Total Posts: 52 Joined status: Experienced Just got a SUPER deal on a Motif XF6 last night.too good to be true, so I decided to make the leap from my XS6 to an XF6. Here’s my thoughts on it after 2-3 hours of playing with it---and keep in mind that I was one of those who was VERY disappointed in XF when Yamaha announced it: First of all, the weight of the XF6 is noticeably more to me than the XS6. This may just be my mind playing tricks on me, but lifting it up, there’s probably 5-10 pounds difference between the two synths. I suspect this is due to new or expanded hardware inside. Second, the keybed feels slightly different. I have to play it a little more forcefully to get the expression out of the XF as I do the XS. I’m thinking that’s probably just a setting, so I’ll get back to you on that one.

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Third, the plastic used to make the keys is thicker. This is a refreshing change of pace, as my Motif XS6 had keys made out of such thin, brittle plastic I had to replace cracked keys three times.

(This time, I sprung for a hard case as well, which should be a huge help over the GigSkinz softcase I used for my XS.) Fourth, the screen is much improved in its viewing angle. The XS screen is impossible to see if you’re not viewing it nearly directly-on, and if playing it outdoors in the sunlight, viewing becomes a real issue as well. Not so with the XF.I can clearly read that screen from pretty much any viewing angle without any issues. It also lights up very nicely in the dark.and in the sun! Yes, I actually set my XF and stand up on the deck in the glaring sunlight and could read the screen with no issues. Sound quality is--believe it or not--improved.

I wouldn’t call it an EPIC improvement--XS sounded freaking awesome, but noticeable enough to my ears that I enjoy listening to the sound of the XF over the XS. The sounds are fatter, and with less noise/artifacts.

The caliber of the effects seems to be greatly improved as well, especially in the Chorus/Reverb areas. The Flash RAM is big. It’s SO NICE to be able to have my samples immediately available upon powering up. Granted, I don’t use my Motif for much sample-based stuff (I rely on my Fantom Gs for that.they are easier to use in that respect), but the sample-based material I loaded was ready to rock right away. Not so with the XS. The new presets are nice.none of them are any that I absolutely HAVE to have, but I always welcome new sounds!

The few OS improvements I played with (Tap tempo, etc.) are a welcome addition as well. I REALLY look forward to being able to transfer over all my XS settings to my XF with no hitches or glitches! That’s gonna be a major timesaver! I’m more versed in using the Fantom G and Triton Extreme than I am the Motif, but I grow more and more each and every day.

What Yamaha has accomplished in the XF is commendable. XS users may or may not find the improvements worth the price to upgrade, but I only paid $400 to move up to XF6 after selling my XS6, so I’m not going to whine about $400. (I got mine for cost through Guitar Center, so I did insanely well.) I intend to sell my XF6 and move up to an XF7 when they become more readily available, but for now the XF6 is exceeding my expectations. On the negative side, I DO have to complain about the archaic architecture that Yamaha uses in the Motif. Again, only 4 patches in Performance Mode is unacceptable, as is the fact patches cut off when switching in Performance Mode. I realize this can be overcome in the Mixing Mode, but there is NO EXCUSE for me to have to use the sequencer functions to achieve this when I’m playing live! Master Mode is also unnecessary.my hopes are that Yamaha combines the functions of Master, Mixing, and Performance Modes into Performance Mode.

Let’s face it, everyone else is doing it (or heading in) that way, so it’s time Yamaha steps into the new millenium and makes their synths a little easier to use. A bigger screen and some velocity pads would be much appreciated as well. Lastly, while I appreciate Yamaha giving us the extra User Bank, its purpose is defeated by Yamaha’s filling it up with the extra 128 presets. All in all, I’m impressed with the XF. It’s a nice improvement that hints at what the future may bring (Flash RAM), while showcasing the awesome power that is the Motif. I applaud Yamaha, and encourage Motif Classic and ES users to move up to the XF.it’s a no-brainer.

XS users, your mileage may vary, but in all honesty, playing the XF in the music store did little for me. I had to take it home and really play with it in my studio to REALLY notice/appreciate the improvements of XF over XS. I don’t regret my purchase one bit.

