Motas-6 is now available from Schneidersladen GmbH
The Motas-6 synthesizer is now in stock with the great guys at Schneidersladen GmbH
Motas-6 firmware xx011F adds new LFO 'hold' option on all LFOs
- Added new 'hold' option to all LFOs - LFO instantaneous value is latched when a note is pressed (the internal LFO waveform still updates in the background).
- Added new portamento legato-hold and quantise feature.
- New arpeggiator mode plays current sequence or pattern with note value allowing transpose.
- New 'fixed' parameter map option to allow easy control of common parameters via e.g. MIDI DAW.
Please read the updated user guide v1.34 and and firmware release notes for full details about the enhancements in this latest firmware. Get these now from the downloads page.
Motas Electronics at SynthFest 2023 - Sheffield, UK
A busy day out in Sheffield, thanks to all the folks who stopped by have to play with Motas-6. Thanks also to Sound On Sound magazine for organising another great event!
Motas-6 firmware xx011D released.
- Fixed incorrect assignment of CV signals to M1..M4 modulators (only CV input 1 was available input to M1, only CV input 2 was available to M2 ...)
- Fixed incorrect offset on bipolar note modulation (was effectively acting like unipolar).
Get this firmware now for your Motas-6 from the downloads page.
Motas Electronics at SynthFest 2022 - Sheffield, UK
A very busy day in Sheffield, thanks to all the synth enthusiasts who stopped by the stand to play with Motas-6. Thanks also to Sound On Sound magazine for hosting a great event.
MotasEdit - v1.0.12 adds routing matrix
- added new flexible data routing matrix allows fine control of routing of MIDI/DAW data through MotasEdit
- updated UI for new LFOx and LFO clk sync feature (for firmware 0602011C)
- added new options for advanced modulation algorithms (for firmware 0602011B)
Standalone, VST and AU versions available for Windows, macOS and Linux. Get this free software for use with your Motas-6 from the downloads page.
Motas-6 firmware xx011C adds LFO tempo sync option to all 37 LFOs!
- LFO tempo sync feature added to all local LFOs (previously was only possible on global LFOs).
- extended screensaver time to ~2 minutes and now all LEDs off too.
- UI improvement - removed copy of parameters to new page when exit copy page if previously done a reset/randomise operation.
Please read the updated user guide v1.33 and How To... guide v1.03 and firmware release notes for full details about the enhancements in this latest firmware. Get these now from the downloads page.
Motas-6 firmware xx011B adds new Advanced Modulation boolean functions and 3 new knob control modes.
- 5 new 'binary boolean' Advanced Modulation functions added: LESS, GREATER, AND, OR and XOR.
- Knob control modes added: JUMP, SNAP and SCALED. SCALED allows single-turn full-range offset control whatever a loaded patch parameter values are set to.
Please read the updated user guide v1.32 and How To... guide v1.02 and firmware release notes for full details about the enhancements in this latest firmware. Get these now from the downloads page.
Updated User Guide v1.31, How To ... Guide v1.01 and MotasEdit software to support the latest Motas-6 firmware.
- Motas-6 firmware vxx011A adds the powerful new Advanced Modulation feature. MotasEdit software has been updated to support editing from your PC/Mac.
- A new signal flow diagram has been added to the latest User Guide v1.31 to more clearly show the signal flow within the Motas-6 synthesizer.
- User guides have been updated to explain the new features of Motas-6 firmware vxx011A.
Get these now from the downloads page.
Motas-6 firmware xx011A adds new Advanced Modulation feature.
- Powerful new Advanced Modulation feature unlocks extreme and complex modulation configurations with 16 slots and dual sources for each slot. Wide choice of functions and destinations to any parameter allows incredible modulation possibilities.
- Added CV/gate display of processed values as well as raw input CV values to more easily see CV/gate response to external signals.
- Added new EG trigger sources from advanced modulation.
Please read the updated user guide v1.31 and firmware release notes for full details about the enhancements in this latest firmware. Get these now from the downloads page.
Motas-6 firmware xx0119 adds new 'randomise towards patch' feature.
- New 'randomise' towards patch in previous fast-access slot. This allows randomising patch parameters 'away' and then 'back' effects.
- Improved high-pass filter calibration algorithm.
Please read the updated user guide v1.29 and firmware release notes for full details about the enhancements in this latest firmware. Get these now from the downloads page.
New Motas-6 How To... guide v1.00
New first version of "How To..." guide released v1.00. Get this now from the downloads page.
The Motas-6 synthesizer is a very powerful and complex instrument and so it takes time to fully appreciate and un- derstand all the capabilities and possibilities.
