Bad Gear - Yamaha Reface CS - The i-Synth???

[@neonpop80]

LOVE my CS. Baffling the hate the Reface line gets. Perhaps it has limitations but that's where your expectations are. Judge it for what it is and it is a special little sized portable fun machine with beautiful sounds. Very inviting for entry level folk going into synths

[@neonpop80]

@@mintsaucemilitia Haha I didn’t even know. Honestly, scratch my entry level comment, they’re just amazing

[@SiliconBassist]

Yeah, I just got the Reface CP yesterday and I already adore it! It just begs to be played, and it is simple and portable while still sounding great and useful in the studio. I don’t have the CS, but it sounds great imo. I’m a big fan of the AN1X. So the sonic similarities are definitely appealing to me

[@thomaslthomas1506]

I’ve played them. My only hate is the keyboard. I would have been more interested a module.

[@Justin-xi6ue]

@@thomaslthomas1506 As someone who’s owned a CS for years now, and hasn’t played it as much as I should have. I’ve been struggling to think of a convenient place to put it, without it taking up a bunch of space on my desk. Currently I have a Circuit Tracks in my keyboard tray with it hooked up to Analog Lab V, and then a Volca Kick mounted off to the side which is controlled using the Circuit. I also have a Keystep 37 I probably should be using more often, but currently my Circuit has gathered much of that attention. I guess maybe I should look at an extra table, shoe rack, or even a keyboard stand to try and make better use of these two. Unfortunately the problem still lies with the fact that now I’m looking for a convenient place to put that now instead, and it can be expensive depending on the solution. Modules would honestly make things so much easier. Personally I really think every hardware synth should have a module form.

[@philipborlin]

Getting one for my son!

[@YearsOfLeadPoisoning]

I LOVE my CS. It was my first synth and it still blows me away how good it can sound. More importantly, how easily it is to make it sound good which IMO is the most important part if you're actually making music.

[@AudioPilz]

Great if it fits your workflow!

[@SlyHikari03]

Same. Was my first “real” synth as well

[@fender1000100]

Agree 100% what makes the CS REFACE so incredible to me. Is the breadth of sounds it can produce from only 17 movements. This hasn't been emphasised enough. And this is what makes it so incredible. Alot of people who do these swipes at the CS are totally clueless. And have no idea how good and powerful this marvel is. And this is the problem. I've been around long enough to remember the moogs and cs range. The oberheims etc. How expensive HEAVY and unreliable they were. And the reface blows them all away. At a fraction of the price and weight. 30 years ago people were spending £1000 plus for the limited Roland TB303 on the second hand market. And they want yo complain about paying £300 for this gem that can do things the 303 couldn't dream of. Totally clueless. Thats what most of these reviewers are. Clueless...

[@DJ_POOP_IT_OUT_FEAT_LIL_WiiWii]

@@fender1000100 it's a good little synth maybe but blows away a CS-80 ?

[@nnuae]

It was my first, too. Moog One came second, and that's where my GAS ended (+a behringer model D but that's a necessity).

[@Answersonapostcard]

What is lacks in features it makes up with in sound quality and sheer fun. This is a great sounding keyboard/synth that offers a large variety of easily accessible sounds.

[@AudioPilz]

👍

[@simonwaterhouse4980]

The thing is….your tunes are so good, that none of it actually sounds like bad gear…..

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you so much!!!

[@LeonTrimble]

Shhh don’t tell anyone…

[@AlexBallMusic]

Reface is my favourite Nicolas Cage film.

[@peterkohlmetzmoller]

Hahahaha

[@AudioPilz]

Lol, good one!!!

[@NullFX]

They need a “coffee spitting” emoji for jokes like these

[@graydonwebster1911]

@@AudioPilz Missed opportunity for the intro video. lol.

[@desktorp]

@@graydonwebster1911 yeap.. might have to re-edit and re-upload this re-face

[@TheAlienDog]

This show never disappoints, RIP Vangelis.

[@brianbargmeyer6718]

That Tom’s Diner melody after the PWM statement was golden! Hats off to you for that deep Nick Batt joke 😊

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@SpikesStudio3]

And the magazine cover...

