Yamaha Reface CS

Yamaha's CS series features vintage synthesizers that range from the nifty little CS01 to the legendary (and super-heavy) CS80. In a way, the Yamaha Reface CS synthesizer adds a new member to the family. The Reface CS is a virtual analogue synth with a polyphony of eight voices and all the essential synthesis parameters. Its ADSR envelope can be proportionally routed to the amplitude and filter, and its LFO features freely routable depth and speed. The oscillator has five different waveforms, which can be further adjusted using a Texture slider, allowing for PWM, for instance. Possibilities of the Yamaha Reface CS synthesizer The CS offers a basic form of synthesis, which means anyone will quickly know their way around the compact synth. Sounds can be further enhanced by means of an effects section that consists of distortion, chorus/flanger, phaser and delay. This Reface is a perfect match for EDM, progressive rock and synth pop, and its modest size makes it ideal for travelling bands who are growing tired of lugging hefty equipment around. If the synth's 37 mini keys don't live up to your standards, you can always connect a MIDI keyboard with full-size keys to the Reface's MIDI connector. Other characteristics Even though the Reface CS has been based on old-school standard analogue synthesizers, it's quite a modern instrument. A USB port allows you to connect it to your computer, and if you plug the included MIDI breakout cable into the synth's mini-DIN MIDI connector, you also have a MIDI input/output. The machine doesn't have any presets, but as its basic features allow you to create new sounds in no time, that shouldn't be a problem. In fact, without presets to fall back on, the Reface CS provides you with an excellent way of honing your synthesis skills. If you like, you can even play along with the music on your tablet or phone. All you have to do is plug a 1/8" jack cable into the synthesizer's aux input.