Since there are still many musicians who prefer reading to watching videos, I would like to tell you something roughly about the effect structure of the Yamahas and, above all, about the differences!
The three effect options
We have a total of three options for integrating effects into the sound or performance. These options differ primarily in their position in the signal path.
- The insert effect block. Each timbre/part has this block that the elements or OPs can access.
- The system effects. At this point we have the reverb and variation effect. These can also be added to each timbre/part using the send and return controls.
- The master effect! This comes at the end and affects the entire signal that goes towards the output.
Let's go through the three blocks one after the other!
- Insert effect
Here we have the first big difference between the Modx (+) and the Montage. The Modx offers 13 of these blocks and the Montage offers 17. At first glance, both very crooked numbers when you consider that there are 16 timbres, 8 of which you can play internally without any problems.
But: at least during assembly it makes sense, because in addition to the 16 timbres you can still operate the A/D input with the 17 effect.
The number 13 doesn't make any sense to me, but perhaps comes from the processor load or a dice.
A block consists of an A and B effect, which then go through a 2-band EQ. The order of the two effects can be changed and it is possible to integrate one as a side chain.
On the left we see either the 8 elements or the OPs. You can tell each one individually which effect it should go through and therefore whether it goes through both or just one. You should think about what makes sense beforehand.
Of course you can also simply switch the effects on and off! On the overview page you can also see directly which effects are selected.
Behind the EQ you can then adjust the send components in the direction of the system effects and very importantly: the part output. With the Modx you can choose the USB outs here and the additional individual outputs when mounting. This means you can get a part separately from the device. The envelope follower is a bit more complicated, we'll talk about that another time.
In the next two windows “Ins A” and “Ins B” you can adjust the effects with many parameters as you imagine. You can find a complete list of all effects in the “Data List”, which you can download from Yamaha.
- System effects
We have the option to use two system effects. These two can be used separately or mixed together. Here too you should think about what you are doing to avoid producing porridge!
The “first” effect is the Variation effect and the second is the Reverb effect. In terms of content, you can perhaps imagine the difference. You can also find details in the data list or just click on it.
The connection of the two effects is also shown quite clearly. The return amounts can be adjusted separately, as can the amount that is sent from the variation to the reverb effect. The signal then runs towards the master effect (MFX) and through the master EQ.
- Master effect
We have just seen the master effect. When switched on, this always affects the entire output signal. The same applies to the subsequent Master EQ. The effect selection here is limited to “useful” things.
You have now learned that the effects work in a wide variety of places and can be linked. The picture shows the overall overview again.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us or watch the video!