Yamaha Motif 6 Manual

							Front Panel
21Owner’s Manual
The Controls & Connectors
∞SLOT 1-3 lamps Page 284
These three lamps show the installation status of the Plug-
in Boards.
If the Plug-in Board has been correctly installed, the 
corresponding SLOT lamp will light.
nThe Vocal Harmony Plug-in Board (PLG100-VH) can be installed 
only to slot 1. It cannot be installed to slot 2 or 3.
nThe Multi part Plug-in Board (PLG100-XG) can be installed only to 
slot 3. It cannot be installed to slot 1 or 2.
§BANK buttons Page 60
Each button selects a Voice or Performance Bank.
When the [CATEGORY SEARCH] button is turned on, 
these buttons can be used to select the desired category 
(printed below each button). When the [SECTION] button 
is turned on in the Pattern mode, these buttons are used 
to select the desired section.
¶GROUP [A] - [H] buttons Page 48
Each button selects a Voice or Performance Group.
When the [CATEGORY SEARCH] button is turned on, 
these buttons can be used to select the desired category 
(printed below each button). When the [SECTION] button 
is turned on in the Pattern mode, these buttons are used 
to select the desired section. 
•NUMBER [1] - [16] buttons  Page 48
Use of these buttons differs depending on the on/off 
status of the [TRACK SELECT] and [MUTE] buttons. 
ª[CATEGORY SEARCH] button Page 62
When this button is turned on in the Performance mode, 
the lower row of [BANK] buttons (labeled A.PIANO - 
REED/PIPE below the buttons) and the [GROUP] buttons 
can be used to select the Performance category.
When this button is turned on in another mode, the lower 
row of [BANK] buttons (labeled A.PIANO - REED/PIPE 
below the buttons) and the [GROUP] buttons can be used 
to select the Voice category.
‚[SECTION] button Page 57
When this button is turned on in the Pattern mode, the 
GROUP [A] - [H] buttons can be used to select Pattern 
Sections A - H and the [PRE5] - [PLG3] buttons of the 
BANK buttons can be used to select Pattern Sections I - P. 
⁄[TRACK SELECT] button Page 58
Turning this button on in the Song/Pattern mode enables 
the NUMBER [1] - [16] buttons for selecting 
corresponding Song/Pattern tracks. The on/off status of 
this button affects the NUMBER [1] - [16] buttons in 
different ways, depending on the selected mode. (See • 
“NUMBER [1] - [16] buttons” above.)
¤[MUTE] button Page 58
Turning this button on in the Song/Pattern mode enables 
the NUMBER [1] - [16] buttons for muting corresponding 
Song/Pattern tracks.
Press one of the NUMBER [1] - [16] buttons while holding 
this button to solo the corresponding track of the current 
selected Song/Pattern.
The on/off status of this button affects the NUMBER [1] - 
[16] buttons in different ways, depending on the selected 
mode. (See • “NUMBER [1] - [16] buttons” above.)
Functions of the NUMBER [1] - [16] buttons
When [TRACK 
SELECT] is onWhen [MUTE] 
is onWhen both 
[TRACK SELECT] 
[MUTE] are off
Voice Play modeKeyboard 
transmit channel 
setting—Vo ice selection, 
according to Groups 
A - H
Voice Edit modeElement selection (1 - 4) and Element 
Mute setting (9 - 12)—
Performance 
Play modeKeyboard 
transmit channel 
settingPerformance part 
Mute setting 
(1 - 4)Performance or 
Vo ice selection
(if cursor is located 
at Voice name), 
according to Groups 
A - H  Performance 
Edit modePerformance part 
selection (1 - 4)
Master Play 
mode
Keyboard transmit 
channel setting 
(when memorizing 
the Voice mode or 
Performance 
mode to the 
current Master) or 
Song/Pattern track 
selection (when 
memorizing the 
Song mode or 
Pattern mode to 
the current 
Master)
—Master selection, 
according to Groups 
A - H
Master Edit 
modeZone selection 
(1 - 4)——
Song/Pattern 
