Yamaha MO6 61-Key Music Production Synthesizer Workstation with DAW Control 

Comments about Yamaha MO6 61-Key Music Production Synthesizer Workstation with DAW Control:

I purchased this instrument primarily to supplement the production I was doing with other instruments. I have found, though, that I've actually spent more time on this keyboard than with my guitar. That may simply be because it is a new instrument but I think a lot of it has to do with the quality and ability to produce great sounds even though I'm still new to keyboards. for overall production work this keyboard is hard to beat and I would be very disappointed if something were to happen to it. By picking up the instrument I'm finding my understanding and skills as an overall musician have increased and the enjoyment I receive from the instrument is well worth the investment.
Let me start this review by saying that I am brand-new to keyboards; however, I have been playing guitar and bass for number of years. So I had a bit of an idea of what I wanted before I began my search. The Yamaha MO6 simply provided me the most bang for the buck. It is important to note, though, that this is really not designed or intended for beginning keyboard. Even with years of experience in guitars I found this unit to be quite intimidating. Fortunately, the layout is relatively easy to understand once you begin to break it down and recognize that the instrument is designed for ease, convenience, and overall great sound quality.

The biggest attraction for this instrument is the combination of exceptional features that far exceed what one would expect in the price range. In fact, I had originally made a decision to purchase the Yamaha MM6 and then discovered Musicians Friend had lowered the price to make the Motif a great value. The feature that was at the top of my list was ability to seamlessly work with music production software on my home computer. I've used a number of USB-based capture devices over the years to record voice, drum, guitar and bass. I'm very comfortable with production software and have used it to create some exceptional background music and multimedia presentations. The addition of this instrument means I can expand by creativity while maintaining the highest level of computer-based production available.

For those interested in computer-based production the integration of the Studio Connections system (a joint venture by Yamaha and Steinberg) is probably a big advantage. Though I've been using other systems (primarily Sound Forge by Sony and Audition by Adobe) I found the move to the included Cubase software relatively easy. So far the included software has been useful and I also found that this instrument works as easily with my other software.

The next feature that is really important is the arpeggio capability along with phrasing. Basic knowledge of cord structure and relationship between different components within a song has helped my learning with this instrument. Most notably, the ability to lay down a series of chords quickly and easily has provided significant background and feel for my other work. Professional keyboard players probably don't see the instrument in the same light but for the guitarist wanting to supplement their work with a great keyboard this is been a wonderful investment. I have been very pleased with the Motifs ability to create relatively complex structure from such an amateur musician. Those with a decent understanding of music can build complex rhythmic/chordal patterns simply using the preset phrases already in the system. I'm sure none of my work will appear in a major motion picture or win a Grammy but for production of multimedia presentations and commercial education systems this is a great instrument and tool.

The last feature I will mention has to do with the ability to shape the sounds with the manual control features. I was surprised to find that within a fairly short time I was able to create sounds and alter existing instruments to get just the perfect combination. Again, the professional musician will build do much more but for an amateur musician at my level it seems much more impressive to take me from such a low level to a sound of great quality. The testament is to the overall power and usability of the Yamaha MO6.
As I consider different keyboards I familiarized myself with units at the highest level (Tyros, Kronos, Fanton, etc.) and those in the intermediate range ($700-$1500). Obviously the most expensive units have a different feel and overall quality to them; however, within the intermediate range the Omaha appears to be of equal if not better quality than many of the other units. The feel of individual parts, such as keys and knobs, is what one would expect for quality instrument in this price range. Sliders, buttons, and wheels all feel solid and work very easily.
I hinted at value in my opening paragraph and want to reiterate that this instrument is very good value. In fact, I could not find another instrument with these features for anything close to this price. The major manufacturers such as Korg, Roland, and Kurzweil, produce instruments with similar features but the prices seem to be 20% higher if not more. Unless you simply have a particular loyalty to another manufacturer I can't see any of them coming close to the overall value of this instrument.

Comments about Yamaha MO6 61-Key Music Production Synthesizer Workstation with DAW Control:

I purchased this for our band, we do new top 40 so needed something with a good set of sounds. This has some great sounds to match what you need to do new type songs. We didn't get into the programming so I can't say much about that. But we used this on probably 100 one night stands, it never gave any trouble. It is just a little heavy for traveling.

