Always the error: " Firmware Version Error "
Is it the Motif XS6?! Should I run the Firmware updater V160 for my XS6 synth?

The only thing with firmware here is your hardware Motif XS, yes... Update it. It will need to bring your Motif XS up-to-date. You will also want to download the supplemental manuals because depending on how long it's been since you updated your firmware, you will have many new features and functions. Yamaha added several improvements (in fact, if and when possible, engineering gave XS owners many of the new features found in the XF... WHEREVER POSSIBLE. Free. Seems we can't give away new stuff sometimes
🙂

What version is your firmware now?

In general, an error message is never vague, it is always specific. Yes, please up date your Firmware. The fact that it is not working is worrisome to you, not to me at this point, because if it was not working without a specific error message then you would have a problem. But it has clearly identified exactly what you need to do.

installed USB-MIDI Driver version 3.1.2.3, Motif XS Extensions V1.5.1, XS Editor 1.4.0 and the Studio Manager V2.3.1. It's not working. Studio Manager cannot see the SX Editor. Then,
Motif XS Extensions V1.5.1, XS Editor Standalone V1.6.4, and the Studio Manager V2.3.1. It's not working in standalone. Then,
Motif XS Extensions V1.6.1, XS Editor V1.6.4 and the Studio Manager V2.3.1. Not working either in Standalone.

Because you are running old software (Cubase5) you will need to be aware that certain newly developed features may not be able to run. Please read the version history and notes for each component.

We cannot help you unless you answer our question... Do you, in your mind, need to be using the Studio Manager? Are you using another Yamaha product , like a 01v96i or 02R96, etc that require it. If not - abandon the Studio Manager.

Again:
You need the USB-MIDI driver v 3.1.3 (as drivers update, typically new products are added, rarely does it change for an already supported device. Please stay up-to-date with the driver).

You need the Motif XS Extension v 1.6.1... (The software extension typically new versions of CUBASE are added. Please stay up-to-date with this software).

You need the Motif XS Editor v1.4.0 if, and ONLY IF you require to use the Studio Manager (as of yet you have given us no reason WHY you feel you need to use the Studio Manager)

OTHERWISE: You will need the Motif XS Editor Standalone/VST V1.6.4 (Studio Manager no longer necessary)

Please let us know what YOU want to do. Do you still require Studio Manager? Thanks.

Great, I hope this will end my nightmare. My firmware version is in the picture attached.

Where is the best place I can find these manuals? Or, is there a Video you can recommend online for the Firmware update process? I don't want to mess up anything by doing the Firmware update.

Besides, how can I backup the sounds that are actually in my synth right now? I want to keep all of them.

Again, the reason I want to use the Studio Manager is because I want the SX Editor to control the Motif XS6 Live. According to the XS6's Manual, this is the only way in which I can do it but could never connect the Editor with the XS6 because of this " Firmware Version Error " In the Editor I will be looking and editing sounds while playing the accompaniment part of my fiddle so I don't have to switch windows to Cubase's Controls, Attack, Delay, Cutoff etc. to modify them. I want to compare different sounds, parameters etc while playing the accompaniment. Can I achieve this with the Standalone version? You have to tell me, for till now, even the Standalone versions didn't work. No, I'm not using any 01v96i or 02R96. Later I might add another Motif Rack though.

For the Firmware update, please feel free to guide me

Great, I hope this will end my nightmare. My firmware version is in the picture attached.

Yikes! You will have a brand new Motif XS when you bring your XS forward in time from 2007 to 2013 - six years of improvements and new features. I'm excited for you, as it will be like getting a brand new synthesizer.
New AUDIO RECORD/PLAYBACK to USB " To Device" feature
New Sample function screens and features including the new VOICE CONVERT function for Integrated Sampling
New Song view screen
New function to customize screen icons and colors
USB ASCII keyboard capability for naming
New IEEE1394 Auto Load feature (allowing use with Yamaha Steinberg FireWire driver)
New Quick Setup Templates
New Networking features
Seamless movement between SONG/PATTERN PARTS (no sonic interruption in audio when changing via TRACK button [1]-[16]
Ability to edit DRUM Kits while in SONG/PATTERN mode
TAP Tempo function
etc., etc., etc.

