Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $727
Standard/Professional
$500
$1501+
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Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Yamaha MX61". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Meet your new musical companion, the Yamaha MX61, a synthesizer that blends the line between convenience and power. This lightweight marvel packs a punch with its 61 semi-weighted keys, offering an expansive range that caters to both the touring musician and the home studio producer. Don't let its sleek, portable design fool you; the MX61 is a beast under the hood, boasting an impressive library of over 1,000 voices from the iconic Yamaha MOTIF series. Whether you're crafting intricate compositions or laying down the foundation for your next hit, this synthesizer brings your ideas to life with unparalleled clarity and depth. Its user-friendly interface ensures that you harness its full potential without getting lost in technicalities, making it a versatile choice for musicians of all skill levels. Dive into a world of sonic exploration with the Yamaha MX61, where inspiration meets innovation.
Key Features:
- 61 semi-weighted keys for expressive, dynamic performances
- Over 1,000 MOTIF-derived sounds, including pianos, drums, strings, and more
- Virtual Circuit Modeling (VCM) effects for authentic analog warmth
- 128-note polyphony ensures a rich, layered sound without note drop-offs
- Integrated arpeggiator enhances creativity with intricate patterns and sequences
- Lightweight and portable design, ideal for musicians on the move
Product specs
| Brand | Yamaha |
| Model | MX61 61-Key Digital Synthesizer |
| Finish | Black, Blue, White |
| Year | 2010s |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Digital Synthesizers, Keyboard Synths |
| Analog / Digital | Digital |
| Key Size | Full Size |
| Keyboard Action | Synth Action |
| MIDI I/O | MIDI Input, MIDI Output, USB MIDI |
| Number of Keys | 61 Keys |
| Polyphony | 128 Voices |
FAQs
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Is the Yamaha MX61 suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the Yamaha MX61 is designed for live performances with its lightweight build and extensive sound library derived from the Yamaha Motif series, providing a wide range of high-quality sounds.
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Does the Yamaha MX61 have weighted keys?
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The Yamaha MX61 features 61 semi-weighted keys, offering a balance between the responsiveness of fully weighted keys and the lighter touch of synth action, making it versatile for various playing styles.
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What type of sounds can I expect from the Yamaha MX61?
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The Yamaha MX61 offers over 1,000 sounds from the Yamaha Motif series, including realistic acoustic instruments, electric pianos, and complex synth textures, suitable for diverse musical genres.
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How does the Yamaha MX61 integrate with DAWs?
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The Yamaha MX61 integrates seamlessly with DAWs via USB, offering both MIDI and audio data transfer, and includes VST and DAW control templates for popular software like Cubase, enhancing workflow efficiency.
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Is the Yamaha MX61 polyphonic, and how many voices does it support?
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Yes, the Yamaha MX61 is polyphonic and supports up to 128 voices, allowing for complex and layered sound performances without note dropouts.
Videos
The Music Farm
Yamaha MX49 & MX61 - In depth demo
Reviews
PROS
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Great step up from beginner keyboards
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Includes Motif sounds, enhancing its musical range
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Good key action offers a realistic feel
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Lightweight, portable design suits mobile musicians
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Integrates well with Ableton Live for production work
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Offers a solid array of effects and organic sounds
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Above-average keybed quality for its price
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Serves well as both a synth and MIDI controller
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Good output quality that exceeds expectations
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Features an audio interface for additional connectivity
CONS
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Looks more "toy-like" than expected
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Entry-level with a price that may seem high for the features offered
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Poor user interface makes navigation and preset management difficult
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Some features require additional software purchase
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Direct competitor models may offer better controls for live performance
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Integration with Cubase AI not as straightforward as promoted
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha MX61.
Features and functionality
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The MX61 includes built-in echo and lush reverb controls, allowing users to adjust effects without needing external pedals.
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The MX61 is praised for its Motif presets, offering reliable sound quality without the need for extensive sound design.
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The MX61's built-in performances are often criticized for not following played chords and having distorted drum sounds, making them less useful for live play.
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Users note the lack of easily accessible effects like delay on the MX61, which were present on older keyboards, potentially limiting its versatility.
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User experience
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Owners appreciate the lightweight design, making it easy to play in unconventional settings, like sitting on the floor, enhancing portability.
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Owners highlight the MX61's suitability for handling basic sounds while relying on a primary keyboard like the Nord for more complex tasks.
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Some users find the velocity on certain MX61 patches inconsistent, requiring more force to achieve full velocity, which can affect playability.
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Use cases and applications
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Ideal for typical gigging rock bands, as its sound cuts through without needing a wide dynamic range, despite not having weighted keys.
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The MX61 is favored for quick and easy access to presets, ideal for live gigs where fast sound changes are essential.
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The MX61 is effective as a MIDI controller with a DAW, offering a decent keybed feel compared to other synth-action keyboards like the Nord Lead 2.
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Comparisons
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The MX61's Motif sounds are praised for their musicality, especially compared to electronic pianos under $1500, which some find lacking in sound quality.
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The MX61 is noted as comparable in price to the CK61, but the latter is often deemed superior for broader sound quality.
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The MX61's sounds are noted as less competitive compared to Komplete VSTs, which offer superior quality for a similar price, especially in a studio setting.
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The Roland Juno DS 61 is suggested as an alternative for users seeking better sound options and an 8-track multitrack recording feature.
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Value and pricing
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A used MX61 with a case can be found for under $600, making it a cost-effective option for essential sounds without breaking the bank.
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Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 13 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
Danny Peyronel has confirmed his use of the Yamaha MX61, stating, "I AM the artist in question, and my trusted MX61 is right beside me here in my office!" This statement is supported by an image available on Equipboard.
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
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