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Average Price: $600

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$500

$1501+

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Description

The Yamaha Motif 8 is the quintessential tool for modern musicians seeking an all-in-one powerhouse. Merging 88 fully-weighted keys with an impressive array of features, this flagship synthesizer offers an expansive soundscape for both studio and live performances. With its robust sampling capabilities, the Motif 8 stands as a versatile sampler, rompler, virtual analog synth, and sequencer. Whether your genre is orchestral or pop, the Motif 8's extensive sound libraries ensure you stay ahead of the curve, offering everything from lush strings to cutting-edge synth leads.

Designed for creativity and ease of use, the Motif 8 comes with intuitive controls and a user-friendly interface, making it accessible for musicians at any level. Its 64-note polyphony and diverse presets provide the flexibility needed to craft complex arrangements, while the onboard sequencer and arranger functions allow you to construct entire songs directly from the keyboard. Whether you're a composer, performer, or producer, the Yamaha Motif 8 empowers you to bring your musical visions to life.

Key Features:

  • 88 fully-weighted keys for authentic piano feel
  • 64-note polyphony for intricate sound layering
  • Comprehensive sound library covering various genres
  • Integrated sequencer and arranger for full song production
  • User-friendly interface and intuitive controls
  • Extensive sampling capabilities with onboard memory
  • Robust build quality suitable for both studio and live environments

Product specs

Brand Yamaha
Model Motif 8 Production Synthesizer
Finish Gray
Year 2000s
Made In Japan
Categories Keyboard Synths, Workstation Keyboards
Analog / Digital Digital
Key Size Full Size
Keyboard Action Weighted
MIDI I/O MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through, USB MIDI
Number of Keys 88 Keys
Polyphony 62 Voices

FAQs

What type of keyboard action does the Yamaha Motif 8 have?

The Yamaha Motif 8 features a weighted keyboard action, providing a realistic piano feel that is ideal for both studio and live performance settings.

How many keys does the Yamaha Motif 8 have?

The Yamaha Motif 8 is equipped with 88 full-size keys, offering a complete range similar to a traditional acoustic piano.

What is the polyphony capability of the Yamaha Motif 8?

The Yamaha Motif 8 offers 62 voices of polyphony, allowing for complex layering and intricate performances without note dropouts.

Does the Yamaha Motif 8 support MIDI connectivity?

Yes, the Yamaha Motif 8 supports MIDI connectivity, featuring MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through, and USB MIDI, making it versatile for integration with other MIDI-compatible equipment.

Is the Yamaha Motif 8 suitable for live performances?

The Yamaha Motif 8 is well-suited for live performances, thanks to its weighted keys, robust sound engine, and extensive MIDI connectivity options, ensuring versatility and expressiveness on stage.

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redjetfirebird

Yamaha Motif 8 For Sale

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Yamaha Motif 8 For Sale

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redjetfirebird

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha Motif 8.

Value and pricing

  • It's generally considered worth $400 max for a good condition unit, offering a mix of usable and less desirable sounds.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Some suggest alternatives like the Yamaha SY77/99 for more character or the Yamaha CS6x for its keybed and sound value.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Suitable for home use and creating simple songs, though not the most advanced option available.

    Source
  • Users have successfully connected the Motif 8 to synths like the Hydrasynth Explorer, revealing new creative possibilities with stored sequences.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Users highlight the importance of installing the correct USB MIDI driver for the Motif 8 to ensure proper connection with DAWs on a Mac.

    Source
  • When using a USB MIDI interface, ensure MIDI out connects to MIDI in on the Motif, as labeled connections may be counterintuitive.

    Source
  • The Motif 8 might not automatically appear in the Mac's Audio/MIDI setup without proper driver installation.

    Source
  • For USB MIDI connections, installing drivers is crucial for accessing multiple ports for in/out sequencing, enhancing the Motif 8's integration with modern setups.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The Motif 8 may require exiting Performance mode to function properly as a MIDI controller.

    Source
  • When connecting multiple synths, using a MIDI Thru box can simplify connections, converting a daisy chain into a more reliable star topology.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Motif 8's sequencer is multitimbral with 16 channels, allowing each track to send on its assigned channel, enhancing complex sequencing capabilities.

    Source
  • The Motif 8 does not support polyphonic aftertouch, but its weighted keys offer a different playing expression, beneficial for certain performance styles.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 4 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
cloudnine

a Legend

Unique and Sturdy, just like it's owner.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Stevie Wonder uses Yamaha Motif 8

Stevie Wonder

Singer, Drummer

U.S.A. for Africa

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, Wonder can be seen playing a Yamaha Motif 8.

See how Chick Corea uses Yamaha Motif 8

Chick Corea

Keyboardist

GRP All-Star Big Band

...
Verified via Yamaha

Chick Corea is listed as a Yamaha Artist, indicating his use of the Yamaha Motif 8 synthesizer.

See how David Paich uses Yamaha Motif 8

David Paich

Singer, Keyboardist

Toto

...
Verified via Photo

Picture of Paich's rig on display

See how Bo Burnham uses Yamaha Motif 8

Bo Burnham

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

in this live bo using the motif 8

See how Thomas Dolby uses Yamaha Motif 8

Thomas Dolby

Singer, Keyboardist

Bruce Woolley & The Camera Club

...
Verified via Photo

Pictured here with his Motif 8 on stage.

See how Matt Johnson uses Yamaha Motif 8

Matt Johnson

Keyboardist

Jamiroquai

...
Verified via SoundCloud

"And I’ve got a Yamaha Motif 8 keyboard as well, which is just a workhorse type thing." - Matt Johnson at 5:23. Original source.

See how Robert Glasper uses Yamaha Motif 8

Robert Glasper

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Robert Glasper Experiment

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo Robert Glasper is seen with a Motif 8.

See how Neil Cicierega uses Yamaha Motif 8

Neil Cicierega

Singer, Keyboardist

Lemon Demon

...
Verified via YouTube

Neil can clearly be seen in the Youmacon 2009 performance using a Yamaha Motif 8.

See how Ryan Leslie uses Yamaha Motif 8

Ryan Leslie

Singer, Keyboardist

...
Verified via YouTube

Ryan using the MOTIF8 in the studio

See how Jon Batiste uses Yamaha Motif 8

Jon Batiste

Singer, Keyboardist

The Late Show Band

...
Verified via YouTube

Jon Batiste can be seen playing his Yamaha Motif8 accompanied by the Stay Human band.

See how Mike Garson uses Yamaha Motif 8

Mike Garson

Keyboardist

Nine Inch Nails

...
Verified via Matthewagilbert

Garson's stage rig is elegant and powerful. His piano is a Yamaha GranTouch Disklavier digital piano. "They put a real piano action in there," says Garson. 'Feel is really important to me, and it feels right." Atop the GranTouch sits a Yamaha Motif 8, to the left of which are a fully pumped-up Kurzweil K2600 and the remote for an offstage KSP-8 effects processor. A pair of M-Audio BX8 monitors flank the piano and on its music rack is a Freehand Music Pad Pro, which holds Garson's charts. Yamaha P90 and Kurzweil PC2 digital pianos are placed offstage.

See how Marcos Valle uses Yamaha Motif 8

Marcos Valle

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

In a live set at the 50th Southport Weekender, Marcos Valle is seen using the Yamaha Motif 8, as shown in a video by UK Music History on YouTube.

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 8, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

Show yours
mike_pyne

mike_pyne

Gear IQ 165

1 alternative for Yamaha Motif 8, curated by the Equipboard community.

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