Sweetwater®

24 month financing on over 90 top brands. Learn more »
(800) 222-4700
  • Español: (800) 222-4701
Cart

Yamaha MX-61

Item ID: MX61

61-note Digital Performance Keyboard with 1,000+ Sounds, VCM Effects, 16-channel Multitimbrality, and DAW Integration

Yes, It's In Stock!

This item is available for immediate delivery. You'll enjoy the fastest delivery time in the industry with our centrally-located warehouse and latest shipping cut-off times.

Get More Value From Sweetwater

or make 3 easy payments
Limited Time Offer

24 Months Interest Free Financing!

On purchase of Yamaha products made with your Sweetwater Card now through December 31, 2013
Click here for details

From Our Research Team:

Record and Perform with Real MOTIF Sounds!

In the studio or on the go, Yamaha's MX-61 performance keyboard gives you the real MOTIF sounds you want plus the tools you need to put them to use. Packed with over 1,000 sounds taken right from the MOTIF XS, plus easy split/layer configurations, Performance Mode, and killer VCM effects, the MX-61 keyboard elegantly balances extreme versatility with simple operation. The result is a feeling like the function you want is always right under your fingertips, and not the usual option overload. And when you dive into advanced functions such as the extensive selection of DAW and VST plug-in controls, it's easy to see how much value the Yamaha MX-61 manages to fit into such an affordable and lightweight keyboard.





Yamaha MX-61 Performance and Recording Keyboard at a Glance:
  • Create music with a massive range of MOTIF sounds and killer VCM effects
  • This lightweight keyboard comes fully loaded with performance options
  • Advanced I/O and hands-on controls let you take command of your studio

Create music with a massive range of MOTIF sounds and killer VCM effects
From realistic acoustic pianos to unique world instruments and classic synths, the sounds Yamaha loaded into the MX-61 keyboard are both fabulous and conspicuously useful. Rather than a dozen french horns followed by scads of similar-sounding amorphous strings, the MX-61 keyboard includes all of the bread-and-butter sounds you could ask for. And when it comes to spicing things up a little, Yamaha's Virtual Circuit Modeling (VCM) effects are absolutely out of this world.

This lightweight keyboard comes fully loaded with performance options
One of the nice things about the MX-61 is that it's one of those rare advanced high-tech keyboards that you can simply sit down at and play. That's because gigging out is largely what Yamaha had in mind when they designed this ultra-compact and super-lightweight instrument. For instance, creating entirely new layer and split configurations is as simple as pressing a button. Each split and layer can have its own arpeggiator assignment, and with 128-note polyphony backing you up, you virtually never have to worry about dropout, even when you play over a full 16-channel SMF MIDI file. There's also a stereo 1/8" aux input available, so you're free to play over your favorite tunes via any standard media player.

Advanced I/O and hands-on controls let you take command of your studio
Not every great stage keyboard is such a stellar performer once you get it in your studio. That's why Yamaha paid special attention to the way serious keyboardists and songwriters have been using their keyboards in the studio, which led them to making a few bold moves with the MX-61 keyboard's design. For instance, with just a single USB cable, you can connect your MX-61 keyboard's audio and MIDI I/O to your computer, providing a complete all-digital communications chain with your DAW software. Many of the MX-61 keyboard's hardware controls can take over DAW functions, and the main jog wheel even functions as an AI knob in Cubase (Steinberg Cubase AI included).

