The Yamaha Motif XS8 is a keyboard in its 5th incarnation, this time Yamaha bring us tons of refinement, not new ground breaking technology or mind-blowing sound. The XS8 simply improves on what was there, catching up with the Roland Fantom by adding a color screen. There are however three key refinements, the Cubase integration is new and welcomed by most of the people who have purchased the unit and who have been owners of previous Motif's. There is added on-board ROM sound in the form of 355MB which is nearly three times what the Roland Fantom-X8 has. Lastly and perhaps most importantly is the addition of an Ethernet port. This allows tighter integration with a computer in a control surface arrangement, and best of all here is the ability to export and import multiple simultaneous tracks at once. And impressive feature and important for working well outside of the keyboard with external gear. The build quality of the Yamaha Motif XS8 is still rugged, sturdy and straight forward. Online reviews by people who own both boards, tend to favor the Motif's hammer action keys over that of Roland's Fantom-X8.

In comparing the Fantom-X8 to the Motif XS8 you'll find first that Roland's expertise in making more than a keyboard is clear. Unlike the Motif series the Roland Fantom-X8 has 16 velocity-sensitive trigger pads with a newly added after touch, which allows for MPC-like programming instead of having to rely on the keys for input. Roland also brings in the V-LINK system for integration with V-LINK products and video triggering making a production system and workstation for non-piano playing musicians. The arranger and sequencer and intuitive and clear which lowers the learning curve of the Fantom-X8 compared to the Motif XS8's more elaborate system.

Before you buy either workstation you should consider your skill level and method of production. Both of these keyboards are solidly built units that can easily do double duty on the road and in the studio on the same day. However the Yamaha Motif XS8 has now been geared toward PC use with the program Cubase, and offers a seamless patching system for using the keyboard as a control surface. Roland's Fantom-X8 is designed to make working inside the keyboard's system a one-stop deal. While the Roland has lots of outputs its connectivity is not nearly as functional as the Motif XS8. Roland does offer expansion ability at an extra price.