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Description

Discover a world of limitless creativity with the Yamaha Motif XS6, a powerhouse 61-key synthesizer workstation designed for musicians who demand excellence and versatility. Whether you're crafting complex arrangements or diving into live performances, the Motif XS6 delivers with its robust features and intuitive interface. This 3rd generation marvel is celebrated for its seamless integration of advanced sequencing and a comprehensive library of sounds, making it an essential tool for every genre from electronic to classical.

The Motif XS6 stands out not just for its expansive sound palette but also for its remarkable user-friendly interface. Its large LCD screen and intuitive controls allow you to navigate through its vast capabilities effortlessly. Dive into the depths of its sound engine, explore the on-board effects, and utilize its sampling prowess to fine-tune your sonic expression. With its impressive 128-note polyphony, you can layer sounds and create textures without fear of note dropouts. Plus, its extensive memory banks ensure you have ample room to store your custom creations.

Designed with both studio and stage in mind, the Yamaha Motif XS6 is not just an instrument—it's an extension of your musical imagination.

Key Features:

  • 61-key semi-weighted keyboard
  • 128-note polyphony for complex compositions
  • Extensive library: 1,024 presets, 64 kits, 384 user patches, 32 kits, and 384 performances
  • Advanced sequencing and arrangement capabilities
  • Large, easy-to-read LCD display
  • Comprehensive effects and sampling capabilities
  • Seamless integration for both studio and live performance settings

Product specs

Brand Yamaha
Model Motif XS 6 Production Synthesizer
Finish Gray
Year 2000s
Made In Japan
Categories Keyboard Synths, Workstation Keyboards
Analog / Digital Digital
Key Size Full Size
Keyboard Action Synth Action
MIDI I/O MIDI Input, MIDI Output, USB MIDI
Number of Keys 61 Keys
Polyphony 128 Voices

FAQs

What are the standout features of the Yamaha Motif XS6's sound engine?

The Yamaha Motif XS6 features a powerful sound engine with 128-note polyphony, offering a wide range of realistic acoustic and synthesized sounds. It includes advanced sampling and sequencing capabilities, making it ideal for both live performance and studio production.

Is the Yamaha Motif XS6 synthesizer polyphonic or monophonic?

The Yamaha Motif XS6 is a polyphonic synthesizer with a maximum polyphony of 128 voices, allowing for complex arrangements and rich sound layering.

How does the Yamaha Motif XS6 integrate with DAWs?

The Yamaha Motif XS6 offers seamless integration with DAWs through its USB MIDI and traditional MIDI I/O, allowing for easy setup and control of your digital audio workstation.

Does the Yamaha Motif XS6 have built-in sampling capabilities?

Yes, the Yamaha Motif XS6 includes built-in sampling capabilities, allowing users to create and edit custom sounds directly on the workstation.

What type of keyboard action does the Yamaha Motif XS6 have?

The Yamaha Motif XS6 features a synth action keyboard, providing a responsive and dynamic playing experience suitable for both synth and piano-style performances.

DKS SYNTH LAB

DKS SYNTH LAB

Yamaha Motif XS6 Performance Sounds | No Talking |

Video thumbnail for Yamaha Motif XS6 Performance Sounds | No Talking | by DKS SYNTH LAB

Yamaha Motif XS6 Performance Sounds | No Talking |

DKS SYNTH LAB

DKS SYNTH LAB

Video thumbnail for Motif xs 6 solo violin. by Rufus Ravi

Motif xs 6 solo violin.

Rufus Ravi

Rufus Ravi

Video thumbnail for Yamaha Motif XS Perform Mode Tone Creation by VIKKI KEY'S

Yamaha Motif XS Perform Mode Tone Creation

VIKKI KEY'S

VIKKI KEY'S

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha Motif XS6 61-Key Synthesizer Workstation.

Features and functionality

  • Yamaha Motif XS6 is praised for its high-quality FS/FSX keybed, preferred for its superior synth-weighted feel compared to other keybed options.

    Source
  • The Motif XS6 excels in layering capabilities, allowing users to combine analog or VA synths with strings and resample the combined sounds internally.

    Source
  • The XS6 is noted for being able to interact with external synths via MIDI and autosample them, which is praised for ease of creating complex sound layers.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Yamaha Motif XS6 is recommended over other workstations for its keybed quality, often compared to the Korg Triton and Fatar TP/9 for synth-weighted preferences.

    Source
  • Yamaha Motif XS6 is often recommended alongside the Roland D6 and Korg Nautilus for a comprehensive sound library and sound design capabilities.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Users suggest the Motif XS6 for those who want a standalone keyboard with a wide range of built-in acoustic and synth sounds.

