Yamaha Montage 8 - 88-Key Workstation Synthesizer

Amazing live performance, especially when used with a DAW

As may be found in other reviews around the net, the Montage is a fantastic machine. With the latest firmware (2.5) Yamaha has addressed most concerns, including its new ability to control DAW transport via the Montages transport buttons, plus a great deal more. While it works great with Logic and Ableton, Yamaha provides a free app for Cubase that provides even more control, plus storage and instant recall of performances. The encoders and slid... Show Moreers have highly useful defaults but they can also be highly customized. The super knob, which can control them can (among many other things) create a live mix between multiple parameters, such as transitioning from an orchestra to world instruments as you play (or thousands of other things), and the super knob can also be controlled by an expression pedal. The row of buttons below the sliders are for different performances, allowing you to smoothly shift from one group to another as you play. There is far too much to cover here. All I can say is that for my needs, (which range from live performance to scoring corporate and documentary videos and TV spots), this machine kicks tail. Note that there is an excellent 88 weighted key version and a 61 key version (with the same excellent semi-weighted keyboard as the 76). I find that the 76 is ideal. Other than the keyboard, everything else is identical.Show Less

Reviewed on B&H Photo Video