Hello everyone,

I’m a beginner looking for some direction around what I’m trying to achieve. I like using the built-in recording/sequencer on my Motif XS8. I would now like to record and mix in vocals. What is the best way to do this? I don’t have DIMM memory installed, for reference. Here are some options I’ve been thinking about:

1. Installing DIMM memory. Not sure if this is the best option since the main purpose of this is for sampling, correct?  I’d like to be able to store files and export to my computer.

2. Using PC software. I’ve tried Cubase but found it very overwhelming. Are there simpler programs? The other thing that I’m not sure I like is that I would be building the instrumental tracks on my Motif and then exporting to the software program for mixing with vocals, correct? I’m wondering if there is a more live way to do this to assist with writing.

3. Using ipad/iphone apps. I like the idea of the simplicity of something like GarageBand. Do people ever use this for what I’m looking to achieve? I think I’d want to record the keyboard audio, not MIDI, since what I love about the Motif is the sound.

Thanks in advance!

After some more research (and I have much more to do), I think my answer is that I should use the Motif with a DAW. I’m leaning towards Ableton Live, but am hesitant since I’ve not seen is listed as being compatible with the Motif. Is this true?  Also, using Ableton would lead more into more questions:

Will I be able to export Motif song tracks into a DAW as digital tracks? Or would this be audio only? It’d be cool to be able to export a song track or pattern into the DAW for editing/copying/quantizing. Not sure if this is possible.

Is there any benefit to installing DIMM memory on my Motif if I’m also using a DAW?

Apologies for how “beginner” my questions are. Please let me know if there is a better place to post these.