Evolution of
the species
For some, it’s the sound of Blade Runner. For others, it’s a keyboard that offers more expressive control and flexibility than anything before or since.
For you, CS-80 V is a chance to experience a true titan of synthesis, a retro sound design staple, and an emotive instrument that begs to be played.
Discover an unmistakably bold analog sound that’s defined countless records, soundtracks, and genres, fused with a sprawling expressive architecture, enhanced to respond to every aspect of your musical style.
Expressive, alive
This is no ordinary softsynth; CS-80 V is a living, breathing thing that responds to every element of your musicality. Its array of expressive controls and reactive architecture produces a sound that’s an extension of yourself.
Cinematic sound
Glistening pads steeped in retro-futuristic charm, tense bass you can feel in your chest, plucky modulated leads that demand full attention; CS-80 V is pure analog theatricality. Whatever your story, this is your soundtrack.
Modern enhancements
No other synth sounds like it, but CS-80 V’s host of modern features fits right into your modern production setup. With enhancements like MPE compatibility and analog dispersion, enliven your mix with authentic, evocative, timeless sound without compromising the software flexibility you need.
Rebuilt from the ground up
CS-80 V represents the pinnacle of software modeling, virtualizing every circuit and component of the original, retrofitted with functionality for the modern production workflow. Simply the best replicant there is.
A watershed
in synth history
Designed to put a renowned instrument company on the synthesizer map, the CS-80 exceeded every expectation to become a staple instrument for everyone from Toto to Vangelis.
Its expressive controls, distinct interface, and rich organic sound was sought after then; nowadays, it’s almost mythical. CS-80 V carries this legacy forward, in all its authentic glory, locked and loaded for your virtual studio.
Giving this legend the virtual instrument it deserves is one of the more challenging projects we’ve ever taken on. We’re delighted with the results and we hope you will be, too.
By the 1970s, Yamaha knew synthesis was the future of the pro keyboard market. Prior to the CS-80, they had stuck two rather different toes in this water: the compact, monophonic SY-1 and the titanic GX-1. The latter looked like a large console organ with three manuals and pedals, and only a few major stars ponied up the $60,000 price. But those stars included Keith Emerson, Stevie Wonder, and John Paul Jones, and they loved theirs. The “concept car” was a success, and it was time for the production model.
Yamaha released the CS-80 in 1976, beating some major American polysynths to market by a year and more. It shoehorned the same voice architecture and circuits as the GX-1 into a more transportable (200 lbs.) design that folded into its own road case. At $6,900 it was by no means cheap, but even after other synths made polyphony and multi-oscillator sound lighter and more affordable, the CS-80 was still considered a Rolls-Royce of analog synths for accomplished musicians.
Where most other pro-level polyphonic synths’ voices ran two oscillators into a common filter and VCA, the CS-80 opted for two complete, parallel synthesis chains: VCO, VCF, VCA, and touch response settings for the keyboard. In a way, this made the CS-80 the first multi-timbral poly synth, though you could only mix the two timbres, not split them on the keyboard.
The CS-80 found itself in the hands of many now-iconic artists including Tony Banks of Genesis and Peter Gabriel in his solo work. Michael Jackson famously played one himself on “Billie Jean.” Toto used a CS to great effect on the keyboard solo of “Rosanna” and the “Dune” soundtrack. But it was Greek composer Vangelis who would truly immortalize the CS-80 in the scores to “Chariots of Fire” and “Blade Runner.”
A machine
that feels
Like many of its vintage-inspired peers, CS-80 V embodies the coveted purity of analog sound design.
As you’d expect with modern softsynths, it’s also quick to tweak and flexible in its sonic capabilities - more so than its hardware predecessor. But its real beauty is in how it responds to being played.
It’s the synth equivalent of an ensemble of brass, string, woodwind, and percussion instruments rolled into one, with a vast spectrum of articulations at your disposal. When you interact with its many responsive elements - the ribbon, the portamento, the sustain, the sliders - it responds in kind.
Preset
Library
Dive into an exclusive collection of 200 presets from a diverse gallery of talented sound designers who love the CS sound as much as you do. Immerse yourself in their creations, or reverse-engineer them and make your own.
Bass
All Stops_Out
Hard hitting synth bass.
Dry Bass
A punchy and dry bass sound.
Leads
Aftertouch Surprise
Brassy synth sound. Aftertouch will add another upper lead sound.
Feedback Distorsion Lead
A powerful distortion synth lead.
Pads
Distant Oceans
An atmospheric pad using slow modulations on hi pass Filters I & II.
Sweep VCA
An evolving tremolo pad. Functions 1 & 2 adds modulation on a fifth tone and tremolo effects on VCAs I & II. Mod wheel adds vibrato.
Sequences
Roboter
A stereo arpeggio with Function modulations to create harp movement.
FX Sequence
A random pad using sequenced reverb and cutoff filters amount thanks to the Functions.