Total Posts: 482 Joined status: Enthusiast On the negative side, I DO have to complain about the archaic architecture that Yamaha uses in the Motif. Again, only 4 patches in Performance Mode is unacceptable, as is the fact patches cut off when switching in Performance Mode. I realize this can be overcome in the Mixing Mode, but there is NO EXCUSE for me to have to use the sequencer functions to achieve this when I’m playing live! Master Mode is also unnecessary.my hopes are that Yamaha combines the functions of Master, Mixing, and Performance Modes into Performance Mode.

Let’s face it, everyone else is doing it (or heading in) that way, so it’s time Yamaha steps into the new millenium and makes their synths a little easier to use. A bigger screen and some velocity pads would be much appreciated as well. Lastly, while I appreciate Yamaha giving us the extra User Bank, its purpose is defeated by Yamaha’s filling it up with the extra 128 presets. You are right because Korg abd Roland have had 8 for 10yrs now and Yamaha will still just be at 4 in 2011. All in all, I’m impressed with the XF. It’s a nice improvement that hints at what the future may bring (Flash RAM), while showcasing the awesome power that is the Motif.

I applaud Yamaha, and encourage Motif Classic and ES users to move up to the XF.it’s a no-brainer. XS users, your mileage may vary, but in all honesty, playing the XF in the music store did little for me. I had to take it home and really play with it in my studio to REALLY notice/appreciate the improvements of XF over XS. I don’t regret my purchase one bit. I don’t not need to buy or take a XF home to see or hear that it’s about the same as the XS. No better piano. Just 128 difference sounds but no better to me ok maybe very little better in sounds.

AK-Jake - 03 November 2010 11:01 AM.First of all, the weight of the XF6 is noticeably more to me than the XS6. This may just be my mind playing tricks on me, but lifting it up, there’s probably 5-10 pounds difference between the two synths.

I suspect this is due to new or expanded hardware inside Specifications from yamahasynth.com XS6 Weight 14.8kg (32.6 lbs.) XF6 Weight 15.1 kg (33.29 lb) About.3kg (11 oz.) heavier. Could be a “subliminal” difference to you owing to color & style differences between the two boards. Enjoy your XF!! AK-Jake - 03 November 2010 11:01 AM.First of all, the weight of the XF6 is noticeably more to me than the XS6. This may just be my mind playing tricks on me, but lifting it up, there’s probably 5-10 pounds difference between the two synths.

I suspect this is due to new or expanded hardware inside Specifications from yamahasynth.com XS6 Weight 14. Смотреть Гдз По Русскому Языку 9 Класс on this page. 8kg (32.6 lbs.) XF6 Weight 15.1 kg (33.29 lb) About.3kg (11 oz.) heavier. Could be a “subliminal” difference to you owing to color & style differences between the two boards. Enjoy your XF!! How can one feel 11 oz. So the XF6 is 11oz.

Better than the XS6 maybe the XS8 is heavier than the XF8 because of the MLAN which would make the XS8 better than the XF8. Total Posts: 179 Joined status: Pro I loved reading your review. It looked like you really made intelligent note of your problems and measured them to your needs. No crying and fussing and b*tching. I thought that the thin plastic keys were my own personal gripe but now I see how important that issue can be (My xs is a studio synth and it NEVER leaves the studio) I will tell you what baffles me is that Yamaha put a svga output on a tyros and not on the motif!

Now with the new touchscreen technology, usb monitor would have blown Korg and Roland away in the display field. I really felt funny when I first bought the unit because for such a powerful machine they had so many buttons. They took care of that by adding a usb Keyboard option imbedded in the software update. With that said, what would make the master mode killer is if you could program the f keys on the usb keyboard to do common repeative functions or use keystroke combinatons to call up templates (ie: tap the page up key to speed up the tempo) thanks for your informed input I will save your comments as a reference. Milari - 04 November 2010 07:51 PM I loved reading your review.

It looked like you really made intelligent note of your problems and measured them to your needs. No crying and fussing and b*tching. I thought that the thin plastic keys were my own personal gripe but now I see how important that issue can be (My xs is a studio synth and it NEVER leaves the studio) I will tell you what baffles me is that Yamaha put a svga output on a tyros and not on the motif! Now with the new touchscreen technology, usb monitor would have blown Korg and Roland away in the display field.

