New MX Music Synthesizers Bridge the Gap Between Hardware and Software

As Yamaha celebrates its 125^th year, the company is rolling out exciting new products that build on a long tradition of delivering performance, value and technological innovation. At the core of the MX series synthesizers are carefully selected sounds taken from the world famous Yamaha MOTIF XS. That powerful sound arsenal is packed into a slim and sleek package (available in 49 and 61 note versions) that fit today's on-the-go mobile life style.  By adding extensive audio and MIDI USB connectivity and advanced DAW and VST controller features, the MX integrate hardware reliability with controller flexibility providing, the best of both worlds at a ground breaking level of affordability.

            From realistic acoustic sounds like piano, electric piano, strings and drums to complex eight-element synth sounds, the MX has all of the Motif XS voices needed for complete music production in a wide variety of genres. Both models include a powerful eight-element engine, Yamaha’s renowned Virtual Circuit Modeling effects and 1,134 preset voices, including piano, electric piano, strings and drums. The MX also allows on-board editing and storing of 128 user Voices and 128 user Performances.  With dedicated split, layer and rhythm pattern buttons, the MX has the ability to easily split the keyboard, layer sounds and add backing drum patterns on the fly.   

            “These new synthesizers place a powerful punch into a package that represents an unprecedented value,” said Athan Billias, Director of Marketing, Yamaha Corporation of America, Pro Audio & Combo Division. “We’ve combined the best qualities of hardware and software to provide the tools to make performing and recording easier and more productive.”

            The MX49 and MX61 come with USB Audio I/O capabilities that allow for direct recording of MX keyboard sounds onto a computer and the ability to playback DAW audio and VST’s via the MX’s audio outs. The MX series will not only playback audio from VSTs and DAWs, it has extensive controller features as well. There are advanced integration templates for use with a variety of DAWs (Cubase, Sonar, Logic and Performer) and a Remote Template editor for setting up controls for any VST. When used with Cubase, an AI knob lets any parameter can be controlled by the large rotary encoder just by mousing over it. MIDI and WAV files can be streamed directly from a connected USB memory device and there is an 1/8” external input for connecting external audio devices and tablets. 

            In addition, the MX series comes with a complete software suite that includes Cubase AI DAW recording software, the YC-3B organ VST set, Steinberg’s HALion SE VST set and a free PsiCraft Performance Editor from Vyzor.

            The MX49 (Retail: $599.99) will be shipping soon and the MX61 (Retail: $799.99) is planned to ship in Q1, 2013.