|
Yamaha Motif XS8 vs Roland Fantom X8 These two powerhouse workstations fight for the soundstage as we compare the Yamaha Motif XS8 and the Roland Fantom X8. These
are the top of the line workstations and are long time rivals for the title. 
Editor's Pick
Yamaha MOTIF XS8Features: Avg. Price: $3199 
Roland Fantom-X8Features: Avg. Price: $2995
More Electronics Reviews More Entertainment Reviews Leave Your Comment |
What research says 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.
Edward said:I am comparing the Motif XS8 and the Fantom X8. I notice that the Motif gives you only one way to transpose. You must go through Utility and scroll to Transpose and select up or down…..which is very clumsy when transposing during a song. The Fantom at least allows you to assign Transpose to the Assignable buttons where the Motif does not. The Motif also does not allow you to use a pedal switch for transpose. With Octave up and down and all of the other buttons, where is the simple Transpose button?? bh said:Look at the price diffence J said:roland's x series has dropped in price considerably now that the g series has been revealed. Rubiel Najera said:I say That The YAMAHA MOTIF XS8 Is Beter Than The Roland Fatom-XS8 JoeRogan said:Yamaha is better. jack said:Roland Fantom X8 is the best workstation keyboard ever, not only in case of the abilities which it gives, but also the price and those 16 dynamic pads.. mmm love it Ruan said:I've done amazing rock stuff on the Fantom that I tried on other keys, but they failed badly!! Roland all the way!! craig said:can anybody tell me what's the best keyboard for authentic sounds but without all the transposing and workstation features? barry williams said:yamaha can never b better u can split the fantom into 16 parts n layer also in 16 parts n control the volume in real tim where as the yahama u can only layer 4 also the piano in the fantom g is amazing the xs8 is gud to but u should compare whit the 2 keyboards at the same time to hear the difference yamaha sucks walt said:Frustrations with the yamaha motif include the total lack of a simple transpose button, particularly if you must transpose into a key you're not particularly familiar with. In addition, there is no way to play your performance setups without the arpeggiators being on. If you turn the arpeggio button off, your performance setup winds up triggering all the percussion sounds. These two issues are really a sign that this product was created by an asian engineer, with little or no background in music. Suggest yamaha hire a few real musicians before their next product release. Dave said:The Roland will allow you more function for the $ inside the keyboard. Most anyone buying a Motif or Fantom G8 I'd assume is very versed on music and instruments already. I've worked with the Motif a little but, simply prefer the Fantom G8. One thing that has not been mentioned here is: If you're LIVE playing (like myself with a gospel group) always consider your sound board. Keyboards can have very different sounds depending ont he board. One thing that is very impressive for me is the pitch wheel on the fantom. I can assure you, it's doubtfull that anyone would know I'm on a workstation with my lead guitar/sax/harmonica or other instruments in my Fantom. enoch marvin woode said:Roland is cool Other Resources and Reviews |
