I just recently got the Motif XS Editor VST working in a VST2 host via a VST3 wrapper, so I was curious what might be the problem here and decided to look into it. Unlike the last time I took a look at Reaper, VST3 is now in fact supported there. After giving it a try myself, it does seem to work as long as one particular step taken, similar to when running in a VST2 host. If you wish to skip the detailed tutorial, this particular step is shown in the attached images. Barring some surprising change in the way that the XF Editor VST functions, things should be identical there as well as in the MOXF Editor VST.

Disclaimer: I'm not at all familiar with Reaper, so my test was carried out using default settings and I can't say whether there might be some configuration issues that could get in the way if things aren't in a default state.

1. First, I created a new project. From the Track menu, I choose "Insert virtual instrument on new track..."
2. From the window that pops up, select the appropriate VST (XF, XS, or MOXF).
3. Reaper will suggest adding tracks for all of the Motif's digital outputs. If you are using an XS/XF with an mLAN/FireWire connection, or if you have a MOXF (which uses USB for both MIDI and audio), you may want to accept this suggestion. Otherwise, you won't actually be able to use those digital outputs and so you should decline.

   Note: I'm presently testing on a computer without FireWire ports, so I can't test whether these digital inputs actually work as expected within Reaper.

   [list=4]

4. Within the VST, under the File menu select "Setup..."
5. At the top left under "Data Port", select the connection matching the cable you've used to connect your Motif to your computer.
6. If you are using USB, the "Detail" option will most likely be "Off" and you will see the message "Ports have not been properly set." Change the "Detail" option to "On".
7. If using USB, with "Detail" now set to "On", more options will become available. For "Port 4" select "Motif XF-4" (or XS, or MOXF) in both boxes.

   Note: Under "Port 1 / MIDI Out", the only option available will be "Not Assigned". This is due to some difference between Cubase's VST3 implementation and other DAWs (at least both Reaper and Studio One). From what I have found, the other DAWs claim to be in compliance with the VST3 standard, while Yamaha/Steinberg support will say the problem is with those other DAWs. In any case, at present, Port 1 MIDI output is not available when using one of these VSTs with Reaper. Thankfully this is not at all a showstopper; I'll describe the workaround in a bit.

   Please be careful: these Editor VSTs are capable of completely rewriting the User data in your Motif/MOXF. Make a backup of your data, and then be sure that you have the synchronization set in the direction you actually want (either Motif -> PC or PC -> Motif). You should generally only use "PC -> Motif" synchronization if you are loading a previously saved Editor file.

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8. With Port 4 assigned, the VST should now be able to establish a connection with your Yamaha hardware. Configure the rest of the synchronization settings as you desire, then click "OK".
9. If you set "Auto Start" to off, you will now manually start the connection. Click the "OFFLINE" button, review the settings, then click Start. After some time for data transfer, the connection should be established!
10. As mentioned earlier, Port 1 MIDI output through the VST is non-functional in Reaper. Port 4 is used for all data and parameter manipulation in the Editor window, while Port 1 is used for note data. So, instead, you will have to create a separate track to send note messages to the Motif.
11. Outside the VST in Reaper, select Options menu and choose "Preferences..."
12. Under MIDI Devices, in the MIDI Outputs section, ensure that port 1 is enabled (called something like "Yamaha MOTIF XF-1"). Click Apply and close the window.
13. Select the Track menu and choose "Insert new track"
14. In the mixer section at the bottom of the project window, click the "Route" button on your newly created track
15. Set the MIDI Hardware Output to your Motif.

    And that does it. You should now be able to use the VST Editor to make changes to the Mix (Song or Pattern) or Voice on the Motif. MIDI note data should be sent from separate MIDI tracks such as you created above.

    I hope this helps!

    Attached files

    

     

Hello Lex!

Thanks you SOOO MUCH for this great workaround!!! Finally I could sync my Motif in Reaper and it works, almost!

The Motif plays all the stuff I put in the latest created track described in step 13 and I can hear it in the line outs of the Motif but not in Reaper itself (no signal).
That's not such a big problem - I simply connect the Motif Line Out with my Audio interface but if there is just missing a simple routing-setup to make
this final step accomplish this would be awesome!

But however! The main stuff works and that's a blast! THANKS AGAIN!!!!

Excellent! Very glad to hear it.

The Motif plays all the stuff I put in the latest created track described in step 13 and I can hear it in the line outs of the Motif but not in Reaper itself (no signal).
That's not such a big problem - I simply connect the Motif Line Out with my Audio interface but if there is just missing a simple routing-setup to make
this final step accomplish this would be awesome!

If you're connecting a Motif XS/XF to your computer via USB, then what you've described is the only way to go.

On the other hand if you use Firewire instead of USB (or if using a MOXF with USB -- just keeping this general in case anyone else arrives via search) then you can get the audio digitally that way and it should be routed through the VST (though this is dependent on how well Reaper works with the Editor VST, and I haven't tested this yet). If it doesn't route through the VST, it's not a big deal because the audio can be routed in digitally on a separate track similar to the "separate track workaround" regarding MIDI Port 1.

Note that using the Motif in this way means setting it as your audio interface in Reaper, which may cause issues for you depending on how you're using your existing interface. The biggest advantage here IMO is being able to route separate Mix Parts on individual digital audio channels coming out of your Motif. You can even route individual drums on different audio channels, coming out of a kit occupying a single Part!

Since you have a Motif XF8, unlike the XF6 or XF7, you do have Firewire ports built into your Motif. This is a great advantage, as the FW expansion boards for Motifs XS/XF 6/7 are becoming hard to come by. You will still need to purchase a Firewire interface for your PC unless by some chance you already have Firewire ports there; personally I have been using this one (the Syba SY-PEX30016) which seems to be not as readily available as it once was. There are probably others on the market that work just as well, in fact on that page Amazon recommends some for half the price, but I haven't looked into any of it since buying mine years ago.

Thanks for your second reply!
I do now understand the advantage of connecting the keyboard via firewire so I will keep this in mind. I have no firewire interface at my PC, though. Maybe one day I will
upgrade my system.
For now I am just happy I can program, play the keyboard and save the changes right within my Reaper-projects so thank you so much again not just for answering but also for the
well done step-by-step workaround. I couldn't find anything useful in the internet so I found I will not get this stuff up and running and what a surprise now!!! 😉

Greetings!

Hello, I'm happy to find this thread. I am a motif xs owner who is trying to get motif vsti within Reaper... I have followed all the instructions above however have not had any success and would appreciate input from anybody who's been able to make this work. Much appreciated!