Yamaha Motif 8 Owners Manual

							61MOTIF  Basic Structure
Main functions
Basic Structure
Three methods of Sample Recording 
Start
You can start sample recording with one of three 
methods.  This section covers the Sample Recording 
Start methods corresponding to the available Trigger 
modes.  For information on setting the Trigger mode, 
see page 237.
■When Trigger mode is set to “Manual”: 
Regardless of the selected mode, sampling starts 
soon after you press the[F6] (REC)  button in the 
Sampling Setup display (page 236).  Sampling also 
starts regardless of the playback/stop status of the 
Song/Pattern.
■When Trigger mode is set to “Level”: 
After pressing the [F6] (REC) button in the 
Sampling Setup display (in any mode), sampling 
starts as soon as a strong enough audio signal is 
received.  The threshold for this audio-triggered start 
is called the Trigger Level (explained in the 
illustration below).
As you can see, the higher the Trigger Level setting, 
the louder the input audio needs to be in order to 
start sampling.  On the other hand, if the Trigger 
Level is set too low, a soft noise may be enough to 
inadvertently start sampling. Sampling also starts 
regardless of the playback/stop status of the Song/
Pattern.
■When Trigger mode is set to “Meas”: 
After pressing the [F6] (REC)  button in the 
Sampling Setup display (page 236), start and stop of 
sampling is linked to playback of the Song/Pattern.  
This setting is available only when the Song/Pattern 
mode and recording type (Rec Type) are set to 
“Slice + Seq” or “Sample + Note.”
Sample playback types
Samples can be played back in the following three 
different ways.
■One Shot
When you press a note on the keyboard, the Sample 
plays from beginning to end just once. This type of 
playback is commonly used for drum and percussion 
sounds. 
ABC D E
Sample recording start here.
Recording
trigger level.
ABC D E
Sample recording start here.
Level
Level
12
Punch In Punch Out Sampling
start Song/Pattern
start
Wave dataSampling
stop
34 567 8
1234 567 8
Start Pont
Key onEnd Point 
						

							62MOTIF  Basic Structure
Main functions
Basic Structure
■ Loop 
This is used primarily to create long continuous 
sounds, such as brass and strings, or instruments 
with naturally long decay, such as piano.  An 
appropriate part of the sample near the end is looped 
to reproduce a long sustain or decay.
When you play a note on the keyboard, the Sample 
plays from the start point to the end point. It then 
returns to the loop start point and plays to the end 
point again, and keeps doing this until you release 
the note. With musical instruments in general, the 
characteristic part of the sound (the “attack” section) 
is usually at the beginning, just after the start point. 
After this, the sound does not vary a great deal while 
the note is being held, and you can set the loop and 
end points at either end of this section. When 
playing back a Sample of an instrument that has 
been looped like this, the attack section of the sound 
is played back once and then the looped section is 
played back continuously until you release the note. 
Looping is also way of creating usable instrument 
sounds without using up too much memory. 
You can set each point in the Sampling mode. 
Since the MOTIF is capable of displaying the entire 
image of the sampled audio data in the LCD (zoom 
in and zoom out are available), you can edit the loop 
points visually — making sample editing accurate and 
easy.
   
■ Reverse
When you press a note on the keyboard, the Sample 
plays from end to beginning just once. This is useful 
for creating reversed cymbal sounds and other 
special effects.
Sample Wave Loop Playback
Start Pont Top Point End Point
Start Point End Point 
						

