Yamaha Motif 8 Owners Manual

							06E0 
						

							 
PRODUCT SAFETY MARKINGS:
 
 Yamaha electronic products
may have either labels similar to the graphics shown below or
molded/stamped facsimiles of these graphics on the enclosure.
The explanation of these graphics appears on this page. Please
observe all cautions indicated on this page and those indicated in
the safety instruction section.
The exclamation point within the equilateral triangle
is intended to alert the user to the presence of
important operating and maintenance (servicing)
instructions in the literature accompanying the
product.
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within
the equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user
to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous
voltage” within the product’s enclosure that may be
of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of
electrical shock.
 
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
 
 All Yamaha electronic products are tested
and approved by an independent safety testing laboratory in order
that you may be sure that when it is properly installed and used in
its normal and customary manner, all foreseeable risks have been
eliminated. DO NOT modify this unit or commission others to do so
unless specifically authorized by Yamaha. Product performance
and/or safety standards may be diminished. Claims filed under the
expressed warranty may be denied if the unit is/has been modified.
Implied warranties may also be affected.
 
SPECIFICATIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE:
 
 The information
contained in this manual is believed to be correct at the time of
printing. However, Yamaha reserves the right to change or modify
any of the specifications without notice or obligation to update
existing units.
 
ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES:
 
 Yamaha strives to produce products
that are both user safe and environmentally friendly. We sincerely
believe that our products and the production methods used to
produce them, meet these goals. In keeping with both the letter and
the spirit of the law, we want you to be aware of the following:
 
Battery Notice:
 
 This product MAY contain a small non-
rechargeable battery which (if applicable) is soldered in place. The
average life span of this type of battery is approximately five years.
When replacement becomes necessary, contact a qualified service
representative to perform the replacement.
 
Warning:
 
 Do not attempt to recharge, disassemble, or incinerate
this type of battery. Keep all batteries away from children. Dispose
of used batteries promptly and as regulated by applicable laws.
Note: In some areas, the servicer is required by law to return the
defective parts. However, you do have the option of having the
servicer dispose of these parts for you.
 
Disposal Notice:
 
 Should this product become damaged beyond
repair, or for some reason its useful life is considered to be at an
end, please observe all local, state, and federal regulations that
relate to the disposal of products that contain lead, batteries,
plastics, etc.
 
NOTICE:
 
 Service charges incurred due to lack of knowledge
relating to how a function or effect works (when the unit is operating
as designed) are not covered by the manufacturer’s warranty, and
are therefore the owners responsibility. Please study this manual
carefully and consult your dealer before requesting service.
 
NAME PLATE LOCATION: 
 
The graphic below indicates the
location of the name plate. The model number, serial number,
power requirements, etc., are located on this plate. You should
record the model number, serial number, and the date of purchase
in the spaces provided below and retain this manual as a
permanent record of your purchase.
 
Model 
Serial No. 
Purchase Date 
SPECIAL MESSAGE SECTION
CAUTION: TO REDUCE  THE RISK OF
ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE
COVER (OR BACK). NO USER-SERVICEABLE
PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO
QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
CAUTIONRISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION
POWER
ONOFFAC
INLETmLANIOEXPANSIONIOEXPANSION
CAUTION
POWER
ONOFFAC
INLET
CAUTION
ATTENTION
WARNINGRISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK:RISQUE  DE  CHOC  ÉLECTRIQUE  NE  PAS  OUVRIR.THIS DEVICE COMPLIES WITH PART 15 OF THE FTHE FOLLOWING TWO CONDITIONS:
(1) THIS DEVICE MAY NOT CAUSE HARMFUL INTE(2) THIS DEVICE MUST ACCEPT ANY INTERFERENTHAT MAY CAUSE UNDESIRED OPERATION.THIS CLASS B DEIGITAL APPARATUS COMPL
DU CANADA. CET APPAREIL NUMÉRIQUE DE LA CLASSE BTO  REDUCE  THE  RISK  OF  FIRE  OR  ELECTRIC
SHOCK, DO  NOT  EXPOSE  THIS  PRODUCT  TO  RAIN  OR  MOISTURE.DO NOT OPEN
POWER
ONOFFAC
INLET
MOTIF6
MOTIF7
MOTIF8
 
92-469- 1  (rear) 
						

							 
INFORMATION RELATING TO PERSONAL INJURY, ELECTRICAL SHOCK, 
AND FIRE HAZARD POSSIBILITIES HAS BEEN INCLUDED IN THIS LIST.
WARNING- 
 When using any electrical or electronic product,
basic precautions should always be followed. These precautions
include, but are not limited to, the following:
 
1. 
 
