The Yamaha Motif-Rack ES represents a significant evolution of the original Motif Rack, addressing critical timing issues while introducing substantial enhancements that make it an exceptionally versatile and professional synthesizer module. This 16-part multitimbral synth module employs Yamaha's established AWM2 sample-based subtractive synthesis technology, delivering up to 128 notes of polyphony with the potential for much more when expanded with PLG boards.
Key Improvements Over Original Motif Rack
The most crucial improvement in the ES model is the complete resolution of the MIDI timing problems that plagued the original Motif Rack. Extensive testing revealed that the ES now maintains timing accuracy within 4-6ms compared to virtual instruments, making it suitable for professional sequencer-based production work. The module performs consistently whether connected via traditional MIDI or USB, and maintains timing accuracy regardless of track position in sequencer applications.
Sound Architecture & Synthesis
The Motif Rack ES utilizes Yamaha's AWM2 synthesis engine with a substantial 175MB wave memory containing 1,859 waveforms. Each Voice consists of up to four Elements (functioning as oscillators) that can be split or layered, with each Voice capable of utilizing up to two insert effects. The module's sound palette draws from a carefully curated collection of samples that span multiple musical genres, from progressive rock and electronic music to more experimental sonic territories.
Voices can be played individually or organized into Performances (layering up to four Voices on a single MIDI channel) or Multis (utilizing separate MIDI channels for full 16-part multitimbral operation). The ES now allows detailed Multi-part editing at the Element level, similar to Roland's JV/XP/XV series, though drum parts remain limited to Common-level editing within Multis.
Enhanced Effects Processing
The effects capabilities represent a major advancement, with the number of insert effects increased from 107 to 116 types. Most significantly, Multi mode now supports up to eight simultaneous insert effect pairs, doubling the original Rack's capacity of four. This is complemented by 20 reverb types and 49 chorus effects (increased from 44) that serve as global effects accessible to all 16 parts.
A new Master Effects section provides eight effect types including a multi-band compressor, delay, lo-fi processing, distortion, dynamic filter, ring modulator, and audio slicing effects. These can be applied across the stereo output in Voice mode or configured individually for each Multi. Additionally, a comprehensive five-band Master EQ (with switchable shelving/peaking options) provides final output shaping, working alongside the existing two-band per-Element EQ and three-band per-Part EQ in Multis.
Expanded Memory & Organization
The preset library has been substantially expanded with six Preset banks plus one GM bank, totaling 896 preset voices, compared to the original's more limited selection. User memory now includes three banks providing 384 user voices, while drum kit storage remains at 65 presets and 32 user kits.
The organization of Performances and Multis has been completely restructured for improved usability. Rather than the original's somewhat confusing bank arrangement, the ES provides clearly separated Performance and Multi banks, each containing 128 presets that can be overwritten, making the system much more intuitive for long-term use.
Advanced Arpeggiator
The arpeggiator has been dramatically enhanced from 256 to 1,787 patterns, organized into 18 categories. These include traditional arpeggios, complete musical phrases, lead lines, bass patterns, guitar strums, drum sequences, and controller-only patterns for creating gated effects. Up to five arpeggio patterns can be assigned to each Voice, Performance, or Multi, with seamless switching between patterns either manually or via MIDI control change messages.
USB Connectivity & Expansion
The USB implementation provides eight virtual MIDI ports, enabling sophisticated routing possibilities especially when PLG expansion boards are installed. With a PLG100XG board and one additional PLG board installed, the system can operate on up to 33 MIDI channels simultaneously, with the PLG100XG providing its own independent 16-channel multitimbral capability.
Available PLG expansion boards include the PLG150AP (Yamaha CF3S concert grand piano with 64-voice polyphony), PLG150AN (analog physical modeling), PLG150PF (pianos), PLG150DX (FM synthesis), PLG150VL (acoustic modeling), PLG150DR (drums with dedicated effects), PLG150PC (percussion with dedicated effects), and PLG100XG (XG/GM synthesis). Each board operates as an independent synthesizer with its own effects processing and polyphony.
