Yamaha Motif 8 Owners Manual

							71MOTIF  Basic OperationCalling up the Operation Displays
Basic Operation
Store mode
The Voice Play mode, Performance Play mode, Song Mixing mode, Pattern Mixing mode, and 
Master Play mode have their own specific Store modes.  
To call up the Store mode, press the [STORE] button while one of the modes listed above is active.  
Since the [STORE] button does not have an indicator lamp, check the display to see whether the 
Store mode is selected or not.
Selecting Functions and Parameters
Each mode described above contains various displays, with various functions and parameters.  To navigate your way 
through these displays and select a desired function, use the [F1] - [F6] buttons and the [SF1] - [SF5] buttons.
When you select a mode, the available displays or menus appear directly above the buttons at the bottom of the 
display (as shown below).
Using the Function buttons [F1] - [F6]
Depending on the currently selected mode, up to six functions are available and can be called up with the [F1] - [F6] 
buttons.  Keep in mind that the available functions differ depending on the selected mode.
Using the Sub-Function buttons [SF1] - [SF5]
Depending on the currently selected mode, up to five functions (sub-functions) are available and can be called up 
with the [SF1] - [SF5] buttons.  Keep in mind that the available functions differ depending on the selected mode.  
(Some displays may not have any sub-functions for these buttons.)
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
These functions can be selected via the 
corresponding button ([F1] - [F6]).
In this example, press the [F5] button to go 
to the LFO display.
SONG SCENE
SF 1SF 2SF  3SF  4 SF  5
F1 F2 F3 F4 F6F5
INFORMATION
These functions can be selected via the 
corresponding button ([SF1]-[SF5]).       
In this example, press the [SF5] button 
to go to the SCALE display. 
						

							72MOTIF  Basic Operation
Display-based Controls
Basic Operation
How to leave the current display
For most operations (especially editing and Job- or Store-related), pressing the [EXIT] button will let you leave the 
current display and return you to the next highest level or to the normal play mode display.
Display-based Controls
Data Entr y
               
Confirmation Message
When you execute certain operations, such as those in the Job, Store, and File modes, the MOTIF shows a 
confirmation message. This lets you actually execute the operation or cancel it if desired.
If a confirmation message (like the one illustrated above) appears, press the [INC/YES] button to execute the 
operation or press the [DEC/NO] button to cancel it. 
DEC/NO INC/ YES
EXITENTER
EXECUTE
DEC/NO INC/ YES
EXITENTER
EXECUTE
1Moving the cursor
Use these four buttons to navigate the display, 
moving the cursor around the various selectable 
items and parameters in the screen. When 
selected, the relevant item is highlighted 
(the cursor appears as a dark block with inverse 
characters).
2Changing (editing) values
Rotating the data dial to the right (clockwise) 
increases the value, while rotating it to the left 
(counter-clockwise) decreases it.
For parameters with large value ranges, you can 
increase the value by 10 by simultaneously 
holding down the [INC/YES] button and pressing 
the [DEC/NO] button. To decrease by 10, do the 
opposite; simultaneously hold down the [DEC/NO] 
button and press the [INC/YES] button. 
						

							73MOTIF  Basic OperationDisplay-based Controls
Basic Operation
Information Display
This convenient function lets you call up relevant details about the selected mode — simply by pressing the 
[INFORMATION] button.  For example, when the Voice mode is active, you can quickly check information about 
which voice bank is selected, what Play mode (poly or mono) is being used, which effects are applied, and so on.
In the Song Play mode, you can instantly find out how much memory is being used and how much is left over for 
additional recording.
Control Knobs and Sliders
This extremely versatile and powerful section on the panel gives you instant, real-time control over the sound and 
certain functions of the MOTIF.  For example, you can use these to shift the Pan position, adjust the Reverb or 
Chorus effect, change the Tempo of a song or pattern, tweak the EQ, perform dynamic filter sweeps, alter the Volume 
balance of the elements in a voice or the tracks of a song, and do many other things as well — all in real time, as you 
perform.  The Knobs are also assignable to various functions, letting you control virtually any aspect of the sound or 
operation you desire (pages 254 and 256).
1Select the row of functions you wish to control by pressing the [KNOB CONTROL FUNCTION] button.
The corresponding indicator lights, showing you which row is active.  For example if you want to use the Knobs 
to control Pan, Reverb, Chorus and Tempo, press the [KNOB CONTROL FUNCTION] button (repeatedly if 
necessary) until the top indicator is lit.
2Turn the appropriate Knob ([KN1] - [KN4]) to adjust the desired function.
INFORMATION
INFORMATION
KNOB
CONTROL
FUNCTION
PA 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
KNOB
CONTROL
FUNCTION
PA 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
1  Pan, Effect Send. and Tempo
2  Filter and EG
3  Assign
4  Master EQ Press this repeatedly to 
select each function row.
In this example display, the Pan, Effect Send
and Tempo controls have been called up. 
						

