Keyboards, Synthesizers and Midi Controllers
Casio WK-3800 Keyboard
Roland Fantom-G7 76-Key Sampling Workstation
Yamaha Motif XS6 61-Key Workstation
Yamaha Motif XS7 76-Key Workstation
| Casio |
Casio
WK-3800 76-Key GM
Keyboard
USB
port: Type B
Replaces the WK-3700
68 More Advanced Tones
894 Tones Total
Click on Keyboard for current price!
Review by Rick
I own one and I love it! The other four keyboards I own are all Yamaha keyboards. This Casio keyboard is a steal for the money! Don't pass this keyboard up because of the brand name. In the past, the Casio brand wasn't well received by musicians, but times change, and the higher end Casio keyboards are giving other keyboard manufacturers a run for their money in this price range and up.
You could buy this keyboard for all the Organ tones alone and you'd have made a wise investment. You should hear the Flute tones on this baby.....NICE! Piano tones? Plenty of Piano tones and they're great.
This keyboard is packed with so many features that it'll keep you happy and inspired for years to come. You should buy one of these keyboards before they become so popular and their prices go sky high like so many of the other brand name manufacturers.
-Rick
Replaces the WK-3700
68 More Advanced Tones
894 Tones Total
Click on Keyboard for current price!
Review by Rick
I own one and I love it! The other four keyboards I own are all Yamaha keyboards. This Casio keyboard is a steal for the money! Don't pass this keyboard up because of the brand name. In the past, the Casio brand wasn't well received by musicians, but times change, and the higher end Casio keyboards are giving other keyboard manufacturers a run for their money in this price range and up.
You could buy this keyboard for all the Organ tones alone and you'd have made a wise investment. You should hear the Flute tones on this baby.....NICE! Piano tones? Plenty of Piano tones and they're great.
This keyboard is packed with so many features that it'll keep you happy and inspired for years to come. You should buy one of these keyboards before they become so popular and their prices go sky high like so many of the other brand name manufacturers.
-Rick
Product Description
The WK-3800 76 Key Musical Keyboard with touch response, allows you to select up to 894 tones that include orchestral sounds, synthesized sound and more. The Auto Accompaniment that will allow you to simply play a chord and the corresponding rhythms, bass and chord parts play automatically. A big LCD screen graphically shows you fingerings, keyboard keys to be pressed, and notes, making keyboard play more informative and enjoyable than ever before.
The WK-3800 has 76 Full size keys with 400 DSP programmed Advanced Tones like stereo piano and Tremolo Electric Piano for a total of 620 tones including 50 drawbar organ tones. This powerful instrument features an on-board sequencer and a mixer, for unmatched creative possibilities, plus powerful 2-way bass reflex speakers to take your performance to the next level. This keyboard is ideal for home/project studio use, open-mic performance, education/classroom applications, or simply for pure musical enjoyment. Computer connectable via USB and also includes an SD card slot and floppy drive. AD-12 AC adaptor included.
Rich Advanced Tones
A total of 400 Advanced Tones are programmed with DSP tones to make them richer and more powerful. Advanced tones like Stereo Piano and Tremolo Electric Piano enhance the Piano and Electric Piano tones to create a totally new sound.
50 Drawbar Organ Tones
The keyboard includes 50 realistic drawbar organ tones. Drawbar organ tones can be controlled using nine digital drawbars. You can also select percussion or key click, and even edit the parameters of preset tone and save up to 100 original tones in user tone memory.
Flash Memory
Built-in Flash memory lets you expand your selection of tones and rhythms by downloading data from the CASIO MUSIC SITE, or by the CD-ROM that comes bundled with the keyboard. You can also store up to 200 SMF format music files for playback.
Piano Setting Button
The press of a button optimizes the keyboard setup for piano play.
166 Preset Rhythms + 16 User Rhythms
A selection of 166 rhythms includes accompaniments for everything from rock to pops and jazz.
You can also transfer accompaniment data from your computer and store up to 16 of them as user rhythms in keyboard memory.
Auto Accompaniment
Simply play a chord and the corresponding rhythm, bass and chord parts play automatically. One-touch Preset instantly recalls the most suitable tone and tempo settings to match the rhythm you are using.
Big, Information-packed Display
A big built-in display shows chord names, tempo setting, keyboard information, staff notation of notes played and more for full support of all your keyboard play. A built-in backlight keeps the display easy to read, even in total darkness.
