Yamaha Motif 6 Manual

							Playing the Keyboard (in the Voice Play mode)
61Owner’s Manual
Quick Guide — Playing the MOTIF ES
Select one of the Banks from Preset 1~6, User 1~2, and GM. 
Voices in each Bank are divided into Groups [A] ~ [H]. Select 
a Group to display the Voices that belong to the selected 
Group. 
Press one of the NUMBER [1] - [16] buttons. 
Selecting a Drum Voice
Internally, there are two Voice Types: Normal Voices and Drum 
Voices. Normal Voices are mainly pitched musical instrument-
type sounds that can be played over the range of the 
keyboard. Drum Voices are mainly percussion/drum sounds 
that are assigned to individual notes on the keyboard. In this 
section, we’ll show you how to select a Drum Voice.
While holding the [DRUM KITS] button, press one of the 
arrow-indicated buttons: [PRE5] (Preset Drum), [USER1] 
(User Drum), or [GM] (GM Drum). 
This operation is basically the same as in selecting a Normal 
Voice. You can select a Group from A to D when selecting the 
Preset Drum Bank in step #2. You can select a Group from A 
or B when selecting the User Drum Bank in step #2. You can 
select only A when selecting the GM Drum Bank in step #2. 
This is the same as in selecting a Normal Voice. 
nFor details about the instrument assignments for each key, refer to the 
separate Data List. 
Using the [INC/YES], [DEC/NO] buttons and data dial
You can select a Voice Number by using the [INC/YES], 
[DEC/NO] buttons and data dial in steps #3 and #4. 
nThe procedure for selecting Voices in other modes differs 
from above.  For details on selecting Voices in the 
Performance mode, see page 71.  For details on selecting 
Voices in the Song/Pattern mode, see page 102.
2Select a Normal Voice Bank.
3Select a Normal Voice Group. 
4Select a Normal Voice Number. 
5Play the keyboard. 
A. PIANO KEYBOARD ORGAN
PRE 5 PRE 6PRE 1 PRE 2 PRE 3 PRE 4
USER 1
GUITAR/
PLUCKED
USER 2
STRINGS
PLG 1SLOT 1SLOT 2SLOT 3
BRASSPLG 2
REED / PIPE
PLG 3
BASS
GM
Voice Group
SYN LEAD
AB CD E FGHSECTIONGROUP
SYN PAD/
CHOIRSYN COMPCHROMATICPERCUSSIONDRUM /PERCUSSIONSE MUSICAL FX COMBI
ELEMENT / PERF. PART / ZONE
8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
16
MUTE TRACK
SELECTNUMBER
SOLO
15 14 12 13 11
10 9
1Press the [VOICE] button to enter the Voice Play 
mode. 
2Select a Drum Voice Bank. 
3Select a Drum Voice Group.
4Select a Drum Voice Number. 
5Play the keyboard and check what instrument is 
assigned to each key. 
FAVORITESDRUM KITS
A. PIANO KEYBOARD ORGAN
PRE 5 PRE 6USER 1
GUITAR/
PLUCKED
USER 2
BASS
GM
DEC/NO INC / YES
Decreases number Increases number
Decreases number Increases number 
						

							Quick Guide — Playing the MOTIF ES
Playing the Keyboard (in the Voice Play mode)
62Owner’s Manual
Using the Category Search function
This synthesizer features a powerful Category Search function 
that gives you quick access to the sounds you want, 
irrespective of their bank locations. Simply select a Voice 
category, such as A. PIANO or SYN LEAD, and you can 
browse through all related Voices one by one – and audition 
each of them, too. If you’ve installed a Plug-in Board to the 
instrument, those Voices are automatically included in the 
search as well. Plus, you can use the special Favorites 
category to store the Voices you use most.
In this condition with the button lit, you can use the BANK and 
GROUP buttons to specify the Category. 
Press the [CATEGORY SEARCH] button again to turn this 
function off. 