							74MOTIF  Basic Operation
Display-based Controls
Basic Operation
The available functions are shown at the top of the display, and the value changes as you turn the corresponding 
Knob.  For example, to change the amount of Reverb (in the top row), turn Knob 2.  To change the Pan position, 
turn Knob 1. 
If the “Rev” knob in the display is dark, any tweaking you do to the Knob immediately affects the sound.  
However, if the knob in the display is light, turning the knob will not have any effect until you reach the current 
setting.  Once you’ve adjusted the Knob to that setting point, the display knob turns dark, and you can tweak the 
sound.
3Move the appropriate Sliders ([CS1] - [CS4]) as well.
The Sliders are generally for controlling levels, but they have different functions depending on the selected mode.  
For example, in the Voice mode, they are used to adjust the levels of the four elements in a voice.  In the 
Performance mode, they control the levels of the four parts.  In the Song and Pattern modes, they are used to 
change the levels of the sixteen tracks — four at a time.  (In the last case, you can select different groups of 
four by pressing the appropriate [NUMBER] button, [1] - [16].)
Please note that moving the slider will not have any effect until you reach the current setting.
For more information on the Knobs and Sliders, see page 48.
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 
						

							75MOTIF  Basic OperationDisplay-based Controls
Basic Operation
Note (Key) settings
Several MOTIF parameters let you set a key range for a function — for example, in setting up a keyboard split — by 
specifying certain note values.  You can use the [INC/YES] and [DEC/NO] buttons or data dial to set these 
parameters, or you can directly enter the values from the keyboard by pressing the appropriate keys (as shown 
below). In the example display here, element 1 of a voice is being edited.
Naming
The MOTIF allows you to create your own original data such as voices, performances, songs, and styles. You can also 
freely name the data as desired.
The following data types can be named.
• User voices..............................................................................page 130
• User performance ..................................................................page 166
• User songs ..............................................................................page 204
• User styles ..............................................................................page 232
• User phrases ...........................................................................page 230
• User masters ...........................................................................page 271
• User waveform ......................................................................page 247
• Files saved to memory card or SCSI storage device .............page 267
The example below applies when naming a User voice (page 130).
 
1Move the cursor to the first position of the name by using the Cursor button. 
2Select a character by using the [INC/YES] button, [DEC/NO] button or the data dial. 
When Note Limit is selected, the [KBD] mark appears, 
indicating that you can use the keyboard to set the value. 
Simultaneously hold down the [INFORMATION] button and 
press the appropriate key.
INFORMATION
DEC/NO INC/ YES
EXITENTER
EXECUTE
DEC/NO INC/ YES 
						

							76MOTIF  Basic Operation
Display-based Controls
Basic Operation
3Move the cursor to the next position of the name by using the Cursor button. 
4Enter the other characters as desired by repeating steps #1 - #3 above.
Using the  Character List
In steps #2 and #3 above, you can use the special Character List, which shows you all the available characters, and 
makes it easier to select the characters.
Press and hold down the [INFORMATION] button to display the pop-up Character List.  To select a character from 
the list, keep holding down the [INFORMATION] button and use the [INC/YES] and [DEC/NO] buttons or data 
dial.
DEC/NO INC/ YES
EXITENTER
EXECUTE
INFORMATIONINSERTION
When the cursor is located at the Name, this [LIST] icon appears and you can call 
up the Character List display by holding the [INFORMATION] button. Release the 
[INFORMATION] button to return back to the original display.
DEC/NO INC/ YES
EXITENTER
EXECUTE
1Move the cursor to the desired position.
2Select a character by using the 
[INC/YES] button, [DEC/NO] button 
or the data dial.
While holding the [INFORMATION] button.... 
						

