Yamaha Motif 8 Owners Manual

							31MOTIF  Basic Structure
Mode
Basic Structure
■Performance mode
Basic Structure (page 42) · Basic Operation (page 67)
Quick Start Guide (page 88) · Reference (page 160)
●Performance Play mode
In this mode, Performances can be played — letting 
you use Voice splits, layers, etc,.
●Performance Edit mode
In this mode, Performances can be created and 
edited. 
●Performance Job mode
In this mode, you can copy and initialize 
Performances, and perform other similar operations 
(Jobs) on them. 
●Performance Store mode
In this mode, you can save edited Performances as 
User Performances in internal memory. You can 
also save them to Memory Card or an external SCSI 
device in the File mode (below). 
■Song mode
Basic Structure (page 51) · Basic Operation (page 67)
Quick Start Guide (page 78) · Reference (page 177)
●Song Play mode
In this mode, you can use the sequencer and its 
various functions (e.g., Track Mute/Solo) in playing 
back Songs.
●Song Record mode
In this mode, you can use the sequencer to record 
your keyboard performance to a User Song.  The 
MOTIF lets you record up to 16 separate sequence 
tracks.
●Song Edit mode
In this mode, you can edit the MIDI events of each 
track of the recorded Song.
●Song Job mode
In this mode, you can perform a variety of 
operations on the Song data, such as copying and 
erasing.  These can be done on individual measures, 
or on entire tracks.
●Song Mixing mode
In this mode, you can set the tone generation 
parameters of each part of the recorded Song.
■Pattern mode
Basic Structure (page 51) · Basic Operation (page 67)
Quick Start Guide (page 100) · Reference (page 215)
●Pattern Play mode
In this Mode, you can use the sequencer to play 
back Patterns. You can combine various Phrases (by 
using the Patch function) to create a Pattern.
●Pattern Record mode
In this mode, you can use the sequencer to record 
your keyboard performance to a User Phrase — the 
basic building block for Patterns. The MOTIF lets 
you record up to 16 separate sequence tracks.
●Pattern Edit mode
In this mode, you can edit the MIDI events of each 
track of the recorded Pattern Phrase.
●Pattern Job mode
In this mode, you can perform a variety of 
operations on the Pattern data, such as copying and 
erasing. These can be done on individual measures, 
or on entire tracks.
●Pattern Mixing mode
In this mode, you can set the tone generation 
parameters of each part of the recorded Pattern. 
■Sampling mode
Basic Structure (page 58) · Basic Operation (page 67)
Quick Start Guide (page 100) · Reference (page 233)
This mode is s sub-mode of the Voice/Performance/
Song/Pattern mode. Press the [INTEGRATED 
SAMPLING] button in each mode to enter the 
Sampling mode, and press the same button after 
sampling to go back to the previous mode. 
●Sampling Record mode
In this mode, you can record sounds into the 
MOTIF from a microphone or other audio source. 
These sounds (Samples) can then be played back in 
real time via keyboard or can be saved to the Song/
Pattern track. 
Moreover, you can process a recorded Sample (for 
example, with Chorus or another effect), then re-
record it as a new Sample — using the Resampling 
function.
●Sampling Edit mode
In this mode, you can edit recorded Samples — for 
example, their loop points and other parameters. 
●Sampling Job mode
In this mode, you can copy and delete Samples, and 
perform other similar operations (Jobs) on them. 
						

							32MOTIF  Basic Structure
Mode
Basic Structure
■Utility mode
Basic Operation (page 67) · Reference (page 249)
This mode is a sub-mode of the Voice/Performance/
Song/Pattern mode. Press the [UTILITY] button in 
each mode to enter the Sampling mode and press the 
same button after sampling to go back to the previous 
mode. 
In this mode, you can set parameters that apply to the 
entire system of the MOTIF. These include MIDI 
settings and global setup parameters.
●Utility Job mode
In this Mode, you can restore the MOTIF’s factory 
settings.
■Master mode
Basic Structure (page 56) · Basic Operation (page 68)
Quick Start Guide (page 93) · Reference (page 268)
This mode gives you a convenient way to register the 
settings that are often used in the Voice, Performance, 
Song and Pattern mode to User Master, and to instantly 
recall them with simple operations. 
For the Voice or Performance mode, you can make 
additional Master Keyboard function settings (e.g., 
separate Zone settings), and register them to a User 
Master.
●Master Play mode
In this mode, you can select the desired User Master 
to play the MOTIF. 
●Master Edit mode
In this mode, you can edit the Master settings. 
●Master Job mode
In this mode, various jobs for Master settings are 
provided. 
●Master Store mode
In this mode, you can store settings for each mode 
to the internal memory as a User Master. 
■File mode
Basic Structure (page 63) · Basic Operation (page 68)
Quick Start Guide (page 97) · Reference (page 261)
In this mode, you can save/load all your important 
original data to/from Memory Card (the MOTIF 
features a built-in Card slot) or an external SCSI 
storage device for future recall.  
						

