- Activate Cubase AI<\/strong><\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Firmware Update<\/strong><\/a><\/li>
- MODX M Setup & Connections<\/strong><\/a><\/li>
- Calibrate the MODX M Touchscreen<\/a><\/strong><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
Register the MODX M<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Before setting up your MODX M, you\u2019ll first need to register the synth with Yamaha. After registering the MODX M, you\u2019ll get access to free sound libraries and a free Cubase AI license. Follow these steps to go through the Yamaha product registration process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Log in to your Yamaha account<\/a>. If you haven\u2019t created one yet, then visit the account sign-in page, click \u201cClick here to Sign Up<\/strong>,\u201d and fill out the Yamaha registration form.<\/li>
- From your account page, navigate to Product Registration<\/strong>, and then click \u201cRegister My Product<\/strong>.\u201d<\/li>
- Fill out the required information, including the serial number located on the back of the unit, and click \u201cComplete Registration<\/strong>.\u201d<\/li>
- Once you\u2019ve gone through the Yamaha product registration process, you\u2019ll gain access to Cubase AI.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
Activate Cubase AI<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Your Yamaha MODX M is bundled with a free license to Steinberg\u2019s Cubase AI. You must create a MySteinberg account and use the included download access codes to activate the software. Check out our \u201cSteinberg Software Activation Instructions\u201d article to learn how to activate your copy of Cubase AI!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>Firmware Update<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The MODX M will receive firmware updates periodically, which typically add new sounds and address any issues present in the current version. Check out our \u201cMODX M Firmware Update Guide\u201d to learn how to update the firmware on your Yamaha MODX M.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>MODX M Setup & Connections<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
There are plenty of connections on the MODX M that make it an excellent centerpiece for your rig. Setting up is easy, which means less time setting up and more time playing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A\/D<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
IMPORTANT! <\/strong>The MODX M does not have or support phantom power, so you cannot connect condenser microphones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can connect analog gear such as microphones, media players, and instruments to your MODX M. You can then control its input, output, panning, and effects chain. The audio signal is then sent out along with the selected performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- With the MODX M turned off and its volume down, connect your gear to the A\/D Inputs.
- When you connect a dynamic microphone, use an XLR to 1\/4-inch cable and connect to the A\/D L (Mono) input.<\/em><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Turn on the connected device (if necessary) and then turn on the MODX M.<\/li>
- Press \u201cUTILITY<\/strong>,\u201dselect \u201cSettings<\/strong>,\u201d and then choose \u201cAudio I\/O<\/strong>.\u201d<\/li>
- Select the A\/D input for the connected device.
- Set the A\/D to Mic when a microphone is connected and to Line when a media device, synth, or other high-gain instrument is connected.<\/li>
- If you\u2019re not sure what to switch it to, then check out our article about the difference between mic, instrument, line, and speaker levels<\/a>.<\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- After you have set the A\/D input, press the A\/D <\/strong>button, start performing, and use the A\/D Gain <\/strong>knob to adjust the level.<\/li>
- Press the PERFORMANCE (Home) <\/strong>button and choose the performance you wish to use.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2025\/10\/image-2.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nAudio I\/O setup<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
MIDI<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
You can connect multiple MIDI devices to the MODX M using the 5-pin MIDI port. From DAW control to triggering only specific zones of the MODX M, the MIDI connectivity features are vast. This article only scratches the surface, so check out the Yamaha MODX M Quick Guide<\/a> and Operation Manual<\/a> to learn more about MIDI connectivity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2025\/10\/image-3.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nMIDI Setup<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Computer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
A great thing about the Yamaha MODX M is that it sends and receives MIDI over USB and acts as a 10-input\/4-output audio interface at a 44.1kHz sample rate. These features make it the perfect centerpiece for your studio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Before you connect the MODX M to your computer, then you must download the driver<\/a> beforehand for the synth to operate correctly.<\/li>
- The MODX M can transmit four mono (or two stereo) audio channels through USB.<\/li>
- Before using the MODX M as a MIDI device on your computer, you must enable it in the Utility settings.
