Yamaha NAMM News 2013

1. MX49/MX61 Music Synthesizer

MOTIF sounds for inspiration, USB for Xpanded integration

The Yamaha MX49/MX61 Music Synthesizers combine the sound engine from the highly acclaimed MOTIF XS together with USB Audio/MIDI integration, all neatly packed into a lightweight body (available in 49 and 61 note versions) that fits today's on-the-go mobile life style. Over 1000 preset Voices use the same Waveforms found on the MOTIF XS and cover a wide variety of musical styles. The Category buttons gives you instant access to the sound of your choice and these can then be easily layered or split from the panel buttons. VCM effects simulate vintage effectors at the circuit level and allow sounds that bring the '70s back to life. The 128 notes of polyphony enable the synthesizer to render even dense song arrangements using all 16 Parts each Performance consists of. But the MX series aren't just synthesizers, they are designed to bridge the gap between hardware and software. Recording the MX's sounds to your computer is simple - a single USB cable connects the two and the advanced Audio/MIDI integration also lets you control the DAW software using the top panel surface of MX. The MX brings the power of MOTIF to players of all levels from beginners to professionals and offers great sounds, intuitive operation and advanced computer integration. Whether on stage or in the studio, the MX packs a powerful punch at a minimal price.

2. Bags for the MX Synthesizers

The lightweight construction of the MX Music Synthesizers make them perfect partners for the musician on the move - they are easily transported from the home studio to the rehearsal room to the stage and back. But to prevent any harm from the synthesizers they should be packed up in a transport bag. Yamaha now provides two new bags that fit the MX49 and the MX61 like a glove. You can choose between a stylish black and a bright red as the bag's color. Made of a sturdy material and thoroughly padded they will protect your MX synthesizer from most dangers while being on the road.

3. Vycro MX Performance Editor software for the MX Synthesizers by Psicraft

Program and control every MX Performance parameter right from your computer using the included Vycro MX Performance Editor software by Psicraft Designs. Quickly create custom splits and layers between multiple parts, while tailoring their mix and effects settings from the intuitive onscreen interface. Your MX Synth updates instantly to reflect your changes, making it easy to experiment, create and organize your own signature performances. (http://vycromx.com

4. Yamaha Mobile Music Sequencer - iOS sequencer app for iPad

With its rich selection of 429 built-in phrase Patterns, this sequencer allows the user to intuitively create compositions. It features a strong Loop Remix Function and Chord Sequences enable user to create unique phrases easily. Built-in software synth with 153 high-quality timbres enables faithful rendering of sequence Patterns

5. Firmware update 1.4 for the MOTIF XF

Yamaha has updated the firmware of the MOTIF XF to version 1.4 by adding some exciting new features.

- The MOTIF XF can now be connected to two of Steinberg's CMC controllers. Use the 16 pads of the CMC-PD to record rhythm patterns on the XF. Or use the fours faders of the CMC-FD to control mixing parameters on the XF. The CMC controllers are simply connected to the USB-to-Device port of the XF

- Auto remount function to remount the last valid network-connection when booting up the XF

- New function of the PERFORMANCE CONTROL button in Master mode to switch the internal/external switches of each zoone

6. DTX500 sidesnare set

The easiest way to add over 400 yamaha drum sounds to your acoustic set! Comes with a real DTX 3-zone silicon snare pad - the XP80 - featuring the real acoustic snare feel! This set includes a DTX500 module, an XP80 3-zone silicone pad, a Tomstand WS904A, a Ballclamb CL940B and a CSAT924A multiclamb for easy integration into any acoustic drum kit

7. DTX500 trigger set

Turn your acoustic drum kit into an e-drum set or add the powerful e-drums sounds to your kit. Attach the DT20 triggers to use your acoustic drums as pads to trigger the e-drum module DTX500. This is a must for heavy metal and other high pressure music styles.