Press one of the BANK and GROUP buttons to call up the 
selected Category name and the Voice list. The first Voice in 
the Category is selected.All Categories are divided into two or three Sub Categories for 
further ease in selection. The Sub Category names are 
displayed at the bottom of the Category Search display. Press 
the [F1] - [F3] buttons to select the first Voice in the 
corresponding Sub Category.
nAn alternate way of selecting categories is to use the Cursor buttons to 
select and highlight the Category name in the display, then use the 
[INC/YES] and [DEC/NO] buttons or the data dial to select the 
Category.  Then, move the cursor to the Voice list at the right of the 
display to select the Voice (see step #3 below).
nSome Voices such as User Voices may not be registered to any 
Category.  You can search for these Voices by setting the Category to 
“--------------.” 
Step through the available Voices by using the data dial. You 
can also use the [INC/YES] and [DEC/NO] buttons, or use the 
Cursor [ ]/[ ] buttons. 
nYou can also use the [ENTER] button or [EXIT] button to exit from the 
Category function. 
1Turn the Category Search function on by 
pressing the [CATEGORY SEARCH] button.
2Select a Category.
A. PIANO KEYBOARD ORGAN
PRE 5 PRE 6USER 1
GUITAR/
PLUCKED
SYN LEAD
AB CD E FGHSECTIONGROUP
CATEGORY
SEARCHBANK
SYN PAD/
CHOIRSYN COMPCHROMATICPERCUSSIONDRUM /PERCUSSIONSEMUSICAL FXCOMBI
USER 2
STRINGS
PLG 1
BRASS
PLG 2
REED / PIPE
PLG 3
BASS
GM
Category
Sub CategoryVoice
A. PIANO KEYBOARD ORGAN
PRE 5 PRE 6USER 1
GUITAR/
PLUCKED
SYN LEAD
AB CD E FGHSECTIONGROUP
CATEGORY
SEARCHBANK
SYN PAD/
CHOIRSYN COMPCHROMATICPERCUSSIONDRUM /PERCUSSIONSEMUSICAL FXCOMBI
USER 2
STRINGS
PLG 1
BRASS
PLG 2
REED / PIPE
PLG 3
BASS
GM
CategoryCategory names
Sub CategoryVoice List
3Select a Voice from the Voice List in the display. 
4Press the [CATEGORY SEARCH] button to turn this 
function off and go back to the original display. 
SF 1SF 2SF  3
F1 F2 F3
SF 1SF 2SF  3
F1 F2 F3
EXIT ENTER
EXECUTE
DEC/NO INC / YES 
						

							Playing the Keyboard (in the Voice Play mode)
63Owner’s Manual
Quick Guide — Playing the MOTIF ES
■ Favorite Category
Use this convenient function to store all your favorite, often-
used Voices in a single, easy-to-access location – and call 
them up by pressing the [FAVORITES] button. Select any 
Voice you want, from any desired category, and enter each to 
the Favorites Category. In this way, you can go directly to all 
the Voices you use the most, without having to hop around 
other Categories – a great aid when playing live.
You can un-checkmark it by pressing the [F5] button again. 
You can use the [F5] SET/CLR and [F6] CLR ALL buttons also 
in this display to register/remove the voices to/from the 
Favorite Category. 
Make sure to execute step #7. The settings made in steps #3 - 4 will be lost 
if you turning the power off without executing step #7. 
Never attempt to turn off the power while data (e.g., Voice) is being written 
to Flash ROM (while a “Please keep power on” message is shown). Turning 
the power off in this state may not only cause the system to freeze (due to 
data corruption in the Flash ROM) and prevent normal startup the next 
time the power is turned on, it may also result in loss of all user data.
Keyboard octave setting
(MOTIF ES6/MOTIF ES7)
Sometimes when playing a voice, you may wish to play in a lower or 
higher pitch range. For example, you may want to shift the pitch down 
lower to get extra bass notes, or shift up to get higher notes for leads 
and solos. The Octave Up/Down controls let you do this quickly and 
easily. Each time you press the [OCTAVE UP] button on the panel, the 
overall pitch of the voice goes up by one octave.