							33MOTIF  Basic StructureSystem Overview
Basic Structure
System Over view
This section provides an overview of the MOTIF’s wide range of sophisticated and versatile features.  The MOTIF is 
made up of several blocks, as shown here.
Controller block
Basic Structure (pages 37, 48)
This block consists of the keyboard, Pitch Bend and Modulation Wheels, Ribbon Controller, Sound Control knobs, 
and so on. The keyboard itself doesn’t generate sounds, but instead sends note, velocity and other information (MIDI 
data) to the synthesizer’s tone generator section when you play notes. The controllers also send changes. 
Information from the keyboard and controllers can be transmitted to other external MIDI devices through the MIDI 
OUT connector or the USB connector.
Sequencer block
Basic Structure (page 51) · Quick Start Guide (pages 99 ~ 118) · Reference (pages 177, 215)
This block lets you create songs and patterns by recording/editing musical performances (MIDI data) recorded from 
the controller block, and then plays back this data, transmitting it to the tone generator block. 
The sequencer block can be operated in the Song mode, in the Pattern mode, and in using the Arpeggio feature. 
When a song or a pattern is played back, the musical data of each sequence track is transmitted to the tone generator 
block according to the Transmit Channel settings. 
nDetails about track structure of a Song/Pattern/Arpeggio are described on pages 51 and 52 respectively. 
Sampling block
Keyboard Controllers
MIDI sequence data
• Song
• Pattern
• Arpeggio• Voice
• Performance• Reverb
• Chorus
• Variation
• Master Equalizer
Microphone or
audio equipmentA/D Input Internal AWM2
Plug-in boardDSPMIDI data
MIDI out
MIDI data MIDI data MIDI data
Controller block
External MIDI device
Sequencer blockEffect blockTone Generator block
Output
KN 1 KN 2 KN 3 KN 4
SequencerTone Generator block
(example)
part 1
(Receive channel 3) (Receive channel 2)
(Receive channel 10)
(Receive channel 1)
(Receive channel 9)
(Receive channel 16) part 2
part 3
part 4
part 15
part 16Tr a ck 1
Tr a ck 2
Tr a ck 3
Tr a ck 16
Percussion
Strings
Bass Piano Ch1
Ch2
Ch3
Ch16 
						

							34MOTIF  Basic Structure
System Overview
Basic Structure
Tone Generator block
The tone generator block is what actually produces sound in response to the MIDI messages received from the 
sequencer block, the controller block, and from the MIDI IN connector or the USB connector. 
The following example illustrates the signal flow within a Voice. 
nFor details on the Voice structure, see page 40.
Internal AWM2 Tone Generator and optional Plug-in board
The tone generator block in the MOTIF consists of the built-in AWM2 and optional Plug-in units.
●AWM2(Advanced Wave Memory2)
AWM2 (Advanced Wave Memory 2) is a synthesis system based on sampled waves (sound material), and is used in 
many Yamaha synthesizers. For extra realism, each AWM2 Voice uses multiple samples of a real instrument’s 
waveform. Furthermore, a wide variety of envelope generator, filter, modulation, and other parameters can be 
applied to the basic waveform. 
You can create your own waves via microphone or from external audio equipment by using the Sampling function. 
These are then stored in internal RAM and can be used just like the preseet waves.
One voice can use up to four waves (elements) in AWM2 tone generator. 
nAWM2 is not just limited to general musical instruments (Normal Voices). It can also be used for setting up percussive 
instruments (Drum Voices). For details on Normal and Drum Voices, see page 45.
●Plug-in board
Plug-in Boards give you an enormous amount of additional sonic flexibility and power. When installed, they work 
seamlessly and transparently within the system of the MOTIF — meaning that you can use their sounds and 
functions just as if they were built right into the MOTIF at the factory. 
The boards that are available for and can be installed to the MOTIF are described below. 
Up to three Plug-in boards can be installed to the MOTIF. These boards are not simply a source of more Voices; they 
are also tone generators in their own right and extend the system-level specifications such as maximum polyphony. 
In addition, they allow you to use synthesis systems besides AWM2. You can play Plug-in Voices just like ordinary 
internal Voices and use them as Parts in a Performance (page 42). 
The MOTIF is compatible with the Modular Synthesis Plug-in System (see next page). There are three types of 
Modular Synthesis Plug-in System-compatible Plug-in Boards: Single Part, Multi-Part and Effect Plug-in Board. Using 
these, you can build your own system based on the sounds you require. 
Voice
Osillator
See page 46 See page 47 See page 47
See page 45
Pitch
Pitch Envelope
GeneratorFilter Envelope
Generator
Low Frequency
Oscillator
Amplitude Envelope
Generator Filter Amplitude Element 1Element 2Element 3Element 4PEG FEG
LFO
AEG
Internal AWM2
Tone GeneratorPlug-in board (optional) 
						

