Yamaha CS80 vs. Modern Clones: Arturia CS-80V and Cherry GX-80 - Ultimate Sound Comparison!

[@nostandingonlydancin]

I was tossing up which to go for. Guess it will just grab the original.

[@kierenmoore3236]

“DOOO IT! … DOOOOOO IT!!” 😈

[@AndyWhitmore]

Thats what I did!!!

[@AndyWhitmore]

Love the enthusiasm!

[@mattsmith1440]

The Softube is worth a look first, and there is GX-80 too. Some have said the expression capabilities of your controller keyboard make more of a difference than the specific software model though.

[@AndyWhitmore]

@@mattsmith1440 I have totally nailed all your points in this follow up video - kzbin.info/www/bejne/o5K0coRmbNSFotE Tell me what you think?

[@Oihenart1]

Great video comparison, I think I’ll go for the Arturia!

[@AndyWhitmore]

I'm glad you found the comparison helpful! The Arturia is a fantastic choice with some great features. Enjoy making music!

[@jamesmcgill6505]

If you have a CS-80 and you're debating over whether to use it or a VSTi for any given track...

[@AndyWhitmore]

well i use the vst to road test the idea - then I re do using the real cs80 after - normally playing the cs80 through midi!

[@tylerdurden9765]

The Arturia sounds great imo and even preferable to the CS-80 on some patches with a little more crunch and thickness. Where the CS-80 kills the software is in hands on control. Playing an analog synth with lots of nobs and playing a VST with a mouse is a very different experience. As far as saying one is definitely sounds better than the other, -the only way to do that is a blind test. Everyone typically rates vintage gear as best until those preconceived ideas meet the reality of a blind test.

[@kierenmoore3236]

Lol … It’s as if they have formed an oligopoly, with Arturia nailing the lower frequencies and the pitch bend strip better, and Cherry nailing the higher frequencies and the ring mod bells better … 😏 If you run an instance of each, do they merge into a near perfect emulation between them … ?! 🙃😉 Short of an actual CS-80, it depends which sounds/functions you want to emulate most … and it may be that you ‘need’ “both” (which is always the correct answer, in the end, right?! 😉) … Thanks for this great video/comparison, Andy! Cheers! 😎👍🏼🙏🏼

[@AndyWhitmore]

yes - you hit the nail on the head!

[@Noone-of-your-Business]

That was absolutely no contest for the original. I find it hard to believe that that playing field was level here. Any differences in volume, recording or dynamics processing between the hardware and the VSTs? Are the presets even comparable? I rarely hear such massive differences in sound comparisons.

[@AndyWhitmore]

I went to a lot of effort to match levels - there is no fx for the last portion of the video & for the earlier part - the same compression & reverb was used - & nothing else. One thing about the cs80 is everyone sounds different - so its a hard synth to clone

[@tolfred]

Awsome demo! You play very good too! And why haven't I played my Arturia CS80 yet?

[@AndyWhitmore]

thanks for the compliment!!

[@anthonychevonne]

Had the Arturia V Collection for a few years now. I'll be honest I have slept on the CS-80V in comparisons to the other emulators I often use. I find the synth brasses on the CS80 are not as harmonic as the Prophet and Juno. But tbh I'm just a guy who makes beats in his flat. I've limited knowledge on this so these videos are really helpful thanks!

[@AndyWhitmore]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts! Glad to be of help!

[@gazmellen7881]

nice one and warmer comes to mind and less ear fatigue over time.

[@AndyWhitmore]

Thanks for your thoughts! It's great to hear that warmer sounds help reduce ear fatigue. Comfort is key when listening for long periods!

[@fromoutwest]

Curious to see how Softube's Model 77 would compare to these

[@AndyWhitmore]

I'm going to compare the Memorymoon ME80, Softube's Model 77, Cherry & Arturia using my new komplete kontrol K88 - so i can demo the polyphonic aftertouch

[@distprod]

@@AndyWhitmore would be great if you could get your hands on the hardware clone, Black Corporation Deckard's Dream, for your comparison in the next go around.

[@AndyWhitmore]

@@distprod I am happy to doa comparison video if anyone wants to hire me the Black Corporation Deckard´s Dream

[@Shred_The_Weapon]

On some level, it’s making me wish I could have any of the three instrument models. The CS-80 is not an instrument just anybody can own, and I have mentioned before how there’s a barrier between me and VST plug-ins.

