Woody Piano Shack Unleashes the MODX M: A Sound Demo That Slaps

Preset Parade: MODX M’s Live Set Flex

Woody wastes no time, diving straight into the MODX M’s live set mode, where Yamaha’s curated performances are stacked sixteen deep and ready for action. Forget endless menu scrolling—this is about instant access to a smorgasbord of sounds, all primed for live use. The first stop is a Rhodes patch with dynamic expression that’s more than just polite—there’s bite and shimmer, and Woody’s not shy about pushing the drive and effects to show off its range.

Each performance is a playground, with scene buttons letting you morph the vibe on the fly. Woody flicks through variations, boosting drive and toggling effects like a DJ in a toaster-fight. The MODX M’s live set isn’t just about quantity—it’s about quick, musical changes that make it a real street weapon for performers who want to keep the crowd guessing.

FM-X & AN-X: Old School Meets New School

Woody spotlights the MODX M’s dual synth engines, showing off the classic FM-X and the fresh AN-X. The FM-X engine brings that DX7 DNA, but with more muscle and flexibility—think glassy keys, morphing textures, and enough digital grit to cut through any mix. Woody’s hands-on approach means you hear the engine’s punch, not just read about it.

Then it’s over to the AN-X, Yamaha’s answer to modern analogue modelling. Pads, leads, and filter sweeps get the full treatment, with Woody twisting scenes and macro controls for drastic effect. The blend of FM and analogue-style sounds is seamless, making the MODX M a chameleon for any genre. If you want to hear these engines in a real-world context, you’ll need to catch the video—words can’t do justice to the filth and finesse on display.

Live Set Wizardry: Scenes, Macros, and Seamless Switching

Performance isn’t just about sounds—it’s about control. Woody shows off the MODX M’s scene buttons, which store snapshots of panel settings, super knob positions, and fader states. This means you can jump between radically different textures without missing a beat, perfect for live chaos or studio experimentation. Woody’s not just pressing buttons—he’s sculpting transitions, making the synth feel alive.

Seamless sound switching is the real star here. Woody demonstrates how you can swap performances mid-play without those nasty cut-offs that plague lesser boards. It’s the sort of feature that separates a true performance synth from a studio-only diva. If you’re gigging, this is the stuff that keeps your set tight and your audience on their toes.

"You can store a snapshot of all of the panel settings, the super knob, faders and so on, the macro controls here."

© Screenshot/Quote: Woodypianoshack (YouTube)

Preset Playground: Infinite Sound Design

"There's thousands of presets on this, or performances as Yamaha call them, but there's actually infinite, because once you call up a performance, you can just make whatever adjustments as you saw me do in there."

© Screenshot/Quote: Woodypianoshack (YouTube)

Woody makes it clear: the MODX M isn’t just a preset machine—it’s a launchpad for deep sound design. With thousands of performances (and the ability to tweak every parameter), you’re only limited by your own patience and imagination. Woody jumps between lush pads, cinematic textures, and gnarly leads, all while nudging macros and scene settings to show how quickly you can make a sound your own.

He points out that each preset is just a starting point. The real magic happens when you dive in, layer parts, and automate parameters with motion sequencing. Whether you’re after instant gratification or want to lose a weekend in the edit menu, the MODX M’s got you covered. But let’s be honest—if you want to hear how wild things can get, you’ll need to watch Woody push it to the edge in the video.

Sound Demos That Hit Hard: Why You Need to Watch

Woody’s demo isn’t just a polite run-through—it’s a full-on sonic assault. From crunchy electric pianos to cinematic pads and monstrous synth leads, every sound gets a moment to shine. The video is packed with examples: morphing FM textures, evolving pads, and effects-laden arps that’ll make your DAW blush. Woody’s playful style and quick-fire commentary keep things moving, so you’re never stuck in preset purgatory.

But here’s the real kicker: you can’t appreciate the depth or dirt of these sounds through text alone. Woody’s hands-on tweaks, scene changes, and performance tricks are best experienced with your ears (and maybe a subwoofer). If you want to feel the MODX M’s power, don’t just read about it—go watch the demo and let it slap you in the face.