WNAMM07: An Excess of Motifs

US Yamaha introduce three new MotifXS series Music Production Workstations 18/01/07

MotifXS 8

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Yamaha say that the three new models of MotifXS workstation are the latest evolution of the established Motif brand. They tell us that the new models feature a redesigned intuitive interface plus the largest waveROM in any Yamaha professional synthesizer along with new levels of sonic control and manipulation.
The MotifXS6 (61 key), MotifXS7 (76 key) and MotifXS8 (88 note balanced hammer) all share the same sonic engine and new large colour LCD displays. The new models now feature 8 control faders, 8 knobs and ribbon control making, say Yamaha, the MotifXS the most expressive Motif ever.
With 128 note polyphony, 355Mb of waveROM, a 4-part arpeggiator, on-board sequencing and sampling (Expandable up to 1Gb via use of DIMMs), Yamaha say that the MotifXS in a stand-alone mode is awesome. However, MotifXS now benefits from Yamaha's ownership of Steinberg and therefore really takes computer integration to the next level being bundled with a new version of Cubase (Cubase AI). This, say Yamaha, allows MotifXS hardware and software to work in total harmony for a completely integrated music creation and recording solution.
Pricing and Availability:
The XS line includes the XS8 (featuring an 88-note graded hammer action keyboard and built-in FireWire connectivity) at an MSRP of $3999, the XS7 76-note version at an MSRP of $3539, and the XS6 61-note version with an MSRP of $2799.
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