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Description

Compact yet mighty, the Yamaha Motif Rack XS Module encapsulates the essence of the renowned MOTIF XS series. This rackmount powerhouse brings an expansive library of 1024 dynamic voices to your fingertips, ensuring that your creative potential is limitless. Designed for musicians who demand versatility without the bulk, the Motif Rack XS offers a seamless integration into any studio or live setup.

Packed with studio-grade effects and robust sequencing capabilities, this module is engineered to inspire and shape your soundscapes with precision. The intuitive interface, featuring five control knobs, empowers you to tweak up to 20 parameters on-the-fly, making it an indispensable tool for live performances and intricate studio compositions alike. Whether you're crafting lush pads or gritty basslines, the Motif Rack XS delivers with the clarity and depth you expect from Yamaha.

Dive into the world of complex arrangements with ease, and explore a vast array of performances and drum kits that keep your compositions fresh and innovative. Perfect for the modern musician, this module is more than just a sound engine; it’s your gateway to a world of sonic exploration.

Key Features:

  • 1024 dynamic voices for limitless creativity
  • Five control knobs for real-time parameter adjustments
  • Comprehensive studio-quality effects
  • Robust sequencing and arrangement capabilities
  • Seamless integration into studio and live setups
  • Compact rackmount design for space-saving convenience

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 does the Yamaha Motif Rack XS Module integrate with DAWs like Cubase?

The Yamaha Motif Rack XS Module offers full integration with Cubase, allowing seamless audio/MIDI recording. It includes the MOTIF-RACK XS Editor for intuitive editing and comes with Cubase AI 4, featuring 48 audio tracks, up to 64 MIDI tracks, and 25 VST effect plug-ins.

What type of polyphony does the Yamaha Motif Rack XS Module offer?

The Yamaha Motif Rack XS Module provides 128-voice polyphony, allowing for complex and layered soundscapes without voice cutting, making it ideal for intricate compositions and performances.

Can the Yamaha Motif Rack XS Module be used for live performances?

Yes, the Yamaha Motif Rack XS Module is well-suited for live performances with its dynamic range of 1,152 Voices, 65 Drum Kits, and powerful Arpeggio function, enabling simultaneous playback of four types with 6,633 available patterns.

What connectivity options are available on the Yamaha Motif Rack XS Module?

The Yamaha Motif Rack XS Module features MIDI Input and Output, USB MIDI, and integrates easily with computer-based setups, providing versatile connectivity for both studio and live environments.

Does the Yamaha Motif Rack XS Module support real-time sound adjustments?

Yes, the Yamaha Motif Rack XS Module includes five real-time Control Knobs, allowing users to adjust sound parameters on-the-fly during performance or recording, enhancing creative control.

musictrackjp

musictrackjp

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

Video thumbnail for YAMAHA MOTIF-RACK XS Demo&Review #1 [English Captions] by musictrackjp

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

musictrackjp

musictrackjp

Video thumbnail for MOTIF-RACK XS Introduction Movie by Yamaha Global

MOTIF-RACK XS Introduction Movie

Yamaha Global

Yamaha Global

Video thumbnail for Yamaha Motif Rack XS ~ August 3, 2020 by Dr. Arthur D. Kemp

Yamaha Motif Rack XS ~ August 3, 2020

Dr. Arthur D. Kemp

Dr. Arthur D. Kemp

Video thumbnail for Motif XS Rack Multitimbral Setup for Composing by shawn muench

Motif XS Rack Multitimbral Setup for Composing

shawn muench

shawn muench

Video thumbnail for YAMAHA Motif-XS Rack Realtime Funk Synthesizer Bass by Trinity AirBlue YouTube Channel

YAMAHA Motif-XS Rack Realtime Funk Synthesizer Bass

Trinity AirBlue YouTube Channel

Trinity AirBlue YouTube Channel

Reviews

PROS

  • High-quality, rich-sounding natural instruments and sharp synthesizers

  • User-friendly interface and setup

  • Convenient integration with MIDI controllers

  • Incorporates an editor for enhanced functionality

  • Broad scope of sounds for versatile music production

  • Excellent build quality for durability

  • Offers a wide range of patching options

  • Ideal for both studio and live stage use

CONS

Owner Insights

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

Comparisons

  • The MX49 features only 166MB of wave ROM compared to the XS's 355MB, impacting sound detail and richness.

    Source
  • The Roland Integra 7 is noted for having superior overall sound quality compared to the Nord Electro Rack 2, making it a better choice for updated sound needs.

    Source
  • Dexibell modules are highlighted as a modern alternative with strong piano and electric piano sounds, contrasting with the more dated sounds of the Nord Electro Rack 2.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The MX49 lacks a sequencer and has fewer performances and arpeggios compared to the Motif XS, limiting its versatility for intricate compositions.

