Yamaha MM8 Review
By Dan: Learn About Us on with Comments 35
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.
Get the Yamaha MM8 at Amazon
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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Sepp Reply:
January 9th, 2011 at 9:49 pm
hey Dan
I can’t figure out how to record on my MM8 keyboard can you please explain me how to?
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Dan Smith Reply:
September 9th, 2010 at 10:45 am
Glenn,
I’d advise to stay away from anything without weighted keys. I have lots of stuff. My best keyboard had touch sensitive keys but are not weighted. I’ve looked around a whole lot. I can say emphatically, the mm8 is the most keyboard (or piano) you can get for the money. Also as a beginner, you might as well get familiar with the midi aspects of the music world. When I sell some of my stuff, I’m getting an MM8.
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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!
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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.
See it at Amazon
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
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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!
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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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Hi, have been playing piano over 20 years. Since I am currently studying aboard, I need an affordable keyboard. I focus in playing classical. Can you compare a MM8 with a Yamaha New U-3? Just consider I am talking about the touching feel. Thanks.
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Hey there
I am wondering how this keyboard stacks up to something like the new Casio Privia Px-3. They claim it’s very functional as a MIDI controller, which is half the reason I would get it. I would think Yamaha patches would win out, esp. since they are based on the Motif.
Any input is helpful, thanks
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tom c Reply:
March 29th, 2011 at 5:15 pm
The casio privia K330 has 128 note polyphony, and 16 tracks for recording. Plus, it has built in speakers. But….I’m thinking I’m going with the Yamaha MM8 because of the better sounds and the cubase software recording program. I have been told that the casio’s sounds are not nearly what the yamahas are. I suppose the thing to do is to get to the store and play them both.
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hi im interesed if i can use MM8 for classic music and interesed if there is some upgrades for mm8 because as i know it havnt flute sound (japan flute ).
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Beautiful instrument
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Dear Mr. Maynard
Unfortunately I couldn’t find another way to contact you asking my question.
I have to tell you that I am totally unfamiliar with these digital pianos but have played professionally around 9 years when I was at my own country (Iran) on my mother’s baby Yamaha piano aged for more than 35 years old.
Now, I am in Milano continuing my studyings in Architecture and missing my piano(!) living in dormitory but trying to find a way having music back to me.
So, my simple question is what fits me the best (with the lowest price and simply something of somehow with the same claviers working with headphones)?
I hope to have your response whenever you are free…
you have my email address and I will check here later, as well.
Thanks in advance
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I have the MM8 but cannot figure out how to disable the “extra” instrumentation it wants to give while recording. All I want to do is find a drum pattern, record it and play along with a piano. I want to add my own background instruments. Any help? I’ve read the manual 100 times….
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Hi Dan, I wanted to buy the yamaha mm8 but it seems like they have discontinued it. Could you reccomend another 88key keyboard with composition and production capabilities which also sounds and feels decent?
thanks for the help
Rowan
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Dan Reply:
March 5th, 2011 at 6:36 am
Looks like the MM8 is still available at Amazon. Click here
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i have a yamaha keyboard and the power supply board is not good can u help me to get one
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The Yamaha MM8 not recommended for composers/arrangers?? Some way yes, some say no. Is it because it has only 32 notes polyphony or because it has only 8 track recording capabilities?? Won’t the Cubase software program expand that considerably? Thanks. I’m looking for a good sounding, 88 key piano feel keyboard that I can jam with friends with and enable me to do some orchestral recording.
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Hello, Dan. Thanks for the advice but I don’t understand why you don’t recommend the MM8 for the composer/arranger. It seems to me that most likely any writer would use this synthesizer as MIDI and all recording possibilities/capabilities would be dependent on the digital audio workstation (DAW)used. I understand that the Cubase that comes with it is pretty basic, but that the Cubase 6 is very nice. But I’m jsut learning about all this. Please, before I run out and buy this why I, as a composer/arranger, would not want to use this particular synthesizer. I’ve looked extensively at others, in particular the Casio Privia px330 but don’t care for the sounds or lack of controls for tweaking. Thanks.
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i jus got the mm8 brand new n a blank blue screen came on what does dat mean
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Dan Reply:
June 7th, 2011 at 9:46 pm
It could mean many things. I would call the technical staff where you bought it and ask them what the problem could be. Also check the troubleshooting part of your owner’s manual. If you still cannot figure it out, then return it for a new one if you have a warranty.
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I have been playing piano’s/keyboards for many years and have had several keyboards like a Kurzweil PC88,Korg Triton,Yamaha P-90,Yamaha P-95,Rroland FP-3 and a Yamaha CP-33. I play mainly country music and I play with bands but I also do some dueling piano gigs also. What do you think of the MM8′s piano sounds and also the feel of the keys is the piano sounds and touch the same as what is on the Yamaha CP-33? I am also looking for more sounds like a really nice organ and strings.
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