SALE

Yamaha MODX6 Plus Keyboard Synthesizer, 61-Key

Get huge performance capabilities in a small package with Yamaha MODX6 Plus, a 61-key synth with AWM2 and FM-X synth engines plus MODX+ Motion Control.

$1,349.99

  • 12 x  
    $112.50
  • 8 x  
    $168.75

Yamaha MO6 61-Key Music Production Synthesizer

No longer available at zZounds
With MOTIF ES sounds, direct DAW integration, and a fluid 61-key keyboard, the Yamaha MO6 is perfect for the stage or the studio.

There's no denying that the Yamaha MOTIF is one of the finest-sounding workstation keyboards around. Also hard to deny: its price. Hey, you want the best in the game, there's always a cost. But what if there were some way to get all those amazing sounds at a fraction of the MOTIF's price? What if you could still get the awesome sequencing features and DAW integration the MOTIF ES has to offer, too? There just so happens to be a keyboard workstation that fits that exact description: the Yamaha MO6.

Built off the powerful AWM2 sound engine that's at the core of the MOTIF ES, the Yamaha MO6 61-Key Music Production Synthesizer puts that MOTIF sound well within reach of most musicians, yet sacrifices very little of the flagship workstation's functional design or sonic power in the process.

MOTIF ES Sound Engine

Sound quality is the deal-maker or -breaker on any workstation keyboard, and the MO6 delivers. It boasts the same powerful synthesis engine as the industry standard MOTIF ES, so you can show up to any gig, session, or production date with your MO', knowing you're packing some of the most explosive sounds in the biz. All the celebrated Yamaha sample-based instruments are there, including their much lauded acoustic grand piano patches. Percussion sounds spanning from lifelike studio kits to cutting edge hip-hop beats are at all your disposal. You even get the breathtaking MegaVoice instruments; when coupled with the Yamaha MO6's sophisticated arpeggiator, the MegaVoices read more recreate subtle playing nuances like guitar hammer-ons and pull-offs, or clarinet grace notes and over-breath noise. Also on board are the impressive analog synth modeling capabilities of the MOTIF ES. A four-oscillator sound generator, multi-band filter, and dynamic envelope controls effortlessly recall the entire history of modern musical synthesis. Ever said to yourself "I know exactly what this track needs"? The MO6 has that sound, whatever it might be; it's like having every vintage synth you've ever heard at your fingertips, instantly. The MO's array of solid sliders and knobs provide assignable, real-time control over every instrument parameter, as well as over the comprehensive DSP effects. Yamaha wouldn't have called it a Music Production Keyboard without including a wide array of studio-quality effects, so along with the hundreds of voices, they ported the MOTIF ES's EQs, choruses, reverbs, compressors, and radical lo-fi, digital scratching, slicing, and beat change FX to the MO6. More than providing you with every sound you can think of, the MO6 will inspire you with sounds you never thought possible.

A Studio and Stage Performer

Like the MOTIF series, the MO6 is an expressive instrument, sure to inspire great performances on stage and in the studio. The 61-key keyboard sports full-sized, expressive keys tailored to bring the best out of every performance. Tour-ready sounds like tonewheel organs, electric pianos and a gamut of real-time effects like vintage phasers and touch-sensitive wah-wahs are meaty and responsive; the rest of the band is sure to love them as much as you will. While the MO6 may not boast the same lavish, full-color screen as its big brother, it still features the same intuitive navigational tools that make finding the right sounds quick and easy. Entire preset "scenes" comprising groove phrases, multi-voice patches and specific effects chains can be recalled from a single "Master Mode" setting; it makes recalling complicated voice combinations for an entire song simple in a live setting, and creating song-writing presets in the studio a snap. When you do take your Yamaha MO6 on the road, you'll be happy to find it's a lightweight and rugged traveler.

Easy Studio Integration

Some folks think that the advent of easy computer recording marked the end of the keyboard workstation -- not so with the MO'. While the MO6 does stellar work as a stand-alone sequencer, Yamaha designed it to become an integral part of your project or home studio. Utilizing Mackie's near-universal control protocol, the MO6 can be effortlessly setup to control all basic DAW functions like transport controls, track volume, and panning, and can even control virtual instrument parameters. On the flip side, the Yamaha MO6 can be inserted like a plug-in soft-synth into any VST hosting software, making incorporating the MO's hundreds of instruments, grooves and effects into you multitrack projects utterly seamless. If you've got other outboard sound modules in your studio, the MO6 can control those too, thanks to full MIDI I/O and multi-zone mapping capabilities. The "Total Recall" feature works with your DAW to save external hardware setting -- whether on your MO6 or other hardware synths -- in the same master file as the rest of the project. Complete hardware/software integration has never been easier.

