My MODX7 Comparison

[tsss27]

I figured the comparison was only relevant to the DX tines electric piano sounds, although it does also say "DX type voices" so who knows.
In any case, if we take FM as a whole, the MoDX (or original DX7) will have a wider sonic flexibility; in the Nord synths there are only a couple of starting points. These can provide the basic sounds FM is known for, and for most people DX simply means that 80's electric piano sound anyway, but if you want to go deeper into FM there are simply not the same number of possibilities.
Possible exception, I heard the Nord Lead3 had a far better FM implementation with more variations to work with; if that is true maybe that would be the most interesting comparison if we are talking about FM in general and not just the EPs.

[Hlaalu]

for most people DX simply means that 80's electric piano sound anyway

Yes exactly, in some cases FM has come to mean a specific set of sounds, among which the 80's EP, more than a sound synthesis mechanism. It's almost as if the word "FM" meant two different things. With this particular meaning in mind, the comparison with Nord can make sense after all.

Also, it's my feeling that the OP didn't mean to compare the Nord FM engine per se, but mostly FM "sounds" as they appear in the Sound Library as samples -- which again confirms what I said above about the meaning of FM.

[Nadroj]

Agreed. I got a MODX7 and while it can do more complex stuff than any other keyboard I’ve owned (that superknob is cool) it’s a pain to programme and the sounds have nowhere near the warmth that my Electro does. The electromechanical sounds sound plastic in comparison to my Nord.

I tried using it for a single board rig but soon introduced my electro again. Then there was a gig where could only take one board and I chose to take the electro, even though it was far more limited in what it could do.MODX7 is a great instrument, but not for me.

The MODX is sitting unused just now, will probably sell it soon. PM me if interested.

[martyjones6294]

I have both boards - the Nord on the bottom of the rig and the MODX7 on the upper.

IMHO the DX7 sounds on the MODX are much more flexible than what you get with the Nord. I agree with a post above that they synth "tine" sounds are better than the DX sounds from the piano library. However, when you look at all the things that you have control over with the MODX, it totally overshadows the rather limited controls on the Nord.

I feel that the Pianos on the Nord are the best (althought the Bosendorfer on the MODX is pretty close) and the Organs are MUCH better than the sample based MODX sounds. HOWEVER, when it comes to strings, horns and synths, the Nord still has a way to go. SO - having both under my hands gives me the best of both worlds. And, of course, with MIDI I can drive the MODX from the Nord to get great layered sounds (piano/strings, etc)

Just my opinion.

[Normhart]

I have both MODX and Montage as well as a new Stage 3 HA88 I just bought late last month. They each have their strengths. I’m not getting rid of the Yamahas any time soon. I do like the acoustic pianos and definitely the B3 sounds more on the Nord. But you can’t beat the sound design functionality and flexibility of the Yamahas. If I can’t get the sound I want that way, well there’s always Samplebot or something like it.