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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

What kind of polyphony does the Yamaha Motif-Rack offer?

The Yamaha Motif-Rack provides 128 notes of polyphony, allowing for complex and layered sounds without dropping notes during performances.

How many voices and drum kits are available on the Yamaha Motif-Rack?

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.

Does the Yamaha Motif-Rack include any effects processing capabilities?

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.

What are the connectivity options for the Yamaha Motif-Rack?

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.

Can the Yamaha Motif-Rack be expanded with additional sound options?

Yes, the Motif-Rack includes two MSPS plug-in slots, allowing for expansion with additional synthesis plug-in boards for more sound possibilities.

theillusionistbr

theillusionistbr

Yamaha Motif Rack Video Demo

Video thumbnail for Yamaha Motif Rack Video Demo by theillusionistbr

Yamaha Motif Rack Video Demo

theillusionistbr

theillusionistbr

Video thumbnail for YAMAHA MOTIF-RACK with FM&VL Plug-in Board Demo & Review by musictrackjp

YAMAHA MOTIF-RACK with FM&VL Plug-in Board Demo & Review

musictrackjp

musictrackjp

Video thumbnail for Yamaha Motif Rack Demo by NetBobby

Yamaha Motif Rack Demo

NetBobby

NetBobby

Reviews

PROS

  • Multitimbral capabilities enhance recording versatility

  • Exceptional audio quality surpasses many virtual instrument plugins

  • Extensive instrument selection and effects for diverse genres

  • Warm, rich sound quality highly praised by users

  • Easy-to-use interface simplifies operation, even for a rack unit

  • Abundance of presets provides endless creative possibilities

  • 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

  • The CS6R offers pre-stored trip hop rhythms and arpeggiated voices tailored for club dance music, distinguishing it from the Motif Rack.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source
  • The MX49 is compatible with third-party Vycro editor software, allowing for configuration in 16-part multi-timbral performance mode.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The MX49's sound quality is often described as thinner compared to the richer tones of older synths like the Ensoniq SQ or Korg Wavestation.

    Source
  • The CS6R is noted for having brighter and wider sounds compared to the warmer, more subdued tones of the Motif Rack.

    Source

Build quality

  • The quality of the MX49's keyboard is frequently criticized as being inferior, even compared to low-end toy keyboards.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The MX49 is noted for its portability and compact size, making it suitable for mobile musicians, though it lacks deep sound editing capabilities.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source

User experience

  • 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.

    Source
  • CS6R owners appreciate its unique EDM and hip hop-oriented waveforms, often stripping down to single waveforms for vintage analog-like tones.

    Source
  • The CS6R's interface and manual are described as complex, requiring patience to fully exploit its deep synthesis capabilities.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • The MX49 offers USB audio/MIDI interface capabilities, but some users find its iPad integration lacking due to the absence of a dedicated iPad stand.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 9 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
ash9
ash9

299

Wonderful!

A fantastic ROM synth! Loads of neat presets and fairly straightforward in the interface, especially for a rack unit.

From Gear Setup

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Zaytoven uses Yamaha Motif-Rack

Zaytoven

Keyboardist, Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

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.

See how Avril Lavigne uses Yamaha Motif-Rack

Avril Lavigne

Singer, Guitarist

Avril Lavigne (Band)

...
Verified via Yamaha

"In addition to the P250, she and her band also use a Yamaha P60 digital piano and the rackmount version of the Motif synthesizer."

See how David Paich uses Yamaha Motif-Rack

David Paich

Singer, Keyboardist

Toto

...
Verified via Yamaha

David Paich is listed on the Yamaha Artists page as using the Yamaha Motif-Rack, among other equipment.

See how Yoko Shimomura uses Yamaha Motif-Rack

Yoko Shimomura

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via Livedoor

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.

See how Noriyuki Iwadare uses Yamaha Motif-Rack

Noriyuki Iwadare

Composer, Music Producer

...
Verified via Archive

The Motif Rack can be seen in the second picture on this page from Iwadare's old site.

See how Todd Edwards uses Yamaha Motif-Rack

Todd Edwards

Singer, Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

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.

See how Michael Hädrich uses Yamaha Motif-Rack

Michael Hädrich

Singer, Keyboardist

FEX

...
Verified via Reddit

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.

See how Franck Roger uses Yamaha Motif-Rack

Franck Roger

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via Facebook

In a photo shared by Franck Roger on Facebook, a Yamaha Motif-Rack is visible among his equipment, indicating its use in his setup.

See how Michiko Naruke uses Yamaha Motif-Rack

Michiko Naruke

Composer

...
Verified via Rpgfan

Can be seen in the background in her studio.

See how Marc Ziegenhagen uses Yamaha Motif-Rack

Marc Ziegenhagen

Keyboardist

Blind Guardian

...
Verified via BandMix.com

Marc Ziegenhagen is confirmed to use the Yamaha Motif-Rack, as it is listed under the equipment section on his BandMix page.

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.

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Community setups

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Gear IQ 571

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ash9

Gear IQ 299

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