Yamaha MX88 Synthesizer Demo

Blake Angelos from Yamaha presents the MX88 keyboard. The Yamaha MX88 rocks more than 1,000 killer MOTIF XS sounds, a class-compliant USB audio/MIDI interface, and deep controller integration with your favorite computer music software. Its 88 keys are full-sized, weighted, and velocity-sensitive. Matte black keytops absorb moisture and remain tactile after extended use.
0:00 - Intro
0:40 - Yamaha MX88 Features
2:06 - Yamaha MX88 Motif Sound Engine
3:33 - Yamaha MX88 Motif Categories
4:06 - Yamaha MX88 Layer and Split Function
4:50 - Yamaha MX88 Control Knobs
5:42 - Yamaha MX88 Drum Loops
7:29 - Yamaha MX88 User Performance
8:12 - Yamaha MX88 Performance Demo
14:30 - Yamaha MX88 Connectivity
20:40 - Thanks For Watching!
Buy the Yamaha MX88 here: www.sweetwater.com/store/deta...

[@RealJoey]

I use this keyboard for my high school marching band! It's an absolute beast in terms of the variety of sounds that are in the sound engine.

[@victorydevelopment2810]

I just bought one for my 12 year old daughter as she has blossomed into an amazing little piano artist. So I'm blown away by this keyboard as I own a Yamaha MOTIF XS8... Now I want this one as an addition to my studio.

[@take942]

It's not the age of the sounds, it's what you do with the sounds that makes all the difference.

[@victorydevelopment2810]

Amen, I know, your right, I'm like the master at that and I agree 100% with you, it's so funny how people react, Ugh... So true man I could go on and on but...

[@meadeskelton3350]

It's writing great songs that matter , not sounds.

[@JohnNugroho]

Well said my friend

[@srijansingh8124]

Unless its a keyboard without touch sensitivity XD

[@Play-On7]

I can't believe that I never herd of this keyboard until now. If the key action is good enough I might buy it.

[@Christian_Girl120]

I play in a Contemporary Christian Rock Band, and this piano is what I play. I'm still learning. This is a great video! It helps a lot showing me around so I better understand the controls.

[@b00i00d]

Another cool demo - thanks Blake! Was particularly interested in the Expression pedal bit and the synth manipulations

[@spookyapple389]

This guy could sell any keyboard instrument. So beautiful!

[@melissaholland2734]

I'm in love with Yamaha. Have been since the DX 7❤

[@aaronwest88]

Note to anyone considering purchasing this keyboard. Unbelievably, there’s no easy way to create a favorites list. That’s right, you must scroll and find each sound during a song. I can’t believe Yamaha would design a keyboard that doesn’t offer quick sound changes.

[@amackclassic6737]

This board feels pretty damn good and it sounds crisp too. Best affordable keyboard available today imo.

[@noworries7673]

At the time of your writing this you could have had the DGX-660 much cheaper with much better sounds built in, especially the beautiful Grand piano or you can use it as MIDI keyboard for your DAW. The MX88 grand piano sample doesn't even compare to that of DGX 660/670. And today you can have the DGX-670 for the same price as MX88. You won't even need external speakers and you can also connect it to DAW. They all have the same GHS keybed but the feel of it in DGX is like sitting in a Bentley while the MX88 is like sitting in a commuter bus. The MX line is a scam.

[@josefvr3315]

Makes all people happy is hard. Well done Yamaha.

[@WyattLite-n-inn]

Blake kills it again.. Great demo . I can vouch for the black matte keys. The 49 has them too although not weighted.But they do feel great. This is a great instrument.

[@BLAzinStRipePiPes10]

Hi! Do you know if the 61 has weighted keys?

[@lexhubbard2355]

@@BLAzinStRipePiPes10 The 61 doesn't have weighted keys. It has the same keys as MX49. Most often only the 88 key versions have weighted action. Some people prefer semi-weighted/synth action for organs, strings, drums.

