Which One ??? YAMAHA MODX-8 or ROLAND FANTOM -08 Ten Differences 

They are both great keyboards, but I prefer the MODX. 1. The sounds. Not only the acoustic instruments (which are generally better), but also the synth sounds. Not just the onboard synth sounds, but there are tons the MODX can import as it can read sounds from the Montage, entire MOTIF family (MOTIF, MOTIF ES, MOTIF XS, MOTIF XF) and the DX-7 series including the TX-816 & TX-802. There are just a ton of great sounds made that are compatible with the MODX, many of which came from the MOTIF series & DX-7 series. The MOTIF series were one of the most popular on big & small stages over the past 20 years. Just tons of sounds made in these formats your MODX can read. The DX-7 ruled the 80s, and there are 10s of thousands of patches in DX-7 format. A lot of the classic synth sounds I use were not produced with Roland's in the 80s/70s. They were done an Oberheim, Prophet, Moog, ARP, etc. I've found more of these kind of sounds of use for the MODX than in Fantom 0 formats. It all depends on the kind of music you play however. Your needs and mine may be different. The MODX & Fantom 0 are vastly different in sound from each other. Neither can really replace the other. Having both would be ideal. Or in my case, going Roland's software route is very similar to having both. 2. I play rock covers in my bands. The Fantom 0 largely targets synth pop, electronica & techno music. I don't play those styles. I play famous covers of 80s/70s rock and occasional pop sounds. There are far more of these kind of sounds available that are compatible with the MODX than the Fantom 0. Just look at the sound collections for the Fantom 0. With just a couple exceptions, they largely ignore the rock market. We''ll, it's true in new music it's no longer a format that sells. But there are tons of older musicians like me that play exclusively older music, and we are in large numbers when it comes to live bands vs other styles. 3. The Fantom 0 is crippled by a lack of expensive multi-sample flash memory. Most bands (those that play 80s/70s music anyway) need a lot of sampled instruments. The MODX has 4 times the memory of the Fantom 0. And truth be told, the MODX could have easily used more. Imagine trying to get by with just 256 megs? Roland did through in 2 gigs of "dirt cheap" computer flash ram for one-shot samples. Not the kind of ram I wanted. A ton fraction as useful as multi-sample ram. How cheap is cheap? At retail Walmart sells a 16 gig USB flash drive for about $5. How much extra do you think Yamaha had to pay for 1 gig of multi-sample flash ram vs the 1/4 (256 megs) Roland had to pay some 3rd party company as neither could make it in house. I'd be willing to bet, a ton of money. Not like 5 bucks retail. Roland just choice to confuse customers putting "2 gigs of ram" when really, it's 256 megs. And we'll make some in-house plastic buttons, sliders & knobs to make the Fantom 0 look more appealing than the MODX. 4. User interface. I prefer the MODX user interface, and found it more intuitive for "basic" operations. The "large" touch screen is an ideal method for a user interface. I can see it easily, and it's large enough my fingers can press it easily. I'm not a fan of sound category buttons, and I found sorting through sounds much easier on the MODX. To access the B3 mode on the Fantom 0, you have to press some crazy key combination. Takes reading a manual to figure that out, or looking it up ahead. While the MODX may have fewer knobs, sliders & buttons, Yamaha's layout makes perfect sense. The have a lighted toggle button that is very easy & obvious how to access all of the basic controls from the front panel. I don't see much advantage to more knobs and sliders because the MODX is already so easy to operate for these kind of controls. Yamaha wisely spent the extra money for very expensive multi-sample ram which is a critical feature. Roland instead spent theirs on plastic buttons/knobs they probably could cheaply make in-house. 5. The MODX is a class complaint instrument. The Fantom 0 is not. This means 2 things. If you want to use an iPad or iPhone for soft synths, playing back MP3's or whatever, it's one simple cable and makes use of the MODX audio interface with separate volume knob. If you want extra controls on your MODX, you can plug a USB device in as it will read them if class complaint. 