Yamaha Motif 8 Owners Manual

							51MOTIF  Basic Structure
Main functions
Basic Structure
Song and Pattern 
(Sequencer mode)
Basic Operation (page 67) · Reference (pages 177, 215)
Songs and Patterns are MIDI sequence data consisting 
of 16 tracks.
●A Song on the MOTIF is effectively the same as a 
Song on a sequencer, and playback automatically 
stops at the end of the recorded data.
● In the MOTIF, the term “pattern” refers to a 
relatively short pattern — say, 4 to 16 measures (up 
to 256 measures) — which is used for looped 
playback. Therefore, once Pattern playback starts, it 
continues until you press the [J] button. The 
MOTIF features a variety of preset Phrase data that 
is used as the basic material in making up Patterns.
Track structure of Song
The following illustration shows the track structure of 
Song. Songs are created by recording MIDI data to 
individual tracks.
Song playback uses up to 16 parts (from those shown above).
Song 64
Song 63
Tone Generator block (example)
Por t 1 Port 2(Multi-Part Plug-in
board)Por t 3(Single part Plug-in
board)
part 1
part 2
part 3
part 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
When a Multi-Part Plug-in board and two Single part Plug-in 
boards have been installed:
Song Mixing
Song 01Song 02Song 62
Tempo track Tempo change
Scene trackTrack mute status/Scene memory change 
(including tempo, transpose etc,) 
Track 1 MIDI sequence data
Track 2 MIDI sequence data
Track 3 MIDI sequence data
Track 16 MIDI sequence data
MIDI OUTExternal
Tone 
Generator
Scene
1Scene
2Scene
3Scene
4Scene
5 
						

							52MOTIF  Basic Structure
Main functions
Basic Structure
Track structure of Pattern
Patterns consist of Phrases (as shown below), and you 
can create them by recording MIDI data for each track, 
and by freely arranging the various Phrases (Preset/User).
   
Pattern playback uses up to 16 parts (from those shown 
above).
■Style and Section
A Pattern consists of a “Style” (musical style) and a 
“Section” (pattern variation). You can play the Pattern 
by selecting a Style and its Section. 
■Phrase
This is the basic MIDI sequence data — and the 
smallest unit — used in creating a Pattern.
“Phrase” is a musical Pattern Phrase for a single 
instrument, such as a rhythm pattern for the rhythm 
part, a bass line for the bass part, or a chord backing for the guitar part. The MOTIF features 128 Preset 
Patterns, and features memory space for 256 of your 
own original User Phrases.
Pattern creation by the Patch 
function (Pattern)
Quick Start Guide (page 105) · Reference (page 219)
The Patch function allows you to create a “composite” 
style by combining various Phrases from the Preset and 
User Phrases as shown below. 
MIDI tracks and Sample tracks
The Song/Pattern tracks (1 - 16) of the MOTIF are 
divided into two groups: MIDI tracks and Sample 
tracks. 
■MIDI tracks
These are tracks in which the performance data (used 
to play the internal Voices or Plug-in Voices) is 
recorded as MIDI data.  This is the same as sequence 
tracks on a MIDI sequencer.
■Sample tracks — with Sample Voices
Voices which are automatically created and stored 
using the Sampling feature (page 58) in the sequencer 
(Song/Pattern) mode, are referred to as “Sample 
Voices.”  tracks using these Sample Voices are referred 
to as “Sample” tracks — to distinguish them from the 
MIDI tracks. 
Sample Voices are stored as original, dedicated Voices 
for each Song or Style.  This means that you cannot 
take a Sample Voice belonging to one Song or Style and 
use it in another Song or Style.  For details on Sample 
Voices and the Sampling function, see page 233.
Style 64
Style 63
Tone Generator block (example)
Por t 1 Port 2(Multi-Part Plug-in 
board)Por t 3(Single Part Plug-in
board)
Par t 1
Par t 2
Par t 3
Par t 4
Par t 15Par t 17
Par t 18
Par t 30
Par t 31
Par t 32
PLG1part
PLG2 part Par t 16Par t 33
Part 33-46
are not used. Par t 34
Par t 46
Par t 47
Par t 48
Pattern Mixing
External
Tone 
Generator
Style 02Style 03Style 62
MIDI OUT
When a Multi-Part Plug-in board and two Single part Plug-in 
boards have been installed:
Style 01
16 Sections
12 3 16
Pattern
Track 1 Phrase (MIDI sequence data)
Phrase (MIDI sequence data)
Phrase (MIDI sequence data)
Phrase (MIDI sequence data) Tr a ck 2
Tr a ck 3
Tr a ck 16
Style 35User Phrases 1-256
(Created via Pattern recording.)
Style 01
16 Sections
1216
Pattern
Tr a ck 1
Tr a ck 2
Tr a ck 3
Tr a ck 4
Tr a ck 5
Tr a ck 16
User Phrases 1-256
(Created via Pattern recording.)
User Phrase
Preset Phrases
1-128
Preset Phrase
You can copy the desired Phrase from other
styles to the currently selected Style / Section. 
						