[@SpikesStudio3]

Which one was nick? I think Florian has a subliminal game going where there is an actual quiz going for the recognition of memes. How many in content, how many you know. Results per week entered into algorithm to assess your worthiness to own bad gear. Hmmmm 😜

[@utility507A]

Full disclosure: I've longed to own this synth. I considered buying it after it was released, and again a few years later when Yamaha temporaroly slashed the price. Then I finally decided that, at all costs, I still wanted it after hearing so many of my friends rave about the Reface line (despite its lukewarm recemption). So one night after a tipsy (ok, let's be honest, drunk) bid on an ebay auction, I decided I wanted it, and I won the auction. From what I can tell, it was discontinued anyway. I paid only slightly above the MSRP for it (including shipping). Then, when it finally arrived in Ontario from the US, I got slapped with a $75 customs fee on the Wednesday when it arrived. I still didn't care. I joyfully carried it home on the rear rack of my bike from the post office. I popped batteries in it (it didn't even come with a power supply =|). I made some coffee and I finished reading the maunual before I finished drinking my cup of coffee. I tried the synth and I was overjoyed. It was everything I hoped it would be. It was simple and straightforward. It sounded great. It felt great. I was happy with it. A few days later, I was super busy on a Friday and grabbing lunch. It has become a ritual for me to grab food between teaching music and watching this week's episode of Bad Gear and eat lunch before my next lesson. Well, I saw the thumbnail for this week's episode (just two days after buying the synth!), and I could not stop laughing. No joke, I couldn't breathe. I also own a JP-08 so I have a pretty good idea of stupid rehash virtual analog bullshit cash grabs. I get all the criticisms. Lack of velocity sensitivity? Yep. It's a drag. No internal memory? Also kind of a pain in the ass. But eight voice polyphony and no stupid menus within sub menus? SIGN. ME. UP. I love this little thing for its simplicity. Hell, that's the reason I wanted it in the first place. I even considered buying the Reface DX on Kijiji for $350 (in Canadian dollars no less!), and the main deterent for me was the stupid menu dive. I'll take knobs and sliders over menus and memory any day. The way I see it, if you know the instrument well enough, you'll be able to dial in any sound you want efficiently enough. I love this little synth, and I'm glad to own it. Still, I have no disagreements with criticisms against it. I don't have any high end synths, and I most likely will never own any. The main sticking point as mentioned in the vid is the price. I feel like this synth might have done much better at an entry level price. My only guess as to why the Reface line cost what it did is R&D cost overruns. But what do I know?

[@AudioPilz]

I think they jacked up prices bc they could;)

[@Art-zs6sl]

It's a good synth for teaching people synthesis. Sliders on the envelope are nice and it's easy to transport.

[@trouaconti7812]

This synth is so versatile in range and simple and compact. Im loving it. The DX is not super great but with the right patches (no crazy stuff, organs, bases, variations on pianos and few pads) it could be a super playable combo. The recent price jackup is due to chip shortage Yamaha Reface CP is absolutely beautiful too, think or getting one as well!!

[@milesparker3263]

Good news! These are all on sale right now in Canadaq for $399.. just picked up a CP for my kids, I'd grab a DX or CS for myself except -- no MPE support for external midi.

[@lancepage1914]

You could always get a Black Corporation Deckard's Dream, if you can justify buying one. TBH any Black Corporation synth would be awesome to play and own.

[@haris300tt]

The CS is lots of fun as a portable "fun machine" since it takes batteries. I wish the looper was some sort of step sequencer instead. They really should have put a reverb effect like on the CP. I will say the Reface keys are some of the easy mini keys I've ever used. Those final jams were really fun. Nice review.

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks!!! Yes, it's really missing some reverb

[@darrenm303]

A 16 transposable step sequencer and a reverb would have made this synth even better. I have to say it's impossible for me to make bad sounds on it. I feel spontaneous with the lack of patch memory so I like that.

