BM or Yamaha US: Kindly note and explain if there is/are any positive, helpful, convenient, useful aspect(s) or element(s) of the XS at any level (but particularly XS8) which is or are missing from the XF —and if so, what are they—and how to work around such loss or whether it might impact one’s decision as to whether to move on from or to keep (or buy a new or used) XS instead of buying an XF.

For example (but please don’t limit your response to just a discussion of mLan) I recall much written previously about the benefits of the XS8 having the mLan). 

For convenient reference for others, below is a quote from Yamaha sales literature on (albeit an external) mLan and what it does—but again, my question above is not limited to mLan although I’d like that explanation covered too).

“The Yamaha mLAN16e2 Audio Interface Card transforms the Motif XS into a 16 channel output, 8 channel input computer audio interface. This allows you, simultaneously to record 14 individual output channels plus the stereo mix to your computer. In addition, the Motif XS’s 2 A/D inputs can be used to record other instruments into your computer. Connect a Mic or Guitar to the Motif XS’s A/D inputs and even use insert effects as you record.

The Yamaha mLAN16e2 Audio Interface Card card transforms the Motif XS into:

* An Audio interface
* A MIDI interface
* A Hardware accelerated DSP effects processor for your computer DAW

During playback you can bring 4 stereo busses from your DAW back into the XS to be monitored at the Motif XS’s stereo analog output. At this time you can apply additional Motif XS system and master effects to these busses. The incredible effects contained in the Motif XS can be utilized without putting any load on your computer’s CPU.

The Motif XS with Yamaha mLAN16e2 Audio Interface Card can also be used in combination with other mLAN products such as the 01X and i88X to further expand your system.

* 24bit/96kHz 16 channel expansion I/O for MOTIF XS
* Multi Port MIDI Interface
* 24bit/96kHz Audio Interface
* Expandable via mLAN
* OS9/XP Drivers support “

As mentioned, the XS8 delivers equipped with mLAN card. The XF series is expandable with a FW16E card. Expandable= not installed. Since the XF8 will not have any firewire card installed, that makes it a serious downgrade for me…