[@BLAzinStRipePiPes10]

@@lexhubbard2355 thank you!

[@Drivethebeat]

The price is still the same a year later! A good sign that it's keeping it's value. Selling well with good feedback.

[@jpalms7163]

No lie I’m a beginner and just trying to get my mind around pads and layering and recently bought the MX88. This app will make my world so much easier 🙏🙏🙏 thank you for sharing... how have I not known about this?!!!

[@neilsynth]

Hello! Just wanted to ask u..can the mx 88 recall selected sounds??

[@EZMikeD]

That is a great piano sound. Great presentation. Thank you.

[@thetitotvshow]

Thank you for this demo. I am probably going to buy this keyboard.

[@emiliomurillo20]

Yamaha has the best low end musical stuff, they respect the poor

[@rios_5314]

Emilio Murillo Agree with that!

[@robertsampson7344]

Emilio Murillo This isn't a low end keyboard.

[@Cyb3rAssassine]

It is, compared to other products..

[@robertsampson7344]

Emilio Murillo No it's not. I have been playing keyboard all my life and I've played low end keyboards, and this is not a low end keyboard.

[@robertsampson7344]

Emilio Murillo This keyboard is based off the flagship keyboard. A low end keyboard doesn't have all the functionality this has. And saying they respect the poor is a little bit of a condescending comment towards those who can't afford $2,000+ keyboards. I would classify this keyboard as a middle of the road keyboard. It's a keyboard I could see even a professional buying as a lightweight alternative to carrying around a keyboard that's heavy. This keyboard is awesome. A cheap keyboard would not be able to do all the this does. I own all pro keyboards and I would use this keyboard any day of the week. I own: 1. Hammond XB-1 2. Hammond XK-2 3. Yamaha Motif XS6 4. Yamaha Motif XS7 5. Roland XP 80 6. Yamaha CP 300

[@shookstylez]

piano sounds great.

[@theimagine1]

Well done Blake ! :)

[@japrietoj]

1:18 Great great playing and sound!

[@tedl7538]

YES

[@sidstricks]

wonderful sound quality😍😍

[@PiotrBarcz]

I have one of these, AND IT'S WELL WORTH THE 1200 BUCKS, it has hands down the best sounds of any keyboard!

[@TheKing4576]

I am loving the sounds of this 88key note definitely check this out next month new practice gear 🎹🎹🎹

[@TheMusicalStylingsofBrentBunn]

I'm still rocking my ancient Yamaha MM6 from 2007. It's time for an upgrade.

[@Am71919]

I'm Still rocking my Yamaha sy99 from 1991 and I see no reason to upgrade

[@rohankorde]

Pink Floydesque Psychedelia at 14:00. Brilliant.

[@therealborischang]

If you are a professional pianist looking for something to play/practice on when away from the Steinway, this may not be what you’re looking for. The MX88 has a keybed that works well with piano, EP, synth and other voices pretty well, but none stupendously. You can spend a lot more to get a great graded hammer-weighted velocity-sensitive keybed if that is really important to you. If you are a generalist musician looking for a good all-around instrument at a decent price, take a close look at this board. When he did the orchestral brass, I heard the intro to FFAF.

[@mtnrunner2]

This is great a cool instrument!

[@kidsplaymusic]

Thanks ... love your playing

[@EzraBufford]

I LOVE my MX! -Best Grand Piano sound out there!

[@thereallightwarrior906]

I heard the DGX 670 is better, and after listening to the YT demos, I have to agree. Apparently, it feels better, too, but all that comes at a weight cost of an additional 15 pounds, although it's about $300 cheaper as well (the DGX).

[@Eric-pu7lp]

You play beautifully

[@david57strat]

I'm sold. I must have one. Thanks for posting this excellent demonstration. Very much appreciated!

[@yaronbrecher7397]

amyzing demo well done

[@Inf7cted]

yeah im buying this next week.

