Yamaha MOTIF XF8 88-Key Synthesizer Workstation

Get creative! Produce tracks from start to finish with Yamaha's huge soundset and 88 hammer-action keys -- or easily integrate the MOTIF XF8 with your DAW.

Overall User Ratings (based on 24 ratings)
  • Overall:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Sound:
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Features:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Ease of Use:
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Quality:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Value:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Manufacturer Support:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
  • The Wow Factor:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
(24) (see rating details)
Submitted January 14, 2015 by Kurt N in Robbinsdale, MN

"The Only Workstation You'll Ever Need"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
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Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
This review has been selected by our experts as particularly helpful.
This is a superb music production tool which offers everything you could want right out of the box and can be expanded with additional non volatile RAM and FireWire connectivity. I purchased this to replace an earlier version (SX series) which didn't have the weighted keyboard.
Sound
The sound quality is excellent. The concert grand piano samples are so good, I feel like I'm sitting at the real thing. I wouldn't have a problem soloing with this on a recording. I've had good sampled grand pianos in workstations for 25 years, and none of them have the responsiveness, detail and nuance of this. Without going into too much detail, the other acoustic instruments, electric instruments and sound effects meet this same standard. Many of the acoustic instruments feature realistic articulations controlled by velocity sensitivity. I especially like the bass response on a lot of the sounds. It can go very deep and smooth. My subwoofer gets a good workout! It's also completely silent when you're not playing. No hiss or hum, even at really loud volume levels.
Features
It's jam packed with features. Beyond the excellent sounds, it has a terrific user interface bristling with enough assignable knobs, buttons and sliders to keep the work flow smooth and easy. They exercised good judgement on the preset functions of these controls. The LCD screen is a bit small and not touch sensitive, but that can be overcome to an extent by downloading free control apps to an iPad if you have one. The Motif screen provides more than adequate visual feedback. The built in arpeggiators are impressive, offering thousands of performances in a variety of musical styles and can be a great resource for generating ideas. They're even good enough to be used for professional arrangements. I try to avoid using them on recordings just because I feel like I'm cheating if I do. When I use them, I usually customize them in some way.
Ease of Use
Like any workstation, you have to read manuals. Even though I bought this to replace an earlier unweighted keyboard Motif, I still have to refer to the various manuals bundled with the instrument on CD-ROM. The manuals can also be downloaded from the Yamaha website. That being said, it's easy to use. It has a sequencer which can be used in both pattern and song modes. Having the pattern option is very important for me. Not all workstation sequencers feature it. The sequences can be saved internally and recalled easily. You don't have to deal with file menus. I also consider that an important feature. Due to their complexity, workstations aren't my favorite tools for sound design, but you get plenty of control with the Motif. The samples and preset programs are so plentiful and good, you might not find the need for creating your own programs. There are plenty of user presets which can be overridden with new programs. For me, it's usually tweaks on existing programs rather than creating something new from scratch. I'm not going to address the bundled Cubase software. It's a great value, but a whole separate issue. For my style of working, I'd prefer a more basic sequencing and voice editing system for the computer.
Quality
It's built like a tank. The controls are all firm and sturdy. I expect this to last a long time. I had my previous Motif for 6 years. It still felt and worked like it did the day I bought it. This is one huge, heavy brick of a keyboard. I bought it strictly for studio use. If you are taking it on the road, it will take a very strong person or two people to carry it. The weighted keyboard is the best I've experienced. It has just enough heft to keep my piano and percussion performances nuanced and not sloppy on fast passages, but light enough for rapid fire playing. The keys aren't bouncy which is a problem I've encountered on other weighted keyboards, and they're very quiet. You just hear a soft thump. Other weighted keyboards I've used were clunky sounding. Yamaha has been making pianos for over 100 years. They know how to make a keyboard.
Value
The Motif is a very good value. The bundled Cubase software sweetens the package. The closest competitor would be the Korg Kronos X. The Kronos X is much more expensive. It supposedly has the most cutting edge technology, but cutting edge isn't the whole picture. I've owned a couple of Korg workstations and I find them much more difficult to use. I like the way the Motif is designed. It offers everything I need and then some.
Manufacturer Support
Yamaha provides a wealth of information on their website. It's easy to register your warranty. I haven't dealt with them recently, but got quick answers and service when I had trouble with a Yamaha stereo receiver a few years ago.
The Wow Factor
This instrument has a huge wow factor. It looks like the mother ship has landed in my studio! The overall feel of the keyboard and controls along with the outstanding sound quality and ease of use make this a real winner. Yamaha has been making this workstation series for well over a decade. The feedback they've used from musicians is very apparent. I feel like I'm playing an instrument, not simply triggering sounds, which is how I've felt with most other workstations.

