The expressive power of polyphonic aftertouch

Like monaural (channel) aftertouch, polyphonic aftertouch is actuated by the pressure you add after you strike a key, allowing you to add varying amounts of, for example, vibrato — literally without lifting a finger. But what makes polyphonic aftertouch a more effective expressive tool is that it works on a per-key basis, allowing for individual key control over any parameter or effect you assign to it. With mono aftertouch, no matter which key you apply after-pressure to, all keys will respond the same way. By allowing for individual finger control, polyphonic aftertouch lets you selectively modulate held notes to bring them out in the mix. Instead of a single sensor strip underlying the entire key range, polyphonic aftertouch uses individual sensors under each key. This obviously makes it more expensive to manufacture, and thus, it is a feature usually found only on premium professional synths like Yamaha’s flagship Montage M8x.

Advanced technology for vivid and richly varied expression

The Montage M leverages proprietary audio technologies that advance the state of the art in synthesizer design. Yamaha’s Pure Analog Circuit 2, for instance, provides clean harmonic reproduction and level frequency response for clear, powerful sound. The updated Pure Analog Circuit attenuates noise and improves the dynamic range, crosstalk, low-frequency phase, and distortion rate, resulting in crystal-clear sound with richly detailed lower mids and assertive presence. Montage M’s sophisticated VCM Rotary Speaker effect and realistic drawbar behavior provide authentic organ sound and control. And to ensure that every minute detail of even your most complex performances will be heard, Montage M is spec’d with a formidable 400-note total polyphony.

Yamaha Montage M8x Features:

• Fully weighted GEX keyboard with polyphonic aftertouch
• AN-X, AWM2, and FM-X sound engines
• AN-X models classic analog synthesizer sound and behavior
• AWM2 with 128-element architecture delivers more articulations, dynamics, and high-definition sound
• FM-X 8-operator FM synthesis generates modern, dynamic synth sounds
• Pure Analog Circuit 2 provides clear harmonic reproduction
• 5-segment ribbon controller with dedicated Hold button
• Keyboard Hold button lets you sustain chords while tweaking knobs
• Portamento on/off button and dedicated Portamento Time knob
• Dedicated Keyboard, Part, and Scene control buttons provide control over 16 Parts per Performance
• VCM Rotary Speaker effect and realistic drawbar behavior for authentic organ sound and control
• 16 Library slots for thousands of custom user Performances and waveforms
• 400-note polyphony (AWM2 Preset: 128, AWM2 User: 128, FM-X: 128, AN-X: 16)
• 9.97GB Wave ROM Preset memory, 3.8GB Flash ROM User memory
• E.S.P. Extended Soft Synth plug-in (VST3/AU) replicates the Montage M in your favorite DAW — available early 2024
• 7-in. TFT color touchscreen offers highly detailed editing control
• Fast, intuitive navigation via Navigation button, Quick Edit screen, 6 touchscreen display knobs, and Page Jump button
• USB-MIDI and multichannel 6-in/32-out audio interface
• Suite of dedicated accessories available separately