							35MOTIF  Basic StructureSystem Overview
Basic Structure
Plug-in board line-up
●Single Part Plug-in Boards
Single Part Plug-in Boards let you add a completely different synthesizer or tone generator and play its voices by 
using a single part of the MOTIF.
•  Analog Physical Modeling Plug-in Board (PLG150-AN)
Using Analog Physical Modeling (AN) synthesis, the very latest digital technology is used to accurately reproduce 
the sound of analog synthesizers. With this board installed, you have real-time control over the playback of 
vintage synthesizer sounds as well as the very latest sounds heard in today’s club-oriented music.
•Piano Plug-in Board (PLG150-PF)
A massive waveform memory is dedicated to the reproduction of piano sounds. This board offers 136 stereo 
sounds, including a number of acoustic and electric pianos, and up to 64-note polyphony. You can even install two 
of these boards to double the polyphony to 128 notes. 
•Advanced DX/TX Plug-in Board (PLG150-DX)
The sounds of the DX7 are available on this Plug-in Board. Unlike PCM-based tone generators, this board uses the 
powerful FM Synthesis system — the same as found on DX-series synthesizers — for extraordinarily versatile 
and dynamic sound shaping potential. Sounds are compatible with those of the DX7, and the board can even 
receive DX7 data via MIDI bulk dump. 
•Virtual Acoustic Plug-in Board (PLG150-VL)
With Virtual Acoustic (VA) synthesis, the sounds of real instruments are modeled (simulated) in real time, giving 
a degree of realism that cannot be achieved using conventional PCM-based synthesis techniques. When playing 
these sounds using an optional MIDI Wind Controller (WX5), you can even capture some of the physical feel of 
woodwind instruments.
●Effect Plug-in Board
•Vocal Harmony Plug-in Board (PLG100-VH)
With this board installed, you can add harmonies to selected parts using four types of effects.
Chorus parts for vocals can be created automatically from chords that have been prepared and stored as MIDI 
data. You can also use the MOTIF like a vocoder by connecting and using a microphone while playing the 
keyboard.
●Multi-Part Plug-in Board
Multi-Part Plug-in Boards let you expand the voice polyphony of the MOTIF by giving you a full 16 independent 
instrumental parts. By using this type of board to play back sequencer tracks, you can reserve the maximum 
polyphony of the MOTIF for your keyboard performance. 
•XG Plug-in Board (PLG100-XG)
This Plug-in Board is a 16-part XG sound generator. You can play back XG/GM song files using the rich variety of 
sounds and effects on this board.
nAdditional Plug-in Boards will be available in the future.
About MODULAR SYNTHESIS PLUG-IN SYSTEM
The Yamaha Modular Synthesis Plug-in System offers powerful expansion and upgrade capabilities for Modular 
Synthesis-Plug-in-compatible synthesizers, tone generators and sound cards. This enables you to easily and effectively 
take advantage of the latest and most sophisticated synthesizer and effects technology, allowing you to keep pace with 
the rapid and multi-faceted advances in modern music production. 
						