[@MiigsMusic]

Why? Is it the feel of fiddling with knobs? Totally get that, that's why I'm slowly getting a bit more into hardware synths but there are some workarounds (work being the key part) with (in my case for example) Novation Launch Control XL and Isotonk's PReditor. A lot more options than what ableton gives you, there are other software alternatives but that's what I use. Ofc it's not exactly the same but I love it to be able to record automation with all encoders on my midi controller and any vst or have some more "fiddling" when creating vst synth patches😂

[@Shred_The_Weapon]

That’s largely the case for me, @. During the days when I actually tried using the VST plug-ins that were integrated with my original digital audio workstation, I mostly did pre-sequenced material that I assembled with notation software that I converted into midi files and transferred into the DAW. If ever I’ve tried playing those plug-ins from a remote controller in real time, the human element is lost somewhere in the hardwire between my keyboard controller and the computer itself. In the last couple of years since Akai issued the MPC Key, I’ve had daydreams of getting that and making it my standalone music-making device. That would be a radical shift for me away from using a laptop, but I would probably find it easier to consider using the plug-ins, knowing the keyboard controller would be in the same chassis as the storage unit containing the software (I would probably search for remote monitor and alpha numeric keyboard units). I hope that makes even a little sense.

[@AndyWhitmore]

its certainly a different world on the real cs80 against the vst plug ins!

[@Shred_The_Weapon]

As of November 2024, Andy, I have still yet to purchase a polyphonic synthesizer with VCO tone generators and a per function front panel. I don’t know if I ever will, but I am leaning in the direction of the TEO-5.

[@AndyWhitmore]

@@Shred_The_Weapon Oberheim TEO-5 Analog Synthesiser is a great choice!

[@jeremycarroll451]

I wonder how much variation of tone you would have had with three different CS-80s? I’m sure that you could have got the two software versions to sound very similar to each other by being more liberal in terms of your matching of settings. None would ever have captured the depth of the real one though.

[@AndyWhitmore]

I'm doing a follow up video with the other 2 leading plug ins - aftertouch & the new komplete kontrol K88 - so i'm going to take this to the next level

[@trstack]

No Eddie Jobson in a CS-80 vid?

[@AndyWhitmore]

I'd never heard of Eddie Jobson but he's really awesome! - I'll come back to you on this in a later video!!

[@trstack]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/op6aenScrtudaqcsi=JFt9SRjIj8OhHDzb @@AndyWhitmore

[@basislager5321]

Great comparison - i think Cherry´s Synth is for me the BEST

[@AndyWhitmore]

I'm glad you enjoyed the comparison! Cherry's Synth really does have some amazing features that appeal to a lot of people.

[@JoshRichmanDesign]

Softube?

[@AndyWhitmore]

week Saturday - I have a follow up video with Native S88 master keyboard with Poly aftertouch demoing the Softtube Cherry & Arturia!

[@dman030]

meh, i think they both sound as good as the original. in fact in a blind test in a song i bet no one could tell the difference. the artruia and the cherry have slightly different characters, that's why i have both. certain sounds sound better on each.

[@AndyWhitmore]

I've always said - the digital synths do sound pretty much the same - but the analog synths add a warmth to the mix that the digital synths largely dont do - the exception is some real string patches like Spitfire really do add a warmth.

[@mattsmith1440]

​@@AndyWhitmore Hi Andy, thanks for this excellent video. Money and space being no object, I'd rather have the analogue synths, and of course a Hydrasynth and that Novation Peak too. However, it seems to me that now there really are some software emulations that 'perfectly' nail it. For example, the UAD Moog seems spot on to me. I've also tried Softube's modular, versus modules I actually own, and would defy anyone to tell which is which. Kind of annoying actually! No doubt in ten year's time any slight differences will have been ironed out further, but in some cases we've already reached the point of no realistically audible issues breaking the analogue sound spell. Just my two cents.

[@AndyWhitmore]

@@mattsmith1440 OK - good news is I have the Softube comparison here - kzbin.info/www/bejne/o5K0coRmbNSFotE Lets wait 10 years 7 see where we are - i still that vst sound the same but don't feel the same - they always lack warmth

[@judclark7376]

Sounds pretty good on my phone

[@AndyWhitmore]

Absolutley!

