The Yamaha Motif ES represented in the end of 2003 a next generation evolution of Yamaha's acclaimed Motif workstation synthesizer series, launched approximately two and a half years after the original Motif. Rather than creating an entirely new product line, Yamaha chose to enhance and expand the proven Motif platform while maintaining the familiar interface and workflow that users had come to appreciate.
Physical Design and Build Quality
The Motif ES maintains the striking silver livery and overall aesthetic of the original Motif, with the same central LCD display and familiar layout of knobs, sliders, and buttons. However, closer inspection reveals several thoughtful improvements. The sequencer transport controls have been upgraded to larger, more satisfying chunky buttons, and a new ribbon controller has been added alongside the traditional pitch bend and modulation wheels for enhanced real-time expression.
Enhanced Sound Engine and Synthesis
At the heart of the Motif ES lies a substantially expanded sound library comprising 175MB of waveform ROM (in 16-bit linear format) containing 1,859 individual waveforms. This represents a significant increase over the original Motif and includes many newly sampled waveforms created specifically for the ES series. The synthesis engine itself has been redesigned with what many users describe as a more "analogue" character, featuring more responsive envelope generators and improved filter designs.
The AWM2 (Advanced Wave Memory) synthesis architecture remains fundamentally unchanged, ensuring compatibility with existing Motif users while providing enhanced capabilities. Each Voice can contain up to four Elements, with each Element functioning as a complete subtractive synthesizer featuring its own oscillator (waveform), resonant filter (18 types available), LFO with user-definable modulation waveforms, pitch parameters, and three envelope generators for pitch, amplitude, and filter control.
A significant innovation is the introduction of "Keyboard Mega Voices" technology, inherited from Yamaha's Tyros home keyboard series but implemented for professional applications. This technology captures the nuanced performance characteristics of real instruments, such as guitar hammer-ons, string squeaks, body thumps, bass slides, and other expressive elements. These performance attributes are triggered by velocity changes or assigned to specific key ranges, and while challenging to play manually with finesse, they integrate seamlessly with the sophisticated arpeggiator patterns to create remarkably realistic performances.
Comprehensive Sound Library
The ES ships with an impressive collection of sounds: 768 preset Normal Voices organized in six banks, 64 factory drum kits, a complete General MIDI sound set (128 voices plus one drum kit), and 256 user Voice memory locations plus 32 user drum kit slots. This represents a substantial increase over the original Motif's sound complement.
The acoustic piano sounds receive particular praise for their suitability in pop and jazz contexts, following Yamaha's tradition of excellence in this area. The bass collection is notably comprehensive, covering acoustic, electric, and synthesized varieties, with the latter demonstrating the ES's solid low-end capabilities. Guitar voices, particularly the acoustics, offer bright and upfront characteristics, while the drum sample collection balances authentic acoustic kit sounds with processed examples, classic drum machine samples, and contemporary programmed elements.
The purely synthetic sounds - leads, pads, and textures - demonstrate considerable presence and depth, with some of the more aggressive, squelchy presets effectively capturing the essence of 1980s synthesis when combined with drum patterns and arpeggiation in Performance mode.
Revolutionary Effects Processing
The Motif ES introduces a completely redesigned effects architecture that represents a significant departure from previous Yamaha workstation designs. The system includes 20 reverb types and 49 chorus/delay effects accessible via a send system. More significantly, there are 116 different insert effect types available, with sophisticated routing capabilities that vary depending on the operating mode.
In Voice mode, two insert effects can be freely assigned to individual Elements. When Voices are used within Performances, these insert effect assignments are maintained, eliminating the need for separate Performance-level insert effects. Each Performance part also receives its own three-band EQ, plus synthesis offset controls that allow Voice customization without overwriting the original Voice settings.
The effects system truly shines in Song and Pattern modes, where up to eight separate insert effects can be utilized simultaneously - a fourfold increase over Voice mode capabilities. This arrangement approaches the flexibility offered by Korg's Triton series while representing a substantial improvement over previous Yamaha offerings.
