The Yamaha Motif XF represents the fourth generation of Yamaha's acclaimed Motif workstation synthesizer line, building upon the foundation established by the original Motif (2001), Motif ES (2004), and Motif XS (2007) models. This latest iteration maintains the core synthesis architecture and concept of its XS predecessor while introducing significant enhancements that position it as a major upgrade in the workstation market.

Key Design Philosophy

The XF series continues Yamaha's approach of combining professional-grade synthesis capabilities with comprehensive sampling and sequencing functionality. The instrument maintains the familiar physical layout of the XS series, with the primary visual distinction being a shift from pale blue to black livery. The XF is available in three keyboard configurations: the XF8 with 88 weighted keys, the XF7 with 76 keys, and the XF6 with 61 keys, with the latter two featuring FSX synth-style keyboards.

Advanced Memory Architecture

The most significant advancement in the XF series is the introduction of non-volatile Flash memory storage, marking a quantum leap in workstation functionality. Unlike traditional volatile RAM that loses content when powered down, Flash memory retains samples and user data permanently. The system supports up to 2GB of Flash storage through optional 512MB or 1GB boards that can be installed in any combination across two expansion slots. This Flash memory capacity currently exceeds most competitors in the keyboard market.

The instrument ships with 128MB of DIMM sample RAM pre-installed, eliminating the need for optional memory purchases to begin sampling immediately. This volatile memory serves as a workspace for sample editing and keymapping before transferring content to permanent Flash storage.

Enhanced Sample Library

The internal ROM has more than doubled from the XS series to an impressive 741MB (equivalent), containing 3,977 waveforms compared to the XS's 2,670. This expansion brings substantial improvements across all sound categories, including a new "Natural Grand S6" piano, authentic Clavinet D6 samples, classic Vox and Farfisa organ sounds, enhanced string sections with proper tremolo capabilities, expanded brass and saxophone collections, orchestral percussion, electric basses, guitars, synthesizer sounds, and drum kits.

Particular attention has been paid to acoustic drum sounds, with custom oak and maple kits that reflect Yamaha's drum manufacturing expertise. These samples exhibit a vibrant, punchy character with notably "live" qualities that distinguish them from typical workstation drum sounds.

Advanced Sampling Capabilities

The XF offers multiple sample acquisition methods, including direct recording through analog stereo inputs, Firewire connectivity (via optional FW16E board), and USB import functionality. The import process has been streamlined to handle entire folders of samples simultaneously, automatically creating keymapped waveforms with chromatic layout based on alphabetical/numerical file ordering.

Sample editing capabilities include adjustable start, loop, and end points, playback mode selection, and tempo/time signature settings for rhythmic content. However, samples stored in Flash memory cannot be edited directly and must be copied to volatile RAM for modifications before being saved back to Flash storage.

Expanded Creative Tools

The instrument's arpeggiator has been significantly enhanced with 1,248 new arpeggio types, bringing the total to 7,881 patterns. Advanced programming techniques allow arpeggios to dynamically control voice parameters through AF1 and AF2 assignable functions, creating variations in both pattern and sound character. A new Category Search function facilitates easier navigation of the extensive arpeggio library.

User memory has been expanded to accommodate the additional content, with four banks of 128 voices each (512 total) and four banks of 128 performances each. Bank 1 in both categories showcases the new ROM content and advanced arpeggio programming techniques.

Connectivity and Integration

The XF maintains comprehensive connectivity options including standard MIDI, USB host and device ports, Ethernet connectivity, and analog audio inputs and outputs. The optional FW16E Firewire board replaces the discontinued mLAN interface, providing 16 channels of digital audio streaming to computers and enhanced integration with Steinberg DAW software through the Motif Extension application.

User Interface Enhancements

The LCD display now offers eight selectable color schemes and alternative view options for Voice, Performance, and Master modes. A new Tap Tempo feature allows real-time arpeggio tempo adjustment, while improved editing capabilities enable Part Voices to be saved as either User Voices or Mix Voices, with the latter preserving original voice settings while storing modifications with specific songs or patterns.

Market Position and Competition

With its 2GB maximum Flash capacity, the Motif XF currently offers the largest Flash storage among keyboard workstations. Competitors include the Kurzweil PC3K series (128MB), Nord Stage/Stage EX (128MB/256MB), Nord Electro 3 (253MB total), and Nord Wave (180MB), though these instruments use different memory architectures and file format compatibilities.

Professional Assessment

The XF represents a compelling upgrade path for existing Motif users and an attractive entry point for professionals seeking extensive customization capabilities. The Flash memory implementation fundamentally changes the instrument's utility by enabling permanent sample storage and instant access to custom content. While the FSX keyboard action on the 61 and 76-key models may feel lightweight for some professional applications, the synthesis and sampling capabilities establish the XF as a leading workstation in the current market.

The combination of doubled ROM content, standard sample RAM, Flash memory expansion, enhanced arpeggiator, and comprehensive connectivity positions the Motif XF as a significant evolution in workstation design, particularly appealing to users who require extensive sample libraries and custom sound development capabilities.

