The Yamaha CS-80 is a polyphonic synthesizer that was released in 1976 and is widely considered to be one of the greatest and most influential synthesizers of all time. It was the flagship synthesizer of the Yamaha Corporation and was used by many famous musicians and producers during the 1970s and 1980s.
The CS-80 was designed by Yamaha engineer Tatsuo Miyamoto, who was inspired by the Moog synthesizer and wanted to create a polyphonic synthesizer that was more versatile and expressive. The CS-80 was one of the first synthesizers to feature a polyphonic keyboard, which allowed musicians to play multiple notes at the same time. It also featured an innovative ribbon controller, which allowed musicians to bend and shape their sounds in real-time.
One of the most notable features of the CS-80 was its warm and expressive sound, which was achieved through the use of hybrid analog and digital technology. The CS-80 used analog oscillators and filters, which gave it a rich and complex sound, but it also used digital circuitry to store and recall patches and control the synthesizer. This combination of analog and digital technology made the CS-80 a groundbreaking synthesizer that was ahead of its time.
The CS-80 was used by many famous musicians during the 1970s and 1980s, including Toto, Stevie Wonder, and Vangelis. It was also featured on many classic albums, including Pink Floyd’s “The Wall” and Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” The CS-80 is particularly well-known for its use on the Blade Runner soundtrack, where it was used to create the iconic and otherworldly synth sounds that have become synonymous with the film.
Today, the CS-80 is still highly sought after by collectors and synthesizer enthusiasts, and it is widely regarded as one of the greatest synthesizers of all time. It has had a lasting influence on the world of electronic music and is still considered a benchmark for synthesizer design. Many modern synthesizers have attempted to replicate the sound and versatility of the CS-80, and it remains an important part of the history of electronic music.
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