Musical Background:

Former professional, current active hobbyist. 40+ years experience with synthesizers and electronic music.

Musical Style:

Pop, jazz, electronic and light classical.
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Submitted February 18, 2016 by Craig W in Houston, TX

"Motif xf8"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
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Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
As a beginner piano student who has always loved grand pianos I was impressed in this keyboard. The sound is amazing and so I ended up buying the keyboard. Now I am taking lessons and hopefully one day I'll be able to play and use more functions of the keyboard. But what I have used I loved. Zzounds is great too.

Musical Background:

New student.

Musical Style:

I want to play all styles
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Submitted February 22, 2011 by a customer from att.net

"I really do love it!!"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
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Sound
The sounds are unmatched! And the weighted keys even make it feel just like an acoustic piano. Add the Yamaha FC3 foot half dampening pedal and close your eyes.
Features
Sooo many voices, performances and arpegios to choose from. Easy to connect to a computer for 16 chanel multi-track recording or for loading MIDI files, which can also be done from a usb thumb drive.
Ease of Use
So easy even I can do it.
Quality
I haven't found a flaw yet.
Value
This is my second stab at a synth (I still have the first, a Yamaha Motif XS8) and there really isn't anything out there now to compare it with. Kurzweil had something with the K2600 but it is now discontinued. Is the Yamaha worth it? I believe so. but if it were a thousand dollars cheaper, I would have two more!
Manufacturer Support
Yamaha has all product upgrades right on their website. All system, program and driver updates are there and free, too. I recommend you don't read the book unless you are in need of sleep. The Motifator.com website has all the answers you could ever think to ask a question about. The XF is a very updated version of the XS. But Yamaha came out with new version software for the XS even after the XF was up and running. AND they are already looking at the next one for the XS.
The Wow Factor
The LCD screen is easy to see and to use. I wish the rest of the keyboadr had backlignting or two more usb ports (one at each end) for those flex-arm lights

Musical Background:

Hobbyist and Active Musician

Musical Style:

Rock, Blues, Classical, "Pink Floyd"
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Submitted November 17, 2016 by Afshin Ahmadi

"An amazing product from YAMAHA"

Overall: 3.5 out of 5 stars
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I should say you will enjoy using this product while you are using it as a hubby. This product is one of the most beautiful workstations in the world even it is more beautiful than its younger sister Montage.
Sound
The sounds specially the acoustic sounds are amazing like its pianos, strings, saxes and ... You feel you are in a concert hall and a group of musicians are playing for you.
Features
The knobs and sliders are very ergonomic but wheels are too far from hand of user in XF8 model.
Ease of Use
The first access to internal system is fairly easy but choosing any option of chosen menu is not so easy. Moreover if its display would be designed as a touch screen system, it would make it easier.
Quality
I can say the metallic quality of body and the black blemished color are really staring. But the quality of action in XF8 (its hammer action type) is not at the level of a hi-end model. After a few years of using you sense that the touch of keys differs from each other and they do not respond to your feeling and desired touch. It is really sad when you want to transfer your feeling from the tips of your fingers to sensitive ears, you will face with some sticky keys.
Value
It is one of the most valuable workstations but with the amount you pay, you can expect to get a better product which complies with YAMAHA brand and standards
Manufacturer Support
YAMAHA always has been a committed company to its costumers and from anywhere in the world you will receive a good support from its representatives.
The Wow Factor
The simulated and sampled sounds are really great. The sliders to control organ like real draw bars make you crazy. the knobs that let you control the feeling of playing acoustic instrument like Spanish guitar give you the ability of a real instrument player.