It is hoped that this guide, in conjunction with the main User Guide, makes this process a little faster and easier, as well as perhaps revealing some capabilities or techniques that you weren’t aware of.
Motas-6 firmware xx0118 adds 8 independent EG trigger sources.
- Added 8 new independent EG trigger sources.
- Added new trigger mode for EGs (in addition to gated).
- Added new 'leap' mode to arpeggiator which adds option to play each note in the chord over octave(s) before moving to next note.
Please read the updated user guide v1.28 and firmware release notes for full details about the enhancements in this latest firmware. Get these now from the downloads page.
MotasEdit - Updated software version 1.09
- Added editing of parameter/CC mapping destinations
- Added support for new VCO2/3 infra- and ultra-sonic modes (since Motas-6 firmware v0116)
- Added MIDI channel choice operation (previously was fixed at NRPNs sent on ch1, SysEx on ch2)
- And more ...
Standalone, VST and AU versions available for Windows, macOS and Linux. Get this free software for use with your Motas-6 from the downloads page.
Motas-6 firmware xx0116 adds multi-Motas polychaining.
- Polychain for playing multiple Motas-6 units together, with intelligent MIDI-merge
- New infra- and ultra-sonic VCO modes
- Extra parameter mapping destinations
- And more...!
Please read the updated user guide v1.27 and firmware release notes for full details about the enhancements in this latest firmware. Get these now from the downloads page.
Sound On Sound Magazine - full review of Motas-6
The excellent review of the Motas-6 synthesizer in Sound On Sound magazine (April 2020 edition) is now available to read in full for free. Here is the review article.
Conclusions from SOS review:
'Don't dismiss the Motas‑6 as yet-another-monosynth, it's not. This is an analogue monosynth powerhouse with some impressive depth and complexity. Analogue vector synthesis and phase modulation? Yes, please!'
- 'Rich and flexible analogue sound.'
- 'Analogue phase modulation sounds wonderful.'
- 'Staggering amount of modulation sources, yet it does away with the need for a modulation matrix.'
- 'Vector morphing is brilliant. Preset sequencing is equally fun.'
- 'Excellent build quality.'
Note that since firmware v010E most modulation sources can now be set to bipolar or unipolar operation (this wasn't the case in the older firmware revision used for the SOS review)!
Motas-6 firmware xx0115 allows MIDI CC and rotary knob control of any patch parameter via a 24-slot mapping - over 1600 destinations!
- MIDI Control Change (CC) control of any patch parameter (over 1600 destinations!) via 24-slot mapping for live-editing and external sequencing record/playback. Mapping saves with patch or saved globally.
- Rotary knob control of 24-slot mapping values
- New mode for rotary knob control of parameter-page values
- And more...!
Please read the updated user guide v1.26 and firmware release notes for full details about the enhancements in this latest firmware. Get these now from the downloads page.
New Motas-6 firmware xx0111 released adding custom LFO waveforms. Matching updated user guide v1.24.
- NEW user-defined custom LFO waveforms. 4 custom waveforms per patch. Each waveform can have up to 32 steps and each step can be set to hold or glide. For synced LFOs the start-position of the waveform can be set at any of the 32 steps.
- new LFO waveform: sample+hold with slew
- added 'sequence tempo divide' option to allow patterns to play over more than 1 bar
- increased pattern maximum notes from 30 to 36
- option to edit pattern note parameters using the potentiometer knobs
- new 'copy-to-all' parameter pages for EG, LFO and modulations
- And more...!
Please read the updated user guide v1.24 and firmware release notes for full details about the enhancements in this latest firmware. Get these now from the downloads page.
MotasEdit - Updated software (plugin and standalone) version 1.07
MotasEdit software
- Added send of data to DAW as well as direct to Motas (plugin version)
- New 'monitor' page option for Motas screen whilst editing
- Handling the new unipolar, LFO pitch track and LFO modulation options
- And more ...
Standalone, VST and AU versions available for Windows, macOS and Linux. Get this free software for use with your Motas-6 from the downloads page.
New Motas-6 firmware xx0110 and user guide v1.23 released
- Added LFO pitch/note tracking option (all 33 local LFOs)
- Added variable EG shape curve (from -64 to +64) EXP to LINEAR to LOG (all 37 EGs)
- Added LFO frequency modulation control from global LFOX and active EG ( all 33 local LFOs)
- Added LFO pitch/note tracking, frequency modulation control and EG shape to morph control
- New 'monitor' feature for use with MotasEdit software - so Motas hardware always shows monitor page if desired
- Two new options for morph X and Y from keyboard note and note velocity
- UI improvement - press of up/down buttons simultaneous to reset a parameter
- And more ...
