New functions for MOTIF XS with OS Version 1.10

The software engineering teams in Japan however have been pushing forward with improvements. July 2008 sees the public release of Version 1.10 MotifXS OS bringing new features and functions to the XS keyboard lineup.

The most dramatic new feature is the new support for USB ASCII keyboards. You can now connect a standard computer USB ASCII keyboard to the synthesizer via its USB TO DEVICE connector. This allows you to type in Voice names, Song names, file names and other alphanumeric text directly from the computer keyboard rather than using the MOTIF XS softkeys.

This new keyboard support gives easy access to function and shortcut keys. For example, the DELETE key on the ASCII keyboard puts the MOTIF internal sequencer into RECORD. The ASCII PAGE UP key now acts as the FORWARD function inside the MOTIF, while the ASCII HOME key puts MOTIF into REWIND.

The new 1.10 OS also allows for holding notes while changing track or part selections. Previously, any note being played on the keyboard in the Song or Pattern mode would stop sounding when you changed the current track or part selection. With this new firmware however the held notes continue to sound. This is a great new feature and opens up even more creative potential from the XS.

Check out the new demonstration movie files for the new MOTIF XS OS at http://www.yamahasynth.com and, if you already own a MOTIF XS you can freely download from
http://www.yamahasynth.com/download/motif_series/moxs110.zip