[@samulikas6792]

Actually the (quite not new) free software updates can upgrade the synth's "looper" into a sequencer. There's plenty of similar kind of fun including The possibility of changing the pitch bend from octave to smaller intervals. Though you'd think they'd think that kind of thing from The start :P Regardless this synth is. pretty versatile thing to play with.

[@golgoth787]

But who takes a synth this size to go camping ? (the only place where, maybe, you wont have access to electricity...). The portable argument doesnt have any sence anymore in my opinion !

[@rort1371]

I love the looper.

[@andy2069]

The CS and CP are incredible instruments. I say that as someone with 23 synths.

[@AudioPilz]

You know the drill, one person’s Bad Gear…;)

[@singingcookie5945]

LOVE the keybeds in the Reface series, these are some solid synths!

[@AudioPilz]

Agreed! The keybed is much better than the competition's

[@davelordy]

Has this channel no standards . . . the Reface CS is one of my favourite synths ever ! : ) So well made, easily the best quality mini keyboard ever, sounds great too !

[@AudioPilz]

Maybe no dignity but certainly standards;)

[@davelordy]

​@@AudioPilz _"Maybe no dignity"_ Well all saw the MT32 video.

[@mc2engineeringprof]

Hey! Florian has standards galore! And who needs dignity? It sounds too much like "diggity", anyway! ;)

[@Hogboy345]

This synth is amazing, there's a reason they're very difficult to find and pricey.

[@AndreasR86]

@@AudioPilz gotta put those synths on something

[@TobyBorrow]

I didn’t even realise it existed for 3 years and then when I did I didn’t care. It’s like ‘Yamahas Greatest Hits’ in a crappy white box

[@AudioPilz]

That sums it up nicely!

[@TobyBorrow]

@@AudioPilz I wait up until 2am (Australia) to make these sardonic comments 😂🤪. Thank you for giving me great stress relief from a week at work

[@Altarwood1684]

I just got the reface yc. For someone whose living situation changes constantly, it gives me portability with good, accurate organ sounds

[@Fantishow-is-a-butt]

A friend of mine lent me one of these. I used it for every sound (minus drums ofc) in a track and was happy with the results, it can play your basic Bass, Pads n’ Lead roles pretty well. It’s really intuitive with the slider interface, I almost prefer sliders to knobs… almost

[@AudioPilz]

I'm team sliders too!

[@infn8loopmusic]

Every week I look forward to a new episode of bad gear coming out on Friday, and I am never disappointed. Thanks for the awesome content.

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks for watching!!!

[@fernandoperdomomusic]

I just scored an entire movie with this synth .. it is by far my favorite synth! One man's Bad is another man's BAD ASS!!!! Frost OST out 08/28/22 on Cleopatra Records

[@AudioPilz]

Nice, I have to check it out!

[@NotAboveAverage]

I know I can start slacking off/forgetting about work for the day when you post a Bad Gear on Fridays. Great as usual bud, cheers!

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks! Have a nice weekend!!!

[@kiko1935]

This was technically my first hardware synth before I returned it and got an Alpha Juno instead. I didn't realize how good it was at the time until I went back and played a friend's years later. Super flexible engine with an easy to use interface. The main drawback for me was the patch memory/soundmondo bs. If Yamaha had released 'big boy' versions of their reface line with full sized keys, velocity and standard midi connections I think this synth could have been a monster, maybe a spiritual successor to the AN1X

[@m.o.n.d.e.g.r.e.e.n]

i personally love the lack of memory because it forces new ideas each time but im a studio sound designer and i never play live

[@krakapoww]

New an1x synth version on the way from youre favorite snowmobile producer

[@emmarossignol4445]

Man that "actually going out on a saturday night" dance party was incredible. I was dying when you showed Ricardo for a split second.

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you! Ricardo needed to be in that;)

[@BossDD3]

I recommend checking out the Reface DX, imo it feels the most 'complete' of all of the refaces, in most part due to the LCD screen and presets which allows you handle all the system settings without entering the batcave. The FM synthesis allows for pretty decent emulation of the rest of the Reface series. It also includes many of the features of the other models, such as the CS's looper and the CPs FX list. Most of the presets are awful imo but with a little shopping around soundmondo you can crowdsource a pretty comprehensive library! As such it's my favorite on the go instrument.

