Yamaha MM8 Review
By Dan on Jul 26, 2009 with Comments 18
Today we are going to review the Yamaha MM8 keyboard. Some of you may wonder what the MM eight stands for. It actually stands for mini motif, a representation of the motif keyboard created by Yamaha.
One of the contrasting differences between the motif and the MM8 is that the sound libraries are borrowed from the PSR line of keyboards. Hence, the Yamaha MM8 is somewhat of a hybrid.
One notable feature is that the keyboard itself is actually an 88 note piano with graduated hammer action and is considerably larger than previous models.
If we look at the top console layout of the keyboard it would appear to be somewhat sparse but that is just because of the size of the keyboard. Yet there are a lot of features built-in including an array of buttons to keep you happy.
The ports on the rear panel are quite simple with MIDI, audio, pedal sockets and two USB ports, one for connecting to a PC and the other for storing setup data. There is also a headphone jack that is included but it is not very well-placed because it can snag on keys, sheet music and other things as well.
The pitch and modulation wheel are positioned right at the top left hand corner. This keyboard is somewhat light to carry even though it features graded hammer action keys.
Certainly the Yamaha MM8 is well-suited for band performance, however if you are considering using his kennel is a full-fledged recording studio on its own then you might want to consider another keyboard for that purpose or hook it up to a computer equipped with MIDI software.
On power up the Yamaha MM8 defaults to an somewhat punctuated acoustic grand piano rather than the standard acoustic piano. Yamaha refers to this as the power grand, a sound that is very present and upfront. While it is a great sound it isn’t all that great for creating solos in his more well adapted to background playing. I would suggest using some of the other internal piano sounds.
The MM8 features the ability to split or layer the keyboard in the same manner as many other keyboards, so nothing new there. Wanting to certainly note which came as somewhat of a surprise is the fact that the keyboard only supports 32 notes of polyphony. That is a big surprise given the price for this keyboard. Maybe keyboards in this price range usually sport 64 notes of polyhony. So using the MM8 with 32 notes of polyhony limits its ability as a MIDI arranger.
The Good
If you’re looking for a keyboard that has great sound for performances but you’re not concerned about using it as a composer/arranger keyboard than this might be the right keyboard for you.
The Bad
This keyboard is not well adapted for composers and music arrangers.
Need More Information?
Want to know what others had to say about the MM8? Click here
Filed Under: Podcasts • Yamaha Keyboards
Hi Dan,
Is the Yamaha MM8 piano keyboard over-kill for a beginner?
Thanks,
Glenn
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dan Reply:
July 29th, 2009 at 6:35 pm
It might be overkill for a beginner but then again it really depends on what you want to use it for.
Dan
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Hello, I’m a begginer learning piano and The guy at the store recommended me this piano. What do you think?
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dan Reply:
August 7th, 2009 at 10:10 am
Hi Joseph,
Its a very good piano. However your choice of keyboard should depend on what you intend to do. You indicated that you are a beginner then are you taking lessons? What type of lessons, classical, rock etc? That in itself will determine the type of keyboard you should buy rather than focusing on the features of the keyboard first. Select the keyboard with the features that match your playing style you wish to learn. Please read my Power Play section where I discuss the various playing styles and help you determine the type of keyboard that is right for you.
Dan
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Hi. I’m 15 and looking for a good keyboard to play with my band. I’ve been playing for 7 years. We play mostly classic rock and some alt. rock. I heard that this one might be a good fit and I wanted to know what you think. Thanks!
[Reply]
dan Reply:
August 14th, 2009 at 9:18 pm
Hi Kyle,
I do recommend the MM8 for your band. You can’t really go wrong with a Yamaha keyboard. See a review from someone who has bought this keyboard. Click the link and scroll down to the bottom right corner.
http://www.zzounds.com/a–993195/item–YAMMM8
Dan
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Hello I Jean and I am currently learning gospel/jazz keyboard from a pianist at this point. So I want to know if this keyboard would be a good fit for someone like me. Does the mm8 have good quality piano sound? Is it good for performances because the yamaha motif xs 8 is way too expensive.
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Dan Reply:
October 24th, 2009 at 6:12 am
Hi Jean,
Yes the MM8 has good quality piano sounds. Please the feedback from someone who bought it here http://www.zzounds.com/a–993195/item–YAMMM8
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I would also like to point that keyboards usually require a module of some sort to connect to a computer. Since this is a USB keyboard would I just be able to plug it straight to my macbook pro and us the garage bad? Thank you. Oh your dog seems great by the way I just wanted to point that out. God Bless!
[Reply]
Dan Reply:
October 24th, 2009 at 6:14 am
Hi Jean,
Yes you should be able to plug your Mac directly to the keyboard using a USB connector.
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What would you say is a better keyboard between the mm8 and the motif 8
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Dan Reply:
November 2nd, 2009 at 7:25 pm
Jean,
I think the MO8 is more adapted to the pro-keyboardist with a higher degree of expressive sounds. In contrast, the MM8 is more adapted to the musician who requires more “fillers” meaning it can fill in the blanks with automated arpeggios and rhythmic patterns.
Dan
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Hi, my kids are in piano lessons and the teacher wants us to subscribe to pianomarvel.com and so I need a keyboard to hook up to my computer, I am having a extremely difficult time deciding what to get, any suggestions?
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Hi Dan,
How MM8 jazz organ sounds like? is it quite good compared to Hammond sound?
cheers,
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Dan Reply:
January 1st, 2010 at 9:46 am
The MM8 has very good sounds. While the jazz organ sound is great I can’t say for sure that the MM8 jazz organ is exactly like the Hammond B3 without a side by side comparison.
For all intents and purposes I would say it is pretty good resemblance.
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Hi is the mm8 any good for 80′s and techno sounds?
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Hey,
I’m a piano beginner and a techno music fan so i was wondering if mm8 has a good acoustic piano sound and good sounds.
Thnks
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Hi I’m interested in buying a keyboard, that has a wide octave range- and like this one allows for the layering and recording of different motifs so they can be played together.
I want one that sounds more authentic to the acoustic piano. Someone told me that Korg is a good make, like Korg sp-250 or any of them, what are your thoughts?
I’d also like to make songs, transfer them to my computer, play worship songs etc.
Thank you
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