[@mkmusicmarcos4972]

WTF!!! That sounds gorgeous man! Im in love with this keyboard😍

[@tommychappell6359]

wow nice. looks great.

[@DopamineOverload]

Not a bad board for the price. Yamaha needs to do this: Put the Reface CP panel on top of an 88-weighted key board like this. Charge $799 for it. Game over, for the competition. I don't know why they haven't yet done that.

[@rooseveltrainesjr1536]

I bought this keyboard last year my first I love it

[@alexdouglas7868]

Hi hi does it have weighted keys??

[@nellyvetterodriguezgarcia3240]

love my new MX88

[@Johngengelbach2]

I've got my eye on this one great price $999 pretty much everywhere

[@cesarformenti]

Hello Blake, which are the main differences between MX88 and MOXF8? The hammer action is the same? which feels more like a real piano?

[@mcdeadcat]

I nearly fell asleep several times watching this and I was interested!

[@newsroomheadlines5110]

hi can you use this as a controller for mainstage 3? if yes how is the setup done?

[@alinoe3604]

9:46 very nice choir

[@meadeskelton3350]

Is this the next step up from Yamaha S08? I love mine and I have had it for 11 years, but looking to upgrade.

[@johnadams5489]

Wow you get a lot of instrument for 999. Better than owning an acoustic piano. A musician can practice with headphones at night. Much better user interface than the old equipment that required menu diving. The Apps don't do anything for me, I'd rather spend my time practicing and playing music.

[@hornstrum]

Works lovely with AurioPro and Cubasis2 on iPadPro. I have a Blue MX49 [still miss buying a White] and plan to buy either MX88 or MODX8 !! Still, MX is SO easy to just plug in and use and tons of FM fun !! #HHNET #YamahaRocks #MX49 #MX88

[@followyourpassion8378]

Is there an instrument list for the MX in Cubasis2, so thst you can select the MX's directly in Cubasis? Cheers

[@tcab941]

Blake very nice video, in the owners manual pages 29-30 it tells how to Changing Voices smoothly while performing but for some reason I can’t get it to work for more 2 settings, it shows the abilities to do 1-16. Could help me out? Thanks

[@johncbeer]

His playing is so good, I had a hunch he had released his own stuff. I just read that he did "Jazz Piano for the Soul", but I haven't found it anywhere. Anyone know where I can find his stuff? It belongs in my home.

[@johnalver]

HAPPY SYNTHESIZER!!!

[@bathorysthroat]

Can you control the amount of pressure sensitivity and the pattern of arpeggios of sequencer pads?

[@redmusichouse]

Do the DAW controls work with Logic/Digital Performer/Protools besides Cubase?

[@Wazoox]

It's basically exactly the same thing as the S90XS I have, 8 years later and at a a third of the price :)

[@rodneylee4026]

S90 has better sounds and much better action, as well as mic input, onboard audio recordinf, etc etc.

[@TechGently]

Blake looks like one of those guys you would want to hang out with.

[@b00i00d]

Yeah

[@kasozidavid5579]

thanks for the demo, am in uganda - i love to have this great instrument, how do i get it - guide me.

[@deauvillevrienden]

I have an MX61 and a MOX6, I really wish the different categories were as easily accessable on the fly in the MOX as they are in the MX :-(

[@laurielejr]

Hi ! Thank you for this video ! I have a question : Is there a loudspeaker on this piano ?

[@arnabbagchi3641]

Laurie Riie I also have the same question

[@riseman8305]

Hello, please tell me, what the name of music you play on piano, at first part of video?

[@getmoneyhozea2722]

GOT ME LOOKING AT IT BUT I WANT DRUM PADS LIKE THE KORG KROSS HAS...I WOULD BUY BECAUSE OF THE SOFTWARE BUT I ALREADY HAVE THAT....NICE BOARD NICE MOTIF SOUNDS FOR A HOME STUDIO SET UP.....

