano and CS-80 collections. There are tons of great sound collections you can load in a MODX including all the Montage sound collections, MOTIF series & DX-7 series. It's not just about the included patches.

Sampled sounds are generally better on the Yamaha and it has way more memory for multi-sampled instruments at 1.75 gigs. The Fantom 0 has just 256 megs (1/4 of 1 gig) and is severely limited in that regard. The MODX also includes (I think) much more sampled content and in general, higher quality samples.

Both synths are pretty good on synth sounds. The Fantom has the ZenCore VA engine and you can purchase models of the Jupiter 8, Juno 106 and others at $150 each, but these are not the highest quality models Roland offers of them.

The MODX+ has the very powerful AWM2 engine which is like having multiple analog synths, plus the FM-X engine which is an update of the DX-7 and compatible with it's sounds. The Fantom has the advantage of being easier to create your own analog style sounds from scratch. I wouldn't say the Fantom is more powerful because of the VA engine as professional sound programmers have proven just how great of analog sounds you can get out of the MODX which is impressive, but if you want to make your own, Fantom would be easier. The Fantom has more sliders/knobs also. However, you can add additional ones to the MODX via class compliant device like my Korg Nano Kontroller.

You'd need to purchase the Organimation package for the MODX (about $50) to get the best organ sounds for the MODX. It's surprisingly good, and has a unique way of offering real-time drawbars using the Super knob instead of sliders (really great idea). Also capable of adjusting overdrive, key click, etc. I'd still probably get the Fantom a slight edge for organs with a dedicated engine, but it will likely not come too far behind with a package like that loaded. And also, if you need some type of organ patch not included with Organimation, it's tweak-ability would be less.

The MODX integrates better with an iPad/iPhone without purchasing/connecting an addition interface. The B-3X soft synth is the best organ synth available and out powers even dedicated organ synthesizer keyboards like the Nord, Hammond, etc. The VB3 organ (which powers the Crumar Mojo organ) is just $14 and runs on an iPad and even an iPhone which is surely at least equal to the Fantom 0 organ engine.

I run my Roland synths as software because Roland offers it. You can essentially add a Fantom (minus organ engine or the limited number of Super Natural sounds the Fantom 0 has) to your laptop. In fact, doing so actually offers far more synth engines as you can get the more faithful System 8 ACB engines, and models of famous synths like the D-50, Juno 60 & Jupiter 4 unavailable for the Fantom, plus more. In addition, Korg offers 11 engines for computers and some for iPad/iPhone including some of the Kronos engines and two of Korg's very latest keyboards.

Winner for me is MODX + laptop full of VST's including Roland & Korg's synths.
Remember...Yamaha doesn't offer the software option. So buying a MODX to get your Yamaha sounds, and a laptop or iPad solution for your Roland & Korg needs makes total sense. Roland offers the ZenBeats App for iPad/iPhone which is also ZenCore compatible.

[eumnssl]

For me, Yamaha. Especially the piano. But I wouldn't hesitate to use a Fantom - they sound great. You can't lose with any keyboard made by either of these giants.

[keithgrahammusic]

I tried both and went for the Roland. I liked the sounds better and the feel of the keys. Also when playing live, the arrangement of the buttons and the square pad thing and the scene chain make it so easy to gig with. I set out the sounds for my whole gig and even when the songs changed order it was easy to use. Nothing against Yamaha, I also use a CP for my main piano sounds. As someone else said in the comments Roland and Yamaha compliment each other.

[carltonhall]

Just bought the Fantom 08 (from Andertons!). Played both in store and the Roland won for me, both sounded great but my old synth is a Juno Gi and that made the Fantom feel more familiar

[BinauralBae]

Roland's keyboard feels better then Yamaha's imo

[eldotjay]

*It’s been the same for years. If you want Pianos and Strings then it’s the Yamaha. If you want Rhodes / Synths then it’s the Roland.*

[StephenMendes]

The main advantage of the Roland over the Yamaha (as I have pointed out on my channel with several videos) is the WORKFLOW and EASE OF USE (both as a workstation and performance synth) and from a technical point of view (I am an electronics engineer) the ROLAND is easier to maintain as the years go by (this has to do with their engineering philosophy and the IC chips they Roland RE-USES their chips across their models and their chips are easier to find .... even sourcing them for very OLD SYNTHS is never a problem Yamaha service quality VERY MUCH depends on where you live in the world and can be quite a problem in certain this makes me vote ROLAND even though I like the Yamaha sound.... cheers mate 🙂

[peterwilson]

This was a great side-by-side. I own a MODX8 and am considering getting a Roland as well. They sound similar - I could barely tell the differences. The Yamaha menus/navigation is very comprehensive and perhaps a bit difficult for newbies - it took me a long time to understand. I feel that Roland would be much easier in this regard.

[johngreen]

I recently purchased an 08. I'm still learning about it. I've been using a very old Korg Triton. The mid board A flat quit working and the touch screen shortly afterwards. I purchased a fantom in 2001 and absolutely loved it. At that time I gigged using four boards. Top rack was a Roland XP10, second rack a Korg and that fantom on bottom with an Kurswell to melt right.

[xpplayer]

I got the MODX just for the FM and arpeg sounds. Fantom is best for VA, the Roland legacy PCM patches, user sampling and drum machine sounds.

[aiko_piano]

I love Yamaha's sound quality. Many musician recommended MODX. but regarding operability on the live stage, I prefer Roland's workflow. anyway Both are amazing! I want to get BOTH !! thank you so much for making this video!

[tonylancer]

If Roland can get the acoustic sounds (piano, EPs, strings etc) to sound as good as Yamaha, then that will be something. Otherwise, they compliment each other well.

[nellysagundo]

I own a MODX7+ and very happy with it. Now looking for a backup board to play organ and iOS instruments. Nearly decided for Fantom 06 before realising, that Roland does NOT support Midi/USB audio for iOS - and has considerable issues with polyphony…Will buy a YC61 now..

[malcolmstockbridge]

The MODX sounds fresher and brighter to me, , I would probably choose it above the Roland ....the Roland wins on all those fancy buttons though.

[edrumsense]

Initially, I was planning to purchase the Modx+ instead of the Roland 06. However, I am currently feeling extremely unsure about the poor quality of the plastic bridge keys in the MODX+. It is frustrating that in this day and age, a key hinge mechanism like that is still present. I find it hard to believe that even a low-cost MIDI controller priced at 100 USD can have superior keybeds with proper pivot hinges and springs. I understand that they may be going for a cheaper montage path option, but this cheap keys of the Modx+ in a 2000 USD keyboard is insulting.

[basspartout]

Got my MODX three years ago and love it every day! It just sounds incredibly good. Perfect mixture of Attack/Power, Warmth and clarity/brilliance. The FM-X engine is killer and a sound designer's dream!

[jeremymoyse]

Love most of the 'organic' sounds on the Yamaha (E Piano was better on Roland), but the synth sounds sound richer on the Roland - although I do wonder whether it was just a more 'Juno-esque' chorus trick that a bit of programming might equalise?

[MrTanukiD]

Love the Yamaha sound but i can't get my head around how far away those mod and pitch wheels look.

[joshjamesuk]

These are cool keyboards but Keyscape still knocks them both out of the park with the Piano and EP sounds.