I own both the es8 and the es7. I’m very pleased with the acoustic piano sounds on the es8, but the piano sounds on the es7 are wimpy, weak and lifeless in comparison.
I’ve copied all of the files on the es8 to the es7. I assumed (incorrectly, apparently) that the sounds would be identical. I love the pianos on the es8, but don’t enjoy playing the es7, because the pianos are so bad.
Any help would be much appreciated.
I’ve read forum posts that mention the S700 pianos that might be available on a disc from Yamaha, but I’m really not looking for additional piano sounds; I just want the same sounds on both keyboards.
Since they have the same computer/brain/engine shouldn’t they sound the same?
Could it be that the keyboards have different operating systems? I bought the es8 new in 2005 and the es7 used in 2010. I have never updated the OS on either keyboard.
Speaking of OS, what is the procedure for determining the OS in each of the two keyboards?
Thanks in advance for help and input.

Hi,

The ES7 and ES8 are identical, except for the keyboards.

To check you firmware version, power on the Motif ES while holding down the [REC] and [STORE] buttons.

- H -

I believe both es have the s700 as the main piano. At least my s90es had it.  I have found that keybed “feel” can make a difference in perceived playabilty/sound.  Once u confirm updated operating systems, try changing the keyboard’s velocity response curves.  I can’t remember where/how to do this as I don’t have the keyboard anymore

Thank you both, Henry and BeeRad. Your responses and input are very much appreciated!
Thank you

I agree with the notion that keyboard physics do matter to the percieved result. I have never adjusted the velocity curves on these instruments, but it could help smooth out the difference, at least to some degree. You’ll find these settings in Utility Mode, under the [F1] General -> [SF2] Kbd menu.

Another thing to try, if you have backed up your settings, is to do a factory reset on both instruments.

The S700 samples that the S90ES use, are not in the Motif ES’ onboard wavetable, but were included on the Sound Library CD-ROM that came with them. As long as sample RAM is installed, you can load them to your Motifs.

- H -

That’s totally normal and nothing is broken or needs any repair. There’s no firmware to fix this. You are experiencing weighted versus non weighted keys. The way the tone generator reacts to that is not the same. So it will sound better on the ES8 versus the 7. I have encountered this many times. Don’t waste your time or money taking this anywhere to “fix” what isn’t broken. And if you midi the 8 to the 7 that’s going to show you it’s the weighted keys that are making the difference.

Again, I want to thank everyone who has responded to this post.
I tend to agree with Prokeyman. I was hopeful that the es7 would provide all of the tools I need for a single keyboard to gig with. However, for my needs, the acoustic piano sounds just don’t cut it. It’s hard to be inspired when the sounds are close but just not there. I could spend hours of time and many $$ trying to improve the acoustic piano sounds but, more than likely, I would be disappointed with the results, so I think it’s time to make a change.
The es7 does have many features/sounds that are high quality and useful for my needs. However, for authentic acoustic piano sounds, I’ll be purchasing a separate, stand-alone unit having a weighted keyboard.
Thanks again to all for your input/help!!

- Henry - - 12 December 2022 12:16 PM

I agree with the notion that keyboard physics do matter to the percieved result. I have never adjusted the velocity curves on these instruments, but it could help smooth out the difference, at least to some degree. You’ll find these settings in Utility Mode, under the [F1] General -> [SF2] Kbd menu.

Another thing to try, if you have backed up your settings, is to do a factory reset on both instruments.

The S700 samples that the S90ES use, are not in the Motif ES’ onboard wavetable, but were included on the Sound Library CD-ROM that came with them. As long as sample RAM is installed, you can load them to your Motifs.

- H -

The S700 samples that the S90ES use, are not in the Motif ES’ onboard wavetable, but were included on the Sound Library CD-ROM that came with them. As long as sample RAM is installed, you can load them to your Motifs.= Dear Henry, please point me in the direction of these S700 samples.
I have this CD, downloaded from this forum, but I do not see a similar title (

Wavliles

Hi,

Those are all rhythm pattern demos, you’re looking in the wrong folder. Go to the folder named “VOICEDAT” instead.

In the folder you’ll find four pairs of files:

PLAYERS.W7V
PLAYERS.W8V
SYNTH.W7V
SYNTH.W8V
TREASURE.W7V
TREASURE.W8V
WINDINST.W7V
WINDINST.W8V

The voice parameters are stored in the .W7V files, while the actual samples are stored in the .W8V files. You need to copy both files of each pair to the same folder on your USB or SmartMedia storage. When navigating the storage on the Motif, you will only see the .W7V files. The corresponding samples will load automatically with them, as long as the file names are identical.

You’ll also find a list of the voices on the CD in HTML format. The S700 pianos are found in the “PLAYERS” file set.

- H -

Thank you very much, Henry! I don’t have the HTLM file - I downloaded the disk image on this forum, and it looks like you were the one who uploaded it here.HTLM was not there.

I’m afraid it wasn’t uploaded by me. The links I have found in this forum all point to a .zip archive, stored on the original uploader’s DropBox account. In any case, that archive isn’t 100% complete. Try downloading the .iso disk image from here instead:

Motif ES Sound Library CD-ROM

- H -

Thank you Henry for the CD.Yes, I mixed up -Mister 5Din downloaded the CD from Motif Es