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AndyB
Total Posts: 7
Joined 08-13-2016 status: Newcomer |
Hi, everyone, I’m new to the Motifator as a member but have browsed the website for quite some time. I have been using Yamaha products for about 22 years. However, I’m stumped right now. I was told by a Yamaha rep that songs recorded on the Motif XF sequencer will play on the MOFX sequencer. However, I read that XF recorded SEQUENCER data will not load into the MOFX sequencer. The reason I wish to do this is because my Motif XS was stolen. I saved everything on two USB flash drives. I went to the Guitar Center and downloaded the XS songs I wrote on its sequencer to the XF sequencer. I then saved an all file (.X3A) for each composition in hopes of loading them into the MOXF sequencer. I am frustrated because I simply wish to record and edit the songs in Pro Tools. I loved recording on the XS sequencer. It was a very precise process and easy to edit manually. Pro Tools has been terrific in taking some of those songs to the next level (IMO). As for the MOFX, it is a perfect midi controller for my needs right now, yet without access to the sequencer data originally from the XS I owned, I’m screwed (I already bought the MOFX). I can’t believe the MOFX won’t play XF song data. Do I need to save the songs as song files in the Motif XF? I’m just following what the Yamaha rep told me to do. He hasn’t answered my last email. I don’t think he knows the answer. I’m hoping one of you do. I apologize for this long post. I’ve scoured the Motivator posts, but I haven’t seen this question asked yet. If it has been addressed, again I apologize.
Best,
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5pinDIN
Total Posts: 11891
Joined 09-16-2010 status: Legend |
Welcome to the forum.
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It’s true that XF Song and Pattern data (as saved in .X3A, .X3S or .X3P files) can’t be loaded into a MOXF.
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The best you can do is get access to an XF again, and save each Song as a Standard MIDI File (SMF). SMFs can be loaded to your MOXF.
See the last post (by Bad_Mister) on the first page of this thread:
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No apology is needed. If you need additional help, please post again. |
rhuff
Total Posts: 34
Joined 04-23-2012 status: Regular |
I would have guessed the rep was right. According to the manual, he’s not. From the MOXF Reference Manual p. 157, here are the footnotes to MOTIF XF All file and Song compatibility:
All: Only Voice, Performance, Arpeggio, Mix Template, and Waveform data.
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AndyB
Total Posts: 7
Joined 08-13-2016 status: Newcomer |
Thank you for your replies. Ruff, I read exactly what you posted from the manual, which freaked me out in the first place. 5pinDIN, I’m going to check out that post as well as try some file extension changes. The MOFX won’t load any file that is foreign or unrecognizable to the system, so it may be worth a try. I read the MOFX does read/load (.MID), but only with MOFX settings. I hope Bad Mister’s post will save me from insanity. Thanks again to you both. |
5pinDIN
Total Posts: 11891
Joined 09-16-2010 status: Legend |
You’re welcome. The MOXF is sufficiently different from the XF, such that an XF file is compatible only to the degree stated in the manual. Changing file extensions typically results in either complete lack of recognition or an “illegal file” warning and data not loaded. The post I referred to explains how your Songs can be transferred to the MOXF. It will take some effort. Best of luck. |
AndyB
Total Posts: 7
Joined 08-13-2016 status: Newcomer |
Thank you, 5pinDIN. I read Bad Mister’s post, and boy is it foreign to me because I merely composed songs on the sequencer of the XS. I did create some new voices, but, basically, I just enjoy creating music. I created about 16 song files, each with three to four songs on each file. So, I composed between 50–60 songs, most of which DO NOT include USER voices, just PRESET voices of the XS. Then, I tweaked those sounds using the CC parameters (Echo, Reverb, Sustain, Pan, Volume, Harmonics, etc.) in each track. Here’s the part of Bad Mister’s post that’s foreign to me: “Either way what is true is the SMF transfers any MIDI events that are documented in the tracks. If you place the functions of the mix in your tracks they are transferred. MIDI data between any two sequencers is transferred by the Standard MIDI File… There is no need to reinvent the wheel here.