I really felt funny when I first bought the unit because for such a powerful machine they had so many buttons. They took care of that by adding a usb Keyboard option imbedded in the software update.

With that said, what would make the master mode killer is if you could program the f keys on the usb keyboard to do common repeative functions or use keystroke combinatons to call up templates (ie: tap the page up key to speed up the tempo) thanks for your informed input I will save your comments as a reference. That’s probably the only thing I like about the Fantom is that you can hook up a mouse. That makes editing a breeze and not a button pushing fest. I’m pretty sure touch screens and/or mouse or mice:) will be the standard soon. Total Posts: 39 Joined status: Regular AK-Jake, great review. This is the kind of stuff I need to read before I (potentially) take the plunge to the XF. Unfortunately, I have yet to come across an XF7 in any of the stores in my area (Sam Ash or GC) so it’s hard to do any kind of comparison with that model.

I did get to try out the XF8 and XF6 with and without headphones and although the voices are the same, they sounded just a little bit fuller/fatter on the XF. And several of the performances were “reworked” where they too sounded fatter. As an aside, I always look forward to reading the posts from Gospelmusicians and EMANALPHA (after BM, of course) as their comments always seem practical and honest. Jake, I think I’ll put you in that club too (lol). But I’m curious guys, you say the keys of the XF6 seem thicker than those on the XS6. If that’s the case, do you find it to be suitable for playing “piano” (as opposed to playing keyboard or organ voices)?

Would you miss not playing piano on an XF8? I ask because you guys sound like you got chops on piano and are players in the real sense. (I’m torn between the XF7 and XF8 - due to size and cost which will include a flash board). Milari - 04 November 2010 07:51 PM I loved reading your review. It looked like you really made intelligent note of your problems and measured them to your needs.

No crying and fussing and b*tching. I thought that the thin plastic keys were my own personal gripe but now I see how important that issue can be (My xs is a studio synth and it NEVER leaves the studio) I will tell you what baffles me is that Yamaha put a svga output on a tyros and not on the motif! Now with the new touchscreen technology, usb monitor would have blown Korg and Roland away in the display field. I really felt funny when I first bought the unit because for such a powerful machine they had so many buttons. They took care of that by adding a usb Keyboard option imbedded in the software update. With that said, what would make the master mode killer is if you could program the f keys on the usb keyboard to do common repeative functions or use keystroke combinatons to call up templates (ie: tap the page up key to speed up the tempo) thanks for your informed input I will save your comments as a reference.

That’s probably the only thing I like about the Fantom is that you can hook up a mouse. That makes editing a breeze and not a button pushing fest. I’m pretty sure touch screens and/or mouse or mice:) will be the standard soon.

I like the OS. Of the Fantom G, Mice, Big display, More Tracks, Midi/Audio tracks all cool But sounds are not good at all that come inside the board you need to buy $399 to $599 XPands boards too get what comes inside ES,XS or XF. Youdog - 03 November 2010 08:50 PM On the negative side, I DO have to complain about the archaic architecture that Yamaha uses in the Motif. Again, only 4 patches in Performance Mode is unacceptable, as is the fact patches cut off when switching in Performance Mode.

I realize this can be overcome in the Mixing Mode, but there is NO EXCUSE for me to have to use the sequencer functions to achieve this when I’m playing live! Master Mode is also unnecessary.my hopes are that Yamaha combines the functions of Master, Mixing, and Performance Modes into Performance Mode.

Let’s face it, everyone else is doing it (or heading in) that way, so it’s time Yamaha steps into the new millenium and makes their synths a little easier to use. A bigger screen and some velocity pads would be much appreciated as well. Lastly, while I appreciate Yamaha giving us the extra User Bank, its purpose is defeated by Yamaha’s filling it up with the extra 128 presets. You are right because Korg abd Roland have had 8 for 10yrs now and Yamaha will still just be at 4 in 2011.

