Hey Motifated peeps! :)

Im not one to create threads like this, but Im truly torn between my options at this point. Here is my dilemma; Im working on changing my lifestyle, drastically. What I mean by this is; Im essentially selling/donating everything I own (which is a lot!), and moving out of my place, and into a “Mini Bus”. Or a “Shuttle Van”, if you will. The dimensions are 12’ in length, x 6’ wide, x 6’3’’ tall (for those wondering). This does not include the cab/driver space.

I know this may sound crazy to most folks, I however find it intriguing. To be able to move my “home”, at any given moment sounds like bliss to me. One night, I could have an ocean view, and the next, be in a Wal*Mart parking lot lol. Rather than sitting in a house, I plan on making the Earth my home, as it should be, imo. Plus theres the whole utilities/rent/mortgage deal I wont be locked into anymore. ;) Anyway, Ill get down to the point of this thread..

To make this lifestyle work, I must cut down on space and power consumption (obviously). The Motif is only a 61 key, yet demands its own space/power, as you all know. So, do I sell it and buy a new computer to make up for it (Im running an old Macbook 4,1 2.4GHz 1GB RAM with 10.6 for the OS. I would get a new Macbook Pro and retire the old Macbook and only use it for internet and such), or try n make the Motif work within my limited space/power, or perhaps buy a XS Rack? That is the question!!..!

I realize that I couldnt just power the Motif on any ole power source, so that’d be one of the issues Id have to deal with, if I kept it. I dont know much about making studio equipment mobile, so yeah. Maybe some of you can help with some ideas..?

Another problem I see is, the sound quality of the Motif is so lovely, how could I expect to replace that with just a computer and maybe some VSTs?!? (VSTs would come later, as the new Macbook Pro would eat the whole pot. I would ONLY HAVE Cubase, EastWest Symphonic Choirs and Battery 3). This is probably the scariest thing to me! My music has improved greatly since buying the Motif. Ive converted some of my tracks over to Halion Sonic SE, and dont care much for the results. The Motif has spoiled me. Then theres the quality of the key bed. My M-Audio Keystation is a junk toy, in comparison! I cant play too well, but the Motif makes trying to play, feel so nice!

Now, I already have a buyer offering 2k in about 2-4 weeks (not sure if that includes shipping), but my Motif XS has the FW16e installed, as well as 1GB of ram. Its maxed out (as far as Yamaha supports) and flawless. Still has the lil yellow stickers on it. Do you think 2k is a decent price to sell it? Ebay has a few, asking roughly $1800, without the FW16e installed. They want roughly $80 to ship em, on top of that.

I really dont know what to do. I could sure use a computer that would push VSTs and video (I plan on documenting the lifestyle with video/pictures) into the future, but to sacrifice my XS? I dont know! Help me, please! Im torn..

Thank you for your time. -Joseph

...

don’t sell your motif. X6 is small enough to fit in your new home.
No VSTs can replace all those sounds in it.

delirium - 13 February 2013 09:00 PM

don’t sell your motif. X6 is small enough to fit in your new home.
No VSTs can replace all those sounds in it.

yes, u right no VSTs can replace it because Motif sounds so bad then even freeware VSTs today are higher quality.

SirJoseph - 08 February 2013 02:38 PM

Hey Motifated peeps! :)

Im not one to create threads like this, but Im truly torn between my options at this point. Here is my dilemma; Im working on changing my lifestyle, drastically. What I mean by this is; Im essentially selling/donating everything I own (which is a lot!), and moving out of my place, and into a “Mini Bus”. Or a “Shuttle Van”, if you will. The dimensions are 12’ in length, x 6’ wide, x 6’3’’ tall (for those wondering). This does not include the cab/driver space.

I know this may sound crazy to most folks, I however find it intriguing. To be able to move my “home”, at any given moment sounds like bliss to me. One night, I could have an ocean view, and the next, be in a Wal*Mart parking lot lol. Rather than sitting in a house, I plan on making the Earth my home, as it should be, imo. Plus theres the whole utilities/rent/mortgage deal I wont be locked into anymore. ;) Anyway, Ill get down to the point of this thread..