Musical Background:

Used to be play in instrumental band and a music instructor

Musical Style:

Classic, Jazz, Pop & Electronic
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Submitted March 29, 2016 by Craig W in Houston, TX

"Great Keyboard"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
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Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
Great keyboard. The sound of the grand piano voice is amazing. I am fairly new to piano playing but I listened to the major brands like Korg and Roland and the sound on the Yamaha was better to me in every way. I know this keyboard will do a lot of features, be nice to have a how to manual. But I am slowing finding websites that teach things. Part of being a beginner piano/keyboard player.

Musical Background:

Just started playing

Musical Style:

anything
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Submitted January 16, 2015 by Anthony P in Houston , TX

"Motif XF8"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
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Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
I've always been a Yamaha fan & when they came out with the motif series I love them even more! The only thing about Motif is choosing which 1 to get! I had a hard decision to see which board I was gonna get but I finally decided & I love my new board & everyone around me loves it too! I'm very excited to have another Motif product on my hands

Musical Background:

I've been playing since I was in elementary,I play keys,organ & drums....yes I play at home,church,lounge,birthday parties & mor

Musical Style:

Christian,Gospel,R&B,Jazz,Pop,Old School
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Submitted August 13, 2017 by Derek P in Washington, DC

"Motif Xs6"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
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Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
I've owed every motif since the Classic. and every one better than the last. The Xf was no different when it comes to exceeding where the Xs left off.
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Submitted February 26, 2013 by DC Marshall

"Is the XF8 the best production workstation available?"

Overall: 3.5 out of 5 stars
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Probably the best all round studio production and recording system available. The S6 iGrand is fantastic but, ..........certain intervals can result in very odd and unwanted harmonics below middle C. If there was a Fizolli Grand, Steinway Model D, a Yamaha C7 and a Bosendorfer Imperial Grand available, for upload into the sample memory (like and a s good as the Nord HA88/Piano 2) then the XF8 could be the only machine you'll ever need, but its not. The underside caberboard base also lets the over all build quality down. The overall synth sounds are fantastic. Shame about the Pianos. My advice, buy the XF7 and use something else for grand piano, i.e. a Nord HA88/Piano 2.

Musical Style:

Contemporary Jazz, orchestral & world music.
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Submitted April 4, 2013 by Val K in BattleGround, WA

"Motif fx"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
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Love the sound

Musical Style:

Classic
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Submitted August 2, 2011 by a customer from live.com

"Motif: mo' better!"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
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Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
Sound
Yamaha's entire Motif series excels! I own an S90ES keyboard, with essentially the same sound engine as Motifs. I love the sounds, and the modulation wheel adds badass flava! I want a Motif for its production capabilities. I worked with a super-talented keyboardist who jammed CONVINCING "guitar" leads, right down to the overdrive and distortion effects' tones, which is RARE! If I ever get a motif, it'll be a Mo6 because of my finances. In the meantime, I want to dig deeply into my S90ES, especially for recording. I write a lot of music (albeit slowly), and these keyboards will help me with orchestration and arranging ideas and their execution. another great advantage/plus about Yamaha/ Motifs is that so many players own them or at least know their ways around them. My keyboard wish list is lengthy, but, in addition to classic axes, I want: a Motif or MO6; any Korg with Karma capability; a Bit One Systems vintage Bit One keyboard (designed and created by Roger Powell of Utopia, these are great tools/toys!); and a superb gutiar-to-MIDI interface for my epiphone Les Paul-copy Ultra-II acoustic-electric giutar. I also want an ART Nightbass effect rack, and a J.L.Cooper MSB (MIDI Synapse Brain) 20 interface. The motifs have their complexities (I need a butt-simple start on a product, or I get frustrated, such as with my tascam 2488 Mk II multitrack recorder)< but I can comprehend Motifs (and my S90ES).
Ease of Use
as easy as turning the keyboard on!

Musical Background:

Active musician and producer

Musical Style:

rock plus
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Submitted December 23, 2010

Yamaha MOTIF XF8 Keyboard Customer Review

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
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Sound
Thoroughly realistic analog sounds. Pads are excellent. Will easily compete with Korgs in the hip-hop ablilities.
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