Play modeSong/Pattern 
track selectionSong/Pattern 
track Mute 
settingSong/Pattern 
selection, according 
to Groups A - H
Song/Pattern 
Mixing modeSong/Pattern part 
selectionSong/Pattern part 
Mute setting
Mixing Voice 
Edit modeElement selection (1- 4) and Element 
Mute setting (9- 12)— 
						

							The Controls & Connectors
Rear Panel
22Owner’s Manual
Rear Panel
BREATH  ASSIGOUT THRU USB
TO HOST TO DEVICE mLAN     I / O  EXPANSIONAC INLET POWER
ON OFFIN MIDI
123465
mLAN     I / O  EXPANSIONAC INLET POWER
ON OFF
123
mLAN     I / O  EXPANSIONAC INLET POWER
ON OFF
123
MOTIF ES6
MOTIF ES7
MOTIF ES8 
						

							The Controls & Connectors
Rear Panel
23Owner’s Manual
GREEN
YELLOW
ORANGEPlug- in SLOT
A/D INPUT
L R OUTPUT
RL/MONOPHONES ASSIGNABLE OUTPUT
LR FOOT
CONTROLLERASSIGNABLE  SUSTAIN FOOT
SWITCHCARD
3.3V
1 2GAIN
!#789)@
$%
GREEN
YELLOW
ORANGEPlug- in SLOT
A/D INPUT
L R OUTPUT
RL/MONOPHONES ASSIGNABLE OUTPUT
L R FOOT
CONTROLLER
BREATH  ASSIGNABLE  SUSTAIN OUT THRU USB
TO HOST TO DEVICEFOOT
SWITCHCARD
3.3V
1 IN MIDI
2GAIN
46!#5789)@
$%
CARD3.3V
USB
TO HOST TO DEVICEGREEN
YELLOW
ORANGEPlug- in SLOTA/D INPUT
L R OUTPUT
RL/MONOPHONES ASSIGNABLE OUTPUT
L RGAINFOOT
CONTROLLER
BREATH  
ASSIGNABLE  SUSTAIN OUT THRUFOOT
SWITCH
1 IN MIDI
2
46!#5%789)@
$ 
						

							Rear Panel
24Owner’s Manual
The Controls & Connectors
1POWER Switch Page 43
Press to turn power ON or OFF.
2AC INLET (AC Power Cord Socket) Page 26
Be sure to plug the AC power cord into this socket before 
plugging the power cord into an AC outlet.
Use only the AC power cord supplied with this instrument. 
If the supplied cord is lost or damaged and needs to be 
replaced, contact your Yamaha dealer.
The use of an inappropriate replacement can pose a fire 
and shock hazard!
3mLAN expansion board (mLAN16E) or I/O 
expansion board (AIEB2) cover Page 25
Either the mLAN expansion board (mLAN16E) or the I/O 
expansion board (AIEB2) sold separately can be installed 
to this instrument. With the mLAN16E board, you can 
conveniently and easily hook up your MOTIF ES to other 
mLAN compatible instruments or devices. 
The AIEB2 board gives you additional digital I/O options, 
featuring both optical and coaxial connectors. Moreover, 
the board also includes three stereo ASSIGNABLE 
OUTPUT pairs (six analog jacks).
4USB connectors Page 29
This instrument is equipped with two types of USB 
connectors on the rear panel – USB TO HOST and USB 
TO DEVICE. The USB TO HOST connector is used to 
connect this instrument to the computer via the USB 
cable. The USB connection between the instrument and 
the computer can only be used for transfer of MIDI data. 
No audio data can be transferred via USB. The USB TO 
DEVICE connector is used to connect this instrument to a 
USB storage device (hard disk drive, CD-ROM drive, MO 
drive, flash disk, etc.) via the USB cable. This lets you 
save the data created on this instrument to the external 
USB storage device and load the data from the external 
USB storage device to the instrument. Save/Load 
operations can be performed in the File mode. 
nFor details about USB, see Page 29. 
5MIDI IN/OUT/THRU connectors Page 34
MIDI IN is for receiving control or performance data from 
another MIDI device, such as an external sequencer.
MIDI THRU is simply for redirecting any received MIDI 
data (via MIDI IN) to connected devices, allowing 
convenient chaining of additional MIDI instruments.
MIDI OUT is for transmitting all control, performance and 
playback data from the MOTIF to another MIDI device, 
such as an external sequencer.
6BREATH Controller Jack Page 42
Connect an optional Yamaha BC3 Breath Controller here 
for expressive breath control capability.