Likewise, each press of the [OCTAVE DOWN] button takes the pitch 
down by one octave. The range is from -3 to +3, with 0 being 
standard pitch. When this is set to Octave Up, the lamp of the 
[OCTAVE UP] button lights, and when it is set to Octave Down, the 
[OCTAVE DOWN] button’s lamp lights. The current octave setting is 
shown at the top right of the display. You can instantly restore 
standard pitch (0) by simultaneously pressing both the [OCTAVE UP] 
button and the [OCTAVE DOWN] button (both lamps turn off).
nThe Octave setting made here is automatically reflected in the 
identical Octave parameter in the Utility mode ([UTILITY] → [F1] 
GENERAL → [SF2] KBD → Octave).  This setting is available in all 
modes.
Transpose setting of the keyboard
You can set the amount in semitones by which the range 
of the keyboard is shifted up or down as well as the 
octave setting. 
1Press the [UTILITY] button to enter the Utility mode. 
1Turn the Category Search function on by 
pressing the [CATEGORY SEARCH] button.
2Specify the Category and Sub Category, then 
select a Voice (page 62). 
3
Register the Voice selected in step #2 to the 
Favorite Category by Pressing the [F5] SET/CLR 
button to checkmark the box next to the Voice 
name.  
4Set other Voices to the Favorite Category as 
required by repeating step #2 - 3.  
5Press the [FAVORITES] button to see the Voices 
set to the Favorite Category in steps #2 - 4. 
6Press the [FAVORITES] button again to return to 
the Category Search display.  
SF 1SF 2SF  3SF  4 SF  5
F1 F2 F3 F4 F6F5
Checkmark on
Checkmark off Pressing [F5] 
toggles between 
the two settings:
To remove all the marked Voices from the Favorite 
Category, simply press the [F6] CLR ALL button.
FAVORITESDRUM KITS
7
Pressing the [CATEGORY SEARCH] button to exit from 
the Category Search display will store the Favorite 
Category settings to internal Flash ROM automatically. 
CAUTION
CAUTION
DOWN UPOCTAVE
TIP
SONGPATTERN FILESEQUENCER
INTEGRATED
SAMPLINGMIXING UTILITY
EDIT
COMPARE SCENE STORE
SET LOCATE
JOB STOREDEMO 
						

							Quick Guide — Playing the MOTIF ES
Playing the Keyboard (in the Voice Play mode)
64Owner’s Manual
2Press the [F1] GENERAL button, then the [SF2] 
KBD button. 
3Move the cursor to “Transpose” by using the 
Cursor button. 
4Change the Transpose value by using the [INC/
YES], [DEC/NO] buttons and data dial. 
5Press the [STORE] button to store the Transpose 
setting to internal Flash ROM. 
Make sure to execute step #5. The settings made in step #4 will be 
lost if you turning the power off without executing step #7. 
Never attempt to turn off the power while data (e.g., Voice) is being 
written to Flash ROM (while a “Please keep power on” message is 
shown). Turning the power off in this state may not only cause the 
system to freeze (due to data corruption in the Flash ROM) and 
prevent normal startup the next time the power is turned on, it may 
also result in loss of all user data.
nThe transpose setting is available in all modes. 
Keyboard MIDI transmit channel setting
This function is especially convenient when recording to an 
external sequencer or controlling another instrument via MIDI.  
It lets you easily change the transmit channel with just a 
couple of button presses.  Press the [TRACK SELECT] button 
(the lamp lights), then press the appropriate NUMBER button 
([1] - [16]).  The transmit channel setting is shown at the top 
right of the display.
nYou can also set the MIDI keyboard transmit channel from the Utility 
mode ([UTILITY] → [F5] MIDI → [SF1] CH → KBDTransCh). This 
parameter is available for the Voice mode/Performance mode but not 
for the Song mode/Pattern mode. 