Song Memory
Record up to 6 parts in memory, along with their tone, volume, pan position, and other parameters for later playback. Realistic ensemble play can also be created using the Auto Accompaniment function.
Synthesizer Mode
Edit built-in sounds to produce your own original creations. Up to 120 of your own sounds can be stored in memory for recall, just like the built-in tones.
General MIDI Compatibility
The General MIDI tones of this keyboard let you connect to a personal computer to enjoy "desktop music" capabilities. This keyboard can be used as a desktop music input device or sound source, and it's just the thing for playback of commercially available pre-recorded General MIDI music software.
Powerful Effects
A collection of powerful effects, such as DSP, reverb, chorus, and more, give you total control over the type of sound you want. You can change the parameters of an effect to create your own, original effects. A 4-band equalizer is also included.
The Casio WK3800 Premium Pack includes
Casio WK3800AD Keyboard with Adapter
World Tour SXKS Single X Keyboard Stand
Nady HP03 Stereo Headphones
Technical Info
Keyboard: 76 keys with touch response (OFF/1/2/3)
Tones: 400 Advanced Tones + 200 Preset Tones + 20 Drum Sets + 100 standard user tones + 20 user tones with waves*1 + 4 user drum sets with waves*1 + 50 drawbar organ tones + 100 user drawbar organ tones (894 tones total); layer/split
Polyphony: 32 notes maximum (10 for certain tones)
Drawbar Organ Function
Drawbars: 9 (16', 5 1/3', 8', 4', 2 2/3', 2', 1 3/5', 1 1/3', 1')
Percussion: Second, Third
Click: On, Off
Effects: DSP (200 types: internal, 100 user areas) + Reverb (16 types) + Chorus (16 types) + Equalizer (10 types, 4 bands)
Auto Accompaniment
Rhythm Patterns: 182 (internal, 16 user areas*1)
Tempo: Variable (226 steps)
Chords: 3 fingering methods (CASIO CHORD, FINGERED, FULL RANGE CHORD)
Rhythm Controller: START/STOP, INTRO, NORMAL/FILL-IN, VARIATION/FILL-IN 1 and 2, SYNCHRO/FILL-IN NEXT
Accomp Volume: 0 to 127 (128 steps)
One-touch Presets: Recalls settings for tone, tempo, layer on/off, and harmonize on/off in accordance with rhythm
Auto Harmonize: 10 types: Automatic addition of notes that harmonize with melody note in accordance with specified Auto Accompaniment chords
Memory Function
Songs: 5
Recording Tracks: 6 (2 through 6 are melody tracks)
Recording Methods: Real-time, step
Memory Capacity: Approximately 10,000 notes (total for 5 songs)
Edit Function: Equipped
Demo Tunes: 3
Registration Memory
Number of Setups: 32 (4 setups x 8 banks)
Memory Contents: Tone, Rhythm, Tempo, Layer on/off, Split on/off, Split point, Harmonize on/off, Mixer settings (Channels 1 to 10), Effect settings, Touch Response settings, Assignable jack setting, Transpose, Tuning, Accompaniment volume setting, Pitch bend range, Auto Harmonize type MODE button setting, Synchro standby state, Mixer Hold, DSP Hold, Synthesizer Mode parameters
MIDI: 16 multi-timbre receive, GM Level 1 standard
Other Functions
Pitch Band Range: Adjustable (12 semitones upwards and downwards)
Modulation: Equipped
Transpose: 49 steps (-24 semitones to +24 semitones)
Tuning: Variable (A4 = approximately 440Hz +/- 100 cents)
LCD: Adustable contrast
SMF
SMF Player: Flash memory storage for up to 200 files*1
Supported Format: SMF0
Flash Memory
Capacity: 4MB*2
Shared Area: Approximately 3.5MB*2 (waveform data, accompaniment data, SMF data)
Further storage of waveform, accompaniment, and SMF data becomes impossible after teh total of such data reaches approximately 3.5MB.
SD Memory Cards
Supported SD Memory Cards: 1GB or less (Cards with capacity greater than 1 GB are not supported)
Function: Save and load of user tones, user songs, and registration data; playback of SMF; card formatting; file delete; file rename
Terminals:
SD memory card slot
USB port: Type B
Sustain/Assignable Terminal: Standard jack (sustain, sostenuto, soft, rhythm start/stop)
Headphone/Output Terminal: Stereo standard jack
Output Voltage: 5.5V (RMS) MAX
Power Supply
Dual power supply system
Batteries: 6 D-size batteries
Battery Life: Approximately 4 hours continuous operation on alkaline batteries
AC Adaptor: AD-12
Auto Power Off: Turns power off approximately 6 minutes after last key operation. Enabled under battery power only, can be disabled manually.
