Yamaha MX flagship model: Synthesizer/keyboard MX88 to bring legendary sounds into home studios and live setups
Rellingen, 20th April 2017 – Yamaha presents the new centrepiece for project and home studios: the flagship synthesizer MX88. Its 88 keys convey a particularly authentic piano feel while more than 1000 sounds from the legendary Motif series offer a multitude of options. Sounds and performances can be transferred to a computer directly via USB due to the integrated audio and MIDI interface. The MX88 also acts as a remote for DAW software like the included Cubase AI and provides multiple controller elements. Even with all this functionality, the MX88 is still a lightweight solution perfectly suited for onstage use.
Grand piano sound and authentic keys for perfect performance
Being the MX series’ top model, the MX88 combines the “Full Concert Grand Piano” of the Motif series with a Graded Hammer Standard keyboard for genuine grand piano feeling. The lower keys are more heavily weighted than the higher notes so the instrument responds to the player in an exceptionally “acoustic” way. The sound generation of the Full Concert Grand combines the authentic keys with precise basses, clear mids and natural highs. Yamaha looks back upon more than one hundred years of building pianos, and it shows in the creation of the velocity curve that provides the musician with a powerful tool of musical expression. 128 notes of polyphony make sure that every key can develop its full potential both on the stage and in the studio.
Musical centrepiece for project and home studios
The MX88 transfers music directly into the computer. The built-in audio interface transmits a stereo channel via USB to a computer or iOS device. The MIDI interface also allows to deploy the MX88 as a master keyboard for other synthesizers and samplers, or to trigger its synthesis engine from external MIDI sources. The new MX flagship can even control the parameters of recording software with its various knobs. Through these comfortable controlling options, the MX88 integrates seamlessly into modern production environments while retaining its qualities as an expressive instrument with outstanding sound.
Even more sound with FM Essential App
Like its smaller siblings MX49 and MX61, the MX88 can communicate directly with smartphones and tablet computers to expand its capabilities even more. Connecting the MX88 to the FM Essential iOS App adds an FM synthesis engine with 256 voices for iconic 80s sounds or driving EDM. What is more, Virtual Circuitry Modelling grants the sound of meticulously emulated vintage effects and high-end studio equipment. VCM mimics the characteristics of original component parts to achieve sounds that are exceedingly close to the analogue circuits.
Recording studio included
With Steinberg Cubase AI, a comprehensive music production suite is included with the MX88. Up to 32 audio tracks in 24-bit/192 kHz and 48 MIDI tracks with their respective editing options render the combination of MX88 and Cubase AI an extensive package for music production in a home studio environment.
Availability and price
The Yamaha MX88 is available from early May 2017 for a suggested retail price of £999.00 or €1,189.00 including taxes. It comes with Steinberg Cubase AI for PC and Mac. The iPad App Steinberg Cubasis LE is free to use with MX88. A softcase and a Lightning to USB adapter for connecting the MX88 with Apple iOS devices are sold separately.
Download the Yamaha Essential Guide to the MX88 here:
