Has Softube created an authentic, simplified Yamaha CS-80 emulation?

45 years on from its release, Yamaha’s CS-80 synth seems more popular than ever. Ownership of the original hardware, though, is the preserve of the lucky few, so the market for software emulations is potentially huge.

Now Softube has joined the likes of Arturia and Cherry Audio in releasing its own version of the CS-80. In fact, the so-called Model 77 (the number denoting the year in which the CS-80 was released) actually emulates a couple of other CS synths, too: the CS-50 and CS-60.

Softube claims to have “component modelled and accurately articulated every detail” of the three instruments, but up on the surface, it’s also simplified the interface to make it easier to tweak your sound. While the Model 77 is dual-layer, the focus stays on one layer at a time, and the various sections are laid out to reflect the signal flow.

There’s also an additional ageing slider that you can adjust to dial in oscillator drift and variations in filter cutoff, pulse width and envelope time. So you can go for a stable, modern sound or a wobbly, vintage one (or something in between).

If you want those classic CS sounds - they’re all over Vangelis’s Blade Runner and Chariots of Fire soundtracks and ‘80s classics such as Billie Jean, Africa and Human Nature - you’ll be delighted to know that all the factory presets from the three original synths are here, as is support for polyphonic aftertouch.

Stereo processing, DAW sync and a reverb are onboard, too, and you also get seven modules from Softube’s Modular and two from its Amp Room guitar and bass software.

The Model 77 is available now for the introductory price of €99 (regular price €159) and runs on PC and Mac in VST/AU/AAX formats. Find out more and download a demo on the Softube website.