[@donnyrichardsonsacousticch1988]

I had a P-115 and an MX-49, sold them both for the MX-88 and haven't looked back. Love it, love it love it! Now, I have a question on editing voices. Rather than explain technically, I'll tell you what I'm trying to do: My band is covering Toto's Africa and I'm doing it note for note. I've got the keyboard split - the lower end is the brass pad that's perfect. The upper end has the pan sweet flute (can't remember exactly what it's called). I'm trying to add a glockenspiel or vibe to the flute sound to get that distinctive sound of the hook and the solo. I don't think I can layer an already split sound (either split or layer), so I'm trying to go into the edit parameters and see if I can add something to that flute sound (nothing in the presets does it). Any ideas?

[@followyourpassion8378]

You need the Melas editor for that.

[@YotamPiano]

I don't have iPAD or any apple product. can I use FM features without it??

[@bobbykay8782]

Wow, this unit, what am I looking and waiting for? It is nice for gig. Finally, The Yamaha mx model offer 88 keys version. I'm so excited about that. So, I will skip for korg kross88 keys unit.

[@therealborischang]

unless you are strictly a pianist, this has just about everything you need.

[@therealborischang]

unless you are strictly a pianist, this has just about everything you need.

[@lavonsworld5998]

What’s the name of the USB cable is that to connect to your computer?

[@jojojo7333]

Well after the SY77, might be my next synth...

[@christopherbrown7234]

Wow!

[@redmusichouse]

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?

[@followyourpassion8378]

Yes, it can.

[@Shred_The_Weapon]

Before reading the description, I jumped to the conclusion that "MX" meant a blending of "Montage" and "KX," not "Motif". Is Yamaha likely to create a model which contains these sounds in a slim, battery-operated, 61-note keyboard chasis that would compete with the Roland Juno DS61? Why the DX-100, instead of the 7?

[@samuelpaul33]

Hello, can someone please help me with storing the tones in an order so that it would be easy to recall them.. It's been 6months since I bought the keyboard and I'm unable to understand how the tones are stored. Please help

[@FATMANSCOOP88]

This guy is so smooth with his playing

[@MarkGardner66Bonnie]

"Very Cool" review... :-)

[@timothydunbar7548]

I have mines on the way

[@yoshi_drinks_tea]

Is it cool?

[@victormbale4520]

Which one is better between the keyboard and Motif Xs 7?

[@Antonio-ti2he]

What is the name of the Keyboard Amplifier you are using?

[@tracyferguson3982]

Can someone help me with a question? How can I transfer a recorded song on a mox8 to a usb stick? It's got to be possible, but I just can't figure it out....

[@mercesletifer1707]

can somebody help me how to change the touch sensitivity of the mx88, i own both 88 and 49, i would love to have the touch sensitivity change, pls help thanks

[@instrumentalistjade8367]

im a previous mx-61 and mx-49 user. Keyboards sounds now are just recycled, and they changed some features on the boards and add some but nothing really change. its part of business on all brands. i sold my fantom G7, and sold my motif XS, sold my moxf6, and i ended up with a kronos 2, and a roland ax-synth now. These are my main two boards aside from my casio px-5s digital piano i used at church. And im good now on my gears. And will never buy another keyboard unless my keybords will be broken or not gonna work anymore. i buy and sell and traded keyboards before and tried more than 50 keyboards. in two years time. From casio, nord, yamaha, roland and korg. Synths, rack modules, workstations and digital pianos and arrangers. And at the end of the day it depends on your budget and and your need. So get the board that will make u happy and dont listen to others opinion. i stop buying and selling now and focusing taking care of my 8 months old baby.

[@osayemwenrejeremiahemmanue8227]

Good choice bro

[@enterprisesoftwarearchitect]

It’s got a really low output was my only issue … -35dB … add an external pre-amp to the cost! It’s not broken - just comes unusable weak.

[@moxigeren50gabe23]

just like the DX7

[@manistriffolino2502]

Can someone tell me what songs he is playing? Theyre amazing

[@yoshi_drinks_tea]

9:48 Am I in heaven?