[@AudioPilz]

Aren't FM presets mostly awful?;)

[@stereoroid]

A Reface DX costs *how* much? No thanks, I paid less for my Korg Opsix which *starts* with DX-style FM then heads off in to its own world. It has the fatness.

[@cdwhiley]

Except it can’t accept classic dx presets via sysex. It’s it’s own bullshit standard. In other words, they fucked it.

[@TimWrightDJ]

I got a Reface DX recently and, sadly, I'm a little disappointed with it. The ease of programming (compared to the original DX series) is a huge plus point, it's certainly more usable and enjoyable than my previous experience with a DX100, but I don't think it sounds that great out of the box. As an example, I recently wanted to use the lately/solid bass patch on a track, but it sounded really thin when I used the Reface DX, and I tried the onboard Solid Bass patch, as well as several user patches uploaded to Soundmondo. I then tried a patch on my Deepmind 6 and, whilst I'm aware it's not going to sound the same in an analogue synth as it would in a digital FM synth, it simply sounded better. Point is, FM has it's place but the original 80s inspired patches aren't going to sound great on today's tracks without a lot of processing. If you want the most 'complete' Reface, it's the CP. The CP is now my go to for any rhodes/whurli sounds, and has made any VSTs redundant. It's quick and easy to get a lush sound that is superior to any VST I've used.

[@AngMoKio8]

I agree, DX is a nice way to explore FM especially if you have a keystep 37 around the house to have some knobs to change the parameters. Of course an Opsix is better, but if you got that cheaper than an DX, someone seriously got ripped off😄

[@rektagon1547]

For the price (initially) this synth is really great for beginners to synthesis. The integration of the "texture" and "mod" parameters for the oscillator is really what does it for me. Really makes each oscillator mode stand out from each other to give you solid versatility. The loop features pairs well with the delay (which also has a nice sound!) for folks looking to make ambient music. This can be a great synth to use as the bed of your track. Considering how there are many very valuable, vintage synths w crippling limitations, the lack of patch memory and velocity sensitivity don't seem all that bad imo

[@AudioPilz]

Yeah, the oscillators, especially the saw, are the stars of the show

[@madenda9972]

The CS was my first synth, and it has outlasted all others because it’s so damn portable and easy to use. It’s super kid friendly too! I’ve had many synth jams with my kid on this from when she was 5 and up. It’s amazing to see them listen and make thoughtful contributions to a jam! I find the lack of patch memory a fun limitation too. Completely changes your thought process!

[@AudioPilz]

❤️

[@coastaltone9252]

Man, ive been scrolling through your videos just to listen to the differences in the intros. A mashup of them all with all the different Bad Synths would be a very satisfying video for me.. VERY SATISFYING.

[@AudioPilz]

Great idea, thanks!!!

[@BongoManal]

One of the weekly KZbin highlights😍thanks! Also, the Vangelis reference was done in a really tasteful way, hats off!

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you so much!!!

[@Jobotubular]

I was playing guitar in a band with a really tiny rehearsal space, and wanted to add synth to some songs. Tiny battery-powered keyboard for the win. Build quality impressed me enough to get 2nd-hand DX and CP. Now I want a mini-rack to hold all three

[@MidnightVoid]

TBH Reface CS is a good synth (at least at its previous price) sounds good, a lot of sweet spots and that supersaw (with the phaser and some LFO added) is amazing but I can see why, at this price there are better option.

[@AudioPilz]

The supersaw is certainly the star of the show

[@NakedBonghit]

I had the DX version, I used it also as a midi controller. Pretty cool!

[@eaman11]

@@NakedBonghit PSS A50 would do as a midi controller, also it's a decent rompler.

[@1973asdf]

Just played the Reface CS and YC today. They are just awesome. Yamaha should release a V2 immediately!