Speaker Output: 6.1W + 6.1W
Power Consumption: 12V...18W
Dimensions: 48 3/16 x 16 11/16 x 6 5/16 in.
Weight: Approximately 10.0kg (22.0 lbs) (without batteries)
Technical Specifications Subject to Change
*1 The same memory area is used to store waveform data, accompaniment data, and SMF data.
*2 Noted capacities are calculated values based on 1MB = 10242 bytes.
| Roland |
Advanced
Sound Engine
Driven by a powerful new audio processor, the Fantom-G provides new sonic depth and versatility. With twice the wave-ROM capacity of its predecessor, it contains a treasure trove of Roland’s world-famous SRX-quality sounds, but what really sets this instrument apart is its new ARX expansion, which allows additional SuperNATURAL sound-sets and fully dedicated synth and effects engines to be added to this already powerful live workstation.
SuperNATURAL ARX Expansion
Fantom-G provides ARX slots that accommodate two SuperNATURAL expansion boards. SuperNATURAL is Roland’s unique behavior-modeling technology that enables a new level of organic, emotional expression previously unattainable in synthesizers. Applied to traditional-instrument sounds, SuperNATURAL enables the delicate, organic tonal changes and playing nuances of real musical instruments. It’s also a powerful tool for electronic and non-traditional sounds, breathing amazing new life and expression into synthesis.
Power Sequencer Onboard
The Fantom-G is the first Roland instrument to feature Roland’s newly designed power sequencer. In conjunction with the large-size LCD, this pro-level composition tool provides 128 tracks (including 24 audio tracks) in a fully intergraded audio/MIDI graphical environment. A mouse can be also incorporated for computer-like speed and ease. Other convenient features include combo XLR and TRS connector, phantom power for condenser mics, Hi-Z input for guitar and bass, and line input.
Luxurious Extra-Wide LCD
One look and touch and you’ll know that the Fantom-G is an instrument without equal. Only the highest-quality materials have been used to create this dream synth, with a stylish, futuristic design that will turn heads. Front and center is the extra-large 8.5” wide TFT color LCD for enhanced productivity. A first-class assortment of hands- on controls is provided as well, including eight sliders, four knobs, and ten buttons below the LCD.
Amazing FX
Fantom-G is loaded with a state-of-the-art effects engine, with multi-effects available for each Fantom-G sound/part. In 16-part multi-timbre mode, up to 22 effect routings can be used simultaneously. Create complex setups with 16 insert effects per multi-timbral patch group, plus global reverbs and choruses. Mastering effects are provided for polishing songs created with the onboard sequencer.
Driven by a powerful new audio processor, the Fantom-G provides new sonic depth and versatility. With twice the wave-ROM capacity of its predecessor, it contains a treasure trove of Roland’s world-famous SRX-quality sounds, but what really sets this instrument apart is its new ARX expansion, which allows additional SuperNATURAL sound-sets and fully dedicated synth and effects engines to be added to this already powerful live workstation.
SuperNATURAL ARX Expansion
Fantom-G provides ARX slots that accommodate two SuperNATURAL expansion boards. SuperNATURAL is Roland’s unique behavior-modeling technology that enables a new level of organic, emotional expression previously unattainable in synthesizers. Applied to traditional-instrument sounds, SuperNATURAL enables the delicate, organic tonal changes and playing nuances of real musical instruments. It’s also a powerful tool for electronic and non-traditional sounds, breathing amazing new life and expression into synthesis.
Power Sequencer Onboard
The Fantom-G is the first Roland instrument to feature Roland’s newly designed power sequencer. In conjunction with the large-size LCD, this pro-level composition tool provides 128 tracks (including 24 audio tracks) in a fully intergraded audio/MIDI graphical environment. A mouse can be also incorporated for computer-like speed and ease. Other convenient features include combo XLR and TRS connector, phantom power for condenser mics, Hi-Z input for guitar and bass, and line input.
