Yamaha Reface CS Review - IS IT STILL WORTH GETTING?

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  • čas přidán 2. 02. 2019
  • With so many budget alternatives today, does the Yamaha Reface CS hold up against the competition? You can support my reviews by becoming a Patron: / bobeats and you can buy a Yamaha Reface CS here:
    Yamaha Reface CS
    EU: thmn.to/thoprod/368212?offid=...
    US: imp.i114863.net/PLJLR
    OTHER GOOD STARTER SYNTHS
    Original Minilogue
    EU:thmn.to/thoprod/379052?offid=...
    US: imp.i114863.net/2PbZM
    Korg Minilogue XD
    EU: thmn.to/thoprod/465932?offid=...
    US: imp.i114863.net/Rxg72
    Cobalt8
    EU: thmn.to/thoprod/506277?offid=...
    US: imp.i114863.net/eDP4X
    Argon8
    EU: thmn.to/thoprod/473936?offid=...
    US: imp.i114863.net/0bKWL
    Microfreak
    EU: thmn.to/thoprod/457192?offid=...
    US: imp.i114863.net/ZknZK
    Dreadbox Typhon
    EU: thmn.to/thoprod/496419?offid=...
    US: imp.i114863.net/GPva6
    Korg NuTekt NTS1
    EU: thmn.to/thoprod/473592?offid=...
    US: imp.i114863.net/2OR10
    Reface CS
    EU: thmn.to/thoprod/368212?offid=...
    US: imp.i114863.net/PLJLR
    HydraSynth
    EU: thmn.to/thoprod/527778?offid=...
    US: imp.i114863.net/5b6MZ2
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Komentáře • 541

  • @rort1371
    @rort1371 Před 5 lety +117

    The looper is awesome. For people who prefer melody and chord progressions and not just blops and blips it’s extremely useful and fun.

    • @lit2021
      @lit2021 Před 2 lety +3

      the looper is badly designed if you need live looping, it's hard to end the loop on beat (even with quantization on) because the slider switch has to "click" in the play position, and it often slips and goes to stop. They should have put buttons like on a normal looper. Also, they could have put a simple step sequencer like on Arturia Keystep. I find the looper useless and am about to return the CS to the shop and get a Roland JU-06a, which in my opinion is a much better option.

    • @matttondr9282
      @matttondr9282 Před 2 lety +2

      It’s nice to have it for sure, just wish it had more features than just a basic loop. Also custom instrument presets to switch faster..

    • @kimdiez2681
      @kimdiez2681 Před rokem

      @@lit2021 But NOBODY buys this powerful little synth for the looper.

    • @Answersonapostcard
      @Answersonapostcard Před rokem +1

      @@lit2021 the looper is fine, you just need practice, what the synth lacks in features it makes up with fun and playability with no menu diving

    • @fender1000100
      @fender1000100 Před rokem

      @@lit2021
      Bad move. I can never understand people who are too lazy to just link it. To a hardware sequencer like I do to my QX5. Which has superior flexibility to any looper. For sound and versatility the reface CS is the BOSS..and blows everything else away.

  • @soundxplorer
    @soundxplorer Před 3 lety +65

    Excellent sound, fun to use - it's my "go to" synth that I play whenever I want to focus on writing a melody instead of digging through menus on more complex synths. It's easily one of the most inspirational pieces of gear that I've bought in the last 10 years.

    • @HotStrange
      @HotStrange Před 2 lety +4

      Agreed. I sold mine a couple years ago and have missed it ever since, despite getting a lot of more powerful pieces of gear. There’s just something special about it. I just ordered another one today and I’m excited for it all over again.

    • @fender1000100
      @fender1000100 Před rokem

      @@HotStrange
      Never sell this. Its so IMMEDIATE. Something nobody has brought to anyones attention yet. Is all these wonderful sounds come from just 17 parameters. I'm going to show in a tutorial in 2023. How you can go from say a KICK DRUM to big Vangelesque type pad in less than a minute. This is the true power of this gem.
      And the reason they didn't have to have any onboard user memories. I simply write down the settings with pen and paper (remember them) oldschool. If I want to SAVE the sounds for sequencing purposes as use no software I'm real oldschool. I do so to my Korg Microsampler. Another very underrated piece of kit.
      The two of them together..and magic happens as I will show throughout 2023.

    • @r3dsnow757
      @r3dsnow757 Před 9 měsíci

      ​@@fender1000100hi, what kind of notations do you use to right now exactly the settings?
      I'm getting mine soon, I wanna do it the old school way too.

  • @richnewman
    @richnewman Před 5 lety +36

    Bought the CP and YC and they are incredible. It's amazing to have so many EP's and organs in my studio in such tiny packages. Quality instruments and worth every penny.

  • @the3mu606
    @the3mu606 Před 5 lety +9

    Glad you did a full video about the reface CS. One of the best music purchases I ever made.

  • @TrueDrezzer
    @TrueDrezzer Před 4 lety +3

    Thanks for the review and also a description of each OSC interaction with the LFO. I have this synth and have been learning new stuff on it all the time. There is some really cool sounds to be discovered in the texture and mod sliders!

