Yamaha Motif-Rack XS

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$629.55

3.0 (1)

1 Review

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Page last updated Jul 03, 2026

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5.0 (8)

$629.55 8 available Used

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Description

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Unlock the ultimate sonic playground with the Yamaha Motif-Rack XS. This dynamo packs the essence of the widely acclaimed Yamaha MOTIF XS into a compact, rackmount unit, offering unparalleled flexibility for both studio wizards and live performers. With an array of studio-level effects and intuitive controls, it's your go-to for crafting, sequencing, and performing music without boundaries. Experience the ease of integrating with your setup, allowing you to dive into a world of endless musical possibilities. The Motif-Rack XS isn't just about sound; it's about making your creative process as seamless as your performances. Whether on stage or in the studio, this powerhouse ensures your music flows, uninterrupted by the mundane. Let it be the backbone of your musical creations, where only your imagination sets the limits.

Key Features:

Studio-level effects and five control knobs for real-time sound shaping.
Over 1024 presets, not including drum kits and performances, for an expansive sound palette.
Ultra-powerful sequencing and arrangement capabilities for complete musical exploration.
Sleek rackmount design for easy integration with existing setups.
Intuitive controls and connectivity options for seamless operation in live and studio environments.

Product specs

Brand	Yamaha
Model	Motif XS Rack Tone Generator
Finish	Gray
Year	2000s
Categories	Digital Synthesizers, Rackmount Synths
Analog / Digital	Digital
MIDI I/O	MIDI Input, MIDI Output, USB MIDI
Polyphony	128 Voices

FAQs

How many voices and drum kits are available in the Yamaha Motif-Rack XS?: The Yamaha Motif-Rack XS offers a total of 1,152 Voices and 65 Drum Kits, providing a wide range of dynamic and authentic sounds for various musical styles.
Can the Yamaha Motif-Rack XS be integrated with DAW software like Cubase?: Yes, the Yamaha Motif-Rack XS offers full integration with the Cubase series audio/MIDI recording software, making it an excellent choice for seamless music production.
What kind of MIDI connectivity does the Yamaha Motif-Rack XS offer?: The Yamaha Motif-Rack XS features MIDI Input, MIDI Output, and USB MIDI, allowing for versatile connectivity with various MIDI controllers and devices.
Does the Yamaha Motif-Rack XS support real-time sound adjustments?: Yes, the Yamaha Motif-Rack XS includes five real-time Control Knobs, enabling users to adjust sounds dynamically during performance or recording sessions.
Is the Yamaha Motif-Rack XS suitable for complex arpeggio patterns?: The Yamaha Motif-Rack XS features a powerful Arpeggio function with simultaneous playback of four types and a total of 6,633 available arpeggios, ideal for creating intricate patterns.

Videos

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musictrackjp

YAMAHA MOTIF-RACK XS Demo&Review #1 [English Captions]

musictrackjp

MOTIF-RACK XS Introduction Movie

Yamaha Global

Yamaha Motif Rack XS ~ August 3, 2020

Dr. Arthur D. Kemp

Reviews

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PROS

Excellent sound quality, with top-notch voices
User-friendly interface
Great for studio applications with computer connectivity
Convenient size and portability in a 1U rack space
Incorporates well with external controllers
Ability to edit and incorporate sounds easily
Comprehensive collection of staple sounds

CONS

Limited functionality in MULTI mode for live use
Cannot change MULTIs via Midi program change
Favorites category cannot be locked for quick access

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

0 0

The MX49 lacks a sequencer, unlike the Motif XS, limiting its standalone capabilities.
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0 0

The MX49 includes 978 XS voices and 60 XS drum kits, missing some power drum and guitar/bass voices present in the full Motif XS.
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The Yamaha Motif-Rack XS can manage up to 240,000 MIDI notes and is multi-timbral with 16 voices, providing real-time MIDI recording capabilities.
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Comparisons

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The Yamaha MX49's sound quality is often compared unfavorably to the richer tones of the Korg Krome and Ensoniq SQ.
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Build quality

0 0

The MX49's keyboard quality is criticized as inferior, with a springy feel compared to higher-end models like the Motif XF.
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Use cases and applications

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The MX49 is regarded as more portable due to its lightweight design, making it suitable for gigging despite sound limitations.
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Users explore using the Motif-Rack XS as a MIDI sequencer to avoid over-editing, fostering deliberate musical choices akin to using a tape machine.
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Assigning two synths to one MIDI channel is an effective method for layering soundscapes, utilizing hold and arpeggiator functions alongside straight chords.
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User experience

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Owners note the need to enhance MX49 sounds with external EQ or mic preamps for a fuller sound in recordings.
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0 0

Syncing issues are common when using the Motif-Rack XS with master sequencers and electribes, often resulting in MIDI clock and time code drift.
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3.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

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joelbouchillon

109

over 8 years ago

Great for studio...Not great for Live

A lot of power in a 1U rack space synth module. Great for studio application especially when connected to a computer and using the editor, as you have the time to find the right sound---but for live use, thumbs down.

1st Thumb Down: Unlike the keyboard version (XS 6/7/8), the Motif Rack XS very limited due to the fact that it will not respond to program changes when in MULTI mode...Let me (try) to clarify....Yes, each individual 'part' within a Multi (on its own Midi Channel) will respond to program changes, but the MULTI itself will not change. If you take the time create-&-store many complex Multi's (with lots of parts--splits and layers), the Motif Rack will not allow you to change from one Multi to another via Midi program change. So, I only use the Motif Rack in VOICE mode...which limits me to only accessing a single sound (i.e. piano or string or brass or organ, etc, etc..) at a time.

2nd Thumb Down: Although you can load-up and group all your favorite and most-used voices under the Favorites category, there is NO-WAY to 'lock' the Favorites category so that you can thrown out program changes exclusively within the Favorites category. The only way to access your favorite sounds is to manually press either the {Enter} button, Encoder knob, or cursor {>} to actually call up the Favorite category and the scroll down to find the sound (voice) you're looking for.

As far as the sounds (the voices) go, they are top-notch! Every staple bread-and-butter sound you can imagine is housed in this unit.

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Infected Mushroom

Music Producer

Infected Mushroom

Verified via The HUB from Musician's Friend

MF: Is there any other gear that has got to be there for your stage shows?

AD: We have the MOTIF, the MR MOTIF XS, the control with the [Emulator] controller keyboard, ECM 800 and we have the Yamaha O1V96, the new mixer. We've got the one with the soundcard inside, which is great. Saves space.