6. While the Fantom 0 has a dedicated organ engine, they didn't include 9 sliders to control them in real time. And you have to run the keyboard in a different mode to access them. While the MODX lacks a dedicaded organ engine, the Organimation package available for it is very good, and has an ingenious use of the MODX Super Knob which lets you adjust drawbars in real-time (all 9) in a way that makes total sense. The Super Knob is a really useful control for many things. Since the MODX interfaces with an iPad or iPhone well, the B-3X organ synth is probably the very best available digital organ of any kind (hardware or software). The very good VB3 organ is just $14 for iPad/iPhone. The MODX (even the 6) has room directly on top of it to hold an iPad (Mini on the 6, regular on the others). This means if you wanted to go the combo MODX/iPad synth route, you don't have to carry or buy a separate stand in order to use one. There are hundreds of sound engines made ipad format. These include engines from Moog Music, Korg, Fairlight, Synclavier, Mellotron, the Hammond organ company, and even Roland themself. While I understand the the Fantom 0 integrates betters with Mainstage and some other VST hosts, the ones I run do not intergrate with the Fantom 0. So no advantage for me there. I run both PC VST's and iPhone synths/MP3 music off my iPhone (handy for practice or making a direct recording of your MODX digitally). The MODX includes Cubase and integrates well with that, one of the leading recording software packages. Yamaha choose to integrate with that rather than the other stuff. 7. Keybed action. While many complain about the MODX keybed, I feel it's unjustified. So many people complain that clearly haven't tried a wide variety of keybeds as I have. While I agree it's not a premium quality, it's not nearly as bad as some say. I came from Korg premium flagship keybeds mostly before switching to the MODX6. I'm not a huge fan of the Fantom 06 keybed I tried, but I can't say anything bad about it either. Just not a feel that I love. Certainly not more than my MODX6. The Fantom 06 keybed does feel similar to my Roland D-70 keybed, which I'm not wild about that keybed either. Comes down to personal preference. In conclusion, both the MODX & Fantom 0 are excellent keyboards over all, and both clearly offer the most power in lightest weight package you can get, and are both an excellent value for your money. Which is better comes down to what you personally want or need. I prefer the basic operation of the MODX. The Fantom with it's dedicated VA engines does offer easier "deep level" programming than the MODX. The MODX has it's very powerful AWM2 engine & FM-X engine, which sound designers have proven is very capable even for analog synth sounds. However, to program them from scratch, the MODX is more left to the experts, and to the average person is more intended as a synth you'll download tons of sound collections to get the kinds of sound you want, rather than create everything from scratch. For that deeper level programming, I prefer working with my soft synths anyway. Much larger screen, easier to work with, and the proper kind of analog sound engines I'd actual want much more than just Roland's classics for the kind of music I play. When I make my own sounds, the engines model an Oberheim, Prophet, Moog, ARP, etc. Basic tweaking of MODX sounds however is not difficult. My Roland needs are met with Roland's own VST's, which offer most of the engines & sounds of the Fantom 0, plus far more. I could even load the vast majority of the Fantom 0 sound collections right into my laptop. Yamaha sadly doesn't offer their technology past or present in software format, while both Roland and to some level Korg do. So it makes perfect sense to me to use a Yamaha in hardware format, and Roland & Korg in software. My feeling is while the Fantom 0 does compete with the MODX, (the first keyboard to really compete with it) and will put a dent in the market, the MODX will still reign as King and be the best selling keyboard on the market for some time.