  • @BoBeats
    @BoBeats  Před 5 lety +1

    What is your favorite ReFace synth and why? (Dont forget to connect over at instagram.com/bobeats and twitter.com/bobeatsmusic)

    • @mc2engineeringprof
      @mc2engineeringprof Před 5 lety

      Far and away the CS. In many ways, it's like a battery powered JP-8000 that is highly portable. The supersaw-like oscillator is worth the price alone. I'm not sure if I agree with the naming as this is much more of an AN1x / AN200 / PLG150 - AN analog modeling synth than the CS#x AWM / PCM synths or the original CS analog synths. Also, the lack of an arpeggiator is a real drag (though easily remedied by purchasing a Korg SQ1 or Arturia Beatstep for about $70). The build quality is great and the web -based patch storage and sharing system is the icing on the cake!

  • @danielmcelhatton1724
    @danielmcelhatton1724 Před 5 lety +4

    Been contemplating getting one of these for a while now. This has made the decision way easier. Thanks Bo. Keep up the good work.

  • @UnfinishedIdeas
    @UnfinishedIdeas Před 5 lety +5

    Good to hear you're positive about the build quality, ordered a Reface CP and am still waiting for it to arrive. Also 13.01 dat patch

  • @BoBeats
    @BoBeats  Před 3 lety +3

    Yamaha Reface CS
    EU: thmn.to/thoprod/368212?offid=1&affid=623
    US: imp.i114863.net/PLJLR
    OTHER GOOD STARTER SYNTHS
    Original Minilogue
    EU:thmn.to/thoprod/379052?offid=1&affid=623
    US: imp.i114863.net/2PbZM
    Korg Minilogue XD
    EU: thmn.to/thoprod/465932?offid=1&affid=623
    US: imp.i114863.net/Rxg72
    Cobalt8
    EU: thmn.to/thoprod/506277?offid=1&affid=623
    US: imp.i114863.net/eDP4X
    Argon8
    EU: thmn.to/thoprod/473936?offid=1&affid=623
    US: imp.i114863.net/0bKWL
    Microfreak
    EU: thmn.to/thoprod/457192?offid=1&affid=623
    US: imp.i114863.net/ZknZK
    Dreadbox Typhon
    EU: thmn.to/thoprod/496419?offid=1&affid=623
    US: imp.i114863.net/GPva6
    Korg NuTekt NTS1
    EU: thmn.to/thoprod/473592?offid=1&affid=623
    US: imp.i114863.net/2OR10
    Reface CS
    EU: thmn.to/thoprod/368212?offid=1&affid=623
    US: imp.i114863.net/PLJLR
    HydraSynth
    EU: thmn.to/thoprod/527778?offid=1&affid=623
    US: imp.i114863.net/5b6MZ2

  • @electrorganix
    @electrorganix Před 5 lety +5

    thank you Bo, I have been checking out this synth for a while now. I like the diverse sonic palette of that gear, cheers :)

  • @champ1061
    @champ1061 Před 3 lety +3

    I bought this beast, partly due to this great episode. You broke it down it a way that was easy for me decide what this baby can do. No regrets. This synth should be a standard, not only for recording but for writing and brainstorming. Hearty thank you from Detroit.

  • @potatovegeta9385
    @potatovegeta9385 Před 5 lety +8

    Wow I love the sound and simplicity of this synth!

  • @ricktownley7282
    @ricktownley7282 Před 5 lety +34

    Best review of the CS on CZcams. Yamaha should put this on their site. Hope to see more hardware reviews like this. Since often a video is as close as we can get to the real thing in today's world, this kind of depth and detail by someone who really knows his stuff is very much appreciated. Another great video by Bo.

    • @BoBeats
      @BoBeats  Před 5 lety

      Cheers Rick!

    • @J_El_Rey
      @J_El_Rey Před 4 lety

      Agreed. I’ve been going back and forth about getting one. This video is the only one that really went in depth into every feature

  • @JimmyChaos1985
    @JimmyChaos1985 Před 4 lety +2

    THANK YOU so much for this. Ordered one of these today!!!

  • @5ch3nk
    @5ch3nk Před 5 lety +30

    I love my Reface CS. The poly mode sounds great..I basically never take it out of it.

  • @valdiskrebs566
    @valdiskrebs566 Před 5 lety +81

    Love my CS - great for Leads/Pads/Atmospheres! It has sooooo many sweetspots and is well-built.
    Downsizing home studio ... got rid of my Boutiques, Rocket, MiniNova, Volca Keys, MicroBrute and kept the CS.
    Highly recommended “first synth”. Also works as a great MIDI controller for my iPad synth apps(with midi-learn).
    Yes, Arp instead of Looper - but I use CS for leads/improv.

    • @apislapis
      @apislapis Před 5 lety

      A simple synth great for leads, a great first synth, sounds like my Yamaha CS-01!

    • @onlytiesto1
      @onlytiesto1 Před 5 lety

      how much is a new one?

    • @valdiskrebs566
      @valdiskrebs566 Před 5 lety

      Alexis Less than $300 in US

    • @apislapis
      @apislapis Před 5 lety

      @@onlytiesto1 I've seen it on sale new at £259 which is the price they should have set at launch. Not sure how much in dollars or euros.

    • @savanaviolenta
      @savanaviolenta Před 5 lety +1

      I have it too and for arp I control the CS from my Arturia keystep to add arp and sequencer ,opens up the synth a lot.

