Real-time external control surface. Large sampling capacity, wide compatibility.
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With the new Yamaha MOTIF XS, inspiration is just a key press away. High-quality sounds to inspire you, intelligent arpeggiators to fuel your creativity, recording features to capture every idea, built-in sampling to create full audio/MIDI arrangements, rhythmic Patterns to compose with, studio-style mixing controls and versatile effect processing to master your final productions. Learn More...
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273 People rated this product : 9 out of 10
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14 People wrote reviews |
Read all Yamaha 61-Key MOTIF Music Production Synthesizer reviews... |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() 10 out of 10
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Feature:
Easy to turn knobs, accessible buttons and sliders. It would have been nice to have a ribbon (like the "ES" version), but it's cool. The ES version is a little to "kiddy" looking, less professional. Oh, make sure you run out and buy a sustain pedal.
Quality:
To me, this is a very professional (and heavy!) board. Lugging it back and forth to gigs can be a bit burdensome but for the "cool factor" and looks you get when you whip it out, it's worth it. It's in a very sturdy shell and the keys don't feel fragile. I suggest a hard shell case for gigging, although I currently use a soft bag and carry it with care.
Value:
You get a good bang for your buck. You get a 16 track sequencer, sampler, synth, drum machine, etc. all rolled up in one. The only difference between this and the KORG TRITON is the touch screen and ribbon. And with the ES version out now, the regular MOTIFs are hundreds less.
Desirability:
When I saw the different arpeggios and sampling ability, I was ready to kill for it. Every keyboardist I know either wants on or has one. Before you by one, have someone who owns it or knows it to demonstrate it for you. Don't let some sales kid show you the factory demo, have someone who has done some work on it show you the real deal. It is a sexy piece of machinery.
Sound:
The instruments sound great (especially the piano) and whatever you don't like you can tweak. The arpeggios are okay, I like them better on the ES version.
Support:
Oh the trouble I've seen...here's an example of their tech support. You have a problem = "how do I layer sounds?", because basic stuff like that is not in the book (duh!) So you call YAMAHA, mind you, it's not an 800 number so your call is long distance (unless you live in Cali I suggest using a calling card). You speak to someone who notates your problem and tells you someone will call you back within the hour. What? You're working on the song NOW and may lose your fresh idea in your head within an hour. Anyway, someone may or may not call back within an hour but fortunately when they do they get you on your way. The techs are very knowledgable but not easily accessible. And the manual? Forget about it. If you have any questions go to www.motifator.com
Overall:
Overall, this is the best board I've ever had. I used to play the PSR 530 and wanted to get away from the "Yamaha Sound", but after seeing the capabilities of the MOTIF, I was able to get a great board at a reasonable price and create my own sounds.
Submitted: 10/7/2003
Style of Music: Gospel, Hip Hop
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![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() 9 out of 10
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Feature:
Built in sequencer, sampler, kick ass sounds, what more can you ask for?
Quality:
I accidently smashed it (pretty hard) against a wall when I was brining it home, and it did NOTHING to it. It still works fine. A very durable product. I have only had the Motif for a few months, but it gives me a feeling that it will be around for a long time. It's pretty heavy, so I think it's best left at home. But you could totally use it for a gig.
Value:
The vast majority of sounds in this keyboard are enough to make me want to make love to it. It is DEFINITELY, I repeat DEFINITELY worth the money. Thanks to the Motif, my music sounds better than it has ever sounded in the past.
Desirability:
The Motif is on fire, OK. I've been drooling over it for the last two years until I finally got mine. And I still sometimes drool over it. It has got to be one of the coolest production workstations on the planet. You need to get your hands on one of these if you make electronic, hip hop, or R$B music. These sounds will blow you away. You need to hear it to believe it. Quality - Thy name is Motif.
Sound:
Awesome sound. Awesome.
Overall:
Overall, the motif has lived up to virtually all of my expectations. There are just one or two things that I wish were different about it. But other than that, it's solved a lot of my audio related problems, especially regarding top of the line sounds. It's a dream come true for any producer.
Submitted: 10/25/2005
Style of Music: Electronica, hip-hop/R&B, Jazz
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