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…
I have the Arturia CS-80v. It’s more than close enough for me.
Unless and until Behringer creates a convincing hardware version, I suspect that an original CS-80 is out for most here:
https://reverb.com/item/46996973-yamaha-cs-80-synthesizer-1977-synth-is-in-excellent-condition
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.
I have both software versions mentioned here. I lean towards the Cherry one. If you prefer one, stick with it. If you want an absolute copy of the original you wont get them here. The synth you reach for is the best synth
The softtube version is top notch.
Ilok BLOWS
PC’s blow.
I know a lot of people do, but I have never had an issue with iLok. That also has no impact on how the synthesizer sounds. Have an opinion on that?
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.
You can try open a normal organ from the 70s and see, if you can spot a Raspberry Pi as CPU. That should answer the question for you.
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.
What did you think of softube Model 77? It’s new: https://www.softube.com/model-77-dual-layer-synth
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).
This is a good example of how an analog can feel more “alive” next to software counterparts. The software are still good sounding and useful synths. But the real deal is just its own thing entirely.
I get better results with my Montage M8x with poly aftertouch and the ANX engine.
Eddie Jobson is definitely a premier CS-80 player. I got to see U.K. as a trio. I can’t think of anyone who played it with more rock authority. You can really hear the BIG!
I really think it is nearly pointless worrying about how close a CS-80 emulation is to the real thing. Any two original CS-80s may sound entirely different from each other. I have CS-80V, GS-80 and ME-80 in various versions (as well as Arminator), and I think they are all worthwhile. I have three polyaftertouch keyboards – and, to me, the polyaftertouch keyboard makes more difference than which emulation you choose. My most recent addition is a Hydrasynth Deluxe, and boy oh boy is that keyboard fun. As much as I love the idea of getting a real CS-80, I can’t imagine from any objective measures that the real CS-80 would be better than the Hydrasynth Deluxe. First of all, just like the CS-80 you have two layers that are effectively an individual synth. The difference is the Hydrasynth has three oscillators per voice versus 1 for the CS-80, and each oscillator in the Hydrasynth can be a variety of different waves or scanned waves. You have two filters on the Hydrasynth per voice but those filters are a lot more flexible. You can layer or split the keyboard on the Hydrasynth – effectively giving you a 16 voice synth. Hydrasynth has midi and real patch storage and a crazy number of presets. In addition to the pitch ribbon and polyaftertouch on the Hydrasynth you have proper pitch and mod wheels. I can use the fantastic polyaftertouch keyboard on the the Hydrasynth to control any or all of the CS-80 emulations taking advantage of the pitch ribbon and the poly-AT. If you put a laptop with a touch screen on the flat area on right side of the Hydrasynth Deluxe, and use it to run a CS-80 emulation, you can manipulate the sliders like a real CS-80 or you can assign controls to the Hydrasynth’s knobs.
I compared a CS80 to anothet CS80 and they sounded different, because all, physical stuff can age differently. I didnt but this would.probably happen
Also i built a time machine and the same cs80 from 1977 sounds different to how it does 47 years later. Don’t waste your money on building a time machine!. I also didnt do this but this would likely happen too.
Things are different after 50 years of use. Like people