To make this lifestyle work, I must cut down on space and power consumption (obviously). The Motif is only a 61 key, yet demands its own space/power, as you all know. So, do I sell it and buy a new computer to make up for it (Im running an old Macbook 4,1 2.4GHz 1GB RAM with 10.6 for the OS. I would get a new Macbook Pro and retire the old Macbook and only use it for internet and such), or try n make the Motif work within my limited space/power, or perhaps buy a XS Rack? That is the question!!..!

I realize that I couldnt just power the Motif on any ole power source, so that’d be one of the issues Id have to deal with, if I kept it. I dont know much about making studio equipment mobile, so yeah. Maybe some of you can help with some ideas..?

Another problem I see is, the sound quality of the Motif is so lovely, how could I expect to replace that with just a computer and maybe some VSTs?!? (VSTs would come later, as the new Macbook Pro would eat the whole pot. I would ONLY HAVE Cubase, EastWest Symphonic Choirs and Battery 3). This is probably the scariest thing to me! My music has improved greatly since buying the Motif. Ive converted some of my tracks over to Halion Sonic SE, and dont care much for the results. The Motif has spoiled me. Then theres the quality of the key bed. My M-Audio Keystation is a junk toy, in comparison! I cant play too well, but the Motif makes trying to play, feel so nice!


Now, I already have a buyer offering 2k in about 2-4 weeks (not sure if that includes shipping), but my Motif XS has the FW16e installed, as well as 1GB of ram. Its maxed out (as far as Yamaha supports) and flawless. Still has the lil yellow stickers on it. Do you think 2k is a decent price to sell it? Ebay has a few, asking roughly $1800, without the FW16e installed. They want roughly $80 to ship em, on top of that.

I really dont know what to do. I could sure use a computer that would push VSTs and video (I plan on documenting the lifestyle with video/pictures) into the future, but to sacrifice my XS? I dont know! Help me, please! Im torn..

Thank you for your time. -Joseph

i will advice u to get a new MacBook Pro Retina 15 inch which is about 2700 dollars, but add i7 with 2.8 khz(250 extra)because it also has 8mb cashe size because others have 6mbs case size
The specs are crazy and even pc fom Dell with the sae specs ill cost u more
http://store.apple.com/ca/configure/ME665LL/A?

u will not regred it i think.

or wait until 5-7 month of this yer nd get the new refrash macbook pro retina

p.s. Good luck in your gerni !!!

chilly - 14 February 2013 08:24 PM

delirium - 13 February 2013 09:00 PM

don’t sell your motif. X6 is small enough to fit in your new home.
No VSTs can replace all those sounds in it.

yes, u right no VSTs can replace it

I know I’m right, and you better check your ears. They’re probably clogged.

Hey thanks for the replies guys! :)

Yeah, Im leaning more towards keeping it-the more I think about it. The XS6 is a bit smaller than the table top that Im using to hold the M-Audio Keystation anyway. I would just need to keep it from sliding around, and only use it when there is proper electricity available. This may not be very often, but I truly love the XS and what it does for me!, so it’l be worth the waiting/downtime. I imagine Ill be going thru withdrawals though..

Chilly, I appreciate your opinion, but theres no way the Motif could be mistaken for “crappy”. I can only assume you are exaggerating and playing Devil’s advocate. ;)

The Retina Display MBPs are nice, but VERY limited when it comes to anything but power and resolution. I need an optical drive. I need ports for connectivity. Thunderbolt doesnt really do me any good, as I have no Thunderbolt devices. I would have to buy adapters. Its not even like there are adapters that work as a “Breakout Box” to take advantage of the full data transfer rate. They are individual adapters only! :( How good is a Thunderbolt port when I have to convert it back to FW anyway?

Im sure the next MBP to be released will have all the connectivity of a regular MBP, since they incrementally release their products, to rape as many people as they possibly can. Ill just wait till its up to par, before I aim for a Retina Display.

Thanks for the luck on my journey. :) My gf and I are very excited about it. Going thru and realizing how much stuff we have is a real eye opener! I feel so much lighter already, just separating the sell/donate from the keep!

Quality over quantity baby! :D

are there any taxes on mobile home? just curious.

