Synthesist Andy Whitmore shared this video, comparing a vintage Yamaha CS-80 synthesizer to two software emulations: Arturia CS-80V and Cherry GX-80.
Here’s what he has to say about the comparison:
“Join me as I dive deep into the world of the iconic Yamaha CS80 and its modern VST emulations, the Arturia CS-80V and Cherry GX-80.
The CS80 is a favorite of mine due to its intuitive design, unmatched keyboard action, and aftertouch. However, its rarity, size, and cost can make it less practical for everyday use.
In this video, I compare these legendary synths to see if the virtual versions can faithfully replicate the unique sound and feel of the real CS80.”
Topics covered:
00:00 Preview
00:38 Intro
01:12 “Superstition” – Stevie Wonder
01:51 “Africa” – Toto
02:24 “Born in the USA” – Bruce Springsteen
03:20 Individual Waveform Comparison Including Filter and Resonance
04:45 Pulse Width, including Modulation, Filter and Resonance
06:30 Dual Channel Waveforms
08:30 Preset Comparison – Brass, Including Aftertouch
09:17 Strings 2 Including Aftertouch
10:05 Pitch Bend Strip
11:00 Programming Bell Sound with Ring Modulator
12:29 “In Your Eyes” – George Benson
13:12 “Superstition” – Stevie Wonder – No FX
13:42 “Africa” – Toto – No FX
13:57 “Born in the USA” – Bruce Springsteen – No FX
14:50 Preset Comparison – Brass – No FX
15:30 Strings – No FX
16:15 Pitch Bend Strip – No FX
17:06 “In Your Eyes” – George Benson – No FX
17:48 Summary
18:00 Thank You
Check it out and share your thoughts on how the emulations stack up to the original CS-80 in the comments!
I’ve got the Arturia CS80 V but it doesn’t convince indeed. The Cherry Audio doesn’t seem up to the task either.
Looking forward to Andy Whitmore’s comparison of the MemoryMoon ME-80 and the Model 77 against the real thing, as he promises in the comments of this youtube.
I have the ME-80 and it sounds splendid, but for comparing well the obvious device is missing in my studio…
Oh boy.
While Arturia sounds more or less in the ballpark (YMMV of course) of the original, Cherry Audio sounds way off most of the time.
I have both and at a time preferred the GX-80 sound over CS-80V, but I may have to reconsider.
The softtube version is top notch.
Ilok BLOWS
Isn’t the CS-80 kind of just a plug in inside of an expensive box?
Nope…the CS-80 is a giant box filled with ANALOG circuitry! It’s a beast.
The Banarama Fun Boy 3 test is worth a go. “It ain’t what you do but the way you do it”. Etc Easy to say of course – but difficult to do as YouTube videos are great for gas seeking procrastinators like me.
Having played a real CS-80, I can understand the complaints. Software can’t provide the full experience of sitting at one. Good luck with that! The CS-80 is legendary for weighing 200 pounds and being an upkeep nightmare. Its near the top of the list of unrealistic dream synths.
The GX-80 has the basic tone right. Its up to you to play it. The ME80 sounds good too, but the GX is closer to the mark. Instant Vangelis. If you want a proper pitch-bend strip, consider the Hydrasynth. Poly AT is also available. You just have to take up the right controller.
Sorry, Vangelis was never some guy that I’d lend an ear to. With a possible exeption of Jon&Vanqelis. So I have always had a problem with the CS80/Vangelis-hype. My CS-80 hero is Eddie Jobson. And I really like Benny Andersons use of the GX1 (Abba and Chess).
Double sorry – Delete this.. double post (due to my old iPAD)
Sorry, Vangelis was never some guy that I’d lend an ear to. With a possible exeption of Jon&Vanqelis. So I have always had a problem with the CS80/Vangelis-hype. My CS-80 hero is Eddie Jobson. And I really like Benny Andersons use of the GX1 (Abba and Chess). To me the ultimate CS80-test (if one is to use a familiar tune) is Alaska (U.K.)