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Yamaha MX61 Music Production Synthesizer Keyboard, 61-Key
The Yamaha MX61 synthesizer keyboard combines Motif XS sounds, USB Audio/MIDI connectivity and advanced DAW/VST controller features at a groundbreaking level of affordability.
Overall User Ratings (based on 5 ratings)
Submitted August 13, 2015 by Caleb Rabion in Picayune, MS
"Love it!!!!"
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I couldn't be happier with this keyboard. It has everything I want in a portable unit. The sounds are incredible and it even reaches back to sounds that I haven't had since my first keyboard, a Yamaha PSR-740 lol. All of the knobs, buttons and volume slider are solid. I have no complaints about it. Can't beat the price. It's great for beginners and professionals alike.
Musical Background:
Worship leader and keys player for 17 years
Musical Style:
Mostly praise and worship but I play just about anything.
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Submitted May 21, 2013 by James R
"Great sound for the price"
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I've had this synth now for 1 month and spent a fair amount of time playing it. So far I'm quite impressed. I was in need of a new midi keyboard controller but decided to go the synth route as there was more quality in that area plus I would be getting a lot of new sounds at my disposal at the same time. Yamaha was the obvious choice for me as I own some of their products already and I like them very much. Onto the board!
Sound
The voices are great, especially the concert grand which is one of the main ones I love from the Motif. I'm very picky about my piano sounds as it's my favorite instrument and this one voice doesn't disappoint at all. The drum kits are quality sounding, as good as some of my expensive virtual instruments. There is a small handful of voices that seemed a bit lacking but given the right place they would fit wonderfully. I still have yet to try out every voice though as there is a lot of them.
There are two 3rd party editors available to modify performances and other settings very easily. One gives full control of the voices. This is one aspect about this board that makes it very powerful and shouldn't be overlooked. As a note about this, if you find that the volume output level is too low (all outputs), one of those editors will let you set the specific voice common volume when you build your performances/custom voices. I was able to get a great output level after adjusting them. There are 5 total volumes you can adjust, master knob, main, DAW, part, and voice common so be sure to tend to all of the ones that affect your current setup.
Features
The best feature is the editing of voices and performances and the ability to save them for fast recall. The least is probably the arps, while it has some great ones that are fun to along play with, I always go my own way so they serve me no purpose when composing.
Ease of Use
The navigation and getting to instruments is easy even though it only offers a two line LCD. I had no issues with the USB connectivity, my DAW, any VSTi, or working with MIDI. It was as simple as installing the driver and getting right to the fun part.
Quality
The keys feel nice with minimal lateral movement (side to side play) and the overall construction, while plastic, is fairly rigid. The knobs, controls and buttons feel decent as well but the AI jog wheel and knobs have some shaft flex so I assume they are plastic. However, the actual adjustment of the knobs is firm and smooth indicating the the insides of the pots are most likely well built.
Value
While it might look somewhat basic and lacking with 166MB wav data, this synthesizer is packed, especially when paired with an editor and is definitely worth the cost. I don't think you can find better at this price range considering the Motif sounds and 128 poly.
Manufacturer Support
I can't honestly say as I've never had to contact them before. This is a good thing. :)
The Wow Factor
The wow factor here for me is that the sound of the voices are of more than usable quality, the keys don't feel bad and it's got a decent price tag.
Musical Background:
13 years composing, formerly played guitar and stuck with the tried and true piano.
Musical Style:
Rock, alternative rock, industrial metal, symphonic, instrumental to name a few.
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Submitted December 6, 2016 by Ken B in Rocky Point, NY
"Awesomeness."
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I bought the mx49 first, but sold it to get the 61...
I literally played 150 plus new wave songs in a tribute band, using this one synth with another controller hooked into it. Every sound. Every song.
The layering, splits and all make this one powerful live board. I used a pcr800 with this, giving me 4 zones of sounds. Highly recommend this. The build is a little cheap, but treat it nice, and it'll stay nice.
The guitar sounds in particular are fantastic.
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Submitted September 5, 2014 by Carmica G in Florien, LA
"Yamaha MX61 Keyboard"
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I absolutely LOVE this keyboard. It's so light, I can carry it with one hand and it has a lot of the sounds from my old Motif 6. I love the feel of the keys, the built in beat patterns and the one button layer & split. I only have 1 problem with it....the volume! It doesn't get very loud even with the volume turned all the way up. I hope that Yamaha can suggest how to get a better level of volume, otherwise GREAT, affordable board.
Musical Background:
I'm a self-taught keyboardist. I've been playing for my church for 3 years now.
Musical Style:
Gospel
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Submitted December 8, 2015 by David Van Sise in Seminole, FL
"Great keyboard workstation "
I'm still figuring out all the bells and whistles, but it's very impressive in many ways. So much more I need to investigate so I can really unlock the sounds I'm looking for and creating. Yamaha is. Fantastic name in keyboards! !!
Musical Background:
Over 37 years
Musical Style:
Rock, blues, country, adult contemporary,
Singer/Songwriter.
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