All in all, I’m impressed with the XF. It’s a nice improvement that hints at what the future may bring (Flash RAM), while showcasing the awesome power that is the Motif. I applaud Yamaha, and encourage Motif Classic and ES users to move up to the XF.it’s a no-brainer. XS users, your mileage may vary, but in all honesty, playing the XF in the music store did little for me.

I had to take it home and really play with it in my studio to REALLY notice/appreciate the improvements of XF over XS. I don’t regret my purchase one bit. I don’t not need to buy or take a XF home to see or hear that it’s about the same as the XS. No better piano. Just 128 difference sounds but no better to me ok maybe very little better in sounds. I actually like Master mode.use it to organize the voices, performances and songs I use in live performance.

However, I have to say if one plans to use it, getting John Mela’s Master Editor is a MUST.makes it SUPER easy to organize/relabel how you want them to appear. Total Posts: 52 Joined status: Experienced Thanks for the props, folks. I tried to stay positive, objective, and open-minded. The XF IS a promising machine, whether or not it’s for you is obviously a personal matter. Rajaman, as a former Juilliard-educated concert pianist, I REALLY like weighted keybeds. That being said, I despise the grueling weight associated with those keyboards, so I’ll gladly trade the grueling weight for a less-expressive synth-action keybed. The XF 6 is great for organs/synths, and you can do pretty well on it with piano sounds, but you won’t be nearly as expressive as you would be with weighted keys.

I’ve discovered, however, that in bar bands, no one cares how expressive your piano sounds are.people just want to drink, dance, and have fun. When I record with the XF, I MIDI it through my Roland Fantom G8 for expressive sounds. And regarding the weight differences between the XS and XF, yep.only 11 ounces difference. However, I swear it feels like it’s more! Subliminal, I guess.

Motif XF USB-MIDI Quick Setup Guide for Windows What you can do: USB is MIDI only between the Motif XF and the computer, you can do all things possible with a MIDI multi-port connection: • Record and Edit MIDI data to a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) software, like Cubase • The 'Score' feature allows you to do music notation • Work with the Motif XF Editor Standalone/VST • Manage and Edit your sounds Install “Cubase AI” on your computer. A free copy of Cubase AI (or download Access Code) was provided with the original purchase of a Motif XF. Installing, activating and registering your copy is well worth the effort. Download and Install the following software by going to the Motif XF download site. Download and install the latest “Motif XF Extensions version 1.1.1” (or later) Download and install the latest 'Motif XF Editor Standalone/VST version 1.6.4' (or later) Download and install the 'Yamaha USB-MIDI driver' version for your particular computer type; there are different versions for 32-bit and 64-bit operating systems. Current is “Yamaha USB-MIDI driver version 3.1.3” (or later) Because the editor uses multiple ports to connect with the Motif XF, you MUST use either USB (or Firewire) to utilize the editors. Translation: Regular 5-pin MIDI cables will not work.

Connect via USB Connect the Motif XF to your computer via USB. Set the Motif XF to MIDI IN/OUT = USB • Press [UTILITY] • Press [F5] CONTROL • Press [SF2] MIDI • Set MIDI IN/OUT = USB • Press [STORE] to write this to your Flash ROM Launch Cubase AI • Click DEVICES • Select DEVICE SETUP • Under the “MIDI” folder highlight “MIDI PORT SETUP” • You should see your Motif XF(x): Example below uses a Motif XF7 • Select Motif XF(x)-1 as the “In ‘All Inputs’” (where ‘x’ is your Motif XF model 6, 7 or 8) Additionally, you may mark port 3 (as shown) if you have another MIDI controller connected to the Motif XF’s MIDI IN jack. You do not have to worry about the “State” (Active/Inactive) as this is only a current status report.

You do not want to have Yamaha Motif XF7 Port 2 marked in the IN ALL INPUTS column as this is reserved for REMOTE CONTROL functions. If you have another controller keyboard plugged into the MIDI IN jack of the XS, you could possibly activate Port 3. The “In ‘ALL INPUT’” function is for your keyboard or MIDI controllers only.