The set includes a DTX500 module with high end drum sounds, a CSAT924A multiclamb, and five DT20 Trigger.

8. STAGEPAS 400i and STAGEPAS 600i

Yamaha debuts the latest models in its renowned lineup of STAGEPAS portable PA systems - the STAGEPAS 400i and 600i – successors of the STAGEPAS 300 and 500, which earned worldwide acclaim as compact, yet high-powered portable sound systems with exceptional sound quality. Combining high-efficiency amplifiers, newly designed speakers and high performance DSP, the new STAGEPAS models deliver a significant increase in power output with substantial improvements in sound quality and reliability. Complementing the boost in performance, the addition of iPod/iPhone connectivity, SPX digital reverbs, an onboard feedback suppressor and more versatile EQ has improved functionality and ease of use, allowing STAGEPAS to meet the demands of a much wider range of applications and users. The STAGEPAS 400i and STAGEPAS 600i feature two sleek, lightweight speakers and a detachable powered mixer, along with a pair of speaker cables and power cord for a complete portable sound solution that can be set up quickly and easily in a variety of configurations and environments. The mixer also fits into one of the speaker enclosures, creating an even smaller footprint when in use. Delivering 400 watts and 680 watts respectively, the 400i and 600i offer a substantial increase in power output compared to previous models. Utilizing Yamaha's intelligent DSP technologies, the new models offer consistent, high-quality sound at any volume level while simultaneously extending the life of vital components with advanced limiter circuits. An innovative speaker design enhances system performance by delivering evenly distributed, superior sound to a greater coverage area. The STAGEPAS 400i and 600i include four mic/line inputs and six line inputs (the 400i includes four line inputs). Channels 3 and 4 feature a combo jack that can accommodate XLR and 1/4" cables. In addition, both models offer RCA jacks, a 1/8" stereo mini jack and an iPod/iPhone USB input, allowing for a wide variety of connectivity options.

9. Live Custom Drum Set

Yamaha Drums introduces the Live Custom drum set, the new generation of renowned Oak Custom kits. Designed to deliver a massive sound that projects onstage, no matter how loud guitarists turn up their stacks, the Live Custom kit is the only drum set that features 100 percent Oak shells. Live Custom is the first high-end drum set to come out of a brand new, state-of-the-art Yamaha owned and operated factory. As with all of its drum sets, Yamaha undertook extensive internal research and development, consulting with artists, dealers and consumers to develop this new offering to the Yamaha drum set lineup.

In addition to sounding great, the new Live Custom kit looks sharp, with black nickel-plated hardware and gorgeous lacquer finishes. The snare drum includes a redesigned throw-off and butt plate with stronger, smoother action. Yamaha considers every detail of every new kit and on the Live Custom, for example, the floor tom leg bracket features a stronger vertical bolt and the bridge design has no adverse effect on the tone. Moreover, the sturdy, lightweight bass drum pipe-clamp mount takes up a lower profile than the previous model.

10. All Solid Koa Versions of Yamaha's Award-Winning A-Series Guitars

Yamaha adds the AK4 folk body and the AC4K concert shape models to the wildly successful A-Series guitar lineup, two limited edition issues constructed with all-solid Koa back and sides and a select solid Koa top. To set these guitars even further apart from their Mahogany and Rosewood counterparts, Yamaha has added stylish ebony tuners and abalone inlays. Like the A3 Series, the Koa A-Series is equipped with the incredible S.R.T preamp/pickup system, which includes mic modeling. Only 100 of these special instruments have been created, with 30 of each body shape being allocated to the United States. The new S.R.T. preamp, an exclusive Yamaha technology, incorporates a piezo pickup system with a built-in microphone modeling technique specific to each guitar model. The S.R.T. system lets players choose from three different mic settings that can be blended with the piezo pickup, delivering on the often-elusive dream of providing studio-quality sound while playing live on stage. In addition, the S.R.T. system's feedback detector cancels feedback frequencies in live situations.