Please read the updated user guide v1.23 and firmware release notes for full details about the enhancements in this latest firmware.
Get these now from the downloads page.
New Motas-6 demos on MotasSynth YouTube channel
Vector morphing
Phase modulation
Paraphonic playing
Phase modulation with arpeggiator
Microtuning
New Motas-6 firmware xx010E and user guide v1.22 released
- Added option of unipolar (in addition to bipolar) modulation from EGs, M1-M4, velocity and note modulation sources.
- Built-in 32 preset micro-tunings and 32 further user-defined micro-tunings using standard MIDI bulk tuning sysEx command. Patches store the micro-tune preset used. Micro-tuning definition automatically updated when patch is loaded or changed (e.g. by arpeggiator or sequencer).
- Individual start-time and end-time adjustment for each pattern to allow more complex timing effects in sequences. Sequence now stores global microtune option and internal tempo.
- Usability improvements: simultaneous press of up and down buttons to reset to default values, go to top option on a page, first patch in bank etc. Simultaneous press of left and right buttons to reset to first option page in arpeg/setup or 1st patch bank. Push-and-hold on up/down buttons for faster data editing.
- Please read the updated user guide v1.22 for full details about the enhancements in this latest firmware.
Get these now from the downloads page.
Sound On Sound Magazine - review of Motas-6
You can now read an excellent review of the Motas-6 synthesizer in Sound On Sound magazine April 2020 edition. Here is a direct link to the review article.
You can also listen to an audio example to accompany the April 2020 Sound On Sound magazine article, on SoundCloud. This was recorded directly from Motas-6 without any external processing or effects. All the patches are from bank #4.
Motas-6 at the Seventh Wave Festival of Electronic Music at the Birmingham and Midland Institute.
A busy day in the historic and beautiful Birmingham and Midland Institute. Thank you to all the synth enthusiasts who stopped by to listen and play with Motas-6.
New Motas-6 firmware xx010D and user guide v1.21 released
- Vector morphing has been enhanced! Now patch parameter offsets can be controlled in real-time using the front-panel knobs and can be individually enabled/disabled for each of the 4 morphing patches.
- Vector morphing now has a new 'smooth' mode in addition to the existing 'switch' mode. The new mode allows morphing without changing the discrete patch parameters creating new sound creation possibilities.
- Please read the updated user guide v1.21 for more detail about the enhancements in this latest firmware.
Get these now from the downloads page.
User guide for MotasEdit software released
- A user guide document is now available for the MotasEdit stand-alone and plugin software for use with your Motas-6 synthesizer.
Get this now from the downloads page.
New patch bank #4 for Motas-6
Here you can download a brand new set of 50 patches (bank #4) for your Motas-6 synthesizer. A pdf guide to these new sounds has been created, and you can listen to audio samples on this new page.
Motas-6 at Synthfest 2019
A very busy and successful day out in Sheffield, thanks to all the synth enthusiasts who stopped by the stand to engage with Motas-6!
New Motas-6 firmware xx010C and user guide v1.20 released
- User interface improvement for editing advanced settings. New separate menu page to clearly study and set the more advanced/detailed options of LFOs, EGs and parameter page settings. Please see the user guide for more details.
- Improved LED indication on auto patch-changing. Now much easier to see which patch is playing and which is being edited.
- Added new quick-access patch changing from note, velocity or MIDI/CV controller. Can now play the 5 quick-access presets like a 'drumkit'!
- Updated user guide v1.20 to match this latest firmware.
Get these now from the downloads page.
Motas-6 at Modular Meet Leeds event
Had a great day in Leeds, thank you to everyone who stopped by showing lots of interest in Motas-6, and many thanks to DivKid for organising this event.
Motas-6 review Signal Sounds
Another glowing review of Motas-6 from another very happy customer. He likes it so much he bought two!
Motas-6 Cambridge Synth DIY event
Had a great day out in Cambridge, thanks to the organisers (Neil Johnson)
New Motas-6 firmware xx010B and user guide v1.19 released
- Enhanced patch randomise options - added new 'randomise depth' from 1 to 10. Now you can choose to randomly 'deviate' gently away from the current patch settings, or more aggressively, depending on the 'depth' setting. Please see the user guide for more details.
- Changed default MIDI controller values to 64 at startup (was 0 previously). This means that patches that use controller modulation (M1 -M4) will now have starting values in the middle of the range before any actual MIDI controller data is received.
- Improved setup page display of MIDI controller names assigned to M1-M4, and fixed a minor bug in incorrect mapping of controllers.