							77MOTIF  Quick Start GuidePlaying the Demos
Quick Start Guide
Quick Start Guide
This helpful and informative section of the manual takes you on a guided tour of the MOTIF, explaining virtually all 
of the important functions by example and giving you important, hands-on experience as you actually start using the 
instrument. Read through these practical instructions carefully — this is the best way to get to know the 
sophisticated functions of the MOTIF and to discover just how much it has to offer. Each set of instructions gives 
you the basic tools you need to master the instrument.  If you’re in need of more information or details, go straight to 
the Reference section — the relevant page number is indicated here at the beginning of each topic.
Playing the Demos
Here’s the best place to start your explorations of the MOTIF.  The Song and Master Demos have been specially 
programmed so you can hear just how amazing the sounds are, and find out just how powerful the instrument really is.
Auto Demo Load
Reference (page 252)
The MOTIF features special Demo data (Song and Master programs) which is stored to ROM and can be loaded to DRAM by 
using the Auto Demo Load function. When this parameter is set to “on,” the Demo song data is automatically loaded when 
the power is turned on. The Auto Demo Load parameter is set to off when the MOTIF is shipped from the factory. (Under 
normal playing circumstances, you’ll want to use the full memory of the instrument and won’t want to have the Demo 
programs automatically load.)  Before you can play the Demos, you’ll need to turn this function on (as described below).
The Demo programs are now loaded to the MOTIF, and you can try them out in the instructions that follow.
2Call up the OTHER display.
SF4
3Move the cursor to “AutoDemoLoad.”
DEC/NO INC/ YES
EXITENTER
EXECUTE
4Set “AutoDemoLoad” to ON. 
DEC/NO INC/ YES
1Enter the Utility mode and call up the GENERAL display.
F1
SEQUENCERSONG
PATTERNFILE
INTEGRATED
SAMPLINGMIXINGUTILITY
POWER
ONOFF
5
POWER
ONOFF
Turn the power off by pressing 
the [POWER] switch. 6Turn the power on again by
pressing the [POWER] switch.  
						

							78MOTIF  Quick Start Guide
Playing the Demos 
Quick Start Guide
Playing the Song Demo
A variety of Demo songs have been programmed to the MOTIF, showcasing its dynamic voices and giving you a taste 
of the sophisticated sequencing functions inside.
To instantly return to the beginning of the song, press the [ ] (Top) button.
For details about song control, see page 14. 
PLG 2AB
CD
E
FG
H
15CATEGORY
SEARCH
OCTAV EDOWNUP
KNOB
CONTROL
FUNCTIONPA N
REVERBCHORUS
TEMPO
AT TACK 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 HIGHREMOTE
CONTROL
ON/OFFEFFECT 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 4SEQ TRANSPORTLOCATE
12REC
MODEVOICE PERFORM MASTERSEQUENCERSONG
PAT TERNFILEINTEGRATED
SAMPLINGMIXINGUTILITY
EDIT
JOBSTORE
COMPARESCENE STORE
SET LOCATE
SONG SCENE
SF 1SF 2SF  3SF  4 SF  5F1 F2 F3 F4 F6F5INFORMATIONDEC/NO INC/ YES
EXITENTEREXECUTE
MUSIC
PRODUCTIONSYNTHESIZERIntegratedSamplingSequencer
Real-time External Control
Sur face
Modular
Synthesis Plug-in
SystemDRUM KITSFAVORITESSLOT 1 SLOT 2 SLOT 3PRE 1PRE 2
PRE  3
GMUSER PLG 1PLG  3A. PIANOKEYBOARD
ORGANGUITAR /
PLUCKEDBASSSTRINGSBRASS
REED / PIPE
SYN LEAD SYN PAD/
CHOIRSYN COMP CHROMATIC
PERCUSSIONDRUM /
PERCUSSIONSE
MUSICAL FX COMBI1
234
56
7
8
91011
12
1314
16SECTION
TRACK
SELECT
MUTE
SOLO
BANK
GROUP
NUMBERCOMMON
ELEMENT / PERF. PART / ZONE
5Start the selected song. 
When playback of the selected song is finished, 
the song automatically stops.
SEQ TRANSPORT
LOCATE
12
REC
SEQ TRANSPORT
LOCATE
12
REC
Top button
You can stop the song anytime during playback by pressing the [■] 
button.  This pauses the song at the current position.  To resume 
playback of the song from that point, press the [F] again.
Stop song playback manually, if you want.6
Select a song.4
Decreases
number
Decreases
numberIncreases
number 
Increases
number 
DEC/NO INC/ YES
If it isn’t currently highlighted, 
move the cursor to the Song 
number/name. 3
DEC/NO INC/ YES
EXITENTER
EXECUTE
2Press the [SONG] mode button to enter 
the Song mode. 
SEQUENCERSONG
PATTERNFILE
INTEGRATED
SAMPLINGMIXINGUTILITY
POWER
ONOFFTurn the power ON.1 
						