• Under the “Remote Devices” folder highlight “Yamaha Motif XF” If it does not appear click on the big “+” symbol in the upper left and ADD the “Yamaha Motif XF” device. • Set it to Port 2 (YAMAHA MOTIF XF7 Port2) for both MIDI IN and MIDI OUT If you are using an audio interface connect that now under the “VST Audio System”. Your audio interface maybe different or you may not yet have one at all use the driver that is appropriate for your interface. If you are only recording MIDI you do not need an audio interface (in which case you can skip this step). • Click APPLY • Click OK Setup the Motif XF Editor (Standalone) The version of the EDITOR after 1. Dell Sata Ahci Driver here. 6.0 can be run as a 'standalone' Editor which means without a host DAW, or it can be run inside your DAW if it is VST3 compatible. To launch it as a 'standalone' simply double click its icon in your APPs area or drag a copy of the icon into your START field for quick access.

Again you would only use this in Standalone mode when you want to EDIT your Motif XF and do not want to launch your DAW, or if your DAW is not able to run VST3 Plug-ins. The SETUP screen for Standalone operation is slightly different from the SETUP screen for VST use (Both are shown below) Double click the Motif XF icon and the Motif XF VST graphic interface opens: • Click on FILE >SETUP on the Motif XF Editor toolbar Here you want to setup the communication between the Motif XF and the Editor. • Select USB as the DATA PORT • Set the DETAIL = ON Make settings for Port 1 and Port 4. The USB connection requires a two-way, two port communication. Port 1: Motif X7 Port 1 for both MIDI IN and MIDI OUT Port 4: Motif XF7 Port 4 for both MIDI IN and MIDI OUT To launch the Editor as VSTi (within CUBASE) Launch Cubase first.

Go to DEVICES >VST INSTRUMENTS >click on a space “no instrument”, select EXTERNAL >Motif XF VST You will be asked if you want to create a MIDI Track assigned to this plug-in. When this is done you can navigate to the FILE >SETUP screen Next you make a decision about the direction of communication. There are two things to consider: • When you open a New Project in Cubase, how do you want the Editor to behave? • When you open a previously saved Project, how do you want the Editor to behave?

Typically, when you create a New Project you will want the Editor to clear a new MIX for you. Therefore you will want to have data sent FROM the Editor TO the Motif XF. When you are restoring a previously saved Cubase Project you will want the Editor to send your saved data back to the Motif XF. Therefore you will want to have data sent FROM the Editor TO the Motif XF.

As you can see I have the Auto Sync Setting set to CURRENT = PC >Motif XF This is so that the Total Recall will send the Current MIX from the computer to the Motif XF when I open a Cubase Project. Restoring my Mix to my Motif XF. It will do the same thing when I create a New Project.

I have the VOICE option set to OFF, as I don’t often need to reload all the User Voices (but you can set this as your prefer). If set to ON, then the Editor can restore all your USER1, USER2, USER3, USER4 and USER Drum Kit Voices to your Motif XF each time. It is your choice.

Since Voice data always remains in the memory of your Motif XF hardware, there is really no reason to restore the Voices data at each re synchronization. Being that it only happens on the rare occasion, we recommend leaving the VOICE option = Off. Auto Start is ON Set the USER INTERFACE SETTING as you prefer. The Keyboard Velocity function when set to “FREE” will change how loud the note plays by where on the keyboard icon KEY you click. This is pretty cool • Click OK On the main Motif XF Editor screen you want to make sure that the Editor is ONLINE. A bright dot appears next to ONLINE when you are communicating.

In the left upper corner you will see the Modes: VOICE, SONG and PATTERN followed by the 'ONLINE' radio button. Communication is bi-directional and simultaneous so selecting the mode here will change your hardware and vice- versa. The ONLINE option has 3 status conditions.

It will read either: *ONLNE w/dot – This means you are communicating and all is well *OFFLINE w/ dot – you are temporarily offline but all is well OFFLINE – you have trouble. Please check your connections The OFFLINE w/dot indicator is important because you will at some point need to make changes on the hardware and not have the software follow you. This can occur when you are looking for a SONG or PATTERN already in the Motif XF – the Editor will attempt to synchronize each time you scroll through a song. Therefore it is useful to click this option when you want to temporarily break communication. You can click ON and OFFLINE as necessary. If you change modes and go to VOICE mode or to PERFORMANCE mode on the Motif XF hardware front panel, the Motif XF Editor will go temporarily *OFFLINE w/dot. On the Toolbar of the Motif XF Editor you will see the BULK option.

