Yamaha YC61

YC: Yamaha's "organ player" DNA enriched with FM color and OS v2.0

The Yamaha YC61 follows the lineage of performance-oriented stage keyboards: immediate access to parameters, quick sound changes, and organ-typical playing feel. With OS v2.0, the YC series gains musical depth thanks to significant additions: FM sounds inspired by the Yamaha GS1 (1981) and a new CFX2 grand piano that extends dynamics and expressiveness. The result: an even more coherent instrument for running a full set, from organ leads to FM pads, while maintaining stage ergonomics.

Keyboard Design

The YC61 features a 61-key semi-weighted "waterfall" profile keyboard, developed to replicate the attack, rebound, and glides typical of organ playing. This design provides a fast and comfortable response for drawbars and registrations while remaining versatile enough to play electric pianos, vintage keyboards, and FM sounds with precision. The 61-note format prioritizes mobility and stage setup without sacrificing access to functions thanks to a very comprehensive interface.

Sound Quality

Three sound engines work in concert: VCM Organ for the organ and its realistic behaviors, AWM2 for sampled sounds (notably acoustic and electric pianos), and FM for expressive synthesis. The YC OS v2.0 update adds the CFX2 piano (new grand piano sampling) and GS1 FM Voices with vintage character. In live conditions, the YC61 also stands out for sound change management: the Seamless Sound Switching (SSS) function helps maintain musicality during transitions, a crucial point for concerts.

Built-in Effects

• Chorus: GS1 Ensemble (OS v2.0), chorus (depending on sections) to thicken electric pianos and FM timbres
• Reverb: to place the sound in space and homogenize a set
• Equalization: 3-band EQ to quickly adapt the YC61 to PA or backline
• Additional processing: 32 effects total, 4 amp simulations, and 2 VCM rotary speaker simulations with parametric control

• Built-in USB Audio/MIDI interface for playing virtual instruments directly from an iOS device
• Easy backup to a USB flash drive for touring with rental instruments

Technical specifications

Effects	Reverb, EQ, Chorus	Touch	Heavy
Arpeggiator	No	Split & layer	split
Bluetooth	No	USB to Host port	Yes
Controller	Modulation, Joystick, Drawbars	Inputs	Attenuation pedal, Sustain pedal, Audio in, Control pedal
Number of speakers	0	Outputs	USB Type B, Mono & stereo audio, 6.5 mm headphone, USB Type A
Velocity sensitive	Yes	Color	Black
MIDI DIN I/O	Yes	Finishing	Matt
Number of keys	61

Keyboard	61 semi-weighted keys	Reverb	yes
Key profile	waterfall	Equalization	3 bands
Housing material	aluminium	New chorus effect (OS v2.0)	GS1 Ensemble
User interface	one function per button	Live Set	20 x 8 slots (initial configuration)
Three independent sections	Organ (Upper/Lower), Keys A and Keys B	Live Set (OS v2.0)	doubling of the number of pages, from 20 to 40 pages (8 slots per page)
Three sound generators	VCM Organ, AWM2, FM	New Live Sets (OS v2.0)	24 updated Live Sets on pages 1 to 3
Seamless Sound Switching (SSS)	yes	Master keyboard	4 zones
Filter and envelope adjustment	1-knob, configurable	New Section Switch mode (OS v2.0)	" Realtime " and " Next-Key " modes
Rotary speaker cabinet modelling	2, VCM, configurable	Connection of an additional external MIDI keyboard	yes
Number of effects	32	USB Audio/MIDI interface	integrated, Class Compliant, 2 inputs/outputs
Amplifier modelling	4	OS v2.0 new feature	USB Host functionality and MIDI input via USB " to device " with class-compliant MIDI devices (e.g. external keyboard) to control the YC sound generators via USB