The MX61 BU features over 1000 Voices from the legendary MOTIFseries plus deep computer and iOS integration in a compact, lightweight keyboard. MX61 BU adds a Class Compliant USB audio and MIDI driver plus unlocks the new FM Essential iOS synth app!
Over 1000 Sounds from the MOTIF Series
The MX series contains more than 1000 Voices derived directly from the world famous Yamaha MOTIF XS music production synthesizer. From realistic acoustic sounds like piano, electric piano, strings and drums to complex synth sounds, the MX series has all your favorite MOTIF XS Voices at your fingertips. The MX series even has a streamlined interface for instant hands-on selection of all those great Voices. The newly designed category selection makes it easier than ever to find the Voice you need. You can even edit and store your own sounds right onboard.
Class-compliant, "plug and play" USB audio/MIDI
The MX series features class-compliant, “plug and play” USB audio/MIDI with iOS, Mac and PC. Just plug it in and your MX synthesizer becomes your audio and MIDI interface for the rest of your music studio. Monitor all the sounds from your computer via the headphone output of the MX series or listen to your DAW tracks by connecting the MX series to external studio monitors or PA gear. The audio converters on the MX series are made for professional music applications so everything on your computer -- even games -- will sound better when using the MX series as the output. The MX series interface is bi-directional for digitally recording your MX series directly to your computer or iOS device resulting in high-quality audio.
Plug and Play, "FM Essential"
FM Essential is an iOS synthesizer app for both iPhone® and iPad®. FM Essential uses Frequency Modulation (FM) synthesis to create sound – a technology popularized by the legendary DX7 synthesizer in the 1980s. FM synthesis is capable of producing incredibly dynamic sound. When combined with effects, controls and sequences, it's possible to create amazingly unique sound.
FM Essential
Easy Split /Layer Performance Mode for Instant Inspiration
Performance Mode on the MOTIF has always been the place to find instant inspiration and the MX series is no different. You can easily combine two Voices to play on the keyboard using the dedicated Split and Layer buttons each with their own intelligent arpeggiator and a dedicated Part for a drum track to create evocative Performances that feel like a whole band is playing. The 128 Performances on the MX series are all user editable so you can customize them for your style of music.
16-Part Multi Timbral and 128-note Polyphony
In addition to Splits and layers, the MX series features full 16-Part MIDI for creating entire arrangements using DAW software. This also lets you create live performance sets where you can switch between parts without any sound cutoff..
With 128 notes of polyphony there are plenty of notes to play even the densest sequences from your DAW. These features make the MX series the perfect tone generator solution for live performance and live playback of DAW MIDI tracks.
Extensive Hands-On Controls for VSTs and DAWs
The MX series also features solid knobs and durable buttons for controlling internal sounds, DAW parameters and VST instruments. The deceptively simple interface is combined with a remote template editor on your computer so any VST you own or any new VSTs you buy can be easily setup to be controlled by the MX. There are advanced integration templates for use with a variety of DAWs. When used with Cubase, there is even an AI knob so any parameter can be controlled by the large rotary encoder just by mousing over it. It's never been quicker to take full control of Cubase.
A Complete Suite of Music Production Software Included
The MX series is the only hardware synth in its price range to come with a complete suite of music production software tools. The included Steinberg Cubase AI features 48 audio tracks and 64 MIDI tracks, notation, built-in VST effects, so with just the MX series and AI you can do complete productions. But we didn't stop there; it comes bundled with Steinberg Prologue and the Yamaha YC-3B organ emulator so you have some compelling VSTs to get started. Plus there are Remote Template editors for setting up controls of VSTs.
Cubasis LE
In addition to Cubase AI, the MX series is compatible with Cubasis LE, a DAW app for iOS. Connect MX series to your iOS device (requires Lightning to USB Camera Adapter) and unlock USB audio and MIDI recording between MX series and Cubasis LE.
Complete Analog and Digital Connectivity
In addition to the USB audio/MIDI port, the MX series has a USB TO DEVICE port for external data storage to USB flash drive. You can even play back .WAV data from the flash drive. If you want to add a tablet or an MP3 player to your system just connect to the AUX input using a mini stereo cable and you are ready to go.
A Lightweight Design with a Quality Yamaha Keyboard
While almost all other keyboard controllers use inexpensive OEM keyboards, the MX series features an expertly crafted keyboard that only Yamaha -- the world's largest keyboard manufacturer -- could produce.
Weighing only 3.8kg (MX49 BK/BU) or 4.8kg (MX61 BK/BU), either synthesizer can be carried easily with one hand. MX synthesizers have a compact design so they are easy to carry to the gig and also fit easily into today’s compact home music production studios.
VCM Effects
MX series synthesizers come equipped with VCM (Virtual Circuitry Modeling) effects, which simulate vintage effectors at the circuit level. The sounds of the ‘70s are brought back to life, through simulating the hard-to-find vintage sounds of equalizer, flanger, phaser, and wah effects introduced by the keyboard legends of the era.