Motif xs8 or Korg M3-88 with Radias

[ELECTRICFL]

Simple as that I want to know what you guys think would be the best option for someone looking for a versatile 88 key workstation.

[Tweak]

I am on the fence between them both myself. I really want both! The Yamaha for its giant rom and sample ram expansion, arpeggiation that changes with the bass note, as well as its function as a song idea generator. The M3 for that Karma II. I've done a fair amount of research on both, so if you have questions, fire away.

With this stuff there is no universal right answer; depends on what you are doing and what else you have, the way you like to work, etc., etc., etc.

[ELECTRICFL]

Well I had been sold on the Motif XS8 for a while and was thinking it would be the best value for me out of the two. I've listened to demos of both online, and played the motif XS8 at the store. I do however still have to try the motif for myself. As far acoustic instrument emulation the motif seems to have a better sound to me than the M3. The M3s sound seems to be a little thin sounding on piano, guitar, and drum patches in comparison to the motif. When it comes to analog emulation, and digital synth engines the M3 appears to have the edge over the Motif, but the Radias still sounds a bit thin to me at times in comparison to analog intruments, and software analog emulations.
The arpegiator in the Motif seems like an ease to use tool that I would use quite often, and Im sure the same would go for KARMA, but I cant say confidently that I completly underestand what KARMA does yet. So if someone could enlighten me on KARMA that would be helpful .
The sampling ram in the Motif blows away that of the M3, and appears to be easier to use. The rom on the motif is also larger than the M3.
The build of the Motif also seems more solid than that of the M3 with the Motif having a better keyboard action to me.
So these are the major things I am considering thus far any help narrowing things down would be appreciated.

[Tweak]

Those are all good points you brought up. I think you are really seeing the issues. Regarding Karma vs Motif Arpeggiator, I look at it like this:

In the Motif, they created all those thousands of arpeggios and a team wrote them into the machine. They are 'pre-written".

The Karma may have presets, but they are the starting point. You play with the faders and you are actually writing new math for the generators. So instead of hunting through presets to find one that "fits", you explore and alter the "karmic relationships" among the functions. Things can be altered over time.

While both ways are going to deliver interesting strings of notes, with the Karma II there is a sense of creating something new. On the contrary, there are times when you just want a simple arpeggio!

Now if i could have a Motif with a Karma II and an 8.5" Fantom G screen I'd be thrilled.

[Swami Digital]

Now if i could have a Motif with a Karma II and an 8.5" Fantom G screen I'd be thrilled.

Now that would be something!

[ELECTRICFL]

What about a motif xs with a m3 module? I like the key action on the motif way more anyway, and this way I could have the benefits of karma, and a better module for electronic sounds (A weakness of the motif to me). I've seen the M3 module for sale for 1,500 by wholesalers making it a great addition to an XS in my eyes. What do you guys think?

[Tweak]

The Motif XS can be used with a module without a computer (using the Motif's sequencer). Of course with a computer sequencers you can add as many keyboards and modules as you want. I did break down and got a Motif XS. I'll review it this weekend. So far, its great.

[ELECTRICFL]

Good to know that you came to the same conclusion as me tweak. I'll look for that review when you put it up, and see how you feel in retrospect.

[ELECTRICFL]

Nice review. You are making me sad I dont have one yet .