 
Read all Safety Instructions, Installation Instructions, Special
Message Section items, and any Assembly Instructions found in
this manual BEFORE making any connections, including
connection to the main supply.
 
2. 
 Do not attempt to service this product beyond that
described in the user-maintenance instructions. All other servicing
should be referred to qualified service personnel.
 
3. 
 
 
Main Power Supply Verification: Yamaha products are
manufactured specifically for the supply voltage in the area where
they are to be sold. If you should move, or if any doubt exists about
the supply voltage in your area, please contact your dealer for
supply voltage verification and (if applicable) instructions. The
required supply voltage is printed on the name plate. For name
plate location, please refer to the graphic found in the Special
Message Section of this manual.
 
4. 
 
 
DANGER
 
-Grounding Instructions: This product must be
grounded and therefore has been equipped with a three pin
attachment plug. If this product should malfunction, the ground pin
provides a path of low resistance for electrical current, reducing the
risk of electrical shock. If your wall socket will not accommodate this
type plug, contact an electrician to have the outlet replaced in
accordance with local electrical codes. Do NOT modify the plug or
change the plug to a different type!
 
5. 
 
 
WARNING
 
: Do not place this product or any other objects
on the power cord or place it in a position where anyone could walk
on, trip over, or roll anything over power or connecting cords of any
kind. The use of an extension cord is not recommended! If you must
use an extension cord, the minimum wire size for a 25’ cord (or less)
is 18 AWG. NOTE: The smaller the AWG number, the larger the
current handling capacity. For longer extension cords, consult a
local electrician.
 
6. 
 Ventilation: Electronic products, unless specifically
designed for enclosed installations, should be placed in locations
that do not interfere with proper ventilation. If instructions for
enclosed installations are not provided, it must be assumed that
unobstructed ventilation is required.
 
7. 
 Temperature considerations: Electronic products should be
installed in locations that do not seriously contribute to their
operating temperature. Placement of this product close to heat
sources such as; radiators, heat registers etc., should be avoided.
 
8. 
 This product was NOT designed for use in wet/damp
locations and should not be used near water or exposed to rain.
Examples of wet /damp locations are; near a swimming pool, spa,
tub, sink, or wet basement.
 
9. 
 This product should be used only with the components
supplied or; a cart ,rack, or stand that is recommended by the
manufacturer. If a cart, rack, or stand is used, please observe all
safety markings and instructions that accompany the accessory
product.
 
10. 
 The power supply cord (plug) should be disconnected from
the outlet when electronic products are to be left unused for
extended periods of time. Cords should also be disconnected when
there is a high probability of lightning and/or electrical storm
activity.
 
11. 
 Care should be taken that objects do not fall and liquids are
not spilled into the enclosure through any openings that may exist.
 
12. 
 Electrical/electronic products should be serviced by a
qualified service person when:
a. The power supply cord has been damaged; or
b. Objects have fallen, been inserted, or liquids have been
spilled into the enclosure through openings; or
c. The product has been exposed to rain; or
d. The product does not operate, exhibits a marked change
in performance; or
e. The product has been dropped, or the enclosure of the
product has been damaged. 
 
13.  
This product, either alone or in combination with an amplifier
and headphones or speaker/s, may be capable of producing sound
levels that could cause permanent hearing loss. DO NOT operate
for a long period of time at a high volume level or at a level that is
uncomfortable. If you experience any hearing loss or ringing in the
ears, you should consult an audiologist. 
 
IMPORTANT
 
: The louder the sound, the shorter the time period
before damage occurs.
 
