GianfrixMG

Oooh I get it now, thanks! Yeah, that's definitely a feature I would miss on the MOXF8, even if it's nothing I couldn't implement myself. I don't know, I'm quite torn: the MODX series feels much more capable in terms of sound possibilities (e.g. integrated flash for custom sounds, super knob, motion controls, etc.) but my "impostor syndrome" feels like I could get by with the MOXF and save a bit of money.

Oh, that's a nice feature! It's basically what I wanted to do on the MOXF8 with the tablet. This way I would not take performance parts for external sounds and I would have basically unlimited storage to save these external/internal layers and splits. It would be perfect if an insert effects could be applied to a part that uses external sounds via a single USB cable, but AFAIK it's only possible to apply effects if I used the A/D input, right? Wouldn't I need to send a program change of some sort to the external sound module from the MODX too? Otherwise how would I choose what VST to play? Yeah, the MOXF allows up to 16 parts at the same time in Song mode, but up to 8 parts can have dual insert effects enabled. Yeah, I don't actually like the knobs configuration on the MOXF8 too much. I would end up adding something like a Korg NanoKontrol or just use something like TouchOSC. There are also some Yamaha apps for that on the iOS App Store so it's definetely possible. Yeah, I remember trying to fix the internal curves using mididings (basically setting a curve shaped like this and setting an offset for the black keys) and only then it got a bit better, but it ended up glitching some sound changes when I used the wheel. BTW my mind wants weighted keys for the better dynamic response, but I'm also tempted by the portability of the MODX7, although I don't have a band at all right now and I don't need to move the keyboard a lot.

If I got the MOXF8 I would probably end up creating a GUI to control both internal sounds via sysex and external VSTs, making the tablet "the brain" and using the MOXF8 more like a master keyboard with an integrated audio interface. If I got a MODX I would have less of a need for it though. I would lose the FM engine but I could compensate with something like Dexed. What does the MODX have more than the MOXF in this regard? AFAIK on both of them I could passthrough the audio via USB or use the A/D input and apply some FX. I liked the action on my Numa Compact 2 in terms of feeling and weight, but I felt like I didn't have much control on the velocity, which varied too much especially between the black keys and the white keys. The PC361 has the same action, albeit "synth-style" and not "piano-style". With lockdowns here it's impossible for me to try before buying, thus I worry that I would have similar problems on the MODX7. I don't expect to play classical pieces on it but I expect for velocities to be consistent. I also tried a MOXF8 for a bit and I quite liked the action. It felt much more manageable than a TP100 I tried on a SL88 a while ago I also worry about learning bad techniques by starting to play again on a semi-weighted board, which is also part of the reason why I sold my NC2, but if there are things like effects or sounds I would miss on the MOXF8 I may think about accepting the compromise. In the end I want something to play on and unwind after a long day at work!

Hello everyone! This is kinda the same general decision I was facing in my previous topic, but the topic isn't valid anymore, as I sold my NC2 many months ago For a TLDR, my requirements are the following: - Price under 1000 (if possible) - Audio over USB - 76 keys minimum - Good sound editing capabilities - Expandability to load custom multisamples or one-shot samples After a long search the finalists are the MOXF8, the MODX7 and the MODX8. The main problem is that I can't make up my mind on where to put my priorities. I love the range on the MOXF8 and the fact it's weighted but I love the UI on the MODX series. I have a lead on a reasonably priced used MOXF8, whose price is quite close to an used MODX7 I found. Spending a little more than I would prefer I could get a new MOXF8 + Flash, but at the same price I found a used MODX8. So, as you can see, I'm tempted from all sides: I could get a MODX7 but lose weighted keys, I could get a MOXF8 but get something outdated or I could get a MODX8 but spend too much on something I would use just for a hobby I should also mention that I'm planning to use a small tablet to use other VSTs (i.e. a better Hammond) and to use something like Camelot Pro to better manage sound switching. What would you do in my shoes?

Not the best nor the worst. The build is quite solid but it bends a little bit under pressure. It may twist a little bit because it's such a compact and long plastic build of course. My guess is that the base chassis is pretty much similar to the old VMK88 series.

Hello everyone! Does anyone know if it's possible to edit what voices a song has on a MOX or MOXF using a PC connected via USB? I was considering buying one if I could use a small form factor PC to create some "combis" and use songs as voice "buffers". I could also have a bit of smooth sound transitions by loading up to 8 voices per combi (8 for one, 8 to preload the next).

Most of them does. Check the MIDI implementation chart out. I didn't try it personally but AFAIK the FX1, FX2, and Reverb knobs and Select buttons all send MIDI. Of course the joysticks both send MIDI, but the first one sends the same CC value for pitch on both axis. If I ended up keeping it, a mod I always wanted to try was to make one of the axis send a different CC value (e.g. modulation) just like the SL88 Studio does. I tried both keyboards and I can tell you the joysticks are identical for both of the keyboards. You can see in that the joystick's PCB is connected via wires to the main PCB. If the CC conversion is handled externally it may be possible to place something like an Arduino in the middle and try to achieve this goal.

That's one of the nice things about the Fatar TP8 (e.g. Kurzweil Artis 7), the semi-weighted keys are full-length, the same 5.75" or so you'd see on a hammer action board. If I'm not wrong they are a tad shorter than standard piano keys, but they have a longer pivot than the TP9, so I guess they are more even front to back. Unfortunately there are no budget keyboards equipped with that keybed!