I have owned a MODX8 and returned it after 16 months of ownership because the touch screen would intermittently fail for the last 7 months of ownership. Yamaha could not repair it because of supply chain issues. They promised me a new MODX8+, but could never deliver. I had to return the unit to Guitar Center and get a refund. I then turned around and purchased the Fantom 07. I enjoyed the MODX8 for the short time that it worked. It does a lot and I like the samples. The piano samples are better on the MODX8. The strings and horns are more realistic. The synth samples are stronger. I feel the user interface is too complicated. Too much menu diving compared to the Fantom 07. I believe the user interface on the Fantom 07 is easier to use. The touch screen is smaller on the Fantom, but you can control the data with the buttons if your fingers are too fat for the touch screen. The tone wheel organ feature on the Fantom is far superior, complete with Sliders that act as drawbars. The Fantom samples are adequate for my purposes, all though not as good as the MODX. Unfortunately, I had to move away from Yamaha because of poor customer service. All they had to do was deliver on their promise. Between Guitar Center and Yamaha, they couldn't get it done. Sorry Yamaha, I have to divorce you after 30+ years of loyalty.

Awesome reviews ! Thanks!!!

Thank you for the comparison! I'm using a Modx 6 with a Studiologic SL73 and I'm thinking about a Fantom - 06.

Excellent review. Thank you for sharing.

thanks for sharing this - i owned alot of synths and workstations like the trinity pro, M3, Triton Extreme but have now the korg kronos 2 - 88 keys

Great video I do have both my yamaha sometimes the sound get cross up some times and I have to cut it off and start over

The acoustic pianos and most acoustic sounds are better on the Yamaha. The action and panel layout are better on the Roland. It's a tough call, as both have flaws and virtues, so I'd say try playing them before deciding. As a MIDI controller, the Roland clearly wins, but the sounds on the Yamaha might sway you.

Does the fantom have a set list option like the modx? That was a game changer for me especially when doing live sets for different bands.

So I need both. Got it. Just ordered the MODX6+ and after learning how to use it, I will look into whether or not I should still get the Fantom or not... I was like... "Both? Both." The whole time. I just like what each offers, but starting with what I grew up with-- YAMAHA. Thanks for such an insightful video.

Hello I just received my modx8 and I love it!!! But I'm new to all this so I don't know how to add 80s patches like ones from synthcloud do I need a laptop to do this or do you know where I can go to order software to have shipped to me? Do I simply just need a USB stick or do I need a laptop

Fantom is soooo awesome 😃

The problem of chasing sounds gor expansions from certain eras is that, we are doing it infavor to revive the past music and only halfly for the new. As far as we want to creat new taste lf music for ourselves and be called original, wich of the two engines is more future progress possible? I think its the Fantom 0.

I'm considering making a change to a Fantom (or -0) from a MODX. My main keyboard is a weighted Forte so piano isn't really a concern. Organ and synths are. One thing the MODX does very well is integrate an ipad with one cable (midi and audio), and I'm not so sure the Fantoms will do that. Then again, the tonewheel organ is good enough that the ipad may not be as critical (I only use B-3X currently, I'm considering starting to use Zeeon and the Moog app Model D). I've auditioned it and it's pretty much what I used to have on my VR-700, minus the drawbars and waterfall action of course! Synths are where I'd be hoping the Roland moves ahead a bit. The best synth sounds I've found on the MODX so far are FM (pads especially) but generally it's a pretty thin-and-weedy sounding instrument for poly and lead analog vintage. And to be fair, it's a workstation and not a Prophet 5, but that doesn't stop one from wanting everything :)

The best thing in Fantom 0 you can mix each instrument separately and you can play 16 instruments ar the same time. I don’t know if Modx does it as well cause I never use it before But Roland kills us by adding only 256 MB flash memory. there should be a way to upgrade

I have both in the 6/06 models. The only thing the Yamaha does better is the acoustic sounds, like accusitic pianos. Other than that, the Roland has become my daily driver because of the deep Ableton integration, the number of sliders/encoders, and the overall ease of use for many tasks. Plus, I think the ZenCore engine makes the synth sounds 100% better than the Yamaha.

Thanks.