Yamaha MX-61 Performance and Recording Keyboard Features:
  • The highlights of the MOTIF keyboard in an affordable and portable package
  • 61-note semi-weighted keyboard provides smooth and balanced action
  • Loaded with over 1,000 sounds taken from the MOTIF XS keyboard workstation, including 8 x element synth sounds
  • Sounds include pianos, strings, drums, and many other classic digital and strikingly realistic acoustic sounds
  • Virtual Circuit Modeling (VCM) effects let you spice up your sounds
  • Effects include classic flangers, phasers, wah-wahs and more
  • 1-button layer and split controls make setting up complex sounds easy
  • Advanced arpeggiator provides separate arpeggiation for each voice
  • 16-channel SMF (Type 0) playback and 1/8" stereo aux input give you plenty of options for playing over backing tracks
  • 128 note polyphony ensures every note is played
  • Extensive hands-on control for VSTs and DAWs provides incredible studio integration
  • Functions as a 2-channel Audio/1 x 1 MIDI interface when connected to a computer
  • Jog wheel doubles as AI knob in Cubase for added convenience
  • Steinberg Cubase AI DAW application and other production software included
  • Slim and lightweight design make this a perfect performance keyboarding for gigging musicians

Get the MOTIF sounds you love and the versatility you can't perform without from the affordable Yamaha MX-61 keyboard!
Specification Detail
Sound Engine Type(s) AWM2
Number of Keys 61
Type of Keys Semi-weighted
Other Controllers Pitchbend, Mod Wheel
Polyphony 128 notes
Number of Presets 1,000+
Number of Effects Reverb x 9 types (42 presets), Chorus x 17 types (88 presets), Insertion Effect x 48types (267 presets) x 4, Master EQ (5 bands)
Effects Types Reverb, Chorus, Insertion Effects, Master EQ
Arpeggiator Yes (1 x voice)
Sampling No
Audio Playback From USB or 1/8" Aux input
MIDI Sequencer 16-channel playback only
USB A and B type to Host and to Device
Number of Audio Inputs 1
Audio Input Types 1/8" Aux input
Number of Audio Outputs 3
Audio Output Types 2 x 1/4" mono, 1 x 1/4" stereo heaphone
Number of Digital Inputs No digital I/O
Digital Input Types No digital I/O
Number of Digital Outputs No digital I/O
Digital Output Types No digital I/O
MIDI I/O In/Out
Pedal Inputs Sustain and Foot Controller
Height 4.4"
Width 38.74"
Depth 11.77"
Weight 10.58 lbs.
Power Supply PA-150 (included)
Manufacturer Part Number MX61

MX-61 Image Gallery

Can We Help?

Sweetwater's friendly and knowledgeable Sales Engineers are regarded as the most experienced and educated professionals in the music industry, with extensive music backgrounds and intense training on the latest products and technologies. As your personal contact here at Sweetwater, they are available to provide personalized advice any time you need it.
Call toll-free (800) 222-4700 or E-mail us

Recommended Accessories

Only spent 10 bucks on my first purchase, but you treated me as if was spending a grand. Being an independent business owner, I know all to well the importance of dedicated customer service which is the best way to win over the corporate chains. Tootsie Rolls always win me over too. I'm sure some much bigger purchases are in our future.


Todd, Dunedin, FL

Reviews

based on 4 reviews

Great Keyboard

by Andrew Oberg from Berryville, AR
April 22, 2013
Music Background: professional keyboardist
This little keyboard knocks me out! I own a Yamaha S-90XS, a S-90ES, Motif ES7, and a CP50, so I love the sound set on this little jewel. Very lightweight, but the action is high quality as expected. ... read more [+]The splits, layers, personal favorite patch setups, etc. make this very easy to navigate without having to crack the manual every time. A great Swiss Army knife for my arsenal! close [-]

Love My MX-61

by Dave Vandergrift from Goldsboro, NC
March 4, 2013
Music Background: cover band keyboardist, church praise team
This was everything Yamaha billed...and more. First the voices...right out of the Motif...all I needed, including a decent B3/Leslie sim. Great performance ease of use and porability. Price was rig... read more [+]ht and Sweetwater service was great (Thanks Greg S.)! close [-]