Luxurious Extra-Wide LCD
One look and touch and you’ll know that the Fantom-G is an instrument without equal. Only the highest-quality materials have been used to create this dream synth, with a stylish, futuristic design that will turn heads. Front and center is the extra-large 8.5” wide TFT color LCD for enhanced productivity. A first-class assortment of hands- on controls is provided as well, including eight sliders, four knobs, and ten buttons below the LCD.
Amazing FX
Fantom-G is loaded with a state-of-the-art effects engine, with multi-effects available for each Fantom-G sound/part. In 16-part multi-timbre mode, up to 22 effect routings can be used simultaneously. Create complex setups with 16 insert effects per multi-timbral patch group, plus global reverbs and choruses. Mastering effects are provided for polishing songs created with the onboard sequencer.
| Nord |
| Yamaha |
Yamaha Motif XS6 61-Key Workstation
Everything you need to make professional quality music.
Everything you need to make professional quality music.
High Quality Sounds to Spark Your Creativity
The MOTIF XS provides an exceptionally broad selection of realistic sounds to spark your creativity, with a massive 355 MB of high-quality waveforms and samples on board. A single Voice can have up to eight separate sound Elements, enabling composite sounds of remarkable complexity and nuance. Among the standout Voices is a resonant, meticulously recorded concert grand piano sound that is practically worth the price of admission by itself. New acoustic piano, electric piano and orchestral samples - not to mention the richly textured and distinctly electronic synthesizer waves -- give you the sonic tools to fully realize virtually any style of music and any instrumentation.
Another new feature is the Expanded Articulation (XA) tone generation system. Using the 8 available Elements, XA allows you to more effectively recreate realistic sound and natural performance techniques -- such as legato, staccato and key release sounds -- often used on acoustic instruments but unavailable or difficult to realize on electronic keyboards. It also lets you assign Elements to on/off panel switches, and change sounds within a Voice in real time -- for example, playing a classical guitar voice and switch between playing normally and playing high harmonics. XA also offers other unique modes for random and alternate sound changes as you play.
A wide selection of special Mega Voices provide even more expressive nuance, when used with sequencer tracks or the special Mega Voice Arpeggios. Mega Voices are not meant to be played from the keyboard because of their complex velocity layers, but have special expressive sounds that are designed to be precisely triggered by recorded data -- for example, letting you create an acoustic guitar track with authentic sounding muted playing, slides and bell-like harmonics.
Other Voice-related features include a uniquely natural "half damper" effect for acoustic piano sounds. This gives you nuanced control over the sustained sound when pressing the damper pedal, depending on how far down you press the pedal. The MOTIF XS has a full complement of effects, both insert (Insertion) and send (System), and includes a special set of VCM (Virtual Circuitry Modeling) effects that authentically model the elements in analog circuitry, realistically recreating the uniquely warm characteristics of vintage processing gear. Speaking of "vintage," the instrument also includes a sophisticated Vocoder effect that produces classic robotic synthesizer sounds, molded by your speaking or singing voice through a connected microphone.
Ideal for Live Performance, Song Creating and Arranging
The MOTIF XS has so many sophisticated features that help jump-start your creativity and live performance potential. One of the most powerful of these is Arpeggio, which lets you trigger a variety of sequenced phrases from the keyboard. There are approximately 6,000 different Arpeggio phrases on board, and you can have four different Arpeggios, playing four different instrument parts, running simultaneously-in perfect sync, of course. The music making possibilities are virtually endless. Have a drum Voice play an automatic rhythm, add an Arpeggio bass phrase, and fly in other instrument phrases as the inspiration hits you. Everything stays in sync, and everything follows your chord changes.
While you experiment and play around with Arpeggios in the Performance mode, the song ideas will come fast and fierce-maybe too many to remember. No worries, though. You can capture them easily and directly by recording them to a Song or Pattern (which can be stored to the built-in flash memory). Since the data is MIDI, you don't have to worry about running out of recording space. You can record your keyboard playing, freely calling up various Arpeggio types as you improvise, then edit the Song later as necessary. You may even want to 'keep the recorder running' as you play, then listen back later and pick out the best parts to create your final composition.
Another powerful feature is the Integrated Sampling Sequencer, which seamlessly combines audio and MIDI recording. Simply install optional DIMM modules (up to 1 GB) and record the audio directly to tracks on the MOTIF XS. Record your vocals or acoustic guitar (with a microphone), electric guitar or bass, or even short rhythm loops from a sample CD.