7FOOT SWITCH jacks Page 42
For connection of optional FC4 or FC5 Footswitches. 
When connected to the SUSTAIN jack, the Footswitch 
controls sustain. When connected to ASSIGNABLE, it can 
control one of various different assignable functions. 
8FOOT CONTROLLER jacks  Page 42
For connection of optional foot controllers (FC7, etc.). 
Each jack lets you continuously control one of various 
different assignable functions – such as volume, tone, 
pitch, or other aspects of the sound.
9ASSIGNABLE OUT L and R jacks Page 31
Line level audio signals are output from this instrument via 
these phone jacks (1/4 mono phone plug).
These outputs are independent of the main output (at the 
L/MONO and R jacks below), and can be freely assigned 
to any of the Drum Voice keys or the Parts. This lets you 
route specific Voices or sounds for processing with a 
favorite outboard effect unit.
The parts which can be assigned to these jacks are as 
follows:
•Drum Voice key to which the drum/percussion
instrument is assigned Page 203
•Any part of a Performance* Page 218
•Any part of a Song* Page 235
•Any part of a Pattern* Page 235
* Including the Audio Input part
)OUTPUT L/MONO and R jacks  Page 31
Line level audio signals are output via these phone jacks. 
For monophonic output, use just the L/MONO jack.
!PHONES jack Page 31
For connection to a pair of stereo headphones.
@A/D INPUT jacks  Page 33
External audio signals can be input via these phone jacks 
(1/4 mono phone plug). 
Various devices such as microphone, guitar, bass, CD 
player, synthesizer can be connected to these jacks and 
their audio input signal can be sounded as the AUDIO IN 
part of the Performance, Song, or Pattern.
In the Sampling mode, these jacks are used for capturing 
audio data as samples.  For stereo signals (such as from 
audio equipment), use both jacks.  For mono signals 
(such as from a microphone or guitar), use only the L jack.
USB
USB is an abbreviation for Universal Serial Bus. It is a serial 
interface for connecting a computer with peripheral devices, 
and enables much faster data transfer compared to 
conventional serial port connections.  
						

							Rear Panel
25Owner’s Manual
The Controls & Connectors
#GAIN knob  Page 73
For adjusting the input gain of the audio at the A/D INPUT 
jacks (above). Depending on the connected device 
(microphone, CD player, etc.), you may need to adjust this 
for optimum level.
$CARD (Card slot)  Page 27
Insert a SmartMedia (memory) card here to transfer 
various data to/from this instrument. Read carefully the 
precautions on using a SmartMedia (page 28) before 
inserting a SmartMedia card.
%Plug-in board cover  Page 283
Installing an optional Plug-in Board to this instrument lets 
you greatly expand the sonic palette of the instrument. Up 
to three boards can be installed to the rear panel.
■When the optional mLAN16E has been 
installed:
1mLAN (IEEE1394) connector 1, 2
For connecting mLAN devices or IEEE1394-compatible 
(FireWire) devices via standard IEEE1394 (6-pin) cables.
*The name “mLAN” and its logo (above) are trademarks.
nThe digital audio output via the mLAN connector is fixed to a 
resolution of 24 bit/44.1 kHz. 
■When the optional AIEB2 has been 
installed:
1OPTICAL IN, OUT connectors  Pages 33, 34
Use these connectors to input or output digital signals 
over optical-fiber cable. You can use the OPTICAL IN to 
record a digital signal at frequencies of 48kHz, 44.1kHz, 
or 32kHz. The OPTICAL OUT connector outputs a digital 
signal of 44.1kHz. 
2DIGITAL IN, OUT connectors Pages 33, 34
Use these connectors to input or output digital signals 
over coaxial (RCA-pin) cable. The digital signal format is 
CD/DAT (S/P DIF). You can use the DIGITAL IN connector 
to record a digital signal at frequencies of 48kHz, 
44.1kHz, or 32kHz. The DIGITAL OUT connector outputs a 
digital signal of 44.1kHz. 
3ASSIGNABLE OUT jacks (AS1 to AS6) Page 31
Line level audio signals are output from this instrument via 
these phone jacks (1/4 mono phone plug).
