Synthesizers MOXF8 88-Key Yamaha

Keyboard Magazine Reviews the KeyBuy award-winning MOXF Synth.

The trend in keyboards is to create a flagship product and then trickle down the features into more affordable iterations. This inevitably requires some tradeoffs, but Yamahas new MOXF series cuts surprisingly few corners in its achievement of a studio and gig workstation that, size for size, comes in at almost exactly half the price of the top-end Motif XF. How does the MOXF measure up to its heavier and more expensive ancestor? Lets find out. - Eric Lawson Excerpted from the April edition of Keyboard Magazine 2014

Features

MOTIF XF sound quality
The MOXF boasts a rich collection of instrument voices that includes pianos, electric pianos, strings, wind instruments, orchestral sounds, guitars, basses, and drums, as well as a wide variety of vintage and modern synth sounds.

MOTIF XF sound engine

Of special note are the detailed digital re-creations of two Yamaha grand pianos (a 9-ft CFIIIS and a 7-ft S6) that only an acoustic piano manufacturer could achieve. The finely-detailed reproduction of even very subtle nuances has resulted in exquisitely crafted piano voices that will satisfy even the most demanding players. Now containing a huge total of 741 MB of waveforms, and featuring all-new content, the MOXF offers 136 new voices including the superb S6 grand piano, keyboard sounds such as clavinets and organs, and a range of new sounds from genres as diverse as orchestral and hip-hop.

VCM effects

Yamaha’s proprietary VCM (Virtual Circuitry Modeling) technology simulates the effects of vintage EQs, compressors, and phasers at the circuit level. This technology has enabled Yamaha to improve the quality of the instruments in the MOXF by modeling the sonic texture of vintage analog compressors, EQs and stomp boxes right down to their component transistors and resistors. The MOXF also puts the high-quality effects found in Yamahas industry-standard digital recording consoles at your fingertips, as well as the award-winning REV-X reverb found in the SPX2000. It even comes equipped with vocoder effects, allowing you to connect a microphone to the MOXF’s A/D input terminal and apply effects to your voice or create stunning harmonies.

Flash memory expandability

The MOXF is compatible with the sound content developed for the MOTIF XF and MOX. The optional Flash board lets you add up to 1 GB of new samples to your MOXF to customize and tailor your sound set to your needs, using promotional contents like Yamaha’ s Inspiration In A Flash and CP1 Piano, as well as the many third party libraries for sale.

Performance mode to enhance your creativity

Performance mode allows you to combine multiple voices together (up to 4 parts) and play them on one MIDI channel, so that you can play dynamic layer sounds or even solos along with drums and bass backing tracks. With the interactive Arp engine, playing simple chords or even single notes gives you complete musical performances to inspire your creativity. The MOXF has 256 preset performances in a wide variety of music styles including rock, world, hip hop, jazz, and more.

Built-in sequencer to give shape to your inspiration

MOXF features a built-in sequencer that lets you produce high-quality music without the need for a computer or any other external devices. This powerful tool offers both real-time recording, which records your performance data as you play it, and step recording, which is suitable for recording precise phrases or other difficult passages. You can even record particularly creative performances directly to a song or pattern simply by pressing the [REC] button.

01 A complete suite of bundled software

The MOXF comes with a variety of music production software that allows you to integrate it with your computer setup. These include the MOXF Editor for detailed editing of voice and mixing parameters, MOXF Remote Editor, a convenient tool that lets you edit and create control templates for your favorite VST instruments, and Remote Tools, which makes integration with Cubase software incredibly simple.

02 A single USB cable for both Audio and MIDI connections

A single USB cable is all you need to transmit both audio and MIDI data between the MOXF and your computer. The MOXF features a built-in 4-in 2-out USB audio interface so you can record its internal sounds, and two dedicated audio inputs that can be used to capture guitars and vocals all recorded directly to your computer. Compatible with all the major DAWs including Cubase, you can digitally record the sounds of the MOXF and anything connected to its stereo analog inputs straight to your favorite recording software. Far more than just a music production tool, the USB connectivity and in-depth keyboard controller functionality also lets you playback and control your VST soft synths via the audio outputs of your MOXF, allowing you to integrate VSTs into your live stage shows with no extra gearjust add a computer and play.

03 Music production with Cubase AI 7

Cubase AI 7 is a version of Steinberg’s DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) software made specifically to integrate with Yamaha music production synthesizers. Because the MOXF features both a MIDI and an audio interface you can record up to 32 audio and 48 MIDI tracks. You can even connect an analog mixer, microphone or guitar to the analog inputs, you can record any instrument to your computer via the MOXF. With built-in effects and the ability to control up to 16 VST instruments, Cubase AI lets you perform the complete computer music production process, including notation, scoring, and automated mixing.