There's also a Slice feature that automatically chops up your rhythms and riffs into their individual beats and notes, letting you manipulate the component parts of your sample loops as MIDI data -- giving you the power to easily change tempo and rhythmic feel, without disturbing the pitch or sound quality.
Intuitive Interface, Easy Operation
Despite all the advanced technology and wealth of features packed tightly into the instrument, the MOTIF XS is exceptionally intuitive and easy to use. It gives you a large, full-dot color LCD that lets you see multiple parameters at a glance, and has clear, high-resolution graphics with virtual sliders, knobs and more.
The panel of the MOTIF XS provides an amazing level of control and flexibility. Eight knobs and 8 sliders let you instantly tweak a variety of parameters and effects as you play. The eight knobs are especially versatile, letting you use the knobs to independently control eight different parameters (out of 24 selectable), or use them to control a certain effect setting (reverb, chorus or pan) for up to 8 different parts (in a song, for example). The knobs can also be used to change the rhythmic feel and other settings of Arpeggios and Patterns while they play back. Two Assignable Function buttons give you added control over the sound of the new Expanded Articulation (XA) Voices, letting you change sounds within a Voice in real time.
Other convenient operation features include the improved Category Search function, which now is organized with Dual Categories that help you find the Voice you want. Calling up the Guitar category, for instance, gives you access to the Dual (sub) Categories, such as Acoustic, Electric Clean and Electric Distortion. The Mega Arpeggio Voices also have their own Dual Category for easy selection of those unique Voices.
The MOTIF XS is not only exceptionally intuitive and easy to operate, it's a true joy to play -- right down to the newly designed expressive keyboards. The MOTIF XS6 and XS7 have a new, natural FSX keyboard (61/76 keys), while the MOTIF XS8 features the grand piano-like BH (Balanced Hammer) keyboard (88 keys).
Computer Integration
A full-featured music production synthesizer in every way, the MOTIF XS comes equipped with a variety of connectors and interfaces-for virtually any application and any studio situation. These include independent Assignable Outputs, A/D Inputs (for recording external sources), S/PDIF Digital Output, MIDI, Ethernet, IEEE1394 (standard on the MOTIF XS8 and available on the MOTIF XS6/7 with the IEEE1394 optional board) and two USB connectors, compatible with the high-speed USB 2.0 standard.
The comprehensive set of connectors -- Ethernet, IEEE1394 and USB TO HOST -- make interfacing with computers and your favorite software exceptionally easy. In particular, the new Ethernet connection gives you fast transfer of your MOTIF XS files to and from a computer on the same network. IEEE1394 interface gives you a one-cable, one-network solution for high-speed, realtime transfer of multi-channel digital audio and MIDI data over a 1394 FireWire connection.
Software Integration
Today's music production is highly dependent on software, and the MOTIF XS is designed to work seamlessly and transparently in your computer-based environment. The Remote Control mode lets you control your DAW software right from the panel of the MOTIF XS -- for example, starting and stopping playback/recording with the special transport buttons, changing track levels with the sliders, and tweaking parameters with the knobs.
The MOTIF XS is also compatible with the MOTIF XS Editor -- a comprehensive, easy-to-use editing software program that lets you edit (via USB connection) the Mixing setups and Mixing Voices to be used for Song/Pattern playback directly on your computer. The MOTIF XS Editor is free and can be downloaded from the Yamaha website. Naturally, the editor can be used within Cubase as part of Studio Connections, and all settings can be saved with each project for instant recall.
If Cubase is not yet part of your software arsenal, a copy of the new Cubase AI is bundled with the instrument, letting you dive in and start using the versatile features of Studio Connections right out of the box. Cubase AI is a full-featured music production software that integrates fully with the MOTIF XS, and can easily be upgraded to Cubase 4. It gives you all the tools to produce professional level recordings -- quickly and easily -- with a system that you can expand into the future.
The MOTIF XS provides an exceptionally broad selection of realistic sounds to spark your creativity, with a massive 355 MB of high-quality waveforms and samples on board. A single Voice can have up to eight separate sound Elements, enabling composite sounds of remarkable complexity and nuance. Among the standout Voices is a resonant, meticulously recorded concert grand piano sound that is practically worth the price of admission by itself. New acoustic piano, electric piano and orchestral samples - not to mention the richly textured and distinctly electronic synthesizer waves -- give you the sonic tools to fully realize virtually any style of music and any instrumentation.
