The Yamaha MO6 and MO8 represent a lower-cost branch the second generation of Yamaha's acclaimed Motif instrument line, originally launched in 2001. These keyboard workstations are designed as more affordable alternatives to the flagship Motif ES series, targeting professional and home/project studio markets while retaining the core synthesis capabilities that made the Motif series legendary.

Design and Construction

Both models maintain the familiar Motif aesthetic with their distinctive silver/grey plastic casing and metal plate underside. The MO6 features a 61-note synth-action keyboard with fairly long key travel that feels light yet substantial, while the MO8 boasts an 88-note balanced hammer weighted-action keyboard for a more piano-like playing experience. Both keyboards offer initial touch (velocity sensitivity) only, with no built-in aftertouch, though they will respond to aftertouch from external MIDI sources.

Sound Engine and Synthesis

At the heart of both instruments lies the same AWM2 (Advanced Wave Memory 2) synthesis engine found in the Motif ES series. This powerful four-element-per-voice, 16-part multitimbral engine delivers the authentic Motif sound palette with 175MB of waveform data comprising 1,859 individual waveforms. The instruments provide 512 preset voices plus 64 drum kits, complemented by 128 GM voices and 1 GM drum kit for compatibility. Users can create and store 256 custom voices across two banks, plus 32 user drum kits.

The sound quality rivals much more expensive workstations, with particularly impressive piano samples that surpass typical workstation fare. The drum sounds are highly serviceable, and the instruments excel at recreating both analog and FM synthesis textures. The comprehensive effects system includes 20 reverb types, 49 chorus types, and 116 insertion effects across three blocks, plus master effects and comprehensive EQ options.

Sequencing Capabilities

The MO series features an identical sequencer to the Motif ES, offering highly flexible linear and pattern-based song construction. With approximately 226,000 notes of capacity and 480 PPQ resolution, the sequencer supports real-time recording, overdubbing, punch recording, and step recording. Users can work with 64 patterns (each with 16 sections), create custom phrases, and chain patterns for extended compositions.

The sequencer includes 64 songs with 16 sequence tracks each, tempo and scene tracks, and supports both the MO's original format and Standard MIDI Files. Five Mixer Scenes per song provide snapshot automation for sound and mix changes, while 32 user-programmable Mixer Templates allow complete setups to be stored independently of song data.

Arpeggiator and Performance Features

One of the standout features is the comprehensive arpeggiator with 1,787 preset patterns and 256 user-programmable arpeggios. This powerful creative tool supports MIDI sync, transmit/receive channel settings, velocity and note limits, making it invaluable for both live performance and studio production.

The Performance mode allows up to four parts to be layered or split, with 256 user Performance memories available—double that of the ES series. Master keyboard functionality includes 128 Master setups with four zones, assignable knob/slider settings, and program change tables.

Connectivity and Integration

Modern connectivity options include two USB ports—one for computer connection and another for USB storage devices. This USB-to-Device port accepts flash drives, memory sticks, card readers, and even CD-R drives for data backup, eliminating the need for proprietary memory cards. The instruments feature standard MIDI In/Out/Thru, stereo audio outputs, headphone output, and S/PDIF digital output (a feature not standard on ES keyboards).

The MO series supports Yamaha's Studio Connections initiative through the included Studio Manager software and dedicated editors. When used with compatible DAWs like Cubase SX3, Nuendo, Logic Pro 7, Digital Performer, or Sonar 4, the instruments can be controlled and automated as if they were software plugins, with complete Total Recall functionality.

DAW Remote Control

An impressive feature for studio integration is the DAW Remote Control capability, allowing the MO to function as a hardware control surface for supported sequencers. Users can control transport functions, select tracks, adjust volume and pan, mute and solo tracks, and arm for recording—all from the keyboard's interface.

Compromises and Considerations

To achieve the more accessible price point, certain economies were made compared to the ES series. The polyphony is reduced to 64 voices (versus 128 on ES models), and only three insert effects are available simultaneously in multitimbral mode (versus eight on ES models). The instruments lack PLG expansion slots, mLAN connectivity options, ribbon controllers, breath controller inputs, and additional assignable audio outputs.

The lack of onboard sampling capability means users cannot capture external audio or create custom waveforms, unlike the ES keyboards. Additionally, all sequencer data is lost on power-off, making external USB storage essential for project preservation.

Target Applications

Despite these limitations, the MO series excels as versatile creative tools suitable for live performance, songwriting, and studio production. They integrate seamlessly into larger MIDI rigs and can serve as comprehensive music production platforms when combined with compatible DAW software. The instruments are particularly well-suited for contemporary styles including hip-hop, R&B, trance, and electronic music, though their sound palette extends far beyond these genres.