  • @Finetales
    @Finetales Před 5 lety +11

    Great demo! One of the few really good ones out there that really showcase the CS's strengths IMO.
    Given the disclaimer that Yamaha is my favorite synth company and I'm probably very biased, I am a bit obsessed with the Reface series and will sing its praises anywhere. The form factor is PHENOMENAL. In my opinion it might be the best form factor ever made for a portable synth. (I say "portable" because I think rack modules are the best form factor for exclusively studio use.) There are very few other synths for any price that have a very convenient small size and weight, a chassis and keybed of such high quality (yes they're minikeys, but they are one of the best-feeling keybeds I've played in any size), battery power, AND built-in speakers...not to mention that the Reface speakers sound really good (unlike many built-in speakers on synths) and you can even buy extensions to play a Reface as a keytar. Finally, with the included splitter, they have real MIDI in and out (in addition to USB) which a lot of cheap synths leave out these days.
    All 4 of them sound awesome, and have really nice interfaces. I really can't think of a single downside. I wish Yamaha would make new Refaces and keep the line going, but it doesn't seem like they will. :(

  • @HotStrange
    @HotStrange Před 5 lety +8

    I owned one of these for a long while. It’s great and my go to recommendation when someone asks for a cheap Poly. Surprisingly versatile and can get very warm and lush. I miss mine daily.

  • @fender1000100
    @fender1000100 Před 5 lety +31

    Lets put it this way. Had it been full size with at least 32 user programs. It would now be a legend. For sound its up there with the very best analogues.

    • @michaelmcclelland2080
      @michaelmcclelland2080 Před 4 lety +2

      PROJECT DX Truth. Another Yamaha legend. But it would also cost twice as much then.

    • @Setsuna_Kyoura
      @Setsuna_Kyoura Před 4 lety

      I think Yamaha will do that in the near future. The Reface is like a first try in recreating great analouge synth sound and they are looking how the people are reacting. Now they know everybody love these things and maybe can even profit from all the reviews and ideas. Yamaha would be dumb if they decide not to make an affordable full size synth with some more features as the CS.

    • @fortheloveofnoise9298
      @fortheloveofnoise9298 Před 4 lety

      I bought it for the super saw since my JP8000 had too many issues so I had to sell it.

    • @fender1000100
      @fender1000100 Před 3 lety

      @@michaelmcclelland2080
      Be worth it for that rich warm sound.

  • @OtisAvalon
    @OtisAvalon Před 4 lety +1

    Just bought one yesterday. I’m very excited!!

  • @computethis7128
    @computethis7128 Před 4 lety +22

    As a aspiring game developer, I love this synth because it is amazing for sound effects of all kinds, as well as for making music for games and I just absolutely love messing with sounds, which is why I went with the cs over the dx since you can customised the sounds and also use as a powerful midi controller with all the sliders.

    • @fortheloveofnoise9298
      @fortheloveofnoise9298 Před 4 lety

      The Mopho/Mopho x4 is also really good for game sounds. It can do 8-bit chiptune sounding stuff even though it was never meant to.

    • @HotStrange
      @HotStrange Před 2 lety +7

      You can customize the sounds of the DX also, arguably more so than you can on the CS.

  • @ytJnC
    @ytJnC Před 5 lety +41

    Great review. But it seems the FEG/AEG fader was overlooked. A common CS misconception is that it only has one ADSR response. But the FEG/AEG fader can vary the EG response to the filter and amp. At its extreme settings top or bottom, the full adsr is used for one destination and a gate is used for the other. Change the fader and the proportions change. But that’s not all! In sync mode, ADSR also plays a role in the pitch mod. So it’s quite possible from one ADSR EG to have three different EG responses simultaneously thanks to the “streamlined” minimalist interface. Don’t forget while some folks say there’s no mod wheel, every fader can be indexed by hand. Wiggling the FEG/AEG fader can produce a result not easily heard on other synths. Cheers!

    • @iqi616
      @iqi616 Před 5 lety

      Yep, that's a very powerful feature of this synth. Another example of the great design choices they made.

    • @jjmifsud3618
      @jjmifsud3618 Před 4 lety +2

      I also noticed the that in FM Mode, FM amount is tied to the Envelope as well. Another favourite trick with my Reface CS is to set a very slow decay, and then play with the sustain slider - the sound will slope to the new sustain value at the decay speed! VERY well thought out architecture

    • @HotStrange
      @HotStrange Před 2 lety +3

      My favorite thing about this is how streamlined the interface is. Much like the Minilogue, every parameter has a purpose and serves the instrument in a unique way. Also with the combo EG you can get a lot of subtle filter/amp modulations depending on where you put the slider, i.e. 70% filter and 30% amp gives the amp EG a very slight subtle modulation that I love. Amazing synth.

  • @brendankoen
    @brendankoen Před 5 lety +3

    I was also pleasantly surprised by the quality and character of the CS.
    I've got a friend with a mountain of classic analog synths - even he couldn't deny it and picked one up. Definitely underrated!

  • @JonMurray
    @JonMurray Před 5 lety +1

    Great review and has absolutely confirmed my want and need for this bit of kit! Thanks! Keep up the great work!

    • @JonMurray
      @JonMurray Před 5 lety

      Just an update, I’ve ordered and it will be with me on Friday! Woohoo! Haha! 😂

  • @huukihuuki
    @huukihuuki Před 5 lety +18

    Bought it month ago and I love it. Huge sound palette for an instrument like this, well thought-out interface and killer looks (imho the best looking synthesizer on the market, followed by minilogue). Looper is a nice addition. I posted few vids with reface recently, you can check them out.
    On a side note, I wish Yamaha would expand on this idea and build a full size synth to really bring the CS name back. Montage, or whatever it's called, doesn't excite me at all.