    Source
  • Although the Nord Electro Rack 2 is considered dated, users still find its sound quality impressive for specific use cases, indicating it holds up well for certain preferences.

    Source

Build quality

  • MX49's keyboard quality is criticized, described as worse than Casio's, affecting playability for serious musicians.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners note that sounds on the MX49 need enhancement to achieve a powerful presence; stereo-panning often lacks depth compared to competitors.

    Source
  • Users express that integrating a MODX keyboard into a setup can be cumbersome, particularly when using it as a MIDI controller with DAWs.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The MX49 is noted for its lightweight and portable design, making it suitable for capturing ideas on the go, albeit with some sound quality trade-offs.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Yamaha Motif Rack XS

soundonsound.com

Yamaha's Motif Rack XS brings the powerful synthesis of the Motif XS keyboards into a compact rack unit, excelling in versatility and sound quality. The expanded articulation voice architecture and robust software editor make it a standout for musicians focused on sound design. However, the lack of sampling and support for PLG plug-in expansion boards, along with the absence of onboard sequencing, might deter those seeking an all-in-one solution. Despite these limitations, it's a solid choice for those integrating it with a DAW, offering a rich library of sounds and real-time control options.

positive

Yamaha Motif-Rack XS review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Yamaha Motif Rack XS Module is a portable powerhouse with an impressive array of high-quality sounds and presets, ideal for musicians looking for a versatile sound module. Its strengths lie in its essential sound library, quick access editing knobs, and comprehensive software editor. However, it lacks sampling and sequencing capabilities, and users may experience sound cutouts when switching patches. Despite these drawbacks, the Motif Rack XS remains a top choice for music production, thanks to its robust sound quality and dynamic playability, making it an excellent fit for both live performances and studio work.

positive

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 9 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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1 star
brendan_ihmig

All the sounds and more

This is a superb unit for studio use and if you are hitting the stage with a midi controller keyboard. Very rich sounding natural instrument selections and sharp synthesizers and virtual instruments allow for a broad scope of sounds. Great build quality and a host of patching options.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Afrojack uses Yamaha Motif Rack XS Module

Afrojack

Music Producer

AJXJS

...
Verified via Image-line

"Right now my production environment is mostly my laptop and Beyerdynamic DT pro 880 headphones but in my studio i have... [a] Yamaha Motif rack XS..."

See how Rick Wakeman uses Yamaha Motif Rack XS Module

Rick Wakeman

Keyboardist

Black Sabbath

...
Verified via YouTube

Motif rack module used in ARW tour

See how !llmind uses Yamaha Motif Rack XS Module

!llmind

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via YouTube
See how Jonathan Cain uses Yamaha Motif Rack XS Module

Jonathan Cain

Singer, Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Yamaha

Jonathan Cain uses the Yamaha Motif Rack XS Module, which features 896 voices and 59 drum kits, as highlighted on the Yamaha Artists page.

See how Stargate uses Yamaha Motif Rack XS Module

Stargate

Music Producer

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Stargate's work is almost entirely 'in the box', but they keep a few rackmounting synths and samplers around. From top: Furman power conditioner, Digidesign 96I/O interface, Roland JV1010 synth, Yamaha Motif Rack synth, Emu Proteus 2000 synth, Yamaha Motif Rack XS, Digidesign MIDI interface, Apple G5 Power Mac and Akai S3000XL sampler. Photo: Lucas Thorpe

See how Gokosoul uses Yamaha Motif Rack XS Module

Gokosoul

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

In an Instagram post, Gokosoul is shown in the studio with a Yamaha Motif Rack XS Module.

See how John Mahon uses Yamaha Motif Rack XS Module

John Mahon

Singer, Drummer

Elton John Band

...
Verified via Yamaha

As mentioned on Yamaha's official website.

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 XS Module, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

E-mu Orbit 9090
E-mu Orbit 9090 Synthesizers
2
E-mu Morpheus
E-mu Morpheus Synthesizers & Sound Modules
2
Roland JD-800
Roland JD-800 Synthesizers
2
Yamaha Motif-Rack
Yamaha Motif-Rack Synthesizers & Sound Modules
2
E-Mu UltraProteus
E-Mu UltraProteus Synthesizers & Sound Modules
2
Korg Triton Rack Synthesizer
Korg Triton Rack Synthesizer Synthesizers & Sound Modules
2
Blue Bottle
Blue Bottle Condenser Microphones
1
Yamaha Montage 7
Yamaha Montage 7 Synthesizers
1

Community setups

Show yours
jamie_breustedt

jamie_breustedt

Gear IQ 124

M

mellisonant_mike

Gear IQ 497

orcasynth

orcasynth

Gear IQ 571

orcasynth

orcasynth

Gear IQ 571

marcelo_carboni

marcelo_carboni

Gear IQ 1370

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