Yamaha MX61 is a remarkable piano with excellent integration capabilities. The MX61 has a powerful 61 key music key controller/synthesizer that features over 1,000 rocking MOTIF XS sounds, deep controller integration with various PCs or laptops, a USB audio/MIDI connectivity and sophisticated VST/DAW controller features. If you’re looking for an affordable, lightweight and compact piano with charming high quality sounds, Yamaha MX61 is definitely a good pick. In this Yamaha MX61 review, we’ll take closer look at the piano, unravel its features, pros and cons.
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Our Ratings
Pros
Yamaha MX61 is famous for its ultra-lightweight capabilities and an awesome price tag. MX Series sounds comes from Motif XS whose rich and lush sounds are pleasing to the ears. Equipped with an excellent synthesizer, Yamaha MX61 is well-laid out with powerful performance controls right at your fingertips. This is a transformational piano packed with the latest sound innovation, technology and features poised to exceed expectations. The Yamaha MX61 is simple to use and has the capability to record internal sounds straight to your computer which enables you to enjoy the highest sound qualities. The knobs on your MX61 allow you to seamlessly control DAW parameters, internal sounds and VST instruments.
Cons
Yamaha MX61 has numerous pros but also has its own setbacks. Some people don’t like the keyboard because it’s entirely built from plastic. While the soft touch key design is ideal for smaller digital pianos such as the MX61, critics point out the keys are too light to touch. If you’re used to standard sized keyboards, you might find MX61 keys smaller and inconveniencing.
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Features
Outstanding Motif Sounds and Controller Integration
Yamaha MX61 synthesizer allows users access to over 1000 MOTIF XS sounds, full integration with your PC via USB audio/MIDI interface as well as iOS music software. With such cool features, sound quality is superb despite the keyboard’s small and lightweight design. The piano’s keys are velocity sensitive and full-size so you can expect to have a great time using Yamaha MX61. The EPs, drums and strings to evolving 8 element synth textures are all great features that make Yamaha MX61 worth your investment.
Real-time Hands-on Control
MX61’s top panel is equipped with sleek, solid and great-feel buttons and knobs to facilitate better sound management and greater control of its internal sounds, DAW parameters and VST instruments. The streamlined and simple interface enables you to swiftly find, edit and store your sounds. Yamaha MX61 has a template editor software that lets you tweak the interface to suit your preferences. Advanced integration templates for popular DAWs when combined with Cubase and AI Knob allows you to have full control of any parameter by simply mousing over MX’s large rotary encoder.
128-note Polyphony, 16-Part Multitimbral
Yamaha MX61 comes with a 128-note polyphony and is a 16-part multitimbral which is a critical feature that has an immense impact on the quality and variety of sound. Both these features allow you to confidently generate and play dense sequences without worrying about sounds cutting off. For this reason, MX61 is a perfect tone generation keyboard both for onstage performance and live playback of MIDI tracks from your DAW.
Other Features
Yamaha MX61 comes with bundled software: Cubase AI, Yamaha YC-3B and Steinberg Prologue. The workstation has an Auto power off feature which shuts down the piano after a period of inactivity thus saving energy. The piano has a USB-to-device port for USB flash drive connection to allow transfer and storage of data. Additionally, 61 full-size velocity sensitive keys allow you enjoy using the piano while outputting the best sound quality.
Final Thoughts On The Yamaha MX61
Yamaha is popular for its powerful keyboards but has in the recent times, ventured into catering for the needs of musicians who want portable and space-conscious pianos. The MX61 is a versatile keyboard famous for its portability and affordability. The diversity and quality of sounds as well as intuitive design is another great reason why you should definitely consider a Yamaha MX61 next time you shop for a piano.