Why in the heck is there not a Yamaha MIDI keyboard controller out there that is kicking the competition’s booty?  This is so confusing to me. 

People have argued whether Yamaha should venture more into software w/ soft synths, but this is different.  Yamaha has been making keyboards for years and they know how to do it very well.  Why not offer a top of the line MIDI keyboard? 

I think the KX series was not quite as successful as it could have been due to the lack of features (more knobs, sliders, pads, rubberized wheels, ribbon controller, expression pedal input, etc).  It was obviously designed for Cubase in mind with not so much focus on anything else.

I am an audio engineer and I use the Yamaha DM-1000 and M7 digital mixers at the performance halls in which I work.  Yamaha has the motorized faders down pat!  They’ve been the most dependable I’ve come across (since I’ve never once had a problem with them).  Currently, there are no other keyboard controllers on the market that offer the motorized faders (unless you count CME, but I’ve never heard consistent good reviews of their products and they’re harder to find which makes me think they are discontinued or are being phased out). 

Here it is Yamaha.  The ultimate controller to rule all others.  I’ll tell you how to do it in some easy steps =)

First, stick to your formula of pitch and mod wheels and ribbon controller (as seem on the motif).  This works great...done.

Next, stick to your layout of knobs (with an additional 8) and sliders (8, 8, and 8 similar to the motif)...8 knobs regular pot and 8 knobs continuous/endless pots (would settle for just 8 knobs total—endless pots).  8 motorized faders would be very nice!  When you call up a parameter it is extremely frustrating and tedious when your sliders aren’t where they should be.  This is understood amongst digital mixers, why not keyboards?  Novation offers touch sensitive knobs and sliders...necessary?  I dunno.  I suppose it depends upon your display.  I think you can skip this.

Third, offer 16 pads, in a 4x4 layout.  Make them exact squares.  Not even Akai, who has been the name in pads for years can get it right on their keyboard controllers.  They seem to cut back and make rectangular pads on the boards and somehow they don’t feel like akai pads (feel cheesy).  They also only offer 12 pads (3x4).  There is lots of software using MPC style virtual instruments.  Quite fun! 

Next, make sure not to leave off the expression pedal input.  It’s nice to have options. 
And Yamaha, you sell expression pedals!  Why dead-end your product sales?

Lastly, I am a huge fan of the Fatar keybed.  It is my favorite.  Yamaha keys are a very close second (for me...this is our individual opinions as keyboard players).  Yamaha keys will always do an amazing job!  As long as your keys aren’t cheap and awkward like the maudio and akai boards, you’ll certainly do awesome with your normal formula in this department. 

Again, Yamaha, you don’t need to go into software synth production, but we all know how prominent it is.  Why not offer the killer controller and still be the hardware king/queen amongst software?  I believe in you, Yamaha!  You can do it!  =D

Any supporters of this idea?  It seems nearly impossible that Yamaha hasn’t had something in the works…

The market for high-end keyboard controllers (anyone remember the massive KX controllers of the 1980s?) with rugged build and nice actions is just too small.

Roland and Korg also used to make such beasts but gave up years ago and now make the simple and inexpensive controllers that compete with M-Audio and Novation.

Think of the Motif XF as a very expensive keyboard controller with Remote Mode… with a sound module built in.

Igglethorpe - 04 February 2011 09:15 PM

Think of the Motif XF as a very expensive keyboard controller with Remote Mode… with a sound module built in.

haha...yeah...A bit too expensive for a controller.  =)

The Novation boards are the best all around midi controllers out there currently.  If only they had motorized faders—it would be complete.

Akay and M-Audio are the Kings of Midi Controllers.

My opinion is that Yamaha is making money and specializing where they are good, Motifs.  As far as a nice midi keyboard controller, with plenty of knobs and faders (not motorized) is one that I have, the Akai MPK49, it has very solid build quality, and even has drum trigger pads, it has velocity and after touch sensing, works with USB or MIDI, just wanted to throw it out there, also the price is around $350.00 USD.

Be cause they want you to buy a Mo8 and use it as a controller
like i did.

Akai and M-Audo are cheap garbage for pianist

they have velocity issues same with m audio

besides anything i bought M-audio lasted roughly 3 years
and that’s in the studio not even getting banged around.

A lot of the stuff out now is for beat makers
not composers or pianists.