Mix Templates

The Mix Templates are customizable tone generator setup “starting points” – useful when you want to access multiple VOICES and processing resources together in a single program. They store the entire MIXING program, all parameters and settings. This includes the sixteen Voices selected for the 16 internal Parts, their Volume, Pan, Reverb Send, Chorus Send, Insert Effect Switch status, 3-band EQ per Part, etc., plus two Audio Inputs (Analog AD Input, Digital FW Input). Among the resources in a single MIXING Program are 8 PARTS each recalling two Insertion Effects, a System Reverberation Chamber (Reverb), a System Time Delay Effect (Chorus), a Master Effect and a 5-band fully parametric Master EQ.

You can customize the assignment of Insertion Effects, you can change and store just about every resource of the sounds you are using. A MIXING program combines the power of 16 Voices – but importantly certain of the resources are now shared. The SYSTEM Effects represent those that work like a mixing console with two Auxiliary Send buses. One feeds a Reverb chamber and the other is usually programmable to a particular Time Delay Effect (Chorus processor). Every PART has a send amount control. These are different from the INSERTION EFFECTS which are technically apart of the Voice itself.

MIXING programs are, for example, where you would make your selection of sounds when creating a SONG or PATTERN. When you are working with the Motif XS/XF in a multi-timbral/multi-MIDI channel capacity, you can access any of 16 PARTS and any of 16 MIDI channels. The two SEQUENCER modes (SONG and PATTERN) are, of course, designed to work for recording MIDI performances. You store all the synthesizer’s tone generator settings in a program called a “MIXING”. One MIXING is associated with each of the 64 SONG locations and 64 PATTERN locations. The Motif XS/XF can be addressed using multiple PARTS and on multiple MIDI channels, simultaneously. Obviously, this is ideal for
working with a MIDI sequencer but is also ideal when you need to access multiple PARTS from a separate external keyboard controllers. And for when you are performing “live” and need quick, seamless transitions with access to several different sounds or complex split/layer combinations that can include all 16 PARTS and all the Effect processing resources.

The MIXING mode is where you can program and store how the tone engine is being used. This includes all the effects, the levels, key mapping, etc. Each of the 16 PARTS has individually programmable parameters that control how the VOICE selected for that PART will be addressed by the keyboard and/or the track transmitting on the associated MIDI channel. You can also allocate your Effect processing resources as you require for your musical performance. In this mode, you have access to the full complement of processing available in the XS/XF.

You access this deeper level of parameter by pressing [EDIT] while the [MIXING] button is lit, then press a numbered [PART SELECT] button [1]-[16].

The Mix Templates are customizable starting points when you want to create a SONG or PATTERN but have very useful applications for those performing “live”. The 32 Mix Templates that come pre-programmed in the Motif XS/XF are simply “placeholders”. You are supposed to rename them and overwrite them with your own favorite default Mixing setups. Your 32 Templates can select VOICES from any PRESET or USER VOICE bank location.

•  Press [EDIT]

There are two different areas of EDIT functions (as in all the main modes): The overall parameters that affect the entire program, called [COMMON EDIT] and then there is the individual PART parameters for each of the 16 Voice Parts. These are accessed while in EDIT via the numbered buttons [1]-[16]. The upper left corner of the screen will always inform you of exactly where you are, “PERF Common”, or “PERF Part 07”, etc.

• Press [COMMON EDIT]

To view and access the parameters that will affect the entire MIX such as the Master Effect, the Master EQ, and the Controller settings. You will also find the AUDIO IN parameters here (for the A/D Part and the FW Return Part)

• Press numbered PART select buttons [1]-[16]

To view and access the parameters that will affect each individual assigned VOICE, in turn. These include parameters for the individual voice. By setting multiple PARTS on the same MIDI channel, you can address them simultaneously with the keyboard. The NOTE LIMIT parameters and VELOCITY LIMIT parameters give you all the flexibility of programming any kind of split, layer or split/layer combination that you can dream up. Each PART has its own MIDI channel setting, EQ, controller assignments, etc. etc.

And you can be as detailed as you like – assigning favorite Voices, effects, panning, etc. As mentioned previously, in a MIXING setup you have access to the full complement of XS/XF resources: 16 Voices, an A/D input, a stereo FireWire audio return, 4 Arpeggiators, 16 3-band PART EQ, 16 powerful Insertion Effects available in 8 pairs, System Reverb, System Time-delay (chorus), Master Effect, 5-band Master EQ, etc. – Because all the resources are recalled when the program is recalled you are free to move about the program seamlessly changing sounds and combinations of sounds as you might require. Need a super-Performance that has 7 Parts (split and layered across the keyboard) that builds to a crescendo chord that is held while you seamlessly switch to the “Sweet Flute” split with a synth bass? … no problem. Use a MIXING setup to store your mega-Program. The MIX TEMPLATES are stored as a part of your instrument’s SYSTEM settings and get backed up when you SAVE an ALL data file (.X0A-for XS; .X3A-forXF). They are written to the synthesizer’s internal FLASH ROM (same as User Voices, Performances).
This is something you need to know because when you load an ALL data file, recognize that it may contain different System settings from your own. This is why the LOAD TYPE option “ALL WITHOUT SYSTEM” exists. It allows you to load the ALL data file without changing your SYSTEM Settings. System Settings include all your UTILITY mode settings and your MIX TEMPLATES.

Therefore, when you don’t want to change your current System settings, use the ALL WITHOUT SYSTEM load type, then once the data load in immediately OVERWRITE the file. This will update that file with your preferences.
The MIX TEMPLATES are found:

• Press [MIXING] from either SONG mode or PATTERN mode
• Press [JOB]
• Press [F5] TEMPLATE

You can store the current Mix (called “PUT”).
Press [SF5] PUT
You are putting the current Mix into Flash ROM

– – or – –
You can recall a Template to the current Mix (called “GET”).
Press [SF4] GET
You are getting the Mix Template and restoring it to the current Song or Pattern Mixing location.

And the cool thing is they are in internal FLASH ROM and remain between power cycles (they cannot store user samples, however. Unless you have an XF expanded with optional FL boards). And Mix Templates can be recalled to either SONG mode or PATTERN mode – it does not matter. You can store 32 of these MIX TEMPLATES in memory for recall at any time.

Phil Clendeninn
Technical Sales Specialist
Pro Audio & Combo Division
©Yamaha Corporation of America