Compared to other premier vintage monos: Mini, TVS, OB1, Spirit, Monopoly, SH5, etc - these are seriously underrated and a fantastic value. They have such an incredibly flexible signal path and fat + tight sound. The stereo capability and drippy liquid patches these are capable of (@33:54) are absolutely superb. Very unique sound - Amazing demo, TY!
Great video! After 44 years I could get hold on the CS-30. Currently it has a fix because of the Sequencer issue. I added the LaLa MIDI which is a fantastic addition. It also makes that you can have 'High Note, Low Note, or Last Note' retrigger, which also works in normal playing, without the MIDI.
I have my CS30 modified with individual cv and gate jacks, paired up with a cv.ocd which makes the CS30 a duophonic midi synth. Absolutely killer. This synth should have always been duophonic.
Great, in depth review ! Got one since 4 weeks (still a lot to learn and practice), my first Yammy😁! It is soo different from my other vintage monos (Mini, SH101, ARP, 2600, MS-50) both in terms of interface and sounds ! But at the same time - and quite surprisingly : it always sits perfectly well - with little efforts I mean - in a mix along those classic monos or with the great polys of that time, whatever the patch, from FX to classic analog sounds ! And yes it can sounds clear as crystal, or large like a mono CS-80 if you want (wave shapers controllers, VCO, VCF, VCA, ADSR's are based on same chips, with the same dual line architecture : CS is a real synth family, not a marketing thing). And it's built like a tank. Most exciting purchase I've done since...many years - and it is still reasonably priced for what it is : the most sophisticated mono synth ever produced by Yamaha (if not by anyone), and the last great analog piece of gear they ever did before moving to digital. Otherwise - @SacSynths_Jack_Z said it all !
Another great vid on another great synth! A couple tips: 1.Noise without Oscillator: turn down the Oscillator Level on VCF1 2: Send the Phones Output into the Ext In for killer feedback/distortion
You also fail to address the nature of EG1 (selected as A or B at the destination) this is not the usual ADSR but replaces the sustain level with an initial level and attack level controls. This allows the envelope to begin below the zero level allowing you to set a glide (up or down) to the pitch of note you would be playing. it is also great for attenuating the filter cut off to easily produce several voices (depending on the slider positions) without having to play with settings in the VCF blocks. Incidently did you notice you can send a high pass signal from VCF1 to VCF2, this (with the correct patch routing) will create a notch (band reject filter) which you don't get on a lot of synths.
So cool. I've got a CS-15 and it's great. My sine LFO went out once and I had to wait I think it was six months or so to acquire one from a guy online who sells parts. I think it was $100 to replace. The other LFO shapes still worked, but the sine is the main one I use. That wait kinda hurt. Mine also has a couple of wonky keys. They are partly broken, so they sit at an angle but still are playable. Hard to find replacements.
I've had one since the 80's and it has quite a few scars. Just about the only thing lacking in this synth is the single LFO, which is a super-common thing amongst early mono-synths. You can, however, patch in an external LFO for modulation or even use the sequencer to trigger envelope 3 as a weird cycling LFO. Apparently that "Balance" cross-fader slider on the right is unobtainable.... the shaft on mine snapped off. If anyone has one I can offer one good kidney.
another con for me is that the sequencer can not be clocked to another piece (like a 808), tried a mod on mine and it still can not clock (failed). I think the Lalaland Mod solves it (need to get that)
No matter what you play, it always sounds dirty. The CS30 didn`t like clear sounds. It`s the ideal synth for scary movies. It`s a master in FX. I think it`s more easy to create those scary sounds than create some clear vibes with it. You forget to show the "Hold" buttton from the sequenzer. You can play it duophonic. One OSC plays the sequence, while with the other OSC you can play other notes on your keyboard. When you press the "HOLD" button (and hold it), the sequence stays the same, when you release it, the sequence will transpose to the keys you play with the other OSC. For me the CS30 is not a synth for normal music-produktion. It`s difficult to fit the CS30 in a mix. But it makes so much fun, if you have enough from DAW or produktion - just to sit down and turn the knobs and see what happens. For produktion, I think a Model-D or a Odyssey is the better choise. If you want it dirty and wild, take the CS30. One thing I don`t like on my CS30 is the fast attack time on the envelopes - even at 5x the attack comes to fast for me. And I still don`t find the way to retrigger the attack time on the second note. I had the opportunity to play on a second CS30 but it`s the same issue. But all in all a great machine!
You fail to demonstrate the sequencer properly, here is just one feature you missed, if the sequencer is set to track the keyboard, i.e you set up a sequence with the the sequencer set to kbd then the 'key' it is playing in can be shifted by pressing a note on the keyboard which is great to follow chord changes in a song, (for instance following the guitarists chord changes) and if you wish to stay in in a 'key' and solo over the sequence (say the sequencer is using OSC1 set to SEQ) using OSC2 (which would be set to kbd rather than seq in the OSC2 block) then by depressing the hold key on the sequencer the keyboards CV will not be sent to the sequencer despite you pressing keys on the keyboard so the sequencer stays in the key of the last note you played and you can solo over it. of course if the sequencer is set to 'Normal' then it runs independently but you can't do the key change thing.