Technical Specifications

Keyboard

• 76 keys, FSX Keyboard (Initial Touch/ Aftertouch)

Tone Generator Block

• Engine: AWM2 with Expanded Articulation
• Polyphony: 128 notes
• Multi-timbral Capacity: 16 Parts (internal), Audio Input Parts (A/D, FW - 1 stereo Part)
• Wave Memory: 741 MB (when converted to 16-bit linear format)
• Total Waveforms: 3,977

Voice Architecture

Preset Voices:

• 1,024 Normal Voices + 64 Drum Kits
• GM: 128 Normal Voices + 1 Drum Kit

User Voices:

• 128 x 4 Banks (Bank 1: original, Banks 2-4: selected and copied from Preset bank)
• 32 Drum Kits (No. 1-8: original, No. 9-32: selected and copied from Preset bank)

Performances:

• User: 128 x 4 Banks (up to 4 Parts per Performance)

Signal Processing

• Filter Types: 18 types
• Effects System:
  • Reverb: 9 types
  • Chorus: 22 types
  • Insertion Effects: 53 types x 8 Parts (up to 16 units)
  • Vocoder: 1 (uses both Insertion Effect A and B blocks)
  • Master Effect: 9 types
  • Total preset parameter templates: 320
• EQ: Master EQ (5 bands), Part EQ (3 bands, stereo)

Sampling Block

Sample Capacity:

• Up to 128 Waveforms (Multi Samples)
• Up to 256 Key Banks per Waveform
• Up to 512 Key Banks total

Sampling Sources:

• Analog input L/R
• Stereo output (Resampling)
• FW (available when FW16E installed)

Audio Conversion:

• A/D: 24-bit, 64x oversampling
• D/A: 24-bit, 128x oversampling

Sample Specifications:

• Data Bits: 16
• Sampling Frequencies: 44.1kHz, 22.05kHz, 11.025kHz, 5.5125kHz (Stereo/Mono)
• FW Sampling: 44.1kHz (fixed, when FW16E installed)

Memory:

• Internal SDRAM: 128MB
• Sample Length: Mono: 32MB, Stereo: 64MB
• Maximum Sampling Time:
  • 44.1kHz: 6 min. 20 sec.
  • 22.05kHz: 12 min. 40 sec.
  • 11.025kHz: 25 min. 20 sec.
  • 5.5125kHz: 55 min. 40 sec.
  • (Times apply to both Mono/Stereo)

Supported Formats:

• Original format, WAV, AIFF

Sequencer Block

Capacity and Resolution:

• Note Capacity: Approximately 130,000 notes
• Note Resolution: 480 ppq (parts per quarter note)
• Maximum Polyphony: 124 notes
• Tempo Range: 5-300 BPM

Recording Types:

• Real time replace
• Real time overdub (except Pattern Chain)
• Real time punch in/out (Song only)

Track Organization:

• Pattern: 16 Phrase tracks
• Pattern Chain: Pattern track, Tempo track, Scene track
• Song: 16 sequence tracks (Loop on/off per track), Tempo track, Scene track

Pattern Specifications:

• Patterns: 64 Patterns (x 16 sections)
• Maximum Measures: 256
• Mixing Voices: 16 Voices per Pattern, up to 256 Voices for all Patterns
• User Phrases: 256 per Pattern

Song Specifications:

• Songs: 64 Songs maximum
• Mixing Voices: 16 Voices per Song, up to 256 Voices for all Songs
• Mixing Templates: 32 for all Songs and Patterns

Arpeggiator

• Preset Arpeggios: 7,881 types
• User Arpeggios: 256 types
• Features: MIDI Sync, MIDI transmit/receive channel, Velocity Limit, Note Limit settings

Scene Memory: 5 per Song

Sequence Formats: Original format, SMF format 0, 1 (Format 1 load only)

Master Settings

• User Masters: 128
• Features: 8 Zones (Master keyboard settings), Assignable Knob/Slider settings, Program Change Table

DAW Integration

Compatible Software with Remote Control:

• Windows: Cubase 4-5, SONAR 5.2-8
• Mac: Cubase 4-5, Logic 7.2-LogicStudio, Digital Performer 5.1-6
• Note: Available functions vary by software

Control Interface

Physical Controls:

• Pitch Bend wheel
• Modulation wheel
• Ribbon Controller
• Assignable Control Sliders (8)
• Assignable Knobs (8)
• Assignable Function buttons (2)
• Data dial

Display:

• 320 x 240 dot, 5.7 inch graphic color backlit LCD
• 8 selectable color schemes
• Alternative view options for Voice, Performance, and Master modes

Connectivity

Audio Outputs:

• OUTPUT L/MONO, R (standard phone jack)
• ASSIGNABLE OUTPUT L, R (standard phone jack)
• PHONES (standard stereo phone jack)
• DIGITAL OUT

Audio Inputs:

• A/D INPUT L, R (standard phone jack)

Control Inputs:

• FOOT CONTROLLER 1, 2
• FOOT SWITCH x 2 (SUSTAIN, ASSIGNABLE)

Digital Connectivity:

• MIDI IN/OUT/THRU
• USB (TO HOST, TO DEVICE)
• ETHERNET (100BASE-TX)
• IEEE1394 (available when FW16E installed)

Power and Physical Specifications

• Power Consumption: 30W
• AC IN: Standard power connection, internal PSU

Dimensions and Weight:

• 1,252 (W) x 391 (D) x 122 (H) mm, 17.2 kg

Factory Included Accessories

• AC Power cord
• Owner's Manual
• Owner's Manual CD-ROM (containing Reference Manual and Data List)
• DVD-ROM (containing DAW software)

Optional Accessories

• FW16E Firewire Board: £329 (provides 16-channel digital audio streaming and enhanced DAW integration)
• Flash Memory Boards: 512MB or 1GB proprietary boards (up to 2GB total capacity in two slots)