The Yamaha Motif XS was a significant milestone in Yamaha's flagship workstation synthesizer line, building upon the success of the original Motif (2001) and Motif ES (2004). The XS series positioned itself as a premium contender in the professional synthesizer workstation market.

Key Design Philosophy

The Motif XS maintains the core AWM2 synthesis engine while introducing significant architectural improvements. The instrument features a completely rewritten Linux-based operating system running on a faster CPU, paired with the new SWP51 tone generator that delivers enhanced DSP power, improved compression algorithms, and faster envelope response times. Much of the wave ROM content has been newly developed, providing fresh sonic material alongside proven classics.

Visual and Interface Enhancements

The most immediately noticeable upgrade is the large 320 x 240-pixel color LCD display, a substantial improvement over previous monochrome screens. This enhanced display facilitates more intuitive navigation and provides detailed visual feedback for editing operations. The control surface has been dramatically expanded, doubling the assignable knobs and faders from four to eight columns, offering unprecedented real-time control capabilities for mixing and performance applications.

Advanced Voice Architecture - Expanded Articulation (XA)

The standout feature of the XS series is its Expanded Articulation system, which revolutionizes how synthesized instruments can express musical nuance. Each Voice can now comprise up to eight tonal elements (doubled from previous four-element limit), with sophisticated triggering conditions that enable realistic instrument behavior:

• Normal: Standard element triggering
• Legato: Mono mode legato-specific elements
• Key Off: Release-triggered elements
• Wave Cycle/Random: Alternating element patterns for natural variation
• AF Button Control: Real-time articulation switching via dedicated buttons

This system enables authentic guitar fret slides and harmonics, wind instrument overblown effects, and string instrument bowing variations, bringing software sampler-level sophistication to hardware synthesis.

Sampling and Audio Capabilities

The XS supports up to 1GB of sample RAM (requiring user-installed DIMM modules in matched pairs), providing approximately 99 minutes of stereo recording at 44.1kHz. The sampling system integrates seamlessly with the sequencer, allowing both traditional keygroup sampling for instrument creation and audio track recording for complete production workflows. Sample data can be saved with complete project files for streamlined workflow management.

Sequencing and Production Features

The integrated sequencer offers 130,000-note capacity across 16 tracks with comprehensive MIDI and audio integration. Notable features include direct Performance recording (capturing four-part arpeggiator-driven arrangements), enhanced Loop Remix functionality with user-controllable variation frequency, and four Quick Setup configurations for different recording scenarios.

Connectivity and Integration

Physical connectivity includes standard analog outputs, assignable outputs, S/PDIF digital output (new), stereo inputs, comprehensive MIDI implementation, USB host and device ports, and Ethernet networking capability. The XS8 includes mLAN as standard, while XS6 and XS7 models can be retrofitted with optional mLAN boards for 16-channel bidirectional audio/MIDI over FireWire.

Software integration centers around Yamaha's Studio Connections ecosystem, providing seamless DAW integration (particularly with Cubase 4) through the Studio Manager host application and dedicated XS Editor. The system supports one-click total recall of all synthesizer settings within compatible DAW environments.

Effects and Sound Processing

The effects system has been streamlined and enhanced, consolidating previous variations into more comprehensive effect types while adding new algorithms. Notable additions include Damper Resonance for enhanced piano realism, a 10-band Vocoder with formant shifting, and Vintage Circuitry Modelled effects with attractive stomp-box-style interfaces. The system supports half-damping with the optional FC3 continuous controller pedal for piano applications.

Arpeggiator and Performance Features

The arpeggiator system has been dramatically expanded to 6,633 patterns (tripled from previous models), many incorporating "chordal intelligence" that blurs the line between arpeggiator and arranger functionality. Enhanced Mega Voices take advantage of the eight-element Voice architecture to provide extremely detailed guitar and bass performances when used with specifically designed arpeggio patterns.

Operational Modes

• Master Mode: 128 user-definable programs combining Voices, Performances, and Sequencer content
• Performance Mode: Four-part split/layer/velocity configurations with individual arpeggiators
• Voice Mode: Single-voice programming and editing
• Sequencer Mode: Full production environment with multitimbral capabilities

Technical Specifications

Keyboard

• 61 synth-action keys
• Initial Touch/Aftertouch

Tone Generation

• Synthesis: AWM2 with Expanded Articulation
• Polyphony: 128 notes
• Multitimbral Capacity: 16 Parts (internal) + Audio Input Parts (A/D, mLAN)
• Wave ROM: 355MB (16-bit linear equivalent), 2,670 waveforms
• CPU: Enhanced processor with Linux-based operating system
• Tone Generator: SWP51 with enhanced DSP power