Additional processing includes a five-band master EQ and a dedicated mastering effects processor featuring multi-band compression for final mix enhancement. The system also includes DJ-style effects such as dynamic filters, lo-fi processing, and distortion effects, plus the comprehensive three-band EQ available for all 16 sequencer tracks.
Advanced Arpeggiator and Phrase Factory
The Motif ES features what Yamaha terms the "Phrase Factory" - an advanced arpeggiator system that extends far beyond traditional broken chord patterns into instant phrase generation territory. The system includes 1,787 preset patterns plus 256 user memory locations, covering everything from classic arpeggios to complex drum loops and stylistically accurate instrument-specific patterns.
The more sophisticated patterns function essentially as mini-multitrack sequences, taking full advantage of the Keyboard Mega Voice technology to create realistic guitar strumming with body percussion, bass lines with slides and thumps, and comprehensive drum patterns. Five different arpeggiator patterns can be assigned to switches below the LCD for real-time switching during performance.
While there's no dedicated arpeggio editor, users can create custom patterns by converting Song or Pattern sequence data into arpeggio memories, providing substantial flexibility for those willing to invest the time in the process.
Integrated Sampling and Sequencing
The Motif ES incorporates a sophisticated 16-bit stereo sampler capable of recording at multiple sample rates from 44.1kHz down to 5.5125kHz, with 48kHz and 32kHz available when the optional AIEB2 expansion board is installed. The sampler can record from stereo analog inputs, internal resampling, or digital sources (with AIEB2 installed).
One of the most significant changes from the original Motif is the sampling memory specification: the ES uses standard PC100 or PC133 168-pin DIMM modules, installable in pairs up to a maximum of 512MB. This represents both a substantial increase in capacity and a move to more affordable, widely available memory technology. However, the ES ships without any sample RAM installed, requiring users to purchase memory separately.
The sampling system integrates seamlessly with the sequencer, allowing direct recording of samples into sequence tracks alongside MIDI data. The innovative Slice function can divide rhythmic material into constituent beats, creating multiple triggers that enable tempo changes without pitch shifting - similar to Propellerhead's ReCycle software. The Loop Remix function can reorder and reverse these slices to create entirely new rhythmic patterns.
The sequencer itself offers 16 tracks with approximately 226,000-note capacity, supporting both linear Song mode and pattern-based composition. Pattern mode provides 64 pattern memories, each containing up to 16 sections of up to 256 bars each. Advanced features include individual track looping, remix functions for generating variations, and comprehensive editing capabilities including quantization, transposition, and velocity/gate time manipulation.
Connectivity and Expansion
The Motif ES provides extensive connectivity options, though some changes from the original Motif have mixed implications. The SCSI port has been eliminated in favor of USB connectivity, including both "To Host" and "To Device" ports. The USB Device port supports external storage devices including hard drives, flash memory, and CD-ROM drives, while the USB Host port enables computer connectivity for MIDI and control surface functionality.
The instrument retains the Smart Media card slot (supporting cards up to 128MB) and adds comprehensive audio connectivity including twin stereo analog outputs (main and assignable), stereo analog inputs with gain control, headphone output, dual footswitch and pedal inputs, and standard MIDI In/Out/Thru connections.
Three expansion slots accommodate Yamaha's PLG series plug-in boards, allowing addition of specialized synthesis engines such as analog modeling (PLG150-AN), FM synthesis (PLG150-DX), virtual acoustic modeling (PLG150-VL), and various sound libraries. The optional AIEB2 board restores S/PDIF digital I/O and adds additional analog inputs and outputs, while the forthcoming mLAN16E board will provide FireWire connectivity for high-resolution audio and MIDI networking.
Control Surface and Computer Integration
The Motif ES can function as a sophisticated control surface for computer-based digital audio workstations, using the same protocol as Yamaha's 01X Digital Mixing Studio. Four assignable rotary controllers and four faders can control software parameters including faders, pan, EQ, effects sends, track muting, and transport functions. Templates are provided for popular software including Cubase, Logic, Sonar, and Digital Performer.