  • @godders7594
    @godders7594 Před 5 lety +5

    Excellent review Bo

  • @WildernessMusic_GentleSerene

    Oh yea it is worth it! Wonderful that you reviewed this synth so late in its production, because it is a value synth with great sound, it deserves our attention. I have my sites directly aimed at this synth for 3 years, still saving my money, will be buying this year. This is a fantastic poly synth with its 8 voices, direct interface, a sing/song filter, and just $300. I am a 30 year sound designer, this synth is not just for beginners, it can be played live with tweaking for a wonderful quick sound design. I do own the Reface DX now, and it is also a great way to start sound designing in FM, a superb interface with 4 operators that can make sine, sawtooth and square WITHOUT the additional 4 operators that the DX7 had. (note: I am not the only one who value the Reface CS, it has been sold out at Sweetwater for over a year :)

    • @tylerevans1700
      @tylerevans1700 Před 5 lety +5

      A+ comment, I def learned something and appreciate it

    • @churchofaggressiveaudio6498
      @churchofaggressiveaudio6498 Před 5 lety +2

      Good points! Review of older or even out-of-production gear is very useful in general since old musical instruments have a very active after-life in the pre-owned market. 👍

    • @evankeal
      @evankeal Před 5 lety +1

      Have the dx, it didnt get me to fully understand fm, but as close as I will get without studying greatly. The fx and looping really make this mini keyboard line soar way above anything under 500 generally speaking. Wish my cz101 had fx and a looper back then, and many physical controls like these.

    • @jarkokoo
      @jarkokoo Před 5 lety +2

      With the current prices CS and DX are practically a steal. Both of them are seriously overlooked synths.

    • @WildernessMusic_GentleSerene
      @WildernessMusic_GentleSerene Před 5 lety

      @@jarkokoo OH yes, for sure Jarkokoo! Yamaha Reface and Roland Boutique series has given the poor musician the best sounding digital oscillators and polyphony to work professionally with. And a nod to Novation Peak too, but too much money to include with my statement.

  • @erwickdsouza
    @erwickdsouza Před 5 lety +20

    The Reface series have one of the BEST keys you're ever gonna find on a synth-action keyboard. The velocity response is VERY expressive, keys don't wobble and the feedback is stellar! Great review Bo!

    • @armaankhurana
      @armaankhurana Před rokem +1

      from what i heard, the synth isnt velocity-sensitive tho?

  • @MrBasic
    @MrBasic Před 5 lety +12

    I feel very strongly about letting kids learn on "real synths". They can do it! Great showcase of the highly underrated CS.

  • @PocketUnv
    @PocketUnv Před 5 lety +19

    I've considered this synth for a while, I bought the Reface DX and absolutely loved it, this review didn't exactly lessen that feeling =)

  • @cepheid4288
    @cepheid4288 Před 5 lety +16

    I've had a Reface CS for about a year and a half. The sound is great, especially the Multi-Saw oscillator! Quick tip. Use the looper while synced to a midi host and you can record phrases in a loop with as many bars as you like. This way I can get 4 bars from my Digitone, but longer chord progression with the Reface CS. Only downsides to this unit are no patch memory, no velocity, no on board reverb. Other than that it's a great synth! Love mine.

    • @evollie9035
      @evollie9035 Před 5 lety +1

      I'm certain it responds to velocity from the internal keyboard as well as external MIDI, though to volume only. It most definitely transmits velocity over MIDI too. The keybed is excellent. It's an excellent synth despite its limitations and it's actually hard to make it sound anything but great.

    • @thejustustrio
      @thejustustrio Před rokem +2

      lack of reverb has been the only problem for me -- and, tbh, the lack of patch memory. but so good

  • @jupiterdrake9965
    @jupiterdrake9965 Před 5 lety +9

    I use this synth for so many different songs. Its got alot of wiggle room for creating some trully inspirational sounds. Realizing this I started taking pictures of the slide placements anytime I happened apon something 2 interesting 2 forget(:

  • @iqi616
    @iqi616 Před 5 lety +2

    My favourite of my synths. I've been using analogue synths since 1985 and I love how quickly you can get to get great sounds with the CS. The choices the designers made for the controls were excellent. The only thing I don't like is that with maximum length envelopes you can get notes cut off prematurely.

  • @ultrasyd
    @ultrasyd Před 5 lety +7

    The DX is clearly my fav. Very versatile, I love the programmation with lots of possibilities. Took it for my son but ... I use it most of time :D

  • @edjefferson9175
    @edjefferson9175 Před 3 lety +3

    Another two years later it is still worth it!
    My favorite effect setting is distortion with both fader all the way down. It adds nice harmonics without sounding all distorted.

  • @paulheartsongs
    @paulheartsongs Před 5 lety +3

    Yamaha and Bo Beats. A great combo!!

  • @MagickFlavour
    @MagickFlavour Před 5 lety +6

    I basically use this thing and the Reface DX exclusively when I record. It’s easy to make sounds but you still have an amazing range of sounds you can produce.

  • @leeswindle7790
    @leeswindle7790 Před 4 lety +9

    Best demo hands down...this is the way everyone should demo. Push this pull that...with brief explanation.

  • @ronanhughes3861
    @ronanhughes3861 Před 5 lety +5

    This was my first hardware synthesizer i got and it has served well. It has a very unique sound and its limitations makes it a different beast.

  • @WrvrUgoThrUR
    @WrvrUgoThrUR Před 4 lety +9

    this is a sweet little package of 0:14 1970s dreamy trippy heaven!

