The new Yamaha MOXF Series (MOXF6 & MOXF8 models) music production keyboard synthesizers incorporate MOTIF XF sound engine, has a huge library of sounds and is expandable, has USB Audio/MIDI interfacing, has onboard sequencing, and many more features. It also comes with an extensive DAW / VST software bundle. The Yamaha MOXF series includes the Yamaha MOXF6 61-key keyboard and the Yamaha MOXF8 88-key keyboard models.
Pros: Expandable, portable, reasonably priced, compatible with a wide range of other products
Cons: No built-in speakers, learning curve involved
Who Is It For?
- Anyone looking for a keyboard to provide accompaniment
- Suitable for Gigging (good features and lightweight)
- MIDI/Recording purposes in the studio
In addition to the awesome sounds (including Motif XF sounds and effects), these synths include hundreds of preset performances, and unique VCM effects to help you by creative while composing or jamming. And these are not just performance synths, the built-in 16-track sequencer, 4-in/2-out USB audio interface, and DAW interfacing capabilities makes the Yamaha MOXF6 & Yamaha MOXF8 more of music production instruments as well.
Unlimited & fresh sounds
Massive sound library, you’ll never run out of sounds. If you are looking for some fresh sounds, something that is very usable in live band settings, and want a much lighter keyboard, then this can be a good option if you are also a gigging musician.
Amazing effects
Awesome effects & arpeggiator patterns to spice up your music. MOXF6 & MOXF8 come with a broad selection of effects that can be applied to the internal sounds and also for use with the A/D inputs, perfect to spice up your music – vocals and instruments.
Good composing tool
If you’re a composer, you’ll like the 16-track sequencer as it lets you create your songs without having to turn on your computer.
Audio Interface
The MOXF synths comes built-in with a 4-in, 2-out audio and MIDI interface, so you can easily record vocals or even record a guitar. Just plug in your guitar and microphone to the two 1/4-inch A/D inputs on the back of your MOXF6, connect a USB cable, and you’re ready to record all four channels into your computer. The keyboard has dedicated slider to control the relative volume of your DAW’s playback, which is a handy feature when performing live with your laptop.
Easy Integration with Computer
Yamaha’s MOTIF technology and easy USB computer integration makes it so easy to use the Yamaha MOXF6 & MOXF8 for music production. You still have the option of connecting your keyboard to your computer and using the Cubase software that comes bundled along with the keyboard. You can use the MOX sequencer’s play, stop and record buttons to control Cubase. A single USB cable lets you fully integrate both audio and MIDI with your Mac or PC (48-track version of Steinberg’s Cubase AI software is included.)
More features
The Category Search is another useful feature, especially while playing live as it helps you quickly find/select one of the thousands of voices. Same with the Performance Creator feature which lets you build and save your own layers, splits and arpeggiator settings, so that you can quickly select it the next time you want to use it. The hundreds of performance presets are great for inspiration and to spark ideas when onstage or in the studio.
If you have been eyeing the Yamaha MOTIF but are on a much tighter budget, the MOXF6 or MOXF8 are good options.
Buying Links for Yamaha MOFX6
Yamaha MOXF6 61-Key Synth
The Yamaha MOXF6 is a 61-Key Synthesizer Workstation with semi-weighted Keys. Powerful, yet affordable workstation that has Excellent sounds, lightweight, and allows for easy integration with PC / Mac.
Features of Yamaha MOXF6 keyboard:
- Massive soundset, you’ll never run out of sounds again
- Virtual Circuitry Modeling (VCM) effects
- Thousands of arpeggiator patterns and 4-part interactive arpeggio engine
- Comprehensive sequencer (including step recording)
- Built-in 4-in/2-out USB Audio/MIDI interface
- It comes bundled with YC-3B Organ Emulator soft synth, Prologue analog synth, and Cubase AI
- Provides advanced Integration with Mac/PC
Who Is It For?