							53MOTIF  Basic Structure
Main functions
Basic Structure
MIDI track recording method 
The following explanations are important points for 
you to keep in mind as you record your User Songs/
Patterns. 
■ Realtime recording and Step recording
With realtime recording, the MOTIF functions in the 
same way as a tape recorder, recording the 
performance data as it is played. This allows you to 
capture all the nuances of an actual performance.
With step recording, you can compose your 
performance by “writing” it down one event at a time. 
This is a non-realtime, step recording method — 
similar to writing music notation onto paper.
■Replace and Overdub (Song/Pattern)
●Replace
You can use this method when you want to overwrite 
an already recorded track with new data. The first 
recording is lost, and the new one takes its place. 
●Overdub
You can use this method when you want to add 
more data to a track that already contains data. The 
first recording is not lost, and the new one is added. 
This method lets you build up a complex phrase 
together with Loop recording (below). 
■Loop Recording (Pattern)
Pattern repeats the rhythm pattern of several measures 
(4 to 16 measures) in a “loop,” and its recording is also 
done using loops. 
This method is convenient when recording a Pattern 
Phrase using the Overdub method (above). 
As shown in the example below, notes that you record 
will play back from the next repetition (loop), letting 
you record while hearing previously recorded material.
nLoop Recording can only be used with Realtime 
recording.
Style 50
Style 49
Style 02Style 03Style 48
Style 01
16 Sections
12 3 16
After selecting 
the Song number 
and track
After selecting 
the Song number 
and trackSong 01
Tr a ck 1
Tr a ck 2
Tr a ck 3
Tr a ck 16
MIDI data recording
In this example, Track 1 is a MIDI
track, and Track 3 is an Sample track.
Recording a Sample
(Sampling)
Store as a Sample Voice
After selecting the 
Style number,  
Section and track
After selecting the 
Style number,  
Section and trackPattern
Tr a ck 1
Tr a ck 2
Tr a ck 3
Tr a ck 16
MIDI data recording
In this example, Track 1 is a MIDI
track, and Track 3 is an Sample track. 
Recording a Sample
(Sampling)
Store as a Sample Voice
























• Loop 1st round
Bass Drum
Bass Drum Snare Drum
Bass Drum Snare Drum Hi-Hat
• Loop 2nd round
• Loop 3rd round 
						

							54MOTIF  Basic Structure
Main functions
Basic Structure
■Punch In/Out (Song)
You can use this method when you want to re-record 
only over a specific area of the track. In this case, you 
must set the start and end points before you begin the 
re-recording. 
In the eight-measure example below, the third 
measures through the fifth measure are re-recorded.
nPunch In/Out Recording can only be used with Realtime 
recording.
nNote that Punch In/Out method always replaces 
(destroys) the original data over the specified area. 
Sample track recording method 
(Sampling)
See page 58. 
Song Chain
This function allows songs to be “chained” together for 
automatic sequential playback. The MOTIF allows you 
to create one Song Chain data.
Pattern Chain
Pattern Chain allows you to string several different 
Patterns together to make a single Song.  You can have 
the MOTIF automatically change Styles and Sections 
by creating Pattern Chains in this way beforehand.  
You can also use them when creating Songs based on a 
certain Pattern, since the created Pattern Chains can be 
converted into a Song.  The MOTIF allows you to 
create one Pattern Chain data.
● Before re-recording
● After re-recording
12
Punch In Punch out Recording start
Newly recorded dataRecording stop
34 567 8
1234 567 8
Song 01 Song 22 Song 15
Pattern track
Style/Section change
Track mute setting
Tempo change Scene track
Tempo track
Style 01
Section J
Pattern Chain
EXAMPLE
Style 05
Section HStyle 26
Section P 
						

