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Yamaha MX49 49 Key Music Production Synthesizer play button

Yamaha MX49 49 Key Music Production Synthesizer

Yamaha

collapse expand iconDescription

The MX series presents a smart combination of features that will appeal to a wide range of music performers and producers. Its lightweight design, vast bank of internal sounds, effects and control features make it the perfect control center for stage or studio.

MX series synthesizers feature carefully selected sounds taken from the Yamaha MOTIF XS. The MX49's powerful sonic palette is packed into a sleek 49-note version that fits today's on-the-go lifestyle. But the MX49 isn't just a synthesizer; it's 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 complete suite of powerful music production software, the MX49 integrates hardware reliability with controller flexibility to give you the best of both worlds at a groundbreaking level of affordability.

Over 1,000 Sounds From the MOTIF Series

The MX series contains more than 1,000 Voices derived directly from the world-famous Yamaha MOTIF XS series. From realistic acoustic sounds like piano, electric piano, strings and drums to complex 8-element synth sounds, the MX has all of your favorite MOTIF XS Voices right at your fingertips. The MX 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.

VCM Effects

MX synthesizers come equipped with VCM 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.

Easy Split/Layer Performance Mode for Instant Inspiration

Performance Mode on the Motifs has always been the place to find instant inspiration and the MX 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 MX49 are all user editable, but come programmed with the latest club friendly grooves.

16-Part Multi Timbral and 128-Note Polyphony

Each Performance contains not only the three sounds described above, but all the settings for a complete 16-Part Multi setting for play. You can switch between any of the 16 Parts without the sound cutting off. With 128 notes of polyphony there are plenty of notes to play even the densest sequences from your DAW. These features make the MX the perfect tone generator solution for live performance and live playback of DAW MIDI tracks.

Extensive Hands-on Controls for VSTs and DAWs

The MX 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.

Bi-Directional USB Audio/MID Interfacing

But the MX doesn't just control software DAWs and VSTs; it's an audio interface as well. Just connect a USB cable to your computer and you can monitor all the sounds from your computer via the headphone output of the MX or listen to your DAW tracks by connecting the MX to external studio monitors or PA gear. The audio converters on the MX are made for professional music applications so everything on your computer—even games—will sound better when using the MX as the output. The MX interface is bi-directional so you can record the internal sounds of the MX directly to your computer, without ever going to the analog domain, for the highest possible quality.

A Complete Suite of Music Production Software Included

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 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. Finally, Yamaha has worked with some third party developers to ensure that there will be fully functional cross platform editors available at release.

A Lightweight Design With a Quality Yamaha Keyboard

While almost all other keyboard controllers use inexpensive OEM keyboards, the MX features an expertly crafted keyboard that only Yamaha—the world's largest keyboard manufacturer—could produce. Weighing only 3.7kg (MX49) or 4.7kg (MX61), 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

Complete Analog and Digital Connectivity

In addition to the USB audio/MIDI port, the MX has a USB to Device port so you can connect USB devices for storing MX data to external memory and even playing back wave files directly from a USB stick. 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.

This is the Black version. An Electric Blue version is also available (see SKU#112467493).
Open Box Yamaha MX49 49-Key Music Production Synthesizer Level 2 Black 197881331375
Open Box Yamaha MX49 49-Key Music Production Synthesizer Level 2 Black 197881331375
Open Box Yamaha MX49 49-Key Music Production Synthesizer Level 2 Black 197881331375

collapse expand iconFeatures

  • Expand your sound palette with FM Essential: a free iOS FM synthesizer app with effects, drum loops and more Class-compliant USB Audio/MIDI for true plug-and-play connectivity without installing any drivers
  • New finish options: in addition to classic black (BK), check out the new attention-grabbing blue (BU)!
  • MOTIF Sound Engine: layer, zone, switch, cycle, randomize and control up to eight 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
  • Damper Resonance DSP recreates the sound of the inside of a grand piano when the dampers are off the strings. Record/playback stereo audio and 16 channels of MIDI data via a single USB cable without any external devices DAW Remote controls the transport, mixer and software instruments directly from the front panel controls.
  • The USB "TO DEVICE" port allows connection of USB flash drives for loading and storing data
  • A 3.5 mm AUX line input lets you connect and hear mobile devices, tablets and more through the instrument
  • Auto power off saves energy by shutting down after a period of inactivity