Studio Integration
The Motif Rack ES includes comprehensive Studio Connections support through Yamaha's Studio Manager software, enabling Total Recall functionality with compatible DAWs including Steinberg Cubase SX3, Nuendo 3, and Yamaha's SQ01 sequencer. This system allows the hardware to appear and function like a software plug-in within the DAW environment, with complete parameter automation and instant recall of all settings along with song data.
The included software bundle provides the Multi-part Editor for on-screen editing of multitimbral performances, though the Voice Editor requires separate download. The system is compatible with Windows XP and Mac OS X 10.3 or later, with USB MIDI drivers supporting Windows XP/2000 and PowerPC-based Macintosh systems.
Technical Specifications
Tone Generator
- Synthesis Type: AWM2 (Advanced Wave Memory 2) with Modular Synthesis Plug-in System compatibility
- Maximum Polyphony: 128 notes + additional polyphony from installed Plug-in Boards
- Wave Memory: 175MB (16-bit linear format equivalent)
- Waveforms: 1,859 individual waveforms
Voice Architecture
- Preset Voices: 768 Normal Voices + 64 Drum Kits
- GM Voices: 128 Normal Voices + 1 Drum Kit
- User Voices: 384 Normal Voices + 32 Drum Kits
- Plug-in Voices: 64 Preset Voices per PLG150-series board (192 for PLG150VL), 64 User Voices per connector
Performance & Multi Organization
- User Performances: 128
- User Multis: 128
- Multitimbral Parts: 16 (up to 33 with PLG100XG expansion)
Effects Processing
- Reverb: 20 types (global)
- Chorus: 49 types (global)
- Insert Effects: 116 types each for Insertion 1 & 2 (up to 8 blocks available in Multi mode)
- Master Effects: 8 types
- Master Equalizer: 5 bands (High, High Mid, Mid, Low Mid, Low) with shelving/peaking options
- Part Equalizer: 3 bands per part (High, Mid, Low)
Arpeggiator
- Patterns: 1,787 types across 18 categories
- Assignment: Up to 5 patterns per Voice/Performance/Multi
- Control: MIDI Sync, transmit/receive channel, Velocity Limit, Note Limit
Physical Controls
- Front Panel: STANDBY/ON switch, VOLUME knob, data dial, cursor buttons, EXIT button, PAGE buttons, MULTI/SEL/ENTER button, Part/Element buttons, BANK buttons, SHIFT button, CATEGORY button, Mode buttons
- Display: 160 × 64-dot graphic backlit LCD
Connectivity
Front Panel
- PHONES: 1/4" stereo headphone output
Rear Panel
- Power: DC IN jack
- Computer: USB port
- MIDI: IN, OUT, THRU (5-pin DIN)
- Audio Outputs:
- Main: OUTPUT L/MONO, R (1/4" analog)
- Individual: ASSIGNABLE OUTPUT 1-4 (1/4" analog)
- Digital: OPTICAL OUTPUT, DIGITAL OUTPUT (coaxial)
- Digital Specifications: 44.1kHz, 24-bit
Top Panel
- Expansion: PLG1, PLG2 slots for Plug-in Boards
Power
- Power Consumption: 17W (22W maximum with two Plug-in Boards installed)
- Power Supply: External adapter (included)
Physical Specifications
- Dimensions: 480mm (W) × 372.4mm (D) × 44mm (H)
- Weight: 4.1kg
Factory Included Accessories
- Power adapter
- Owner's Manual set
- CD-ROM with Studio Manager software, Multi-part Editor, and USB drivers
Software Compatibility
- DAW Integration: Steinberg Cubase SX3, Nuendo 3, Yamaha SQ01 (via Studio Connections/OPT)
- Operating Systems: Windows XP, Mac OS X 10.3 or later
- USB MIDI: Windows XP/2000, PowerPC Mac with USB port
Notable Features
- USB MIDI Ports: 8 virtual ports for advanced routing
- Total Recall: Complete parameter storage and recall with compatible DAWs
- Timing Performance: 4-6ms latency (professional sequencer compatibility)
- Expandability: Support for up to 2 PLG expansion boards
- Maximum Expanded Polyphony: 192+ voices (depending on PLG board configuration)
Tags: digital synthesizer