Superbooth 2017: Yamaha MX88 Motif Engine Light

With 88 Keys, we have a full graded piano action, but at a 13.9KG weight and with 128 voices of Motif synth engine Watch all of Superbooth 2017 coverage: bit.ly/superbooth17
Subscribe to Sonicstate on KZbin for new content!
bit.ly/SonicYTSub
Watch Sonicstate's Exclusive Series:
Sonic LAB: bit.ly/SonicLab
Meet The Makers: bit.ly/SonicMakers
Sonicstate Performances: bit.ly/SonicPerformances
Sonic TALK Podcast: bit.ly/SonicTalk
NAMM 2017: bit.ly/SonicNAMM2017
Website: www.sonicstate.com
Twitter: #!/sonicstate
Facebook: / wwwsonicstate
Instagram: / sonicstateuk
Podcast/iTunes: goo.gl/4uOFA5

[@mrexcellent1]

Many people don't realize that the Motif is one of the most successful keyboards that Yamaha produced that has spanned over 15 years, making it one of the most successful keyboards produced. The third generation Motif (XS) is one of the mot popular long running synths that has been produced into several products (i.e. Motif XS, XS Rack, MO8, MOXF8, and the MX49, 61, and 88). Roland did the same thing a decade ago with the legendary JV-1080 series which has spanned into many successful products; including the Roland XP-80 (which I own). I own a MX61 as well as the Motif XS Rack. Both are excellent. I use the MX61 since it is way lighter than my Motif 7 Classic. I will say that the MX88 does have the sound engine of the Motif XS. Some of the patches from the XS are absent, but basically they're not the ones many people would use. The MX88 is also a "no-compromise" keyboard, so one is not losing quality. In addition, the ability to layer two patches on the fly without losing polyphony is worth the price. As stated esrlier, I own a Roland XP-80 and a Yamaha MX61 which I use for my live performances and recording. The newer Montage is just a updated version of the Motif with additional patches from the PLG-150 cards designed for the original Motif and the Motif ES. Why spend over $4000 for something that one can get the "basic" patches" from the MX88; plus, why lug some heavy equipment around that can be achieved with something lighter? I look forward to investing a MX88 for my home studio. All the negative comments on this keyboard (in my opinion) are totally futile. It all depends on what one is looking for in a keyboard and what they want to do with it. In conclusion, in regards to the legendary status of the Motif XS that has spanned into several successful products, it goes to the old saying: if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

[@angelreed2276]

Why do people hate this keyboard? It looks cool and sounds beautiful and is $1000 less than the moxf8

[@specialsnowfake6744]

wonderful sound

[@redmusichouse]

2 questions: Other than the FM Essential app, can the MX88 keyboard control other iPad synths such as Korg Gadget through the same USB input and have the audio come out through the MX88 as well? Also, do the DAW controls work with Logic/Digital Performer/Protools besides Cubase?

[@rscotts1771]

Does anyone know what the keybed is like in comparison to the MOXF8? I had one of those but sent it back because the action sucked - noisy and felt very cheap and hard at the bottom of the keystroke. I also had an S90SX...I loved that board's action and multitude of tones but it just became too heavy for my back to lug around. I'd really appreciate any feedback. Thanks, Robert

[@samhaberman]

This 'new' keyboard uses the Motif XS sound engine which was first released in 2007 -- literally a 10 year old system.

[@MarctheDarc]

This is just a bigger/more keys version the current MX keyboards, which are already available in 49 and 61 synth key versions. Where's the big Yamaha surprise?

[@CappaTheGreat]

exactly! Might as well save a few more $ and get an MOXF one time. I have the MX61 in white and it's a great board but the fact that you can only use two sounds at any given time is it's downfall.

[@chatolars]

CappaTheGreat isn't it multitimbral??

[@MarctheDarc]

Nope only duo-timbral, where as the competing boards from Roland and Korg are 16-part multi-timbral.

[@brailintaylor584]

@@CappaTheGreat there is a way to layer more than two sounds I found a video the other day

[@gmajorbeatsent7210]

@@brailintaylor584 where is that vid👁

[@neorich59]

I've seen a number of reviews about this interesting looking Synth. I'm recently returned to band playing, after many years only using a Stage Piano, with limited sound capabilities. What I'm trying to find out, is whether this particular synth can create multiple layers/splits, which can be stored and then called up at the touch of a button during live performance, without the use of a P.C/Laptop? So far, all I've seen in every review is confirmation of the 2 part Layer/Split function, but I often need to create more than 3 layers and a few splits for one song. My old and *very* heavy Alesis QS8 could do this easily, making live playing a breeze, but not anymore at that weight ;O) So, if anyone knows whether this is possible before I take the plunge, then I'd be eternally grateful..thanks..😉👍

[@zzzxtreme]

Mx88 or ds88?

[@gerritveldhuisen7748]

Please the Number op the Rhodes 01.50 ??? I have the MX88 ;-) I hope a reaction Support of You.??!!

[@pcuimac]

Got myself an SY-77 six operator FM synth who works perfectly with great keybed! 200€ Time to save money and have fun with FM!

[@henrikgustav2294]

I miss mine. also the SY85

[@vinnien]

To me it seems very redundant to the MOXF8. Yes the MX88 is a bit cheaper, but the MOXF offers a lot more. As an owner of the first MX49 version I do think the MX range sounds very nice though.