Keys
Bright Keys
A huge and bright brassy sound.
Pianicus Analogicus
An analog recreation of an old electro mechanical piano.
Strings
LSO Replicant
An imitation of an old strings keyboard patch, made using a different technology, used in a famous movie's soundtrack.
Autumn Breeze
Classic strings with subtle movements.
Control
over sound
Slider by slider, button by button, CS-80 V offers a layout that accurately reflects the original while ensuring an unhindered virtual workflow. Sculpt your synth voice and harness incredibly precise, musical, and expressive control over your performance.
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Artist
Corner
Eddie Jobson
Roxy Music - Zappa – UK
"With the CS-80V, Arturia have done a fantastic job of both replicating this classic instrument and adding new features and extensive programmability."
Edwin Birdsong
Keyboardist
"I love the sound of that plug-in, and so does Stevie Wonder... I recommend it to anyone who wants great vintage sounds. (About the CS-80V)"
Eric Persing
Sound Engineer
"It has loads of personality and is capable of amazing sounds which are impossible on my real CS-80."
Franck Serafine
Sound Engineer
"The CS-80V is like a dream come true, with true classic vintage sounds but with all the latest digital control."
George Massenburg
Producer - Composer
"The original CS-80 was in constant need of tuning, which was a profoundly tedious chore. I'll take the plug, thanks. Faithfully and flawlessly modeled and stable! I couldn't live without it now."
Hans Zimmer
Score Composer
"I just sold my Yamaha GX1 because I have a great remplacement with Arturia's CS-80V."
James Lumb
Electric Skychurch
"It has a smooth, detailed sound that you would expect from a real analog synthesizer; with filters that make other digital synths sound gritty by comparison. The CS-80V just sounds great!"
Jamie Muhoberac
Keyboardist
"One of the most appealing things about the CS-80V was the unique sound and shape of its amplitude and tremolo modulation."
John Merchant
Sound Engineer
"Arturia has done a remarkable job of capturing the essence of the instrument. It's incredibly authentic. I hear no difference."
Phoenix
"The CS-80V is the cornerstone of our live shows. We use it on stage. We are really impressed by this software by the way as we own a real CS-80 unit and find the similarities with the software pretty amazing."
Randy Cantor
Producer - Composer
"The CS-80 sounded absolutely amazing and unique, and so does the CS-80V!... The sounds you can get from them are endless."
Icarus
"Over the years, we’ve used a lot of different VSTs but always kept coming back to a handful we really like and the CS80 V was one of them."
Francesco Ferrini
Fleshgod Apocalypse
"If you’re looking for that retro “sci-fi” sound, it’s simply perfect!"
Francesco Ferrini
Fleshgod Apocalypse
"The faithful recreation of the front panel means you get to understand what all the fuss is about with the original. Arturia has really gone there in making this available in soft form and it sounds really inspiring to me."
Eric Harvey
Spoon / Hamilton Leithauser
"Right now I’m all about the CS-80 V, it’s gorgeous sounding and really where my head is at with synth sounds these days."
Toddla T
Producer
"What you need? CS-80V, Arturia, how it's meant to be! You just get really good, quick results. When I get that feeling, it's thumbs up."
Jeremiah Savage
"I feel the modulation functions really gave this version of CS80 something special that transforms one of my favorite vintage synths of all time into a great sounding powerful sculpting tool, allowing you to marry vintage analog tones with modern sound ideas."
Jeremiah Savage
"Whenever I use CS-80 V it’s like a time capsule bringing me into a period in the early '80s with people like Vangelis painting soundtracks with a diverse and atmospheric palette of sonic textures. I can’t help but get into that mood when designing sounds with it. So I had early '80s sci-fi in mind while creating many of my sounds and let that be a sort of path to follow in my approach. It’s interesting how the new advanced features gave those ideas a fresh vibe."
Sonar Traffic
"I love how there's many subtle things going on, the pitch shifter delay in the effects section gives it an extra dreamy quality."
Tobias Menguser
"I was always a big fan of CS80 and Blade Runner, and bought a real CS60 a few years ago. The new version of CS-80 V with its great filter emulations comes closer and closer to the original hardware."
Tobias Menguser
"I was clearly focusing on the unique filters and the ring modulator, but also used the new effects quite heavily."
Michael Geyre
"Arturia has finally managed to nail the specific sound from this instrument, even though it's quite a complicated instrument with an unusual architecture. I am very happy about the sound of the new version, as I can get identical sounds to my original CS-80. As the original instrument is crowded full of obsolete and rare chips, I know that I will always manage to get its sound using this plugin, and that's pretty reassuring. Also, when working on some short recordings, or when the weather is too hot, I'd prefer not powering the CS-80 on in such conditions, so using the plugin even makes sense for me, even if I do have the original instrument."
