Videos (2)

View Allarrow icon
Introducing the MX88 music synthesizerplay button

Introducing the MX88 music synthesizer

Yamaha MX88 and FM Essential with Martin Rowe of Private Agendaplay button

Yamaha MX88 and FM Essential with Martin Rowe of Private Agenda

Yamaha

collapse expand iconDescription

The Yamaha MX88 music synthesizer offers musicians, producers and performers an all-in-one solution for creative exploration. Boasting Yamaha's acclaimed MOTIF Sound Engine and a weighted 88-key keyboard, the MX88 provides an authentic playing experience and access to over 1,000 inspiring sounds. Connect via USB to your favorite DAW on Mac, Windows or iOS and unlock software including Cubase AI—included with purchase—to start creating right out of the box.

Weighted Keyboard Mimics an Acoustic Piano

The MX88BK's 88-key graded hammer standard keyboard offers a realistic piano touch, with heavier action in the lower keys and lighter action in the higher keys. Special matte black key tops are designed to absorb moisture for a consistently tactile feel during extended playing sessions. For piano players, producers and performers, this premium keyboard provides an experience akin to playing an acoustic piano.

Legendary MOTIF Sound Engine

Under the hood, the MX88 harnesses the power of Yamaha's renowned MOTIF Sound Engine. This technology provides access to over 1,000 high-quality voices derived from Yamaha's flagship MOTIF series synthesizers, including acoustic and electric pianos, strings, brass, woodwinds, drums and cutting-edge synth sounds. With 128 notes of polyphony, complex performances with richly textured layers and splits are reproduced flawlessly.

Seamless Computer and iOS Integration

Connecting the MX88 to your computer is plug-and-play thanks to a class-compliant USB audio/MIDI interface. Mac and Windows users can install the included Cubase AI digital audio workstation software and tap into the MX88's extensive sound set and controller features. For on-the-go creativity, the MX88 also unlocks Cubasis LE and FM Essential apps on iOS devices like the iPad.

Perform and Produce Without Limits

Whether on stage or in the studio, the Yamaha MX88 removes creative barriers for keyboard players, producers and performers. An array of real-time controllers—including pitch bend, modulation wheel, sustain pedal and assignable knobs—provide expressive control over voices and effects. The MX88's 3.5 mm AUX input lets you connect and monitor mobile devices or tablets during playback. And with 128 notes of polyphony, 16 channels of MIDI and stereo audio streaming via USB, complex compositions with rich layers and splits can be achieved without dropouts or latency.

Open Box Yamaha MX88 Music Synthesizer Level 2 Black 197881280215
Open Box Yamaha MX88 Music Synthesizer Level 2 Black 197881280215
Open Box Yamaha MX88 Music Synthesizer Level 2 Black 197881280215

collapse expand iconFeatures

  • Class-compliant USB Audio/MIDI for true plug-and-play connectivity
  • Layer, zone, switch, cycle, randomize and control up to eight Voice elements
  • Recreates the sound and behavior of vintage effects and signal processors
  • 16 channels of MIDI data via a single USB cable without any external devices
  • DAW Remote controls the transport, mixer and software instruments

collapse expand iconSpecs

Tone generator
  • Tone Generator: AWM2
  • Maximum Polyphony: 128 notes
  • Multi-Timbral Capacity: 16 parts (Internal)
  • Wave: Approx. 166 MB (when converted to 16-bit linear format)
  • Voices: Preset: 1,106 Normal Voices + 61 Drum Kits, GM: 128 Normal Voices + 1 Drum Kit, User: 128 Normal Voices + 8 Drum Kits
  • Performance: User: 128 (16 parts)
  • Effects: Reverb x 9 types (42 presets), Chorus x 17 types (88 presets), Insertion Effect x 48 types (267 presets) x 4, Master EQ (5 bands)
Sequencer
  • Tempo (BPM): 5–300
  • Songs: 27 Demo Songs
  • Patterns: 208 Patterns
  • Arpeggio: 999 types
  • Sequence formats: SMF Format 0 (playback only)
Other
  • Sequence Software compatible with the Remote Control function: For Windows: Cubase 8 or later, SONAR X2 Producer for Mac: Cubase 8 or later, Logic Pro X, Digital Performer 9 
  • Controllers: Pitch Bend Wheel x 1, Modulation Wheel x 1, Assignable Knob x 4, [DATA] dial x 1
  • Display: 3-digit LED + 20 x 2-line character LCD (backlit)
  • Connectors: OUTPUT [L / MONO] / [R] (standard phone jack), [PHONE] (standard stereo phone jack), [FOOT CONTROLLER], [SUSTAIN], MIDI [IN] / [OUT], USB [TO HOST] (Class Compliant support)/ [TO DEVICE], [AUX IN], DC IN
  • Power Supply: 9W
  • Accessories: AC adaptor (PA-150B or an equivalent recommended by Yamaha), Owner's Manual, Cubase AI Download Information

