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$500

$1501+

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Description

The Yamaha MOTIF6 synthesizer is a powerhouse of musical innovation that bridges the gap between legacy sounds and modern versatility. Designed for musicians who crave a comprehensive tool to craft their sonic landscapes, this synthesizer combines a robust sampling engine, a highly expressive 61-key keyboard, and a versatile sequencer. Whether you're composing orchestral scores or crafting contemporary pop, the MOTIF6 delivers an impressive range of sounds and textures.

At the heart of this instrument is its ability to function as a sampler, rompler, and virtual analog synthesizer, offering a vast palette of tones and rhythms. The MOTIF6's intuitive design empowers musicians to seamlessly switch between creating complete arrangements and using it as a sophisticated sound module. Its 64-note polyphony ensures that even the most complex compositions can be played without a hitch, providing an uninterrupted creative flow.

The Yamaha MOTIF6's extensive sound library and customizable presets make it an indispensable tool for studio and live performances alike. It serves not only as an instrument but as a complete music production environment, enabling artists to bring their musical visions to life with precision and flair.

Key Features:

  • 61-key semi-weighted keyboard for expressive playability
  • Comprehensive sound library with orchestral and pop sounds
  • Combination of sampler, rompler, and virtual analog synthesizer
  • 64-note polyphony for complex compositions
  • Integrated sequencer for arranging and composing music
  • 348 presets, 48 kits, 128 user, 128 performances, and 128 master settings
  • Ideal for both studio work and live performances

Product specs

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

FAQs

What type of synthesis engine does the Yamaha MOTIF 6 use?

The Yamaha MOTIF 6 features an Advanced Wave Memory (AWM2) synthesis engine, which provides realistic acoustic instrument sounds and rich synth textures through digital waveforms and advanced filtering.

How many keys and what type of action does the Yamaha MOTIF 6 have?

The Yamaha MOTIF 6 is equipped with 61 full-size keys and features a synth-action keyboard, which offers a smooth and responsive playing experience ideal for both synth and traditional keyboard sounds.

Is the Yamaha MOTIF 6 suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Yamaha MOTIF 6 is well-suited for live performances, offering a robust set of sounds, real-time control options, and reliable MIDI connectivity, making it a versatile choice for stage use.

Can the Yamaha MOTIF 6 be integrated with a computer-based DAW?

The Yamaha MOTIF 6 can be integrated with a computer-based DAW via its USB MIDI connection, allowing for seamless MIDI data transfer and control within your digital audio workstation setup.

How many voices of polyphony does the Yamaha MOTIF 6 offer?

The Yamaha MOTIF 6 provides 128 voices of polyphony, allowing for complex and layered performances without note dropouts, making it ideal for both studio and live applications.

CLASSIC KEYBOARDS

CLASSIC KEYBOARDS

YAMAHA MOTIF 6 DEMO NA CLASSIC KEYBOARDS

Video thumbnail for YAMAHA MOTIF 6 DEMO NA CLASSIC KEYBOARDS by CLASSIC KEYBOARDS

YAMAHA MOTIF 6 DEMO NA CLASSIC KEYBOARDS

CLASSIC KEYBOARDS

CLASSIC KEYBOARDS

Video thumbnail for Yamaha Motif 6 Demo by gearwire

Yamaha Motif 6 Demo

gearwire

gearwire

Video thumbnail for Yamaha Motif 6 Factory Demo 12 - Power Grand by ForceStudios

Yamaha Motif 6 Factory Demo 12 - Power Grand

ForceStudios

ForceStudios

Video thumbnail for Yamaha Motif6 - Blues Jazz Style by Samuel Hrila Hmar

Yamaha Motif6 - Blues Jazz Style

Samuel Hrila Hmar

Samuel Hrila Hmar

Reviews

PROS

  • Gator hardcase adds great value

  • Visually appealing design

  • Powerful and realistic sound output

  • Warm, usable sounds that remain relevant

  • Flexible and user-friendly sequencer

CONS

  • Limited to MMC with max memory of 128 Mb

  • Expensive expansion options for sounds and styles

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha MOTIF 6.

Value and pricing

  • Owners find $200 an excellent price for a Yamaha MOTIF 6, noting the cost of repairs on older models can exceed $500.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Motif provides pre-mixed sounds, including realistic string squeak and fret noise on acoustic guitar samples, enhancing its appeal for producing polished tracks.

    Source
  • User samples integrate fully with the synthesis engine but require expanded sample RAM for more extensive use.

    Source

User experience

  • Learning the Motif's workflow is reportedly enjoyable, even for those typically frustrated by complex gear, contrasting with the sometimes confusing Yamaha QY-100.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Between the Motif and Korg Triton, users often prefer the Motif for its sound and ease of use, though the Triton is noted for simpler workflow.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Older Yamaha Motif 6 models require downloading specific drivers for successful MIDI integration with newer software like GarageBand.

    Source
  • GarageBand may only accept MIDI messages on channel 1; ensure your Motif is set accordingly for proper communication.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • To resolve MIDI connectivity, change "MIDI In/Out" to "USB" under the Utility > MIDI > Other page settings.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Some owners consider switching to a cheap MIDI controller for studio work, reserving the Motif 6 for live performances due to its reliability and sound quality.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Sample RAM can be expanded with PC SIMMs, potentially up to 64 MB, though specifics should be confirmed in the manual.

    Source
Add

5.0 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 8 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
adam_haley

Classic from the pre-Ableton era, still useful.