[@chowderismyboyfriend]

lol XD

[@a.arzvg29]

That's when you pay all of your bills

[@Keyboardman88]

Blake. I have both the MX88 and MX49. Is there any way to delete all 128 of the factory performances? None of them are useful to me and I'd rather have the memory slots for my own performance setups.

[@followyourpassion8378]

Just build a new Performance using performance 1 and then save it under performance 2 to 128.

[@endyzyl]

Yamaha MX88 vs Yamaha MOXF8 that's what I wanna see

[@jcftmkdalaxiy632]

Moxf8 is better

[@stevend984]

Now that I have my MX back I've been trying to figure out how to use the arpeggios for a guitar part. I can't find anything online that clearly displays this feature and the manual is vague at best. If there's anyone out there that can point me in the right direction it would be much appreciated.

[@arnabbagchi3641]

Does the mx88 have integrated speakers? Or do we need to connect to external speakers?

[@sweetwater]

Hi, Arnab! Thanks for your interest. The MX88 does not have built-in speakers, so you would have to connect it to an amp or sound system. Feel free to reach out to me directly if you have further questions. Thanks again! Caleb Lowrey, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, [phone] ext. 1620, [e-mail]

[@XtineMark]

Thanks for this great video. Question about programming drums. I have a performance with Rock drums 017 set. In the middle of the song, I'd like to change the drums to be just a kick drum... Can I duplicate 017 and take out everything except the kick? ... I was thinking I'd have my performance with 017 drum pattern... Then on the fly I'd switch to a performance with the same instrument settings except with a different drum pattern (017, but just the kick part of it). ... This will allow me to continue to play melodic notes with left and right hand with the stripped down drum beat. Is this possible?

[@XtineMark]

To be clear, I'd take out everything in 017 except the macro beat of the kick ... just for the bridge of the song. Then switch back to the full 017 rhythm pattern after the bridge.

[@thereallightwarrior906]

Nice demo. I'm sold. Except it's a little too pricy for guys on fixed income. Maybe after a few more gigs...but! This synth is 5 years old already (it's May 2023). Price ought to come down, or they should have an updated version... I mean, it's 5 years old. I'm still rocking' my S80 from 2000, and aside for some patches losing voices (weird how a few patches that have 4+ voices and 1 of the voices no longer plays, so it's time for the replacement. I love the way it plays, but it's heavy as a tank on a battleship...), the instrument held up over 20 years and hundreds of gigs. I love Yamaha, and have had lots of the gear, since before the DX-7! Hey Yamaha, how about an artist sponsorship/ endorsement deal?? They ought to be trolling these boards for sales leads and product ideas. I got a million of them..

[@familiamartinez3]

i bought a S80 used for like 250 with a some broken knobs and some keys occasionally got stuck but loved it the feel of playing it and weighted keyes helped me improve a lot but yes it's was so heavy man

[@norlesandreserazo663]

Hermoso

[@martinhuang3642]

What is the amplifier that was used by the mx88 during this recording?

[@skipayers9425]

Good question. I am using a good Behringer amp and not getting the really nice grand piano sounds as we hear in this demo. Looking for answers please.

[@user-jf3tw1yo7t]

Good...

[@nick20401]

I have an mx88 and cannot get this piano tone. What settings are being used here? As far as cutoff /resonance etc? Mine seems to sounds muddy at times, especially during full band performances.

[@Deiollymous]

I don't know

[@thereallightwarrior906]

What are you using for sound reinforcement (amplification, speakers,..)?

[@ffymorcos]

Just bought mx88, please I need to know what kind of speakers/sound system is required, thank you

[@neilsynth]

Hi... does the mx 88 have instant recall??

[@sedcolfc7238]

Please does this keyboard has inbuilt speakers to enable play without an external speaker? Thanks for helping.

[@Drivethebeat]

No it does not.