14. 
 Some Yamaha products may have benches and/or
accessory mounting fixtures that are either supplied as a part of the
product or as optional accessories. Some of these items are
designed to be dealer assembled or installed. Please make sure
that benches are stable and any optional fixtures (where
applicable) are well secured BEFORE using. Benches supplied by
Yamaha are designed for seating only. No other uses are
recommended.
 
PLEASE KEEP THIS MANUAL IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 
92-469-3 
						

							 
(2)-8 
  1/2 
PRECAUTIONS 
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE PROCEEDING 
* Please keep this manual in a safe place for future reference. 
 WARNING 
Always follow the basic precautions listed below to avoid the possibility of serious injury or even death from electrical 
shock, short-circuiting, damages, fire or other hazards. These precautions include, but are not limited to, the following:
 
•Only use the voltage specified as correct for the instrument. The required voltage 
is printed on the name plate of the instrument.
•Check the electric plug periodically and remove any dirt or dust which may have 
accumulated on it.
•Use only the supplied power cord/plug.
•Do not place the power cord near heat sources such as heaters or radiators, and 
do not excessively bend or otherwise damage the cord, place heavy objects on it, 
or place it in a position where anyone could walk on, trip over, or roll anything 
over it.
•This instrument contains no user-serviceable parts. Do not attempt to 
disassemble or modify the internal components in any way.•Do not expose the instrument to rain, use it near water or in damp or wet 
conditions, or place containers on it containing liquids which might spill into any 
openings.
•Never insert or remove an electric plug with wet hands.
•Do not put burning items, such as candles, on the unit. 
A burning item may fall over and cause a fire.
•If the power cord or plug becomes frayed or damaged, or if there is a sudden loss 
of sound during use of the instrument, or if any unusual smells or smoke should 
appear to be caused by it, immediately turn off the power switch, disconnect the 
electric plug from the outlet, and have the instrument inspected by qualifi ed 
Yamaha service personnel.
 
 CAUTION 
Always follow the basic precautions listed below to avoid the possibility of physical injury to you or others, or damage to 
the instrument or other property. These precautions include, but are not limited to, the following:
 
•Always connect the three-pin attachment plug to a properly grounded power 
source. (For more information about the main power supply, see page 20.) 
•When removing the electric plug from the instrument or an outlet, always hold the 
plug itself and not the cord. Pulling by the cord can damage it.
•Remove the electric plug from the outlet when the instrument is not to be used for 
extended periods of time, or during electrical storms.
•Do not connect the instrument to an electrical outlet using a multiple-connector. 
Doing so can result in lower sound quality, or possibly cause overheating in the 
outlet.•Do not expose the instrument to excessive dust or vibrations, or extreme cold or 
heat (such as in direct sunlight, near a heater, or in a car during the day) to prevent 
the possibility of panel disfiguration or damage to the internal components.
•Do not use the instrument in the vicinity of a TV, radio, stereo equipment, mobile 
phone, or other electric devices. Otherwise, the instrument, TV, or radio may 
generate noise.
•Do not place the instrument in an unstable position where it might accidentally fall 
over.
•Before moving the instrument, remove all connected cables.
•Do not place objects in front of the instruments air vent, since this may prevent 
adequate ventilation of the internal components, and possibly result in the 
instrument overheating.
Power supply/Power cord
Do not open
Water warning
Fire warning
If you notice any abnormality
Power supply/Power cordLocation 
						

							 
(2)-8 
  2/2 
•Before connecting the instrument to other electronic components, turn off the 
power for all components. Before turning the power on or off for all components, 
set all volume levels to minimum. Also, be sure to set the volumes of all 
components at their minimum levels and gradually raise the volume controls 
while playing the instrument to set the desired listening level.
•When cleaning the instrument, use a soft, dry cloth. Do not use paint thinners, 
solvents, cleaning fluids, or chemical-impregnated wiping cloths. 
•Do not insert a finger or hand in any gaps on the instrument. 
•Never insert or drop paper, metallic, or other objects into the gaps on the  panel or 
keyboard. If this happens, turn off the power immediately and unplug the power 
cord from the AC outlet. Then have the instrument inspected by qualified Yamaha 
service personnel. 
•Do not place vinyl, plastic or rubber objects on the instrument, since this might 
discolor the panel or keyboard.
•Do not rest your weight on, or place heavy objects on the instrument, and do not 
use excessive force on the buttons, switches or connectors.
•Do not operate the instrument for a long period of time at a high or uncomfortable 
volume level, since this can cause permanent hearing loss. If you experience any 
hearing loss or ringing in the ears, consult a physician.•This instrument has a built-in lithium backup batter y. When you unplug the power 
cord from the AC outlet, the SRAM data (see page 63) is retained. However, if the 
backup battery fully discharges, this data will be lost. When the backup batter y is 
running low, the LCD display indicates “Change internal batter y.” In this case, 
immediately save the data to a Memory Card (SmartMedia)/a SCSI disk then have 
qualified Yamaha service personnel replace the backup battery. 
 
