I have all my VST's and everything working with my MOTIF XS8

? What VSTs? Do you have the Motif XS setup as a VSTi as well?

I just can't figure out how to get the MOTIF Sequencer to record on Cubase's tracks 2-9

From this sentence are we to conclude you have a sequence recorded in the Motif XS and you wish to transfer it to Cubase? If yes, did you know that Cubase can IMPORT MOTIF XS SONGS directly.

You can record it over in real time (old, long way)
Or you can just have Cubase Import you work from an ALL data file using the "Import > Motif XS Song" function.

https://yamahasynth.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=415:motif-xs-song-import&Itemid=102

No matter what I try it only records everything to track one.

A little known fact that you can win many bar bets with... It only takes one MIDI track to record 16 channels of data. You make more work for yourself if you do it any other way.

The trick: Set the one track to MIDI CH = ANY
Thia way the channel the data is routed out on can be received and echoed back on that same channel.

The ONLY REASON to separate MIDI data on to separate Tracks is so that it is easier to look at... Once you've setup and synchronized the Motif XS to Cubase as master clock, record all data to one MIDI track set CH = ANY... upon completion use the MIDI function called DISSOLVE PART to divide the data onto separate tracks by MIDI channel.

I need to setup Cubase to record 8 VST plugins and the Mic Input to separate tracks in cubase.

Sorry we don't know what 8 plugins or what they require, unless one of them is a Motif XS... The Mic should be routed to the Left A/D input on the back panel. You can learn all about routing and recording it here:

https://yamahasynth.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=321:setting-up-a-microphone-motif-xs&Itemid=102

When I record everything goes to midi track one and audio track one!

Ok again we are not clear on exactly what you want to do. It only takes one MIDI Track to record 16 MIDI channels, we've given you the trick... Set the CH = ANY for that one track.

Audio is different. You have not mentioned any audio interface so it is handled by that... What is your audio interface?

I have searched for the answer for days with no luck! I am really frustrated!

No doubt. You cannot guess here, there are a few things you have to do, and then it will be smooth sailing. I do not recommend any of the Templates until you are clear they are exactly what you need. They make assignments that can very much work against you. Trust me on this, it is better to learn how it works, then make your own Template customized for your workflow.

Anyone with any ideas how this is setup? please help......:(

Unfortunately, we cannot give you a definitive answer without more information from you. But we promise, we'll get you up and running if you take your time and explain what it is we are helping you do.

Information we need:
What is your Audio Interface? The Motif XS8 has a built-in audio interface, but you do not mention if you are using it.
The XS8 came with a FireWire audio and MIDI interface built-in. Or are you using an external audio interface.

If you are not using FW, then how are you connected to your computer? USB? USB is MIDI only.

What computer are you using?
What Operating System?
What driver have you installed?
Did you install the Motif XS Extensions?

Are recording to Cubase or are you transferring a file from the XS to Cubase?

Let us know.

Thank you so very much for the reply and information Bad Mister!

Let me try and explain what I'm doing. I am Sorry for the poor opening explanation before.

The computer I use (just for my MOTIF) is a Sabertooth-58 i7 960 with 48 gigs of ram, running windows 7, 64bit SP1.

I am using the MOTIF's built in audio interface via FW with the Yamaha Steinberg V 1.6.6 driver

The DAW's that I'm using on that computer are: Cubase 5.1 with the Extensions V151 64 bit and Protools 12 HD

The VST's that I currently use are the: MOTIF VSTi, Absynth 5, Battery 3, Kontakt 4, Massive, BFD3, Geist, Nexus2,

Omnisphere2, Stylus RMX, Trilian and a few more. I also use the Stand Alone MOTIF VSTI.

What I would like to do, is use the motif sequencer to play the those different VST's and record them in cubase. Like in song mode, setup the drums, bass and 2 synths with the Arpeggios and then record those to cubase. and capture the audio from the VST
How can I have a midi track 1, 2 ,3, 4 on cubase record the MOTIF Arpeggio midi mix from Track 1, 2,3,4 on the motif while it also records the audio

Basically record the midi data and vst audio data from the arpeggio. I hope I was clearer

What I would like to do, is use the motif sequencer to play the those different VST's and record them in cubase. Like in song mode, setup the drums, bass and 2 synths with the Arpeggios and then record those to cubase. and capture the audio from the VST
How can I have a midi track 1, 2 ,3, 4 on cubase record the MOTIF Arpeggio midi mix from Track 1, 2,3,4 on the motif while it also records the audio

Basically record the midi data and vst audio data from the arpeggio. I hope I was clearer

Yes, a whole lot better. But still very fuzzy on the details of exactly what you have. First you say you would like "the motif sequencer to play the different VST's" and later you mention "drums, bass and 2 synths with the Arpeggios" - that's what we don't get.

Is there any data recorded in the Motif XS sequencer?
Or are you triggering the Arpeggiators?

Once arpeggio data is recorded to a track, it is no longer considered an Arpeggio... It then becomes MIDI events documented to a track.
It is more than semantics. The routing of data when recording is critical. To your DAW, they are just MIDI events, it does not care if it is you playing the keyboard or if it is the arpeggiator triggering the tone engine.

Picture this for a minute: you play a C minor 7 chord on the Motif XS keyboard, you play and hold it for two complete measures. What is generated by the Arpeggiator is two measures of staccato notes playing a killer guitar picking sound.

What your computer sees is a C minor 7 chord held for two measures and a slew of notes from the arpeggio phrase. You have to manage these separately, the computer can't know "who's playing" - is it you or is it the arpeggiator? It can't know - it just sees two conflicting messages. What does it do when it sees the same note middle C3 as both a tied whole note and a staccato 8th note on the very first beat? It records chaos- unless you sort out the data for it!