Another new feature is the Expanded Articulation (XA) tone generation system. Using the 8 available Elements, XA allows you to more effectively recreate realistic sound and natural performance techniques -- such as legato, staccato and key release sounds -- often used on acoustic instruments but unavailable or difficult to realize on electronic keyboards. It also lets you assign Elements to on/off panel switches, and change sounds within a Voice in real time -- for example, playing a classical guitar voice and switch between playing normally and playing high harmonics. XA also offers other unique modes for random and alternate sound changes as you play.
A wide selection of special Mega Voices provide even more expressive nuance, when used with sequencer tracks or the special Mega Voice Arpeggios. Mega Voices are not meant to be played from the keyboard because of their complex velocity layers, but have special expressive sounds that are designed to be precisely triggered by recorded data -- for example, letting you create an acoustic guitar track with authentic sounding muted playing, slides and bell-like harmonics.
Other Voice-related features include a uniquely natural "half damper" effect for acoustic piano sounds. This gives you nuanced control over the sustained sound when pressing the damper pedal, depending on how far down you press the pedal. The MOTIF XS has a full complement of effects, both insert (Insertion) and send (System), and includes a special set of VCM (Virtual Circuitry Modeling) effects that authentically model the elements in analog circuitry, realistically recreating the uniquely warm characteristics of vintage processing gear. Speaking of "vintage," the instrument also includes a sophisticated Vocoder effect that produces classic robotic synthesizer sounds, molded by your speaking or singing voice through a connected microphone.
Ideal for Live Performance, Song Creating and Arranging
The MOTIF XS has so many sophisticated features that help jump-start your creativity and live performance potential. One of the most powerful of these is Arpeggio, which lets you trigger a variety of sequenced phrases from the keyboard. There are approximately 6,000 different Arpeggio phrases on board, and you can have four different Arpeggios, playing four different instrument parts, running simultaneously-in perfect sync, of course. The music making possibilities are virtually endless. Have a drum Voice play an automatic rhythm, add an Arpeggio bass phrase, and fly in other instrument phrases as the inspiration hits you. Everything stays in sync, and everything follows your chord changes.
While you experiment and play around with Arpeggios in the Performance mode, the song ideas will come fast and fierce-maybe too many to remember. No worries, though. You can capture them easily and directly by recording them to a Song or Pattern (which can be stored to the built-in flash memory). Since the data is MIDI, you don't have to worry about running out of recording space. You can record your keyboard playing, freely calling up various Arpeggio types as you improvise, then edit the Song later as necessary. You may even want to 'keep the recorder running' as you play, then listen back later and pick out the best parts to create your final composition.
Another powerful feature is the Integrated Sampling Sequencer, which seamlessly combines audio and MIDI recording. Simply install optional DIMM modules (up to 1 GB) and record the audio directly to tracks on the MOTIF XS. Record your vocals or acoustic guitar (with a microphone), electric guitar or bass, or even short rhythm loops from a sample CD.
There's also a Slice feature that automatically chops up your rhythms and riffs into their individual beats and notes, letting you manipulate the component parts of your sample loops as MIDI data -- giving you the power to easily change tempo and rhythmic feel, without disturbing the pitch or sound quality.
Intuitive Interface, Easy Operation
Despite all the advanced technology and wealth of features packed tightly into the instrument, the MOTIF XS is exceptionally intuitive and easy to use. It gives you a large, full-dot color LCD that lets you see multiple parameters at a glance, and has clear, high-resolution graphics with virtual sliders, knobs and more.
The panel of the MOTIF XS provides an amazing level of control and flexibility. Eight knobs and 8 sliders let you instantly tweak a variety of parameters and effects as you play. The eight knobs are especially versatile, letting you use the knobs to independently control eight different parameters (out of 24 selectable), or use them to control a certain effect setting (reverb, chorus or pan) for up to 8 different parts (in a song, for example). The knobs can also be used to change the rhythmic feel and other settings of Arpeggios and Patterns while they play back. Two Assignable Function buttons give you added control over the sound of the new Expanded Articulation (XA) Voices, letting you change sounds within a Voice in real time.
Other convenient operation features include the improved Category Search function, which now is organized with Dual Categories that help you find the Voice you want. Calling up the Guitar category, for instance, gives you access to the Dual (sub) Categories, such as Acoustic, Electric Clean and Electric Distortion. The Mega Arpeggio Voices also have their own Dual Category for easy selection of those unique Voices.