04 Controlling DAW software

The MOXF has a special remote mode for controlling DAW software that allows you to use the buttons on its panel to open and close software windows, add instrument tracks and select VST instruments. The AI knob can be used as a jog wheel or set so that any parameter you mouse over in Cubase can be controlled automatically. You can also use the MOXF to control other popular DAW packages.

05 Steinberg Prologue VSTi

Prologue is a wonderfully rich-sounding virtual analog synthesizer that will become an indispensable part of your VSTi arsenal. Prologues textural range includes lush, detailed pads and bright, acerbic leads and everything in between. Prologue’ s intuitive user interface provides full editing capabilities with access to its three oscillators, powerful multi-mode filter, four envelopes, two LFOs, a powerful modulation matrix, and onboard effects. And because Prologue is polyphonic with up to 128 voices, youll (probably) never run out of creative space.

06 YC-3B Tone Wheel Organ VST

YC-3B is a VST Instrument that reproduces the classic sound of tone wheel organs. It offers 64 different preset sound programs that you can also use to create your own original sounds, which you can then save as VST presets.

Easy operation and comprehensive controls

Category search mode features 16 different instrument categories, each with its own sub-categories, so getting the sound you need is a fast and intuitive process. With Performance Creator you can easily build up layer or split performances with a single button press. Start with a voice you like, and then press LAYER to have the MOXF choose a suitable layer sound. Press SPLIT to call up a left hand bass sound automatically, and then go to DRUM ASSIGN to access the huge variety of built-in rhythm patterns available

88-key Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) action and 61-key

semi-weighted action
The MOXF8 features an 88-key GHS keyboard that provides authentic, realistic keyboard responsemuch like the playing feel of an acoustic pianowith a heavy touch in the bass register that changes to a lighter one in the treble, and a natural gradation of touch in between. Meanwhile, the MOXF6 offers a 61-key, semi-weighted keyboard that has been designed and adjusted so that you can easily and expressively play the rich variety of sounds the instrument offers.

Mobility - Light and easy to carry

A lightweight body (MOXF6: 7.1kg (15.7lbs), MOXF8: 14.9kg (32.9lbs)) means that carrying the MOXF to rehearsals or gigs is easy pound-for-pound these are the most powerful workstations Yamaha has ever made. Both models are 50% lighter than comparable MOTIF models

Synthesizers MOXF8 88-Key Yamaha

Keyboard Magazine Reviews the KeyBuy award-winning MOXF Synth.

The trend in keyboards is to create a flagship product and then trickle down the features into more affordable iterations. This inevitably requires some tradeoffs, but Yamahas new MOXF series cuts surprisingly few corners in its achievement of a studio and gig workstation that, size for size, comes in at almost exactly half the price of the top-end Motif XF. How does the MOXF measure up to its heavier and more expensive ancestor? Lets find out. - Eric Lawson Excerpted from the April edition of Keyboard Magazine 2014

Features

MOTIF XF sound quality
The MOXF boasts a rich collection of instrument voices that includes pianos, electric pianos, strings, wind instruments, orchestral sounds, guitars, basses, and drums, as well as a wide variety of vintage and modern synth sounds.

MOTIF XF sound engine

Of special note are the detailed digital re-creations of two Yamaha grand pianos (a 9-ft CFIIIS and a 7-ft S6) that only an acoustic piano manufacturer could achieve. The finely-detailed reproduction of even very subtle nuances has resulted in exquisitely crafted piano voices that will satisfy even the most demanding players. Now containing a huge total of 741 MB of waveforms, and featuring all-new content, the MOXF offers 136 new voices including the superb S6 grand piano, keyboard sounds such as clavinets and organs, and a range of new sounds from genres as diverse as orchestral and hip-hop.

VCM effects

Yamaha’s proprietary VCM (Virtual Circuitry Modeling) technology simulates the effects of vintage EQs, compressors, and phasers at the circuit level. This technology has enabled Yamaha to improve the quality of the instruments in the MOXF by modeling the sonic texture of vintage analog compressors, EQs and stomp boxes right down to their component transistors and resistors. The MOXF also puts the high-quality effects found in Yamahas industry-standard digital recording consoles at your fingertips, as well as the award-winning REV-X reverb found in the SPX2000. It even comes equipped with vocoder effects, allowing you to connect a microphone to the MOXF’s A/D input terminal and apply effects to your voice or create stunning harmonies.

Flash memory expandability

The MOXF is compatible with the sound content developed for the MOTIF XF and MOX. The optional Flash board lets you add up to 1 GB of new samples to your MOXF to customize and tailor your sound set to your needs, using promotional contents like Yamaha’ s Inspiration In A Flash and CP1 Piano, as well as the many third party libraries for sale.

