There are relatively few classic analog synthesisers from yesteryear which haven’t been reissued or reimagined in recent years. Behringer have been responsible for a number of these from the MS101 through to the upcoming TR-808 and 909. Even when the original manufacturer brings out a reissue, it’s not unusual to see Behringer looking to create a clone with added features and a lower price, much like they’ve done with the Moog Model D.
Yesterday, news broke that Yamaha might be considering bringing the expressive polyphonic CS-80 back to life. It’s probably best known for shaping the atmosphere on arguably the best synth soundtrack of all time - the Blade Runner score by Vangelis made the CS-80 into a cult classic of the synth world. Prominent use by artists like Toto, Paul McCartney, Squarepusher and Aphex Twin have also helped cement its reputation.
According to Musicradar, Derek Cook - a moderator of the YamahaMusicians.com forum - has revealed that Yamaha has been in touch with him to gain feedback on what he’d like to see in a new analogue synth. While stressing that “this is just an initial focusing of the Ideas offered so far and not a commitment to build a product,” the company does confirm that one question on an IdeaScale thread that’s been set up regards “basic conceptual direction if we were to make a new CS-80”.
Clearly still in the early consideration stages, there’s no guarantee Yamaha will resurrect the CS-80, either in the image of the original or as part of the worthy Reface line of synths. However, Behringer were on social media within hours teasing us with images of a captured CS-80 synth which tends to mean they’re working on their own clone, with improvements. Like the Model D clone, we’d expect a Behringer CS-80 to be eurorack friendly and have a few extra tricks up its sleeve. We’d also imagine a price point which could, in theory, dissuade Yamaha from reissuing their own version too.
We’ll keep our eyes and ears peeled as either way a new CS-80 would be a welcome addition to the studios of many a synthesist.
Behringer FB: https://www.facebook.com/BEHRINGER/
[Via Musicradar: https://www.musicradar.com/news/is-yamaha-considering-making-a-new-cs-80]
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