
Yamaha MODX M8 88-Key Music Synthesizer
The Yamaha MODX M8 88-key synthesizer is built for pianists, delivering authentic graded hammer action with heavier low keys and lighter high keys for expressive, nuanced playing. Alongside flagship-level piano touch, it offers three powerful sound engines, plus intuitive controls and DAW-ready features, making it ideal for both studio production and stage performance.
Key Features
- 88-Key Graded Hammer Action: Smooth, responsive piano touch with heavier low keys and lighter high keys for expressive playability.
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Three Sound Engines:
- AWM2: Ultra-realistic instrument voices, including piano, strings, and layered textures, with up to 128 elements per part.
- FM-X: Modern FM synth sounds with up to 128-note polyphony.
- AN-X: Vintage analog-style synths with oscillator and filter options, supporting up to 16-note polyphony.
- Polyphony & Memory: 268 notes across all engines, 10.7GB preset memory, and 1.9GB user memory.
- Multitimbral Capability: 16 internal parts plus audio input and USB parts for layered performances.
- Extensive Effects: 12 Reverb types, 88 Variation types, 88 Insertion types, 26 Master Effects, 83 A/D Part Insertions, plus 5-band master EQ and multi-band part EQs.
- Sequencer & Arpeggiator: 128 patterns, 16 tracks, Scene and Tempo tracks, plus 8-part arpeggiator with over 10,900 presets.
- Flexible Connectivity: Dual 1/4" stereo audio inputs/outputs, 1/4" stereo headphone output, USB MIDI/audio, sustain and assignable footswitch, and two expression pedal inputs.
- Onboard Controllers: Pitch bend wheel, modulation wheel, high-resolution Super Knob, 8 faders, and 4 multi-function knobs for performance, mixing, and editing.
- Compact & Portable: 51.56" W × 15.38" D × 5.94" H, weighing 29 lb 15 oz, ideal for stage or studio setups.
- DAW Integration & Recording: Built-in 10-in/4-out USB audio interface allows direct multitrack recording and virtual instrument monitoring, while the Expanded Softsynth Plugin (ESP, available early 2026) replicates the MODX M in your DAW for full editing, mixing, and sound creation.
Authentic Piano Feel
The MODX M8 features a graded hammer-action keybed that closely matches the response of an acoustic piano. Heavier in the bass and lighter in the treble, it’s ideal for players who need realistic dynamics and control when performing piano parts.
Layer & Morph Across Engines
Combine AWM2, FM-X, and AN-X synthesis to shape sounds that blend realistic instruments with evolving textures and analog-style tones. Each engine adds its own character for deeply expressive layering.
Faster, More Intuitive Navigation
The MODX M8 features an upgraded touchscreen and streamlined interface that lets you quickly access Performances, Parts, and engine parameters. Navigation is faster and more intuitive, helping pianists and producers dive into complex sound design without slowing down their workflow.
Seamless DAW & Recording Integration
Record multitrack audio directly over USB with the built-in 10-in/4-out interface and MIDI 2.0 support. Each part can be sent to separate tracks, streamlining production and live performance setups.
Intuitive Real-Time Control
Eight faders, six assignable knobs, and the Super Knob put real-time sound shaping at your fingertips. The bright touchscreen makes editing fast and performance adjustments effortless.
Frequently Asked Questions: Yamaha MODX M8
How many sounds does the MODX M8 include?
The Yamaha MODX M8 offers over 3,400 preset Performances, 128 preset Live Sets, and 2,048 user Live Sets, giving you a massive range of voices and layered sounds for complex performances, sound design, and music production.
What’s new in the Yamaha MODX M8 compared to the previous MODX 8?
The MODX M8 introduces the AN-X analog modeling engine, doubles AWM2 memory, and expands polyphony across its three engines — up to 256 notes for AWM2, 128 notes for FM-X, and 16 notes for AN-X. It also adds smoother, high-resolution controls, upgraded navigation, and a refined user interface for faster sound editing.
Can I record directly from the MODX M8 into my computer?
Yes. The MODX M8 features a built-in 10-in/4-out USB audio interface and USB MIDI 2.0 support, allowing direct multitrack recording and virtual instrument monitoring through a single cable.