So recording arpeggio data is a bit more complex, when routing it OUT to a computer. The Motif XS "knows" which notes are the "trigger notes" and which ones come from the arpeggiator's phrase (it has the keyboard) - and it is able to keep them sorted. I'm afraid, as is always the case, you will need to think for the computer. You need to record the appropriate output data and route it to the appropriate destination.

That said, we must also mention VSTs generate audio which remains "virtual" until you render it as an actual recorded wave in a separate operation... Using EXPORT > AUDIO MIXDOWN.

Ultimately, you want to move the Motif XS MIDI data to Cubase Midi Tracks or Instrument Tracks (depending on the VST). But in order for VST audio routing to take place the MIDI data must originate on tracks within Cubase.

So again, we ask... Is the data, the MIDI data already recorded to tracks of the Motif XS sequencer in SONG mode. Or are you simply talking about using the XS arpeggiators to trigger your computer-based VSTi's live?

It makes all the difference to the answer, thanks.

If the data is already in the XS Song - use the file transfer to put the MIDI data in Cubase.

The MIDI Data is is already recorded on the the first 4 tracks of the MOTIF, how do I get them to replicate on the 4 tracks of CUBASE?in the midi and then in the audio

Thanks A Ton!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Use the "Import Motif XS Song" to move the data into a Cubase Project.

https://yamahasynth.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=415:motif-xs-song-import&Itemid=102

One you have the four track in Cubase you can assign them to the various VSTi.
When you have them sounding as you desire

Set markers to enclose the Start and End measure.
Go to FILE -> EXPORT > Audio Mixdown

Setup the dialog box that appears, and execute the mixdown.

Sorry Bad Mister I actually passed out last night when reading and replying to this 🙁 and had to re-read this all just now :)! I must say you are a genius! Thank you again for taking the time out to help me!!!!. the Motif XS SONG Import and Setting up a Microphone Motif XS was perfect and exactly answered part of what I needed!

let me try explaining this differently. I am so bad at explaining stuff sometimes sorry :(... So basically, I want to do a live recording with nothing stored in the sequencer at first. I would like the sequencer to record the VST drums and VST synths and be able to save the midi data and audio data to cubase on the fly. I feel it will be easier to export that into protools for the vocals and the effects. You are so right about the chaos! It records all gibberish all 8 tracks play the same thing at once!

The ONLY REASON to separate MIDI data on to separate Tracks is so that it is easier to look at... Once you've setup and synchronized the Motif XS to Cubase as master clock, record all data to one MIDI track set CH = ANY... upon completion use the MIDI function called DISSOLVE PART to divide the data onto separate tracks by MIDI channel.

How do I setup Cubase to be the master clock?

So again, we ask... Is the data, the MIDI data already recorded to tracks of the Motif XS sequencer in SONG mode. Or are you simply talking about using the XS arpeggiators to trigger your computer-based VSTi's live?

Nothing is recorded yet I want to do a live session and be able to record the vst's to different tracks.

When I record everything goes to midi track one and audio track one!

Ok again we are not clear on exactly what you want to do. It only takes one MIDI Track to record 16 MIDI channels, we've given you the trick... Set the CH = ANY for that one track.

That is a great Trick Thank You!!!

The Motif MLAN has 16 inputs and outputs? so that would be 8 stereo channels if I'm correct. if so is there a way to route the vst's so when I play them live i can record the audio on cubase like an 8 track Dat recorder?

How do I setup Cubase to be the master clock?

Go to TRANSPORT > PROJECT SYNCHRONIZATION SETUP... > MIDI CLOCK OUT > Motif XF Main

In the Motif XF
Press [UTILITY]
Press [F5] CONTROL
Press [SF2] MIDI
Sey MIDI SYNC = auto

Nothing is recorded yet I want to do a live session and be able to record the vst's to different tracks.

We are sure you know the difference between MIDI and Audio, yet each time you write down what you want to do, it is not clear that you know what is doing what. If "nothing is recorded yet", then what you want to do is trigger the VST with MIDI data that is generated by the Motif XF arpeggiators. So the first step is revered the arpeggio data as MIDI data and assign it to sound from the VSTi...

Then in a separate operation you need to EXPORT the data as an AUDIO MIXDOWN. VST instruments are virtual, this means the audio you hear is them responding to MIDI data. When you are ready to render them as audio you must use Export > Audio MIXDOWN, this is the process of creating actual audio waveforms.

Midi recording is first
Exporting Audio is next.

The Motif MLAN has 16 inputs and outputs? so that would be 8 stereo channels if I'm correct. if so is there a way to route the vst's so when I play them live i can record the audio on cubase like an 8 track Dat recorder?

No, the 16 FireWire Outputs from the XF are for the XF, not you VST. We don't know the VST you are using but they don't have 16 FW outputs, and so far you are not using the XF sequencer, you are not using the XF synthesizer, do you are not going to need to use the 16 FW OUTPUTS.

Your VST have probably stereo outputs that route from one place on the computer to another.
Onlt the XF and the XF's AD input can use the XF's FW OUTPUTS.

Thanks for putting up with me and my jabber 🙂 Setting the master clock was the last step.

I have had my MOTIF for over 7 years, It's only in the last month or so, I started dabbling with VST's and trying to make my motif a midi controller because I love the ARP it has.

But thanks to you I have a much clearer insight how the programming works.

The main problem I had was midi data feedback and I solved that problem by turning the output routing off on all the Midi channels and now it works perfectly!

So I can Now Break into My Happy Dance!

I know I was never clear in what I was saying but you somehow knew what to say!! Thank You So Much Bad Mister!!! You are Outstanding!!!!