This thing is a classic at this point. It is filled with great, use-able, warm sounds that still hold up, and the sequencer is very flexible and easy to use once you get over the initial learning curve.

lexa_sandisk

I had it before, just let it gone last year to pay Uncle Sam the full tax.they asked and collectted, hic....! But remember: I 'll get the XF model later..

Great synth with powerful and realistic sound , legendary Motif original. Loved it and tremendously regreted to let it gone to new buyer in Florida. One of the weakness of this Board is its using MMC- max mem is only 128 Mb, Expansion PC boards to upgrade Sounds and Yamaha Patterns/ Styles Files are very expensive. So long!

summedanddot

Summed&Dot

in our collection for 3 years now and we love it ....

Artist usage

Add artist
See how 12th Planet uses Yamaha MOTIF 6

12th Planet

Music Producer

Evol Intent & Infiltrata

...
Verified via YouTube

At 1:58 in this interview, 12th Planet says he owns a Yamaha Motif XS6.

See how Actress uses Yamaha MOTIF 6

Actress

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

At 0:18 in his 2012 Adult Swim spot, a Yamaha Motif workstation/arranger keyboard can be seen just behind him. While the right hand side of the keyboard is obfuscated, the green display and 3x2 white function buttons indicate the is a model from the Motif Classic (7/8) or Motif ES line (6 ES or 7 ES).

See how Taska Black uses Yamaha MOTIF 6

Taska Black

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via YouTube

Taska Black says he uses his Yamaha MOTIF6 while taking us through the Ableton session of his record 'Dead Inside'.

See how Racso Agroyam uses Yamaha MOTIF 6

Racso Agroyam

Music Producer

Hocico

...
Verified via YouTube

In this YouTube video at 13:59 , Racso Agroyam ( Hocico ) can be seen using the Yamaha MOTIF6 live in Russia during the Blood in the Red Square Tour 2010 , from their album Tiempos de Furia . Racso uses the Yamaha to create those high energy aggressive sound .The MOTIF6 is a highly versatile synth perfect for his style .

See how Sean “Barney” Thomas uses Yamaha MOTIF 6

Sean “Barney” Thomas

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Death Row Players

...
Verified via Photo

In a photograph, Sean “Barney” Thomas is observed utilizing the Yamaha MOTIF6, a synthesizer known for its versatility across various musical genres. This image serves as evidence of Thomas's choice in musical instruments.

See how Yuminale uses Yamaha MOTIF 6

Yuminale

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

"Still have two of these boards, the Motif and the Quadrasynth."

See how Gregg Dokes uses Yamaha MOTIF 6

Gregg Dokes

Keyboardist

Empulse

...
Verified via Photo

Gregg Dokes, a keyboardist known for his contributions to Hip Hop and Funk/Soul genres, is confirmed to use a Yamaha MOTIF6 synthesizer. This is evidenced by a photograph showing Dokes with the Yamaha MOTIF6, substantiating his choice of musical equipment.

See how Gene Tolbert uses Yamaha MOTIF 6

Gene Tolbert

Keyboardist

Alectric Mayhem

...
Verified via Photo

In a photographic evidence, Gene Tolbert, a keyboardist known for his contributions to hip hop, is observed utilizing a Yamaha MOTIF6 synthesizer. This image serves as a direct proof of his preference for this particular model of musical gear.

See how Saiid uses Yamaha MOTIF 6

Saiid

Rapper, Music Producer

Akkezdet Phiai

...
Verified via Instagram

On November 14, 2013, Saiid posted a photo on his Instagram account, "saiid_akkezdet," that clearly shows a Yamaha MOTIF6 synthesizer keyboard, with the caption "#new#love#motif6."

M

Moe Z MD

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

The Yamaha MOTIF6 is listed on Moe Z MD's official Yamaha artist page. It is pictured and discussed in this interview from the Summer 2003 issue of Yamaha's All Access, also appearing in the background of this June 7, 2020 video.

Moe-Z's main instrument these days is a Yamaha Motif music production synthesizer. "Oh man," he says, "I just love that keyboard! It's incredible for writing on the road. It's a total workstation - you don't even need a separate drum machine. It has a great mix of old and new sounds. You can play, sample and program whole tracks all within one box. It's easy to use, too. I've barely even looked at the manual. I've been able to learn almost everything by feel and common sense."

How does Moe-Z - who also plays drums, bass, guitar, sax, flute, and trumpet - rate the onboard instrumental sounds? "Some of them are so close to the real thing, it's incredible," he says. "I recently recorded some tracks using the guitar sounds, and if you didn't watch me play them on the Motif, you'd swear I was really playing guitar. The keyboard sounds are also very realistic, especially the electric pianos and organs. The bass sounds are great, too-there are uprights, fat roundwound tones, deep drum-machine-type basses, and DX7 sounds from back in the day. There's even a patch called 'Snoop Bass,' which sounds exactly like Snoop Dogg's synth-bass sound."

Moe-Z plans to include the new Motif tracks on his upcoming solo debut. He promises that the as-yet-untitled disc will be as unpredictable as his career: "There are lots of surprises. For example, I might sing over the sort of track that you'd expect a rap on, or rap over a smooth track. I've never wanted to do exactly the same thing as someone else, because when you copy another sound, you diminish the meaning of your music. So I just do what makes me happy."

Album Usage

The Yamaha MOTIF 6 has been featured on the following albums:

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 6, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

Show yours
butchaboy215

butchaboy215

Gear IQ 173

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