Performance mode to enhance your creativity

Performance mode allows you to combine multiple voices together (up to 4 parts) and play them on one MIDI channel, so that you can play dynamic layer sounds or even solos along with drums and bass backing tracks. With the interactive Arp engine, playing simple chords or even single notes gives you complete musical performances to inspire your creativity. The MOXF has 256 preset performances in a wide variety of music styles including rock, world, hip hop, jazz, and more.

Built-in sequencer to give shape to your inspiration

MOXF features a built-in sequencer that lets you produce high-quality music without the need for a computer or any other external devices. This powerful tool offers both real-time recording, which records your performance data as you play it, and step recording, which is suitable for recording precise phrases or other difficult passages. You can even record particularly creative performances directly to a song or pattern simply by pressing the [REC] button.

01 A complete suite of bundled software

The MOXF comes with a variety of music production software that allows you to integrate it with your computer setup. These include the MOXF Editor for detailed editing of voice and mixing parameters, MOXF Remote Editor, a convenient tool that lets you edit and create control templates for your favorite VST instruments, and Remote Tools, which makes integration with Cubase software incredibly simple.

02 A single USB cable for both Audio and MIDI connections

A single USB cable is all you need to transmit both audio and MIDI data between the MOXF and your computer. The MOXF features a built-in 4-in 2-out USB audio interface so you can record its internal sounds, and two dedicated audio inputs that can be used to capture guitars and vocals all recorded directly to your computer. Compatible with all the major DAWs including Cubase, you can digitally record the sounds of the MOXF and anything connected to its stereo analog inputs straight to your favorite recording software. Far more than just a music production tool, the USB connectivity and in-depth keyboard controller functionality also lets you playback and control your VST soft synths via the audio outputs of your MOXF, allowing you to integrate VSTs into your live stage shows with no extra gearjust add a computer and play.

03 Music production with Cubase AI 7

Cubase AI 7 is a version of Steinberg’s DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) software made specifically to integrate with Yamaha music production synthesizers. Because the MOXF features both a MIDI and an audio interface you can record up to 32 audio and 48 MIDI tracks. You can even connect an analog mixer, microphone or guitar to the analog inputs, you can record any instrument to your computer via the MOXF. With built-in effects and the ability to control up to 16 VST instruments, Cubase AI lets you perform the complete computer music production process, including notation, scoring, and automated mixing.

04 Controlling DAW software

The MOXF has a special remote mode for controlling DAW software that allows you to use the buttons on its panel to open and close software windows, add instrument tracks and select VST instruments. The AI knob can be used as a jog wheel or set so that any parameter you mouse over in Cubase can be controlled automatically. You can also use the MOXF to control other popular DAW packages.

05 Steinberg Prologue VSTi

Prologue is a wonderfully rich-sounding virtual analog synthesizer that will become an indispensable part of your VSTi arsenal. Prologues textural range includes lush, detailed pads and bright, acerbic leads and everything in between. Prologue’ s intuitive user interface provides full editing capabilities with access to its three oscillators, powerful multi-mode filter, four envelopes, two LFOs, a powerful modulation matrix, and onboard effects. And because Prologue is polyphonic with up to 128 voices, youll (probably) never run out of creative space.

06 YC-3B Tone Wheel Organ VST

YC-3B is a VST Instrument that reproduces the classic sound of tone wheel organs. It offers 64 different preset sound programs that you can also use to create your own original sounds, which you can then save as VST presets.

Easy operation and comprehensive controls

Category search mode features 16 different instrument categories, each with its own sub-categories, so getting the sound you need is a fast and intuitive process. With Performance Creator you can easily build up layer or split performances with a single button press. Start with a voice you like, and then press LAYER to have the MOXF choose a suitable layer sound. Press SPLIT to call up a left hand bass sound automatically, and then go to DRUM ASSIGN to access the huge variety of built-in rhythm patterns available

88-key Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) action and 61-key

semi-weighted action
The MOXF8 features an 88-key GHS keyboard that provides authentic, realistic keyboard responsemuch like the playing feel of an acoustic pianowith a heavy touch in the bass register that changes to a lighter one in the treble, and a natural gradation of touch in between. Meanwhile, the MOXF6 offers a 61-key, semi-weighted keyboard that has been designed and adjusted so that you can easily and expressively play the rich variety of sounds the instrument offers.

Mobility - Light and easy to carry

A lightweight body (MOXF6: 7.1kg (15.7lbs), MOXF8: 14.9kg (32.9lbs)) means that carrying the MOXF to rehearsals or gigs is easy pound-for-pound these are the most powerful workstations Yamaha has ever made. Both models are 50% lighter than comparable MOTIF models