Motif Sounds for Inspiration and Xtensive Controller Integration
BUENA PARK, Calif., January 24, 2013 — As Yamaha celebrates its 125th year, the company is rolling out exciting new products at the 2013 NAMM Show that build on a long tradition of delivering performance, value and technological innovation. At the core of the new MX series synthesizers are carefully selected sounds taken from the world famous Yamaha MOTIF XS. This powerful sound arsenal is packed into slim and sleek packages (available in 49 and 61 note versions) that fit today’s on-the-go mobile lifestyle. By adding extensive audio and MIDI USB connectivity, along with advanced DAW and VST controller features, the MX keyboards integrate hardware reliability with controller flexibility, providing the best of both worlds at a ground breaking level of affordability.
From realistic acoustic sounds, including 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. 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 provides 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, 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 include 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 unit’s audio outs. The MX series will not only playback audio from VST’s and DAW’s, it includes extensive controller features, as well, like advanced integration templates for use with a variety of Digital Audio Workstations (Cubase, Sonar, Logic and Performer) and a Remote Template editor to simplify setting up controls for any VST. When used with Cubase, an AI knob lets any parameter 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 an 1/8” external input makes it easy to connect 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 (Estimated retail price: $599.99) is currently shipping and the MX61 (Estimated retail price: $799.99) is planned to ship in February 2013.
About Yamaha
Yamaha Corporation of America (YCA) is one of the largest subsidiaries of Yamaha Corporation, Japan and offers a full line of award-winning musical instruments, sound reinforcement and home entertainment products to the U. S. market. Products include: Yamaha acoustic, digital and hybrid pianos, portable keyboards, guitars, acoustic and electronic drums, band and orchestral instruments, marching percussion products, synthesizers, professional digital and analog audio equipment, Steinberg recording products and Nexo commercial audio products, as well as AV receivers, amplifiers, Blu-ray/CD players, iPod docking systems, home-theater-in-a-box systems, earphones, headphones, sound bars, and its exclusive line of Digital Sound Projectors. YCA markets innovative, finely crafted technology and entertainment products and musical instruments targeted to the hobbyist, education, worship, professional music, installation and consumer markets.