Yamaha MX49 Review – is this keyboard any good?

We gather here today for a Yamaha MX49 review. This synth style board features the makings of a music production center and is available for a price that is quite competitive.

With onboard recording, plenty of tones, and an array of features we will soon see, there is plenty to like.

And of course, the fact that Yamaha made the board is also a huge plus. The company has a well-earned reputation for excellence in instruments. Does this board follow suit? What does it do well? What does it struggle with? These questions and more are what we hope to answer today.

Read on for a review of the Yamaha MX49!

Important Features

In order to make an informed buying decision, let’s take a look at some important features.

Affordable

We will get into the true features in just one moment. However, it is important for you to internalize this as we look at the keyboard. For what it does, the MX49 is very moderately priced.

It may not feel cheap when it shows up on your credit card bill. However, relative to the market you get a lot for your money with the MX49.

Are there boards that do more than this one does? There are, but they also cost a lot more.

Music Production

It makes sense to follow our last heading with this next one. Why? Because the MX49 is the only product in this price range to feature this level of software.

Artists that are into music production will be pleased to hear that they get the works. You get forty-eight pre-programmed songs, sixty-four midi tracks, and notation programs.

You also get a lot of control. For one thing, the onboard interface is really easy to use. Sliders and knobs are all it takes to completely control the sound that you can make.

The software on your computer then also has its own set of control options that are thorough and simple.

It is also worth noting that the piano hooks up to your computer with a USB for easy access.

With all of the features you get here, you can craft a complete production on your own. The amount of resources that you get for your money is truly remarkable with this keyboard.

Synth App

In the age we live in, it would almost be weird if this piano didn’t come with an app. The application is called, the FM Essential Synth App, and it is free to owners of the MX49.

The nice thing about the app is that it gives you an easy way to access the features on your board. You can also do seamless edits on your recordings from the app for added convenience.

The only downside? It is an IOS exclusive. iPads, pods, and phones will be able to access it. Every other smart device is, unfortunately, out of luck.

You can still use the keyboard without the app. The application is simply an added benefit for those with access to it.

Voices

Last, but not least, you get voices. Lots and lots of voices. Two hundred and seventy-one of them to be exact. In the world of electric keyboards, voices refer to tones that the keyboard can play.

The more you have, the freer you are to express yourself creatively.

Issues

Let’s talk problems. There are some. To be fair though, the price needs to be considered before you get too bogged down by the issues. The cost of this board is very moderate. Pianos with the same concept often sell for three to four times what you pay here.

In fact, Yamaha even makes some of those boards. Relative to that consideration, the issues may seem somewhat unsubstantial.

That said, there are a few things to think about. For one thing, we noticed that some of the tones (the organ tone in particular comes to mind) weren’t as rocking as they could be. None of them were horrible, but they didn’t quite meet the level of quality that we expect to see.

That kind of comes with the territory though. The truth is almost no keyboard has a tone library that is flawless from start to finish.

There is also the issue of the keys themselves. Actually, this isn’t a problem per say but it is something that you need to know. The keys are not weighted. They take the synth style instead, which features almost springy keys.

Usually, when we look at a piano, weighted keys is a box that we expect to be checked every single time.

However, this situation is a little bit different. If you are looking for a synth style board, then this is going to be great. You just need to keep in mind that it won’t play the same way that an acoustic piano does.

There isn’t really anything else to mention in terms of issues. You will want to keep in mind though that this is only a keyboard. Accessories like stands and headphones will need to be purchased separately.

This aside, it is a great keyboard at a very fair price.

Pros And Cons

Our review is now over. All that is left is for you to make your decision. At this point, we understand that you have received a lot of new information. In order to help you digest it all we have assembled some pros and cons.

Read on for a review of what this piano does well and what it does poorly.

Pros Of Yamaha MX49