- Updated user guide v1.19 to match the latest firmware.
Get these now from the downloads page.
New Motas-6 firmware xx010A and user guide v1.18 released
- Added response to MIDI real-time messages start/continue for sequence/pattern playing from sequencer
- Added option to sync/reset all LFOs on sequence 'rewind to start'. Setting stored in patch and global override option.
- Updated user guide v1.18 to match the latest firmware.
Get these now from the downloads page.
Motas-6 review Signal Sounds
Glowing review of Motas-6 from a very happy customer!
Motas-6 is now available from Signal Sounds
The Motas-6 synthesizer is now on sale from the great guys at Signal Sounds. Get in touch with Jason! jason@signalsounds.com.
New Motas-6 firmware xx0108 and user guide v1.17 released
- New CV input over-sampling filtering option from 0 to 99 (smoothes incoming CV signals and creates a time-delayed response).
- Added LFO tempo control from gate clock input.
Updated user guide v1.17 to match the latest firmware.
Get these now from the downloads page.
Motas-6 at Sheffield SynthFest 2018 with DivKid
New Motas-6 firmware xx0107 and user guide v1.16 released
- New instant patch-changing feature in arpeggiator - create drum loops!
- New programmable patch-changing option for each note in pattern sequencer.
- Several new arpeggiator patterns.
- Improved 'randomise patch' algorithm
Updated user guide to match the latest firmware
Get these now from the downloads page.
Motas-6 press-release - Sound On Sound magazine online
"Powerful synth from new British designer" - 
.
Motas-6 review now on Music Radar
The excellent Future Music review of the Motas-6 synthesizer (in edited form) is now on online at Music Radar
Motas-6 is now available from KMR Audio
The Motas-6 synthesizer is now on sale from the great guys at KMR Audio. Get in touch with Tom Lewis - the synthesizer guru! sales@kmraudio.com.
MotasEditPlugin - NEW plugin version of the MotasEdit software
Plugin version of the MotasEdit software
- Live editing and automation of Motas-6 parameters
- Adjust hardware controls on Motas-6, on the plugin and record the parameter changes in your DAW
- Huge set of parameters exposed to DAW for massive automation. Currently every parameter page (33 pages - that is one for each main rotary slider) exposes offset, LFOx mod depth, unique LFO mod depth, unique LFO frequency, EG mod depth, unique EG delay, attack, decay, sustain and release. Also, global EG and LFO parameters are exposed. This gives a total of 350 automatable parameters!
- Load/save setup to recall patches with song
- To enable all the features correctly you must apply firmware xx0106 to your Motas-6 (see below)
VST and AU versions available for Window, macOS and Linux.
Get this free software for use with your Motas-6 from the downloads page.
Motas-6 firmware xx0106 released
- New SysEx commands for use in combination with MotasEditPlugin software (see above)
- EG rate values reversed in NRPN MIDI messages (so not inverted anymore)
- Improved SysEx data transfer speed
- Minor display improvements
TONAL AXiS patch bank - new patch bank of 50 patches is now available
Another great bank of Motas-6 patches is now available created by TONAL AXiS.
All new Motas-6 synths shipped will have this set pre-installed to bank 3. If you already have a Motas-6 synthesizer then get this bank from the downloads page now!
Future Music Magazine - review of Motas-6
Read the Motas-6 synth review in Future Music issue 332 "Ultimately, the Motas-6 is an immensely powerful standalone monophonic synthesizer that has the ability to go into all kinds of interesting sonic territory. Modular systems offer flexibility, but by their very nature do not offer much in the way of parameter recall or parameter automation. Motas Electronics should be praised for their dedication in creating such an interesting piece of sonic hardware. " - Future Music Magazine issue 332
macOS build of free MotasEdit software
A macOS build of the free MotasEdit software is now available at for the Motas-6 synthesizer. Also, watch out for a plugin version coming soon...
NEW MotasEdit software released
All the features of the previous MotasControl software plus...
- Live editing of Motas-6 parameters
- Live updating from Motas-6 panel changes
- Load then edit patches on your PC and transfer to/from Motas-6
- Live automation/recording using flexible MIDI routing
- To enable all the features you must apply firmware xx0104 (see below)
Motas-6 firmware xx0104 released
- New tracking options when holding multiple notes down for new playing styles and more flexible paraphonic operation
- Oscillators 1, 2 and 3 can now track high/middle/low note independently
- EGs have new option to track high/middle/low note
- Compressed data transfer over MIDI (including screenshots) for use with MotasEdit software
Updated user guide version 1.14 for Motas-6 synthesizer
Updated user guide to match the latest firmware
Get these now from the downloads page.
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