Yamaha Motif Es-7

Yamaha have been working on the new Motif ES since the launch of the Motif, talking to users and taking information from surveys to pinpoint areas where the original, and well received Motif could be improved. The result is the new Motif ES which features a new chipset and larger PCM ROM, 179mb no less, with 1859 waveforms, increasing the available sound palette to over 1000 library voices. Areas of expansion are orchestral sounds, including a "sensational" 3-layer piano, brass and strings, plus some new guitar voices. Another major improvement is the polyphony - the ES boast a whopping 128 voices running on a completely redesigned synth engine.

The new synthesis engine improves speed and responsiveness, while the beefed up DSP power gives 128+ EQs, as well as two insert FX per part. Several new FX algorithms were developed based upon vintage effects one of the Motif engineers is fond of collecting, so perhaps we can expect some classics.
The arpeggiator also got some TLC, with over 1700 patterns and performance elements to choose from.

Yamaha have incorporated features from the RS7000 such as Loop Remix as well as developing a new four track switching system for more realistic strums and the like. Control has been addressed too, with the ES talking tothe SQ01, Cubase SX, Logic Audio, ProTools, Sonar 2.0 and a MultiPart Editor for Motif Rack / Motif ES (Windows) plus Logic 5.5 and Digital Performer (Mac). In the pipeline is a new mLan board, "more robust" and will be capable of 96kHz/24-bit audio, bringin the Motif system into closer integration with computers and digital gear.