Voice Architecture

• Preset Voices: 1,024 Normal Voices + 64 Drum Kits
• GM Voices: 128 Normal Voices + 1 Drum Kit
• User Voices: 128 x 3 banks (copied from Preset) + 32 Drum Kits
• Elements per Voice: Up to 8 (expanded from 4)
• Performance Memory: 128 x 3 banks (4 Parts each)
• Filter Types: 18 available

Effects System

• Reverb: 9 types
• Chorus: 22 types
• Insertion Effects: 53 types x 8 Parts (up to 16 units total)
• Vocoder: 1 type (uses both Insertion A and B blocks)
• Master Effect: 9 types
• Effect Templates: 320 preset parameter configurations
• EQ: Master EQ (5-band), Part EQ (3-band stereo)

Sampling Specifications

• Maximum Samples: 1,024 Waveforms (Multi Samples)
• Key Banks: Up to 128 per Waveform, 4,096 total
• Sample Sources: Analog input L/R, Stereo output (resampling), mLAN
• A/D Conversion: 24-bit, 64x oversampling
• D/A Conversion: 24-bit, 128x oversampling
• Sample Resolution: 16-bit
• Sampling Frequencies: 44.1kHz, 22.05kHz, 11.025kHz, 5.5125kHz (Stereo/Mono)
• mLAN Sampling: 44.1kHz fixed (when mLAN16E2 installed)
• Memory Capacity: Up to 1GB (512MB DIMM x 2 slots, user-installed)
• Sample Length Limits: Mono 32MB, Stereo 64MB
• Recording Time: 44.1kHz: 6:20, 22.05kHz: 12:40, 11.025kHz: 25:20, 5.5125kHz: 55:40
• Supported Formats: Original format, WAV, AIFF

Sequencer Specifications

• Note Capacity: Approximately 130,000 notes
• Resolution: 480 PPQ (parts per quarter note)
• Maximum Polyphony: 124 notes
• Tempo Range: 5-300 BPM
• Recording Types: Real-time replace, Real-time overdub, Real-time punch in/out (Song only)

Track Configuration

• Pattern Tracks: 16 Phrase tracks
• Pattern Chain: Pattern track, Tempo track, Scene track
• Song Tracks: 16 sequence tracks (with Loop on/off per track), Tempo track, Scene track
• Patterns: 64 Patterns x 16 sections, 256 measures maximum
• Songs: 64 Songs
• User Phrases: 256 per Pattern
• Scene Memory: 5 per Song
• Mixing Templates: 32 for all Songs and Patterns
• Sequence Formats: Original format, SMF format 0, 1 (Format 1 load only)

Arpeggiator

• Preset Patterns: 6,633 types
• User Patterns: 256 types
• Features: MIDI Sync, MIDI transmit/receive channel, Velocity Limit, Note Limit settings

Master Mode

• Master Programs: 128 user-definable
• Zones: 8 per Master (keyboard settings)
• Features: Assignable Knob/Slider settings, Program Change Table

Control Interface

• Pitch Bend Wheel: Standard
• Modulation Wheel: Standard
• Ribbon Controller: 1
• Assignable Control Sliders: 8
• Assignable Knobs: 8
• Assignable Function Buttons: 2
• Data Dial: 1
• Display: 320 x 240 dot, 5.7-inch graphic color backlit LCD

Connectivity

Audio Connections

• Main Outputs: L/MONO, R (1/4" phone jacks)
• Assignable Outputs: L, R (1/4" phone jacks)
• Audio Inputs: L, R (1/4" phone jacks)
• Digital Output: S/PDIF
• Headphones: 1/4" stereo phone jack

Control Connections

• Foot Controllers: 2 inputs
• Foot Switches: 2 (Sustain, Assignable)
• MIDI: In/Out/Thru (5-pin DIN)
• USB: Host and Device ports
• Ethernet: RJ-45 network connection
• mLAN: FireWire (XS8 standard, XS6/XS7 optional)
• Power: AC input

Software Compatibility

Remote Control Support

Windows: Cubase 4, SONAR 5.2
Mac: Cubase 4, Logic 7.2, Digital Performer 5.1

Bundled Software

• Studio Manager (host application)
• XS Editor (dedicated editor)
• Cubase AI (cut-down Cubase 4)
• DME-N Network Driver (for Ethernet connectivity)
• mLAN Tools (for mLAN functionality)
• Yamaha USB Driver

Physical Specifications

• 1,045 x 391 x 122 mm
• 14.8 kg

Power

• Internal PSU
• Consumption: 30W

Factory Included Accessories

• Included Accessories: AC Power cord, Media disc, Owner's Manual, Data List

Notable Exclusions from Previous Models

• PLG expansion board support discontinued
• Smart Media card slot replaced by USB storage
• Breath controller input removed
• No sample memory installed as standard (user must install DIMM modules)