Offering producers, performers, and home recordists incredibly cost-effective access to the MOTIF world, the Yamaha MO6 is the perfect complement to any computer production studio, as well as a killer live instrument. Now everyone can tap into the Yamaha music production muse!

Power Supply: Power Cord, PA-5D (Included)
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MO6: 61 keys, LC keyboard (initial touch)

Tone generator: AWM2

Polyphony: 64 notes

Multi-timbral capacity: 16 parts (internal)

Wave: 175MB (when converted to 16-bit linear format), 1,859 waveforms

Voice:
-- Preset: 512 normal voices + 64 drum kits

-- GM: 128 normal voices + 1 drum kit

-- User: 128 x 2 (bank 1: original, bank 2: picked up from preset), normal voice + 32 drum kits

-- Performance user: 256 (up to 4 parts)

Filter & effect system: 18 types (filter), reverb x 20 types, chorus x 49 types, insertion (a, b) x 116 types x 3 blocks, master effect x 8 types, master equalizer (5 bands), part EQ (3 bands, stereo)

Note capacity: approx. 226,000 notes

Note resolution: 480 ppq (parts per quarter note)

Maximum polyphony: 124 notes

Tempo: 1 - 300

Recording type: real time replace, real time overdub (with the exception of the pattern chain), real time punch (song only), step (with the exception of the pattern chain)

Tracks:
-- Pattern mode: 16 phrase tracks

-- Pattern chain mode: pattern track, tempo track, scene track

-- Song Mode: 16 sequence tracks (loop on/off can be set for each track), tempo track, scene track

Patterns: 64 patterns (x 16 sections), measures: 256 maximum

Phrases:
-- Preset phrases: 687 phrases

-- User phrases: 256 per pattern

Songs: 64 songs

Mixing voices: 16 per pattern (256 maximum)

Mixing templates: 32

Arpeggio:
-- Preset x 1787 types, User x 256 types

-- MIDI Sync, MIDI transmit/receive channel, velocity limit, and note limit can be set.

Scene memory: 5 per song

Sequence format:
-- MO6/MO8 Original format (compatible with MOTIF ES)

-- SMF format 0, 1 (Format 1 load only)

Master:
-- User: 128

*4 Zones (master keyboard settings), assignable knob/slider settings, program change Table

Sequence software compatible with the Remote Control function:
-- For Windows: Cubase SX 3, SQ01 V2, SONAR 4, MO6/8/MOTIF ES/MOTIF-RACK ES/MOTIF-RACK/S90 ES Multi Part Editor

-- For Macintosh: Cubase SX 3, Logic Pro 7, Digital Performer 4.52, MO6/8/MOTIF ES/MOTIF-RACK ES/MOTIF-RACK/S90 ES Multi Part Editor

*Functions to be controlled by the MO6/MO8 differ depending on the software you use.

Controllers: pitch bend wheel, modulation wheel, assignable control sliders (4), assignable knobs (4), data dial

Display: 240 x 64 dot graphic backlit LCD

Power consumption: 13.5 W

Dimensions MO6: 40.3" (W) x 15" (D) x 4" (H)

Weight: 22.9 lbs

Power Supply: PA-5D (Included)

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 714-522-9011
Web: https://usa.yamaha.com/support

Yamaha MO6 Music Production Synthesizer

The heart of the Yamaha MO6 is the same massive 175 MB wave ROM and synth engine found in the flagship MOTIF ES. Complete with expressive, multi-velocity acoustic pianos and EPs, MegaVoice guitars and basses that capture all the subtle nuance of the real thing and a vast selection of string, brass and other acoustic sounds, the MO6 is ready for any type of music production. A huge selection of different drum kits instantly inspires new beats and grooves. Whether you need realistic rhythm tracks or orchestral backgrounds, the MO6 has all the sounds you need in one place. But don't be fooled, the MO6 is not just for acoustic emulations. The 4-oscillator Voices feature multi band filters and snappy envelopes so there's also a complete selection of analog and digital synth sounds from funky basses, silky leads to atmospheric pads. Realtime controls and an advanced modulation matrix, let you easily shape those sounds to fit your production needs.

The Yamaha MO6 also includes advanced effects processing including Reverbs, Chorus & Delays, 16 individual Part EQs and powerful dual Insertion effects that can be applied to up to three parts in a Mix or Performance. The Insertion effects feature some of the most creative and unique DSP processing on the planet including lo-fi, digital scratching, slicing, and beat change.