Transferring a MIXING setup between the Motif XF and the MOXF is handled in one of the following ways:
Sorry, I don’t know how to do the gray box quotation thing. Anyway, I’m going to investigate the MIXING setup and see if I can understand what he’s talking about on the MOFX on one of the songs I downloaded as a (.X3A). I should be able to find the data there. The bottom line is, I do not want to have to manually transfer each CC function of each track into each song. That would take forever! I used A LOT of CC info in some of the songs. I did this before I started using Pro Tools. Bad Mister did say the MIDI events are documented in the tracks, but I’m assuming not the CC events and only individual notes. Now if I could transfer all 16 tracks of CC info at once into a particular song where those parameters belong, that wouldn’t be bad at all. I don’t know if I’m making sense, but I may need to return the MOFX if each, single CC parameter has to be cut and pasted one at a time. We’re talking 1000s of CC parameters in my case. I really like the MOFX and hope I can keep it, but ... Thanks again, 5pinDIN. |
5pinDIN
Total Posts: 11891
Joined 09-16-2010 status: Legend |
My approach would be to…
Load the XF “all” file to the MOXF, which will make the templates available. Load the SMFs, one at a time, to MOXF Song locations, and copy the related Template for each Song. STORE the results. If you have more than 32 Songs, repeat the procedure with the remaining ones, saving another XF “all” file with the additional Mixing Templates. The procedure for saving an SMF on the XF is on page 242 of the XF Reference Manual (http://download.yamaha.com/file/48531). The procedure for storing XF Mixing Templates is on page 197 of the XF Reference Manual. The MOXF procedure for copying Mixing settings from a Template is on page 115 of the MOXF Reference Manual (http://download.yamaha.com/file/60478). As I said, some effort is required, but it’s not as difficult as it might seem at first. I suggest that you look at the manual pages I referred to. You might try just a couple of Songs at first, to see how this goes. |
AndyB
Total Posts: 7
Joined 08-13-2016 status: Newcomer |
Thanks, SpinDIN. The Guitar Center is going to think I’m nuts ... You’ve been very helpful. I appreciate it. |
AndyB
Total Posts: 7
Joined 08-13-2016 status: Newcomer |
I wanted to post a reply as I noticed quite a few people have viewed this post. Basically, I was able to transfer my sequencer data from the XF to the MOFX via the method described by 5pinDIN. It was a very lengthy, tedious, and annoying process as I had much more sequencer data than I expected. I say annoying because after transferring about 60% of the data, I couldn’t help but wonder what was ‘off’ regarding my songs playing in the MOFX. All the settings were in tact, including CC, PC, MSB, and LSB parameters. However, something was amiss. When playing the MOFX in Performance/Voice mode, it sounds terrific, and as a keyboard strictly used for home recording, it really is terrific. With a DAW, you’re ready to record some great music. So then what’s missing? Well, the warm, analog feel the XF/XS offers. I didn’t realize it until I played my songs on the MOFX sequencer. Maybe I missed something, but to me, it seems like false advertising. The MOFX does have the same sound engine as well as many capabilities as the XF, but not the power. And for me, after playing with an XS for years, it simply doesn’t compare. I really wanted to keep the MOFX, but my ears have been trained and zoned in on the richness of the XF(XS) sound, which is heard when mixing and editing on the XF/XS. For a live performance, that warm sound makes everything more satisfying. What that also means is that any transference of file data into a DAW will be fine with the MOFX (whether directly via the USB connection or indirectly through file management on your computer/external hard drive component), but if you want a more premium sample, the XF/XS is the way to go. For most people, it probably won’t make enough of a difference, if any at all, but for some of us, it’s not an option. It’s true you get what you pay for and that there is no substitute for higher quality. Of course, money is always an issue, and I understand not everyone has the means to afford a more expensive XF. Bottom line: We have to do what works for us. I love the MOFX. It’s a fun keyboard and great for its price (IMO). If you are someone who has wondered if there really is any major difference between it and the XF/XS besides the features outlined in the MOFX advertisements, the answer would be simply the power of the instrument. Best of luck to you all and happy recording, playing, fiddling, doodling, experimenting, creating, editing, mixing ... you name it! |
5pinDIN
Total Posts: 11891
Joined 09-16-2010 status: Legend |
See http://www.motifator.com/index.php/forum/viewthread/470507/
In particular, see my last post on this page…
If you’re young enough, what you might be hearing is a somewhat boosted top end, which can make the sound seem a little “thin”, or lacking in “warmth”. Before you decide the MOXF isn’t capable of sounding like an XS or XF, I’d suggest that you adjust Master EQ on it, rolling off the top end somewhat. See pages 143 (and 61) of the MOXF Reference Manual. |
AndyB
Total Posts: 7
Joined 08-13-2016 status: Newcomer |
Hi, 5pinDIN. No, I don’t think it’s the EQ, but I’ll try it. The MOFX does sound brighter to an extent. It’s when voices are in the mix that the power of the MOFX falls short. It doesn’t have the same feel as the XF/XS. It’s hard for me to explain because I’m not used to it. I’ve always saved up and purchased flagship keyboards (I’ve owned four). I’ll try what you suggest (I’m 46, BTW), but I’ve recorded/played a lot of songs of different genres, and the MOFX is great, just not the same ... |
AndyB
Total Posts: 7
Joined 08-13-2016 status: Newcomer |
I don’t think I posted my last post ... This is an abbreviated post: Well, I tried tweaking the EQ and EFX, which, of course, helped, but my ears don’t lie. I love the MOFX, and I wish I could keep it, but I’m going to return it for an XF. Bad Mister hit the nail on the head when he said if you can buy the XF, do it. I can’t afford it really, but it’ll be worth the difference in the end. I don’t plan on buying a new keyboard for a while. I suppose I’m in the minority relating to sound differential. You’ve been very helpful, 5pinDIN, and are a great resource. This forum (website) is lucky to have you. You should have your own webpage here ... . |
5pinDIN
Total Posts: 11891
Joined 09-16-2010 status: Legend |
In the end, satisfying your ears is what’s important. Also, there are several features of the XF not found in the MOXF, and familiarity with the XS functions and layout mostly carry over to the XF, so you might feel more “at home” with an XF. (I have both an XS and an XF, and I’m glad that much of what I learned on the XS was applicable to the newer model.) Of course, there’s the direct compatibility of XS files on the XF.
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I appreciate the kind words. I’m glad to help when I can, and satisfied to continue doing it in the same manner as up to now. I might get a swelled head if given my own web page. Â :-) |