Behind The Synth On The Yamaha CS-80

The latest episode of the Yamaha Behind The Synth podcast features one of the most important synths ever created, the CS-80.

The CS-80 is considered by many to be one of the most expressive synthesizers ever created. It features polyphonic aftertouch, allowing per-note modulation of synth parameters; features a front panel covered with switches and sliders, for immediate control over the sound; and includes a ribbon controller, for sweeping pitch effects.

The Behind The Synth podcast is hosted by Yamaha synth gurus Blake Angelos and Nate Tschetter. In this episode, they discuss the CS-80’s home organ heritage, its unique expressive features, its synthesis architecture and even Funky 1-4.

You can listen to the podcast via the embed below or at Yamaha’s Soundcloud page:

If you’ve played a Yamaha CS-80, leave a comment and share your thoughts on it!

9 thoughts on “Behind The Synth On The Yamaha CS-80

  1. The closest thing I can think of that comes to this is the forthcoming Hydrasynth by ASM. Obviously it’s a completely different engine under the hood, but in terms of poly aftertouch and the ribbon, I think it’s got the potential to be the most expressive synth to come out in a long, long time.

    1. Peter K. I believe you are right with that observation. SynthLuvver has missed your point. The design interface is comparable. So much so that I will surely buy the Hydrasynth when it is released. It of course will benefit from super stable electronics which sadly was the achilles heel of the CS80 I used to own which would not stay in tune. I did use it live once or twice for s*its and giggles. It would have probably cost more to fix than it was worth,(£1000) that was assuming I could have found anyone to fix it. (1994). An over rated synth.

  2. I can’t wait until Behringer clones this with the BS-80 for$200 and makes everyone forget it’s Yamaha’s design, likely down to the aesthetics.

      1. This is a well known to-be clone, of course Behringer will be brought up. They will create a version even better than Yamaha’s. Behringer is the best thing to happen to music since the ear, that’s why it’s in their logo. They have overtaken the industry with high quality, value clones, completely moral too. If a musician doesn’t use Behringer in this day and age, they might as well give up.

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