Saving and backing up your data
 
For instruments with DRAM (RAM that does not retain data)
 
•DRAM data (see page 63) is lost when you turn off the power to the instrument. 
Save the data to a Memory Card (SmartMedia)/a SCSI disk.
 
For instruments with SRAM (RAM that retains data by using a lithium 
battery)
 
•SRAM data (see page 63) is retained when the power is turned off, as long as the 
backup battery retains a charge. However, the data could be lost due to 
malfunction or incorrect operation. Save important data to a Memor y Card 
(SmartMedia)/a SCSI disk.
 
Backing up the Memory Card (SmartMedia)/SCSI disk
 
•To protect against data loss through media damage, we recommend that you save 
your important data onto twoMemory Cards (SmartMedia)/SCSI disk.
                                                                                                                                     
Yamaha cannot be held responsible for damage caused by improper use or modifications to the instrument, or data that is lost or destroyed. 
Always turn the power off when the instrument is not in use. 
Make sure to discard used batteries according to local regulations.
Connections
Maintenance
Handling caution
Backup battery
Saving data 
						

							 
FCC INFORMATION (U.S.A.) 
1. 
  
IMPORTANT NOTICE: DO NOT MODIFY THIS UNIT! 
This product, when installed as indicated in the instructions contained in this
manual, meets FCC requirements. Modifications not expressly approved by
Yamaha may void your authority, granted by the FCC, to use the product. 
2. IMPORTANT: 
 When connecting this product to accessories and/or another
product use only high quality shielded cables. Cable/s supplied with this
product MUST be used. Follow all installation instructions. Failure to follow
instructions could void your FCC authorization to use this product in the USA. 
3. NOTE: 
 This product has been tested and found to comply with the
requirements listed in FCC Regulations, Part 15 for Class B digital devices.
Compliance with these requirements provides a reasonable level of
assurance that your use of this product in a residential environment will not
result in harmful interference with other electronic devices. This equipment
generates/uses radio frequencies and, if not installed and used according to
the instructions found in the users manual, may cause interference harmful to
the operation of other electronic devices. Compliance with FCC regulations
does not guarantee that interference will not occur in all installations. If this
product is found to be the source of interference, which can be determined
by turning the unit OFF and ON, please try to eliminate the problem by
using one of the following measures:Relocate either this product or the device that is being affected by the
interference. 
Utilize power outlets that are on different branch (circuit breaker or fuse)
circuits or install AC line filter/s.
In the case of radio or TV interference, relocate/reorient the antenna. If the
antenna lead-in is 300 ohm ribbon lead, change the lead-in to co-axial type
cable.
If these corrective measures do not produce satisfactory results, please
contact the local retailer authorized to distribute this type of product. If you
can not locate the appropriate retailer, please contact Yamaha Corporation
of America, Electronic Service Division, 6600 Orangethorpe Ave, Buena
Park, CA90620
The above statements apply ONLY to those products distributed by
Yamaha Corporation of America or its subsidiaries. 
* This applies only to products distributed by YAMAHA CORPORATION OF AMERICA.(class B) 
IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR THE UNITED KINGDOM 
Connecting the Plug and Cord
WARNING:  
THIS APPARATUS MUST BE EARTHED
IMPORTANT.  The wires in this mains lead are coloured in accordance with
the following code:
GREEN-AND-YELLOW :EARTH  
BLUE :NEUTRAL
BROWN :LIVE
As the colours of the wires in the mains lead of this apparatus may not 
correspond with the coloured markings identifying the terminals in your 
plug  proceed as follows:
The wire which is coloured GREEN-and-YELLOW must be connected to 
the terminal in the plug which is marked by the letter E or by the safety  
earth symbol  or colored GREEN or GREEN-and-YELLOW.
The wire which is coloured BLUE must be connected to the terminal  which 
is marked with the letter  N or coloured BLACK.
The wire which is coloured BROWN must be connected  to the terminal 
which is marked with the letter L or coloured RED. 
* This applies only to products distributed by Yamaha-Kemble Music (U.K.) Ltd.
(3 wires) 
NEDERLAND / THE NETHERLANDS  
•   Dit apparaat bevat een lithium batterij voor geheugen back-up.
•   This apparatus contains a lithium battery for memory back-up.
•   Raadpleeg uw leverancier over de verwijdering van de batterij op het 
moment dat u het apparaat ann het einde van de levensduur afdankt of 
de volgende Yamaha Service Afdeiing:
Yamaha Music Nederland Service Afdeiing
Kanaalweg 18-G, 3526 KL UTRECHT
Tel. 030-2828425
•   For the removal of the battery at the moment of the disposal at the end 
of the service life please consult your retailer or Yamaha Service Center 
as follows:
Yamaha Music Nederland Service Center
Address :Kanaalweg 18-G, 3526 KL UTRECHT
Tel :030-2828425
•   Gooi de batterij niet weg, maar lever hem in als KCA.
•    Do not throw away the battery. Instead, hand it in as small chemical            
waste. 
(lithium disposal) 
ADVARSEL! 
Lithiumbatteri—Eksplosionsfare ved fejlagtig håndtering. Udskiftning må 
kun ske med batteri af samme fabrikat og type.  Levér det brugte batteri 
tilbage til leverandoren.  
VARNING 
Explosionsfara vid felaktigt batteribyte. Använd samma batterityp eller en 
ekvivalent typ som rekommenderas av apparattillverkaren. Kassera använt 
batteri enligt fabrikantens instruktion.  
VAROITUS 
Paristo voi räjähtää, jos se on virheellisesti asennettu. Vaihda paristo 
ainoastaan laitevalmistajan suosittelemaan tyyppiin. Hävitä käytetty paristo 
valmistajan ohjeiden mukaisesti. 
(lithium caution) 
						