AFAIK semiweighted keys are always going to be a bit shorter than piano keys (typically 14 cm / 5.5 inches). The KeyLab 88 Essential has been compared to the M-Audio Keystation 88 in terms of key feel. I'd recommend you the Numa Compact 2 or 2x. I had the NC2 and the keys feel good, albeit they are not hinged too far and may be harder to play on top; build quality is not exceptional though (feels a little bit cheap but still quite solid). A big plus is the presence of an internal audio interface (so one less thing to carry around!) and some good internal sounds. The NC2x costs a bit more but has sliders and more sound engines. The other knobs (except volume and eq) can also send MIDI to the PC on both of the versions. Also check this video out, where they compare the KeyLab 88 Essential to the Numa Compact 2

Yeah, right now it's my best shot, but I would be happier to spend less than 1000 . I saw a posting around that price for a MODX8 that is now unfortunately gone! Oh well... One thing I noticed is that if the MODX8 was a few centimeters shorter it would also fit perfectly without any tilting through the trunk of my car with one back seat down. One thing I forgot to mention is that the weight should be less than 15kg because I may move it around sometime. Here in Italy it costs 1859 . Almost 300 more than that price converted in Euros

Hello, I think we need to know what functions you really need from an instrument you want to buy. If you know workstations you surely know what they can do. Well, mainly I don't want to buy something that would be limiting in the near future and then sell it shortly after (btw in December I ended up selling the Numa Compact 2). For these reason I am excluding digital pianos from the choices. First of all I would like for the keybed to be weighted, in order to have a better degree of dynamics control and to better build the muscles inside the fingers, but not with a feel that made it difficult to play things other than the piano. I want the keyboard to have good sounds and a good degree of editing, because I like the idea of tweaking sounds. I would also love having knobs, faders and more than one pedal input. Of course the keyboard would end up being obsolete one day, so expandability is a big plus, thus keyboards with an USB audio interface built in would enable me to fit something like a NUC in the case and run VSTs easily using only one extra cable. I'd also like to learn how to play songs switching multiple sounds back to back. In this case something like smooth sound transitions would be a big plus. Also, using the NUC as in the previous point would enable me to better manage setlist with something like Camelot Pro or something custom. These are the main features I would like to have. I think I may compromise on the number of keys (minimum 73/76) and on the weighted feel. Maybe a good semi-weighted action is better than a crappy weighted action. By the way I enjoyed the feel of the Fatar TP9/Piano in the NC2, even if it has a very short pivot. Unfortunately only Nord and Kurzweil use the Fatar TP8 keybed, which has a longer pivot and supposedly a more uniform feel from the front to the back of the keys. I'm quite indifferent towards aftertouch. If I have to compromise on the features, then the USB audio interface is a must have; I don't really have a problem in using a PC live and I'm well covered regarding software and making it all stable. In the beginning I was also considering to buy a master keyboard and go all in on the soft-synth route. That would make me flexible as hell, but it's a long journey until I develop ad-hoc software the way I see it. Here the choices are easier: SL88 Studio (although its keybed falls on the heavier and noisier side), the ubiquitous NC2 or the Arturia KeyLab 88 (both MK2 or Essential).

I guess it's not feasible. Most of you are in the USA while I'm in Europe lol

I've been away for a while! Sorry about that! I'm still researching keyboards and right now the most complete option is still a MODX8. The only thing keeping me from buying it is the cost. I may save a bit with a MODX7 but I'd lose hammer action keys, albeit those semi-weighted keys apparently have a longer pivot than the Fatar TP9 Piano. I've also looked at a local used MOXF8, but I feel like the interface is dated, there's less flexibility for live usage and there are no sliders. I'd scrap the RD-88 because it's not class compliant and I was counting on expanding with a Linux based mini pc if needed by using a single cable (so USB Class Compliant MIDI/Audio is a thing I'd like to use). The PC4 is nice but costs too much here! Are there less expensive options or should I just turn to the used market?

Hello everyone! A little backstory: I wanted to start playing keyboards again after a long time. I actually grew up to really like workstation keyboards, but I didn't feel like spending that much money for something like a Kronos 88 when I'm just starting out again. After a bit of research I ended up buying a Numa Compact 2. Mainly its ease of expandability drew me in, in order to morph it into a more capable keyboard later on (I was actually thinking on writing a touchscreen friendly UI for a VST host in order to create something like a Zynthian), but its plasticky build and the positioning of the keys' fulcrum that makes them a bit hard to hit them on the top kinda put me off, even if I quite like that the keys themselves don't feel cheap at all. For these reasons I'm considering selling it and buying something else. The closest alternative that wouldn't cost a lot I think is the MODX8, which still is a bit beyond what I would spend for a new keyboard but it's still a bit expandable. I really don't know how would I feel about falling back to 76/73 keys, especially if they feel worse than the ones in my NC2. I also have some constraints on weight and size (e.g. I would like for it not to be hard to put in my car when needed). Can you guys help me put an end to all those doubts? Thank you in advance!

Hello everyone! I'm GianfrixMG, a technology nerd from Italy. I'm an amateur singer who currenly wants to start play keyboards again after a really long time. Nice to meet you all!