These outputs are independent of the main output (at the 
L/MONO and R jacks above), and can be freely assigned 
to any of the Drum Voice key or the Parts. This lets you 
route specific Voices or sounds for processing with your 
favorite outboard effect unit.
The parts which can be assigned to these jacks are as 
follows:
•Drum Voice key to which the drum/percussion instrument is 
assigned Page 203
•Any part of a Performance* Page 218
•Any part of a Song* Page 235
•Any part of a Pattern* Page 235
* Including the Audio Input part
nDigital audio output via the OPTICAL OUT connector or DIGITAL 
OUT connector can be changed between 20-bit and 24-bit 
resolution in the [UTILITY] → [F2] I/O → [SF2] OUTPUT display.  
The frequency, however, is fixed at 44.1 kHz. 
About mLAN
“mLAN” is a digital network designed for musical applications.
It uses and extends the industry standard IEEE 1394 high 
performance serial bus.
For details, refer to the Guide Book of the mLAN16E. 
mLAN EXPANSION BOARD mLAN16E
ACTIVE
MADE IN JAPANIEEE1394
21
1
123 
						

							Setting Up
Power Supply
26Owner’s Manual
Please read this section carefully before using your new MOTIF ES.
This section explains how to connect your MOTIF ES to an AC power source, external audio and MIDI devices, and a computer 
system. Only switch the MOTIF ES on after you have made all the necessary connections (page 43).
Power Supply
1Make sure the POWER switch on the MOTIF ES is set to OFF.
2Connect the supplied power cord to the AC INLET on the instrument’s rear panel.
3Connect the other end of the power cord to an AC outlet. Make sure your MOTIF ES meets the voltage requirement for the 
country or region in which it is being used.
Make sure your MOTIF ES is rated for the AC voltage supplied in the area in which it is to be used (as listed on the rear panel). Connecting the unit to the 
wrong AC supply can cause serious damage to the internal circuitry and may even pose a shock hazard!
Use only the AC power cord supplied with the MOTIF ES. If the supplied cord is lost or damaged and needs to be replaced, contact your Yamaha dealer. The 
use of an inappropriate replacement can pose a fire and shock hazard!
The type of AC power cord provided with the MOTIF ES may be different depending on the country in which it is purchased (a third prong may be provided 
for grounding purposes). Improper connection of the grounding conductor can create the risk of electrical shock. Do NOT modify the plug provided with 
the MOTIF ES. If the plug will not fit the outlet, have a proper outlet installed by a qualified electrician. Do not use a plug adapter which defeats the 
grounding conductor.
Setting Up
Rear panel
AC INLET
Power cord (included)
WARNING
WARNING
WARNING 
						

							Setting Up
About data storage to SmartMedia cards and USB storage devices
27Owner’s Manual
About data storage to SmartMedia cards and 
USB storage devices
As you make music with this instrument, you’ll create a wide variety of data — such as custom Voice data (including Voices, 
Performances, etc.), MIDI sequence data (Songs, Patterns, Arpeggios), and waveform data (with the Sampling function).  
Naturally, you’ll want to store this data for safekeeping and future use, and the instrument is equipped with a variety of storage 
options.  You can save your data to SmartMedia card (inserted to the Card slot) or to a USB storage device (connected to the 
USB TO DEVICE connector).  To recall the data, use the Load function.  (Save and Load operations are done in the File mode; 
see page 266.)
Keep in mind that certain types of data are lost when you turn off the power and should be properly saved.  Also keep in mind 
that since there are several storage options (including SmartMedia card, hard disk, flash disk, etc.), you should always have the 
proper media formatted and on hand BEFORE you start creating or editing data.
nThe Save/Load operation in the File mode can be executed between the SmartMedia card inserted to the CARD slot on the rear panel and the instrument, or 
between the USB storage device connected to the USB TO DEVICE connector and the instrument.  Please keep in mind that the Save /Load operation in the 
File mode cannot be executed between the SmartMedia card inserted to the CARD slot on the rear panel and the USB storage device connected to the USB 
TO DEVICE connector.  In short, data can be saved/loaded between the storage media and the instrument, but not between the two storage media devices.
Data lost and data retained when power is turned off
The chart below lists the data types you can create on the instrument and the internal memory locations to which they are stored, 
permanently or temporarily. 
Make sure to save any data remaining in DRAM to SmartMedia or a USB storage device before turning off the power, other wise the data will be lost.
