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Description
The Yamaha Motif-Rack is a compact yet powerful sound module that brings the soul of a full keyboard workstation into your studio or live setup without the bulk. Celebrated for its versatility, this sound module combines a classic sampler and virtual analog engine with an advanced sequencer and arranger. Whether you're crafting orchestral scores or the latest pop hits, the Motif-Rack stands ready with its expansive sound libraries and intuitive interface.
With 640 presets and 256 user memory slots, this rack module offers a broad palette of sounds, from lush strings to dynamic synth leads. It's designed for musicians who crave flexibility and depth in their sound design. The 128-note polyphony ensures that your compositions remain rich and layered, even during complex passages. Despite its compact size, the Yamaha Motif-Rack doesn't compromise on quality, delivering the same professional-grade features you'd expect from a full-sized workstation.
This module is a brilliant addition to any setup, whether you're a seasoned professional or an aspiring musician. Join a community of artists who trust the Motif series to bring their musical visions to life.
Key Features:
- 128-note polyphony for complex compositions
- 640 presets and 256 user memory slots
- Classic sampler and virtual analog engine
- Advanced sequencer and arranger capabilities
- Wide range of sound libraries, from orchestral to pop
- Compact design ideal for studio and live setups
Product specs
| Brand | Yamaha |
| Model | Motif Rack Tone Generator |
| Finish | Gray |
| Year | 2000s |
| Categories | Digital Synthesizers, Rackmount Synths |
| Analog / Digital | Digital |
| MIDI I/O | MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through, USB MIDI |
| Polyphony | 64 Voices |
FAQs
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What kind of polyphony does the Yamaha Motif-Rack offer?
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The Yamaha Motif-Rack provides 128 notes of polyphony, allowing for complex and layered sounds without dropping notes during performances.
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How many voices and drum kits are available on the Yamaha Motif-Rack?
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The Motif-Rack features 896 preset normal voices, including a GM bank, 65 drum kits, and allows for 256 user voices and 32 user drum kits, offering extensive sound customization options.
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Does the Yamaha Motif-Rack include any effects processing capabilities?
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Yes, the Yamaha Motif-Rack includes a reverb algorithm, four insert effects, and 3-band EQs per part in Multi Mode, enabling detailed sound shaping.
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What are the connectivity options for the Yamaha Motif-Rack?
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The Yamaha Motif-Rack offers USB-MIDI, MIDI In, Out, and Thru, stereo outputs, four individual outputs, and both optical and coaxial digital outputs for versatile connectivity.
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Can the Yamaha Motif-Rack be expanded with additional sound options?
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Yes, the Motif-Rack includes two MSPS plug-in slots, allowing for expansion with additional synthesis plug-in boards for more sound possibilities.
Videos
theillusionistbr
Yamaha Motif Rack Video Demo
Reviews
PROS
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Multitimbral capabilities enhance recording versatility
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Exceptional audio quality surpasses many virtual instrument plugins
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Extensive instrument selection and effects for diverse genres
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Warm, rich sound quality highly praised by users
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Easy-to-use interface simplifies operation, even for a rack unit
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Abundance of presets provides endless creative possibilities
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Highly recommended by users as a go-to piece of gear
CONS
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha Motif-Rack.
Features and functionality
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The CS6R offers pre-stored trip hop rhythms and arpeggiated voices tailored for club dance music, distinguishing it from the Motif Rack.
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The MX series omits a sequencer and includes fewer voices and drum kits compared to the full Motif XS series, which may limit its functionality for some users.
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The MX49 is compatible with third-party Vycro editor software, allowing for configuration in 16-part multi-timbral performance mode.
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Comparisons
Build quality
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The quality of the MX49's keyboard is frequently criticized as being inferior, even compared to low-end toy keyboards.
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Use cases and applications
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The MX49 is noted for its portability and compact size, making it suitable for mobile musicians, though it lacks deep sound editing capabilities.
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Despite being considered older technology, the CS6R is valued by users for its distinctive sound palette and remains a sought-after piece for replacement if lost.
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User experience
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Owners report needing to enhance sounds on the MX49 to achieve a powerful output, with stereo-panning not as wide compared to other models like the Motif XF or Korg Krome.
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CS6R owners appreciate its unique EDM and hip hop-oriented waveforms, often stripping down to single waveforms for vintage analog-like tones.
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The CS6R's interface and manual are described as complex, requiring patience to fully exploit its deep synthesis capabilities.
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4.5 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 9 Ratings
299
Wonderful!
A fantastic ROM synth! Loads of neat presets and fairly straightforward in the interface, especially for a rack unit.
Artist usage
Add artist
In the video titled "A Look Inside Zaytoven's Studio" by Splice on YouTube, Zaytoven can be seen at the 6:32 mark demonstrating a Yamaha Motif-Rack integrated into his workdesk.
"In addition to the P250, she and her band also use a Yamaha P60 digital piano and the rackmount version of the Motif synthesizer."
David Paich is listed on the Yamaha Artists page as using the Yamaha Motif-Rack, among other equipment.
In this blog post, Shimomura writes about a strange dream in which she opened her suitcase on a sea voyage and found a lot of musical equipment inside. She links to a picture of her sound modules to show how it looked like, where the Motif Rack appears.
The Motif Rack can be seen in the second picture on this page from Iwadare's old site.
In a video titled "Studio Tour with Todd Edwards Producer" from the Scion Musicless Music Conference 2011, Todd Edwards mentions using a Yamaha Motif-Rack at the 1:40 mark.
Michael Hädrich confirms the use of the Yamaha Motif-Rack in his current setup, as stated by the artist himself on Reddit under the username MysteryDX7_Official.
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-Rack, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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