If you're looking for the most expressive acoustics sounds from pianos to drums, the widest selection of the freshest synth basses, leads and pads and the most powerful DSP processing available, you'll find that nothing in its price range has any MO.

Goes with the Flow

As a musician these days you find yourself in lots of different situationslive gigs, song writing collaborations, studio sessions and computer music environments loaded with DAWs and SoftSynths. The MO6 was designed to adapt to each of these different applications with their own special demands and provide just the right feature set for each situation. The responsive Voices and real time controls allow you to express subtle emotions in live performance. The Performances are not only live ensembles with splits and layers, but many use the MO's Phrase Factory Arpeggios and are complete grooves to instantly inspire new song ideas. But most important of all, the MO6 was designed to be not just a keyboard, but the center of a computer based music production studio. It offers a DAW remote control mode that gives you full hands on remote control of DAW and SoftSynths. The Studio Connections compatibility let you treat the MO6 as a VST SoftSynth inside Cubase SX 3.1 and Nuendo 3.1. The special Utility Quick Setups let you easily change from one style of working to the next. So no matter how you like to work, the MO6 adapts to fit your workflow and lets you be more musically productive.

The Perfect Song Writing Partner

Some people might wonder why you need a built-in sequencer in a workstation keyboard when there are so many powerful computer software programs like Steinberg's Cubase products available today. But the Yamaha MO6's Song and Pattern sequencer was actually designed to be a creative scratch pad to let you quickly and easily get your song writing ideas down. Much of today's music is looped based and having a Pattern sequencer let's you work in sections that can be easily chained together to try different song arrangements. So when working on new song ideas, it's often faster and easier to use the MO's on board sequencer to get your ideas down quickly while inspiration is still fresh.

The new Utility Quick Setups also let you transfer from the internal sequencer to your computer with a single button press. Because the Yamaha MO6 is a complete self contained system - including a keyboard, tone generator and sequencer. It's great when you want to be on the move and collaborate with friends.

Jam On

The Yamaha MO6 and MO8 are light in weight and extremely portable so they are great for live performance situations. The MO8 features a Balanced Hammer action keyboard like that found on the MOTIF ES8.

Both the MO6 and MO8 feature hand on knobs and sliders for real time controls and a full compliment of pedal control inputs as well. The MO series also features full multi zone MIDI capabilities for controlling external tone generators, SoftSynths and other keyboards in your rig.

With it's high quality built-in DSP effects, the MO sounds great going directly into your band's PA mixer. Light in weight and heavy on features, the MO series is a working musician's dream.

Controlling your DAW with your MO8

Today's project studios are centered around the computer and the Yamaha MO6 total integration with computer production systems is what really separates it from the competition. It features both USB "TO HOST" and USB "TO DEVICE" ports. The "TO HOST" port lets you connect multi-port MIDI to your computer with a single USB cable. The "TO DEVICE" port lets you connect USB storage devices like hard disk drives and thumb drives (USB flash memory) directly the MO6 for saving voices, performances and songs and backing up files to your computer. Digital Audio connectivity is standard with a stereo coaxial digital output for noise free digital recording of your MO6 to your computer sound card, a DAT or CDR.

The Yamaha MO6 also features a DAW Remote Control Mode that allows full hands on control of popular DAW software including Sonar, Logic, Digital Performer and the full range of Steinberg Cubase and Nuendo products. You can control Volume, Pan, Solo, Mute, Track Arming, Track Select and many other track specific functions. The Transport controls on the MO6 can be setup to stop, start and return to zero your DAW projects. You can even edit and control VST/AU plug-ins and see their parameters displayed in the LCD display of the MO. Total control over your DAW and SoftSynths from your hardware synth has never been easier.

Controlling your MO6 with your DAW software

Perhaps the most exciting part of the MO6 is the powerful cross platform software that can be downloaded from www.yamahasynth.com. Full Voice and Multi Part Editors are available that let you edit and store MO6 setups via your computer. Even more amazing, using the latest versions of Cubase SX or Nuendo, you get all the benefits of full Studio Connections compatibility. No more trying to remember what Voices you used in that project you were working on three months ago. Just launch the project and Studio Connections "Recall" will reconfigure your MO6 to exactly the settings that were last used in the project.

With Studio Connections "Audio Integration", you can even turn your MO6 into a Virtual Synth complete with phase accurate latency compensation and add VST effects directly to your MO6 inside your VST mixer. Imagine the convenience of Freezing a track on a hardware synths and then being able to continue working on your project even when the hardware is not connected.