  • @michaelduke3528
    @michaelduke3528 Před 3 lety +6

    The sounds this this produces are amazing. If only it had a noise generator, this would be off the charts.

    • @vedabou
      @vedabou Před 3 lety +4

      FM engine features noise

  • @sodiumlights
    @sodiumlights Před 5 lety +7

    Adore my CP, and cool to use the brilliant sounding hidden piano (sound test mode).

  • @CitizenWarwick
    @CitizenWarwick Před 5 lety +5

    Wow it's actually cooler than I thought it was nice review. Not that you can compare an electric piano to a synth though I have the Reface CP and it's awesome for the music I do!

  • @flashsamuk1
    @flashsamuk1 Před 5 lety +2

    Great video, could you please do the same style review for the DX as I would just like to hear a little more about that as I have been contemplating buying. :)

    • @vinace999
      @vinace999 Před 3 lety

      Just buy it. I have had hours of fun with both the CS and the DX. Totally different beasts..

  • @bimguff
    @bimguff Před 5 lety +4

    I recently picked up a reface dx, lightly used. It's reasonably easy to program and sounds great for pads. The looper is nice and I haven't struggled with timing it, though it's missing a handful of features that really should have been included. I think the biggest misstep yamaha made was the initial, exorbitant selling price. At their current street price, these things are awesome.

  • @BTsMusicChannel
    @BTsMusicChannel Před 3 lety +4

    Great demo! This is a very interesting synthesizer for the newer price point, as you say. It looks like a fun way to create sounds, but the one limitation is that it would probably be best used in the studio rather than at a gig if there is no way to save sounds -- you'd have to keep a notebook on the settings or how to program the sounds you want/need and hope it is simple or really practice using it. (For example, on the Korg Minilogue, it takes some practice to be able to replicate sounds -- it is not as simple as just turning the dials the same way they were, you sometimes have to do it in the right order -- but at least you can save your sounds on the Minilogue. That's important if you want/need a specific sound character for a particular song, or the song is built around that sound.) Love the synopsis at the end -- the "who is it for" section. I think it might be a synth for me, but like I said, more for studio unless I really practice using it and can get consistent results on stage. Even as a guitarist, I ban certain pedals from my pedalboard if they are difficult to work with on stage.

    • @exmachinema
      @exmachinema Před 2 lety

      Seems like there are editor/librarians for this model these days.

  • @ata000001
    @ata000001 Před 5 lety +3

    My very first real synth was the Yamaha CS01-II in the early 80's. Then when Yamaha came out with the CS1x in the 90's, that was my thing. When I heard originally that they made the reface CS, I just had to get one. So I got mine when they were a new model, with the higher price. Still love the thing, it sounds soo nice, I'm using it to play chords which sound like honey poured over my music... :) I'm also using the looper even on my live shows, I put the looper to play some chord progressions, sometimes a bit random if I use a different unsynced time for the looper compared to the rest of the music. And I like it. You can do a lot with it and I'll keep using it in my live setup also I'm pretty sure. I had the reface CS as a part of my every live show in 2018. And about the reface series, I have the CS, DX and YC myself, love them all. I was just playing the YC at the weekend in a live jam band with a lot of different musicians playing their instrumets and it was just so easy to take the reface with me to the location, carry it in a cloth bag and just take a keyboard stand and couple of wires with me. Easy to carry with... and play anywhere.
    and a very good demo from Bo. Like somebody noticed, you can do also some interesting stuff with the FEG/AEG-slider, to affect how the EG works (filter EG/amp EG).

  • @digitaldiezel5870
    @digitaldiezel5870 Před 5 lety +4

    WOW!, you pulled a rabbit out of that hat! Very nice sounds! This is great for people who can actually play piano, as opposed to me!

  • @cougarman8
    @cougarman8 Před 5 lety +11

    If this had an arp and latch it would make me love it 100x more. I still love it and it's one of my first synths. But man that would be sweet and seemingly easy to add?

  • @chisel316
    @chisel316 Před 5 lety +2

    I absolutely love the CS. It's featured in all of my 808 classic tracks covers. It absolutely nails that classic synth saw lead that is found in all the electro songs from the 80s. Peace \/.

  • @amphetamean66X
    @amphetamean66X Před rokem

    It seems so easy to use. Honestly if you have a great expensive synth it often gets beat by this because this is just easier to use to get to sweet sounds. I am strongly considering getting this and this video helped. Great Vid!

  • @PaulBoos
    @PaulBoos Před 3 lety +1

    Thanks for this vid - this is far more versatile than I thought...

  • @HappyOrganMan
    @HappyOrganMan Před 3 lety +2

    That's a cool demo - thanks a lot 👍.
    I have all 4 instruments of the reface series. They are excellent 🤩

    • @anethanlad
      @anethanlad Před 3 lety

      question! can you hook this up to a computer DAW (let's say, GarageBand) and play from the sounds there? if you can, could you also record the sounds from the keyboard itself onto there? I'm sort of still new to this 😅

    • @HappyOrganMan
      @HappyOrganMan Před 3 lety

      @@anethanladSorry, I have no experience with this. I just play the instruments via built-in speakers or headphones. I do not do any recordings.

  • @TheActualJae
    @TheActualJae Před 5 lety +5

    Huh, didn’t even know about this synth. Suddenly fairly interested in it...

