Scott’s Synth Stuff Dives Into Yamaha MODX M OS 3.0: Feature Parity or Just Hype?

15. January 2026

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Scott’s Synth Stuff Dives Into Yamaha MODX M OS 3.0: Feature Parity or Just Hype?

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Yamaha just dropped a bomb on the MODX M with OS 3.0 and ESP 3.0, and Scott’s Synth Stuff is here to slice through the marketing noise. If you thought the MODX M was playing second fiddle to the Montage M, think again—this update is a proper rave bunker upgrade. Scott’s no-nonsense breakdown covers everything from Clavinova samples to CS-80 ring mod, and why the MODX M now punches way above its weight. Want to know if this synth is finally a street weapon or still just a pretty face? Read on, then go watch the video for the full sonic mayhem.

Yamaha Drops the Big One: OS 3.0 & ESP 3.0 Hit the MODX M

Yamaha’s timing is as predictable as a four-on-the-floor kick—just before NAMM, they’ve unleashed OS 3.0 and ESP 3.0 for the MODX M. Scott’s Synth Stuff wastes no time pointing out that this isn’t just a minor patch; it’s a full-on feature barrage. If you’ve been side-eyeing your MODX M, wondering when it would catch up to its big brother, now’s the time to pay attention.

The update is more than a list of bug fixes—it’s a game-changer for MODX M owners. Scott’s style is straight to the point, calling out that these are the same headline features Montage M users have been flexing. The message is clear: MODX M just got a serious upgrade, and it’s not here to play nice. If you want the details, Scott’s got them, but you’ll have to keep up—this isn’t your gran’s firmware update.


New Toys: Clavinova Samples, GS1 Chorus & CS-80 Ring Mod

Let’s talk new features—because Yamaha didn’t just sprinkle some glitter on the old code. We’re talking real Clavinova samples, not some half-baked approximation. Scott highlights the addition of the GS1 ensemble chorus, brought to life with virtual circuit modelling that’s as close to the original as you’ll get without a time machine.

And then there’s the CS-80 ring modulator, also modelled down to the last transistor. Throw in a mid/side EQ compressor for side-chained kicks and part LFOs for the ANX and FMX engines, and you’ve got a synth that’s suddenly packing a lot more heat. Scott doesn’t waste time on fluff—these are features you’ll actually use, not just marketing bullet points.

We get part LFOs for the ANX and FMX engines, which allows us to use LFOs for individual parts instead of just the overall performance.

"We get part LFOs for the ANX and FMX engines, which allows us to use LFOs for individual parts instead of just the overall performance."

© Screenshot/Quote: Scottssynthstuff (YouTube)

ESP 3.0: DAW Integration and MODX Multiplication

You can run this completely separately. You can run it on a laptop controlled by a cheap MIDI controller, which means you can now go to a…

"You can run this completely separately. You can run it on a laptop controlled by a cheap MIDI controller, which means you can now go to a show with a laptop and a little lightweight MIDI controller and have all the power of your Moody XM running on your laptop."

© Screenshot/Quote: Scottssynthstuff (YouTube)

ESP 3.0 isn’t just a plugin—it’s the MODX M in software, and Scott’s quick to point out the freedom this brings. Unlike other manufacturers who chain you to the hardware, Yamaha lets you run ESP standalone. That means you can rock up to a gig with just a laptop and a cheap MIDI controller, and still have the full MODX M arsenal at your fingertips.

The real kicker? Multiple instances in your DAW. Scott spells it out: you can run ten MODX Ms in parallel, each with its own performance, without shelling out for a synth farm. Sound design is easier, performance is flexible, and the integration is tight. It’s the kind of update that turns the MODX M from a studio tool into a proper sonic street weapon.

MODX M vs Montage M: The Gap Narrows

Scott doesn’t mince words when comparing the MODX M to the Montage M post-update. With OS 3.0 and ESP 3.0, the MODX M is now at feature parity with the Montage M, minus a few hardware perks like extra voices and seamless sound switching. If you don’t need those, the MODX M suddenly looks like a much smarter buy.

He’s clear: unless you’re desperate for the Montage’s extra outputs or interface bling, the MODX M now stands tall. The days of MODX M being the budget afterthought are over. Yamaha’s update means you can keep your cash for more important things—like another groovebox or a round at the pub.

Which means the Moody XM is now at parity with the montage M with of course, the exceptions of the voice count and the seamless sound…

"Which means the Moody XM is now at parity with the montage M with of course, the exceptions of the voice count and the seamless sound switching."

© Screenshot/Quote: Scottssynthstuff (YouTube)

See It, Hear It: Why You Still Need the Video

Scott’s breakdown is sharp, but let’s be real—no article can do justice to the sound and workflow changes these updates bring. If you want to hear the new Clavinova samples, the GS1 chorus in action, or see how ESP 3.0 actually fits into your setup, you need to watch the video. Some things just hit harder when you see and hear them in the wild.


This article is also available in German. Read it here: https://synthmagazin.at/scotts-synth-stuff-zerlegt-das-yamaha-modx-m-os-3-0-feature-gleichstand-oder-nur-hype/
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