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Yamaha MX88 88-key Weighted Action Music Synthesizer

88-key Synth/Controller with Full-size, Graded Hammer Standard Keys, 1,000+ MOTIF XS Sounds, VCM FX Engine, and Bundled Software - Black
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Yamaha MX88 88-key Weighted Action Music Synthesizer
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Killer Motif Sounds w/ Realistic Piano Action

The Yamaha MX88 rocks more than 1,000 killer MOTIF XS sounds, a class-compliant USB audio/MIDI interface, and deep controller integration with your favorite computer music software. Its 88 keys are full-sized, weighted, and velocity sensitive. Matte black keytops absorb moisture and remain tactile after extended use. Bring this synth/controller to the studio or a gig and deploy its potent patch arsenal. From amazing acoustic pianos, EPs, strings, and drums to evolving 8-element synth textures, the MX puts it all right at your fingertips.

Yamaha VCM FX engine onboard

In addition to a massive MOTIF XS soundbank, MX88 is equipped with Yamaha's VCM FX engine, which meticulously models vintage effects at the circuit level. EQs, phasers, flangers, wah-wahs, and more are all on the menu here, letting you instantly tap into the coveted sounds of the 1970s.

16-part multitimbral, 128-note polyphony

Your MX88 is 16-part multitimbral and spec'd with 128-note polyphony. Electronic musicians at Sweetwater know how critical this is. These features build up dense sequences and play them without fear of dreaded note-stealing or sounds cutting off. This makes the MX an ideal tone generation solution for onstage performance and live playback of MIDI tracks off your DAW.

Real-time hands-on control over DAW and VSTs

The MX's top panel is equipped with solid, great-feeling knobs and buttons for real-time hands-on control over its internal sounds, external VST instruments, and DAW parameters. The streamlined interface lets you quickly find, edit, and store your sounds onboard. The MX88 comes with template editor software, so you can customize the interface to your preferences. There are advanced integration templates for most popular DAWs, and when used with Cubase, an AI knob lets you control any parameter with the MX's large rotary encoder simply by mousing over it.

Included music production suite

Yamaha's MX series ships with a complete music production software suite that includes Steinberg Cubase AI. Cubase AI gives you 64 MIDI tracks, 48 audio tracks, built-in VST effects, and even notation, so you can build complete productions. The MX88 also comes with Yamaha's YC-3B organ emulation to get you rolling.

Yamaha MX88 Features:

  • 88 Graded Hammer Standard keys are heavier in the lower register and lighter in the higher register for real piano feel
  • Matte black keytops absorb moisture and remain tactile after extended use without becoming slippery
  • FM Essential expands your sonic arsenal with iOS FM synthesizer app that includes drum loops, FX, and more
  • Class compliant USB audio/MIDI for plug-and-play connectivity
  • Layer, zone, cycle, switch, randomize, and control up to 8 elements per voice with Yamaha's powerful MOTIF sound engine
  • VCM (Virtual Circuit Modeling) re-creates the sound and behavior of vintage signal processors and FX
  • 128-note polyphony for dropout-free live performance or with full 16-track sequences
  • Damper Resonance DSP models grand piano sound with dampers off the strings
  • Record/play back stereo audio and 16 channels of MIDI with a single USB cable and no external devices
  • DAW Remote controls transport, mixer, and software instruments from the MX top panel
  • USB-to-device port for connection of USB flash drives for loading and storing data
  • 1/8" aux line input for connection of tablets and mobile devices
  • Auto power off shuts down after period of inactivity, saving energy
  • Includes Cubase AI and Yamaha YC-3B

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Tech Specs

  • Type: Keyboard Synthesizer
  • Sound Engine: AWM2
  • Analog/Digital: Digital
  • Number of Keys: 88
  • Type of Keys: Fully weighted Graded Hammer Standard
  • Velocity Sensitive: Yes
  • Other Controllers: Pitchbend, Mod Wheel
  • Polyphony: 128 notes, 16-part multitimbral
  • Number of Presets: 1,106 voices, 61 drum kits; 128 user voices, 8 user drum kits
  • Effects Types: Phaser, Flanger, Wah, Vintage modeling, Reverb, Delay (expandable via iOS FM app)
  • Arpeggiator: Yes
  • Sequencer: 208 patterns, SMF Format 0 (playback only)
  • Audio Recording: 2-track stereo
  • Audio Playback: USB Flash (SMF, WAV)
  • Memory: 166 MB
  • Audio Inputs: 1 x 1/8" (aux in)
  • Audio Outputs: 2 x 1/4" (stereo out)
  • Headphones: 1 x 1/4"
  • USB: 1 x Type A, 1 x Type B
  • MIDI I/O: In/Out/USB
  • Pedal Inputs: 2 x 1/4" (sustain, foot controller)
  • Software: Cubase AI included (download code), Cubasis LE iOS app (unlocks), FM Essential Synth iOS app (unlocks)
  • Power Source: 12V DC power supply (included)
  • Height: 6.6"
  • Width: 51.9"
  • Depth: 15.9"
  • Weight: 30.6 lbs.
  • Manufacturer Part Number: MX88BK

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Customer Reviews

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Rated 4.5/5

Awesome

I've been a Yamaha fan for years. Had an old Motif 8 years ago and sold it but regretted it ever since. Bought this recently and love it. Amazing sounds, easy to navigate, fantastic touch/feel. Zero issues using it with Logic both as a controller or as an external MIDI instrument. Works seamlessly. Can't recommend enough.
Music background: Musician
Rated 4/5

Holding up well after several years!