							55MOTIF  Basic Structure
Main functions
Basic Structure
Arpeggio
Quick Start Guide (page 91) · Reference (page 128)
This function automatically triggers preset arpeggio 
phrases, according to the keys you play.
The Arpeggio function is particularly suited to dance/
techno music genres. You can assign the desired 
Arpeggio Types to each Voice/Performance, and adjust 
the tempo. You can also set the Arpeggio playback 
method, Velocity range and Play Effects to create your 
own original grooves. What’s more, Arpeggio playback 
can be transmitted through the MIDI Out.
Arpeggio structure 
The following illustration shows the Arpeggio 
structure. 
Four playback types of Arpeggio
Arpeggio types are divided into the four following 
categories. 
■Sequence
Creates a general arpeggio phrase. Mainly octave up/
down phrases.
■Phrase
Creates phrases that are more musical than Sequence. 
Starting with “Techno,” there are phrases for a wide 
variety of musical genres, and for creating backing 
tracks for guitar, piano and other instruments.
■Drum Pattern
Creates drum pattern-type phrases. Any note produces 
the same drum pattern. 
This type is ideal for use with drum and percussion 
sounds.
■Control
Creates tonal changes by the control change data 
sequence. No note data is created. 
Song/Pattern and Arpeggio
■Recording Arpeggios to a Song/Pattern
You can record Arpeggio data to a Song or Pattern.  
The actual note data of the Arpeggio is recorded as is to 
a specific track in the Song/Pattern during recording, 
when you set Arpeggio Record to ON.
■Arpeggio on/off during Song/Pattern 
playback
Also, Arpeggio On/Off can be set individually for each 
part of a Song/Pattern.  Just like playing Arpeggios 
manually from the keyboard, this inserts Arpeggios in 
the playback of Song/Pattern sequence data.
Arpeggio data
Each Arpeggio can assigned to
each Voice/Performance.
•In the Voice 
 mode•In the Performance
 mode
Preset 1
(128)
Preset2(128)
User(128) Voice Performance
Voice Performance
Voice Performance
Voice Performance
Voice Performance
Voice Performance
Arpeggio
Arpeggio
Arpeggio 
						

							56MOTIF  Basic Structure
Main functions
Basic Structure
Creating User Arpeggios
Actually, there is no direct operation for recording 
Arpeggios.  First, you have to record a Phrase to a Song 
track.  Then, use the appropriate Song Job function to 
convert the data to Arpeggio data.
nArpeggio data consists of four tracks.  However, data 
conversion in the Song Job is done one track at a time.
Master (Master mode)
Quick Start Guide (page 93) · Reference (page 268)
The MOTIF is loaded with such a wealth of different features, 
functions and operations, you may find it difficult to locate 
and call up the particular feature you need.This is where the 
Master function comes in handy.  You can use it to memorize 
the operations you use most often in each mode, and call them 
up instantly anytime you need them with a single button 
press.  The MOTIF has space for a total of 128 of your own 
User Master settings.
•Zone(*) is available only when you specify “Voice” or “Performance” in the Memory 
display in the Master Play mode and store the settings to a User Master. Details are 
described later.
•Parameters other than those shown above (e.g., Knob/Slider settings) can be 
stored. See page 273 for details. 
Keep in mind that the settings you can store to a User 
Master in the Voice/Performance mode differ from 
those you can store in the Song/Pattern mode.  Here 
are the main differences:
 
