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Description

Unlock your musical potential with the Yamaha MOTIF ES6 61-Key Music Production Synthesizer, a true powerhouse for composers and performers alike. Building on the legacy of the acclaimed original Motif series, this synthesizer seamlessly blends advanced sequencing and arranging capabilities with an extensive sampler and synth library, making it an indispensable tool for crafting complete musical compositions. Whether you're scoring a film or producing the next big pop hit, the MOTIF ES6 has you covered with its versatile sound palette, which spans genres from cinematic soundscapes to modern beats.

The 61-key keyboard offers a tactile and responsive experience, perfect for expressive performances. With its 128-note polyphony, you'll never run out of voices, allowing for lush, layered sounds and complex arrangements. Dive into a world of sonic exploration with a comprehensive collection of 768 presets, 64 kits, and the ability to store your own creations with 384 user presets and 32 user kits. Its onboard memory also supports an array of 128 performances and 128 multis, ensuring that you have everything you need to bring your musical ideas to life.

Yamaha's MOTIF ES6 is not just an instrument; it's a creative partner. Its user-friendly interface and powerful features make it an excellent choice for both seasoned professionals and aspiring musicians eager to elevate their productions.

Key Features:

  • 61-key velocity-sensitive keyboard
  • 128-note polyphony for complex arrangements
  • 768 preset sounds and 64 preset drum kits
  • 384 user presets and 32 user drum kits
  • 128 performances and 128 multis
  • Advanced sequencer and arranger capabilities
  • Extensive sampler and synth library

Product specs

Brand Yamaha
Model Motif ES 6 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 61 Keys
Polyphony 128 Voices

FAQs

Is the Yamaha MOTIF ES6 synthesizer suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Yamaha MOTIF ES6 is designed for both studio and live performance settings. It features a robust 61-key synth action keyboard and a wide array of sounds and effects, making it versatile for various musical styles on stage.

What kind of sounds can I create with the Yamaha MOTIF ES6?

The Yamaha MOTIF ES6 offers an extensive sound library with 1,024 voices and 65 drum kits. It features a Mega Voice system and an enhanced soundset with 1,859 waveforms, allowing you to create a wide range of realistic and dynamic sounds.

Does the Yamaha MOTIF ES6 have built-in effects?

Yes, the Yamaha MOTIF ES6 includes built-in effects with 20 reverb types, 49 chorus/delay types, and 8 mastering effects like multiband compression. It also features a 5-band master EQ for further sound shaping.

How does the Yamaha MOTIF ES6 integrate with other MIDI devices?

The Yamaha MOTIF ES6 offers comprehensive MIDI connectivity with MIDI Input, Output, and Through ports, as well as USB MIDI. This allows seamless integration with other MIDI devices and computer-based music production setups.

Is the Yamaha MOTIF ES6 synthesizer polyphonic?

Yes, the Yamaha MOTIF ES6 is polyphonic, supporting up to 128 voices simultaneously. This allows for complex layering and rich, full-sounding performances without note dropouts.

jarreau24

jarreau24

Neo groove on Motif ES6

Video thumbnail for Neo groove on Motif ES6 by jarreau24

Neo groove on Motif ES6

jarreau24

jarreau24

Video thumbnail for Yamaha Motif ES6 by Prospect Pawn

Yamaha Motif ES6

Prospect Pawn

Prospect Pawn

Video thumbnail for Evridika-dens (Yamaha Motif ES6) by Андрей Огоновский

Evridika-dens (Yamaha Motif ES6)

Андрей Огоновский

Андрей Огоновский

Video thumbnail for The Cure - Close to Me ( Cover ) - Yamaha Motif ES6 - Pattern Mode by zicoskywalker Music & Synthesizers

The Cure - Close to Me ( Cover ) - Yamaha Motif ES6 - Pattern Mode

zicoskywalker Music & Synthesizers

zicoskywalker Music & Synthesizers

Reviews

PROS

  • Competes with 2010s keyboards despite 2000s origins

  • Versatile for both studio and live play

  • Expansive sound library with downloadable patches

  • Ahead of its time, remains relevant years later

  • Massive polyphony and waveform memory options

  • Features like AWM2 tone generators and excellent sequencer

  • Sampler, A/D Audio inputs, and stereo inputs enhance functionality

  • mLAN compatibility for seamless software integration

CONS

  • Not suitable for beginners; steep learning curve

  • Sound cuts when changing voices can be disruptive

  • Complex sequencer may be difficult to master

Add

5.0 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 7 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
ezoterica

Nice Digital Workstation Good Dsp Efects

It's not a vintage synthesizer, but it has definitely earned a place in history! Originally released in 2001 by Yamaha, the Motif is a music workstation that really has it all and has grown over the years in polyphony and waveform memory with the ES (2003) and XS (2007) series. Its features include Yamaha's AWM2 tone generators, massive polyphony (62 to 128 notes), an excellent sequencer, a sampler, A/D Audio inputs, AIEB2, mLAN compatibility, and stereo inputs. Between the various models, it has anywhere from 84MB to 355MB of sounds for thousands of waveforms. Its mLAN compatibility works great with software programs.

mike916

One of the best sounding synths in the motif line

One of the best workstation synths ever! It was definitely ahead of its time and is still considered one of the greats even 15 years later!

