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Average Price: $500

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$500

$1501+

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Description

The Yamaha Motif 7 is a versatile powerhouse that seamlessly blends the world of classic and modern music production. With 76 keys, this synth offers musicians an expansive playground to explore their creativity, whether you're composing intricate orchestral scores or crafting the latest pop hit. It's not just a synthesizer; it's a sampler, rompler, virtual analog machine, sequencer, and arranger—all rolled into one sophisticated package.

Designed to be the ultimate workstation, the Motif 7 is equipped to handle the demands of both live performance and studio production. Its extensive sound libraries cover a wide range of genres, ensuring you’ll always find the right tone for your musical journey. The polyphony stands at a robust 64, allowing you to layer sounds without missing a beat. With 348 presets and 128 user slots, this instrument offers both flexibility and depth, empowering musicians to customize their soundscapes to their heart's content.

The Motif 7 also shines as a community favorite among musicians who value its intuitive interface and powerful sequencing capabilities. Whether you're an experienced producer or a budding artist, this synthesizer offers a universe of possibilities waiting to be unlocked.

Key Features:

  • 76 keys for a wide playing range
  • 64-note polyphony for complex compositions
  • Comprehensive sound library for diverse genres
  • 348 presets + 48 kits with 128 user slots for customization
  • Integrated sampler, rompler, and virtual analog functionalities
  • Intuitive sequencer and arranger for streamlined music production

Product specs

Brand Yamaha
Model Motif 7 Production Synthesizer
Finish Gray
Year 2000s
Categories Keyboard Synths, Workstation Keyboards
Analog / Digital Digital
Key Size Full Size
Keyboard Action Synth Action
MIDI I/O MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through, USB MIDI
Number of Keys 76 Keys
Polyphony 62 Voices

FAQs

Is the Yamaha Motif 7 suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Yamaha Motif 7 is well-suited for live performances with its 76 full-size synth-action keys and robust sound engine, offering a wide range of sounds and real-time control options.

How does the Yamaha Motif 7 integrate with other MIDI devices?

The Yamaha Motif 7 features MIDI Input, Output, and Through ports, as well as USB MIDI, allowing seamless integration with other MIDI devices and computer-based music production systems.

What type of sound engine does the Yamaha Motif 7 use?

The Yamaha Motif 7 utilizes a digital sound engine capable of producing a wide array of sounds, making it versatile for various music genres and production needs.

How many voices of polyphony does the Yamaha Motif 7 have?

The Yamaha Motif 7 offers 62 voices of polyphony, enabling complex layering and rich, dynamic performances without note dropouts.

Does the Yamaha Motif 7 have weighted keys?

No, the Yamaha Motif 7 features synth-action keys, which are lighter and more responsive than weighted keys, making it ideal for fast playing styles and synthesizer techniques.

Tiago Mallen

Tiago Mallen

YAMAHA MOTIF 7 (CLASSIC) ANO: 2001 FACTORY SOUNDS by TIAGO MALLEN

Video thumbnail for YAMAHA MOTIF 7 (CLASSIC)  ANO: 2001 FACTORY SOUNDS by TIAGO MALLEN by Tiago Mallen

YAMAHA MOTIF 7 (CLASSIC) ANO: 2001 FACTORY SOUNDS by TIAGO MALLEN

Tiago Mallen

Tiago Mallen

Video thumbnail for The ORIGINAL Yamaha Motif (2001): Is It Worth It? by Alamo Music Sound Lab

The ORIGINAL Yamaha Motif (2001): Is It Worth It?

Alamo Music Sound Lab

Alamo Music Sound Lab

Video thumbnail for Yamaha Motif 7 Synth with sampling and potential upgrades by Gearfacts

Yamaha Motif 7 Synth with sampling and potential upgrades

Gearfacts

Gearfacts

Video thumbnail for Yamaha Motif classic 7 - my favorite patches by Daniele Vento (VENTO Disinfestazione)

Yamaha Motif classic 7 - my favorite patches

Daniele Vento (VENTO Disinfestazione)

Daniele Vento (VENTO Disinfestazione)

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha Motif 7.

Features and functionality

  • The Motif 7's aftertouch may not be pre-assigned to patches, requiring manual configuration in the settings.

    Source
  • The Motif 7's sequencer is multitimbral with 16 channels, each track sending to its assigned channel by default, allowing complex MIDI setups.

    Source
  • The Motif 7 can be used to sequence other synths if they have a 5-pin MIDI input; a MIDI Thru box can facilitate connections to multiple synths.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Factory reset can resolve issues with aftertouch by resetting MIDI filters or previous owner settings.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Verifying aftertouch functionality can be done by connecting the Motif 7 to MIDI-OX or similar utilities to check transmission.

    Source
  • Using the Motif 7 with USB on modern OS can be challenging; a USB MIDI interface and software like Cantabile or Mainstage may be required.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners appreciate the weighted keys on the Motif, which can enhance playing expression and provide a different experience when used with other synths.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Sequencing older saved pieces from the Motif's sequencer can yield new creative possibilities when connected to modern synths like the Hydrasynth Explorer.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Yamaha Motif 7

soundonsound.com

Yamaha's Motif 7 shines as a comprehensive workstation, boasting a robust feature set that blends synthesis, sampling, and sequencing seamlessly. Its strong integration with computers and versatile sequencing options make it a standout, delivering a rich and impressive sound. However, the display is less sophisticated compared to competitors, and the initial sample RAM is limited to 4MB, with expansion quirks. Despite minor ergonomic issues, its innovative features and powerful effects make it a compelling choice for musicians looking for a versatile and integrated music production solution. Overall, the Motif 7 is a winner in the workstation category.

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Paul 'Wix' Wickens uses Yamaha Motif 7

Paul 'Wix' Wickens

Singer, Keyboardist

Paul McCartney (Live Band)

...
Verified via KeyboardMag

"I have an old Yamaha Motif 7. I do use a couple sounds out of that still, but mainly that’s a controller."

See how Gary Corbett uses Yamaha Motif 7

Gary Corbett

Singer, Keyboardist

Kiss

...
Verified via Photo

Gary Corbett is confirmed to use a Yamaha Motif 7, as shown in a photograph.

See how Magnus Holmberg uses Yamaha Motif 7

Magnus Holmberg

Keyboardist

Darkwater

...
Verified via YouTube

At the 29-second mark of Darkwater's "The Play - II" music video, Magnus Holmberg is clearly seen using a Yamaha Motif 7 keyboard. This can be verified from the official music video provided by Ulterium Records on YouTube.

See how Adi Adrian uses Yamaha Motif 7

Adi Adrian

Keyboardist

KLa Project

...
Verified via Instagram

During a performance with Sarah Fajira at the Jakarta International Velodrome on June 25, as part of the "SOULFEST Soul Of Love" concert, Adi Adrian is seen using a Yamaha Motif 7. This is confirmed by a video posted by kla_project on Instagram.

Album Usage

The Yamaha Motif 7 has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

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

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Yamaha Motif 7, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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1
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Apple MainStage 3 Music Software
1
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1

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