collapse expand iconSpecs

Keyboard
  • 49 keys
  • Initial Touch
Tone Generator
  • Tone Generator: AWM2
  • Max Polyphony: 128 notes
  • Mutli Timbral Capacity: 16 parts (internal)
  • Wave: Approx.166 MB (when converted to 16-bit linear format)
  • Voices: Preset: 1,106 Normal Voices + 61 Drum Kits, GM: 128 Normal Voices + 1 Drum Kit, User: 128 Normal Voices + 8 Drum Kits
  • Performance: User: 128 (16 parts)
  • Effects: Reverb x 9 types (42 presets), Chorus x 17 types (88 presets), Insertion Effect x 48 types (267 presets) x 4, Master EQ (5 bands)
Sequencer
  • Tempo: 5 – 300
  • Songs: 27 Demo songs
  • Patterns: 208 Patterns
  • Arpeggio: 999 types
  • Sequence formats: SMF Format 0 (playback only)
Other
  • Sequence Software compatible with the Remote Control function: For Windows: Cubase 6 or later, SONAR X1 Producer; For Mac: Cubase 6 or later, Logic Pro 9, Digital Performer 7 *Functions to be controlled differ depending on the software
  • Controllers: Pitch Bend Wheel x 1, Modulation Wheel x 1, Assignable Knob x 4, [DATA] dial x 1
  • Display: 3-digit LED + 20 x 2 line character LCD (backlit)
  • Connectors: OUTPUT [L / MONO] / [R] (standard phone jack), [PHONE] (standard stereo phone jack), [FOOT CONTROLLER], [SUSTAIN], MIDI [IN] / [OUT], USB [TO HOST] / [TO DEVICE], [AUX IN], DC IN
  • Power Supply: 9W
  • Accessories: AC adaptor (PA-150 or an equivalent recommended by Yamaha), Owner’s Manual, Online Manual CD-ROM x 1 (containing Reference Manual, Synthesizer Parameter Manual, and Data List), DVD-ROM x 1 (containing DAW software)
Dimensions (WxHxD):
  • 830 mm x 91 mm x 298 mm

Featured Articles

collapse expand iconReviews

4.67

15 Reviews

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

GC sales staff helped me find just what I wanted !

Most Liked Positive Review

5

Surprisingly well rounded for bread-n-butter live performing

I was originally looking for a clonewheel with good organ sounds to augment my Roland boutique synth, but someone suggested I give the MX a go. I am extremely pleased with the bread-n-butter tones including their organ, strings, and EPs. In addition, they MX has really versatile pads and synth tones. The organ tones were surprisingly good and the leslie rotor effect has good speed up and slow down ramp times. It's perfectly believable for live gigs and this is in comparison to my Hammond M3 with a Ventilator. The MX has replaced my boutique synth and has become my one and only live board.

VS

Most Liked Negative Review

3

Fantastic Keyboard BUT!

This is a fantastic synth with a nice easy to navigate Macro section, Multi Timbre, Great sounds, Good on-panel controllability. This is my dedicated master keyboard in my Dawless setup. But after on year, the sound isn't working! Part 2 patches onward stop playing after about a minute and I have to save the keyboard or reset it for it to work. Could've had it all. Granted I did by it used will pay for another one that's how good it is but still makes sure you have the warranty and proceed with caution.

Filters
Best Uses
  1. Learning6
  2. MIDI5
  3. Electronic Music3
  4. Accompaniment2
  5. Travel2
Cons
  1. Malfunctioned after 1 year1
  2. Poor Instructions1
  3. Which it had a case1
  4. No aftertouch1
  5. No sequencer1
Describe Yourself
  1. Experienced4
  2. Professional Musician3
  3. Novice1
Pros
  1. Easy to Use6
  2. Good Audio6
  3. Portable5
  4. Responsive / Good Action5
  5. Touch Sensitive Keys4

Reviewed by 15 customers

  • Great Synth for Guitar Player and Home Studio

    5

    submitted2 years ago

    byDroidiphile

    fromSF Bat Area

    This keyboard has got it where it counts in terms of oodles of bass patches and drum kits. As a guitar player, I use this in my home studio as a ready made back-up band for jamming, and as a compositional tool. This board comes with Cubase AI, so I can lay down MIDI tracks for bass, rhythm and drums, then lay down audio tracks for guitar and vocals. It is NOT a standalone sequencer board, so a DAW and computer are necessary. The good news is that it supports a bunch of different DAWs. Although I am a Reaper user, I find Cubase AI to be really nice, and I've since converted to it. Be warned :: there is a stout learning curve for stupid noob guitar players like me. I had a bunch questions that Guitar Center support failed to answer, or ever return my calls, after THEY reached out to me! But I have posted a bunch of stuff for us guitarist synth noobs on the official MX forum on the Yamaha site. Bottom line - the price point is fantastic for all the voices and drum kits you get, with nothing else even coming close. If you are a synth player, you have many options to pick from. If you are a guitar player setting up a home studio like me, this board is the ticket.

  • I would suggest this keyboard for anyone on budget.

    4

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted3 years ago

    byCardell

    fromRaytown, mo

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    I like the integration with DAWs.

  • Fantastic Keyboard BUT!