							36MOTIF  Basic Structure
System Overview
Basic Structure
Maximum Polyphony
The maximum sonic polyphony is 62 for AWM2, plus the polyphony of the Plug-in Board (if installed). The actual 
note polyphony will vary depending on the type of tone generator unit used, the number of Elements in the Voice, 
and the note polyphony of the Plug-in Board.
In the case of AWM2 Voices, the polyphony figure of 63 is divided by the number of Elements in the Voice. 
Part structure of the Tone Generator block
The MOTIF plays its sounds (with the Tone Generator block) in response to MIDI data, received from the Controller 
block or Sequencer block.  
MIDI data is assigned to one of sixteen channels, and the MOTIF is capable of simultaneously playing sixteen 
separate parts, via the sixteen MIDI channels.  However, we can overcome the sixteen-channel limit by using 
separate MIDI “ports,” each supporting sixteen channels.  The multiple sound sources of the MOTIF (internal tone 
generator and Plug-in Boards) take advantage of the three MIDI ports included on the instrument.
As shown in the above illustration, up to 48 parts  can be used in the modes (excepting the Voice mode).  However, 
the number of parts that are actually used is a maximum of 34 in the Song and Pattern modes, as we’ll see later in 
some examples.
nSee page 30 for details about the modes. 
nThe USB cable supports up to eight separate MIDI ports. The MOTIF
’s Tone Generator block supports three separate ports as 
illustrated above, and the MOTIF’s MIDI Thru function supports eight separate MIDI ports. 
nThe MIDI cable and IEEE cable (when the mLAN8E has been installed) cannot handle MIDI port data. 
These parts are used in
modes other than the 
Voice mode.
Tone Generator block
Part for Voice mode
Por t 1Por t 2Por t 3
part 1
part 2
part 14
part 15
part 16part 17
part 18
part 30
part 31
part 32part 33
part 34
part 46
part 47
part 48 
						

							37MOTIF  Basic StructureSystem Overview
Basic Structure
Relationship between the Part structure of the Tone Generator block and the 
Controller/Sequencer block for each mode
●Voice mode
nIn the Voice mode, the MIDI port number is 1. 
nThe Multi-Part Plug-in Board cannot be used in the Voice mode. However, other Plug-in Boards can be used.
●Performance mode
nIn the Performance mode, the MIDI port number is 1. 
nThe Multi-Part Plug-in Board cannot be used in the Performance mode. However, other Plug-in Boards can be used.
The sequencer block is not
available in the Voice mode.
Part 1-48 are not used.Tone Generator block
(Internal / Plug-in)
Part for Voice mode
Por t 1 Port 2 Port 3
part 1
part 2
part 3
part 4
part 5
part 16part 17
part 18
part 30
part 31
part 32part 33
part 34
part 46
part 47
part 48
KeyboardControllers
Output
Controller block
KN 1 KN 2 KN 3 KN 4
Parts 5-13 and 17-48
are not used. A maximum of four parts can be used among parts 1-4 and 14-16.
Parts that are set to on in the Performance Play mode are used.
Keyboard Controllers
Output
Controller block
Tone Generator block (Internal / Plug-in)
Por t 1 Port 2 Port 3
Par t 1
Par t 2
Par t 3
Par t 4
Par t 5
Par t 14
Par t 15
Par t 16Par t 17
Par t 18
Par t 30
Par t 31
Par t 32Par t 33
Par t 34
Par t 46
Par t 47
Par t 48
PLG3 part
PLG2 part
PLG1 part
The sequencer block is 
not available in the 
Performance mode.
KN 1 KN 2 KN 3 KN 4 
						

							38MOTIF  Basic Structure
System Overview
Basic Structure
●Song/Pattern mode
External sequencer
MIDI sequence data
(Song / Pattern)
Tone Generator block (example)Sequencer block
Port 1 Port 2(Multi-Part Plug-in 
Board)Port 3(Single Part Plug-in
Board)
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3 Track 1
Track 2
Track 3
Track 4
Track 15
Track 16Part 4
Part 15Part 17
Part 18
Part 30
Part 31
Part 32
PLG1 part
PLG2 part Part 16Part 33
Parts 33-46
are not
used. Part 34
Part 46
Part 47
Part 48
In the Song / Pattern Mixing mode, the only parts 
that sound are the currectly selected (edited) 
part, and parts having the same receive channel 
as the selected one. MIDI cables by themselves cannot 
handle data from multiple ports. If a 
MIDI cable is used to transmit data 
from an external sequencer, only 
the Port 1 parts are used. To take 
advantage of the multiple ports of 
the MOTIF, use a USB cable.
When the Multi-Part Plug-in board and two Single Part Plug-in 
boards have been installed:
Each track of music (MIDI) data sounds a 
corresponding part on the MOTIF, 
according to the MIDI channel settings. 
(The receive channel for each part must 
match the transmit channel of each track.)
KeyboardControllers
Controller block
KN 1 KN 2 KN 3 KN 4 
						

