Specifications

This episode is about a special aspect of the MOTIF‘s Voices. We will

discuss the function of Expanded Articulation and the Mega Voice

technology.

wHAT IS „EXpANDED

ARTICuLATION“?

„Expanded Articulation“ is a sound generation system especially

designed for the MOTIF synthesizers which allows greater flexibility

and realism. It simulates playing techniques that are often used on

acoustic instruments, but were difficult to implement in electronic

keyboards - up till now.

So far, the „Expanded Articulation“ feature is available in the following

Yamaha synths:

• MOTIF XF

• MOTIF-RACK XS

• S90 XS

• MOX6 / MOX8

With the Expanded Articulation Mode („XA Mode“), the specific

playing styles of instruments are imitated. In particular a realistic

legato playing by switching the Waveforms, an authentic release with

Key-Off samples and switching between different sounds with the

assignable switches. Wave Cycle and Wave-Random functions exist,

too. The operation of the XA Mode is similar to the „Super Articu-

lation Mode“ of the Tyros II. The XA mode could be realised when

Yamaha decided to double the number of Voice Elements used in the

synthesizers from four to eight. Another condition is the implementati-

on of Waveforms that are specialised for the XA Mode technique (e.g.

Key-Off Samples).

In the following all functions of the „XA Control“ will be successively

discussed and explained by Voice examples. Only the Elements which

are not set to „normal“ and thus take advantage of the „XA Control“

are described.

pART 7: EXpANDED ARTICuLATION

AND MEGA vOICES

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