							63MOTIF  Basic StructureMain functions
Basic Structure
Internal Memor y and File Management
Quick Start Guide (page 97) · Reference (page 261)
The MOTIF creates a variety of different kinds of data, including Voice, Performance, Song, and Pattern.  In 
this section, how to store the various types of data and use the memory devices/media for storing them.
Memor y Structure
This diagram details the relationship among the MOTIF’s functions and the internal memory, memory card, 
and various external storage devices/media.
**
   Please make note of the following points 
when using bulk transmission between 
SRAM memory and an external MIDI device.
•
 Bulk transmission cannot be used to 
transfer the data of User Arpeggios 
and part of the System settings.
• Bulk transmission to an external MIDI 
device is executed only when MOTIF 
receives a bulk request message.
IBMPersonal System/VPS/VPersonal System/V
Recall Buffer
Compare Buffer
(DRAM)
Other than Master Edit
Preset Data (ROM)
•Voice
• Plug-in Voice
• Preset Phrase (Pattern)
• Preset Arpeggio
• Demo
External MIDI device MIDI bulk
Edit Buffer(DRAM)
• Voice Edit
• Plug-in Voice Edit
• Performance Edit
• Master Edit
Store
User Memory (RAM)
SRAM
• User Plug-in Voice
  (64 Voices x 3 boards)
• User Performance (128)
• User Master (128)
• User Arpeggio (128)
• System setting
  (Utility setting) • User Voice
  (Normal 128, Drum 16)
DRAM
• Song
• Song Chain
• Waveform
(Sample Voice) • Pattern (Phrase)
•˚Style
• Pattern Chain • Song Chain
• Pattern Record
• Pattern Patch • Song Record
Store
• Pattern Chain
• Sampling
Store
• Pattern Mixing Edit
• Song Mixing Edit
Computer
• Plug-in Voice Edit using 
the   computer
Plug-in board(DRUM)
• Plug-in All Bulk
File extensions
.W2W
File extensions
.W2B
• File extensions .WAV and 
.AIF
• A5000/4000/3000 data• SU700 data• AKAI format data File extensions
.W2S
File extensions
.W2P File extensions
.MIDFile extensions .W2A File extensions
.W2V
File extensions
.W2G
• File extensions .WAV and   
.AIF
• A5000/4000/3000 data• AKAI format data
Memory Card
External SCSI device
Load / SaveCovert (Job)
MOTIF Internal Memory 
						

							64MOTIF  Basic Structure
Main functions
Basic Structure
Internal Memor y
● ROM and RAM
ROM (Read Only Memory) is memory designed 
specifically for reading out of data, and as such 
data cannot be written to it.  This is the location 
where preset data for the instrument is 
permanently stored.
On the other hand, RAM (Random Access 
Memory) allows both reading and writing of data.  
This is the location for the edit buffer data and 
data created by editing or recording.
● SRAM and DRAM
The MOTIF uses two different kinds of RAM , 
depending on the condition for storing the data: 
SRAM (Static RAM) and DRAM (Dynamic 
RAM).  The data contained in SRAM is 
maintained indefinitely, unless the backup battery 
(lithium battery; page 5) power is too low.  On the 
other hand, data contained in DRAM is lost when 
the power is turned off.  Because of this, you 
should always store any data residing in DRAM 
to a memory card or an external SCSI device 
before turning off the power.
Edit Buffer (DRAM) and Recall 
Buffer (DRAM)
● Edit Buffer and User Memory
The edit buffer is the memory location for edited 
data of these types: Voice, Performance, Master, 
Song, Song Mixing, and Pattern Mixing.  Data 
edited in this location will be stored to the User 
Memory.
If you select another Voice, Performance, Master, 
Song, or Pattern, the entire contents of the edit 
buffer will be rewrittenwith the newly selected 
Voice/Performance/Master/Song Mixing/Pattern 
Mixing data.  Make sure to store any important 
data before selecting another Voice, etc.
● Edit Buffer and Recall Buffer
If you’ve selected another Voice or Performance 
without storing the one you were editing, you can 
recall your original edits, since the edit buffer’s 
contents are stored in backup memory.  Keep in 
mind that the recall buffer is available only in the 
Voice or Performance mode. 
Memor y Card/External SCSI storage 
device
To ensure that your data stored to User Memory are 
maintained, it is the best way to save important data 
to Memory Card or external SCSI device so that you 
can keep them indefinitely. See page 289 for details 
about Memory Card and see page 27 for details about 
SCSI device. 
There are two different ways to save data created on 
the MOTIF to memory card or an external SCSi 
device:
• By saving all data in the User memory as a single 
file (with the extension “.W2A”).
• By saving the files separately according to their 
specific functions (with the extensions 
corresponding to each type).  See page  262                                                                      
for details. 
• Memory Card • SCSI device
Hard disk etc.
SCSI 
						

