I need some expert advise.
I already have several keyboards and now wonder which one should I buy. The ES rack or the 66 keys keyboard.

One thing I do not like of the ES keyboard 66 is the color of the plastic keys and some buttons (It’s yellowish)… looks old and very cheap.

And on the rack I do not like the fact it does not have a memory card slot and I do not know if it would be missing any samples from the keyboard. (including the user ones)

Also sin the rack… can you upload new patches, arpeggios, etc.???

Can someone help me on my decision with some expert advise????

Re: Motif ES Rack or Motif ES Keyboard

The Motif Rack ES has the same sample waveform ROM as the Motif ES. It cannot load user samples - while the Motif ES can.

The Motif Rack ES can load any Motif ES user voices that are based on the internal sample waveforms. (Obviously since it can’t load samples, it can’t load voices based on additional samples not present in its sample waveform ROM.)

The Motif Rack ES cannot load user arpeggios.

The Motif Rack ES does support PLG150 expansion boards (two vs. three for the Motif ES.)

The Motif Rack ES does not have an audio input and does not support the PLG100-VH vocal harmony effects board.

The Motif Rack ES does not support the PLG100-XG, multi-timbral PLG board.

The Motif Rack ES does not support mLAN or AIEB2 expansion. It does come with 4 assignable outputs (vs. 2 for the Motif ES). It does come with digital outputs (which the Motif ES does not - unless you install an AIEB2 board).

Since it is a rack unit, it does not have breath controller, foot switch or foot controller inputs.

I’ve probably forgotten a thing or two, but this should give you some idea of the trade-offs.

Regards,

Brad Weber

Re: Motif ES Rack or Motif ES Keyboard

Thanks for your reply. I guess I have to get the keyboard with the crappy keys then. /forums/images/icons/smile.gif alt=

I can’t believe why Yamaha made this synth with such crappy materials.

Instead of grabbing the keyboard I was going to buy this:

[url=http://www.samash.com/catalog/showitem.asp?ItemPos=6&TempID=7&STRID=95317&Method=2&CategoryID=0&BrandID=1579&PriceRangeID=0&PageNum=0&DepartmentID=0&pagesize=10&SortMethod=4&SearchPhrase=+keyboard&Contains=%2Akeyboard%2A&Search_Type=SEARCH&GroupCode=]http://www.samash.com/catalog/showitem.asp?ItemPos=6&TempID=7&STRID=95317&Method=2&CategoryID=0&BrandID=1579&PriceRangeID=0&PageNum=0&DepartmentID=0&pagesize=10&SortMethod=4&SearchPhrase=+keyboard&Contains=%2Akeyboard%2A&Search_Type=SEARCH&GroupCode= [/url]

and the Rack version....

I can’t believe why M-Audio can release a midi controller better built than Yamaha corp for less than $400 US.

Re: Motif ES Rack or Motif ES Keyboard

Is the New Motif XS way better than the ES???? better constructed????