We’ve been using the XV-88 with the Roland SFX samples piano expansions cards for several years.

We’re looking at using a Motif XS, and I have bought one.

I went through all Performance presets, and have started through the training DVD, but unfortunately, the piano voices seem thin and electronic.  Even the performance patches have an electronic feel to them compared to the Roland’s.  Same for the e-pianos.  Even trying the S90 VST instrument in Cubase (while better), is still somewhat weak.

Otherwise, I really love the XS, especially the orchestral sounds.

Since I am new with the XS, though, I wanted to post here to see if anyone can suggest:
- The maximum RAM and type that I can put in the XS. 
- Are there any on-board piano/epno expansions I can add without using a DAW?
- Also, can you recommend good DAW pianos?
Ideally, it would be great to download a trial/demo version of some way to get a great piano on the XS.

I’m a computer science major, so have no problem with learning how the XS is put together functionally and building my own sounds using performances/voice/element/keybanks… but there is something to be said for just sitting down and playing it and hearing it sound great.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

play4god

You can install 1 GB of RAM (2 512MB 168-pin PC133 DIMMs) in the
XS.

Check out the Voice Libraries available in the shop for the XS.
Click on “Shop”, then click on “Voice Libraries”. Then click on
“Motif XS”. Change the number of libraries viewed tab to “All”.
Then start scrolling down the page. There are several piano
libraries available, orchestral sounds, drums, guitars, organs,
urban sounds, renaissance and folk instruments, pipe organs, pads and soundscapes -
more third-party sound libraries are available for the XS than
there are for any other workstation. Each library listed has demo
mp3’s you can listen to to evaluate the sounds.

You will find new electric piano sounds in “Vintage Keys” for the
XS.

Awesome.  Thank you, Dave!

If you were to choose between K-Sounds Piano 1/2 and Digital Sound Factory’s Steinway, which would you say is better?

Thanks!