This new MM6 was not and is not designed to function like the "workstation" based Motifs. If Yammie did that and priced it around the current price of the MM6 or slightly higher they wouldn't sell any MO8's or Mo6's.

The MM6 was Yamaha's way of giving people a keyboard with Motif based sounds, and real-time control and keeping the price down. This board is nothing more than a budget "instant groove keyboard". It's exactly what the original DJX was with some additions and some features taken away.

Yes, you can do hip hop on this unit if you use the included Cubase software. Besides, I would never rely on an arrangers sequencer or "style recorder" to create hip hop beats. It's the wrong platform. You need a pattern sequencer--where you're not limited and restricted to keeping tracks within a specific key signature.

Personally given all the features on the unit, I feel the MM6 is a little overpriced and based on its features I think the $499 range is more reasonable for this type of budget keyboard.

Of course this MM6 is an arranger so obviously catching the attention of zoner's now. However, to be honest--if you want to create modern music in this price range I would strongly suggest the Roland Juno-D over the MM6. The Juno has a modern sound set, and its features are more on a pro level than the MM6. The Juno-D is more of a "synth" than the MM6 too. It too ships with sequencing software (Cubase Le). One major goody the Juno-D has over the MM6 is the Juno-D has "Editor Software" too. The Juno-D and MM6 are in the same price category.

If you want the instant gratification "out of the box" that is typically associated with arrangers then the MM6 will work for you (as long as you understand its limitations, and don't expect it to function like the actual Motifs).

If you want a more "real" synth with a modern sound set, ability to store custom voices, arps, and performances, editor software and sequencer software, then I'd suggest you get the Juno-D. The Juno-D has some great re-creations of classic Juno sounds too. You can get some nice "phat" pads, leads, and basses from the Juno-D.

If you want to hear and see the Juno-D Demos here's the link.
http://rolandus.com/products/productdetails.aspx?ObjectId=429&ParentId=83



[This message has been edited by squeak_D (edited 02-13-2007).]