The Master mode allows the ES to control up to four internal Voices and four external MIDI instruments simultaneously, with comprehensive layering, splitting, and velocity switching capabilities. Up to 128 Master memories can store any combination of Voices, Performances, Patterns, or Songs for quick recall, with footswitch support for hands-free navigation.
Performance and Reliability
The ES offers true 128-note polyphony - more than double the original Motif's capacity - enabling complex compositions without voice stealing. The operating system demonstrates improved speed and smoothness, though some timing issues can occur when changing patches during sequencer playback. The instrument proved generally stable during extended use, with crashes occurring only under extreme conditions such as processing heavily controller-laden sequence data.
Market Position and Competition
The Motif ES positions itself against formidable competition including Korg's Triton series and Roland's Fantom S. While competitors offer advantages such as larger displays (Fantom S supports external monitors, Triton features a touchscreen), the ES distinguishes itself through sound quality, effects processing power, and the seamless integration of sampling and sequencing capabilities.
The ES represents evolutionary rather than revolutionary development, building upon the proven Motif foundation while addressing user requests and technological advances. For existing Motif users, the upgrade path offers significant benefits in polyphony, effects processing, and sample memory capacity. For newcomers to the workstation market, the ES provides a comprehensive, professional-grade instrument capable of handling complete music production tasks from initial composition through final mastering.
Technical Specifications
Keyboard
- Yamaha FS - 76 keys, metallic contacts, highly durable, probably the best synth-action keyboard of all time
- Initial Touch/Aftertouch
Tone Generator
- System: AWM2 (Advanced Wave Memory) complying with Modular Synthesis Plug-in System
- Polyphony: 128 notes + additional polyphony from installed Plug-in Boards
- Multi-timbral Capacity: 16 parts (internal) + 3 or more Plug-in Board parts
- Wave ROM: 175MB (16-bit linear format), 1,859 waveforms
Voice Architecture
Preset Voices
- Normal Voices: 768 preset + 128 GM voices
- Drum Kits: 64 preset + 1 GM drum kit
- Plug-in Voices:
- PLG150-AN/DX/PF/DR/PC: 64 preset each
- PLG150-VL: 192 preset
- User: 64 per plug-in slot
User Voices
- Normal Voices: 256 total (128 x 2 banks - Bank 1: Original, Bank 2: Picked up from Preset)
- Drum Kits: 32 user locations
- Performances: 128 user (up to 4 parts each)
Synthesis Engine
- Filter Types: 18 different filter types, resonant
- Elements per Voice: Up to 4 Elements
- Envelope Generators: 3 per Element (Pitch, Amplitude, Filter)
- LFO: 1 per Element with user-definable modulation waveforms
Effects System
System Effects
- Reverb: 20 types
- Chorus: 49 types (including delay effects)
Insert Effects
- Types: 116 different insert effect types
- Voice Mode: 2 insert effects (A, B)
- Song/Pattern Mode: 8 insert effect blocks available simultaneously
- Plug-in Insert: Available when PLG100-VH installed in slot 1
Additional Processing
- Master Effects: 8 types including multi-band compression
- Master EQ: 5-band parametric
- Part EQ: 3-band stereo, available for each part
- Performance EQ: 3-band per part (4 parts maximum)
Sampling Specifications
Memory and Capacity
- Sample Memory: 512MB maximum (256MB DIMM x 2 slots)
- Memory Type: PC100 or PC133 168-pin DIMM modules
- Installation: Pairs only (minimum 128MB in two 64MB modules)