Technical Specifications

Keyboard

• 61 keys, LC Keyboard
• Initial Touch
• Velocity sensitive
• Aftertouch ot available onboard bu the synth interpretes aftertouch commands via MIDI

Tone Generator

• Type: AWM2 (Advanced Wave Memory 2)
• Polyphony: 64 notes
• Multitimbral Capacity: 16 parts (internal)
• Wave Memory: 175MB (16-bit linear format equivalent)
• Waveforms: 1,859 individual waveforms

Voice Architecture

• Preset Voices: 512 normal voices + 64 drum kits
• GM Voices: 128 normal voices + 1 drum kit
• User Voices: 256 total (128 x 2 banks: Bank 1 Original, Bank 2 Preset-derived) + 32 drum kits
• User Performances: 256 (up to 4 parts each)
• Filter Types: 18 different filter types

Effects System

• Reverb: 20 types
• Chorus: 49 types
• Insertion Effects: 116 types across 3 blocks (A, B, and additional)
• Master Effects: 8 types
• Equalization: Master EQ (5-band), Part EQ (3-band stereo)

Sequencer Specifications

• Note Capacity: Approximately 226,000 notes
• Resolution: 480 PPQ (Parts Per Quarter note)
• Maximum Polyphony: 124 notes
• Tempo Range: 1-300 BPM
• Recording Modes: Real-time replace, Real-time overdub, Real-time punch (Song only), Step recording
• Tracks:
  • Pattern Mode: 16 phrase tracks
  • Pattern Chain Mode: Pattern track, Tempo track, Scene track
  • Song Mode: 16 sequence tracks, Tempo track, Scene track
• Patterns: 64 patterns with 16 sections each (256 measures maximum)
• Songs: 64 songs maximum
• Phrases: 687 preset phrases, 256 user phrases per pattern
• Scene Memory: 5 scenes per song
• Mixing Templates: 32 user-programmable templates
• Format Compatibility: MO6/MO8 original format (Motif ES compatible), SMF Format 0 and 1

Arpeggiator

• Preset Arpeggios: 1,787 types
• User Arpeggios: 256 types
• Features: MIDI Sync, MIDI transmit/receive channel, Velocity Limit, Note Limit settings

Master Keyboard Functions

• Master Setups: 128 configurations
• Zones: 4 zones per setup
• Controls: Assignable Knob/Slider settings, Program Change Table

Physical Controls

• Wheels: Pitch Bend wheel, Modulation wheel
• Sliders: 4 assignable control sliders
• Knobs: 4 assignable knobs
• Other: Data dial
• Display: 240 x 64 dot graphic backlit LCD

Connectivity

• Audio Outputs:
  • OUTPUT L/MONO, R (standard phone jacks)
  • PHONES (standard stereo phone jack)
  • DIGITAL OUT (RCA-pin S/PDIF)
• Control Inputs:
  • FOOT CONTROLLER (1 input)
  • FOOT SWITCH (1 input)
• MIDI: IN/OUT/THRU (standard 5-pin DIN)
• USB: TO HOST, TO DEVICE (for storage)
• Power: DC INLET

DAW Compatibility (Remote Control)

Windows Compatible:

• Cubase SX 3
• SQ01 V2
• SONAR 4
• MO6/MO8/Motif ES Multi Part Editor

Macintosh Compatible:

• Cubase SX 3
• Logic Pro 7
• Digital Performer 4.52
• MO6/MO8/Motif ES Multi Part Editor

Power Specifications

• Internal PSU
• Power Consumption: 13.5W

Dimensions & Weight:

• 1,023(W) x 382.7(D) x 101.9(H) mm
• 10.4kg

Factory Included Accessories

• Power adapter
• Owner's Manual
• Data List

Software Integration

• Studio Manager: Hardware integration software
• Voice Editor: Dedicated voice editing application
• Multi-Part Editor: Multi-part editing application
• USB Driver: Latest Yamaha USB driver
• Studio Connections: OPT (Open Plug-in Technology) compatibility for Total Recall functionality

Notable Limitations Compared to Motif ES Series

• No PLG expansion slots
• No mLAN connectivity option
• No ribbon controller
• No breath controller input
• Single foot controller input (vs. dual on ES)
• No Smart Media card slot
• Stereo outputs only (no assignable outputs)
• 3 insert effects maximum (vs. 8 on ES)
• 64-voice polyphony (vs. 128 on ES)
• No onboard sampling capability

Tags: digital synthesizer,