  • @Hyper5nic
    @Hyper5nic Před 5 lety +10

    Just add reverb and/or delay to season the sound, to make the Reface CS sound huge or futuristic! ;-)

  • @ayosup5326
    @ayosup5326 Před 5 lety +62

    2:04 no stairway denied

  • @Marie579
    @Marie579 Před rokem

    This is a very comprehensive review thanks for demonstrating it BTW now you’ve had it for some time have you managed to fit the battery lid on the correct way round ? 🤣🤣🤣🤣👍👍

  • @RodgerColeman
    @RodgerColeman Před 5 lety +6

    Yes, the original asking price was too much -- now it is a bargain and lots of fun to play despite its diminutive size. Personally, I like the looper just fine. Anyway, thanks for bringing attention to this often overlooked/dismissed synth.

  • @thestatpow5
    @thestatpow5 Před 5 lety +2

    Bought mine about a year ago and I have no regrets, pairs really well alongside a volca Fm and Sample :)

    • @biggrime
      @biggrime Před 3 lety

      I was thinking about replacing the volca fm and akai mpk with this. Seq with mpc live in stand alone for mobile setup. Think that's a mistake?

    • @thestatpow5
      @thestatpow5 Před 3 lety

      @@biggrime Just be aware that the looper of the Reface CS sucks ass. aside from that it's a great unit to have, good sweetspot synth.
      But I'd rather have the Volca Fm tbh once you have the FM go through a reverb pedal it is insane!

  • @AD-Dom
    @AD-Dom Před 5 lety +8

    It's dx or cs for me. I'm likely going with the cs because of how simple it is... And the epic pads!

  • @jjacob25101
    @jjacob25101 Před 5 lety +2

    Awesome video review. The Yamaha Reface Series keyboards were incredible when they were released about 4 years ago, time flies by, well made, but kind of pricey, at $650 US, but now, about $360 US. I want them just as much now, and still intend to get the CP, YC, and DX in that order. The CS, not so much. The latter is best for those like you, really familiar with all the settings and adjustments in analog synth modeling, though I am not totally oblivious to that, just not my forte, and I already have a Roland JD-Xi, which is great. They have special carrying gig bags for these, as well as other brands. These are perfect for their size to be portable, built in speakers, and battery powered. The DX7 based DX is the digital synth variant and if course the CP fir electric pianos, and the YC for organs.

    • @TechGently
      @TechGently Před 4 lety

      Another price drop recently, under $300 US

    • @jairkerker2821
      @jairkerker2821 Před 3 lety

      I strongly recommend the Dtronix DT-RDX controller for the Reface DX.
      It doubles the price, triples the fun and quadrouples the ease and speed of making your sounds.

  • @lukesuperflyjones
    @lukesuperflyjones Před 2 lety

    Soooo to answer your question, ITS DEFINITELY WORTH STILL GETTING! Great video and demo!!!

  • @smguy7
    @smguy7 Před 5 lety +14

    I'd like one and I will buy one on the strength of this video.

  • @ubiquitousreverser
    @ubiquitousreverser Před 5 lety +7

    Nothing I need but it is a good re-issue of some good digital synthesis on the go.
    Sounds like a lot of good tones that would go perfect to some Terminator or Night Of The Living Dead.

  • @apislapis
    @apislapis Před 5 lety +8

    I was intrigued to see how bob eats a Yamaha CS, but then I saw it was you Bo. I think you answered the question yourself, yes. The only problem with the Reface CS was its price - as you said. Think you've put it on my shopping list.

    • @flyingJoe
      @flyingJoe Před 5 lety

      Bob eats :-)))))

    • @jokkemursula8731
      @jokkemursula8731 Před 5 lety +1

      @@flyingJoe And the best part is that "Bob Eats" is a real channel.

  • @NoirEtBlancVie
    @NoirEtBlancVie Před 5 lety +74

    What are SINTHS? I’m new here...

    • @matszh
      @matszh Před 5 lety +4

      Noir Et Blanc Vie Welcome to Sweden

    • @mc2engineeringprof
      @mc2engineeringprof Před 5 lety +4

      Troll!!!?
      ;)

    • @fortheloveofnoise9298
      @fortheloveofnoise9298 Před 5 lety +3

      @@matszh I can't wait to move there and be with my true love ❤

    • @davidosolo
      @davidosolo Před 4 lety +1

      Why do you ask, here? We don´t know. We only talk about synths...

    • @markovchains573
      @markovchains573 Před 4 lety +1

      actually this is a short name for sinthoholics

  • @Carsonchildersmusicnow
    @Carsonchildersmusicnow Před 4 lety +1

    I love this video series

  • @ProfessorSynth
    @ProfessorSynth Před 5 lety +1

    Nice review

  • @lennartverhoeff
    @lennartverhoeff Před 5 lety +8

    I have a Reface DX (which I love, also I got introduced to synthesis through FM years ago.. started out hard :p) but this one has been on my radar for a while now. It also seems to be enjoying a bit of a resurgence lately with a couple of people mentioning it as one of their favourite and underrated synths. :) Great little synth!

    • @Finetales
      @Finetales Před 5 lety

      My first synth was an SY77! I don't regret it one bit.

    • @lennartverhoeff
      @lennartverhoeff Před 5 lety

      My first hardware synth was actually a Alesis Micron (great VA synth!) but I got my first introduction to synthesis in general through FM7 in college and though that was how all synthesis worked >

  • @GreenHoleSun
    @GreenHoleSun Před 5 lety +15

    the reface series is really underrated.
    I have got a reface dx which is very good both as a standolone instrument (very nice interface for FM synthesis) and as a midi keyboard.
    Not only it as the finest (IMHO) keybed for a mini keyboard, but you can take advantage of the two surprisingly good tiny speakers with the audio input.