- Press \u201cUtility<\/strong>,\u201d choose \u201cSettings<\/strong>,\u201d and then select \u201cMIDI I\/O<\/strong>.\u201d Next, select \u201cMIDI IN\/OUT<\/strong>\u201d and pick \u201cUSB<\/strong>.\u201d Last, set the MIDI Send and Receive to USB [TO HOST].<\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- The keyboard supports MIDI 2.0<\/a> functionality, which means you can use newer MIDI devices that run on MIDI 2.0. However, you must enable it first to use it.
- Press \u201cUtility<\/strong>,\u201d choose \u201cSettings<\/strong>,\u201d and then select \u201cAdvance<\/strong>.\u201d Locate \u201cUSB Driver Mode<\/strong>,\u201d turn the Legacy setting to Off<\/strong>, and then connect your MIDI 2.0 device to the MODX M.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Driver installation for MacOS<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
The MODX M driver requires special permissions to be set up with macOS. If you have a Mac with Apple silicon, the first step requires booting your Mac into Recovery mode and making a change to the Security Policy. Once the change has been made, you can install the driver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Go to the Yamaha Steinberg USB Driver download page<\/a> and download the latest version of the driver.<\/li>
- Read the installation information and follow the instructions.
- Learn more in the Steinberg document macOS: Yamaha Steinberg USB\/Thunderbolt Driver and TOOLS installation<\/a>.<\/li>
- Learn more in our Sweetcare article Enabling Kernel Extensions on Mac with Apple silicon<\/a>.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>iOS Device<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The MODX M can connect to any iOS device. When connected, you can use the Soundmondo app<\/a> to upload your saved performances and download free content. You can also record it using an iOS recording app such as Cubasis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Download and install the Soundmondo iOS app<\/a>.<\/li>
- Connect a USB cable from the MODX M USB HOST port to an official Apple Lightning to USB Camera Adapter<\/a> connected to your iOS device.
- If your iOS device uses a USB-C connection, use the Apple USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapte<\/a>r.<\/li><\/ol><\/li>
- Launch Soundmondo to pair the devices. If the devices are properly connected, then a green and white plus sign will appear on the app.<\/li>
- When you use the MODX M with a remote DAW, check out the DAW manufacturer\u2019s user manual to learn how to connect to the device.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
Connecting iOS devices<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
You must change the driver mode on the MODX M for your iOS device to function correctly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Press Utility<\/strong>, navigate to Settings<\/strong>, and then change the USB Driver Mode <\/em>to Generic<\/em>.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/div>
Calibrate the MODX M Touchscreen<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
While the touchscreen will work right out of the box, it\u2019s best to calibrate the touchscreen to get the best response possible. It\u2019s also the first step in troubleshooting \u201cghost pressing\u201d or touch inaccuracy. The process is straightforward, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Press \u201cUtility<\/strong>,\u201d select \u201cSystem<\/strong>,\u201d and then press \u201cCalibrate Touch Panel<\/strong>.\u201d<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2025\/10\/image-4.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nSystem Utility settings<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":1788007,"template":"","categories":[142726],"tags":[54216,594883,306159,79782,73885,446256],"storecat":[],"itemids":[581041,581039,581040],"manufacturers":[],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n\n\t\n
- Press \u201cUtility<\/strong>,\u201d select \u201cSystem<\/strong>,\u201d and then press \u201cCalibrate Touch Panel<\/strong>.\u201d<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Connect a USB cable from the MODX M USB HOST port to an official Apple Lightning to USB Camera Adapter<\/a> connected to your iOS device.
- Learn more in our Sweetcare article Enabling Kernel Extensions on Mac with Apple silicon<\/a>.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
- Read the installation information and follow the instructions.
- Go to the Yamaha Steinberg USB Driver download page<\/a> and download the latest version of the driver.<\/li>
- The keyboard supports MIDI 2.0<\/a> functionality, which means you can use newer MIDI devices that run on MIDI 2.0. However, you must enable it first to use it.
- After you have set the A\/D input, press the A\/D <\/strong>button, start performing, and use the A\/D Gain <\/strong>knob to adjust the level.<\/li>
- When you connect a dynamic microphone, use an XLR to 1\/4-inch cable and connect to the A\/D L (Mono) input.<\/em><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- From your account page, navigate to Product Registration<\/strong>, and then click \u201cRegister My Product<\/strong>.\u201d<\/li>
- Firmware Update<\/strong><\/a><\/li>