*Includes the Mixing settings (pages 103, 127)
** If you create the User Voices or Sample Voices by using the Sampling function, the corresponding Waveforms can be saved automatically by 
saving the User Voice data or Song/Pattern data to the SmartMedia/USB storage device. 
***
Song Mixing/Pattern Mixing can be stored as Song/Pattern data and as a Mixing Template (which are not associated with a specific Song/Pattern).
nFor details about the data types you can create on this instrument, the internal memory locations to which they are stored, and file types when saving the 
created data to the SmartMedia/USB storage device, refer to “Memory Structure” on page 186. 
Data of up to 128 MB can be saved to a SmartMedia card inserted to the CARD slot on the rear panel. Yamaha recommends the use of a lar ge-capacity USB 
storage device, since you may want to save data more 128 MB — especiall y if you’ve installed optional DIMMs ( page 289) and are using the Sampling f eature. 
Data typesPage Mode in which data is createdInternal memory types to which data is stored
Voice79 Voice mode Flash ROM
Mixing Voice105 Mixing Voice mode DRAM ➜ Will be lost when turning the power off!
Performance87 Performance mode Flash ROM
Song*117 Song mode DRAM ➜ Will be lost when turning the power off!
Song Chain59 Song Chain mode DRAM ➜ Will be lost when turning the power off!
Pattern*106 Pattern mode DRAM ➜ Will be lost when turning the power off!
Pattern Chain115 Pattern Chain mode DRAM ➜ Will be lost when turning the power off!
Phrase (Pattern)110 Pattern mode DRAM ➜ Will be lost when turning the power off!
Arpeggio130 Song mode, Pattern mode Flash ROM
Master136 Master mode Flash ROM
Waveform**94 Sampling mode DIMM (DRAM) ➜ Will be lost when turning the power off!
Mixing Template***103 Song Mixing mode, Pattern Mixing mode Flash ROM
System settings185 Utility mode Flash ROM
MUSIC  PRODUCTION  SYNTHESIZER
MOTIF ES
SmartMedia (page 28)
USB TO DEVICE connectorUSB storage device (page 29)
CAUTION
CAUTION 
						

							About data storage to SmartMedia cards and USB storage devices
28Owner’s Manual
Setting Up
Using the SmartMedia™* cards
Be sure to handle SmartMedia cards with care.  Follow the important precautions below.
* SmartMedia is a trademark of Toshiba Corporation.
■ Compatible SmartMedia card Type
3.3V (3V) SmartMedia cards can be used. 5V type 
SmartMedia cards are not compatible with this instrument. 
■ Memory Capacity
There are seven types of SmartMedia cards: 2MB/4MB/8MB/
16MB/32MB/64MB/128MB. Keep in mind that only 
SmartMedia cards conforming to SSFDC standards (bearing 
the SmartMedia logo) can be used.
■ Inserting/Removing SmartMedia cards
Inserting a SmartMedia card
With the gold-plated contact side facing down, insert the 
SmartMedia card firmly but carefully into the card slot, as far 
as it will go.  Be careful not to insert the card upside down or 
back side in.  Also, do not insert anything else into the slot, 
other than a proper SmartMedia card. 
Removing a SmartMedia card
Before removing the SmartMedia card, be sure to confirm that 
the SmartMedia card is not in use, or it is not being accessed 
by the instrument. Then pull the SmartMedia card out slowly 
by hand. If the SmartMedia card is being accessed*, a 
message indicating that it is in use appears on the 
instrument’s display. 
 * This includes all save, load, format, delete and create directory 
operations for the SmartMedia card. Also, be aware that the 
instrument will automatically access the SmartMedia card to check 
the media type when it is inserted while the instrument is turned on.
Never attempt to remove the SmartMedia card or turn the power off during 
accessing. Doing so can damage the data on the instrument/SmartMedia 
card and possibly the SmartMedia card itself. 
■ Formatting SmartMedia cards
Before using a SmartMedia card with your instrument it must 
first be formatted (page 268). Once it is formatted all data on 
it will be erased. Make sure that no important data is 
contained on the card beforehand.
nThe SmartMedia cards formatted with this instrument may be 
unusable with other instruments or devices.
■ About the SmartMedia cards
Handle SmartMedia cards with care!
