I have had the use of Yamaha’s new Motif XF6 workstation to prepare for a number of varied style performances. We should not forget keyboards like the Motif XF while not necessarily being the latest, hottest in the media, they are full of many “I did not realize it could do that function” surprises.
Patch remains there although not talked about in Yamaha ads. In the “Song Mode” usually thought of for sequencing MIDI tracks you can have up to 16 voices (patches) and switch between them and not lose any notes or effects being used from your last voice. Speaking of ‘voices’, these single programs or patches cover all the core needs with great sounds, pianos, electric pianos, organs, synths (solo and pads). It has a great brass section that I could beef up the 1st trumpet sound for the live Stevie Wonder and MJ tunes with the 5 pc horn section I played with. Fat analog Moog-like leads and syn-basses for my Keith Emerson break with split and layered organs. Performance mode allows 4 quick and easy splits and/or layers and then above that Master Mode lets you split and layer 16 ways both internal or external sounds and 1000’s of user spaces to save your settings for instant recall. In the studio you can use VST editor to use the XF6 like a 2nd computer 16 sounds at a time with full effects available and no crashing.
The unit I have contains 1Gb of Flash Rom so I can have any custom personal samples always available instantly, no computer necessary. As a do everything keyboard player, I often play vocal samples back of the lead singers own prerecorded parts so these are always with you instantly especially when the song list order changes onstage. Installed on the FlashRom was a great sample set of Chick Corea’s own Rhodes from Keyfax. You can switch between a DX7 internal epiano to the real Chick Rhodes instantly and process with insert or global multi-effects.
Great key bed, great sounds, totally customizable! It is a keeper!
John Ebata
Piano, Keyboard & Recording Manager
905.770.5222 x261
john@cosmomusic.ca