[@apislapis]

I bought the Reface CS because it reminded me of a modern upgrade of my CS-01. It's laughable to compare it to a CS-80, but it is fun and simple to play like the CS-01. It wasn't too expensive when I bought it (£269) and it does at least have a MIDI connection of sorts to play/control from another keyboard, whereas with the CS-01 you got no chance. Thanks Florian as always, highly entertaining...

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks for watching!

[@dwaynecarroll6098]

Just ordered mine! Can’t wait to unbox. Thanks Brother! Absolutely love your channel.

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you so much!!!

[@celiacasanovas4164]

Oh, I really like my Reface CS. To me it's a sweet spot synth: I find it hard to dislike anything that comes out of it. I do think there's a place for synths that are extremely simplistic but are easy to get along with, which is why I think people still like their Junos and SH-101s. At least the CS has the comparative advantage of not being as familiar to the listener!

[@AudioPilz]

I'd definitely love a Juno or SH-101;)

[@corncobjohnsonreal]

It's so fast and easy to get a wide variety of sounds out of it. I went from darude sandstorm lead to Rhodes piano in an instant. Can't do that on anything knobby

[@BigBadWolf..............]

I owned the cs for several years. It is well built and sounds great. It’s limited like you said and has lack of patch storage. If Yamaha wanted to make a full size 49 key or 61 key version with patch storage and expanded capabilities but keep the oscillator ( they should add a few )and filter the same then they would sell tons of synths. It is a concept that works but a platform that doesn’t.

[@AudioPilz]

...and maybe add the crunchy converters of the AN1x;)

[@spidergoalie33]

Quite honestly the CS is my all time favourite “analog” synth. I wish it had a separate noise source and I would have preferred an arpeggiator over the looper, but otherwise I absolutely LOVE it! And I’m old and owned a lot of Korg Roland and Yamaha synths since the 70’s.

[@AudioPilz]

An arpeggiator would indeed be great

[@Ballissle]

Does anyone know how I could use a software VST arpeggiator to control the output of the synth sending midi input to the synth?

[@skiptabor]

Best Nick Batt PWM reference yet!! Well done… well done.

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@daskonstruct]

Loved the review but you did miss one cool unique feature. Under LFO if you select OSC the modulations change based on which oscillator type you use. I loved the reface line and picked them all up when they were going for cheaper prices a few years ago since everyone was trashing them.

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks! I should have been more precise here!

[@Sorrowablaze]

I don't know anything about synth gear, but the cp looks really cool, and now I can't find em anywhere. Shady ebay auctions all in Japan are all I've been able to find

[@SuperBicycleRepairMan]

Bought a CS for my daughter. She loves the thing and keeps going back to it. Makes some great tunes too. Might be a little wobble in those sliders but it's a tough unit that's built to last. You need to pay a bit more for reliability but it's worth it. Not a bad thing to have a compact battery operated synth with built in speakers that is easy to use. Not that it's only a kids toy, that thing is great. Recommended

[@robert-pilgrim]

I own this one! I'm somewhat of a synth beginner in terms of sound design, but I feel like you summed up my likes and dislikes about the machine pretty nicely. Not sure what they were thinking with not including velocity and the proprietary MIDI cable BS. Aside from that I do feel like the engine's capable enough to get a wide range of sounds (not as wide range as a Minilogue, but I paid like $200-300 for my unit in 2020 compared to the Minilogue's $550 so you get what you pay for I suppose). Funny story - the LFOs on this machine don't work if sustain or release are at the exact bottom of those sliders, so when I was first using it and trying to get the LFOs to work I was convinced my unit was borked and had to take it apart and put it back together. The people in the Synth discord I was in at the time had a field day with that. :p

[@AudioPilz]

I think that happened to me to. Thought it was some kind of hidden LFO delay option but wasn't able to reproduce it

[@pascalansellful]

Would love to know the cost of adding 5 pin midi outs... Is it really so expensive that Yamaha etc. Can't envisage selling at extra cost? Or are there complex electronics involved that make it unfeasible for small units?

[@funkmachine6420]

I got one used about 4/5 years ago for about £200. For that price it was a decent synth, but I found it not interested enough to keep after about 8 months of little use. Can't believe the prices they go for now! Pretty cool but not amazing. Good show as always!

