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Yamaha MX61BK Music Production Synthesizer, 61-Key, Black

Yamaha MX61BK Music Production Synthesizer, 61-Key, Black

Bottom line: The Yamaha MX61BK Music Production Synthesizer: Over 1000 MOTIF-series voices packed into one 61-key board; main trade-off: unweighted synth-action keys won't satisfy acoustic-piano players.

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By , Founder & Editor-in-Chief · Listing data updated

Mike Perry — Hardware researcher since 2014. For retro PC hardware and period-correct parts, synthesises manufacturer documentation, community compatibility lists and marketplace listings rather than first-hand lab testing. Core beat: GPU performance across gaming, rendering, and local-LLM inference.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • ✓ Over 1000 MOTIF-series voices packed into one 61-key board
  • ✓ 128-note polyphony keeps 16-track sequences dropout-free
  • ✓ Class Compliant USB audio and MIDI, plug-and-play with no drivers
  • ✓ Virtual Circuit Modeling recreates vintage effects and processors

Cons

  • ✗ Unweighted synth-action keys won't satisfy acoustic-piano players
  • ✗ Deep 8-element MOTIF voice editing carries a learning curve
  • ✗ One USB cable does audio and MIDI, but no standalone recorder
  • ✗ DAW remote control limited to Cubase, SONAR, Logic Pro, Digital Performer

Manufacturer description

The MX BK/BU is a compact, lightweight Music Synthesizer with over 1000 Voices from the legendary MOTIF series plus deep computer and iOS integration. The MX BK/BU features a Class Compliant USB audio and MIDI interface for plug-and-play operation with your Mac, PC or iOS device.

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SpecPicks Verdict

SpecPicks scored Yamaha MX61BK Music Production Synthesizer using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the audio & midi category. Compare with similarly-priced alternatives in the audio & midi category before committing. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.

Common buyer scenarios for audio & midi of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.

Key Features

  • Class Compliant USB Audio/MIDI for true "plug and play" connectivity without installing any drivers
  • Motif Sound Engine: layer, zone, switch, cycle, randomize and control up to 8 elements within a single voice
  • Virtual Circuit Modeling re-creates the sound and behavior of vintage effects and signal processors
  • 128 notes of polyphony ensures dropout-free performance playing live or with full 16-track sequences
  • Record/playback stereo audio and 16 channels of MIDI data via a single USB cable without any external devices; Sequence Software compatible with the Remote Control function -For Windows: Cubase 6 or later, SONAR X1 ProducerFor Mac: Cubase 6 or later, Logic Pro 9, Digital Performer 7 Functions to be controlled differ depending on the software

Full Specifications

BrandYamaha
ColorBlack
MaterialMetal, Plastic
Set NameMX61
Model NameMX61
Unit Count1 Count
Part NumberMX61BK
ConnectivityUSB
Model NumberMX61BK
Body MaterialPlastic
CompatibilitySwitch, Mac
Connector TypeUSB
Item Type Name61-Key Music Production Synthesizer for Studio, Stage and Home, Lightweight Keyboard, MOTIF Sound Engine, Black
Item Dimensions44.7 x 15.3 x 8.2 inches
Number of Items1
Motif Sound Enginelayer, zone, switch, cycle, randomize and control up to 8 elements within a single voice
Included ComponentsUSB cable
Item dimensions L x W x H44.7 x 15.3 x 8.2 inches
Global Trade Identification Number00889025107556

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Yamaha MX61BK Music Production Synthesizer, 61-Key, Black
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