Total Integration = Total Control
Total control over your DAW and SoftSynths with the MO's DAW Remote Control Mode has never been easier. Total control of your hardware synth from your DAW software with the MO's Studio Connection compatible software has never been easier. Now you can utilize all the power of the total computer integration in the Yamaha MO6 to make more music.

What is Total Recall
Total Recall is the first phase of the Studio Connections project. The Voice and Multi Part Editors for the MO6 are Total Recall compatible so they work inside the Studio Manager system available in the latest versions of Cubase and Nuendo. Studio Manager can be opened directly from inside your Steinberg software and contains editors for a variety of Yamaha synthesizers, mixer and effects. Saving a project in Cubase and Nuendo saves all your Studio Manager editor settings right along with your project file. Just open your project file again and Studio Manager will restore your MO6 (and the rest of your MIDI Studio) to the exact same settings as when you last worked on that project.

What is Audio Integration
Audio Integration is the next phase of the Studio Connections project. It allows you to setup the Yamaha MO6 as a VST Instruments via the "External Instrument" function found in Cubase SX 3.1/Nuendo 3.1. Now you can use the MO6 just like a plug-in, routing it to the DAWs Audio mixer, applying VST effects and even using unique VST functions such as "mix down" and "freeze". Finally youve got a seamless environment where both hardware synthesizers and software synthesizers can be completely integrated together.

Totally Cool - Total Integration.

The new Yamaha MO6 brings the sonic palette and music production power of the award winning MOTIF ES to a new generation of players and producers. Equally at home on stage, in the studio or in a computer based home recording system, the MO6 is not just a keyboard, but the heart of your music production system. Killer sounds, a complete Song and Pattern based sequencer, powerful on-board effects processing and total computer integration come together to make these the most affordable music production synthesizers in the Yamaha line up.

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. (66 ratings)
Submitted May 3, 2009 by a customer from comcast.net

"A Composer's Dream-machine"

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
This review has been selected by our experts as particularly helpful.
This instrument has been exceedingly useful and I have seen a benefit from using it. I can quickly create and capture new musical ideas.

Sound
I use my MO both with a stand-alone digital recorder and Cubase. In both cases, this instrument is absolutely tops. The sounds put out by this keyboard continue to amaze me. Drum kits included in some of the combination settings that use arps do not record directly to the DAW software, at least not without significant work/tweaking. However, it sounds absolutely pristine when recorded into my TASCAM recorder. The keyboard (piano and the like) sounds are the usual exemplary Yamaha pianos/keys - just super. The guitars sound real. The sweet flute and sweet oboe are sololists dream. The synth-leads and pads are pretty good too. There's lots to explore here - all quality sounds.

Features
Wow, where to begin? The 1700+ arps are so darn addictive and fun. For those wanting to record guitars that sound live (real) with strumming and picking, you will find loads of arps for guitars that simply sound like you have a guitarist right there! Pattern player is a real pleasure to work with, you can create on the fly snappy patterns right away - no delay, no manuevering buttons and menu on menu. Boom, its in. The USB connectivity to your PC opens a whole new world for this keyboard - from the editor software and manager software, it makes this keyboard that much more convenient and powerful. read more The included Cubase software seemlessly integrates with the MO... Being able to save to USB devices via the device connection is tremendoulsy conventient as well. Bravo Yamaha.

Ease of Use
For getting to your bread-and-butter sounds, its pretty easy. Yamaha has included a convenient "Category" button that lets you see all your sounds arranged by types (e.g., piano, guitar, bass, brass, etc). You simply dial or use "Inc" or "Dec" buttons and play away. The onboard sequencer is a big improvement over past Yamaha keyboards (I also own a Yamaha EX5 - its sequencer was hard to use). This one is very easy and you probably won't even need to crack the manual.

Quality
I am rating this one a little lower as, unlike the MOTIF 6 I once had for a short time (which was metal body), the MO6 is a plastic case. For my purposes that is fine, as I use my MO in my home studio setup - it will not be moved. I'd be a little worried about it if I were gigging it! However, the fit and finish is good, the keys have pretty good feel (not as good as my EX5 or the MOTIF 6) but good nonetheless. For home use, this keyboard should last years.

Value
For what you get, this keyboard is a composers dream. It is feature packed, sounds great, and should last for years.

Manufacturer Support
Unknown

The Wow Factor
This keyboard is desireable. I spent many many hours researching for the "best bang for the buck" and the MO6 is it. You will be hard pressed to find better - given its price.

Musical Background:
Hobbyist - Soloist creating original compositions (see: www.reverbnation.com/mikehuntingford )

Musical Style:
Jazz, Ambient, Easy Listening
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