● Storing settings in the Song/Pattern mode
In general, you can store specific Song numbers in the 
Song mode, Pattern numbers in the Pattern mode.
nOperations and settings in File mode, Utility mode 
and Sampling mode cannot be stored to a User 
Master.
●Storing settings in the Voice/Performance 
mode
In addition to specific Voice or Performance numbers, 
you can also store master keyboard functions — such 
as the Zone settings, in which the MOTIF keyboard is 
divided into up to four different Zones.
Converted via 
the Song Job.
SongUser
(128)
Tr a ck 1
Tr a ck 2
Tr a ck 3
Tr a ck 16
Arpeggio
Tr a ck 1
Tr a ck 2
Tr a ck 3
Tr a ck 4
Recording
Master number Setting examples
Master 001 Voice mode Voice number 102
Master 002 Voice mode Voice number 88
Master 003 Performance mode Performance number 043 *Zone Switch Off
Master 004 Performance mode Performance number 059 *Zone Switch Off
Master 005Performance mode Performance number 077 *Zone Switch On 
Master 006Performance mode Performance number 093 *Zone Switch On
Master 007 Song mode Song 018
Master 008 Song mode Song 008
Master 009 Pattern mode Pattern 014
Master 010 Pattern mode Pattern 029
•
•
Master 128 Song mode Song 035
MIDI ch1 MIDI ch2 MIDI ch3 MIDI ch4
Tone Generator block
MIDI ch8 MIDI ch9
Tone Generator block 
						

							57MOTIF  Basic Structure
Main functions
Basic Structure
Four Zones (Voice Performance mode)
In the Voice Performance mode, the keyboard can be 
divided into a maximum of four separate Zones (as 
shown below) — each with its own MIDI channel 
setting.  In this way, you can use just a single 
keyboard to control several different instrument parts 
independently.  Moreover, you can have these 
independent Zones control different channels on 
connected MIDI devices as well.
You can set these four Zones and store them as a 
User Master in the Master mode.
 
The four Zones can also be configured as Voice 
“layers” — letting you have more than one Voice 
sound at the same time when you play within a 
single Zone.  (See the example below.)
■Split
You can use the Zone settings to create a “Split” — 
dividing the keyboard into two key ranges, at a 
specific note (split point). 
In the example below, the keyboard is split at C3, 
with the lower range used to trigger Arpeggios, and 
the upper range used conventionally to play a Voice.
■Layer
You can also use the Zone settings to create a 
“Layer” — in which the keyboard is used to play two 
separate parts simultaneously, in unison with each 
other. 
In the example below, the keyboard plays two Voices 
in unison — one an internal Voice, and the other a 
Plug-in Voice.MIDI ch1 MIDI OUT MIDI OUT MIDI OUT MIDI OUT
MIDI ch2 MIDI ch3 MIDI ch4
Tone Generator block (Internal/Plug-in)
External Tone Generator
Keyboard (Max 4 zone)
ZONE2 ZONE3 ZONE1ZONE4MIDI ch1
MIDI OUT MIDI OUTMIDI OUT
MIDI OUT
MIDI ch2 MIDI ch3MIDI ch4
Tone Generator block (Internal/Plug-in)
External Tone Generator
Ch1
Par t 1
For playing
Arpeggios
Ch2
Par t 2
For playing a Voice Lower UpperSplit point
(C3)
Layer (Upper)
Layer (Lower)
Par t 1
VoicePlug-in 1 Part
Plug-in Voice 
						

							58MOTIF  Basic Structure
Main functions
Basic Structure
Sampling
Quick Start Guide (page 99) · Reference (page 233)
Sampling is a powerful function that lets you bring your own recorded sounds — voice, instrument, rhythm, 
special sound effects, etc. — into the system of the MOTIF, and play those sounds just like any other MOTIF 
sound.  Individual waveform data contained in the MOTIF is referred to as a “Sample.”
The following diagram shows the Sampling structure. 
CD
MD
A/D INPUT jacks
DIGITAL IN
connector
mLAN (IEEE1394)
connectorWhen the optional AIEB2 
has been installed to the 
MOTIF
When the optional 
mLAN8E has been 
installed to the MOTIF
Waveform
Internal DRAM 4MB (Can be expanded up to 64 MB by
installing optional SIMM memory modules.)
Wave
SEQ
TRANSPORT
LOCATE
12
REC
A/D converter
Key Bank setting
Assigned to a 
Performance part Store as a User Voice
D/A converter
Output (sound)
Voice / Performance
modeSong / Pattern
mode
Key Bank setting
(Automatically set when the
Sampling  type is set to Slice + Seq.)
By selecting the desired Song / Pattern 
track, it is assigned to the appropriate 
Mixing part as a Sample Voice.
Is automatically stored as on original 
Sample Voice for the selected Song / 
When the Sampling type is set to 
Sample + Note or Slice + Seq 
						

