Yamaha MONTAGE (2016)
A flagship synthesizer introduced in 2016, combining AWM2 and FM-X sound engines with Motion Control Synthesis.
Overview
The Yamaha MONTAGE is a flagship synthesizer introduced in 2016. It runs two synthesis engines, Advanced Wave Memory (AWM2) and FM-X, under one architecture built for dynamic sound control. The focus is workflow speed and real-time manipulation through the Motion Control Synthesis platform. Yamaha made several models: 61-key (M6), 76-key (M7) and 88-key (M8x). The MONTAGE M series is an evolution of the original line.
Specifications
| Maximum Polyphony (AWM2) | 256 notes (stereo/mono waveforms) |
| Maximum Polyphony (FM-X) | 128 notes |
| Keyboard Action (M8x) | GEX action with Polyphonic Aftertouch |
| Keyboard Action (M6) | FSX action |
| Weight (MONTAGE 7) | 17 kg (37 lbs, 8 oz) |
| Body Material (M6) | Wood |
| Audio Interface | USB MIDI and multichannel 32 output / 6 input audio interface |
| Production Start | 2016 |
Design
Two large “SWP70” ASICs, in a master/slave setup, handle tone generation and effects. Each has its own SDRAM (48MB and 16MB respectively) and 4GB of direct-connected NAND flash for wave data. The main CPU is a Texas Instruments AM3352 (ARM Cortex-A8, 32-bit ARMv7-A) with 256MB of DDR3 SDRAM and 4GB eMMC. A separate “SSP2” DSP with a Renesas SH-2A core manages the USB-to-host audio/MIDI interface. The whole thing runs a Linux kernel (version 3.12.10 armv7l) with armhf userspace, even in firmware updates as recent as v3.51.
Context
Yamaha introduced the MONTAGE line in 2016 and described it as ushering in a new era for their flagship instruments. It was marketed as a descendant of the SY77. It combines AWM2 and FM-X engines under the Motion Control Synthesis platform. The MONTAGE M series came later, and Yamaha positioned it as the culmination of 50 years of Yamaha synthesizer development.
Market
The MONTAGE M6 was listed at an original price of $3,499.99, discounted to $3,149.99 on Yamaha’s US shop. The price difference between the 61-key and 88-key models was reported as approximately one thousand dollars. Third-party listings show Montage 8 models available from $2,600, and user reports mention original purchases around €3,000.
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