As of now, there are no annual taxes for a vehicle (home on wheels) that Im aware of, beyond the registration and “wheel tax” you must pay to keep it on the road. If you kept it parked, there would be no taxes beyond titling it in your name (assuming its parked somewhere you wont be charged).

If people everywhere started doing this, Im sure they would find a way to tax us like a land owner. Shh.. lol

Hello SirJoseph

If u need optical drive then u need this http://store.apple.com/ca/product/MD564ZM/A/apple-usb-superdrive?fnode=5f , but unfortionaly it plays only CDs and DVDs no Bluray. I have one and i like it, exept that it does not play Blurays.

About ports u could get a good hub.....

P.s. Well i do not think Apple will add more ports in next MacBook Refrash( “Classic” MacBook Pro most likely will be discontinued and the will be only Retina one) because their laptops are very thin so they cannot put more, but i think this is a good thing thins laptops are ment for portability and power, if u do not need portability then get Mac Pro Then lol.

Also my advice will be take a loock at iMac, for the same money u can get a better specs and bigger screen. Unfortional current IMac does not have Retina screen but maby next rafresh, then it is a high canhe that it will be....

Hey Chilly,

That optical drive is pretty cool. I didnt know they made an external one such as that. So sleek. That encourages me to install a SSD in the optical slot of my current MB, and use the external optical for media. Nice to know! Thanks.

I already have a USB hub. The thought of another hub doesnt sit too well.

The regular MacBook Pro would suite my needs nicely. It has the FW800 port and optical drive. I prefer the antiglare screen anyway, due to me being outside most of the time and whatnot. Though, I should say that I have not seen the Retina display in person yet. Ive heard people say it ruined it for all their other computers and TVs..lol

The iMac is pretty impressive, I have to say. The only problem with that though, is its a desktop. I need something I can use on a riverbed in TX, or on a mountain top in CO. Something that can charge up and be used without power. Remember, I will be on limited Solar power/generator type stuff most of the time.

The current 15” MBP with 2.6GHz, 8GB RAM, 750GB 7200RPM HD, Hi-Res Antiglare is my best bet, I think. Add a SSD in the optical slot and its gravy from there.. Im definitely open to more ideas though.

Anybody know anything about using a Motif while being on the road? As in driving down the highway, and powering the XS, simultaneously. I would love some ideas. Any advice would help. Thanks :)

There are a number of devices that will convert a vehicle’s 12v DC power to US AC 120v so that you can power the Motif on the move. Here’s a clever one that will connect to the cigar lighter.

Good luck on your new life, sounds a great thing to do!

PeterG - 20 February 2013 07:12 AM

Good luck on your new life, sounds a great thing to do!

Yeah, just add a solar batteries on the roof and you are free man :-)

PeterG - 20 February 2013 07:12 AM

There are a number of devices that will convert a vehicle’s 12v DC power to US AC 120v so that you can power the Motif on the move. Here’s a clever one that will connect to the cigar lighter.

Good luck on your new life, sounds a great thing to do!

Thanks for the luck! I cannot wait to use it, lol. :)

I thought there was more to it than just an inverter. I have a few of those inverters laying around, actually! I thought a power conditioner or something along those lines was needed as well. Am I wrong on this?

I cannot risk hurting the XS, as I would be devastated and have no means to fix/replace it. It would be LOVELY to be able to run the XS off a power inverter though!! I can only hope this is the case. Anyone who has actually done this care to verify??

Thanks! :)

delirium - 20 February 2013 12:32 PM

PeterG - 20 February 2013 07:12 AM

Good luck on your new life, sounds a great thing to do!

Yeah, just add a solar batteries on the roof and you are free man :-)

I’ll be a few steps closer to freedom, thats for sure! But are there any free men in this world anymore? Everyday there are steps being taken to ensure there arent any free people, but I digress.

Please, allow me to share some of the videos that inspired me..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHEjzjTFSSY (Documentary Trailer)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ux8tjZnEfR0 (cool School Bus conversion)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vl-fGc7x5G0 (Trailer conversion)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3pLmI55Tmls (Pics of a Trailer conversion being built from scratch)

and my personal favorite!..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqIUHPr8Jlc (its a surprise!) lol!! People are awesome! :)