Featured Articles

collapse expand iconReviews

4.73

30 Reviews

89%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

Most Liked Positive Review

5

Strongly recommend this unit. Its a keeper for me!

I'm a Korg guy and this is my first Yamaha. I am very pleased with this unit and plan to use it for live performances. They "nailed" it on the weighted keyboard. The feel of the keys are absolutely perfect. Different pressure on the keys clearly impact the note intensity (velocity). An excellent collection of acoustic piano, electric piano, organs, bass, and strings. Interface is basic but very straight forward and easy to navigate around. Real midi connections and usb outs are a plus. Light weight but solid construction. Overall an excellent value.

VS

Most Liked Negative Review

3

Great sounds not thrilled with hammer action 'feel'

I need a piano action 88 note synth as I am a gigging musician and my dear old Alesis QS8.2 needs to be retired. I had high hopes for the MX88. I was in guitar center today and took it through its paces. I play pop/classic rock/modern country so my focus is strong basic palette of piano, strings, synth, elec. piano, clav, brass...you get the picture. The sounds on this are great. One of the best piano tones I've heard on a synth. The MX88 is so light too which is a huge bonus, especially when I think about breaking down my keyboard rig at the end of a long night! Transpose (up 1 note or octave) is a nice feature that is one button adjustment (vs. a million submenus). 4 real time knobs to tweak parameters. Alas I just don't love the feel of the keyboard. It feels mushy to me and a bit on the heavy side. Playing fast run passages (ie boston foreplay) is challenging as the responsiveness just didn't work for me. To summarize, this is a great gigging keyboard with great sounds but highly recommend you sit and play it to see if you can live with the keyboard action. I'm afraid I'm going to wait and hold out for something that nails this better.

Filters

Best Uses

  1. Accompaniment15
  2. Concerts10
  3. MIDI10
  4. Learning9
  5. Electronic Music7

Cons

  1. No Speakers3
  2. None for me!1
  3. Cables/keyboard stand not included1
  4. Poor Action1
  5. Not enough control of software1

Describe Yourself

  1. Professional Musician10
  2. Experienced9
  3. Novice3

Pros

  1. Easy to Use20
  2. Good Audio20
  3. Responsive / Good Action20
  4. Portable17
  5. Touch Sensitive Keys16
  • Good entry level keyboard

    4

    submitted4 months ago

    byJT

    fromHouston, Tx.

    I bought one of these well, actually, 2... One for a young keyboard player at our church, and one for me.... To be honest, I like the key bed, but not the functionality... In all fairness, this is a great keyboard, but as I got more into its functions and capabilities, I found my Roland DS88 blows this thing away, both in current price and functionality! This keyboard works pretty awesome as a controller for my Roland JD 08, and with its own sound pallet, I'm on cloud 9!!! As you can tell, I'm more of a Roland guy, and after I have used the Yamaha, I think it's best for the "just give me a good piano sound" kind of guy... Yes!! You can access many a function using a DAW or even your iPhone, but I rather be able to access everything from the front panel of the keyboard...And that's another knock on this thing... Saving sounds is just a little cumbersome... Not really straightforward.... I was a little disappointed.... Still, though, nice try, Yamaha, but I'll probably stick to Roland from here on out... Oh, the kid liked it and used it for quite some time, until I upgraded it to a Roland DS 88!!!🤣 Overall... I can't say it's a bad keyboard; just not for me...

  • Have had good luck with many Yamaha products

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted10 months ago

    byThom

    fromLake Worth, FL

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    Wanted a real piano action, 88 Keys, that doesn't weigh a ton! Current 88 is a Yamaha CP4. In the travel case weighs close to 50 lbs. Have an MX61 so familiar with sounds and interface. When I saw the MX88 on sale and its lighter weight I bought it. Sounds are great, piano action is "Yamaha" smooth and I can move it to and from gigs by myself without hurting my back.