Ive got both and play all sorts of music. Neither is better, either could do it all, but if I had to keep only one it would be the Fantom. Programming is much easier, 8 live control’s rather than 4, Organs are in a different class (plus the ability to use the sub out and run it through an external FX if needed), audio is much better implemented. The list fo features that you don’t hear about is what makes it better IMO. Its nicer to use. MODX sounds more processed and overly bright, so takes more effort to get it sitting in a mix (not the same as the Montage). So many vintage sounds available for it that ti fits in to any style of music. Its definitely not an 80’s only synth.

Only synth sounds: pluck, lead, pad - which do you think are better? I'm interested not in the number of sounds but in their quality (more "meat / punch".)

Thanks

I love my fantom 08. I feel like this video is being narrated from someone in the trunk of my Dad's old Lincoln.

From your video phantom seems like a no brainer.

Can anyone tell me if it's possible to make the piano section of my Fantom08 sound louder? It currently sounds muffled, like it's inside a blanket. 😢😢😢I bought it in November 2023 but I haven't been using it much because of this issue. Other than that, everything is fine.

I bought the MODX over the Phantom because it has multiple programmable arpeggiators, the key bed is much more like a real piano (even sound wise) menu system was IHMO much more intuitive.....

Another big advantage of the Fantom is that you can use all 16 tone slots, in the MODX it’s only 8. Also those pads can be used like the scene buttons on the MODX, they aren’t just sample pads (far from it). So that’s 16 instant scenes over 4 on the MODX. That’s a big deal IMO.

Which action key is better, fantom 08 or modx 8

How would the Roland System 8 compare to these two?

Right now until the end of June 24', the Roland comes in $500 more.

Here is a link to Roland and a fantastic tutorial on the Fantom 0 ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-1yKa2FUaIkk.html

I love how, in the end, you just cut the video 😂😂😂

“Why don’t you just get both?” 🤣 bro you kill me. Why not just then get the Roland Fantom 8 (not the “0” series) and Yamaha Montage?

SOOOOO Which One if you have only money for one! That what I want to know!

Korg nautilus !!

more buttons is better for me.

MODX8 .

Looks like FA not Fantom

Bought the MODX-7 when it was launched...key-bed is mediocre, the "sequencer" is only for performance recording(i.e. no song sequencing with deep editing, loop recording, copy & paste..etc.,.)....great sounds & a beautiful large LCD, but as a recording tool, it's pathetic & since I abhor Cubase, so I happily sold the shit-box(so glad I did, as years later, I come to find out Yamaha added a song sequencer(BUT PATTERN RECORDING ONLY, WITH NO F**KING LINEAR TRACK VIEW.) Recently....I had bought a Fantom 06( & again, loved the sounds & the display....but the sequencer is a joke(clip-based pattern recording & a 3-step process(pattern/group/song)...the most tedious & eye-tiring method of recording I've ever experienced. Besides...the Fantom series are just VST's in a box and since the on-board recording is useless, it forces the user to integrate with Ableton Live Lite(EXCEPT THAT YOU CANNOT INTEGRATE UNLESS YOU PAY THE $369 TO UPGRADE TO LIVE STANDARD...WTF!?? ) This part is really hilarious....if you spend just $229 on Roland's Zenology software, you can have EVERYTHING that's in the Fantom-0 keyboard, on your PC AND you have the option to add all of the libraries to it and the Zen's GUI is awesome! F*ck Yamaha & Roland's hardware "workstations"....I'm going back to Korg & staying with them. Kronos is too expensive & discontinued anyway, the Nautilus is nice...but not enough physical controls & more than I want to spend....so I am going with the Kross 2 61(some good sounds in this board, great build quality for such an inexpensive & lightweight keyboard, has sampling & 16 pads like the Fantom and has 2 features the Fantom DOESN"T have, which are audio recording & audio exporting( not bad, for an $800 keyboard)...which makes the Fantom so utterly pathetic( when you consider features & price points.)

Sold my Montage 7 for a Fantom 7. Do not regret it at all.

redo the video, with proper mic, i cannot hear you clearly (very very distant).

It’s no contest ROLAND FOR MY MONEY