							59MOTIF  Basic Structure
Main functions
Basic Structure
Data created by Sampling
Regardless of the mode, the raw Sampled data is the 
same, of course.  However, various parameters are 
different, depending on the particular mode or 
settings.  Briefly, here is an explanation of what 
kinds of data are created in the Sampling function.
●Sampling data common to all modes
•Wave (Sample data) 
This is the raw audio data stored in the MOTIF’s 
memory when sampling.  For details on Wave, see 
page 44.
•Key Bank
The note range and velocity range to which the 
Sample is assigned, is called the Key Bank.
•Waveform
The group of Key Banks to which sample data is 
assigned is called the Waveform.
For a clearer idea of the explanations above, see the following 
illustration.  In this example, the Waveform is made up of five 
Samples, assigned to a key range of D#2 - F4, in five Key Banks.
●Data created by sampling in the Voice/
Performance mode 
•User Voice 
The sample data of Waves recorded or imported to 
the MOTIF cannot be played directly.  First, they 
must be saved as User Voices, which when selected, 
can be played from the keyboard or sequencer.  Also, 
these User Voices can be assigned as Performance 
parts — just as with the Preset Voices.
●Data created by sampling in the Song/
Pattern mode 
•Sample Voice Voices that are automatically stored when sampling in the 
Song/Pattern mode are referred to as “Sample Voices.”  
Sample Voices can be assigned to instrument parts 
corresponding to the track which was assigned in the 
Sampling Setup display, and they can be sounded while 
Song/Pattern data is being played back.
Sample Voices are original, dedicated Voices for the 
particular Song/Pattern that was selected when sampling.  
Because of this, you cannot take a Sample Voice belonging 
to one Song or Pattern and use it in another Song or 
PatternIn essence, Sample Voice data is the same as that of 
Normal Voices or Drum Voices — with the exception that 
you cannot select Sample Voices in the Voice or 
Performance mode.  (However, you CAN select the Wave 
of the Sample Voice in Voice Edit.)
•Note Data (when the Sample type is set to 
“Sample + Note” ) 
This not only stores the sampled wave as a Sample 
Voice in the Song/Pattern mode, but it also records it 
to the assigned sequencer track.
•Key Bank and Sequence data according to 
Audio phrase (when the Sample type is set to 
“Slice + Seq”) 
Velocity
127
40Key bank
Wave for m
Key Number
(Note Number)
Waveform
D#
2A#
2G#
2F4
Sample 1 Sample 2 Sample 4
Sample 3 Sample 5
Song or Pattern
SamplingTr a ck 1
Tr a ck 2
Tr a ck 3
Tr a ck 16
Specify the track.
Store as a Sample Voice








Sample 
Voice
Sequence 
data
Fixed to C - 2
Assigned to
a specified
key (note)








Sample 
voice
Sequence
data
Fixed to C - 2
Sliced into
several parts
and assigned
to keys (notes) 
						

							60MOTIF  Basic Structure
Main functions
Basic Structure
User Voices/Sample Voices and Waveform
nWhen using the Sampling function, samples are stored to destination waveforms in numerical order, starting from the lowest 
number waverform.
nUp to 128 keybanks can be assigned to a single waveform.  The MOTIF allows for creation of a maximum 8192 keybanks.
nYou can select and check the 256 waveforms mentioned above from the Oscillator display in Voice Element Edit (page 137).
Velocity Keybank
Wave form
Sample1
Key number
(Note number)
127
40
C#2 A#2 G#3 F4
Sample 2 Sample 4
Sample 3 Sample 5
Waveform
(User 001~256)
When entering the Sampling mode
from the Voice / Performance mode
Sampling
Sampling
Sampling
● Users Voice
   (001~128)When entering the Sampling mode
from the Pattern mode
Style 64
16 section 123 4
Pattern
Song 01
Song 64
Track1 001001
002
003
004
005
006
007
008
009
010
251
252
253
254
255
256 002
003
004
005
128Track2
Track3
Track16
Track1
Track 2
Track 3
Track 16● Recorded to the specified track 
   as a Sample voice.
● Recorded to the specified track 
   as a Sample voice. When entering the Sampling mode
from the Song mode