does the job

by jon kovash from moab, UT USA
March 8, 2013
Music Background: musician, sound engineer
Our garage band needed a new portable keyboard. We couldn’t afford a “flagship” $3000 keyboard, although I was intrigued by the Nords. A lot of internet surfing led me to little consensus about “value... read more [+]” keyboards. Some like Rolands, some hate ‘em, some like Korgs & some hate ‘em, and the same with Yamahas.
All we wanted was something with good voices and decent keybed that is easy to use for rehearsals and performances. Yamaha’s MOX series seemed overpriced, so I was considering shelling out $500 for a Yamaha MM6, a plastic box junior synth, when the MX49 and MX61 came out at the winter trade shows. It looked like a budget MOX, with similar voices, sound engine and specs. The synth purists heaped scorn, saying the MXs aren’t “true” synths, but we will probably never even use this thing’s USB port, or use the supplied Cubase software. We wanted self-contained and minimal fuss.

In this price range I can live with the plastic unibody – you’re just not going to get the bomb-proof roadworthiness of the pro models. With the MX series Yamaha made some unfortunate aesthetic choices that needlessly enhance the cheesiness, specifically the crudity of the plastic knobs and wheels. It won’t affect the functionality, but for a few cents the tactile/visual experience could have been notably improved. I’m thinking of gluing on a wooden strip to reinforce the fragile-seeming lip beneath the keybed.

Nancy, our lead keyboardist, normally prefers to play our acoustic piano, but pronounced the MX61’s keybed fast and “fun to play.”

It will take a while to preview 1000 voices, but in a few sessions we found plenty that we liked, including piano, electric piano and organ, which critics are fussiest about. More than enough choices for a garage band – some voices obviously make more use of the 128 note polyphony. We’re playing it through four PA cabs with 15” woofers, and the synth voices rock the house. The MX series invites you to tweak and mix and match to create your own user-saved voices, “performances,” that are added to the menu. To do this I have many pages of manual yet to plow through, the same with the arpeggios.

Wish we could have done hands-on comparisons with competing keyboards, but we live in the boonies. As far as living up to our expectations, we give the MX a solid four stars. I’ll reserve the five stars for when they come out with a pure, idiot-proof stage synth that just junks the DAW components altogether in favor of a little sturdier build. close [-]

Great for club gigs

by Bill from Colorado
January 26, 2013
Music Background: LiveSound engineer, Vocalist, Keyboardist, Song writer,
After hauling my CP-33 around, this is light and does the job! All the sounds I need without a MIDI cable to another module! The iPod aux in port makes rehearsing on headphones a breeze! The perfor... read more [+]mance mode lets me set all my instruments up for quick and easy access during shows. My first synth was a Korg DW6000 that I bought in 1985 for the same price as this MX61! Technology has come along way and I think this is a great keyboard for under a thousand bucks! close [-]

Also popular

See Also: Work Stations , Yamaha , Yamaha Keyboard Workstations

Yamaha MX-61

Today's Payment: $276.66
Includes $10 processing fee
Payment 2: $266.66
In approx. 30 days
Payment 3: $266.66
In approx. 60 days

Buy Today, Make

Sweetwater's Flexible Payment Plan is a convenient, interest-free way to buy gear now and stretch your purchase across three budget-friendly payments. Simply choose the "3 Easy Payments" option in your cart, and we'll divide your purchase amount into three convenient payments, billed to your current MasterCard, Visa, Discover, or American Express card. There is a $10 processing fee for using this service, and your billing address must be in the United States to be eligible. It's just another way we make shopping at Sweetwater easy and convenient!

Get your Yamaha MX-61 now and spread out the payments!


This program is subject to credit approval. We will pull a copy of your credit report to approve your application.

Sweetwater Sound Inc.
5501 U.S. Hwy 30 W
Fort Wayne, IN 46818
Get Directions »

Toll Free (800) 222-4700
Español (800) 222-4701
Local (260) 432-8176
Fax (260) 432-1758
E-mail us

Phone & Retail Store Hours:
9–9 Monday–Thursday
9–8 Friday
9–7 Saturday
(All hours listed are Eastern Time.)

© 2013 Sweetwater Sound Inc. All rights reserved. Please read our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Links | Press Releases