Yamaha Motif
The Yamaha Motif is a series of music workstation synthesizers, first released by Yamaha Corporation in August 2001. The Motif replaced the EX series in Yamaha's line-up. Other workstations in the same class are the Korg Kronos and the Roland Fantom G. The series' successor is Yamaha Montage.
Products
MOTIF Classic
Original MOTIF series, now called "MOTIF Classic", were released in four variants in 2001:Model | Year | Number of keys | Key action | Polyphony | Waveform ROM | Waveforms | Memory |
MOTIF 6 | 2001 | 61 | FS | 62 | 84MB | 1,309 | 384 presets + 48 kits, 128 user, 128 performances, 128 master |
MOTIF 7 | 2001 | 76 | FS | 62 | 84MB | 1,309 | 384 presets + 48 kits, 128 user, 128 performances, 128 master |
MOTIF 8 | 2001 | 88 | Balanced hammer effect | 62 | 84MB | 1,309 | 384 presets + 48 kits, 128 user, 128 performances, 128 master |
MOTIF-RACK | 2001 | 128 | 84MB | 1,309 | 640 presets + 48 kits, 256 user + 32 kits, 59 performances, 65 multis |
The balanced hammer effect action is the same action found on Yamaha S90 series keyboards.
MOTIF Rack is a sound module that is controlled by external MIDI instruments. It can be expanded with two Modular Synthesis Plug-in boards but has no sampling capabilities.
MM
In January, Yamaha introduced two "retro" models; the MM6 and MM8, both based on the original 2001 Motif sound set and samples, with polyphony greatly reduced to fit the lower specifications. This synthesizer comes default with 418 patches and 22 drum kits.Model | Year | Number of keys | Key action | Polyphony | Waveform ROM | Memory |
MM6 | 2007 | 61 | FS | 32 | 70MB | 418 presets + 22 kits, 64 user |
MM8 | 2009 | 88 | GHS | 32 | 70MB | 418 presets + 22 kits, 64 user |
GHS action is the same action on Yamaha's high end digital pianos.
MOTIF ES
MOTIF ES, a successor to original MOTIF series, debuted at Summer NAMM Show in 2003:Model | Year | Number of keys | Key action | Polyphony | Waveform ROM | Waveforms | Memory |
MOTIF 6 ES | 2003 | 61 | FS | 128 | 175MB | 1,859 | 768 presets + 64 kits, 384 user + 32 kits, 128 performances, 128 multis |
MOTIF 7 ES | 2003 | 76 | FS | 128 | 175MB | 1,859 | 768 presets + 64 kits, 384 user + 32 kits, 128 performances, 128 multis |
MOTIF 8 ES | 2003 | 88 | Balanced hammer effect | 128 | 175MB | 1,859 | 768 presets + 64 kits, 384 user + 32 kits, 128 performances, 128 multis |
MOTIF-RACK ES | 2003 | 128 | 175MB | 1,859 | 768 presets + 64 kits, 384 user + 32 kits, 128 performances, 128 multis |
MO
In January 2006, Yamaha launched two entry-level variants of the MOTIF ES - the 61 key MO6 and 88 key MO8. Though containing half the polyphony and fewer preset sound programs, these models contain all the MOTIF ES sample sets, along with arpeggios and a song and pattern sequencer. Lacking are the professional MOTIF ES features such as mLAN connectivity, Yamaha PLG integration, sampling and multiple foot controllers.Model | Year | Number of keys | Key action | Polyphony | Waveform ROM | Waveforms | Memory |
MO 6 | 2006 | 61 | FS | 64 | 175MB | 1,859 | 768 presets + 64 kits, 384 user + 32 kits, 128 performances, 128 multis |
MO 8 | 2006 | 88 | Balanced hammer effect | 64 | 175MB | 1,859 | 768 presets + 64 kits, 384 user + 32 kits, 128 performances, 128 multis |
MOTIF XS
The XS versions were announced at NAMM 2007:Model | Year | Number of keys | Key action | Polyphony | Waveform ROM | Waveforms | Memory |
MOTIF XS6 | 2007 | 61 | FSX | 128 | 355MB | 2,670 | 1,024 presets + 65 kits, 384 user + 32 kits, 384 performances |
MOTIF XS7 | 2007 | 76 | FSX | 128 | 355MB | 2,670 | 1,024 presets + 65 kits, 384 user + 32 kits, 384 performances |
MOTIF XS8 | 2007 | 88 | Balanced hammer effect | 128 | 355MB | 2,670 | 1,024 presets + 65 kits, 384 user + 32 kits, 384 performances |
MOTIF-RACK XS | 2008 | 128 | 355MB | 2,670 | 1,024 presets + 65 kits, 384 user + 32 kits, 128 multis |
The MOTIF XS operating system is based on MontaVista Linux.
MOX
In 2011, Yamaha introduced an entry-level variant of the MOTIF XS: the 61-key MOX6 and 88-key MOX8. Though containing half the polyphony and fewer insert effects of the XS, the MoX series contains all the MOTIF XS Wave ROM and voice presets, along with arpeggios and a song and pattern sequencer. The number of performances in the MoX is reduced to 256. The MoX does not support user sampling, nor does it support the mLAN/FireWire expansion. The MoX feature a built-in 4-out/2-in USB audio interface users can use to record audio directly from the keyboard or an outside source to a computer, as well as play and control VST instruments directly through the keyboard via USB.Model | Year | Number of keys | Key action | Polyphony | Waveform ROM | Waveforms | Memory |
MOX6 | 2011 | 61 | FS | 64 | 355MB | 2,670 | 1,024 presets + 64 Kits, 384 user + 32 kits, 256 performances, 128 multis |
MOX8 | 2011 | 88 | GHS | 64 | 355MB | 2,670 | 1,024 presets + 64 Kits, 384 user + 32 kits, 256 performances, 128 multis |
MX
The current version of the entry-level Motif lineup, also based on the soundset of the Motif XS. It features the same voices as the XS, although with less WaveROM, fewer performances, fewer arpeggios, and fewer editable parameters. The MX series also has no sequencer. It featured a similar USB audio/MIDI interface as the MoX series. The MX is playable in 16-part multi-timbral performance mode, configurable with the third-party Vycro editor. It is also the only keyboard in the Motif family available in a 49-key model.A version with 88 GHS weighted keys, the MX88, was announced by Yamaha in April, 2017.