							 
7 
MOTIF   Introduction 
Introduction 
Congratulations and thank you for your purchase of the Yamaha MOTIF Music Production Synthesizer!
You now own what is perhaps the best-sounding, most versatile, and certainly most powerful synthesizer and total music 
production instrument on the planet.
We strove to put virtually all our synthesizer technology and music making know-how into one instrument — and we 
succeeded.  The new MOTIF not only gives you the latest and greatest sounds and rhythms (as well as the ability to create 
and sample your own), it gives you powerful, easy-to-use tools for playing, combining and controlling these dynamic 
sounds/rhythms — in real time, as you perform!  
Take time to look through this manual carefully.  It’s packed with important information on how to get the most from this 
amazing instrument.
Dive in now and enjoy! 
Package Contents 
The following items have been included with your MOTIF.   Check to see that you have everything listed here.
• Synthesizer • AC Power cord • CD-ROM x 3
• Owners Manual (this book) • Data List • Installation Guide 
About the included CD-ROM
 
The accompanying CD-ROM features special software for use with the MOTIF.  Included is a Voice Editor, which gives you 
comprehensive and intuitive editing tools for the MOTIF, and a File Manager, which lets you easily transfer data between 
the storage device connected to your MOTIF and a computer.  For details, see the separate Installation Guide or the online 
manuals included with the software.
 
Do NOT attempt to play back Track 1 (which contains the software data) on an audio CD player.  Doing so may result in damage 
to your audio equipment and speakers, as well as your hearing.
 
About This Manual 
This manual consists of the following sections.  
■ 
  
The Controls & Connectors 
Use this section to find out about all of the buttons, controls and connectors of the    MOTIF.
 