I used to own one. I agree with your pros and cons. Did you mention the lack of patch memory? It's not expected from a synth from 1977, but for some people it's a big no-no (myself NOT included). I don't think you mention the sound as a pro either. IMHO the synth has a somewhat dull sound and quite a limited range, especially for a synth with so many controls.
I mentioned lack of memory earlier in the video, but as you note it's from 1977 so shouldn't be expected anyway. The sound to my ears has a distinct character for the Yamaha CS mono line. I do wish it had oscillator sync.
imo it sounds aweful, very abstract and more drone type of sounds with undefined low end...It is not a very usable synth and I reckon that this would be one of the first to go in a collection...
I own one and they are great sounding synths for bass, lead, and effects. The bass end (going down to 128ft) is incredibly powerful yet still sits in the mix well. You can output each of the two VCOs to a separate output meaning you can have them panned left and right in the mixer for super-wide sounds. Definitely worth trying one out for yourself.
Such a cool synth - a real SFX machine. Absolute craziness all there for you. Great video!
Thanks! Yes, it's great for experimental sounds. :)
Such a sharp, crisp and deep sound. Love it.
Thanks, I agree it's very crisp!
Compared to other premier vintage monos: Mini, TVS, OB1, Spirit, Monopoly, SH5, etc - these are seriously underrated and a fantastic value. They have such an incredibly flexible signal path and fat + tight sound. The stereo capability and drippy liquid patches these are capable of (@33:54) are absolutely superb. Very unique sound - Amazing demo, TY!
Yes, the signal path is quite flexible and the dual channel allows for interesting stereo sound design. Thanks for watching!
Great video! After 44 years I could get hold on the CS-30. Currently it has a fix because of the Sequencer issue. I added the LaLa MIDI which is a fantastic addition.
It also makes that you can have 'High Note, Low Note, or Last Note' retrigger, which also works in normal playing, without the MIDI.
Great to hear you got one Rob! That LaLa MIDI sounds like a great upgrade too.
I’ve been thinking of getting one of these for awhile now and this video is not helping my wallet lol great video as always 🔥🎹
Thanks! Its a great synth
i got mine in 1983 for £50 with an amp and a lead thrown in! it has kept me amused for 40 years.....
Amazing deal
Man, I love its sound! Great video & super sounds!
Needs a reissue...from Yamaha.
Thanks a lot, glad you enjoyed it!
I have my CS30 modified with individual cv and gate jacks, paired up with a cv.ocd which makes the CS30 a duophonic midi synth. Absolutely killer. This synth should have always been duophonic.
That sounds amazing!
Great, in depth review ! Got one since 4 weeks (still a lot to learn and practice), my first Yammy😁! It is soo different from my other vintage monos (Mini, SH101, ARP, 2600, MS-50) both in terms of interface and sounds !
But at the same time - and quite surprisingly : it always sits perfectly well - with little efforts I mean - in a mix along those classic monos or with the great polys of that time, whatever the patch, from FX to classic analog sounds !
And yes it can sounds clear as crystal, or large like a mono CS-80 if you want (wave shapers controllers, VCO, VCF, VCA, ADSR's are based on same chips, with the same dual line architecture : CS is a real synth family, not a marketing thing).
And it's built like a tank.
Most exciting purchase I've done since...many years - and it is still reasonably priced for what it is : the most sophisticated mono synth ever produced by Yamaha (if not by anyone), and the last great analog piece of gear they ever did before moving to digital.
Otherwise - @SacSynths_Jack_Z said it all !
Congrats on your purchase!
Another great vid on another great synth! A couple tips:
1.Noise without Oscillator: turn down the Oscillator Level on VCF1
2: Send the Phones Output into the Ext In for killer feedback/distortion
Thanks Lance! Great to hear from you, appreciate the tips! :)
Powerful instrument! Love your videos man!
Thanks so much!
You also fail to address the nature of EG1 (selected as A or B at the destination) this is not the usual ADSR but replaces the sustain level with an initial level and attack level controls. This allows the envelope to begin below the zero level allowing you to set a glide (up or down) to the pitch of note you would be playing. it is also great for attenuating the filter cut off to easily produce several voices (depending on the slider positions) without having to play with settings in the VCF blocks. Incidently did you notice you can send a high pass signal from VCF1 to VCF2, this (with the correct patch routing) will create a notch (band reject filter) which you don't get on a lot of synths.
Good to know, thanks
So cool. I've got a CS-15 and it's great. My sine LFO went out once and I had to wait I think it was six months or so to acquire one from a guy online who sells parts. I think it was $100 to replace. The other LFO shapes still worked, but the sine is the main one I use. That wait kinda hurt. Mine also has a couple of wonky keys. They are partly broken, so they sit at an angle but still are playable. Hard to find replacements.