    • @ubiquitousreverser
      @ubiquitousreverser Před 5 lety

      GreenHoleSun It’s nice to hear people are just stumbling into it. Make’s me think yamaha was just confident to not really do a lot of ads and let it just stand on it’s own. I really like they give you all the hands on control, be great if those are midi capable.

    • @GreenHoleSun
      @GreenHoleSun Před 5 lety

      @@ubiquitousreverser the reface project had great potential. My dream minikeyboard would have the sound engine, the sequencer and the drum machine of a Roland JDXI and the built quality, form factor, simple interface, keybed and portability( battery powered+speakers) of the reface series. You could have done serious things with that, an entire song with just one minikeyboard, from the start to the end.

    • @camilootero9706
      @camilootero9706 Před 5 lety

      I also have the reface dx and the keys are really awesome and i love evolving pads that you can make with it. I have found that the looper is extremely useless tho.

    • @GreenHoleSun
      @GreenHoleSun Před 5 lety

      @@camilootero9706 yes, the looper is quite useless. If they added instead a simple sequencer and some kind of drum machine (as in the roland jdxi) it should have been much better

    • @F-Andre
      @F-Andre Před 5 lety

      i would say, its pretty overrated;)

  • @bouffantmoose
    @bouffantmoose Před 5 lety +3

    Very user friendly! Great little synth, I think.

  • @arginlevin
    @arginlevin Před 3 lety

    Thank you for your video! Is it possible to use it entirely as a midi controller ? Could all those sliders be usable for vst instruments?

  • @champ1061
    @champ1061 Před 5 lety

    Love the string sounds at 2:47.

  • @Presstones
    @Presstones Před 4 lety +2

    I've had a CS Reface for a few years, used it on and off. Agree with everything in this video except the looper. Here's my 2 cents: It's terribly implemented if you're trying to use it like an audio looper or as a sequencer, but it has aspects of both. It records a loop of just the MIDI note messages, rather than audio, which you can layer an endless cluster of notes into. Because it's looping the MIDI pre-synth (the only fader that's recorded into the loop is the Octave), you can play with every other aspect of the synth, including the tempo at which the notes play back without altering pitch. Great for creating texture or pretending you're Terry Riley.

  • @MattGreerMusic
    @MattGreerMusic Před 5 lety +8

    I recently sold my Reface CS. Always liked it but I had a lot of overlap in the studio. Still though, I'll tell anyone that I think it is a really excellent value. Can sound very big and is easy to work with. Well worth the average price of around $300 USD.
    I have the CP as well and I don't think I'll ever part with that one.

    • @fortheloveofnoise9298
      @fortheloveofnoise9298 Před 4 lety

      Its a cheap way to get a supersaw and to get AN1X flavor.

    • @B0K1T0
      @B0K1T0 Před 2 lety

      Never tried the CS but gotta agree with the CP :) the effects make it such a creative and playable keyboard. Have it at our office now for a while, my colleagues don't mind my randomly jamming on it as they do so as well sometimes :D

  • @mirandazolla9552
    @mirandazolla9552 Před 5 lety +1

    Hi! I’m not sure if I should buy the Reface DX or the CS??
    I’m a bass player and new to synths, looking for something versatile that I can add during my band’s live performances. I like that the CS has a looper, does the DX have one too?
    Any recommendations? Thank you :)

  • @madmac66
    @madmac66 Před 5 lety

    Well under rated. That sounded wonderful

  • @EEeE3771
    @EEeE3771 Před 3 lety +2

    BoBeats, I love your hair.

  • @cuttingedge1987
    @cuttingedge1987 Před 5 lety +1

    Yes and I also let my daughter playing my yam An1x...but Iam really interested into buying this synth...just for the none preset memory...because it’s another way of working for me

  • @HotStrange
    @HotStrange Před 5 lety +15

    I’d love to see Yamaha release a new line. Maybe the new CS could have an extra LFO, dedicated separate amp/mod envelope (with different routings), a few more oscillator types like wavetable, additive, and linear FM, onboard patch storage, and a sequencer. I would be all in on that for $500-$600. It just sounds too good not to build on this. Do the same with the DX (add a sequencer, 2 more operators, and a couple more parameters), and combine the YC and CP with full size keys, and you’d have a pretty decent upgrade to justify a higher price.

    • @savanaviolenta
      @savanaviolenta Před 5 lety +2

      they won't,they released the MODX it has all the goodies and the price is right.

    • @timjoseph887
      @timjoseph887 Před 4 lety

      T.I.N Mateus and it’s physically huge which is moot to this post

    • @matszh
      @matszh Před 4 lety +5

      That is the difference between Roland and Yamaha...Roland constantly releases new versions of their classic synths and gets crap for that, while everyone gives Yamaha crap for NOT releasing new versions of their classic synths...

    • @azaleajanemusic
      @azaleajanemusic Před 4 lety

      I've been playing the YC for a couple years and I'd love to see a slightly bigger (but still light) version maybe with a pedal keyboard input, an extra octave, and some presets. Cuz the unit itself is killer.

    • @matszh
      @matszh Před 4 lety +2

      Z Clef Music Have you seen the new YC61? Really interesting, but a bit pricey.

  • @cuttingedge1987
    @cuttingedge1987 Před 5 lety

    Very nice video by the way

  • @dcshoes841
    @dcshoes841 Před 5 lety +2

    I just bought a Yamaha Reface CS after watching Doctor Mix's video on it. Your video just reinforced my decision.

