The new Montage M8X from Yamaha is looks amazing! It’s been a long, long time since we’ve had a keyboard of this quality with polyphonic aftertouch. Now, if only I could find a spare £4k! https://www.yamahasynth.com/learn/montage-m/blake-s-take-introducing-montage-m
@opsGordon is it a workstation? I’d really love to see Roland/Korg/Yamaha come out with a new flagship synth. I feel like they’ve conceded the Jupiter/DX7/DW sector to the competition.
@mo yeah, I suppose you would put it in the workstation class with all those features. I suppose you could also say it contains nothing truly new or innovative from a synthesis point of view. But I’d still love one! I’m just happy that this and the recent S88 Mk3 from NI have included poly aftertouch. Feels like that’s been MIA in the mainstream since the 80s!
@opsGordon that is definitely true. To be fair, nobody needs the subtlety of polyphonic aftertouch when the 80s is screaming KEYTARS!
@mo I’ve avoided the whole modular world. Once in, I fear I’d never get out! Sounds like you’ve got a great setup there. I don’t really have the space for much hardware so I’m mostly using softsynths.
@opsGordon what softsynths are you using? I still love Zebra by U-he, but I’ve been intrigued by Arturia Pigments
@mo well… recently I’ve been mostly using Pianoteq - I’m trying to improve my technique a bit. But I’ve got all the Arturia stuff. Pigments is a powerhouse. Their new CS-80 V is a lot of fun too. U-he Diva is also a fav. I’ve got a Roli Seaboard and their Equator plugin is great for MPE. It’s also just a great sounding synth in general.
@mo I’m intrigued by modular. What do you use?
@opsGordon I’ve been really getting into stuff by Shakmat Modular. Though I’m almost as much into building module kits as I am making sounds these days.
@mo if you’re going to get Pigments, look out for it on sale. Happens a few times during the year. Probably Black Friday next.
@opsGordon as you predicted, Pigments is on sale for €99. Might wait until my credit card month ends, but think I’ll pick this up! https://www.arturia.com/store/software-instruments/pigments
@opsGordon while I’m mostly focussing on my modular gear at the minute, I still love coming back to my PolyBrute. For me, Arturia are the new Korg/Roland/Yamaha. Which is kinda contradictory as Arturia are going back and doing the sort of products that those manufacturers were known for!