•SmartMedia cards are very sensitive and can be damaged 
by static electricity.  Before handling a SmartMedia card, 
make sure to discharge any static electricity in your body by 
touching something made of metal, such as a door knob or 
aluminum blinds.
•Be sure to remove the SmartMedia card from the CARD slot 
when it is not in use for a long time.
•Do not expose the SmartMedia card to direct sunlight, 
extremely high or low temperatures, or excessive humidity, 
dust or liquids. 
•Do not place heavy objects on a SmartMedia card or bend 
or apply pressure to the SmartMedia card in any way. 
•Never touch the gold-plated contact with your fingers or let 
it come in contact with any other metallic or hard surface.
•Do not expose the SmartMedia card to magnetic fields, 
such as those produced by televisions, speakers, motors, 
etc., since magnetic fields can partially or completely erase 
data on the SmartMedia card, rendering it unreadable.
•Do not attach anything other than the provided labels to a 
SmartMedia card. Also make sure that labels are attached 
in the proper location.
Protecting your data (write-protect)
To prevent important data from being inadvertently erased, 
apply the write-protect seal (provided with the SmartMedia 
card) to the circle spot indicated on the card.  If you are 
saving data to the card, make sure to remove the write-protect 
seal.  Do not reuse a seal that has been removed; it may not 
stick properly to the card and could come off in the slot.
■ Data Backup
For maximum data security Yamaha recommends that you 
keep two copies of important data on separate SmartMedia 
cards. This gives you a backup if one SmartMedia card is lost 
or damaged.
■ Burglarproof Lock
This instrument is equipped with a burglarproof lock for the 
SmartMedia card. If necessity arises, install the burglarproof 
lock onto the instrument.
To install the burglarproof lock:
1Remove the metallic part using a Phillips screwdriver.
2Turn the metallic part upside down and replace it in the 
new position.
CAUTION 
						

							About data storage to SmartMedia cards and USB storage devices
29Owner’s Manual
Setting Up
Using USB storage devices
When using USB storage devices, make sure to connect them to the USB TO DEVICE connector, and follow the important 
precautions below.
■ Compatible USB devices
Connect only a USB storage device (such as hard disk, CD-
ROM, flash disk and other drives) to the USB TO DEVICE 
connector.  Other devices such as a computer keyboard or 
mouse cannot be used.
Both bus-powered (powered by the host device) or self-
powered (battery or external power supply) types can be 
used.
The MOTIF ES does not necessarily support all commercially 
available USB storage devices. Yamaha cannot guarantee 
operation of USB storage devices that you purchase. Before 
purchasing USB storage devices, please consult your 
Yamaha dealer, or an authorized Yamaha distributor (see list 
at end of the Owner’s Manual) for advice, or see the following 
page: 
          http://www.yamahasynth.com/
nAlthough CD-R/W drives can be used to load data to the instrument, 
they cannot be used for saving data.  However, you can transfer data 
to a computer and save data to a CD using the CD-R/W drive on the 
computer.
■ Formatting USB storage media
When a USB storage device is connected or media is 
inserted, a “Disk or card unformatted” message may appear 
in the LCD display, indicating that the device or media must 
be formatted for use.  Execute the Format operation in the File 
mode (page 268).
■ Protecting your data (write-protect)
To prevent important data from being inadvertently erased, 
apply the write-protect provided with each storage device or 
media. 
If you are saving data to the USB storage device, make sure 
to remove the write-protect. 
Precautions when using the USB TO DEVICE 
connector
•  Never turn the USB device’s power on/off and never plug/unplug 
the USB cable when the connected USB storage device is the self-
powered type. Doing so may result in the operation of the 
synthesizer “freezing” or hanging up.
•  While the instrument is accessing data (such as in the Save, Load 
and Delete operations in the File mode), do NOT unplug the USB 
cable, do NOT remove the media from the device, and do NOT turn 
the power off to either device.  Doing so may corrupt the data on 
either or both devices.
CAUTION
USB connector types
There are two different types of USB connectors, and the 
rear panel of the instrument features both.  Take care not 
to confuse the two.
■ USB TO HOST connector
This type is used to connect the instrument to a 
computer, and allows you to transfer MIDI data between 
the devices.  Unlike MIDI, USB can handle multiple ports 
via a single cable.
