Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $655
Standard/Professional
$500
$1501+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.
Description
Dive into the heart of music creation with the Yamaha Motif ES8, a synthesis powerhouse that marries the legacy of Yamaha's Motif series with cutting-edge technology. This instrument isn't just a synthesizer; it's an 88-key workstation that embodies versatility and innovation. Whether you're laying down tracks in the studio or performing live, the Motif ES8 stands ready with its vast sound library, dynamic sequencer, and robust sampler. It's not just about the sounds you can create, but the stories you can tell.
Key Features:
- 88-key fully weighted, balanced hammer action keyboard for an authentic piano feel.
- Advanced sequencing and arranging capabilities with a 128-voice polyphony for complex performances.
- Expansive sound library that covers a wide range of musical genres and styles.
- Integrated sampling functionality to capture and manipulate audio on the fly.
- Comprehensive connectivity options, including USB and MIDI, for seamless integration with other gear and software.
- Versatile effects engine to sculpt and refine your sound to perfection.
Product specs
| Brand | Yamaha |
| Model | Motif ES 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 | 128 Voices |
FAQs
-
What type of keys does the Yamaha Motif ES8 have?
-
The Yamaha Motif ES8 features 88 full-size, weighted keys, providing a realistic piano feel suitable for both studio and live performances.
-
Is the Yamaha Motif ES8 synthesizer polyphonic?
-
Yes, the Yamaha Motif ES8 offers 128-voice polyphony, allowing for complex arrangements and layered sounds without note dropouts.
-
What are the MIDI connectivity options for the Yamaha Motif ES8?
-
The Yamaha Motif ES8 includes MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through, and USB MIDI, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of MIDI devices and DAWs.
-
What makes the Yamaha Motif ES8 suitable for professional use?
-
The Yamaha Motif ES8 is renowned for its high-quality sound engine, extensive polyphony, and robust build, making it ideal for professional musicians and producers seeking versatility and reliability.
-
How does the Yamaha Motif ES8 integrate with DAWs?
-
The Yamaha Motif ES8 can connect to DAWs via USB MIDI, allowing for seamless integration and control within your digital audio workstation environment.
Videos
phsycopiano
YAMAHA MOTIF ES8 piano sounds
Reviews
PROS
-
Key bed provides an exceptional playing experience
-
Versatile sound palette suitable for all styles of music
-
High-quality, authentic Yamaha sounds
-
Durable build, lasting for decades with proper care
-
Acts as a central piece in a music production workflow
CONS
-
Heavy and cumbersome to transport (62.375 lbs.)
-
Challenging to fit onto small stages due to its size
-
Knobs do not support control changes, limiting live performance flexibility
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha Motif ES8.
Build quality
-
The 88-key weighted action is praised as one of Yamaha's best from that era.
Source
Features and functionality
-
The ES synth engine supports up to 8 layers per voice, providing complex sound capabilities.
Source
Comparisons
-
The Motif ES8 is noted as a predecessor to the XS series, sharing some engine features with budget models like the MX49.
Source
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 5 Ratings
289
This is without a doubt the most powerful workstation ever created...
The sound is unmistakably Yamaha. I recommend it to anyone that needs one of the finest keyboards in the world. I have been using mine since February 2006. The only challenges are lugging this 62.375 lbs. keyboard around and trying to fit onto a small stage with it. There are no substitutes for these marvels.
100
Still Top of Line
I love this keyboard. It has been the heart of my workflow for almost a decade now. It's only drawback to this day is that fact that the nobs can't be used for control changes. But, MIDI control surfaces are so cheap. I'll have this board as long as it works!
Artist usage
Add artist
"I have been playing the piano since I was 6 years old so I do the majority of my own tracks. Like for "You'll Cowards," I used a Triton keyboard. But now I use a Motif and a Phantom to make the majority of my tracks."
In this video along with his countless other ones, Mike is seen utilizing a Yamaha MOTIF ES8 for his beats.
The instrument appears on the list of instruments on official artist's website (http://olszak.pl/).
Specified in this December 2, 2005 Yamaha press release and this May 11, 2006 Yamaha article, the latter later published in Yamaha All Access* Issue 11, Winter 2006.
December 2, 2005, "Josh Groban Chooses Yamaha Pianos"
Groban proudly uses other Yamaha products as well. When warming up in the studio, Groban and his vocal coach use a Yamaha P250 Professional Stage Piano. He is also a big fan of the Yamaha MOTIF.
“I’m in the process of building a home studio in my new house, and I’m definitely going with the MOTIF as the primary keyboard. It has a great sound and musicality to it. When you need a separate sound or style to inspire you, you turn to the synth, and it’s definitely one of the greatest ones out there.”
May 11, 2006, "Josh Groban - Voice of a Generation"
Groban is also a fan of Yamaha's Motif keyboards. "They're killer synths," he says. "I'm in the process of building my own home studio and I'll definitely be using the Motif as the primary keyboard. It sounds great, and there's a musicality to the keyboard feel. It's definitely one of the greatest ones out there."
The ES8 can be deduced from the 88 keys of the P250.
Champlin performing "He Started To Sing" on the Motif ES8, it can be seen throughout the video.
At the 37 minute and 45 seconds mark of the video "JON OLIVA's PAIN Live at Bourbon Street 2008 Entire Full Concert," Jon Oliva can be seen using a Yamaha Motif ES8 with his band Jon Oliva's Pain.
Jim Peterik is seen performing on a Yamaha Motif ES8 keyboard at the 10-second mark in the video titled "Jim Peterik @ Jam for Jimi 2019," uploaded by Heather Wilcox on YouTube.
"Virus TI Polar, Diversi Organ, Motif ES-8, Roland JP-8000, Roland Gaia, Roland V-Synth, Novation X- Station, MacBook Pro-->Ableton-->APC40 ... and a bunch of pedals. This is my setup for DISCO BISCUITS, its a little more stripped down for CONSPIRATOR."
Album Usage
The Yamaha Motif ES8 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 ES8, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
More Yamaha Synthesizers
Accessories & Related Items
Community setups
Similar
Gear Guides
Most Popular Synthesizers
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
haas123Gear IQ 21966
-