							79MOTIF  Quick Start GuidePlaying the Demos
Quick Start Guide
Playing the Master Demo
The MOTIF has so many powerful features, functions, and modes, it may seem difficult to understand them all and 
grasp how they work together.  One good place to start learning about the various pieces in the MOTIF puzzle is the 
Master mode.  
Master programs are special setups that let you work across the mode boundaries of the MOTIF (Voice, Performance, 
Song, and Pattern), and let you instantly select a desired configuration for the entire instrument.  We’ve programmed 
a variety of Master programs to show you how this powerful feature can be used.  Try some of these out now.  (You’ll 
be setting up your own Master programs later in this Guide.)
PLG 2AB
CD
E
FG
H
15CATEGORY
SEARCH
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 LOWMID ME Q HIGHREMOTE
CONTROL
ON / OFFEFFECT 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 4SEQ TRANSPORTLOCATE
12REC
MODEVOICE PERFORM MASTERSEQUENCERSONG
PAT T E R NFILEINTEGRATED
SAMPLINGMIXINGUTILITY
EDIT
JOBSTORE
COMPARESCENE STORE
SET LOCATE
SONG SCENE
SF 1SF 2SF  3SF  4 SF  5F1 F2 F3 F4 F6F5INFORMATIONDEC/NO INC/ YES
EXITENTEREXECUTE
MUSIC
PRODUCTIONSYNTHESIZERIntegratedSamplingSequencer
Real-time External Control
Sur face
Modular
Synthesis Plug-in
SystemDRUM KITSFAV ORITESSLOT 1 SLOT 2 SLOT 3PRE 1PRE 2
PRE  3
GMUSER PLG 1PLG  3A. PIANOKEYBOARD
ORGANGUITAR /
PLUCKEDBASSSTRINGSBRASS
REED / PIPE
SYN LEAD SYN PAD/
CHOIRSYN COMP CHROMATIC
PERCUSSIONDRUM /
PERCUSSIONSE
MUSICAL FX COMBI1
234
56
7
8
91011
12
1314
16SECTION
TRACK
SELECT
MUTE
SOLO
BANK
GROUP
NUMBERCOMMON
ELEMENT / PERF. PART / ZONE
Play the selected Master program. 3
• When the Mode is set to 
Voice or Performance, play 
the keyboard.
SEQ TRANSPORT
LOCATE
12
REC
• When the Mode is set to 
Song or Pattern, press the 
[F] (Play) button.
1Enter the Master mode.
MODE
VOICE PERFORM MASTER
2Select a Master. 
1
234
56
7
8
15
91011
12
1314
16
Decreases
number
Decreases
numberIncreases
number 
Increases
number 
DEC/NO INC/ YES
Mode 
						

