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Yamaha MX49 Synth/Controller - Black

49-note Synth/Controller with Full-size, Velocity-sensitive Keys, 1000+ MOTIF XS Sounds, VCM FX Engine, and Bundled Software - Black
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Killer Motif Sounds, Controller Integration

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.

Yamaha VCM FX engine onboard

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.

16-part multitimbral, 128-note polyphony

Your MX49 is 16-part multitimbral and spec'd with 128-note polyphony. Electronic musicians at Sweetwater 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.

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 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.

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 with just the MX and Cubase AI. The MX49 also comes with Yamaha's YC-3B organ emulation to get you rolling.

Yamaha MX49 Synthesizer/Controller Features:

  • 49 full-size velocity-sensitive keys
  • FM Essential expands your sonic arsenal
  • Free iOS FM synthesizer app with drum loops, FX, and more
  • Class compliant USB audio/MIDI for plug-and-play connectivity
  • Yamaha's powerful MOTIF sound engine:
  • Layer, zone, cycle, switch, randomize, and control up to 8 elements per voice
  • 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
  • Bundled software: Cubase AI and Yamaha YC-3B

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Tech Specs

  • Type: Keyboard Synthesizer
  • Sound Engine: AWM2
  • Analog/Digital: Digital
  • Number of Keys: 49
  • Type of Keys: Synth Action
  • 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" (main out)
  • Headphones: 1 x 1/4"
  • 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 Source: 12V DC power supply (included)
  • Height: 3.58"
  • Width: 32.68"
  • Depth: 11.7"
  • Weight: 8.38 lbs.
  • Manufacturer Part Number: MX49BK

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Customer Reviews

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Rated 5/5

Great Little Midi Controller With Added Motif Sounds:

Yamaha MX49 Synth/Controller

I recently sold my last big keyboard and I'm mainly a guitar and bass player, so keep in mind that that's my perspective. I'm using this little MX49 only in my home studio. If you want to gig with it, get a nice padded case as it's supper light with a plastic body. In the past I've had 61, 76 and 88 key workstation synths. I think this is my 4th Yamaha keyboard. I've owned a Motif XF and a Montage and overall I'm pretty impressed with the familiar sounds and I especially like it's simplicity. The big siblings that I've owned had quite a learning curve. As a guitarist and part time synth guy, I often felt that they were too complex for an occassional user. I can jump on MX49 and quickly get going on what I'm trying to do.

I originally looked at just getting just a small keyboard controller. After seeing this board and realizing that I could also get lots of great onboard sounds too, I decided that this was the one for me. It also function well as a midi controller and worked out of the box seemlessly with Logic Pro X, so it has multiple ways that I can use it. I was also pretty impressed with the keys on it, of course they're fairly light and synth action, but I really like the feel. The bottom line for me is that I'm very happy with this great little board because it serves the multiple purposes that I need. If you're a seasoned veteran keyboard pro, you may want to demo this one and see what you think.
Music background: Guitarist 55+ years, Studio Guy and ReverbNation Artist:
Rated 5/5

Best value for travel board

This is the best priced and value for a travel keyboard. I own a Yamaha MX88 and a Yamaha MOX88 and it has the same sounds as both . The only difference is both of my 88 key Yamaha boards are 35 lbs each and probably about 42 once bagged and maybe even 50 lbs if put in a case. The MX49 is only 10 lbs super light and can be transported with ease in a bag it's 12 lbs and in a case 15-20 lbs . It doesn't have weighted keys but the keys are decent for a small board. You can throw this in your back pack and roll , I actually bought the Yamaha book bag to go with it and it fits good

I would recommend this for anyone who wants to add to their full size as an additional top rack keyboard but it can also hold its own wherever you travel to . Folks who don't know about keyboards will look at it and think it isn't a real keyboard but once you plug into a speaker they will be blown out of their mind on the MOTIF sounds it puts out . It's definitely worth the value I play for 2 churches and it's easy to set up and go from my back pack since I don't like to leave any of my boards at the places I perform
Music background: Church Musician (keyboard)
Rated 5/5

It's like a Midi controller times a million.

I've had this keyboard for a while and just learned how to unleash the beast, and I felt like I needed to take a moment to write this review for you. This thing is an unbelievably capable device. You could build entire production with nothing but this keyboard. ...not only is it a keyboard, not only is it a midi controller, not only does it have a built in sound card, but you have 16 fully customizable 'parts'. Basically what that means to a producer is you have 16 simultaneously available sounds that can all be fed with their own unique notes from your session. It's insane. To top it off, you can balance the volume of the sounds, add reverb, add stereo chorus, shape the envelope, engage an arpeggiator, pitch a part up etc. etc. etc. all from the keyboard itself. It's freaking ridiculous. They give you everything you need to start your production career in one tight little package. Thank you Yamaha.
Music background: Guitarist, Audio Engineer, Producer
Rated 5/5

Totally Awesome!

From start to finish the MX49 has delivered! The size for travel, light weight mobility makes for quick setup at concerts & services. It's user friendly. Presets for sound categories is awesome with true sound! Work station too! Handicapped friendly!
Totally awesome!
Music background: Been playing since 6yrs. Old. 62 now.
Rated 5/5

Awesome Keyboard. Sweetwater and Paul Allen are the best.

The Yamaha MX49 is simply put, AWESOME!!!! Though I do play keys I am typically a guitarist. I have an old '80s guitar that besides being a great playing and sounding electric guitar, has a standard Midi Jack and Midi Pickup. I play in a couple of Christian Rock Worship bands and I needed really authentic sounding Orchestral instrument sounds.
In my opinion Yamaha has the BEST authentic sounding samples. I already have a lot of gear to carry so I also wanted something small, really light, and as close to plug and play as possible.
I called my long time contact at Sweetwater Paul Allen to discuss the many options available. In the end, for me, the MX49 is PERFECT as it meats all four requirements as well as the fifth requirement which for me is always price. An added bonus is that it also interfaces with my DAW.
If I could give the MX49, Sweetwater, and Paul Allen ten stars I would.
Music background: '80s Pop and Hard Rock, and '90s to present Contemporary Christian Rock
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