Using Controllers
Pitch Bend Wheel
Use the Pitch Bend wheel to bend notes up (roll the wheel 
away from you) or down (roll the wheel toward you) while 
playing the keyboard. This wheel is self-centering and will 
automatically return to normal pitch when released. Try out the 
Pitch Bend wheel while pressing a note on the keyboard. 
nEach preset Voice has its own default Pitch Bend Range setting. The 
Pitch Bend Range setting for each Voice can be changed in the 
[VOICE] → [EDIT] → [COMMON] → [F1] GENERAL → [SF5] OTHER 
display and stored as a User Voice in the Voice Store mode. From this 
display you can also reverse the Pitch Bend function — so that moving 
the wheel up lowers the pitch, and moving it down raises the pitch.
nFunctions other than Pitch Bend can be assigned to the Pitch Bend 
Wheel in the [VOICE] → [EDIT] → [COMMON] → [F4] CTL SET 
display. These assignment settings can be stored as a User Voice in 
the Voice Store mode. Even if a different function is assigned to this 
wheel, the Pitch Bend function is available and Pitch Bend messages 
are still generated when the wheel is used. 
nUsing the Pitch Bend wheel generates the same MIDI message to 
extend devices, regardless of the assignments made in the Voice Edit 
mode.
Modulation Wheel
Even though the Modulation wheel is conventionally used to 
apply vibrato to the sound, many of the preset Voices have 
other functions and effects assigned to the wheel. The more 
you move this wheel up, the greater the effect that is applied 
to the sound. Try out the Modulation wheel with various preset 
voices while playing the keyboard. 
nTo avoid accidentally applying effects to the current Voice, make sure 
the Modulation Wheel is set to minimum before you start playing. 
n
Various functions can be assigned to the Modulation Wheel in the [VOICE] 
→ [EDIT] → [COMMON] → [F4] CTL SET display. These assignment 
settings can be stored as a User Voice in the Voice Store mode. 
nUsing the Modulation wheel generates the same MIDI message to 
external devices, regardless of the assignments made in the Voice 
Edit mode.
SCENE
SF1 SF2SF3SF4SF5
F1F2F3F4F5F6
INFORMATION
CAUTION
CAUTION
ELEMENT / PERF. PART / ZONE
8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
16
MUTE TRACK
SELECTNUMBER
SOLO
15 14 12 13 11
10 9
Pitch Up
Pitch Down
Pitch Bend Wheel
Maximum
Minimum
Modulation Wheel 
						

							Playing the Keyboard (in the Voice Play mode)
65Owner’s Manual
Quick Guide — Playing the MOTIF ES
Ribbon Controller
The Ribbon Controller is touch sensitive, and is controlled by 
running your finger laterally across the surface. Various 
function are assigned to each preset Voice. 
Try out the Ribbon Controller with various preset Voices while 
playing the keyboard. 
nYou can set the Ribbon Controller to control different functions on 
connected external MIDI devices from the functions assigned for the 
instrument itself.  You can also determine whether the Ribbon 
Controller value returns to the center, or stays at the point where you 
released your finger.  Both of these setting can be made in the Utility 
mode ([UTILITY] → [F3] VOICE → [SF4] CTL ASN).
Knobs (KN)
These knobs let you change various aspects of the Voice’s 
sound in real time – while you play. Turn a knob to the right to 
increase the value, and left to decrease it. For each preset 
Voice, various functions are assigned to four knobs. Try out 
these knobs with various preset Voices while playing keyboard. 
You can change which particular group of functions or 
parameters the knobs are assigned to by pressing any of the 
[KNOB CONTROL FUNCTION] buttons. For details, see page 
81. 
nIn certain situations, using the knobs may not result in any change in 
the sound.  For more information, refer to page 50 in the Basic 
Operation section.
Edit Indicator
Tweaking the knobs in the Voice mode directly changes 
the parameters of the Voice. When any of the Voice 
parameters are changed, the [E] (Edit) Indicator 
appears in the top left of the display. This indicates that 
the current voice has been modified but not yet stored.
If you’re satisfied with the tweaks you made and the 
resulting sound, you can store the changes as a User 
Voice in the Voice Store mode (page 85). 
If you select another Voice during editing, the [E] (Edit) indicator will 
disappear and all your edits will be lost.
It is a good idea to store the edited Voice data from the Voice Store 
mode (page 85). Even if you lose the edited Voice data, you can 
restore it by using the Edit Recall function (page 82).