							65MOTIF  Basic StructureMain functions
Basic Structure
Remote Control to Computer Sequence Software
Quick Start Guide (page 119) · Reference (page 256)
When the [REMOTE CONTROL ON/OFF] button is turned on, the following buttons/controllers can control 
the Audio track mixer  and sequencer transport of the computer sequence software connected to the MOTIF. 
             J∆           
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] buttons
Controls the transport functions on the computer sequence 
software.SEQ TRANSPORT
LOCATE
12
REC
[MUTE] button When this is turned on, the NUMBER [1] - [16] 
buttons are used to turn the corresponding tracks of 
the computer sequence software on or off.
15
1
234
56
7
8
9
1011
12
1314
16TRACK
SELECT
MUTE
SOLO
NUMBERELEMENT / PERF. PART / ZONE
NUMBER button[1]~[16]
These buttons are used to select the corresponding 
tracks of the computer sequencer software, or to 
turn those tracks on/off, depending on the on/off 
status of the [TRACK SELECT] button and [MUTE] 
button.
15
1
234
56
7
8
91011
12
1314
16TRACK
SELECT
MUTE
SOLO
NUMBERELEMENT / PERF. PART / ZONE
[TRACK SELECT] 
button
When this is turned on, the NUMBER 
[1] - [16] buttons are used to select the 
corresponding tracks of the computer 
sequence software.
15
1
234
56
7
8
91011
12
1314
16TRACK
SELECT
MUTE
SOLO
NUMBERELEMENT / PERF. PART / ZONE
Knob
Adjusts the Pan, Effect send level, and Equalizer 
for each track of the computer sequencer.
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 LOWMID ME Q HIGH
Control Sliders
Adjusts the Volume for each track of the computer 
sequence software.  
						

							66MOTIF  Basic Structure
Main functions
Basic Structure
Computer Sequence Software 
The following computer sequence software programs can be controlled via the MOTIF’s Remote Control 
function.
Windows
Cubase VST/32
Logic Audio Plutinum Ver4.6
Cakewalk ProAudio Ver9.0
Pro Tools V5.0
Macintosh
Cubase VST 5.0
Logic Audio Plutinum Ver4.6
Pro Tools V5.0
nThe parameters to be controlled via the Remote Control function differ depending on the computer sequence software. For 
details, see the Reference section on page 257.
nFor certain software programs, it may be necessary to install the setting file in the included CD-ROM. For details on how to 
install, see the Installation Guide manual. 
						

							67MOTIF  Basic OperationCalling up the Operation Displays
Basic Operation
Basic Operation
In this section, we’ll take a look at the fundamental operating conventions of the MOTIF.  Here, you’ll learn the 
basics — how to select modes, call up the various functions, change settings, and edit parameter values.  Take time to 
familiarize yourself with these nuts-and-bolts operations, and you’ll be on your way to mastering the instrument.
Calling up the Operation Displays
To call up a desired display or parameter, first select a mode, then select one of the function menus of the mode.  The 
section below shows you the button presses necessary to navigate through the various modes and sub-modes.
Selecting Modes
The MOTIF is organized into various modes, each covering a different set of operations and functions.
nFor more information on each mode, see page 30.
Four Main modes (Play modes) — Voice, Performance, Song, Pattern
               
To select another mode, simply press the corresponding mode button.
Two Sub-modes — Sampling, Utility
The four main modes (Voice, Performance, Song, and Pattern) have sub-modes — Sampling mode and Utility mode. 
These two sub-modes can be selected in each main mode. 
Keep in mind that the particular displays and parameters in the Sampling and Utility modes differ depending on 
which main mode was active before calling up the sub-mode.  For details on the specific differences, refer to the 
corresponding explanations in the Reference section.
 