							39MOTIF  Basic StructureSystem Overview
Basic Structure
Effect block
This block of the MOTIF applies effects to the output of the tone generator, processing and enhancing the sound 
using sophisticated DSP (digital signal processing) technology.
Effect structure
The MOTIF’s effect processing features the following effect units.
■System Effects (Reverb, Chorus, Variation) 
System Effects are applied to the overall sound, whether it be a voice, an entire performance setup, a song, etc. 
With System effects, the sound of each part is sent to the effect according to the effect Send Level for each part.  The 
processed sound (referred to as “wet”) is sent back to the mixer, according to the Return Level, and output — after 
being mixed with the unprocessed “dry” sound.  This arrangement lets you prepare an optimum balance of the effect 
sound and the original sound of the parts. 
•Reverb
The Reverb effects add a warm ambience to the sound, simulating the complex reflections of actual performance 
spaces, such as a concert hall or a small club.  A total of 12 different Reverb types are available.
•Chorus 
The Chorus effects use modulation to create a rich ensemble sound — as if one part were being played by several 
instruments simultaneously.  A total of 25 different Chorus types are available.
•Variation 
The Variation effects provide a wide variety of sound transformations and enhancements.  A total of 25 different 
Variation types are available.  Variation is not available in the Voice mode. 
■Insertion Effects (1, 2) 
Insertion effects can be applied individually to each part. 
Insertion effects are mainly used to directly process a single part.  The depth of the effect is adjusted by setting the 
dry/wet balance.  Since an Insertion effect can only be applied to one particular part, it should be used for sounds you 
want to drastically change.  You can also set the balance so that only the effect sound is heard, by setting Wet to 
100%.The MOTIF features two Insertion effect systems — one with a total of 104 internal effect types and the other 
with 25.
■Plug-in Insertion Effects
This is a special effect system, only available when an effect-type Plug-in Board is installed.  Plug-in Board effects are 
not available in the Voice mode.
■Master Equalizer
Usually an equalizer is used to correct the sound output from amps or speakers to match the special character of the 
room. The sound is divided into several frequency bands, then by raising or lowering the level for each band, the 
correction is made.
Adjusting the sound you play according to the genre—classical music being more refined, pops music more crisp, and 
rock music more dynamic—can also serve to draw out the special characteristics of the music and make your 
performance more enjoyable. 
The MOTIF possesses a high grade five-band digital equalizer function. 
The four knobs can be used to adjust the gain of the four bands (among five).  
						

							40MOTIF  Basic Structure
System Overview
Basic Structure
Effect connection
●In the Voice mode: 
Reference (page 137)
You can select the Insertion connection among three types. 
nThe parallel connection is not available for Plug-in voices. 
●In the Performance mode: 
Reference (page 169)
The diagram below indicates the connection when the Vocal Harmony Plug-in Board (PLG100-VH) is installed to slot 1. 
nThe Vocal Harmony Plug-in Board (PLG100-VH) can be installed only to slot 1. It cannot be installed to slot 2 or 3. 
You can select the Insertion connection 
from the three types shown below.
Tone Generator
block
Element 1
Element 2
Element 3
Element 4
1
2
21
21 This determines which Insertion 
system, 1 or 2, is applied to each 
Element (or to each key when the 
Drum voice is selected). The 
Insertion effect can also be 
bypassed.1 to 2
  2 to 1 parallel
Return Level
Send LevelInsertion Effect
1
2Output Master Equalizer System Effect
Reverb
Chorus
Part 1-4,
Plug-in part 2-3
Select the part to which the 
Insertion effect is applied from 
parts 1-4 and Plug-in parts 2-3. 
The connection type depends 
on the setting of the Voice 
assigned to the selected part.
Select the part to which 
the Plug-in Insertion 
effect is applied from 
parts 1-4, Plug-in parts
2-3 and A/D Input part.
Tone Generator
block
A/D Input
• External audio source
• Microphone soundReturn Level
Send Level
Insertion Effect
(Plug-in)
Insertion Effect
1
2
Output Master Equalizer System Effect
Reverb
Chorus
Variation