From Gear Setup
norm_hartendorp

Motif ES6

Motif workstation which I had since 2003

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Prince uses Yamaha MOTIF ES6 61-Key Music Production Synthesizer

Prince

Singer, Guitarist

The New Power Generation

...
Verified via Twitter

we see the instrument, at prince's home studio in paisley park

See how A.R. Rahman uses Yamaha MOTIF ES6 61-Key Music Production Synthesizer

A.R. Rahman

Singer, Keyboardist

SuperHeavy

...
Verified via The Hans India

A.R. Rahman uses the Yamaha MOTIF ES6 61-Key Music Production Synthesizer for various live events, as mentioned in The Hans India article titled "A.R. Rahman gets encore on Tamil song in New York."

See how Eminem uses Yamaha MOTIF ES6 61-Key Music Production Synthesizer

Eminem

Singer, Rapper

D12

...
Verified via YouTube

Eminem can be seen pretending to play the Yamaha MOTIF ES6 at around the 2:00 mark of the following video [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d02bGkJzsVk].

See how Minoru Mukaiya uses Yamaha MOTIF ES6 61-Key Music Production Synthesizer

Minoru Mukaiya

Keyboardist

Casiopea

...
Verified via YouTube

We can see Minoru Mukaiya using a MOTIF ES6 on top of his other keyboards, which are presumably also the more flagship- like normal MOTIF 6 (not ES series). This can be seen at timestamp 2:15

See how Masafumi Takada uses Yamaha MOTIF ES6 61-Key Music Production Synthesizer

Masafumi Takada

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via goo blog

In a studio image available on the goo blog, the Yamaha MOTIF ES6 61-Key Music Production Synthesizer is visible alongside the Roland V Synth, confirming its use by Masafumi Takada.

See how Erik Norlander uses Yamaha MOTIF ES6 61-Key Music Production Synthesizer

Erik Norlander

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Last in Line

...
Verified via Photo

Erik Norlander is confirmed to use a Yamaha MOTIF ES6, as evidenced by a photo available at https://eriknorlander.com/equipment.

See how The Royal Concept uses Yamaha MOTIF ES6 61-Key Music Production Synthesizer

The Royal Concept

...
Verified via YouTube

The logo of the Motif ES6 can be seen in the opening shot of this video being played by The Royal Concept's lead singer, David Larson.

See how Phil Driscoll uses Yamaha MOTIF ES6 61-Key Music Production Synthesizer

Phil Driscoll

Composer

...
Verified via Photo

December of 2014 at Life House Church, 40 Faith Station, Beaufort, SC. Phil is clearly playing on a Yamaha MOTIF ES6.

See how Eloy Fritsch uses Yamaha MOTIF ES6 61-Key Music Production Synthesizer

Eloy Fritsch

Composer

...
Verified via Ef

Used by Eloy Fritsch composer to record Sailing to the Edge.

See how Guy Babylon uses Yamaha MOTIF ES6 61-Key Music Production Synthesizer

Guy Babylon

Keyboardist, Composer

Iron Butterfly

...
Verified via Photo

In this documented photograph, Guy Babylon, a renowned keyboardist and composer known for his contributions to rock and its subgenres, is observed utilizing the Yamaha MOTIF ES6 61-Key Music Production Synthesizer. This image serves as direct evidence of Babylon's choice in musical gear.

See how Justin Lee Schultz uses Yamaha MOTIF ES6 61-Key Music Production Synthesizer

Justin Lee Schultz

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

In the attached video, you can see Justin playing a clearly labeled Yamaha Motif ES6.

See how Diamond D uses Yamaha MOTIF ES6 61-Key Music Production Synthesizer

Diamond D

Singer, Music Producer

D.I.T.C.

...
Verified via Photo

In an Instagram post by Diamond D (@diamondditc), he is pictured using a Yamaha MOTIF ES6 61-Key Music Production Synthesizer, further supporting his use of this specific gear.

Album Usage

The Yamaha MOTIF ES6 61-Key Music Production Synthesizer 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 ES6 61-Key Music Production Synthesizer, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

Show yours
J

john_y

Gear IQ 97

mike916

mike916

Gear IQ 1072

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