- Maximum Samples: Up to 1,024 Waveforms (Multi Samples)
- Key Banks: Up to 128 per Waveform, 4,096 total
Sampling Rates and Quality
- Standard Rates: 44.1kHz, 22.05kHz, 11.025kHz, 5.5125kHz (Stereo/Mono)
- With AIEB2: 48kHz, 44.1kHz, 32kHz (digital input, converted to ES sampling frequency)
- With mLAN16E: 44.1kHz (fixed)
- Bit Depth: 16-bit
Sampling Time (with 512MB RAM)
- 44.1kHz: 6 minutes 20 seconds
- 22.05kHz: 12 minutes 40 seconds
- 11.025kHz: 25 minutes 20 seconds
- 5.5125kHz: 55 minutes 40 seconds
- Note: Times apply to both mono and stereo recording
Sample Sources
- Analog: L/R analog inputs
- Internal: Stereo output resampling
- Digital: Available with AIEB2 expansion board
- mLAN: Available with mLAN16E expansion board
Supported Formats
- Native: Original MOTIF ES format
- Import: WAV, AIFF, A3000/4000/5000/SU700 (load only), AKAI S1000/S3000 (load only)
Sequencer Specifications
Capacity and Resolution
- Note Capacity: Approximately 226,000 notes
- Resolution: 480 PPQ (Parts Per Quarter note)
- Maximum Polyphony: 124 notes
- Songs: 64 total
- Patterns: 64 patterns (x 16 sections each)
- Maximum Measures: 256 per section
Track Configuration
Pattern Mode
- Phrase Tracks: 16
- Pattern Chain Mode: Pattern track, Tempo track, Scene track
- Loop Function: Individual track loop on/off
Song Mode
- Sequence Tracks: 16 (with individual loop on/off capability)
- System Tracks: Tempo track, Scene track
Phrase and Arpeggio System
- Preset Phrases: 687
- User Phrases: 256 per pattern
- Preset Arpeggios: 1,787 types
- User Arpeggios: 256 types
- Arpeggio Features: MIDI Sync, MIDI transmit/receive channel, Velocity Limit, Note Limit
Sequence Formats
- Native: Original MOTIF ES format
- Standard MIDI: SMF Format 0, 1 (Format 1 load only)
Control and Interface
Real-time Controllers
- Pitch Bend Wheel: Standard
- Modulation Wheel: Standard
- Ribbon Controller: Newly added for ES series
- Assignable Control Sliders: 4
- Assignable Knobs: 4
- Data Dial: 1
Display
- Type: 240 x 64 dot graphic backlit LCD
- Interface: Soft-key system with cursor navigation
Master Keyboard Features
- Master Memories: 128
- Zones: 4 per Master memory
- Capabilities: Assignable Knob/Slider settings, Program Change Table
Connectivity
Audio Connections
- Main Outputs: L/MONO, R (standard 1/4" phone jacks)
- Assignable Outputs: L, R (standard 1/4" phone jacks)
- Audio Inputs: L, R (standard 1/4" phone jacks) with gain control
- Headphones: Standard stereo 1/4" phone jack
Control Connections
- Foot Controllers: 2 (Foot Controller 1/2)
- Foot Switches: 2 (Sustain, Assignable)
- Breath Controller: 1 input
Digital Connectivity
- MIDI: IN, OUT, THRU (5-pin DIN)
- USB: TO HOST, TO DEVICE ports
- SmartMedia: 3.3V slot (up to 128MB capacity)
Expansion
- Plug-in Slots: 3 slots for Modular Synthesis Plug-in Boards
- Optional Boards: AIEB2 (I/O expansion), mLAN16E (FireWire networking)
Power Requirements
- Consumption: 38W
- Connection: AC inlet with included power cord
Dimensions and Weight
- 1,048(W) x 394(D) x 136.4(H)mm, 16.5kg
Expansion Board Compatibility
PLG150 Series Plug-in Boards
- PLG150-AN: Analog Physical Modeling Synthesis
- PLG150-DX: 6-Operator FM Synthesis
- PLG150-VL: Virtual Acoustic Synthesis
- PLG150-DR: Drum Sound Module
- PLG150-PC: Percussion Sound Module
- PLG150-PF: Piano Sound Module
I/O Expansion
- AIEB2: Additional analog I/O (6 inputs, 6 outputs) + S/PDIF digital I/O
- mLAN16E: FireWire networking with 24-bit/96kHz audio capability
Factory Included Accessories
- AC Power Cord
- CD-ROM x 3 (sample libraries and software)
- Owner's Manual
- Data List
- Installation Guide
Tags: digital synthesizer