Comments about Yamaha MO6 61-Key Music Production Synthesizer Workstation with DAW Control:

I had been looking for a nice board to practice on at home and for use at church when I ran cross the MO 6. For a long time, I have been a fan of the motif keyboards and absolutely love the MO 6. I am use to playing a motif 7 at church but have found this board to also have a quality, rich piano sound. I have also used my MO 6 at church for synthesized keyboard and string filler. Overall, this is a great board for those who want a nice keyboard with quality piano sounds but don't want to pay high-end money for one. I recommend the MO 6.

Comments about Yamaha MO6 61-Key Music Production Synthesizer Workstation with DAW Control:

This keyboard is junk and in no way can or ever will compare with Roland. After 3 months 6 keys no longer worked and I had to send it to another state to be fixed. It was returned 2 months later and I was told that the contacts were "dirty". Now three months later I am beginning to have the same thing happen again - this time the warranty has expired. Buying this workstation was a major mistake - Take my advice - buy a Juno.

Comments about Yamaha MO6 61-Key Music Production Synthesizer Workstation with DAW Control:

After my main keyboard went down and was rendered non-repairable I began searching for a quality board with great sounds and features. Having played the Motif I knew Yamaha was a top conteder. However, not having the means to afford the Motif I was surprised to find that the MO Series has the same sounds found on the more expensive board. I purchased the MO6 due to the size, features and cost. I have been studying the manual and getting familiar with all the features and I know in time I will know it inside and out. My only disappointment was finding out it does not have weighted keys. I should have done more research on the specs from Yamaha. All in all I am happy with the purchase though.

Comments about Yamaha MO6 61-Key Music Production Synthesizer Workstation with DAW Control:

the capabilities for this keyboard are great for the price you are paying...many of the synthesizer settings require little or no effort to compose something great.

Comments about Yamaha MO6 61-Key Music Production Synthesizer Workstation with DAW Control:

This board wears a lot of different hats. It's a nice performance instrument while it can also work with your computer and/or workstation. The sounds are realistic though I found some of the orchestral sounds a bit tinny. Overall, it kicks carcass!!

Comments about Yamaha MO6 61-Key Music Production Synthesizer Workstation with DAW Control:

I have owned the triton, Kurzweil, Alesis. I have had experience live and in the studio. This is a great board that is feature rich. The sounds are realistic, and a very well put together piece of equipment. My only gripe is the manual is a little difficult, however with a little time spent, not a huge deal. This one is really worth looking into if you are in the market for a new workstation.

Comments about Yamaha MO6 61-Key Music Production Synthesizer Workstation with DAW Control:

I got this KB to complement a KB arranger for live play. After trying various synths, I found this one to be reasonably priced for its sound quality & features (I was not aware of all the features it has when buying it !!!).Honestly, it's not easy for me to learn how to use it at first since this is my first workstation keyboard. I only use arrangers in the past. After one week, I learn to setup to access 16 different instruments with one key touch (128 with 2 keys !!!). This satisfies my live play needs. Then I spent a few more weeks to explore other capabilities: built in Performance, Voices, Arpeggio, Drum rythm... There are a lot more of them than I can discover. Then I learn how to record patterns / songs (by reading the manual, following steps by steps). It's hard but once mastered (and concepts well understood), it become clear. I can record patterns at will now.Patterns are sections of a song that could be chained in any desired order to create a song. Or could be used as accomp. music for live singing when the singer wants to sing these sections in any order they want. I found "patterns" to be extremely useful and convenient. This is something I wanted to do with an arranger but the arranger is more suitable for live play using built in styles, rythms, while a workstation more suitable for making/recording music the professsional way. Of course the workstation can be used to provide more voices during live play too, that why I bought it in first place.I do not know much about the higher end, but this MO-6 is certainly on the pro level at affordable price.

Comments about Yamaha MO6 61-Key Music Production Synthesizer Workstation with DAW Control:

That one touch drop to cubase or nuendo is killin me. I can do my inspiration on the keyboard and then drop all my tracks at once with one press of a button...nothing else is so flexible. Or sounds so good