The Yamaha EX5 - The Yamaha Motif Prototype

The Yamaha EX5 - The Yamaha Motif Prototype
The Yamaha EX5 is a synthesizer/workstation produced by Yamaha from 1998 to 2000. The EX5 combines several methods of sound generation (see below). The later released EX7 was a cheaper version of the EX5 with fewer keys, polyphony, sounds and functions. The Yamaha EX music synthesizers, along with the early Yamaha S series, were the predecessors of the Motif workstation series.
Features
The Yamaha EX5 (EX stands for Extended Synthesis) uses four different tone generators for generating sounds. These are AWM2 (Advanced Wave Memory), AN (Analog Physical Modeling), FDSP (Formulated Digital Sound Processing) and VL (Virtual Acoustic) synthesis. The fifth sound source is Sample-based synthesis. Sounds can be assembled up to a maximum of 4 tones, each from a different tone generator.
The EX5 has extensive sampling capabilities. Samples can be used in AWM sounds, or assigned to individual keys on the keyboard and saved to floppy disk or an external storage device. The sample memory is 1MB, and this can be expanded to 65MB with volatile SIMM memory. Non-volatile Flash Memory can be installed to allow samples to be retained between power cycles. Flash memory capacity can be either 8MB or 16MB.
EX5 has a built-in 16-track sequencer, and a 4-track arpeggiator with 50 preset patterns.
There was a limited edition released at the end of production, Yamaha EX5S (also known as the "Millennium Edition"). This model came in a silver casing and is only distributed for the Asian market. There were only 500 copies produced.
EX5R
The EX5 also came as a sound module on the market. This model was the EX5R and had all the functions of the EX5, except a keyboard.

[@SteveReaves]

The Yamaha EX 5, The Predecessor to the Yamaha Motif! Do you have one? Do you have a Motif? Leave a comment below!

[@miguelrejas5034]

I bought the EX7. As longas is not my only kbd delivers pretty much what I need.

[@garyhendrie4001]

Still got mine, bought new and to this day looks in showroom condition. A belter of a keyboard, sits well with my korg z1

[@claudionascimentooficial9607]

bom dia...tenho um korg triton pro 76...um dia vou ter um dessse...top

[@miguelrejas5034]

Before the EX series there was the Wseries (W5 & W7) check'em out. 👍

[@SteveReaves]

Yamaha made a LOT of great synths and modules. I found a CP-40 for $1200 that I'm still kicking myself for not jumping on right away. I know it's not a synth in the truest sense, but a lot of the 80's patches are based off it.

[@miguelrejas5034]

Can't believe you compare the EX5 with the cutted inexpensive MX series. Not saying is not good but has nothing to do. I have the EX7 and played EX5. Both along the EXR represented the gather of all the synthesis developed till the moment. After the good receiving pf the SY's flagships, SY77, SY85 and SY99, Ysmaha pushed little further the bounderies achieved: FM + AWM. Now the put 4 sound engines in the EX5 and three inside the EX7. YAMAHA gathered all sucess and push to the limit. The EX5 and EX7 are the predecesors of the Motif and the Motif ES. The BIG difference between a Motif and an EX5 basically the abandoning of sum all synthesis and refocused on a larger memory, more tweaked "new sounds". As instrument the EX are way better than those Motif excepts for larger memory and some more conections. An EX has gotten velocity, aftertouch, more real time controllers, AWM2, FDSP, VL and AN. ALSO, comparing the price tag from the time of release.. will nothice that the EX5's price is almost 25% over The Motif's price for the time. 3 sequencers: 16 parts, 8 tracks for rhymnts and 4 track seq for the arpeggiator. And more features 2 scenes buttons as equal seen on Korg Triton series... many more features. It is calles here in Perú "the Motifs' father.

[@SteveReaves]

The MX Series IS based on the Motif. Thank you for watching.

[@danaowens30]

All motifs. Sounds fantstic

[@danaowens30]

@ Muigel Rajhas The EX5 and EX7 are all RELATED The MO6,MM6,And The MX are all Motif part of the Motif Family I own them all. The MM6 all Motif CLassic sounds the MO6 is the ES set and the MX is the XS and XF sets which were the last. I have the MOX6,MOXF7 and the Montage too which are all Motifs. I have and currently Own the whole Family of the Complete MotIf and Montage family line. To the Montage 8 the Last Motif made

[@miguelrejas5034]

​@@danaowens30Congrats 👍

[@miguelrejas5034]

​​@@danaowens30I find more relation to the EX5.. the AN1x and VL1 coz they share the sound engine. Motif and forward.. are more like performance kbds (Fantom) with "bread & butter" sounds right out from the box. People got tired of diving into menus and sub menus in order to reach and be rewarded with all the potential sounding. Cheers!