The MX series synthesizers feature carefully selected sounds taken from the Yamaha MOTIF XS. That powerful sonic palette is packed into sleek packages (available in 49- and 61-note versions) that fit today's on-the-go life style. But the MX Series aren't just synthesizers; they are designed to bridge the gap between hardware and software. By adding extensive audio and MIDI USB connectivity, advanced DAW and VST controller features and a suite of powerful music production software, the MX integrate hardware reliability with controller flexibility to give you the best of both worlds at a ground breaking level of affordability. The MX series contains more than 1000 Voices derived directly from the world famous Yamaha MOTIF XS series. From realistic acoustic sounds like piano, electric piano, strings and drums to complex 8-element synth sounds, the MX has all of your favorite MOTIF XS Voices right at your fingertips. The MX even has a streamlined interface for instant hands-on selection of all those great Voices. The newly designed category selection makes it easier than ever to find the Voice you need. You can even edit and store your own sounds right onboard. "FM Essential" is a synthesizer app for the iPhone and iPad that provides for real-time synth performances and also lets you edit voices. If you plug MX BK/BU series with iOS application "FM Essential", you can unlock and play all the function and Voices in app. Performance Mode on the MOTIFs has always been the place to find instant inspiration and the MX is no different. You can easily combine two Voices to play on the keyboard using the dedicated Split and Layer buttons each with their own intelligent arpeggiator and a dedicated Part for a drum track to create evocative Performances that feel like a whole band is playing. The 128 Performances on the MX are all user editable, but come programmed with the latest club friendly grooves. The MX series is the only hardware synth in its price range to come with a complete suite of music production software tools. The included Steinberg Cubase AI features 48 audio tracks and 64 MIDI tracks, notation, built-in VST effects, so with just the MX and AI you can do complete productions. Plus there are Remote Template editors for setting up controls of VSTs. Finally, Yamaha has worked with some third party developers to ensure that there will be fully functional cross platform editors available at release. In addition to Cubase AI, MX BK/BU series offer iPad music production App, "Cubasis LE". If you connect MX BK/BU series to the iPad, you can unlock the feature set of Cubasis LE. Bi-directional audio/midi interface and USB class compliant of new MX series enhances the music production of Cubasis LE more higher. In addition to the USB audio/MIDI port, the MX has a USB to Device port so you can connect USB devices for storing MX data to external memory and even playing back wave files directly from a USB stick. If you want to add a tablet or an MP3 player to your system just connect to the AUX input using a mini stereo cable and you are ready to go. While almost all other keyboard controllers use inexpensive OEM keyboards, the MX features an expertly crafted keyboard that only Yamaha -- the world's largest keyboard manufacturer -- could produce. Weighing only 3.8kg (MX49) or 4.8kg (MX61), either synthesizer can be carried easily with one hand. MX synthesizers have a compact design so they are easy to carry to the gig and also fit easily into today’s compact home music production studios. MX synthesizers come equipped with VCM effects, which simulate vintage effectors at the circuit level. The sounds of the ‘70s are brought back to life, through simulating the hard-to-find vintage sounds of equalizer, flanger, phaser, and wah effects introduced by the keyboard legends of the era. Features Over 1000 Sounds from the MOTIF Series Plug and Play, "FM Essential" Easy Split /Layer Performance Mode for Instant Inspiration 16-Part Multi Timbral and 128-note Polyphony Bi-directional USB Audio/MID Interfacing Extensive Hands-On Controls for VSTs and DAWs A Complete Suite of Music Production Software Included Complete Analog and Digital Connectivity A Lightweight Design with a Quality Yamaha Keyboard VCM Effects Class Compliant Integration Weighs only 3.8kg