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Average Price: $1,207

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$1501+

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Description

Step into a world where creativity knows no bounds with the Motif XS, a powerhouse synthesizer designed for musicians who demand versatility and exceptional sound quality. Balancing cutting-edge technology with intuitive controls, the Motif XS offers a seamless experience for both studio work and live performances. With its 128-note polyphony, this synthesizer ensures that your compositions are rich, full, and never limited by dropped notes. Its expansive sound library offers over 1,000 presets, along with a diverse range of instruments and effects, making it a perfect fit for any genre, from electronic to orchestral.

The Motif XS isn't just about quantity; it's about quality. The sounds are crafted with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that each note resonates with authenticity. Whether you're layering complex arrangements or improvising on the fly, the Motif XS responds with precision and flair. With 88 full-sized keys, you have the tactile feedback and expressiveness needed to bring your musical ideas to life.

For those looking to expand their creative horizons, the onboard sampling and sequencing capabilities provide a robust platform for crafting unique compositions. The user-friendly interface, complete with a large LCD screen, makes navigation a breeze, allowing you to focus on what really matters: the music.

Key Features:

  • 128-note polyphony for complex arrangements
  • 88 full-sized keys for authentic playability
  • Over 1,000 high-quality presets and sounds
  • Advanced sampling and sequencing capabilities
  • Intuitive interface with a large LCD screen
  • Comprehensive library covering all music genres

Product specs

Brand Yamaha
Model Motif XS 8 Production Synthesizer
Finish Gray
Year 2000s
Categories Keyboard Synths, Workstation Keyboards
Analog / Digital Digital
Key Size Full Size
Keyboard Action Weighted
MIDI I/O MIDI Input, MIDI Output, USB MIDI
Number of Keys 88 Keys
Polyphony 128 Voices

FAQs

Is the Yamaha Motif XS suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Yamaha Motif XS is well-suited for live performances due to its 88 weighted keys, robust sound engine, and user-friendly interface, making it ideal for dynamic stage use.

Does the Yamaha Motif XS support MIDI connectivity?

The Yamaha Motif XS supports MIDI connectivity with both MIDI Input and Output ports, as well as USB MIDI, allowing seamless integration with other MIDI-capable devices and software.

What is the polyphony of the Yamaha Motif XS?

The Yamaha Motif XS offers 128-voice polyphony, enabling complex layering and sequencing without note dropouts, which is essential for professional music production and performance.

How does the Yamaha Motif XS handle sound synthesis?

The Yamaha Motif XS is a digital synthesizer that provides a wide range of sounds and effects, suitable for various music genres, thanks to its advanced sound engine and extensive waveform memory.

What type of keyboard action does the Yamaha Motif XS have?

The Yamaha Motif XS features a full-size, 88-key weighted keyboard, offering a realistic piano-like feel that enhances playability for both live and studio settings.

Yamaha Global

Yamaha Global

Bert Smorenburg and the Yamaha MOTIF XS

Video thumbnail for Bert Smorenburg and the Yamaha MOTIF XS by Yamaha Global

Bert Smorenburg and the Yamaha MOTIF XS

Yamaha Global

Yamaha Global

Video thumbnail for Stevie Wonder plays the Motif XS at  Winter NAMM 07 by nonamenothing2

Stevie Wonder plays the Motif XS at Winter NAMM 07

nonamenothing2

nonamenothing2

Video thumbnail for Yamaha Motif XS6 Performance Sounds | No Talking | by DKS SYNTH LAB

Yamaha Motif XS6 Performance Sounds | No Talking |

DKS SYNTH LAB

DKS SYNTH LAB

Video thumbnail for Yamaha Motif XS 8 Voices by Said Davlatov

Yamaha Motif XS 8 Voices

Said Davlatov

Said Davlatov

Video thumbnail for YAMAHA MOTIF XS 6/7/8  -  ANO 2007  - (FACTORY SOUNDS) - REVIEW by TIAGO MALLEN #motif #yamahamotif by Tiago Mallen

YAMAHA MOTIF XS 6/7/8 - ANO 2007 - (FACTORY SOUNDS) - REVIEW by TIAGO MALLEN #motif #yamahamotif

Tiago Mallen

Tiago Mallen

Video thumbnail for YellowChops - Yamaha Motif XS/XF Advance Features Showcase by yellowchopstv

YellowChops - Yamaha Motif XS/XF Advance Features Showcase

yellowchopstv

yellowchopstv

Video thumbnail for Yamaha Motif XS Expand your world by Andrea Pavanello

Yamaha Motif XS Expand your world

Andrea Pavanello

Andrea Pavanello

Video thumbnail for LIVE YAMAHA MOTIF XS (MOTIF É MOTIF O RESTO É O RESTO HEHEHE)  COM TIAGO MALLEN #tecladista by Tiago Mallen

LIVE YAMAHA MOTIF XS (MOTIF É MOTIF O RESTO É O RESTO HEHEHE) COM TIAGO MALLEN #tecladista

Tiago Mallen

Tiago Mallen

Video thumbnail for Motif  XS 8 - 2023 by Studio Keys Caxias do sul RS

Motif XS 8 - 2023

Studio Keys Caxias do sul RS

Studio Keys Caxias do sul RS

Video thumbnail for Yamaha Motif XS - Stage & Studio Easy Sounds Performance part.1 by Musicman World

Yamaha Motif XS - Stage & Studio Easy Sounds Performance part.1

Musicman World

Musicman World

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Motif XS.

Comparisons

  • The MX49 lacks two power acoustic snare drum kits and about 40 power guitar/bass voices compared to the Motif XS.

    Source
  • Users have found the MX49's sound to be thinner and less rich compared to older synths like the Ensoniq SQ and Korg Wavestation.

    Source

Build quality

  • The MX49 has been criticized for its low-quality keyboard feel, described as worse than some Casio models.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • MX49 offers a 16-part multi-timbral performance mode, but editing is limited to basic synth parameters.

    Source
  • Despite sharing voices with the Motif XS, the MX49 has significantly less wave ROM and lacks a sequencer.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The MX49 is favored for its portability and compact design, making it a suitable choice for capturing ideas on the go.

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Alan Parsons uses Motif XS

Alan Parsons

Guitarist, Keyboardist

The Alan Parsons Project

...
Verified via Guitarcenter

"Keyboards and synths have always played a huge role in Alan’s music, and many Motif sounds are essential to performing his classic hits with the Alan Parsons Live Project, as he proceeded to sit at the Motif XS to demonstrate. He punched up the factory patch Nu Phasing, telling us “This is the Clav sound I use on ‘I Robot.’” Switching to Sweet Flute, he said, “Here’s a sort of signature sound from ‘Pyschobabble’ off of Eye in the Sky,” then played the 12-note chiff flute riff that famously answers the vocal. Of course, his biggest hit was that same album’s title track, led off by Wurlizter electric piano chords. “On the record, of course, it was an actual Wurlitzer, but the sound in the Motif is virtually indistinguishable.”"

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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