Yamaha MOTIF XS8 User Manual

Although the MOTIF XS is exceptionally powerful and versatile all by itself, connecting it to a computer—via USB or 
IEEE1394 cable—provides even greater power and versatility. This feature lets you transfer audio data (via an IEEE1394 
cable only) and MIDI data (via both USB and IEEE1394 cable) between the MOTIF XS and your computer. In this section 
you’ll learn how to make the connections.

n This section shows how to connect the MOTIF XS to a computer directly. Other MIDI devices can be connected between MOTIF XS and the 

computer. For details about connection between the MOTIF XS and another MIDI device, see page 83. For details about connection 
between the MIDI device and the computer, refer to the owner’s manual of the particular MIDI device. 

This section shows you how to connect the MOTIF XS to a 
computer via a USB cable. Note that the MIDI data can be 
transmitted through a USB cable. 

n Since the MOTIF XS has no built-in speakers, you’ll need an 

external audio system or a set of stereo headphones to 
properly monitor it. For details, refer to “Start Guide” on 
page 19. 

n Information on system requirements is also available at 

the above web site.

n The USB-MIDI driver may be revised and updated without 

prior notice. Make sure to check and download the latest 

version from the above site. 

For instructions on installing, refer to the online 
Installation Guide included in the downloaded file 
package. When connecting the MOTIF XS to a 
computer in the Installation procedure, connect the 
USB cable to the USB TO HOST of the MOTIF XS and 
the USB connector of the computer as shown below. 

Press the [UTILITY] button to enter the Utility mode, 
then press the [F5] button followed by the [SF2] button 

to call up the MIDI display (page 267). Set the MIDI In/
Out parameter to “USB.” 

USB

TO DEVICE

TO HOST

USB connector

USB TO HOST connector

USB cable

Rear panel of

the MOTIF XS

When connecting the computer to the USB TO HOST 
connector, make sure to observe the following points. 
Failing to do so risks freezing the computer and 
corrupting or even losing the data. If the computer or the 
instrument freezes, turn the power to the instrument off or 
restart the computer.

• Before connecting the computer to the USB TO HOST 

connector, exit from any power-saving mode (such as 
suspended, sleep, standby) of the computer.

• Before turning on the power to the instrument, connect 

the computer to the USB TO HOST connector.

• Execute the following before turning the power to the 

instrument on/off or plugging/unplugging the USB 
cable to/from the USB TO HOST connector.

- Quit any open applications (such as MOTIF XS Editor 

and sequencer software).

- Make sure that data is not being transmitted from the 

instrument. (Data is transmitted only by playing notes 
on the keyboard or playing back a Song.)

• While a USB device is connected to the instrument, 

you should wait for six seconds or more between these 
operations: (1) when turning the power of the 
instrument off then on again, or (2) when alternately 
connecting/disconnecting the USB cable.

MIDI song data can be sent independently over sixteen 
separate channels, and this instrument is capable of 
simultaneously playing sixteen separate parts via these 
channels. While a single MIDI cable is equipped to 
handle data over up to sixteen channels simultaneously, 
a USB connection or a IEEE1394 connection is capable 
of handling far more—thanks to the use of MIDI ports. 
Each MIDI port can handle sixteen channels, and the 
USB connection or IEEE1394 connection allows up to 
eight ports, letting you use up to 128 channels (8 ports x 
16 channels) on your computer.