Control Sliders
In the Voice mode, the four Control Sliders let you 
independently adjust the levels of the Elements of a 
Normal Voice or the Drum Voice keys. When Normal 
Voice is selected, you can adjust the volume balance 
among the four Elements. 
nInadvertent use of the sliders may result in no sound. If this 
occurs, move the sliders upward. 
SWING
LOW KN 
1
CUTOFFPAN ASSIGN  A
GATE TIMERESONANCEREVERB ASSIGN  B
VELOCITYATTACKCHORUS ASSIGN  1
UNITMULTIPLYRELEASETEMPO ASSIGN  2
LOW MIDKN 
2HIGH MIDKN 3HIGHKN 4
Edit Indicator
CAUTION
ZONE 1CS 1 VOLUME 
1
ZONE 1 VOLUME 
1
ZONE 1 VOLUME 
1
ZONE 1 VOLUME 
1
ZONE 1CS 1 VOLUME 
1VOLUME 2VOLUME 3VOLUME 4
CS 2
ZONE 2CS 3
ZONE 3CS 4
ZONE 4 
						

							Quick Guide — Playing the MOTIF ES
Playing the Keyboard (in the Voice Play mode)
66Owner’s Manual
Using the Arpeggio feature
This function lets you trigger rhythm patterns, riffs and phrases using the current Voice by simply playing notes on the keyboard. 
Since the preset Voices already have their own Arpeggio types pre-assigned, all you need to do is select the desired Voice and 
turn on the Arpeggio function. Try selecting different Voices and check out the various Arpeggio types.
nFor details about Arpeggio, see page 169. 
For certain Voices, simply selecting the Voice will turn Arpeggio on.
The particular rhythm pattern or phrase that plays depends on the 
actual notes or chords you play, as well as on the selected Arpeggio 
type.  For details, refer to page 169 in the Basic Operation section.
■ Changing the Arpeggio type during keyboard 
performance
A different Arpeggio type is assigned to each of the [SF1] ARP1 - 
[SF5] ARP5 buttons for each preset Voice. When a musical note icon 
appears to the right of each Arpeggio number in the display (see 
below), the corresponding button is assigned an Arpeggio type. Try 
out various Arpeggio types by pressing the [SF1] - [SF5] buttons.
 
You can confirm the currently selected Arpeggio type in the [F6] ARP 
display. 
Register your favorite Arpeggio types to the [SF1] - [SF5] buttons
You can change the default settings and assign any Arpeggio 
types you like to the [SF1] - [SF5] buttons.  The selected 
Arpeggio indication is highlighted in white.  If two buttons 
share the same type, both will appear in white. The settings 
can be stored as a User Voice in the Voice Store mode. 
1Press the [ARPEGGIO ON/OFF] button to turn 
Arpeggio on. 
2Select the desired Arpeggio type in the [VOICE] →→ → →
 
[F6] ARP display. 
3While holding the [STORE] button, press one of 
the [SF1] - [SF5] button. 
The currently selected Arpeggio type is assigned to 
the pressed button. If you execute this operation with 
the [ARPEGGIO ON/OFF] lamp off, no Arpeggio type 
will be assigned to the pressed button. 
4Repeat steps #2 - 3 as necessary. 
5Press and release the [STORE] button to enter the 
Voice Store mode and store the setting as a User 
Voice (page 85). 
nKeep in mind that holding and releasing the [STORE] button 
WITHOUT pressing one of the [SF1] - [SF5] buttons will 
automatically enter the Voice Store mode, instead of storing the 
Arpeggio type.
■ Controlling Arpeggio playback by using the knobs
You can adjust the Arpeggio related parameters such as volume 
and tempo by rotating the knobs. If you are satisfied with the results, 
you can store the changes as a User Voice in the Voice Store mode. 
Selecting some voices automatically turns this lamp on. 
For details on what functions each knob controls while the 
[ARP FX] lamp is on, see page 81.
1Press the [ARPEGGIO ON/OFF] button to turn 
Arpeggio on.
2Play a note or notes on the keyboard to trigger 
the Arpeggio playback. 
BankIndicates “pre (preset)” or “usr (user).”