[@Meteotrance]

Most VST version have a terrible scale effect on the glide Ribbon that's why analog synth can win in expressivity, i wonder if modern MPE keyboard can make a smooth octave transition without that wierd scalling effect ...

[@AndyWhitmore]

I've just bought the new komplete kontrol K88 - so I will update & post here very soon - I'm going to compare the Memorymoon ME80, Softube's Model 77, Cherry & Arturia using my new komplete kontrol K88 - so i can demo the polyphonic aftertouch

[@Meteotrance]

@AndyWhitmore im probably trying that with an Osmose synth or the ASM hydrasynth this one have polyphonic aftertouch and real ribbon glider , also same for the new analog flagship from Arturia the Polybrute 12 a very good synth ... I have the CS 80 VST from them, not bad but the real beast is probably a bit different especialy on the glider thing the aftertouch and the smoothness of the sound, the only default of the Yamaha is the price range , the weight and also the tuning stability that even Moog and Oberheim suffer when it was hot , but it's very smooth, expressive and warm, some company also try some hardware replica like the (Deckard Dream) it was realy expensive...

[@MuzixMaker]

What is that touch pad?

[@AndyWhitmore]

the touch pad isa pitch strip - a pitch bend - its demonstrated at 10:05 Pitch Bend Strip

[@MuzixMaker]

@ right: ? Is it commercially available?

[@AndyWhitmore]

@@MuzixMaker they are only available on synths that have them when new - there are a few including cs80 , cs60,

[@MuzixMaker]

@@AndyWhitmoreyes, but what is the device you’re using with your right hand to sweep the pitch?

[@AndyWhitmore]

@@MuzixMaker Hi - Apologies for mix up - can you give me a time stamp for the "what is the device you’re using with your right hand to sweep the pitch?" Thank you

[@sjursjur]

Oh, no! You should have done the Model 77 from Softube. In my experience, Softube emulations are in another league. Their Juno 106 and Prophet 5 emulations are almost indistinguishable from the real thing.

[@AndyWhitmore]

I'm going to compare the Memorymoon ME80, Softube's Model 77, Cherry & Arturia using my new komplete kontrol K88 - so i can demo the polyphonic aftertouch

[@sjursjur]

@AndyWhitmore Great! And sorry if my comment came off as negative, it was not meant that way. I appreciate your efforts. Few of us have access to that hallowed hardware, but we do value its legacy, and we want the best from the emulations.

[@AndyWhitmore]

@@sjursjur all good!

[@trstack]

iLOK BLOWS…

[@johnsaunders6510]

I agree. Softube emulations are the best.

[@mick_hyde]

Hang on! Isn't the yamaha always going to be first?

[@AndyWhitmore]

of course - but people want to know the best plug in & the differences

[@shix13]

also isn't the Cherry going to be at a disadvantage because it's not trying to exclusively be a CS-80 clone instead is a mashup of the GX-1 and CS-80?

[@AndyWhitmore]

@@shix13 Are you saying i should be happy with 2nd best because it can do a load of irrelevant stuff?

[@harrisonthacker9707]

For another comparison, I think you’ll find that Softube Model 77 is the closest sounding emulation out there.

[@AndyWhitmore]

I'm going to compare the Memorymoon ME80, Softube's Model 77, Cherry & Arturia using my new komplete kontrol K88 - so i can demo the polyphonic aftertouch

[@trstack]

But Softube uses iLok which sux.

[@AndyWhitmore]

@@trstack I suppose so!

[@trstack]

I own both the Arturia and Cherry Audio versions. I prefer my Montage M8x with the soft synths as add-ons to the AN-x engine with poly aftertouch

[@AndyWhitmore]

It's awesome to hear you have both versions! The Montage M8x really does bring a unique flavour to the soft synths, especially with the poly aftertouch. Happy music-making! Next week Sat - I have a Native S88 poly aftertouch keyboard with the Softtube Cherry & Arturia!