    • @tuomas_
      @tuomas_ Před 5 lety

      Thats one of the greatest synth reviews ever filmed

    • @tuomas_
      @tuomas_ Před 5 lety

      I bought my CS today lmao

  • @itamarafek
    @itamarafek Před 5 lety +8

    In my opinion the reface CP is the best of them. I use it as a beckup keaboard or if I want textures its effects actualy give it a more wide sound pallate than you might think. I looove putting it through my modular:) This thing actually saved me in a few gigs. Wish the reface series had more keys though.
    The CS never captured me... I mean there are so many good and cheap synths these days... And I can't stand those small keys :/

    • @localtechnique
      @localtechnique Před 5 lety

      I agree. It's the one I bought. Seemed to be the one least compromised by the small form factor. I'm sure the CS and DX sound good but a synth with no mod wheel makes no sense to me.
      Only gripe with the CP is the occasional dead note if you don't strike the keys hard enough. Apparently the sounds require a minimum velocity of 2 to trigger but the keys can put out a velocity of 1. Not sure if this affects the others as well.

  • @1999Fabion
    @1999Fabion Před 3 lety

    After buying it myself, I'd say absolutely it's worth buying. It's so good for thick pads, jumpy leads, phat bases, and twinkling, sparkling bells, amongst other things like sound effects. It's an amazing synth, and the looper is good for short ideas and quick inspiration.

    • @1999Fabion
      @1999Fabion Před 3 lety

      The flanger can make for some very trippy leads

  • @experiment8189
    @experiment8189 Před 5 lety

    When I was thinking whether to bye the Korg Minilogue I was considering the Yamaha Reface CS and DX also. Actually everything started with the Yamaha Reface DX for me. Maybe you could make some review of that synth also.

  • @JakeG
    @JakeG Před 5 lety +1

    Always nice to see older synths pop up in new videos. Would love to see your take on Mininova since you've already mastered the Nova synth engine w/ your Circuit twins.
    Also, that part @ 2:30 made my brain go right to Prodigy's "No Good"...
    0:54 czcams.com/video/dEkozKAk440/video.html
    :)

    • @exiles_dot_tv
      @exiles_dot_tv Před 4 lety +1

      Is 2015 considered an older synth already? Damn

  • @DVSnark
    @DVSnark Před 5 lety

    Works great with an old electone console organ (me15). The drum machine operates the looper, looper feeds back into the organ to play its sounds, sound through the speakers controlled by the pedal, plus two keyboards and a set of bass pedals. tons of fun. yamaha should have released an additional patch/loop memory unit and a full size keyboard that these could slot into. I used the YC at a few gigs too, great sound especially the leslie effect.

  • @AJOLDMUSI
    @AJOLDMUSI Před 3 lety +1

    its real nice man thank you sir so nice to get your option and i like it

  • @athaphian
    @athaphian Před 4 lety +9

    I'm still waiting on the Reface XG.

  • @DamienDrake
    @DamienDrake Před 3 lety

    This is the next one I'll be getting. I can't stop watching reviews of it. It sounds fantastic. I'll team it up with my reface DX and be unstoppable... until people hear me play anyway.

  • @jguetzkow
    @jguetzkow Před 5 lety +4

    12:43 THAT is a spooky sounds!

  • @ReGZ0089
    @ReGZ0089 Před 3 lety

    7:03 reminds me of the chords they play for 'The Night Window' on 1917

  • @JobimSynthMusic
    @JobimSynthMusic Před 5 lety +3

    The refaces are great. I have the dx and would buy them all if I had the money and space for them

  • @DopamineOverload
    @DopamineOverload Před 5 lety +1

    I'd say it's still worth getting especially with Omnisphere 2.6 announced. The Reface CS is supported, with the hardware integration, as well as a handful of other synths!

    • @erikpoephoofd
      @erikpoephoofd Před 5 lety

      In what way is it supported? Could you explain to me what this software does?
      I have a reface CS and I'm curious

    • @krakapoww
      @krakapoww Před 4 lety

      @@erikpoephoofd the reface control panel controls the sound attributes of the patch youre playing in omnisphere

  • @segazora
    @segazora Před 3 lety +2

    I wish yamaha would release a desktop module or rack mount version of their reface keyboards. I love the idea of all of them but i don't need 4 different keyboards

  • @melodkeyelash
    @melodkeyelash Před 4 měsíci

    I've been looking for a Tame Impala - esque synth. You've convinced me to get a CS 👍🤟🎶🎵

  • @mountainstartemple6041

    nice demos

  • @charthers8903
    @charthers8903 Před 2 lety

    I’m getting this to go along with the dx

  • @elmosexwhistle
    @elmosexwhistle Před 5 lety +9

    I’d always recommend people to save a little more and buy an An1x for the full Yamaha VA experience.
    Magical synth, that one.

    • @lawrencel1668
      @lawrencel1668 Před 5 lety

      I love my an1x. Sounds great

    • @patkelly3966
      @patkelly3966 Před 5 lety

      How much is that one?

    • @HotStrange
      @HotStrange Před 5 lety

      Elmo Sexwhistle the CS is great, too. Especially if you can snag a used one for $250ish

    • @madmac66
      @madmac66 Před 5 lety +1

      I have the CS1x. I bought the wrong one. I still love it though

  • @rchrd3353
    @rchrd3353 Před 5 lety

    aw the lil bite size bo ! bobites :)