							80MOTIF  Quick Start Guide
Playing Voices 
Quick Start Guide
Playing Voices
Reference (page 124)
The Voice Play mode is where you select and play the instrument sounds (voices) of the MOTIF.  
Thanks to an amazing 85MB of wave ROM and over 700 voices to choose from (even more when you install optional Plug-in 
boards!), the MOTIF has just about any sound you’ll ever need, no matter what kind of music you create — from luscious 
piano, strings, and other acoustic instruments to cutting-edge synth, dance, and electronica sounds.
Plus, with the full 62-note polyphony, you can play fat chords and arpeggios — and sustain them without ever having to 
worry about the sound cutting out. The MOTIF provides several different voice banks: Preset 1 - 3, GM Preset, User, and 
Plug-in 1 - 3 (when optional Plug-in boards are installed).  Select a bank and try out some of these different voices right now.
Selecting a voice
PLG 2AB
CD
E
FG
H
15CATEGORY
SEARCH
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 LOWMID ME Q HIGHREMOTE
CONTROL
ON / OFFEFFECT 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 4SEQ TRANSPORTLOCATE
12REC
MODEVOICE PERFORM MASTERSEQUENCERSONG
PATTERNFILEINTEGRATED
SAMPLINGMIXINGUTILITY
EDIT
JOBSTORE
COMPARESCENE STORE
SET LOCATE
SONG SCENE
SF 1SF 2SF  3SF  4 SF  5F1 F2 F3 F4 F6F5INFORMATIONDEC/NO INC/ YES
EXITENTEREXECUTE
MUSIC
PRODUCTIONSYNTHESIZERIntegratedSamplingSequencer
Real-time External Control
Sur face
Modular
Synthesis Plug-in
SystemDRUM KITSFAVORITESSLOT 1 SLOT 2 SLOT 3PRE 1PRE 2
PRE  3
GMUSER PLG 1PLG  3A. PIANOKEYBOARD
ORGANGUITAR /
PLUCKEDBASSSTRINGSBRASS
REED / PIPE
SYN LEAD SYN PAD/
CHOIRSYN COMP CHROMATIC
PERCUSSIONDRUM /
PERCUSSIONSE
MUSICAL FX COMBI1
234
56
7
8
91011
12
1314
16SECTION
TRACK
SELECT
MUTE
SOLO
BANK
GROUP
NUMBERCOMMON
ELEMENT / PERF. PART / ZONE
4Select a Voice number.
3Select a Voice Group. Voices in each Bank are divided into Groups 
[A] ~ [H]. Select a Group to display the 
voices that belong to the selected Group. 
Group
2
Select a Normal Voice Bank.Select a Plug-in Voice Bank.
Select a Voice Bank. 
n When shipped from the factory, 
the MOTIF contains a full set 
of specially programmed User 
voices in the User bank.  
Naturally, you can edit these 
and overwrite them if you 
want.  You can also restore 
them to the original factory set 
by using the Utility Job (page 
260). For details about Voice 
Banks and Groups, see page 
124. 
• Normal Voice
• Drum Voice
PLG 2PRE 1PRE 2
PRE 3
GMUSER PLG 1PLG 3
A. PIANOKEYBOARD
ORGANGUITAR/
PLUCKEDBASSSTRINGSBRASS
REED/PIPE
PRE 1PRE 2
PRE 3
GMUSER
A. PIANOKEYBOARD
ORGANGUITAR/
PLUCKEDBASS
DRUM KITS
AB
CD
E
FG
H
SYN LEAD SYN PAD/
CHOIRSYN COMP CHROMATIC
PERCUSSIONDRUM/
PERCUSSIONSE
MUSICAL FX COMBI
1
234
56
7
8
15
91011
12
1314
16
1Enter the Voice Play mode. 
When the Voice Play mode is active, the 
currently selected voice is shown in huge 
letters — so you can easily check which 
voice you’re about to play.
MODE
VOICE PERFORM MASTERBank name
Bank name
Decreases
number
Decreases
numberIncreases
number 
Increases
number 
DEC/NO INC/ YES