■ 
  
Setting Up 
Before going on to any other part of the manual, we strongly suggest you read this section 
first. It shows you how to get started playing and using your new MOTIF.  
■ 
  
Basic Structure 
This section provides a detailed overview of all of the main functions and features of the 
MOTIF, and shows how they fit together. 
■ 
  
Basic Operation 
This section introduces you to the basic operating conventions of the MOTIF, such as 
editing values and changing settings.  
■ 
  
Quick Start Guide 
In this tutorial section, youll take a guided tour through the various functions of the 
MOTIF, and get some hands-on experience in playing and using it. 
■ 
  
Reference 
The MOTIF encyclopedia. This section explains all parameters, settings, functions, 
features, modes and operations  in full detail. 
■ 
   
Appendix 
This section contains detailed information on the MOTIF  such as Specifications and an 
Alert Message List  as well as instructions for installing optional equipment 
(e.g., SIMM modules, AIEB2, mLAN8E interface, and Plug-in Boards). 
■ 
  
 Data List (separate booklet) 
This contains various important lists such as the Voice List, Preset Pattern Phrase List, 
Effect List, MIDI Data Format, and MIDI Implementation Chart. 
■ 
  
Installation Guide (separate booklet)
 
Refer to this for instructions on installing the included software programs (on the CD-
ROM) to your computer. 
● 
Copying of the commercially available music sequence data and/or digital audio files is strictly prohibited, except   for 
your  own personal use. 
● 
The illustrations and LCD screens as shown in this Owner’s Manual are for instructional purposes only, and may 
appear somewhat different from those on your instrument. 
● 
The company names and product names in this Owner’s Manual are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their 
respective companies. 
						

							 
8 
MOTIF   Introduction
  
 
Important Features 
■ 
Wide range of  
dynamic and authentic voices 
 — over 
512 in total, with 49 drum kits.  Use the  
Category 
Search 
 function to quickly call up the sounds you 
want, based on their instrument type. 
■ 
Performance mode 
 lets you use four different voices 
together — in layers or in a keyboard split. 
■ 
Integrated Sampling Sequencer 
 — seamlessly 
combines audio and MIDI recording.  
* Full  
Sample recording and editing 
 features, with 
4MB of memory (expandable to 64MB).
* Wide  
data compatibility 
 lets you load AIFF and WAV 
files, as well as samples and program/voice data from 
other samplers.
* Convenient  
Resampling 
 function lets you sample the 
sound of the MOTIF itself directly.  Play your own 
melodies, riffs and rhythms — and use them as samples.
* Unique  
Slice feature  
automatically chops up your 
rhythms and riffs into their individual beats and notes.  
This lets you manipulate the component parts of your 
sample loops as MIDI data — and gives you the power 
to easily change tempo and even the rhythmic feel, 
without disturbing the pitch or sound quality.
* Using the  
Song mode 
, record your music to the  
sequencer 
 in conventional linear fashion, from 
beginning to end.  Or use the  
phrase-based functions 
 
