Yamaha MM6 Specs and Review

Good synthesizers are very expensive. But there’s one good synthesizer that you can easily afford. In this Yamaha MM6 review, I’ll list all its specs and features to know if it is the synth you are looking for.

The Yamaha MM6 is an entry-level synthesizer manufactured by the Yamaha Corporation. It is a compact 61-key synthesizer keyboard that Yamaha introduced in January 2007. This synthesizer comes with advanced sounds, Motif’s technology, and other professional features at an affordable price.

There are tons of effects devices in the Yamaha MM6 that even professional musicians will be amazed by. These include 189 different distortions, 25 reverbs, wah-wah, 30 types of choruses, tremolo, phasing, 418 quality voices, and many more.

Read on to learn more about the Yamaha MM6, its specs and features, and everything you need to know about it to see if it is the right synthesizer for you.

About the Yamaha MM6

Yamaha MM6

The Yamaha Corporation is the maker of the Yamaha MM6, an entry-level synthesizer. This compact synthesizer was introduced in the market in January 2007. It comes with a 61-key synthesizer keyboard, along with many high-quality features.

Affordable Yet Has Tons of Features

It was attractive to the market because it offers tons of features at an affordable price. Its features include:

  • 418 quality voices,
  • 25 reverbs,
  • 189 different distortions,
  • Wah-wah,
  • 30 types of choruses,
  • Rotary,
  • Tremolo,
  • 22 drum kits,
  • Phasing, and many more.

With all its features, the Yamaha MM6 can be considered a piece of equipment at a professional level. It comes with default samples that are based on the workstation sound sets of the Yamaha Motif series.

There are no variants of the Yamaha MM6. But it has a version that has 88 keys which are called the Yamaha MM8. This version shares the same system as the Yamaha MM6. They are only different in their number of keys and their weights.

The problem with synthesizers is that it takes people a long time to learn how to operate and use them effectively. Some people are not able to maximize the use of their synthesizers. They were not able to benefit from their synths because their operations were very complicated.

Yamaha MM6 Is Designed for Two Types of Buyers

It is different from the Yamaha MM6. This synthesizer is designed for two types of buyers:

  • Those who want to explore synthesizers – because the keyboard of the Yamaha MM6 is easy to operate and master. You will not spend a very long time in learning how to use its many features.
  • Those who want the Motif workstation or the professional musicians who can’t afford to buy this workstation. The Yamaha MM6 is built on the foundation of the Motif workstation, so these people now have this workstation at their fingertips, even if they can’t afford it.

Key Features of the Yamaha MM6

yamaha mm6 reviews

The Yamaha MM6 synthesizer comes with tons of features that are useful for beginners and professionals alike. But some of these features stand out from the rest. Here are some of these features:

1. Hundreds of Sounds

The voices of the Yamaha MM6 were taken from the professional Motif. There are hundreds of authentic and professional sounds inside this synthesizer. It comes with 8 groups of voices that include guitars, organ, piano, and many more.

Most impressive are the pad programs and the synth lead. This synth can produce lush, sweeping pads and big beefy synths. Its organ and keyboard programs, such as the electric piano programs, have 5 distinct variations. There are about 20 organ programs as well. Their sounds range from bright to dark, jazzy, and percussive with a preset of rotary effects.

The guitar sounds are also outstanding. They are special in character. For instance, brighter sounds are produced if you press the keys harder. The sound is like that of plucking the strings of the guitar.

2. Effects Processor

The Yamaha MM6 has 200 digital signal processing or DSP programs in its effects processor. It has 30 chorus, 25 reverb, and 189 additional effects, including EQs, flangers, plates, rooms, echoes, halls, and many more. You can apply and adjust them individually for the split, dual, and main voices.

3. Effects Controller

The Yamaha MM6 also comes with effect controllers. These are the:

  • Attack,
  • Release,
  • Cutoff, and
  • Resonance controllers.

Each of these controllers can impart a particular element to the sound. Changing the sounds in real-time is possible so you can create fresh and unique sounds as you play.

These 4 knobs on the Yamaha MM6 are handy for keyboardists who have never played these types of features before. A whole world will open up for them if they try playing with these effect controllers.

4. Pitch Bend Wheel

This synth also has a pitch bend wheel, which is a necessity for creators of music. It is a feature that can change the pitch of a note while it is being played. This feature can be applied to a guitar, brass, or any instrument. There is also a second wheel that is used to modulate the sound.

5. Polyphony

The Yamaha MM6 also has 32 notes of polyphony. This means it is possible to play 32 different notes at the same time. Since you only have ten fingers, you may think this is enough. However, when it comes to music creation, 32 notes are insufficient.

In keyboard playing, it is possible to produce several notes at the same time. Examples are accompaniments, arpeggios, effects, drums, and chords. So, it is possible to get dozens of distinct sounds simultaneously with this synth.

