Released in 1977, the Yamaha CS-80 is a classic analog polysynth made famous for its haunting sounds on Vangelis’ Blade Runner soundtrack. It’s also featured in TOTO’s Dune soundtrack, the soundtrack of Chariots of Fire, and as the bassline instrument of Peter Howell's interpretation of the 1980 theme tune to Doctor Who.
Considered Japan’s first great synthesizer, it has some beloved features for its time such as eight-voice polyphony, patch memory storage, and polyphonic aftertouch. It can generate great analog strings, brass, drones, and pads with that instantly recognizable classic polysynth sound. Unlike most modern keyboards, the aftertouch can be applied to individual voices and a ribbon controller allowing for polyphonic pitch-bends and glissandos.
With these features and famed uses, this nearly 200-pound synth still comes with a hefty price tag to this day. That’s why manufacturers such as Black Corporation created CS-80 clones like Deckard’s Dream as a more affordable option. Also available are digital recreations, such as Arturia’s CS-80 v available on Rent-to-Own (https://splice.com/plugins/38946150-v-collection-8-vst-au-by-arturia).
