The Motif, which is Yamaha's first‑ever synth with a name, not a number (think about it), comes in three varieties. But not only does their new Motif boast a feature‑list as long as a long thing, it's got more than a few ideas that take the workstation concept further, offering an unprecedented level of integration with the computers that so many of us rely upon, as well as forming a bridge between studio and stage that many musicians with a foot in both camps could find very attractive. Yamaha seem to have decided that their approach should be to cram in the features until the workstation practically bulges - and then squash in a few more. Where can manufacturers go in order to give an edge to their top‑line workstations, traditionally a prestige part of any hi‑tech company's catalogue? Onboard sampling (or at least sample RAM) is now de rigeur, workstation effects have reached a good standard of variety, quality and useability, and front‑panel controller knobs are part of the furniture. We're probably not going to see any great strides in synthesis any time soon (famous last words?), so a revolutionary sound engine isn't on the cards, and built‑in sequencers seem to have settled into an accepted groove as regards their facilities. It could be argued that synth workstations are now so established and so refined that there's little to add to the format. In these days of virtual instruments and fully featured software sequencers, why should you even consider spending £2000 on a cumbersome hardware synth workstation? If the workstation is as well thought‑out as Yamaha's new Motif, perhaps you should.

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