USB cables have different connectors on each end: the 
A type and the B type. Connect the A type to your 
computer and the B type to the USB TO HOST 
connector.
■ USB TO DEVICE connector
This type is used to connect the instrument to a USB 
storage device, and allows you to save data you’ve 
created to the connected device, as well as load data 
from the connected device.  Save and Load operations 
are executed in the File mode.
USB cables have different connectors on each end: the 
A type and the B type. Connect the A type to the USB TO 
HOST connector and the B type to the USB storage 
device.
nThe computer cannot access the USB storage device 
connected to the MOTIF ES’s USB TO DEVICE connector, even 
if connecting as shown above. Only from the File mode on the 
instrument itself can you access the data on the USB storage 
device connected to the USB TO DEVICE connector. 
nThough the MOTIF ES supports the USB 1.1 standard, you can 
connect and use a USB 2.0 storage device with the MOTIF ES.  
However, note that the transfer speed complies to USB 1.1. 
MOTIF ES
MUSIC  PRODUCTION  SYNTHESIZER
MIDI data transfer
Connecting to a computer
Connecting to a 
USB storage device 
(hard disk, CD-ROM, 
flash disk and other 
drives) Saving/Loading data in 
the File mode (page 266)
A type B type
USB TO DEVICE 
connector USB TO HOST 
connector 
						

							About data storage to SmartMedia cards and USB storage devices
30Owner’s Manual
Setting Up
Basic settings for using SmartMedia or a USB 
storage device
1Press the [FILE] button to enter the File mode. 
2Press the [SF1] CURRENT button to check 
which device is selected.
When Current is set to “CARD”
The instrument recognizes the SmartMedia inserted to the 
Card slot. 
When Current is set to “USB”
The instrument recognizes the USB storage device. 
3Set Current to “CARD” if you wish to access the 
SmartMedia, or set Current to “USB” if you wish to 
access the USB storage device. 
If the USB storage device supports multiple types of media, 
you’ll need to set the Slot number after setting Current to 
“USB.” To check which media corresponds to which USB 
number (1 or 2) and which slot number, see the Volume Label 
or Partition setting in this window.
Once you’ve made the settings above, you can perform 
any of the other File operations (in the bottom tabs, called 
up with the [F2] - [F5] buttons).
nWhen a USB storage device is connected or media is inser ted, a 
“Disk or card unformatted” message may appear in the LCD display, 
indicating that the device or media must be for matted for use.  
Execute the Format operation in the File mode (page 268).
Backing up your data to a computer
• Backing up MOTIF ES data to a computer
Once you’ve saved data to a SmartMedia card or USB 
storage device, you can copy the data to the hard disk 
of your computer, then archive and organize the files 
as desired.  Simply reconnect the device as shown 
below.
nThough the example here shows the use of a connected USB 
storage device, you can also back up your created data that 
you’ve saved to a SmartMedia inserted to the CARD slot on 
the rear panel. 
• Loading data from a computer to the MOTIF ES
Data and files contained on the hard disk of a computer 
can be loaded to the MOTIF ES by copying them first to 
the storage media, then transferring them to the 
instrument.
In this way, you can use data created on the computer or 
another instrument with the MOTIF ES.  For example, you 
can load Standard MIDI files to the instrument as Song/
Pattern data, or import audio WAV or AIFF files for use as 
waveform data.
Volume Label of the selected device
TIP
MUSIC  PRODUCTION  SYNTHESIZER
MOTIF ES
MUSIC  PRODUCTION  SYNTHESIZER
MOTIF ES
Saving created data to the USB storage device in the File mode (page 266)
ComputerUSB storage device
USB TO DEVICE connector
Disconnect the USB storage 
device from the synthesizer and 
connect it to the computer
Backing up data to a computer and organizing files/folders
ComputerUSB storage device
MUSIC  PRODUCTION  SYNTHESIZER
MOTIF ES
MUSIC  PRODUCTION  SYNTHESIZER
MOTIF ES
ComputerUSB storage device
ComputerUSB storage device Copying the files of the hard disk of the computer to the USB storage device
Disconnect the USB storage 
device from the computer and 
connect it to the synthesizer
Loading files on the USB storage device to the synthesizer in the 
File mode (page 266)
USB TO DEVICE connector