CtgrSee page 169. 
TypeRefer to the separate Data List booklet. 
REMOTEARPEGGIO
ON / OFF ON / OFFR-AUDIO
G-MIDI
SF 1SF 2SF  3SF  4 SF  5
Arpeggio type currently selected
1Press the KNOB CONTROL FUNCTION [ARP FX] 
button (the lamp lights). 
2Tweak the knobs while the Arpeggio is playing.
3
If you’re satisfied with the results, you can store 
the changes as a User Voice in the Voice Store 
mode (page 85). 
SW I N G
LOW KN 
1
KNOB
CONTROL
FUNCTION
 ARP FX
EQ TONE ASSIGN  PAN / SEND
CUTOFFPAN ASSIGN  A
GATE TIMERESONANCEREVERB ASSIGN  B
VELOCITYATTACKCHORUS ASSIGN  1
UNITMULTIPLYRELEASETEMPO ASSIGN  2
LOW MIDKN 
2HIGH MIDKN 3HIGHKN 4 
						

							Playing the Keyboard (in the Performance Play mode)
67Owner’s Manual
Quick Guide — Playing the MOTIF ES
Playing the Keyboard (in the Performance Play mode)
As in the Voice Play mode, the Performance Play mode is where you select and play the instrument sounds of this synthesizer. 
In a Performance, you can mix several different Voices together in a layer, or split them across the keyboard, or even set up a 
combination layer/split. Each Performance can contain up to four different Parts.
Selecting a Performance
128 Performances (1 bank) are provided in internal User memory (Flash ROM). In the Performance Play mode, you can select 
and play individual User performances. Since there is only one bank for Performances, you need not select a Performance Bank. 
In this condition, playing the keyboard sounds the Performance indicated in the display. 
The parameters shown in the Performance Play mode are briefly explained below. 
nKeep in mind that the example displays shown in this manual are for instruction purposes only, and the contents (for example, the Performance name here) 
may differ slightly from those on your instrument.
Performances are divided into Groups [A] ~ [H]. Select a 
Group to show a list of the Performances. Press one of the NUMBER [1] - [16] buttons. 
1Press the [PERFORM] button to enter the Performance Play mode. 
USER : 001 (A01)Ap : New Peform
VOICE PERFORM MASTER
MODE
Indicates the Keyboard MIDI 
transmit channel. See page 68 for 
details.
Indicates the Keyboard Octave 
setting set via the [OCTAVE] 
buttons. See page 68 for details.
Indicates settings related to the Control knobs. 
See page 90. 
Number (selected via the NUMBER 
[1]-[16] buttons)
Bank and Performance Program numberIndicates the currently selected Performance. 
Category and Performance name
Category
Performance name Bank ARP1-ARP5
Use the [SF1] - [SF5] buttons to call 
up the Arpeggio type assigned to 
each button (page 70). 
Group (selected via the GROUP [A]-[H] buttons)
Performance Program number  (corresponding to Groups A to H and Numbers 01 to 16)
2Select a Performance Group. 
SYN LEAD
AB CD E FGHSECTIONGROUP
SYN PAD/
CHOIRSYN COMPCHROMATICPERCUSSIONDRUM /PERCUSSIONSEMUSICAL FXCOMBI
Group Performance
3Select a Performance Number. 
ELEMENT / PERF. PART / ZONE
8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
16
MUTE TRACK
SELECTNUMBER
SOLO
15 14 12 13 11
10 9 
						

							Quick Guide — Playing the MOTIF ES
Playing the Keyboard (in the Performance Play mode)
68Owner’s Manual
Using the [INC/YES], [DEC/NO] buttons and data dial
Rather than using the BANK/NUMBER buttons 
described in steps #2 and 3 above, you can select a 
Performance by using the [INC/YES], [DEC/NO] buttons 
and data dial. 
Performance Part mute/solo
Each performance can contain a maximum of four Parts, each 
of which can be turned on or off independently. 
Muting and soloing of Parts is done in the same way as that of 
tracks in a Song/Pattern. See page 58. 