In a regular Yamaha Motif, you can play 128 notes at the same time. That is called 128 notes polyphony. So, 32 notes polyphony is really just a sort of an introduction to real professional polyphony. That’s why the Yamaha MM6 can be regarded as a semi-professional synth.

6. Recording

For recording purposes, the Yamaha MM6 is very handy for beginners. It is quite easy to use compared to a professional keyboard like the Yamaha Motif. There are 8 different tracks in the Yamaha MM6 for recording anything. There is also a track for rhythms. With them, you can record a maximum of 5 songs.

The limited number of songs you can record with the Yamaha MM6 should not be a problem. You can connect this synth to a computer or hook up a USB device on its USB port to record additional songs.

Recording in the Yamaha MM6 is straightforward. Press the USER button, press the RECORD button, choose the tracking number, and start playing the keyboard. To stop the recording, press the STOP button.

7. Other Features

There are other features of the Yamaha MM6 that you should know. They are the following:

  • 213 pre-loaded programs
  • Arpeggiator
  • 168 auto-accompaniment patterns
  • Pitch and modulation wheels
  • Metronome
  • 320 x 240 back-lit LCD display screen

8. Connectivity

You can connect different equipment to the Yamaha MM6. It has the following:

  • Headphone jack,
  • MIDI connectors,
  • A stereo input,
  • Pedal inputs, and
  • USB ports.

So, you can connect electronic devices such as laptops, USB flash drives, and other similar devices to this synthesizer.

9. Software Included

When you buy a Yamaha MM6, it comes bundled with Cubase AI 4 software. This software allows you to add effects and edit your music. The Yamaha MM6 can harness the power of this software, which is actually a digital audio workstation.

This Cubase software is an advanced set of software tools that are easy to use. It provides extensive production and recording capabilities.

10. Price

Current prices of the Yamaha MM6 range from $600 to $700. This price is extremely low for a synthesizer keyboard with advanced technology and plenty of useful features. It was based on the professional Yamaha Motif, so this price is very reasonable.

Again, what makes the Yamaha MM6 unique? Yamaha Corporation made the Yamaha MM6, an entry-level synthesizer keyboard. Introduced in 2007, this keyboard is equipped with advanced sounds, Motif’s technology, and other professional features at an affordable price.

Standard Features of the Yamaha MM6

Here is a list of the standard features of the Yamaha MM6:

Features

  • 61 synth-action keys
  • 32-note polyphony
  • 128 GM voices, 1 GM drum kit
  • 418 normal voices and 22 drum kits
  • AWM2 Tone generator
  • 16-part multi-timbral capacity
  • 5 master EQ types
  • 30 chorus types
  • 25 reverb types
  • 8 banks of 8 performance settings
  • 70MB wave ROM (format: 16-bit linear)

Sequencer

  • 213 preset arpeggio types
  • 3 preset songs, 5 user songs
  • 96 parts per quarter note resolution
  • 400 song max. with USB
  • 11-280 BPM tempo range
  • 168 patterns (x4 sections)
  • Real-time replace recording

Specifications of the Yamaha MM6 Synthesizer

yamaha mm6 specs

A synthesizer with technologically advanced features like the Yamaha MM6 has many specifications. Here is a table that shows the complete specs of this synthesizer:

Part/SectionSpecifications
Keyboard61 keys (initial touch)
Synthesis TypeAWM2
Multitimbral16
Polyphony32
  
Presets 
Normal Voices418
GM Voices128
GM Drum Kits1
Drum Kits22
Patterns168
Arpeggio213
Songs3
User Memory5 user songs
  
Effects 
Chorus30
Variation189
Master EQ5
Reverb25
  
Sequencer8 Tracks, 1 Pattern Track
Record and PlaybackSequencer Only
Controllers1 Pitch Wheel and 1 Modulation Wheel
StorageInternal Memory and Backup to USB devices
  
Inputs and Outputs 
DC Input1
Stereo Output1, 1/4 inch
Headphone Output1, 1/4 inch
Foot Controller Input1
Sustain Pedal Input1
USB to Device Port1
USB to Host Port1
MIDI Connectors (In, Out)2
  
System Requirements (Optional)Computer with MIDI and/or USB Connectors
DisplayLCD backlit
Dimensions (W x D x H)37.3” x 14.7” x 4.8″
Weight24.5 pounds

Conclusion: Yamaha MM6 Specs

The Yamaha MM6 is a compact synthesizer made by the Yamaha Corporation of Japan. It is an entry-level synthesizer that comes with lots of professional features. Yamaha introduced this synthesizer in January 2007. The MM6 has a 61-key synthesizer keyboard, Motif’s technology, advanced sounds, and professional features.

This is the synthesizer you are looking for if you are after professional features and affordability. However, its features are less than the Yamaha Motif, the synth that it was based on. It is just natural because it is considerably cheaper.

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