Where is the best place I can find these manuals?

http://download.yamaha.com
or
Google: Yamaha Manual Library

Or, is there a Video you can recommend online for the Firmware update process?

Video not necessary. Instructions included. All you need is a USB stick you use with your Motif XS. Download and transfer the file (*.PGM) to the root directory of your USB stick. Hold the secret buttons and power up.

I don't want to mess up anything by doing the Firmware update.

if you are really nervous call customer support, they will talk you through the process. You really cannot mess anything up, unless yu power down during the couple of minutes it takes to update.

Besides, how can I backup the sounds that are actually in my synth right now? I want to keep all of them.

Backup to a USB stick.
press [FILE]
Set TYPE = all
press [SF1] SAVE
Give the file a unique Name
press [ENTER] to execute

Again, the reason I want to use the Studio Manager is because I want the SX Editor to control the Motif XS6 Live. According to the XS6's Manual, this is the only way in which I can do it but could never connect the Editor with the XS6 because of this " Firmware Version Error " In the Editor I will be looking and editing sounds while playing the accompaniment part of my fiddle so I don't have to switch windows to Cubase's Controls, Attack, Delay, Cutoff etc. to modify them. I want to compare different sounds, parameters etc while playing the accompaniment. Can I achieve this with the Standalone version? You have to tell me, for till now, even the Standalone versions didn't work. No, I'm not using any 01v96i or 02R96. Later I might add another Motif Rack though.

Not reason enough to remain in the past. And it is NOT the only way to control th XS live... (?) not sure what you are referring to here.

I'm going to recommend you forget completely about Studio Manager, and just get the latest version of the Motif XS STANDALONE/VST Editor version 1.6.4
I will double check for you - my only concern is that Cubase 5 is very old now... And I've not tried running the new version on Cubase series 5 (I only have tested back to series 6)... I'll post what I find out....

About the firmware UPDATE:
read the included instructions twice:
the first time read through them so you know what to expect.
Read the second time as you do it.

Wow, so many new features! The new version will also have new sounds?

How can I "Hold the secret buttons and power up"?

How can I " press [SF1] SAVE
Give the file a unique Name
press [ENTER] to execute " ? When I press [SF1] button, nothing happens. Which button(s) should I press?

How can I give the file a unique Name?

Let me try after on my Cubase 5 32bit, otherwise, I'll have to download a Trial newer Cubase from Steinberg

I could SAVE the file. XS6 didn't recognize the previous Thumb driver for it did have a name.

The previous pen drive did not have a name. Is it normal that ALL files in the XS6 to fit into a .XOA file of 1.7 MB only?

How can I "Hold the secret buttons and power up"?

Please go to the website ( http://download.yamaha.com) download the firmware update, read the instructions, please.

If truly you do not know how to Save and give a File a Name you should call into Customer Support. Where are you located? USA?

I think the problem is solved, FINALLY. The Standalone Editor responds to my Voice and Parameter changes rather than the Editor in Cubase. I have to learn how to use all this efficiently.

It works, FINALLY! I can change Voices and Parameters from the Standalone Editor and from the one inside. I have to see which one will sync faster.

It works, FINALLY! I can use both the Standalone XS Editor and the one within Cubase. I have to see now how is it easier to work

Sorry, I didn't see the expandable Repy button

It took me a long time to find the sounds I can use. The new version has new sounds? If yes, I'll have to start all over to discover more sounds

Ion wrote:

It took me a long time to find the sounds I can use. The new version has new sounds? If yes, I'll have to start all over to discover more sounds

There are no new sounds (?) Sorry, I listed most if what was new. You really need to read through the documentation. Did you find the documents that describe the versions?

I consulted only the Manual of XS6 OS Updater V1.60. I did a Initial Factory Setting. I started playing sounds from the new version. Some of them I had selected I couldn't find in the new version. I did another Initial Factory Setting and now again I'm getting a "Time Out Error" and I synchronize. Have I made a mistake? Perhaps I should have just loaded the .XOA file I made before I updated the firmware

Problem solved. I just had to reset the MIDI In/Out in the XS6 to USB. Well, do you think that I load the .XOA file I can retrieve those sounds. Will they be added to the ones in the new firmware version?