CS-15 is also awesome. Dual channels make it very flexible. Sorry to hear yours is a bit banged up.
Too bad you re not tweaking the filter while showing Ring Mod with VCO 1. Gives great vocal sounds.
Maybe next time
sounds so nice ❤
Yes it does!
I've had one since the 80's and it has quite a few scars. Just about the only thing lacking in this synth is the single LFO, which is a super-common thing amongst early mono-synths. You can, however, patch in an external LFO for modulation or even use the sequencer to trigger envelope 3 as a weird cycling LFO. Apparently that "Balance" cross-fader slider on the right is unobtainable.... the shaft on mine snapped off. If anyone has one I can offer one good kidney.
Yamaha please do a reissue of one or more of the CS, maybe in line with the 50th anniversary in 2026.
That would be amazing
Now do the SK30. 😊
Someday!
another con for me is that the sequencer can not be clocked to another piece (like a 808), tried a mod on mine and it still can not clock (failed). I think the Lalaland Mod solves it (need to get that)
Thanks for the insights, glad there's a solution!
@34:25 wow
No matter what you play, it always sounds dirty. The CS30 didn`t like clear sounds. It`s the ideal synth for scary movies. It`s a master in FX. I think it`s more easy to create those scary sounds than create some clear vibes with it. You forget to show the "Hold" buttton from the sequenzer. You can play it duophonic. One OSC plays the sequence, while with the other OSC you can play other notes on your keyboard. When you press the "HOLD" button (and hold it), the sequence stays the same, when you release it, the sequence will transpose to the keys you play with the other OSC.
For me the CS30 is not a synth for normal music-produktion. It`s difficult to fit the CS30 in a mix. But it makes so much fun, if you have enough from DAW or produktion - just to sit down and turn the knobs and see what happens. For produktion, I think a Model-D or a Odyssey is the better choise. If you want it dirty and wild, take the CS30.
One thing I don`t like on my CS30 is the fast attack time on the envelopes - even at 5x the attack comes to fast for me. And I still don`t find the way to retrigger the attack time on the second note. I had the opportunity to play on a second CS30 but it`s the same issue. But all in all a great machine!
Thanks for the comment and insights! Yes, CS-30 is a great synth for experimental sound design.
Aar. My dear,My first Synthsizer‼️is this😂 sorry.My machine was YAMAHA CS30L
48years ago😢
ThankYou !
Awesome CS-30L is also very cool!
You fail to demonstrate the sequencer properly, here is just one feature you missed, if the sequencer is set to track the keyboard, i.e you set up a sequence with the the sequencer set to kbd then the 'key' it is playing in can be shifted by pressing a note on the keyboard which is great to follow chord changes in a song, (for instance following the guitarists chord changes) and if you wish to stay in in a 'key' and solo over the sequence (say the sequencer is using OSC1 set to SEQ) using OSC2 (which would be set to kbd rather than seq in the OSC2 block) then by depressing the hold key on the sequencer the keyboards CV will not be sent to the sequencer despite you pressing keys on the keyboard so the sequencer stays in the key of the last note you played and you can solo over it. of course if the sequencer is set to 'Normal' then it runs independently but you can't do the key change thing.
Thanks for the insights!
Kate Bush made great use of its whistle sound back the day. ;-)
Very cool!
I used to own one. I agree with your pros and cons. Did you mention the lack of patch memory? It's not expected from a synth from 1977, but for some people it's a big no-no (myself NOT included). I don't think you mention the sound as a pro either. IMHO the synth has a somewhat dull sound and quite a limited range, especially for a synth with so many controls.
I mentioned lack of memory earlier in the video, but as you note it's from 1977 so shouldn't be expected anyway. The sound to my ears has a distinct character for the Yamaha CS mono line. I do wish it had oscillator sync.
mine has been in the shop too long
Hope you can get it fixed soon
This is the only synth
It's definitely unique!
I'm guessing that particular unit costs maybe $10k - refurbished maybe $12k
I had one which i gave away in 1990😮
I had a cs5 back in 1982/83
Right on, also a nice synth!
@@synth4ever tempted to buy one back but worry about maintenance
I still do!!
please please please release a version of this video without the vocals. no offense, it would be a meditation.
you should also provide a link to a soundcloud wav/flac of all your videos, downloadable, please.
Fweet fweet, toink toink. Nothing more. Sorry.
imo it sounds aweful, very abstract and more drone type of sounds with undefined low end...It is not a very usable synth and I reckon that this would be one of the first to go in a collection...
I find it best for experimental sounds. It can do regular leads and basses too, but I didn't showcase too much of that in this demo.
there are more demos where the sounds are more complex and evolving
I own one and they are great sounding synths for bass, lead, and effects. The bass end (going down to 128ft) is incredibly powerful yet still sits in the mix well. You can output each of the two VCOs to a separate output meaning you can have them panned left and right in the mixer for super-wide sounds. Definitely worth trying one out for yourself.
somehow i like version cs30L more.