to assemble rhythms and patterns —  “playing” your 
arrangements in real time. 
■ 
Extensive  
effect processing 
, with Reverb (12 types), 
Chorus (25 types), two separate Insertion sections 
(total 104 types), a Variation section (25 types), and a 
Master 5-band EQ. 
■ 
Comprehensive  
real-time control with four knobs 
and four sliders  
— letting you adjust filter, levels, 
effects, EG, and more, while you play.  
■ 
Pattern mode 
 functions let you craft different 
rhythmic sections and riffs as individual elements — 
which you can easily and intuitively combine in real 
time to create full rhythm tracks. 
■ 
The built-in  
Arpeggio 
 feature not only puts a wealth of 
hip rhythmic sequences at your fingertips, it even has 
special “human” patterns — such as guitar strumming 
and woodwind trills.   
■ 
Once you’ve collected all the audio samples, loops, 
MIDI data, and patterns you need for your song, use  
Pattern Chain 
 to arrange the pieces in real time.  This 
hands-on approach makes it easier than ever to come 
up with great ideas and amazing songs. 
■ 
Song Scene 
 is another powerful tool that lets you take 
“snapshots” of the sequencer track settings (such as 
pan, volume, and others).  Then, during playback or 
recording, simply switch among the Scenes for instant, 
dynamic changes. 
■ 
Master mode 
 for using the MOTIF as a master 
keyboard controller (with independent Zones), and for 
easily reconfiguring the instrument between Voice/
Performance play and Song/Pattern play in live 
applications. 
■ 
Exceptionally  
easy-to-understand interface 
 with 
two-tiered operation buttons: [F1] - [F6] and [SF1] - 
[SF5] 
■ 
Remote Control  
— for operating your favorite 
sequencing software from the panel controls of the 
MOTIF.  Mute tracks, control transport (Play, Stop, 
Record, etc.), mix both MIDI and audio tracks (up to 
16) with the MOTIF’s knobs and sliders, pan the 
tracks, control EQ, and tweak effect sends — all 
without ever touching the mouse.  
■ 
Three  
Modular Synthesis Plug-in System 
 slots let 
you upgrade the MOTIF with a completely new 
synthesizer or sound-processing engine.  These Plug-in 
boards give you more voices, more effects, more 
polyphony and more instrument parts.  Plus, special 
Plug-in voices have already been programmed and 
stored to the MOTIF, ready to be played as soon as you 
install the proper board. 
■ 
Comprehensive I/O terminals 
 — including 
assignable outputs, audio inputs, optical digital output, 
MIDI, USB for multi-port connection to a computer, 
SmartMedia card slot and SCSI terminal for data 
storage.  There’s even an expansion bay for installing 
the optional AIEB board for additional ins and outs — 
both analog and digital. 
■ 
Expansion bay for optional mLAN — Yamaha’s new  
mLAN interface 
 technology makes it possible to 
transfer all your digital audio and MIDI data via a 
single broad-band cable. 
■ 
Included software 
 — Packed with your MOTIF are 
two powerful software programs:  
Voice Editor 
 and  
File Utility 
.  The Voice Editor puts all the 
comprehensive editing features and parameters of the 
instrument right on your computer screen for easy 
editing.  With File Utility, you can access and organize 
all your important MOTIF data (stored to Memory 
card or SCSI device) directly from the computer. 
						

							 
9 
MOTIF  Table of Contents 
Table of Contents 
The Controls & Connectors 10 
Front Panel ........................................................ 10
Rear Panel.......................................................... 16 
Setting Up 20 
Power Supply ..................................................... 20
Connections ....................................................... 21
Powering Up ...................................................... 29 
Basic Structure 30 
Mode .................................................................. 30
System Overview ............................................... 33 
Controller block ..........................................................33
Sequencer block ..........................................................33
Tone Generator block .................................................34
Effect block..................................................................39
 