Using the Category Search function
As in the Voice Play mode, you can use the Category Search 
and Favorite Category functions in the Performance Play 
mode. For details on how to use the function, see page 62. 
Keyboard octave setting
(MOTIF ES6/MOTIF ES7)
As in the Voice Play mode, you can use the [OCTAVE UP/
DOWN] button to shift the note of the keyboard up or down in 
octaves.
nThe Octave setting made here is automatically reflected in the 
identical Octave parameter in the Utility mode ([UTILITY] → [F1] 
GENERAL → [SF2] KBD → Octave).  This setting is available in all 
modes.
Transpose setting of the keyboard
As in the Voice Play mode, you can set the amount in 
semitones by which the range of the keyboard is shifted 
up or down in the Utility mode. 
nThe transpose setting is available in all modes. 
Keyboard MIDI transmit channel 
setting
As in the Voice Play mode, you can change the MIDI transmit 
channel for the keyboard.  Press the [TRACK SELECT] button 
(the lamp lights), then press the appropriate NUMBER button 
([1] - [16]).  The transmit channel setting is shown at the top 
right of the display.
nYou can also set the MIDI keyboard transmit channel from the Utility 
mode ([UTILITY] → [F5] MIDI → [SF1] CH → KBDTransCh). This 
parameter is available for the Voice mode/Performance mode but not 
for the Song mode/Pattern mode. 
4Play the keyboard. 
DEC/NO INC / YES
Decreases number Increases number
Decreases number Increases number
ELEMENT / PERF. PART / ZONE
8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
16
MUTE TRACK
SELECT
SOLO15 14 12 13 11
10 9
TIP 
						

							Playing the Keyboard (in the Performance Play mode)
69Owner’s Manual
Quick Guide — Playing the MOTIF ES
Using Controllers
Pitch Bend Wheel
This is basically the same as in the Voice Play mode (page 
64). 
nThe Pitch Bend Range setting depends on the setting (made in the 
Voice mode) of the Voice assigned to each Part. 
nThe functions assigned to the Pitch Bend Wheel depend on the setting 
(made in the Voice mode) of the Voice assigned to each Part. 
nEven if a different function is assigned to the wheel, Pitch bend is still 
available and Pitch Bend messages are still generated when the 
wheel is used.
Modulation Wheel
This is basically the same as in the Voice Play mode (page 
64). 
nTo avoid accidentally applying effects to the current Voice, make sure 
the Modulation Wheel is set to minimum before you start playing. 
nThe functions assigned to the Modulation Wheel depend on the 
settings (made in the Voice mode) of the Voice assigned to each Part. 
nUsing the Modulation wheel generates the same MIDI message to 
external devices, regardless of the assignments made in the Voice 
Edit mode.
Ribbon Controller
This is basically the same as in the Voice Play mode (page 
65). 
nThe functions assigned to the Ribbon Controller depend on the 
settings (made in the Voice mode) of the Voice assigned to each Part. 
nYou can set the Ribbon Controller to control a different functions on 
connected external MIDI devices from the functions assigned for the 
Performance on the instrument itself.  You can also determine whether 
the Ribbon Controller value returns to the center for each 
Performance, or stays at the point where you released your finger.  
Both of these setting can be made in the Performance Edit mode 
([PERFORM] → Performance selection → [EDIT] → COMMON → [F4] 
CTL ASN).
Knobs (KN)
These knobs let you change various aspects of the 
Performance sound in real time – while you play. Turn a knob 
to the right to increase the value, and left to decrease it. For 
each Performance, various functions are assigned to four 
knobs. Try out these knobs with various Performances while 
playing the keyboard. 
You can change which particular group of functions or 
parameters the knobs are assigned to by pressing any of the 
[KNOB CONTROL FUNCTION] buttons. For details, see page 
90. 
nIn certain situations, using the knobs may not result in any change in 
the sound.  For more information, refer to page 50 in the Basic 
Operation section.
Edit Indicator
Tweaking the knobs in the Performance mode directly 
changes the parameters of the Performance. When any 
of the Performance parameters are changed, the [E] 
(Edit) Indicator appears in the top left of the display. This 
indicates that the current Performance has been 
modified but not yet stored.