    3

    submitted4 years ago

    byJustyn P.

    fromAnnapolis, MD

    This is a fantastic synth with a nice easy to navigate Macro section, Multi Timbre, Great sounds, Good on-panel controllability. This is my dedicated master keyboard in my Dawless setup. But after on year, the sound isn't working! Part 2 patches onward stop playing after about a minute and I have to save the keyboard or reset it for it to work. Could've had it all. Granted I did by it used will pay for another one that's how good it is but still makes sure you have the warranty and proceed with caution.

  • This product was great I loved it it has a lot of good sound

    5

    submitted4 years ago

    byRyan

    fromSugarhill Georgia

    It is a really good product has millions of sounds it is good and sounds really good through my speakers

  • Happy

    4

    submitted5 years ago

    byJ V

    fromSan Jose , ca

    Have not played it much but so far I like it and have no regrets. At first was not too crazy about it being light but I'm now okay with it. Means easy travel. Sounds are great. Bought it primarily for home studio use but plan on using at church also. The only thing I wish it had was weighted keys and for that I took a star. Didn't read it before purchasing but would probably buy anyway.

  • GC sales staff helped me find just what I wanted !

    5

    submitted6 years ago

    byJim

    fromNW PA

    Great entry to intermediate synthesizer. Plenty of features and samples to play and learn with. Just what I wanted with a price that was easy on the budget.

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collapse expand iconQ&A

Have a question about this product? Our expert Gear Advisers have the answers.

  • submitteda year ago

    asked bytom

    fromColorado Springs

    Does the used open box come with the DAW software disc?

    Does the used open box come with the DAW software disc?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    No, it doesn't.

  • submitted3 years ago

    asked byMarty

    fromDenver, CO

    Does this have a clavinet sound?

    Does this have a clavinet sound?

    Open Reply - Thomas
    I’m very sorry, the manufacturer has not made that information available. It probably does.

  • submitted3 years ago

    asked byOlivya

    fromNew Orleans

    The keyboard Yamaha mx49 (blue) it is on stock in the Guitar Center of Materie?

    The keyboard Yamaha mx49 (blue) it is on stock in the Guitar Center of Materie?

    Open Reply - Thomas
    I’m very sorry, this is not available for store pick up. Please give us a call to better help you out – 855-770-3373

  • submitted4 years ago

    asked byJay

    fromNorthridge

    Is the sequencer easy to use for writing a full 3 minute song?

    Is the sequencer easy to use for writing a full 3 minute song?

    Open Reply - Thomas
    If your using the MX49, all you need to do is play. We need a little more information to better answer your question. Please give us a call 877 687 5403

  • submitted4 years ago

    asked byJ

    fromOmaha,ne

    Will i need to buy a set of monitors also to hear the sounds or does it have built in speakers? If so what monitors is everybody running?

    Will i need to buy a set of monitors also to hear the sounds or does it have built in speakers? If so what monitors is everybody running?

    Open Reply - Thomas
    Take a look at the "Sterling Audio MX8 8" Powered Studio Monitor"

  • submitted4 years ago

    asked byJordan

    fromDetroit, Michigan

    What do I need for adapters as to getting sound. I just bought it and plugged in the power adapted but no sound is coming out because there is no external connection to another device, but what would I need for a phone or headphones to get that sound to play ?

    What do I need for adapters as to getting sound. I just bought it and plugged in the power adapted but no sound is coming out because there is no external connection to another device, but what would I need for a phone or headphones to get that sound to play ?

    Open Reply - Thomas
    From Yamaha's web page: "OUTPUT [L / MONO] / [R] (standard phone jack), [PHONE] (standard stereo phone jack.)

  • submitted4 years ago

    asked byBill

    fromNJ

    What type of output jacks are on this unit?

    What type of output jacks are on this unit?

    Open Reply - Thomas
    MIDI, USB, 1/4"

  • submitted5 years ago

    asked byKooooo

    fromCA

    Doe this comes with a power supply cord?

    Doe this comes with a power supply cord?

    Open Reply - Beau
    This synth does come with a power supply.

  • submitted5 years ago

    asked byLei

    fromundisclosed

    Does it work by it's own or do i plug it in the computer to work? And does it have a built in speakers or do i have to plug them in to one?

    Does it work by it's own or do i plug it in the computer to work? And does it have a built in speakers or do i have to plug them in to one?

    Open Reply - Beau
    This synth would need to be plugged into a computer to work.

  • submitted5 years ago

    asked byDwight

    fromCincinnati Ohio

    Can you record with this keyboard does it have a sequencer and how many tracks.

    Can you record with this keyboard does it have a sequencer and how many tracks.

    Open Reply - Ronald
    You would need an external device to record with it.
    Open Reply - Beau
    This keyboard does have a recording capability and can record up to 16 tracks. It does not have a sequencer.
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