MOTIF XF
The XF versions were announced via www.MOTIFator.com on August 2, 2010:Model | Year | Number of keys | Key action | Polyphony | Waveform ROM | Waveforms | Memory |
MOTIF XF6 | 2010 | 61 | FSX | 128 | 741MB | 3,977 | 1,024 presets + 64 kits, 512 user + 32 kits, 512 performances |
MOTIF XF7 | 2010 | 76 | FSX | 128 | 741MB | 3,977 | 1,024 presets + 64 kits, 512 user + 32 kits, 512 performances |
MOTIF XF8 | 2010 | 88 | Balanced hammer effect | 128 | 741MB | 3,977 | 1,024 presets + 64 kits, 512 user + 32 kits, 512 performances |
While the preset voices in the MOTIF XF are the same as in the previous XS model, the XF includes an extra user bank containing 128 brand new voices. Also, eight new drum kits are also included in the user bank area. The biggest addition in the XF is the 512MB / 1024MB flash memory, which users can use to instantaneously import or load samples and sounds.
In 2014, Yamaha announced the 40th anniversary white versions of the MOTIF XF called the MOTIF XF WH Series, which are available for all three models—as MOTIF XF6, MOTIF XF7 & MOTIF XF8.
MOXF
In 2013, Yamaha launched two 'lite' versions of the MOTIF XF - the 61-key MoXF6 and 88-key MoXF8. The MoXF series contains all the MOTIF XF WaveROM, polyphony and voice presets, along with arpeggios and a song and pattern sequencer. The MoXF does not support on-board user sampling, nor does it support the mLAN/FireWire expansion. It features one slot for a flash memory board, allowing users to load additional sample libraries from third-party sources. The MoXF also features the same USB MIDI/audio interface seen on the MoX series.Model | Year | Number of keys | Key action | Polyphony | Waveform ROM | Waveforms | Memory |
MOXF6 | 2013 | 61 | FS | 128 | 741MB | 3,977 | 1,152 presets + 72 Kits, 384 user + 32 kits, 256 performances |
MOXF8 | 2013 | 88 | GHS | 128 | 741MB | 3,977 | 1,152 presets + 72 Kits, 384 user + 32 kits, 256 performances |
Specifications
Comparison
MOTIF Classic
- AWM2 PCM tone generator
- 110,000 note MIDI sequencer @ 480 ppqn
- Sample engine
- Compatibility with common sample formats such as Akai, WAV, and AIFF
- 84MB of read-only memory
- 62-voice polyphony
MOTIF ES
- AWM2 Tone Generator
- 128 note polyphony
- 226,000 note MIDI sequencer @ 480 ppqn
- Audio Input ports: A/D, AIEB2, mLAN, Stereo IN
- Sounds: 175MB, 1,859 waveforms
The ES models featured several improvements over the original MOTIFs, including twice the polyphony with faster envelopes, a DSP effects engine, USB mass storage support, 8x sample RAM expansion, improved acoustic piano sound, and twice the storage amount for user sounds.
The MOTIF ES range employs "Megavoice" technology from the Yamaha Tyros2. These samples utilise 'velocity switching', designed to enable greater natural expression over the sounds, expressions such as fret noise, hammer-ons, slides and ghost notes.
MOTIF XS
- AWM2 Tone Generator
- 128 note polyphony
- 130,000 note MIDI sequencer @ 480 ppqn
- Connectors:
- * Output L/R standard phone jack
- * Assignable output standard phone jack
- * A/D input
- * Digital out
- * Phones
- * Foot controller 1,2
- * Footswitch x 2
- * MIDI In/Out/Thru
- * USB 2.0 to Host, to Device
- * AC In
- * Ethernet
- * mLAN
- Sounds: 355MB, 2,670 waveforms
- Weighted Keys
- Assignable AF1/AF2 buttons
- Larger color display
- Eight faders
- Up to eight elements per voice
- Expanded Articulation
- Ethernet connectivity
- Larger waveform ROM
- Up to 4 simultaneous arpeggios
- Shipped with Cubase AI
- Direct performance recording to pattern
MOTIF XF
- AWM2 Tone Generator
- 128 note polyphony
- 128MB internal SDRAM standard
- 130,000 note MIDI sequencer @ 480 ppqn
- Connectors:
- * Output L/R standard phone jack
- * Assignable output standard phone jack
- * A/D input
- * Digital out
- * Phones
- * Foot controller 1,2
- * Footswitch x 2
- * MIDI In/Out/Thru
- * USB 2.0 to Host, to Device
- * AC In
- * Ethernet
- * FW16E
- * Optional 512MB and 1024MB FLASH cards for storage of sample data
- Sounds: 741MB, 3,977 waveforms
- Weighted Keys
As with the MOTIF XS, the MOTIF XF is not compatible with the PLG expansion cards.
Notable users of the keyboard include Stevie Wonder, Thomas Dolby, Gary Numan, Ron Mael, Billy Currie, Craig Burrows, Alan Parsons, John Foxx, George Duke and Mark Ronson.
Timeline of series
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from:11/01/2005 till:03/31/2011 text:"MO6/MO8"
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