Yamaha CS-80
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| Yamaha CS-80 by Yamaha | |||
| Synthesis type: | Analog subtractive | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Polyphony: | 8 voices | ||
| Oscillators: | 2 per voice | ||
| Multitimbral: | 1 | ||
| VCF: | 1 high-pass 1 low-pass |
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| VCA: | ADSR | ||
| LFO: | 1 multi-waveform | ||
| Keyboard: | 61-note with velocity and aftertouch sensitivity (on a per note rather than per patch basis) |
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| Left hand control: | ??? | ||
| Velocity sensitive: | Yes | ||
| Aftertouch: | Yes | ||
| External control: | none | ||
| Memory: | 22 preset 6 user |
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| Produced: | 1977 - 1980 | ||
| Original price: | $7000 | ||
The Yamaha CS-80 was a polyphonic analog synthesizer released in 1977. It sported true 8-voice polyphony (with two independent synthesizer layers per voice) as well as a primitive (sound) settings memory based on a bank of micropotentiometers (rather than the digital programmable presets the Prophet 5 would sport soon after), and exceptionally complete performer expression features, such as a splittable keyboard that was both velocity-sensitive (like a piano's) and pressure-sensitive ("after-touch") but unlike most modern keyboards the aftertouch could be applied to individual voices rather than in common, and a ribbon controller allowing for polyphonic pitch-bends and glissandos. Just take a listen to the Blade Runner soundtrack by Vangelis, almost all the sounds are created from the CS-80, from light, bright leads to deep and alarming brass.
The CS-80 is known as being one of the heaviest self-contained analog synthesizers, weighing over 200 lb (91 kg). This vast instrument is notoriously tricky to service, there are fewer and fewer engineers capable of CS-80 upkeep. One of the most notable issues is the tuning, if moved with anything but care the it will detune and so they should be serviced at their usual location. These days the CS-80 is mostly owned by studios and collectors who wish to preserve this unique machine. The current price on the market for a mint Yamaha CS-80 is around 6,000GBP
The CS-80 was discontinued in 1980.
Vangelis, Stevie Wonder, David Bowie, Peter Gabriel, Eddie Jobson, Electric Light Orchestra and 10cc are just a few famous CS-80 users.