[@ElektronicCricket]

Where are the favorite buttons for live ....

[@therealborischang]

If you want a really top-notch modern piano that has maybe a couple of decent non-piano sounds, get a Nord Piano 3 or Kurzweil Forte or maybe a Yamaha CP300 or Roland RD-2000 and kick in triple the price tag.

[@sampleexamplemusic]

is this the 'BIG SECRET NEW THING' they wouldnt tell nick when he talked about it on sonic talk? that makes me so mad.

[@JohnOv3rblast]

Bartels Modular I

[@cresshead]

so if i got this right...it's motif sample rompler without the FM engine from the montage which is a missed opportunity but i'm guessing they are just using up motif chips gathering dust on the shelf. 2 sounds at most split/layer £999 88 keys 4 knobs good as a stage piano

[@marike1100]

It seems to be an 88 key version of the MX49 / MX61, which have been in Yamaha's lineup for several years. It's less expensive than a Motif XF or MOXF because it is based on a subset of the Motif XF library.

[@BioSoftStudios]

cresshead not quite, all you need is a camera connection kit or lightning adapter with iPhone, iPod touch or iPad and an FM essentials app and then you can use FM with AWM2 just like montage but more limited

[@cresshead]

oh, you get a free ipad when you buy the mx88?...cool didn't know that!

[@BioSoftStudios]

cresshead well a free app

[@Proxima04]

Sadness, to think Yamaha were really starting to deliver the goods in the 90’s with the CSx and An1X even at that time the “knob” was making a come back due to the ‘Workstation’ fever being driven by Korg but they never seem to have picked up the ball totally with today’s studios in mind. I like the iPad connection as a patcher that’s brilliant but in a workstation the size of single bed?

[@fundementalroast7002]

Do you think Yamaha will ever let you review their Montage

[@shookstylez]

i actually think Nick Batt deserves a better synth. Yamaha sucks balls these days

[@Wagoo]

I wonder if they're gonna use this on the new Blade Runner film??????????????????????? Well, that was an anti-climax. I guess it's to compete with the Roland RD-2000 or such

[@dionysiaex5538]

Where the hell is Bert Smorenberg?

[@HighlandStudio91]

Bert Smorenburg probably wanted nothing to do with this turd,as the MX-88 is just an embarrassment.The key-bed is nice...but that's it.It's nothig more than an overpriced midi controller keyboard for software.

[@objectaudio7433]

Your talking to someone who has great brain pulse width and you didn't modulate it the square wave

[@VoyageOne1]

The MX series is stuck in the late 90s

[@jfranko4000]

Just what type of sounds are you expecting this thing to have some of that wack ass trap music sound these sounds you call old you still hear, these same sounds in the new stuff there making in 2019 pianos.brass,synth,strings so what is the problem it sounds better than any wack ass vst any day you name me one damn plugin that sounds better than this, and don't say amnisphere cause it does not compare.

[@JJDPROMEDIAPRODUCTION]

Rehash.. The Already Rehashed! The big 3 has really fallen off.. NEXT!

[@ginises83]

I bought this Keyboard , I am really disappointed because it has only 2 layers, before buying it, I do not think about this option, but I am greatly disappointed, I sell it after a week Because 2 layers only !!!! But the sound are very good .... but onlyb 2 Layers !!!

[@objectaudio7433]

Not sold lol. looks cheap . has a display like dx7 and knobs from an anix.

[@torbenanschau6641]

pretty pointless except maybe for the price. They call it synthesizer and he's even admitting you'd expect a synth keyboard in it - so why graded and weighted while the sound engine is not out of the new Montage delivering a really good piano? No FM either although they've now reimplented it in the Montage. After all - nothing to write home about

[@undercoverneunzehn]

Yes I can see that he is black, but what is his last name?

[@yuvraj4870]

Why the fuck does Yamaha have pitch bend wheels ????? please provide with stick like Korg. It is the onyl thing that stops me from buying yamaha.

[@inthefade]

Yamaha have always had the best sounding electronic stage pianos AFAIK.

[@Spidouz]

Another version of the Motif, repacked in a ugly new chassis... Yamaha should do like Korg... change the paint and call it the day! Those brands are just lost I think...

[@stocchinet]

Also why they have to make it so god damn big, i bet it's half empty on the inside

[@Keyboardman88]

It has 88 notes so it has to have the length. Don't like the length, buy the 61 or 49 note version.

[@jfranko4000]

What are you expecting them to do stop complaining go and build your own keyboard before complaining about how old something is, it sounds better than any wack ass vst plugin that's out right now in 2019 you can't deny that.

[@HighlandStudio91]

Nice key-bed...but absolutely the worst display screen on the market today...totally useless and pathetic,for a $1,000 price-tag.Also....the placement of the pitch & modulation wheels is a total deal-breaker,as it's way to awkward to perform,in that manner.

[@djjas764]

This is really bad of Yamaha. As they didn't added the remote control feature on Yamaha Montage and they call it Montage as a replacement of Motif XF ( motif xf has this feature)........ and mx88 cheap keyboard has remote control feature........ and they call Montage their flagship model. What the fuckkkkkk... addddd this feature in your new firmware on montage....... charge extra money for the update, that no worry...their are so many buttons and faders on montage than what is the problem putting remote control feature in ittttttttttttttt......