The Yamaha MX49 synthesizer/controller rocks more than 1000 killer MOTIF XS sounds, a class-compliant USB audio/MIDI interface, and deep controller integration with your favorite computer and iOS music software, including Yamaha's new FM Essential iOS synth app. With MX49, you don't have to sacrifice sound and playability for portability. The keys are full-size and velocity sensitive. Bring this lightweight, compact 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.
In addition to a massive MOTIF XS soundbank, MX49 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.
Your MX49 is 16-part multitimbral and spec'd with 128-note polyphony. Electronic musicians at Music Experience know how critical this is. These features let you 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.
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 MX49 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.
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 with just the MX and Cubase AI. The MX49 also comes with Steinberg Prologue and Yamaha's YC-3B organ emulation to get you rolling.
The MX series synthesizers feature carefully selected sounds taken from the Yamaha MOTIF XS. That powerful sonic palette is packed into sleek packages (available in 49- and 61-note versions) that fit today's on-the-go life style. But the MX Series aren't just synthesizers; they are designed to bridge the gap between hardware and software. By adding extensive audio and MIDI USB connectivity, advanced DAW and VST controller features and a suite of powerful music production software, the MX series integrate hardware reliability with controller flexibility to give you the best of both worlds at a ground breaking level of affordability.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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), 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.
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.
Fire up the Yamaha MX49 and get creative!
| Sound Engine Type(s) | Motif sound engine |
|---|---|
| Number of Keys | 49 |
| Type of Keys | Synth, touch sensitive |
| Other Controllers | Pitchbend, Mod Wheel |
| Polyphony | 128 |
| Wave Memory | 166 MB |
| 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 |
| Audio Recording | 2-track stereo |
| Sequencer | 208 patterns, SMF Format 0 (playback only) |
| Audio Inputs | 1 x 1/8" (aux in) |
| Audio Outputs | 2 x 1/4" (main out), 1 x 1/4" (headphones) |
| USB | 1 x Type B, 1 x Type A |
| MIDI I/O | In/Out/USB |
| Pedal Inputs | 2 x 1/4" (sustain, controller) |
| Software | Cubase AI included, FM Essential iOS synth app |
| Power Supply | 12V DC power supply (included) |
| Height | 3.58" |
| Width | 32.68" |
| Depth | 11.7" |
| Weight | 8.38 lbs. |
| Manufacturer Part Number | MX49BK |
