Yamaha introduced the MM8 Synthesizer Workstation to offer its user all the power and control needed for creating music. The sounds are derived from the pro-level MOTIF series of instruments so sound quality is most assured. The MM8 is the best way to break into the professionalism that MOTIF delivers without breaking into the piggy bank!
Sounds and Voices
When it comes to sound and voices, the MM8 comes stocked with 418 unique voices and 22 drum kits. Included are basic acoustic and electric instruments but the MM8 also comes with strange and unique voices that are great for creating and recording even the most bizarre kind of music. The MM8 breaks down each voice into a specific category, so navigating throughout its various sounds is very easy.
Unique Features
The MM8 lets you create you own rhythms and offers a playback mode that can be distinguished based keys played in the left hand. The is the Arpeggio feature, which is unique to Yamaha brands and is a great tool for the music enthusiast.
Once you have recorded you track, it is fully customizable using the keys and control knobs. Alter your synth voice immediately with these features to achieve your own different, unique sounds.
The MM8 also features its own set of beats and patterns for you to jam out to. You can play your own music on top of the beats it already has laid out, in case you aren’t quite the “beat-master”.
The MM8 isn’t the top of the line synthesizer but it comes at a pretty good price given its capabilities. This one is perfect for those who are just getting into the world of music creation but don’t quite need a studio grade synthesizer.
Specifications
- 32 notes polyphony; 16 multi-timbral capacity
- Effect System: Reverb (25 types), Chorus (30 types), Variation (189 types)
- Tempo: 11-280 BPM (beats per minute)
- Note Resolution: 96 PPQ (parts per quarternote)
- Patterns: 168 Patterns
- Arpeggio: Preset X 213 Types
- 320 x 240 Graphic LCD (Backlit)
- Foot control, sustain, MIDI in/out, USB, DC, Output L/Mono, and Headphone connectivity
Overall, this is a great buy if your getting into music/beat/soundtrack writing. Like I said, not going to be studio quality, but a great piece of machinery for the price you pay(around $1000).
You can find the MM8 for $999 at Musician’s Friend online. Check out prices and additional information here:
Yamaha MM8 Music Synthesizer
Very nice looking synthesizer. I own a similar model but the specs are nowhere near as good as this one.
Nice Keyboard! I recently boucht a lower end (~$500) Yamaha keyboard. After reading this, kinda wish I spent the extra on a little more robust unit. On the other hand, I’ve only been playing for 6 months so what I have is plenty for now. When I get “rock star” good, I’ll upgrade.
I just sold my Yamaha S80 and bought the MM8–clearly a descendent of sorts. While the S80 sounds were very good, the MM8 is even better. The piano sounds and many keyboard instrument sounds are spot on; rich and lovely. Love the on board sequencer…which the S80 did not have. Love the drum sounds and rhythm tracks. The recording procedure is a little more complex than I think it needs to be, but it works and is great to have. My needs are fairly simple–just enjoy playing and light home recording work. This keyboard is great for both. And it doesn’t weigh a ton if I want to take it out of the house.