This is what you use to request a bulk to (Transmit) or from (Receive) the Motif XF. You can select the Current MIX, and any of the USER Banks or ALL of the USER Banks. This is significant because you will want to keep a backup of the current LIBRARY loaded into your hardware at the time of this Project. Do not change your preference in the FILE >SETUP >AUTO SYNC SETTING – when you need to send or receive data from the Motif XF use this BULK option. This is what it is designed for. Click BULK >DATA SYNC Highlight 'Receive' Check the attributes you wish to capture Click OK to execute. This data will be bundled and Saved.

If you are running in 'Stand alone' mode, save a Motif XF Editor file (.X3A) If you are running as 'VST' the XF data will automatically be saved and bundled with the host DAW's Project file. In Cubase this will be a (.CPR) type file. • In Cubase AI click on the FILE option • Select 'NEW PROJECT' • Select 'EMPTY' You can use any of the pre-made Templates or you can create your own. Ultimately, you will want to create your own once you develop a preference of how you like to work.

Cubase will ask you to select a directory for your Project. You can 'create' a folder or simply target one you have made previously. Next you will create a track layout. This will be your own personal preference. For our example we will create a Track setup with 8 MIDI Tracks (you can set as many as you require).

Remember you can easily add tracks or remove tracks in Cubase by simply right clicking and using the ADD TRACK or REMOVE TRACK option. • Right click and select 'ADD TRACK' >MIDI • Make the Track Count 8 • Click OK Each of the eight tracks will be set to 'All MIDI Input' and as we know this is the Motif XF port 1. Each of the eight tracks will be routed out to the Yamaha Motif XF, and each will be on a successively higher MIDI channel. Next click on FILE >SAVE AS TEMPLATE. Name the template something descriptive. I named mine 'Motif XF USB 8 MIDI'.

It reminds me that this template is for when I'm working with the Motif XF (in my studio I need this information). I include USB in the description because this template will configure my connections via USB; I have a separate template for when I am working with the firewire connection. The '8 MIDI' reminds me how many tracks are in this template and what type of tracks. As you get to know your working habits you can refine you Template. You can even pre-select VOICES for the PARTS, if you desire. If you are using a particular Audio Interface, you can select the output assignments for your XF PARTS. For example, if you are not using audio, or you are connected to an external audio interface via two 1/4' cables, you will want to set the OUTPUT SELECT parameter for each Part = L&R (the individual outputs are for those using the optional FireWire connection.

Try out your TEMPLATE Click WINDOW and select 'Close All' • Go to FILE >New Project. • Click on your new Template • Select a directory for this project • Click OK to launch your Template It will recall your USB connections, your REMOTE Settings, your audio interface settings; recall the hardware configuration, recall the MIDI connections, and recall the Current Mix and Voices if you included them. It will then ask you if want to restore this to your hardware. Why this extra step? Because at some point you may actually start a project in the Motif XF – say you have a quick idea and want to get it down fast. Later you say I'd like to continue my work in Cubase rather than having the Editor automatically blow away your hardware settings, you get this screen that lets you verify that you want to go FROM or TO the Hardware. If you have done a setup in the Motif XF and you want to have the Editor capture it: simply select 'FROM HARDWARE' option.

If you want to send your basic start up template select the 'TO HARDWARE' option. You can customize these instructions to your own preferences. Perhaps you always start with a particular Drum Kit, Bass sound and Keyboard sound; you can make your TEMPLATE that includes the Motif XF Editor with the Voices you like already programmed and assigned to the appropriate outputs.

Advantage and Conclusion The Studio Connection: Recall protocol allows you to store and recall your external hardware settings in your Cubase Project File. The Editor will memorize every setting on the external hardware you were using on a Project, it will store not only the Voice list but also the entire mix. That is, every parameter you use, and every Voice in your Motif XF, per project. This is total recall.