To select another mode, simply press the corresponding mode button.
MODE
VOICE PERFORM MASTER
SEQUENCERSONG
PATTERNFILE
INTEGRATED
SAMPLINGMIXINGUTILITY
EDIT
JOBSTORE
COMPARESCENE STORE
SET LOCATE
MODE
VOICE PERFORM MASTER
SEQUENCERSONG
PATTERNFILE
INTEGRATED
SAMPLINGMIXINGUTILITY
EDIT
JOBSTORE
COMPARESCENE STORE
SET LOCATE
●Voice Play mode●Performance Play mode●Song Play mode●Pattern Play mode
Keyboard playback modes Sequencer modes (multi-timbral operation)
MODE
VOICE PERFORM MASTER
SEQUENCERSONG
PATTERNFILE
INTEGRATED
SAMPLINGMIXINGUTILITY
EDIT
JOBSTORE
COMPARESCENE STORE
SET LOCATE
MODE
VOICE PERFORM MASTER
SEQUENCERSONG
PATTERNFILE
INTEGRATED
SAMPLINGMIXINGUTILITY
EDIT
JOBSTORE
COMPARESCENE STORE
SET LOCATE
MODE
VOICE PERFORM MASTER
SEQUENCERSONG
PATTERNFILE
INTEGRATED
SAMPLINGMIXINGUTILITY
EDIT
JOBSTORE
COMPARESCENE STORE
SET LOCATE
MODE
VOICE PERFORM MASTER
SEQUENCERSONG
PATTERNFILE
INTEGRATED
SAMPLINGMIXINGUTILITY
EDIT
JOBSTORE
COMPARESCENE STORE
SET LOCATE
From the Voice mode From the Performance mode From the Song mode From the Pattern modeMODE
VOICE PERFORM MASTER
SEQUENCERSONG
PATTERNFILE
INTEGRATED
SAMPLINGMIXINGUTILITY
EDIT
JOBSTORE
COMPARESCENE STORE
SET LOCATE
MODE
VOICE PERFORM MASTER
SEQUENCERSONG
PATTERNFILE
INTEGRATED
SAMPLINGMIXINGUTILITY
EDIT
JOBSTORE
COMPARESCENE STORE
SET LOCATE
●Sampling mode 
						

							68MOTIF  Basic Operation
Calling up the Operation Displays
Basic Operation
 
To select another mode, simply press the corresponding mode button.
nPlease note that the displays and parameters are different depending on the modes before entering the Sampling/Utility mode. 
Special Modes — Master mode and File mode
In addition to the modes described above, special two modes are provided — Master mode and File mode.    
To select another mode, simply press the corresponding mode button.
Mixing mode (in the Song/Pattern mode)
The two Sequencer modes, Song and Pattern, feature a special Mixing mode.   
To exit from the File mode and select another mode, simply press the corresponding mode button.
(The [EXIT] button cannot be used here.)
MODE
VOICE PERFORM MASTER
SEQUENCERSONG
PATTERNFILE
INTEGRATED
SAMPLINGMIXINGUTILITY
EDIT
JOBSTORE
COMPARESCENE STORE
SET LOCATE
MODE
VOICE PERFORM MASTER
SEQUENCERSONG
PATTERNFILE
INTEGRATED
SAMPLINGMIXINGUTILITY
EDIT
JOBSTORE
COMPARESCENE STORE
SET LOCATE
From the Voice mode
●Utility mode
From the Performance mode From the Song mode From the Pattern modeMODE
VOICE PERFORM MASTER
SEQUENCERSONG
PATTERNFILE
INTEGRATED
SAMPLINGMIXINGUTILITY
EDIT
JOBSTORE
COMPARESCENE STORE
SET LOCATE
MODE
VOICE PERFORM MASTER
SEQUENCERSONG
PATTERNFILE
INTEGRATED
SAMPLINGMIXINGUTILITY
EDIT
JOBSTORE
COMPARESCENE STORE
SET LOCATE
When the selected Master 
is set to the Song mode :When the selected Master 
is set to the Pattern mode : When the selected Master 
is set to the Voice mode :When the selected Master is 
set to the Performance mode :
MODE
VOICE PERFORM MASTER
SEQUENCERSONG
PATTERNFILE
INTEGRATED
SAMPLINGMIXINGUTILITY
EDIT
JOBSTORE
COMPARESCENE STORE
SET LOCATE
MODE
VOICE PERFORM MASTER
SEQUENCERSONG
PATTERNFILE
INTEGRATED
SAMPLINGMIXINGUTILITY
EDIT
JOBSTORE
COMPARESCENE STORE
SET LOCATE
MODE
VOICE PERFORM MASTER
SEQUENCERSONG
PATTERNFILE
INTEGRATED
SAMPLINGMIXINGUTILITY
EDIT
JOBSTORE
COMPARESCENE STORE
SET LOCATE
MODE
VOICE PERFORM MASTER
SEQUENCERSONG
PATTERNFILE
INTEGRATED
SAMPLINGMIXINGUTILITY
EDIT
JOBSTORE
COMPARESCENE STORE
SET LOCATE
●Master Play mode
MODE
VOICE PERFORM MASTER
SEQUENCERSONG
PATTERNFILE
INTEGRATED
SAMPLINGMIXINGUTILITY
EDIT
JOBSTORE
COMPARESCENE STORE
SET LOCATE
●File mode
MODE
VOICE PERFORM MASTER
SEQUENCERSONG
PATTERNFILE
INTEGRATED
SAMPLINGMIXINGUTILITY
EDIT
JOBSTORE
COMPARESCENE STORE
SET LOCATE
MODE
VOICE PERFORM MASTER
SEQUENCERSONG
PATTERNFILE
INTEGRATED
SAMPLINGMIXINGUTILITY
EDIT
JOBSTORE
COMPARESCENE STORE
SET LOCATE
●Song Mixing mode●Pattern Mixing mode 
						