[@stable_hands]

I’m new to keyboards so sry if this is a dumb question: can I use this both standalone and as a midi keyboard? I not, are there any you’d recommend?

[@sweetwater]

Hello! Yes, this Yamaha MX88 is indeed a keyboard with built in sounds that can work standalone, and as a MIDI controller when plugged into a computer. If you'd like to go into more detail, please call my number below. Thanks for your interest! Nick LaMendola, Senior Sweetwater Sales Engineer, [phone] ext. 1660, [e-mail]

[@BLAzinStRipePiPes10]

Hi! I have a P125, but I'm looking for a synth with a wider variety of sounds (which this obviously has) that is better in terms of portability. I'm on the fence between the MX61 and the MX88. The reason I might go with the MX61 is the size difference... I love 88 keys, but I don't want something that's too heavy. Is the MX88 lighter than the P125? Thanks in advance!

[@sweetwater]

Hello! The MX series are terrific - these keyboards are derived from Yamaha's famous Motif line, and have a TON of excellent sounds built in. The MX61 and MX88 are identical except for size and weight - the 88 weighted keys puts the MX88 at 30.6 lbs and the MX61 weighs only 10.6 lbs, due to its unweighted synth action keys. For reference, your 88 key weighted P125 weighs 26lbs. If you'd like to go into more detail, please call my number below. Thanks for your interest! Nick LaMendola, Senior Sweetwater Sales Engineer, [phone] ext. 1660, [e-mail]

[@BLAzinStRipePiPes10]

@@sweetwater thank you so much! Now that I know this, I'll definitely be going for the MX61... and like when I purchased the P125, it will be through Sweetwater 😊

[@DanielEvansMusic]

I have an old but great S90XS buts its just too heavy fro Live shows. Is this basically the same? Pianos and synths etc? But lighter?

[@sweetwater]

Hi, Daniel! Thanks for your interest. Yes, I’d say the MX88 is similar to the old S90 XS in terms of the selection of sounds. It certainly is a lot lighter! I think it would be a great choice to take to live shows in place of the older, heavier instrument. Hope this helps, and feel free to contact me directly with further questions! Caleb Lowrey, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, [phone] ext. 1620, [e-mail]

[@chidiobi6912]

i like mx88

[@Keyboardman88]

OK Players. I have a technical question. If I layer the keyboard for a Piano sound with a layered String sound...how do I set it so I can bring in the strings by pressing the foot controller pedal? Please help.

[@sweetwater]

Hi, Keyboardman! You can assign the foot controller to control a variety of parameters on the MX88, including the volume of individual parts. Detailed instructions are available on page 52 of the Yamaha reference manual, which you can read at this link: usa.yamaha.com/files/download/other_assets/0/892960/mx49mx61mx88_en_rm_b0.pdf Thanks for your interest! Please feel free to contact me directly if you have further questions. Caleb Lowrey, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, [phone] ext. 1620, [e-mail]

[@cubdukat]

But how does it stack up against the Juno-DS88? That and the MOXF6 seem to be its closest competition.

[@colbalt95]

Larry Wilson This is a step below rhe MoXF

[@stan5585]

This or the CP40?

[@meseekingyah3041]

Great video! Does this 'board have the ability to transpose, and is there an in/out for MIDI and not just USB?

[@sweetwater]

Hi MeseekingYah, great question! The MX88 absolutely has built in transpose! It also has the standard 5-pin MIDI in and out on the back of the keyboard for interfacing with other synthesizers and keyboards. If you want to dig in further or talk about some other keyboards, I would love to chat, just give me a ring! Drake Sobehrad, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, [phone] ext. 3271, [e-mail]

[@edisonmirandilla2374]

This is the younger Brother of Motif XS.

[@delioespiritu7944]

what is in the Keyboard back connection/input there? teach me pls/? looking for your expertise.. thank you.

[@delioespiritu7944]

what is the work of that yellow flashdrive in the keyboard back?