Is the MODX M8 suitable for live performance?
Yes. Its graded hammer action, real-time control faders, and intuitive Scene and Part selection buttons make it ideal for live players. Lightweight design and Kraft Music’s stage-ready bundles help streamline gigging setups.
Is the MODX M8 suitable for composing and arranging music?
Absolutely. With its 16-part multitimbral capability, advanced sequencer, arpeggiators, and Expanded Softsynth Plugin (ESP) integration, the MODX M8 provides all the tools needed for composing, arranging, and producing complex pieces directly from the keyboard.
Specification | Value |
---|---|
SKU | YAM-MODXM8 |
Model Name | MODX M8 |
Vendor | Yamaha |
Aftertouch | No |
Analog Digital | Digital |
Included From Manufacturer | Power supply |
Keys Weighted | Hammer Weighted |
Number of Keys | 88 |
Key Size | Full Size Keys |
Midi | In, Out, and USB |
Mono Poly | Polyphonic |
MPN | MODX M8 |
Product Unique Features |
|
Key Action | 88-note GHS keyboard with graded hammer action |
Number of Patches/Programs |
3,427 preset Performances 128 preset Live Sets 2,048 user Live Sets |
Voices of Polyphony |
AWM2: 256 (maximum; stereo/mono waveforms) FM-X: 128 (maximum) AN-X: 16 (maximum) |
Oscillators per Voice | Varies by Sound Engine |
Multitimbral Capability |
16 internal parts Audio input parts: A/D, USB |
Effects |
12 Reverb types 88 Variation types 88 Insertion types 26 Master Effect types 83 A/D Part Insertion types Preset settings for parameters of each effect type are provided as templates 5-band master EQ 3-band 1st part EQ 2-band 2nd part EQ |
Sequencer |
Sequencer: 128 patterns 16 sequence tracks Tempo track Scene track Realtime replace, realtime overdub, realtime punch in/out |
Internal Storage Capacity |
10.7GB preset (when converted to 16-bit linear format) 1.9GB user |
Arpeggiator |
8 Parts simultaneous (maximum) 10,922 Preset types 256 User types |
USB Port (to Host) |
MIDI Audio Editor/Librarian/Patch Manager |
USB Port (to Device) |
Audio Recording Song File Playback Program/Preset Storage Sample Import System Updates |
Audio Inputs | Dual 1/4" stereo external audio input |
Audio Outputs |
Dual 1/4" stereo output 1/4" stereo headphone output |
Control Connections |
1/4" sustain footswitch input 1/4" assignable footswitch input 2 × 1/4" expression pedal inputs |
Onboard Controllers |
Pitch bend wheel Modulation wheel Assignable, multi-parameter Super Knob with visual feedback 8 physical faders for performance, mixing and editing 4 multi-function control knobs |
Width | 51.5625" |
Depth | 15.375" |
Height | 5.9375" |
Product Weight | 29 lb 15 oz. |

Yamaha Synthesizer, Stage Keyboard & Stage Piano Products Limited Warranty
Yamaha products are designed and manufactured to provide a high level of defect-free performance. Yamaha Corporation of America ('Yamaha') is proud of the experience and craftsmanship that goes into each and every Yamaha product. Yamaha sells its products through a network of reputable, specially authorized dealers and is pleased to offer you, the Original Owner, the following Limited Warranty, which applies only to products that have been (1) directly purchased from Yamaha's authorized dealers in the fifty states of the USA and District of Columbia (the 'Warranted Area') and (2) used exclusively in the Warranted Area. Yamaha suggests that you read the Limited Warranty thoroughly, and invites you to contact your authorized Yamaha dealer or Yamaha Customer Service if you have any questions.
- CK Series Stage Keyboards: 1 Year
- CP Series Stage Pianos: 3 Years
- MODX+ / MODX Music Synthesizers: 1 Year
- Montage / Montage M Music Synthesizers: 2 Years
- MX Music Synthesizers: 1 Year
- Reface Mobile Mini Keyboards: 1 Year
- Synthesizer Accessories: 1 Year
- YC Series Stage Keyboards: 3 Years
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