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@GizzyDillespee]

Wait, they're expensive now? It has to be laundering... sometimes it could make sense when something's discontinued and the prices go way up, but a toy VA? You could get a microfreak, JD-Xi, microkorg, mininova, boutique, the old kickstarter from Modal, etc...

[@SynGirl32]

Yes! I've been waiting for this!

[@AudioPilz]

It was about time!!!

[@diabledu92]

These lil tracks are my favorites of all your shows! Thanks you for your time, the concept, and sharing your love!

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you so much!

[@gerarddip]

It’s so fricking good dude So versatile

[@AudioPilz]

👍

[@graydonwebster1911]

I am considering a DX because I love the feedback on any operator you like feature and additional waveforms.

[@AudioPilz]

That one is super interesting!

[@Roboprogs]

I like mine. The “negative” feedback acts like a double frequency modulator, which roughly makes the carrier sound like a square wave, vs a sawtooth sound that a 1:1 modulator (or feedback) would have. The result is a bit like having non-sine operators as on the DX-11.

[@d_vibe-swe]

The synthwave jam sounded amazing!

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@tentsio]

I really like the CS. At least in my case it is perfect for the way I use synths. I sample and resample my synths a lot. The basic clean and clear sound of the CS is a good thing when you are going to mangle it with sampling and effects. It´s not too difficult to find more dark and gritty sounds too. I like that the CS is small, fast to use with no menu diving. I can play all day just with the CS and a Digitakt and get most of the sounds that I want.

[@AudioPilz]

Works great with the 'takt!

[@iddqd85]

Bought this synth thinking it might be a fun "synthy toy" ala the CS01, but with patience & finesse this thing is really capable of some unexpected greatness and I never expected to use it so much. 🎹🎵

[@AudioPilz]

👍👍👍

[@dwaynecarroll6098]

The song at 5:35 is incredible! Love it.

[@paulbmorgan]

Had my fancy headphones plugged into my phone and just listened to/watched the show, got to say that little CS sounded great, can't be the headphones, surely? Reverb and mod/pitch wheels are an oversight but the little Stormtrooper synth ticked many boxes for me. Great show as usual.

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks!!! It really needs external reverb!

[@mycosys]

OK but go listen to even Arturia CS80v. Its not that good

[@Roboprogs]

Stormtrooper? Is every shot a miss? Does that make the organ Reface a “redshirt”?

[@krakapoww]

Imo it sounds great. A modern juno 6 in a sense. Sounds much more creamy then the korg minilogue. I mostly used the supersaw but its a very very fun and versatile unit. Was lowkey triggered when i saw it here labeled as bad :( gotta disagree @audiopilz )

[@maroon6315]

How about a MicroKorg XL+ episode? I love this series!

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks! Already had the non-plus on the show

[@keyhoarder]

I have it, and despite all it's flaws (which are legit) its still one of my favourite synths. The supersaw sounds from CS sounds better in my opinion than the classic patches from my Jupiter XM

[@roysutton577]

My CS, CP, YC and DX are incredible instruments. Great video! Even better is using Soundmondo to save and load patches on the CP, YC and CS. Of all the DX is the only Reface with a memory.

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@mycosys]

At the first glance, the broken KZbin notifications are ticking everyone off

[@AudioPilz]

It's a major PITA!!!

[@bigsloanful]

For me the CS Reface fits a very niche application, which is operating strictly as a live instrument for bass patches, and very limited pads. It's small (fits well on top of my rhodes next to me Boog Poly D) and is easy to patch in real time during tunes compared to the poly d, and my novation bass station II it replaced, even though the novation had patches it could save, building out new bass tones on the fly in a jam is much quicker and efficient than the novation. I dig it. But I can see how some people can't get past it's limitations. Great review!

[@urh8523]

It is incredible what such little synth can do.