  • AMAZING!

    5

    submitted10 months ago

    byEddie

    fromChicago, IL

    Lightweight, great action on the keys, unbelievable tones. Could not recommend more!

  • Recommended for Churches

    5

    submitteda year ago

    byBenjamin

    fromWorcester, MA

    For Worship Strings

  • I would re purchase this.

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted2 years ago

    byVeda

    fromOrange, Texas

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    I use this as the main keyboard for the church. It is user friendly and sounds great.

  • Love this keyboard

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted2 years ago

    byRichard

    fromSouth Carolina

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    I use this keyboard in a church setting. I love the weighted keys and I'm a huge fan of Yamaha keyboards and this one doesn't let me down

collapse expand iconQ&A

Have a question about this product? Our expert Gear Advisers have the answers.

  • asked byg

    fromundisclosed

    what is the length of this keyboard?

    what is the length of this keyboard?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    Height: 6.6" Width: 51.9" Depth: 15.9" Weight: 30.6 lbs.
  • asked byVince P

    fromChalfont

    MX88 Dimensions please

    MX88 Dimensions please

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    Height: 6.6" Width: 51.9" Depth: 15.9" Weight: 30.6 lbs.
  • asked byKeyboard Person

    fromundisclosed

    Are there any videos/tutorials  to help with the functions/sounds of this instrument?

    Are there any videos/tutorials to help with the functions/sounds of this instrument?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_bylgg-2O0
  • asked byJody

    fromColumbus Oh

    What are the dimensions of this ke? Will it fit on the tray of the desk you sell, Item #:1500000387064?

    What are the dimensions of this ke? Will it fit on the tray of the desk you sell, Item #:1500000387064?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    Just about. The MX88 is 56.1 " The desk will hold 60"
  • asked byNone

    fromundisclosed

    How much does it weigh?

    How much does it weigh?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    Thank you for your question. I will have a product specialist contact you.
  • asked byNone

    fromundisclosed

    How much does it weigh?

    How much does it weigh?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    The M88 weighs 31 lbs.
  • asked byDan

    fromDuvall, WA

    I want a synth that plays like a piano and is easy to use. I played the DGX-670 and love the touch and feel, but I haven't been able to find one of these MX88's to play with. Are they similar in touch and feel? Also looking for something that is simple to operate live, and easily adding layering and changing patches. How do these two compare in that regard?

    I want a synth that plays like a piano and is easy to use. I played the DGX-670 and love the touch and feel, but I haven't been able to find one of these MX88's to play with. Are they similar in touch and feel? Also looking for something that is simple to operate live, and easily adding layering and changing patches. How do these two compare in that regard?

    Open Reply - Thomas
    This needs a little bit of discussion. Please give us a call 855 770 3373
  • asked byConrad Correct

    fromOrland Park, IL

    When I connected to Cubase AI (version 11), I could not control the computer with the keyboard it did nothing. I could not start or stop, I could not do jog, please help!

    When I connected to Cubase AI (version 11), I could not control the computer with the keyboard it did nothing. I could not start or stop, I could not do jog, please help!

    Open Reply - Ronald
    We don't have a way to troubleshoot this through this method of communication. I would recommend looking up setup videos for Cubase that can help you figure out what's going on.
  • asked byWally

    fromMinnesota

    Recommended small home use powered monitor speakers for this Yamaha mx88bk. Would prefer 2 for stereo use. Not for gigging just home play. Thanks

    Recommended small home use powered monitor speakers for this Yamaha mx88bk. Would prefer 2 for stereo use. Not for gigging just home play. Thanks

    Open Reply - Thomas
    Please see"Sterling Audio MX5 5" Powered Studio Monitor, Black (Each)". Best in class.
  • asked byWally

    fromShakopee, minnesota

    What do I need to set up home speakers for mx88? Not gigging just small sound. Would prefer stereo, thus 2 small speakers. Are there powered out speaker connections?

    What do I need to set up home speakers for mx88? Not gigging just small sound. Would prefer stereo, thus 2 small speakers. Are there powered out speaker connections?

    Open Reply - Thomas
    It has no power. This is a pretty fancy unit. It is capable of very big sound. Please take a look at the "Sterling Audio MX3 3" Powered Studio Monitor (Pair)" and the "Sterling Audio MX5 5" Powered Studio Monitor, Black (Each)". You can also go with 8"
  • Previous
  • 1
  • 2
  • Next