							69MOTIF  Basic OperationCalling up the Operation Displays
Basic Operation
Record mode (in the Song/Pattern and Sampling mode)
The MOTIF also features Record modes — one for sequencing in the Song and Pattern modes, and one for sample 
recording in the Sampling mode. 
    
  
Press the [EXIT] button to exit from the Sampling Record mode.
MODE
VOICE PERFORM MASTER
SEQUENCERSONG
PATTERNFILE
INTEGRATED
SAMPLINGMIXINGUTILITY
EDIT
JOBSTORE
COMPARESCENE STORE
SET LOCATE
●Song Record mode
■Press the [STOP] button to exit from Song 
Record mode to the Song Play mode.  ■Press the [STOP] button to exit from the Pattern 
Record mode to the Pattern Play mode.
SEQ TRANSPORT
LOCATE
12
REC
MODE
VOICE PERFORM MASTER
SEQUENCERSONG
PATTERNFILE
INTEGRATED
SAMPLINGMIXINGUTILITY
EDIT
JOBSTORE
COMPARESCENE STORE
SET LOCATE
●Pattern Record mode
SEQ TRANSPORT
LOCATE
12
REC
MODE
VOICE PERFORM MASTER
SEQUENCERSONG
PATTERNFILE
INTEGRATED
SAMPLINGMIXINGUTILITY
EDIT
JOBSTORE
COMPARESCENE STORE
SET LOCATE
MODE
VOICE PERFORM MASTER
SEQUENCERSONG
PATTERNFILE
INTEGRATED
SAMPLINGMIXINGUTILITY
EDIT
JOBSTORE
COMPARESCENE STORE
SET LOCATE
From the Voice mode
●Sampling Record mode
From the Performance mode From the Song mode From the Pattern mode
MODE
VOICE PERFORM MASTER
SEQUENCERSONG
PATTERNFILE
INTEGRATED
SAMPLINGMIXINGUTILITY
EDIT
JOBSTORE
COMPARESCENE STORE
SET LOCATE
MODE
VOICE PERFORM MASTER
SEQUENCERSONG
PATTERNFILE
INTEGRATED
SAMPLINGMIXINGUTILITY
EDIT
JOBSTORE
COMPARESCENE STORE
SET LOCATE
SONG SCENE
SF 1SF 2SF  3SF  4 SF  5
F1 F2 F3 F4 F6F5
INFORMATION 
						

							70MOTIF  Basic Operation
Calling up the Operation Displays
Basic Operation
Edit mode
The four main modes (Voice/Performance/Song/Pattern), the Sampling mode and the Master mode described above 
all have their own specific Edit modes.
                   
