Yamaha KX61 61 Note Synth Action

YAMAHA KX61 Details ^top

KX Series USB MIDI Studios
25-key, 49-key, 61-key synth actions and 88-key graded hammer action MIDI controllers
The KX series is a great feeling Yamaha MIDI keyboard controller with tons of hands on controls for your DAW. Including Steinberg’s Cubase AI audio/MIDI music production software, an expanded HALion One VST instrument, and built-in arpeggios, the KX is a complete MIDI music production studio with advanced integration features.

• 25, 49, 61, or 88-key keyboard with optimized touch and velocity response
• Four assignable knobs for real-time parameter control
• Control templates for 30 of the most popular software synthesizers
• Integrated DAW transport and track control
• Integrated VSTi instrument window and program selection control
• Built-in arpeggiator with 342 phrase types for fast, efficient production
• Bundled with Steinberg’s advanced CUBASE AI recording and production software
• KX Editor application allows detailed parameter assignment and editing
• Single-cable USB computer connection with USB buss power (MIDI connectors also provided)

The KX25, KX49, KX61, and KX8 USB Keyboard Studios (hereafter referred to as the “KX Series”) were conceived and designed to support creativity and MIDI music composition without getting in the way. Based on a range of innovative features with advanced software integration and connectivity via a single USB cable, these control keyboards help create an efficient environment that supports traditional music production workflow. They also feature a range of drum, guitar, bass, keyboard and other musical phrases built in, minimizing the need for complex manual MIDI data programming. Complete compositions can easily be created with just one finger. Of course Yamaha keyboard know-how acquired and refined through years of experience offers feel and response that provide optimum musical control and comfort for smooth production.

The design of the KX Series control keyboards is based on in-depth research into the latest software-based music production and workflow approaches. Control capability has been refined for optimum compatibility with DAW software, software-based tone modules from major manufacturers, and the workflow methodologies they involve. There are transport functions to control DAW recording and playback, assignable buttons that can be assigned to a range of functions to suit individual needs, control templates for 30 different types of software tone module … everything needed for smooth music production is right at your fingertips.

PHRASE FACTORY OFFERS AN EXTENSIVE RANGE OF BUILT-IN ONE-TOUCH PHRASES

FOUR CONTROL KNOBS PLUS TEMPLATES FOR 30 SOFTWARE TONE MODULES

The KX Series features a built-in arpeggiator with more than 500 pre-programmed phrases. Select an instrument and style, then simply hold the appropriate notes on the keyboard to play or enter the MIDI phrase data. For example, a guitarist could create a demo by entering all the required parts other than guitar by using the arpeggiator, and then overdub the actual guitar tracks. The KX Series makes it easy to create background music for your home page, backing for solo practice, and much more.

The KX Editor application, downloadable from the Yamaha website, allows detailed parameter assignment and editing for the four encoders and assignable buttons. You can create different parameter sets for production and performance, or for different types of music, and simply switch them as required.

VELOCITY CURVE
Keyboard velocity response can be adjusted in six steps to match a wide range of tone modules and sample players. Optimum matching of player, keyboard, and tone module means maximum playing comfort and fluid performance.

MIDI IN/MIDI OUT/SUSTAIN
Since the KX Series keyboards are compatible with USB bus power, they can be simply plugged into a USB port and used without a separate power adaptor.

In addition to the bundled Cubase AI4 software, the KX Series provides high-level integration with Steinberg Cubase 4 and Cubase Studio 4 DAW applications. You can open edit windows with a single button, add instrument tracks right from the controller keyboard, and automatic switching of control templates for different software tone modules when tracks are switched, as well as other advanced functions, facilitate a smooth, efficient workflow. Quantize and delete functions are pre-assigned to the assignable keys so you can start MIDI production without the need for complex setup procedures.

In addition to advanced control of DAW software, the KX Series keyboards feature control templates for 30 different software tone modules built in. The most commonly used parameters for all 30 tone modules are automatically assigned to the keyboard's four real-time control encoders. When using Cubase the appropriate control templates are automatically selected when switching tracks, so you won't be distracted by having to change settings manually.

Yamaha has always placed a great deal of importance on achieving keyboard feel and response that gives the performer total playing comfort. The KX Series keyboard response has been carefully “tuned” for optimum performance with software tone modules. The 88-key KX8 features Yamaha's acclaimed GHS keyboard for a true piano feel.

Since the KX Series keyboards are compatible with USB bus power, they can be simply plugged into a USB port and used without a separate power adaptor.

Cubase AI4

Cubase AI4 is a special, compact version of Steinberg’s famed music production system that is included as part of selected Yamaha audio hardware. Based on the same technology as Cubase 4, Cubase AI4 offers powerful yet easy-to-use software tools for audio recording, editing, MIDI sequencing and mixing – exclusive to customers of selected Yamaha hardware. The unique integrative features meld Yamaha hardware and Steinberg software to one completely integrated production system. This includes Studio Connections “Recall” technology that saves and recalls all studio settings with a single mouse click within Cubase. But Cubase AI4 also features the new AI technology which takes the integration to a new level. The full Plug&Play support means that settings for connected hardware such as driver selection, input and output routing setup as well as remote configuration are all completely automated.

AI technology is also included in the latest generation of Cubase, offering the same advantages for Cubase 4 and Cubase Studio 4 customers integrating with the selected Yamaha audio hardware.

* Cubase 4 audio engine
* 48 audio tracks and up to 64 MIDI tracks
* HALion One software sample player with selected Motif sounds
* Plug&Play VST/MIDI setup with Yamaha products such as Motif XS Music Production Synthesizer and n-series Digital Mixing Studio
* Studio Connections “Recall” as well as special product-specific functions for perfect software-hardware integration
* 25 VST effects, including 15 VST3 plug-ins
* 20 MIDI styles and 480 drum loops included

YAMAHA KX61 Specs ^top

KX25 KX49 KX61 KX8 Keyboards 25 keys (Initial Touch) 49 keys (Initial Touch) 61 keys (Initial Touch) 88 keys, GHS Keyboard (Initial Touch) Sequencer Arppegio Each 342 type Others DAW Software compatible with the Remote Control function Windows CUBASE 4, CUBASE Studio 4, CUBASE AI, SONER 6 Macintosh CUBASE 4, CUBASE Studio 4, CUBASE AI, Logic 7.2, Digital Performer 5.1 * Function to be controlled differ depending on the software Controllers Pitch Bend Wheel 1 Modulation Wheel 1 Assignable Encoder knobs 4 Panel Switches 37 Power Switch 1 Connectors MIDI Connectors IN x 1, OUT x 1 FOOT SWITCH Phone Connector x 1 (Not availavle FC3) USB Connector TO HOST Connector x 1 (USB bus Powwered) DC-IN 1 Display LCD 16 x 2 Characters backlit LCD Power Consumption AC Adapter 3.5 W USB Bus Power 0.6 W Dimensions(W x D x H), Weight 508 x 286.6 x 92 mm, 2 kg 830 x 286.6 x 92 mm, 3 kg 937 x 343.9 x 114.6 mm, 4.5kg 1340 x 445 x 157 mm, 15.1kg Accessories AC Adapter PA-130(U) or PA-3C(others), CD-ROM x 2, USB Cable x 1, Owner's manual

YAMAHA KX61 Documentation ^top

KX25, KX49, KX61 Owners Manul (pdf)