[@morphoice]

The fact that they couldn't even get one of the presets to sound anywhere close to the original is a literal scam. They may all be great software synthesizers but have nothing to do with a CS-80 and shouldn't be advertised as such. Funny enough the Memorymoon ME80 has no problem sounding like a real CS-80. Arturia should have licensed their DSP

[@AndyWhitmore]

I'm going to compare the Memorymoon ME80, Softube's Model 77, Cherry & Arturia using my new komplete kontrol K88 - so i can demo the polyphonic aftertouch

[@synthfluencer]

@@AndyWhitmore That's great, I wanted to politely ask if a comparison of the CS-80 with the ME-80 is possible. For me, the ME-80 is still the benchmark for CS-80 emulators.

[@AndyWhitmore]

@@synthfluencer unfortunatly - I dont use Windows computers any longer & I believe this is only available on PCs?

[@synthfluencer]

@@AndyWhitmore It seems that there is no Mac version anymore, what a pity.

[@AndyWhitmore]

@@synthfluencer shame as i would have done it

[@arakaneuman]

All of them sound like Donald Duck on drugs, 😀. I would definitely go for the Moog muse, obx8, Prophet 10 or the 3rd wave instead of better yet all of them and throw in a some additional sequentials and Moogs

[@AndyWhitmore]

all the synths you mentioned are great synths - however - they r not trying to emulate the cs80 - thanks for watching!

[@arakaneuman]

@@AndyWhitmore I meant that for one CS80 you can buy something like 10 new premium synths like the ones I mentioned an still have enough money left to buy a decent emulator and Vangelis total discography ☺️.

[@AndyWhitmore]

@@arakaneuman do you think i wasted my money?

[@arakaneuman]

@AndyWhitmore depends on how much you payed. If you bought it in the 90s probably not. I bought a CS50 together with a korg ms20, Roland tr808, Roland mc202, Roland csq100 and a yamaha cs15 for in 90s money about 500£ around 1989. Back then at least the the CS50 and cs15 where considered as something of a joke and all synths and drum machines without midi where very cheap, at least in Sweden where I live.

[@AndyWhitmore]

@@arakaneuman We are all entitled to our own opinions - the CS80 means a lot to me - so i am happy with the purchase which was recent!!

[@juno6]

No Vangelis? Really?

[@elliotnicklinmusic]

He’s done some great stuff from vangelis in other videos. Think this was more about its use in pop (which is arguably equally influential if a little more covert)

[@AndyWhitmore]

I've got another video coming up - will focus more on vangelis - I'm going to compare the Memorymoon ME80, Softube's Model 77, Cherry & Arturia using my new komplete kontrol K88 - so i can demo the polyphonic aftertouch

[@AndyWhitmore]

thanks for that!

[@juno6]

@@elliotnicklinmusic I said that in a humerus tone, maybe was not obvious enough. Sorry. But a CS80 shootout without not even mentioning Vangelis is a little shame. Vangelis is CS80 kind!!!!

[@synthplayer1563]

What a difference!! The original CS80 sounds much, much better. Cherry GX-80 is the worst.

[@AndyWhitmore]

its amazing the difference in opinions in the comments - some people are saying throw the CS80 on the scrap heap as it has been more than equalled by the plug ins while others - like you say the complete opposite - thanks for viewing! I agree with you!!!

[@gonreebgonreeb]

hardware sounds way better

[@AndyWhitmore]

well thats a result because they are not more convenient or cheaper!

[@davebassP5]

I really dont get the love for this flat boring sounding synth in 2024. Who wants to sound like something from the 70’s when we are 40 year forward with tech. CS80, along with a few others are only for YT channels who want to prove that software versions dont sound exactly the same. This isnt to say i didnt like the video, but really, who cares. All of these have been out for so long, it’s been done to death already.

[@AndyWhitmore]

I have no words!!! - Thanks for watching!

[@kadiummusic]

Says a bass player. 🙄

[@AndyWhitmore]

@@kadiummusic ha!

[@davebassP5]

@ not me, strictly a keyboard player these days. My point is partly based on me playing keys decades ago, and coming back to keys a few years ago. The same old sounds/keyboards are still being talked about. It’s like nothing has moved on.

[@AndyWhitmore]

@@davebassP5 the way I see it - the synths from this era had a sound that was great. The new synths also have a sound - & that is great too. But that doesn't mean the old sounds are obsolete. Guitars haven't changed much over 50 years - does that make them boring?