Press the [EXIT] button to exit from the Edit mode.      
Press the [EXIT] button to exit from the Edit mode.                 
Press the [EXIT] button to exit from the Edit mode.
Job mode
Most of the mores described above — the main modes (Voice, Performance, Song, Pattern), the 
two sub-modes (Sampling and Utility), the Mixing mode (in Song and Pattern), and the Master 
mode — have their own specific Job modes.  
To call up the Job mode, press the [JOB] button while one of the modes listed above is active.  
Since the [JOB] button does not have an indicator lamp, check the display to see whether the Job 
mode is selected or not.
●Voice Edit mode●Performance Edit mode●Song Edit mode●Pattern Edit modeMODE
VOICE PERFORM MASTER
SEQUENCERSONG
PATTERNFILE
INTEGRATED
SAMPLINGMIXINGUTILITY
EDIT
JOBSTORE
COMPARESCENE STORE
SET LOCATE
MODE
VOICE PERFORM MASTER
SEQUENCERSONG
PATTERNFILE
INTEGRATED
SAMPLINGMIXINGUTILITY
EDIT
JOBSTORE
COMPARESCENE STORE
SET LOCATE
MODE
VOICE PERFORM MASTER
SEQUENCERSONG
PATTERNFILE
INTEGRATED
SAMPLINGMIXINGUTILITY
EDIT
JOBSTORE
COMPARESCENE STORE
SET LOCATE
MODE
VOICE PERFORM MASTER
SEQUENCERSONG
PATTERNFILE
INTEGRATED
SAMPLINGMIXINGUTILITY
EDIT
JOBSTORE
COMPARESCENE STORE
SET LOCATE
MODE
VOICE PERFORM MASTER
SEQUENCERSONG
PATTERNFILE
INTEGRATED
SAMPLINGMIXINGUTILITY
EDIT
JOBSTORE
COMPARESCENE STORE
SET LOCATE
From the Voice modeFrom the Song modeMODE
VOICE PERFORM MASTER
SEQUENCERSONG
PATTERNFILE
INTEGRATED
SAMPLINGMIXINGUTILITY
EDIT
JOBSTORE
COMPARESCENE STORE
SET LOCATE
MODE
VOICE PERFORM MASTER
SEQUENCERSONG
PATTERNFILE
INTEGRATED
SAMPLINGMIXINGUTILITY
EDIT
JOBSTORE
COMPARESCENE STORE
SET LOCATE
From the Performance modeFrom the Pattern modeMODE
VOICE PERFORM MASTER
SEQUENCERSONG
PATTERNFILE
INTEGRATED
SAMPLINGMIXINGUTILITY
EDIT
JOBSTORE
COMPARESCENE STORE
SET LOCATE
●Sampling Edit mode
●Master Edit mode●Song MIxing Edit mode●Pattern Mixing Edit mode
MODE
VOICE PERFORM MASTER
SEQUENCERSONG
PATTERNFILE
INTEGRATED
SAMPLINGMIXINGUTILITY
EDIT
JOBSTORE
COMPARESCENE STORE
SET LOCATE
MODE
VOICE PERFORM MASTER
SEQUENCERSONG
PATTERNFILE
INTEGRATED
SAMPLINGMIXINGUTILITY
EDIT
JOBSTORE
COMPARESCENE STORE
SET LOCATE
MODE
VOICE PERFORM MASTER
SEQUENCERSONG
PATTERNFILE
INTEGRATED
SAMPLINGMIXINGUTILITY
EDIT
JOBSTORE
COMPARESCENE STORE
SET LOCATE
MODE
VOICE PERFORM MASTER
SEQUENCERSONG
PATTERNFILE
INTEGRATED
SAMPLINGMIXINGUTILITY
EDIT
JOBSTORE
COMPARESCENE STORE
SET LOCATE