If you’re satisfied with the tweaks you made and the 
resulting sound, you can store the changes as a User 
Performance in the Performance Store mode (page 91). 
If you select another Performance during editing, the [E] (Edit) 
indicator will disappear and all your edits will be lost. It is a good 
idea to store the edited Performance data from the Performance 
Store mode (page 91). Even if you lose the edited Performance data, 
you can restore it by using the Edit Recall function (page 91). 
When shipped from the factory, this synthesizer contains a full set 
of specially programmed 128 User Performances in the User bank. 
You can edit and store these Performances and overwrite them in 
the Performance Store mode. You can also restore them to the 
original factory presets by pressing the [ENTER] button in the 
[UTILITY] →→ → →
 [JOB] display (page 44). 
Control Sliders
In the Performance mode, the four Control Sliders let 
you independently adjust the levels of the Parts of a 
Performance. You can adjust the volume balance 
among four parts. 
nInadvertent use of the sliders may result in no sound. If this 
occurs, move the sliders upward. 
nIn certain situations, using the Control Sliders may not result in 
any change in the sound.  For more information, refer to page 
50 in the Basic Operation section.
Edit Indicator
CAUTION
CAUTION
ZONE 1CS 1 VOLUME 
1
ZONE 1 VOLUME 
1
ZONE 1 VOLUME 
1
ZONE 1 VOLUME 
1
ZONE 1CS 1 VOLUME 
1VOLUME 2VOLUME 3VOLUME 4
CS 2
ZONE 2CS 3
ZONE 3CS 4
ZONE 4 
						

							Playing the Keyboard (in the Performance Play mode)
70Owner’s Manual
Quick Guide — Playing the MOTIF ES
Using the Arpeggio feature
As in the Voice mode, you can use the Arpeggio feature in the Performance mode. 
In the Performance mode, you can make independent Arpeggio playback settings for each Part of the Performance — including 
the on/off setting, as well as the Arpeggio type and related parameters.  This means you can set the Performance such that any 
or all Parts can be used to trigger Arpeggio playback.  A useful application of this would be to assign a Drum Voice to one Part 
and use Arpeggio playback on only that Part — so that you can have a rhythm pattern accompaniment playing while you play 
another Voice.
Since the preset Performances already have their own Arpeggio types pre-assigned, all you need to do is select the desired 
Performance and turn on the Arpeggio function.  Try selecting different Performances and check out the various Arpeggio types.
nDifferent Arpeggio types cannot be played back for each Part. 
nFor details about Arpeggio, see page 169. 
■ Changing the Arpeggio type during your performance
As in the Voice Play mode (page 66), the Performance play mode lets you use the [SF1] - [SF5] buttons to assign the Arpeggio 
types and recall them. 
The Arpeggio type for the current Performance can be selected in the [PERFORM] → [F6] ARP display or the [PERFORM] → 
[EDIT] → [COMMON] → [F3] ARP display. 
If you assign the desired Arpeggio type to the [SF1] - [SF5] buttons, store the settings as a User Performance in the Performance 
Store mode (page 91). 
■ Controlling Arpeggio playback by using the knobs
You can tweak Arpeggio related parameters such as volume and tempo by using the knobs. If you’re satisfied with the tweaks 
you made and the resulting sound, you can store the changes as a User Performance in the Performance Store mode. 
For information on using the knobs, refer to the Voice Play mode (page 66). 
Assigning desired Voices to each part
Performances can be made up of a maximum of four Parts (Voices), selected from the internal tone generator Parts 1 - 4 and 
Plug-in board Parts 1 - 3.
You can create a Performance by layering several Voices together, and by assigning different Voices to separate ranges of the 
keyboard. You can then store up to 128 of your original, edited Performances to internal User memory. 
1234PLG1 PLG2 PLG31234PLG1 PLG2 PLG3
Built-in tone 
generator Parts
Layer (example)Split (example)
Plug-in Parts*
*Available when the Plug-in 
Board has been installed.  Built-in tone 
generator PartsPlug-in Parts*