Feature:
You can sample. You can arrange. You can go nuts!! There are over 6,000 arpeggio styles that you can tweak in the editing section of the synth to create all new styles. You can transfer a Performance piece (or pieces) you've created into the Song mode to build a song from it (them). You can also use the Pattern mode to build complex themes and then transfer them into the Song mode to build even more complex arrangements. The polyphony can become an issue if you're orchestrating something, but if you use Pro Tools, Cubase, or some other software application, the polyphony becomes irrelevant. The Motif XS does take longer to control at times if you're manipulating waveforms (altering harmonics, cutoff frequencies, attack times, release times, etc.), especially if you want perfect timing. However, if you're not into the mathematical side of music, then all you have to do is use any of the eight knobs on the front panel to tweak the sounds however you want. The effects are very good as well.

Quality:
It is a durable product, but I do not like the flimsy recording button controls. I was told by a Yamaha representative three years ago that the Tyros 2 would be the last really sturdy Japanese product made due to financial restrictions and the moving location of production. Rolands, Yamahas, et al., are still great quality, but if you own an older product from these manufacturers, you'll know what I mean. They were built to survive an atomic explosion. The newer products are, as I said, built well enough, but do be even more careful than you already are when handling them – just in case...

Value:
For what you can produce on this keyboard, it is definitely worth the dough!!

Desirability:
I don't care what the thing looks like because that's not what's important here. It's what it can do that matters most. I'm a very aesthetic–minded person when it comes to most things, but functionality and logistics far outweigh any kind of beauty when you're dipping into your pocketbook. Besides, when you know something is good, you desire it all the same, regardless of how it looks. You become psychologically and spiritually addicted. If that doesn't happen, then superficiality takes over...

Sound:
I have played on a number of synths over the years, and although I feel Roland used to have the best overall sound set, Korg and Yamaha have stepped it up a notch in terms of realistic sounding patches (strings, horns, guitars, etc.). With that being said, the Motif XS is mind–boggling when it comes to guitars and organs. You don't even have to tweak the guitar sounds that much because they sound amazing in a mix. I still use Roland and sometimes Kurzweil to meld orchestral tracks, but the Yamaha takes center stage! The bells, brass, woodwinds, basses, and synthy sounds are fine, but there is not enough variety out of the box. You will have to experiment, combine, model, and edit multiple voices to achieve some of those abstract sounds that may be filling your head. The good news is the features on the Yamaha can help you realize this. See the next section...

Ease of Use:
I've had a Tyros and a Yamaha DAW in the past, so learning how to use the Motif XS might not have been as challenging for me. To a new user of Yamaha, it may require a heavier learning curve. The manual is, on a good note, not that difficult to follow. Whatever I didn't know, I just looked it up, and the solution was right there in the book. If you've never used or owned a synth before, you can: * Ask the place you're buying it from for help * Purchase a tutorial video (if available) * Read each section of each chapter in the manual(s) carefully and practice applying what you've learned on the synth itself * Go to the Synthzone (sponsored by Yamaha I believe) on the Internet and go online to chat in a discussion forum. There are some people there that know the Motif XS very well... * Scour the Internet for other support sites.

Support:
I have not had to deal with them as of yet, and I have owned the Motif XS for over a year. I did have to contact Yamaha regarding another product, and it took them a while to respond. However, this is a review for the Motif XS...

Overall:
I will be buried with this thing unless I find something better.

Feature:
The board is loaded and the color LCD makes navigation a snap. It takes a while to get acclimated to some of the menu structures, but ultimately, its a breeze to get around. My only hope was that in future OS updates, they add mouse functionality. But even without this navigation is still impressive! I wish the metronome had a tap feature. It sucks sometimes having to twist the job wheel to match the count with a groove I might have in my head [I often lose valuable seconds as my inspiration can sometimes escape me if I take too long to transfer it to the board.]

Quality:
Tank you very much! It has a solid build. I wish the rubber feet were a bit more secured, but nothing a screwdriver can't fix. Just don't strip the threads on the plastic screw. The transport buttons can take a pounding and the keys on the xs6 and xs7 feel great. I actually don't like the feel of the hammer action keys...plus, they don't rebound quick enough for drum rolls.

Value:
It hurt my pockets initially, but I got over it! The ease of use and instant access to recording inspiration is priceless.

Desirability:
I interact with it every day, even if its just to playback any projects I've worked on it! I always give the board facetime as I never know when I might be inspired to create my next hit!

Sound:
The sound patches seem limitless! I spend 95% of my time in pattern mode and I always seem to find new sounds every time I begin producing a new song!

Ease of Use:
Initially read the Roland Fantom manual inside out. Spent hours on it at Guitar Center [Note: someone had screwed something up on the display Motif XS and I could never get it to work!], but when I walked in ready to make my purchase something told me to get the Motif. 15 minutes after I got it home I was sequencing my first beat without reading the manual! It was so easy to use a caveman probably could actually do it!

Support:
Never had to call anything in. The website is intuitive and offers software updates for both the board and Cubase AI4. I wish there was a more cliff's notes version for setting up with Cubase. The manual gives you a snippet, but leaves too many questions on the table. I eventually had to resort to searching through forums before I found out how to fully configure my rig!

Overall:
This will be the heart of my operation for years to come! It offers an enormous amount of expansion options.

Feature:
The best of everything, especially computer connectivity. If you're looking for a synth/workstation to interface with Cubase, Sonar, Digital Performer, etc. this one has it all: firewire (standard on 88 key, $250 approx. option on 76 & 61 key models), network cable, USB, SPDIF, MIDI, and analog stereo. Transmits audio and MIDI via firewire to and from the DAW.

Quality:
Sturdy feeling and playing. Built like a tank.

Value:
We considered buying the Roland Fantom X6 but the extensive computer connectivity was not comparable to the MOTIF. The Roland has only half the memory capability of the Motif for sampling and audio. 512mb vs. 1,024mb. For live performance the Roland may have the edge on operational simplicity.

Desirability:
Got it. Impressive looks, feel, and functionality. More features than you'll ever use.

Sound:
It literally takes HOURS to listen to all the great built-in sounds. And since Yamaha now owns Steinberg the interaction between the MOTIF and CUBASE is tight and fully integrated. For those involved in creating AND recording music this pairing would be tough to beat.

Ease of Use:
For seasoned synth players, no sweat. If you're new to synth/workstations the manual is a great help as well as extensive online resources at YamahaSynth.com

Support:
You won't need it, but Yamaha support has always been substantial for other Yamaha products we own.

Overall:
For songwriters, arrangers, producers, and especially those who record, edit, and mix/master via computer, the MOTIF is the best choice by far. It will inspire, challenge, and enable your creativity.