Yamaha Synths Official: John Melas Tools Take Montage M Workflow to the Next Level

Integral to the Melas software suite is the ability to manage Live Sets and organize patches efficiently. The Live Set Editor not only enables drag-and-drop reordering, but also introduces color coding and advanced sorting—making it easy to flag and group songs based on gig requirements. Notably, changes made in the editor are pushed in real-time to the Montage M, ensuring that the instrument always reflects the latest organizational tweaks without manual syncing.

The Librarian tool offers bulk management of user slots, with features for reordering, renaming, and controller editing across multiple patches. A key workflow improvement is the ability to adjust controller assignments (such as footswitch or mod wheel) for entire setlists at once, catering to the practical needs of live performers who may switch gear between gigs. The Librarian can also function as a Live Set Editor, enabling quick conversion of organized patches into performance-ready sets. Overall, these features are designed to help users spend less time on administrative tasks and more time making music.

A standout moment in the video is the demo of the AN-X editor, designed from the ground up for Montage M’s new analog modeling engine. Melas explains that his goal was to replicate the hands-on workflow of a hardware synth—oscillators, mixer, filters—presented in a clear, visually intuitive layout. Key performance tools like unison, mono, and portamento are front-and-center, allowing for rapid sound design without menu-diving. Even part-specific settings like Monopoly and master portamento are made accessible for efficient lead or bass patch creation.

The editor unlocks deep modulation possibilities, with features such as dedicated envelopes for oscillator sync and pulse width, per-oscillator LFO assignment, and a built-in wavefolder. These architectural details echo the flexibility of modular systems, but are delivered through a software interface that puts all parameters within easy reach. For anyone seeking fast, creative exploration of AN-X, this editor appears to bridge the gap between tactile hardware and the depth of digital editing.

The video briefly but pointedly addresses Montage M’s support for MIDI 2, which brings expanded parameter resolution and range to the platform. Melas notes that the Performance Editor has been updated to accommodate these changes, moving from 8-bit to 16-bit parameter values—a shift that opens up finer control for sound designers and performers alike.

This integration means that complex edits and performance tweaks can be transmitted with greater precision, aligning the hardware and software more tightly than in previous generations. While the video doesn’t dive into every technical detail of MIDI 2, it’s clear that these enhancements are foundational for future-proofing Montage M workflows and enabling a new level of parameter automation and expressivity.