- Anyone looking for a keyboard to provide accompaniment
- Suitable for Gigging (good features and lightweight)
- MIDI/Recording purposes in the studio
It comes with a built-in DAW and VST Control, Multi-channel USB Audio Interface, Onboard Sequencing, and DAW / VST Software Bundle, 16-channel sequencer, and multi-channel DAW integration over USB.
More features
The Performance Creator is another cool feature that lets you quickly build and save your own layers, splits and arpeggiator settings. So the next time you want to use it, you don’t have to select it from the menu (precious time saved while performing).
For the composer, the 16-track sequencer is quite handy and the 256 factory performance presets are great for sparking song ideas; suitable in studio as well as on stage.
Specs
Here are the main features of the Yamaha MOXF6:
- Most Voices taken from the MOTIF XS, includes Virtual Circuitry Modeling (VCM) effects and Vocoder
- Keys: 61 Semi-weighted keys
- Polyphony: 64 notes
- Wave Memory: 355MB
- Effects Types: Reverb, chorus, vocoder, EQ
- Arpeggiator: Yes
- Sampling: No
- Audio Playback Internal 4-track Playback, 2-track rom USB
- MIDI Sequencer: 16-track sequencer
- Controllers: Pitch Bend wheel, Modulation wheel, Assignable Knob x 8, Assignable Function button x 2, DATA dial x 1
- USB: 4-in/2-out audio/MIDI interface
Connections: Output (1/4″ L/R), Headphone (1/4″ stereo), A/D Input (1/4″ L/R), Foot Controller, Foot Switch, MIDI In/Out/Thru, USB (to host, to device) - Two 1/4-inch inputs for guitar, bass, or microphone
- Pedal Inputs: Controller, foot switch (assignable), sustain
- Dimensions: Height 5″, Width 40.5″, Depth 14″
- Weight 15.4 lbs, just over 15 pounds (lightweight)
- Power Supply: 10W, external
- Bundled Cubase AI DAW software integrates perfectly with your MOXF6
Overall, the Yamaha MOXF6 61-Key synthesizer is a powerful, yet lightweight board for the gigging musician, loaded with adequate power.
Buying Links for Yamaha MOFX6
Yamaha MOX8 88-key Synthesizer Keyboard
The Yamaha MOXF8 88-key Synthesizer Keyboard is one of the best options available under $2000 if you’re looking for a 88-key weighted workstation. Incorporating the MOTIF XS sound engine, it features a MIDI controller and advanced multi-channel USB audio computer integration!
The keyboard is comparatively lightweight, though it has a great weighted action. The various knobs and switches are well laid out and menu structure is also reasonably intuitive.
Specs
Here are the main features of the Yamaha MOXF8:
- 88-key Graded Hammer Standard Keyboard
- comparatively portable workstation (32.6 pounds)
- Many voices from the MOTIF XS and around 256 Performances to spark your musical inspiration
- 6,720 arpeggiator patterns and the 4 part interactive arpeggio engine
- Quickly set Splits, Layers, and Drum Parts with Performance Creator
- XA (Expanded Articulation) tone generation system
- Performance Creator section — build your own splits and layers
- Over 6000 arpeggiator patterns ignite your creativity
- 16-track Sequencer with real-time and step-based recording
- Voice Editor software lets you edit the MOXF6’s sounds on computer
- High-quality Effects, including Virtual Circuitry Modeling and Vocoder
- 4-channel USB audio interface
- Bundled Cubase AI DAW software integrates perfectly with your MOXF6
- Two 1/4-inch inputs for guitar, bass, or microphone
Overall, the Yamaha MOXF8 88-Key synthesizer is a serious instrument that is lightweight, yet comes with a weighted action, and is loaded with adequate power to create great mixes.
Buying Links for Yamaha MOFX8
KeytarHQ editorial team includes musicians who write and review products for pianists, keyboardists, guitarists & other musicians. KeytarHQ is the best online resource for information on keyboards, pianos, synths, keytars, guitars and music gear for musicians of all abilities, ages and interests.
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