The MOTIF XS is not only exceptionally intuitive and easy to operate, it's a true joy to play -- right down to the newly designed expressive keyboards. The MOTIF XS6 and XS7 have a new, natural FSX keyboard (61/76 keys), while the MOTIF XS8 features the grand piano-like BH (Balanced Hammer) keyboard (88 keys).
Computer Integration
A full-featured music production synthesizer in every way, the MOTIF XS comes equipped with a variety of connectors and interfaces-for virtually any application and any studio situation. These include independent Assignable Outputs, A/D Inputs (for recording external sources), S/PDIF Digital Output, MIDI, Ethernet, IEEE1394 (standard on the MOTIF XS8 and available on the MOTIF XS6/7 with the IEEE1394 optional board) and two USB connectors, compatible with the high-speed USB 2.0 standard.
The comprehensive set of connectors -- Ethernet, IEEE1394 and USB TO HOST -- make interfacing with computers and your favorite software exceptionally easy. In particular, the new Ethernet connection gives you fast transfer of your MOTIF XS files to and from a computer on the same network. IEEE1394 interface gives you a one-cable, one-network solution for high-speed, realtime transfer of multi-channel digital audio and MIDI data over a 1394 FireWire connection.
Software Integration
Today's music production is highly dependent on software, and the MOTIF XS is designed to work seamlessly and transparently in your computer-based environment. The Remote Control mode lets you control your DAW software right from the panel of the MOTIF XS -- for example, starting and stopping playback/recording with the special transport buttons, changing track levels with the sliders, and tweaking parameters with the knobs.
The MOTIF XS is also compatible with the MOTIF XS Editor -- a comprehensive, easy-to-use editing software program that lets you edit (via USB connection) the Mixing setups and Mixing Voices to be used for Song/Pattern playback directly on your computer. The MOTIF XS Editor is free and can be downloaded from the Yamaha website. Naturally, the editor can be used within Cubase as part of Studio Connections, and all settings can be saved with each project for instant recall.
If Cubase is not yet part of your software arsenal, a copy of the new Cubase AI is bundled with the instrument, letting you dive in and start using the versatile features of Studio Connections right out of the box. Cubase AI is a full-featured music production software that integrates fully with the MOTIF XS, and can easily be upgraded to Cubase 4. It gives you all the tools to produce professional level recordings -- quickly and easily -- with a system that you can expand into the future.
|
Sound Banks and Patches
|
|
Best Sound Banks and Patches for Yamaha DX7, DX7II, DX7IIFD, and Other Synthesizers The Wonderful Beast that Changed the Music Industry! |
|
Original
DX7 Synthesizer
 |
Download DX7 Operating Manual From Yamaha Web Site - PDF Format |
Improved
Yamaha DX7IID
Synthesizer
 |
Download DX7IID Operating Manual From Yamaha Web Site - PDF Format |
| *Tip: In my
opinion the best books that teach you how to program the DX7, DX7II,
and DX7IIFD are Written by, Howard Massey. They are out of print, but
occasionally come up for auction on Ebay. Make sure the three
sound sheets come with it! |
|
| Synth
Summary Sound Banks and Patches For Yamaha DX7, DX7II, DX7IIFD, Korg M1, Korg Wavestation, Roland D-50, and other Synths! |
|
Synth Summary Web Site Have you ever been frustrated searching all over the internet to find great sound banks and patches? And when you do find a site, its all helter skelter, and you can't tell what is what? It's a big guessing game, and you end up with copies of the same sounds you already downloaded! If you own a Yamaha DX7, DX7II, DX7IIFD, Korg M1, Korg Wavestation, Roland D-50, and some other synthesizers, check out Synth Summary for sound banks and patches. ALL ORGANIZED NEATLY, with descriptions telling you what you will hear in these sound banks. Visit Marc's web site in Switzerland, called Synth Summary. Don't worry, his site is written in clear English! His site will blow you away! Marc is a cordial fellow. If he tells you he'll do something, HE WILL DO IT! He's exactly the kind of person you'll enjoy doing business with. I know this for a fact because I have done a little business with him and its been a 100% enjoyable and educational experience. |
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Nature Art Prints, Candles, Solar Lighting, and more! |
Gift
Ideas 3 Weathervanes, Wind chime, Tabletop fountain, etc. |
Tabletop fountain, Waterfalls, etc. |
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Hawkeye News - News Worth Knowing |
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| Torture Scandal |
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Last updated May, 2010