Michael Geyre
"Despite using the original instrument almost daily, making presets was pretty difficult for me, as, in my opinion, it is a musical instrument, not a research synthesizer. I could get even a single sine wave, and play it with great pleasure, as, to me, the main point of the instrument is playability. Using a good keyboard controller (especially featuring polyphonic pressure), it is possible to get a similar experience using CS-80 V. Let's take "Aftertouch Surprise " or "Meadow Flute " as examples; they're both very simple presets, but they're sounds you can play and use on various recordings. That's what I aimed for, making playable sounds, not just impressive ones!"
Press
Clippings
Remix
On CS-80 V
"In terms of sound quality, the CS-80V is absolutely divine. It's a first-rate-analog-style synthesizer with a wealth of detuning and modulation possibilities that allow you to cook up truly retro sounds-if that's what you're looking for. On the other hand, thanks to the sequencer, stereo delay and multitimbral aspects of the instrument, the CS-80V can sound as up-to-date as your programming chops will allow. The filters have plenty of bite - so much so that you have to watch for clipping. And I particularly like the implementation of the ring modulator, suboscillator and Touch Response features, which enable you to add weird little subtleties to a sound."
Mac Format
On CS-80 V
"Overall, the CS-80V is a wonderful sounding synth, capable of producing warm analogue sounds, from fat basses and leads to complex, organic sounding textures that would be ideal for atmospheric film music. It costs a fraction of Yamaha's original."
Future Music
On CS-80 V
"So just how close has Arturia got to emulating such a classic monster? I think they've done a superb job with just the right balance between faithful re-creation and modern elaboration. [...] The CS-80V is a phenomenal machine."
MusicTech
On CS-80 V
"Aesthetics and programming considerations aside, there's no doubt that the CS-80V captures the classic analogue sound of the original instrument. The additional features Arturia has added stands the virtual instrument well above the original hardware version. Arturia has taken all the good bits, enhanced them, and created a classy, high-quality synth with great appeal to those with an interest in analogue synthesizers."
Keyboard US
On CS-80 V
"The CS-80V is a killer soft synth. It's been over 25 years since the CS-80's introduction, and it remains a sought-after powerhouse to this day."
Computer Music
On CS-80 V
"With their much-hyped TAE (True Analogue Emulation), Arturia have tackled the challenge of emulative analogue synthesis, and succeeded in a way that has rarely been matched."
Future Music
On CS-80 V
"A perfectly emulated ultra-rare synththat -quite simply- sounds different. There's a place for its smooth strings in every track."
What
we added
CS-80 V’s advanced features are designed to surpass the boundaries of classic synth design, allowing you to take this iconic instrument to whatever sonic destination you desire. From extra modulation to curated FX, this enhanced instrument is mix-ready and yours to pilot.
Create precise connections and communications that you couldn't do on the original. CS-80 V’s detailed modulation section features 3 Multi-segment envelope generators, each with 3 customizable destinations. Draw your own curves, adjust the scale, and weave complex multi-modulation movements like sidechaining with the new Modulation Mixer. Old synth, new tricks.
Hear it
in action
Wrap your head around just a few of the off-world sonic adventures that await you with these compositions from artists in the CS-80 V community.
Grenoble 2049
Blade Runner hommage using the brand new Factory library of the CS-80 V4.
Let Me Tell You
Fun-loving soul and funk demo, highlighting the timbre of the new CS-80 V4 engine.
Subaquatic Explorations
Classic deep house track using the brand new CS-80 V4 Factory library.
Ambient CS
Energetic, modern ambient soundscape using the CS-80 V4 Modern Factory library. Just some external percussion used.
Resting Time
A retro style, ambient and chill track inspired by 70's aesthetics. Only CS-80 V4 was used for the melodic and harmonic elements.
Neo CS80
Modern neoclassical demo with a slow buildup, making use of the new CS-80 V4 engine and effects chain.
Ascend To Five
Sonar Traffic
Since the CS-80 V has so much expressive possibilities built into the engine I focused a lot on the use of aftertouch and velocity, making them do sensible things. But with the help of the modern effects engine in this sound, I was able to create a shimmering layer thanks to the pitch shifting delay.
CS-80 Release
Suspenseful trailer soundtrack for the CS-80 V4.
Included in
V Collection 11 Pro
This instrument is part of V Collection Pro - a premium suite of software instruments designed for unparalleled sonic exploration.
From authentically modeled keyboards to hybrid synth engines and beautifully captured acoustic sounds, every instrument is enhanced for today’s production workflow - V Collection delivers the greatest keys of all time.
The features
you need
In-App Tutorials
Integrated in-app tutorials guide you through every aspect of the instrument, from individual parameters to tips from our sound designers, so you can focus on the creative stuff. It shouldn't be this easy, but it is!
TAE® Powered
The exclusive analog modeling technology that makes our emulations indistinguishable from the originals.
By accurately mimicking the characteristics of analog oscillators, filters, and soft clipping, we can provide astonishing component-accurate detail and authentic analog charm in equal measure.
Gallery
Main Features
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MTS-ESP microtuning compatibility