    Source
  • The XS6 is particularly valued by performers who require a reliable, standalone setup that negates the need for a computer during live shows.

    Source

User experience

  • The Motif XS6 is favored by some for its ability to create custom sounds while providing a solid foundation of real instrument emulations.

    Source
  • Owners of the Yamaha Motif XS6 appreciate its ability to maintain sonic integrity when switching between patches quickly during live performances.

    Source

Build quality

  • Many consider Yamaha workstations, including the XS6, to have superior keyboard feel and build quality, which is a significant factor for live performers.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Users highlight the XS6's capability to function as a DAW controller via the Mackie HUI protocol, adding versatility for studio work.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 9 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
tom_hartlett

Go to Workstation

My go to workstation when needing brass, orchestral, guitar, and synth patches as well as the meat and potatoes pianos, EP's and Clavs.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Travis Barker uses Yamaha Motif XS6 61-Key Synthesizer Workstation

Travis Barker

Drummer, Music Producer

Blink-182

...
Verified via reverb.com

The Yamaha Motif XS6 61-Key Synthesizer Workstation was owned by Travis Barker, as verified by a listing on Reverb.com.

See how Timbaland uses Yamaha Motif XS6 61-Key Synthesizer Workstation

Timbaland

Singer, Rapper

Timbaland & Magoo

...
Verified via Photo

On the left it's clear there is an XS-6 in the studio.

See how Infected Mushroom uses Yamaha Motif XS6 61-Key Synthesizer Workstation

Infected Mushroom

Music Producer

Infected Mushroom

...
Verified via Audiofanzine

"As a synth, I use only the Motif XS6."

See how Minoru Mukaiya uses Yamaha Motif XS6 61-Key Synthesizer Workstation

Minoru Mukaiya

Keyboardist

Casiopea

...
Verified via YouTube

Minoru Mukaiya uses three Yamaha Motif keyboards, on top we can see the MOTIF ES6, and under that we can see some other MOTIF KEYBOARDS, presumably another MOTIF 6. This can be seen in the timestamp 2:15

See how Wyclef Jean uses Yamaha Motif XS6 61-Key Synthesizer Workstation

Wyclef Jean

Singer, Guitarist

Soul Assassins

...
Verified via YouTube

Used in this lesson for how to play the Fugees' "Killing Me Softly". First visible at 4:28.

See how Jake "Virt" Kaufman uses Yamaha Motif XS6 61-Key Synthesizer Workstation

Jake "Virt" Kaufman

Guitarist, Bassist

...
Verified via Twitter

"Unnnngghh yes I swapped my old M-Audio Axiom 61 out as 'backup keyboard' for my beloved Motif XS6 sitting in the closet unused, too thicc for my tiny desks.."

See how Chris Stainton uses Yamaha Motif XS6 61-Key Synthesizer Workstation

Chris Stainton

Keyboardist, Composer

The Who

...
Verified via YouTube

As a second, side electric keyboard, Chris Stainton used the Yahama Motif XS6 61-key electric synthesizer workstation for the performance with Eric Clapton at the 2010 Crossroads Guitar Festival at Chicago's Toyota Park stadium.

See how Tsukasa Tawada uses Yamaha Motif XS6 61-Key Synthesizer Workstation

Tsukasa Tawada

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video "Pokémon Battle Revolution - Gateway Colosseum (Live Recording in 2025)" by Tsukasa Tawada, he is seen using the Yamaha Motif XS6 61-Key Synthesizer Workstation to perform synth brass at the 0:17 mark.

See how Selwyn "Bumbo" Brown uses Yamaha Motif XS6 61-Key Synthesizer Workstation

Selwyn "Bumbo" Brown

Singer, Keyboardist

Steel Pulse

...
Verified via YouTube

"The Yamaha Motif I use mostly for Piano on stage but - like the Triton - it is also a great workstation with a vast selection of usable factory sounds."

Seen briefly at 29:22

See how Justin Lee Schultz uses Yamaha Motif XS6 61-Key Synthesizer Workstation

Justin Lee Schultz

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

In the attached video, Justin is playing the XS6 throughout.

See how Aleks Syntek uses Yamaha Motif XS6 61-Key Synthesizer Workstation

Aleks Syntek

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

5:24 aleks synteks uses the yamaha motif xs, as one of its synthesizers

See how C‐Lance uses Yamaha Motif XS6 61-Key Synthesizer Workstation

C‐Lance

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

Visible in this June 18, 2016 Instagram post, among others.

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 XS6 61-Key Synthesizer Workstation, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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