Main functions ................................................... 42 
Voices and Performances ............................................42
Controllers...................................................................48
Song and Pattern (Sequencer mode) ......................... 51
Arpeggio ......................................................................55
Master (Master mode) ................................................56
Sampling ......................................................................58
Internal Memory and File Management ...................63
Remote Control to Computer Sequence Software.....65
Basic Operation 67
Calling up the Operation Displays ..................... 67
Display-based Controls ...................................... 72
Quick Start Guide 77
Playing the Demos ............................................. 77
Playing Voices .................................................... 80
Editing Voices .................................................... 83
Storing edited Voices.......................................... 86
Playing Performances ........................................ 88
Editing Performances (Layer/Split) .................. 89
Storing the edited Performance ......................... 90
Using the Arpeggio function .............................. 91
Using as a Master Keyboard .............................. 93
Saving/Loading data .......................................... 97
Sampling with Song Playback 
(Integrated Sampling Sequencer) ...................... 99
Remote Control for external sequencer 
(Real-time external control surface) ............... 119
Reference 121
Voice Mode ....................................................... 121
Function Tree ........................................................... 121
Voice Play mode ....................................................... 124
Voice Edit mode ....................................................... 129
Voice Job mode ......................................................... 158
Voice Store mode...................................................... 159
Performance Mode .......................................... 160
Function Tree........................................................... 160
Performance Play mode ........................................... 162
Performance Edit mode ........................................... 165
Performance Job mode ............................................. 175
Performance Store mode .......................................... 176
Song Mode ....................................................... 177
Function Tree........................................................... 177
Song Play mode ........................................................ 179
Song Record mode .................................................... 183
Song Edit mode ........................................................ 189
Song Job mode .......................................................... 193
Song Mixing mode ................................................... 205
Song Mixing Job mode ............................................. 212
Song Mixing Store mode .......................................... 214
Pattern Mode....................................................215
Function Tree........................................................... 215
Pattern Play mode .................................................... 217
Pattern Record mode ................................................ 221
Pattern Edit mode .................................................... 224
Pattern Job mode ...................................................... 225
Pattern Mixing mode ............................................... 232
Sampling Mode ................................................ 233
Function Tree........................................................... 233
Sampling Record mode ............................................ 234
Sampling Edit mode ................................................. 240
Sampling Job mode ................................................... 241
Utility Mode .................................................... 249
Function Tree........................................................... 249
Utility mode .............................................................. 250
Utility Job mode ....................................................... 260
File Mode .........................................................261
Function Tree .......................................................... 261
File mode .................................................................. 262
Master Mode ................................................... 268
Function Tree........................................................... 268
Master Play mode ..................................................... 269
Master Edit mode ..................................................... 270
Master Job mode....................................................... 273
Master Store mode ................................................... 274
Appendix 275
Information Displays ...................................... 275
Display Messages ............................................ 277
Troubleshooting .............................................. 279
Installing Optional Hardware ..........................281
Optional Plug-in Board Installation ........................ 282
Optional AIEB2 or mLAN8E Installation .............. 284
Optional SIMM Installation .................................... 287
Handling the Memory Card (SmartMedia™*) . 289
Connecting external SCSI devices ................... 290
About SCSI ............................................................... 290
Notes on musical copyright ............................. 292
Specifications .................................................. 293
INDEX ............................................................. 295
The Controls &
Setting Up
Basic Structure
Basic Operation
Quick Start Guide
Reference
Voice mode
Performance mode
Song mode
Pattern mode
Sample mode
Utility mode
File mode
Master mode
Connectors
Appendix 
						

							10MOTIF  The Controls & Connectors
 Front Panel
The Control & Connectors
The Controls & Connectors
Front Panel
MOTIF6
MOTIF7
OCTAV EDOWNUP
KNOB
CONTROL
FUNCTIONPA N
REVERBCHORUS
TEMPO
ATTACK RELEASE CUTOFF
RESONANCE
ASSIGN A ASSIGN B ASSIGN 1 ASSIGN 2
KN 1 KN 2 KN 3 KN 4
MEQ LOW
ME Q HI  MID MEQ LO W MID  ME Q HIGH
REMOTE
CONTROL
ON/OFF
EFFECT BYPASSARPEGGIOINSERTIONSYSTEM
ON/OFF
MASTER
VOLUMEVOLUME 1 VOLUME 2 VOLUME 3 VOLUME 4
CS 1 CS 2 CS 3 CS 4
ZONE 1 ZONE 2 ZONE 3 ZONE 4
SEQ
TRANSPORT
LOCATE
12REC
MODEVOICE PERFORM MASTER
SEQUENCERSONG
PATTERNFILE
INTEGRATED
SAMPLINGMIXINGUTILITY
EDIT
JOBSTORE
COMPARESCENE STORE
SET LOCATE
OCTAVEDOWNUP
KNOB
CONTROL
FUNCTIONPA N
REVERBCHORUS
TEMPO
AT TA C KRELEASE CUTOFF
RESONANCE
ASSIGN A ASSIGN B ASSIGN 1 ASSIGN 2
KN 1 KN 2 KN 3 KN 4
MEQ LOW
ME Q HI  MID MEQ LOW MID  ME Q HIGHMASTER
VOLUMEVOLUME 1 VOLUME 2 VOLUME 3 VOLUME 4
CS 1 CS 2 CS 3 CS 4
ZONE 1 ZONE 2 ZONE 3 ZONE 4
REMOTE
CONTROL
ON/OFF
EFFECT BYPASSARPEGGIOINSERTIONSYSTEM
ON/OFF
SEQ
TRANSPORT
LOCATE
12REC
MODEVOICE PERFORM MASTER
SEQUENCERSONG
PATTERNFILE
INTEGRATED
SAMPLINGMIXINGUTILITY
EDIT
JOBSTORE
COMPARESCENE STORE
SET LOCATE