The Motion Control Synthesizer Engine controls and uses two sound engines: Advanced Wave Memory 2 (AWM2) and FM-X. The AWM2 engine is much more powerful than the previous Motif XF flagship with nearly ten times more wave memory at 5.67GB and 1.75GB of integrated user flash memory, double the effects and twice the polyphony. Previous Motif libraries are compatible with Montage.

FM-X is a sophisticated FM (Frequency Modulation) synthesizer engine capable of producing classic '80s or cutting-edge EDM sound with incredible dynamic range, power and fidelity.

I found fresh and exciting on the Montage6 sent for review the new user interface with a large color touch screen, endless rotary encoders and the Super Knob, a macro control allowing users to control multiple parameters simultaneously.

My keyboard player and I found the sounds fantastic and the way they are arranged and organized into Sub Categories made them easy to find. We especially liked the piano and string sounds and the many built-in controller features. Besides the Pitch Bend and Mod Wheels, there is also a small programmable Ribbon Controller, two assignable buttons, Motion Sequencer trigger and on/off buttons, and Arpeggio on/off for stopping/starting the internal sequencer during live performance.

Yamaha's Montage keyboard is a great new flagship synthesizer and prices are: Montage6 at $3,499, Montage7 $3,999, and the Montage8 at $4,499.

Check: http://4wrd.it/Montage.

Feb. 2017! OS v1.5 firmware update just debuted at the Winter 2017 NAMM Show.

Many added and improved features include:

The Rotary Speaker effect is improved, new organ Performances, and new dynamic processor effect for more tonal character

There are more ways to use the Assignable buttons and Super Knob and there is now greater control and tracking of USB audio input volume.

Auto Beat Sync lets MONTAGE sense and jam with live drums or tracks.