I've been using the MX88 at gigs for several years now. Often times I play it out 2 or more per week ( especially summer and fall) and I hope my honest opinion and experience will possibly help others.

Pros:
1. It is an absolute workhorse. It always turns on and always works .. even in those high heat, high humidity outdoor gigs .... I love my Rolands .. to me the sounds are much better ... but honestly they shut down in heat, screens go blank, volume knobs go scratchy, etc ... This Yamaha just works and the sounds are adequate.
If I have any worry about heat, sunlight, etc. at an upcoming gig then the Yamaha goes in the car.
2. Good piano sounds*
3. Once you get the hang of it nice to program and set up your performances for the gig.
4. Not too heavy. By the time you get it in a gig bag w/ accessories and stuff you're in the 35 lb range.
5. Nice to have octave switch, adjustment knobs, mod, pitchbend and everything right up there on the deck so you tweak your sound real time.
6. I like the weight and feel of the keys (almost as good as my favorite which is the Yamaha p115 or p125 ... if I only needed piano sounds I'd use one of those)
7. Turn the wheel. Nice to have plenty of user performances that you can program and set up to just turn the wheel to next one.
8. It just feels good to play. I can't honestly say that about some of my other keyboards past and present. I often will set this one up to play in the house during the week.

* I needed to adjust the piano sounds and save my own user settings by adjusting the EQ quite a bit. In the voice insert effect it is called VCM EQ 501. Additionally people have complained about the piano sounds being too quiet and this is true. Using the VCM EQ 501 I have adjusted all output levels OUTLVL +7dB for every acoustic piano sound that I actually use at gigs.

Other Neutrals:
1. See * above. When you set up your performances you will likely spend a significant amount of time balancing volume levels of different sounds. For example with the stock settings your EP will be really loud then you switch to grand piano and it's all quiet ..... You need to make user voices for gigs or you'll be riding the volume knob all night.
2. Splits are good ... not nearly as nice as you do with Rolands ... I mean you have a voice for your left and a voice for your right. It's nice to have but with Rolands you can "easily" make layers, have 4 or more splits with voices that gradually fade into each other.
3. I do a lot of left hand bass playing and the bass sounds are okay. Much better than a Casio but not even close to a Roland.

Cons:
1.plasticky
2. A bit chunky for the car trunk. It's tall and deep so it takes a bit of work to get it in the back of the car.
If I need room for a suitcase or a lot of extra gear I usually bring a Casio Privia which weighs almost 10 lbs less and is not as deep .. I can then put stuff above it in the car.
3. Have had some trouble with the keys ... one got crunchy for a bit ... I had to take it apart and clean and regreased the front part of that crunchy key. Taking it apart is a bit scary I will admit but not absurdly difficult. I do a lot of outdoor gigs so I don't really blame the instrument for that.
4. Rhythm patterns aren't very good or useful at all for gigs in my opinion. Audibly looped sounding with no intros, outros or fills.
5. Strings don't sound very good to me.
6. As stated above ... out the box the piano sounds aren't sufficiently loud they also need some EQ adjustment in my opinion. You will need to program this thing but it is worth it.
Rated 5/5

Excellent keyboard for the money! Great keys great sounds

I ended up returning this unit but only because of its size. My fault completely. Other than the menu screen being a bit small I have nothing bad to say. Excellent feel hammer action keys, very versatile, and the sounds are stellar
I only wish they made the 61 with hammer action as well.
I purchased a yc73 to replace this and missed the mx sound engine so much I picked up an mx49 just to get that back in something compact.
Rated 5/5

Great board

I started on a PSR 433, which was decent. Then I got a MODX-7, which was more board than I could ever use, but had the Motif sounds. I own a DX reface, which is a little small. While I can't play all 88 keys, the feel of the keybed for a board at this price is excellent. I bought an MX49 that I keep at home to learn the features of this. The interface is intuitive, the sounds are great, and while it doesn't "do" more than 3 layers without hooking it up to a computer, I find it to be plenty of board for my needs. 120+ bass voices! While it's not perfect, at its price it is an excellent board.
Music background: Worship leader, keyboard amateur
Rated 5/5

Great Keyboard

This is my first real keyboard. After doing some homework on this and talking with a few of my keyboard friends I found that the Yamaha MX88 was the perfect choice. I love the weighted keys and all of the versatility this keyboard offers.
Music background: Music Production, Songwriter, Performer
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