I’m still new here and I’m trying my hardest to wrap my head around this wonderful new instrument of mine (XF8) but somehow I’m finding more questions then answers…
My newest question is, if I spend the time to hook this instrument to my computer via USB to Cubase AI 6 (which is already installed and registered on my computer) am I able to use all the instruments features when it’s not connected to my computer??? Or, do I have to enter the menu on the instrument every time I want to enjoy just using the instrument itself???
I appreciate this forums help with these sometimes simple questions!!!

Thanks

Mike

It’s a very valid question.

Although the Motif XF has the ability record both MIDI and audio to its Integrated Sampling Sequencer, you can expand upon that by connecting the XF to your computer.

DAW or Digital Audio Workstation, software is able to record both MIDI and audio (you do need to add an audio interface to your computer to do this type of audio recording). Cubase AI6 is included to give an introduction to world of music production with the assistance of your computer.

In order to record audio into your computer you need to purchase an audio interface… Programs like Cubase require a better audio interface than comes standard on computers. Your options include the FW16E FireWire Expansion board for your XF… It gives you sixteen audio bus outputs and three pairs of audio returns, and literally, turns your Motif XF into a 24-bit/96kHz interface for your computer.

Or you can choose to purchase from among any number ASIO compatible audio interfaces. You would base the purchase on just how you want to set up your studio.

But before we get ahead of ourselves… If you connect the XF to your computer via USB, you will be able to record MIDI tracks to Cubase. USB is MIDI data only via the connection to your computer. What can you do with MIDI, your XF, and computer (Cubase)?

You can MIDI sequence 16 tracks
You can edit, automate, and reconstruct your composition using Cubase’s graphic user interface
You can create music score notation
You can use the computer to run the Motif XF Editor program

If you opt to add the audio interface you can begin to record audio. The AD INPUTS on the back panel of your XF can route inputs on to your computer. The input can be configured as a mono or stereo in.

If you are unsure about using Cubase delay that until you are ready. Connecting your XF to your computer whether by USB (for MIDI) or FW (for both MIDI and audio), is easy and connecting and disconnecting is a breeze? You can use the XF with or without the computer. And vice versa, you can use the computer with or without the XF.

When you are ready to begin exploring the larger world of computer-based music production, you’ll find that nothing interfaces with your computer in more ways than a Motif XF… You can start with MIDI sequencing, then expand to audio recording.

We should mention that one of the many options available to you is you can record (sample) your audio to the XF’s internal SDRAM, then IMPORT the audio into Cubase. Cubase can import data from an XF’s ALL data file, placing each MIDI track on a Cubase MIDI track, and it IMPORTS your audio samples to Cubase audio Tracks. In this fashion you don’t have to add an audio interface, yet you can transfer audio to Cubase via this file transfer method.

Take your time, either way the forums are here to help.

Hope that helps.

Bad Mister, thank you!!! A very detailed answer that solves much confusion for me.
I think a little at a time is going to be the key here for me as this instrument is so deep!!!
Thanks for your all you help and hard work, as I know that you are a dominant figure in the land of Motif and guys like me are very fortunate to have your knowledge of this FANTASTIC instrument on hand!!!

Regards

Mike

Bad Mister has been helping folks like you and me forever on these types of issues! Its help like this that helps me get the maximum out of my studio setup!!

Many thanks man…