[@AudioPilz]

😀

[@CarlitoProductions]

One of the first hardware synths I got to jam out on alongside a Moog Grandmother, Bass Station and Korg Odyssey. It's simple yet great sounding. Sure it might benefit from external effects, but it still is a wonderful synth for a first time or casual synth player

[@corncobjohnsonreal]

No, I am not accepting this under the bad gear guys thumbnail. This synth is legit amazing and I always pick it up. It's not my best synth, but it's my best synth

[@AudioPilz]

😔

[@corncobjohnsonreal]

@@AudioPilz you know what, I've seen great setups with this synth as part of it. The only bad gear in this video is your attitude mister sorry lol

[@Producer4Realz]

From what I saw so far it looks like every synth you've checked goes through almost identical process of examination. This is so wrong. For example this CS was designed to give you a minime of the legendary Yamaha old Poly Analog CS synths I think the spectrum of colors this one can create allows people like me to regenerate from Vangelis style sounds to crazy NIN sounds ... Personally I kept mine and loving it and I've owned in the past the CS-80, CS-60 and all the Mono CS synths but I kept only the CS-01 mkIi with CV gate update. This little CS reface is awesome. Love your show very much 😉

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you for the feedback;)

[@DerekPower]

Vangelis was not only the most famous CS80 user - to where that synth is synonymous with him - but was also a RefaceCS user =] He will be missed for sure.

[@AudioPilz]

I'm pretty sure using a Reface helped funding some truffles on the fancy pasta;) A legend nevertheless...

[@DerekPower]

@@AudioPilz He also had a Hydrasynth, a Polybrute, a wavestate, and some recentish Moog synths ... he was definitely in that first category of synth lovers =]

[@GizzyDillespee]

​@@DerekPower The Wavestate keys are fun if you switch velocity to light and play it like a synth. It doesn't even have channel aftertouch, but it's still fun to play. I doubt Vangelis could find much joy in the Reface CS keys. Of course Yamaha would want him to endorse it. It's definitely not actually "bad gear", but Vangelis had moved from his super organ back to analog polys, or was in that process, so I doubt he'd have gone for the Reface on his own volition. But you never know. Maybe he'd have one waterproofed, and stuck on a swivel in the bath?

[@SisterRose]

@@DerekPower yeah it was really cool how he kept up with recent tech

[@DerekPower]

@@GizzyDillespee This was based on a social media photo where there was one lying about in his home (I think it was his Paris residence). He was someone who was very open to all kinds of instruments and if he found some use for them, he would. Remember that he recorded way more music than has ever been released in his lifetime.

[@autecheee]

5:00. Ohh mighty this truly was a BAD gear interface one!

[@AudioPilz]

The horror...

[@frankgibson8960]

I keep mine on the nightstand next to my bed and use it to sketch out ideas or just mess with sounds before I go to bed. I just wish it had an ARP or basic step sequencer rather than the looper. It does emulate good lofi vintage sound quite nicely which is what I’m into. Great show, meme section and jams as always!!

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!! Nice nightstand;)

[@SnyderChips07]

This is exactly why I want one. Can’t lug my nord into bed :-(

[@Turbo_TechnoLogic]

3:50 Right about now The funk soul brother Check it out now The funk soul brother

[@Pickelhaube808]

Bad Gear CS-80 when 😎

[@AudioPilz]

Right after the P5 and Minimoog episode;)

[@jeffoff7795]

Still, you made it sound pretty sweet. I just watch these to marvel at what you're able to do with "bad gear".

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you so much!!!

[@unemployablegraduate]

When I first got the Reface CS I was a bit disappointed with it. Over time though, I’ve come to appreciate how fast it is to use. I concur with Nick Batt’s assessment of it; it’s not particularly inspiring in terms of creating deep bass patches or leads or pads with lots of sophisticated movement. But it gets more interesting when you explore the FM and ring modulation capabilities. It’s possible to make some very weird, atonal eerie sounds with the CS. The lack of reverb is definitely a downside, and the looper is too fiddly to be of much use at all. But overall, it’s a cute and accessible synth if you keep expectations moderate.

[@Netunoblu]

Just watched FKJ use one of these live; for his vocoder and as a keyboard to his modular rig. He also used it for a live jam where he ran a midi arp sequence into it and improvised with the knobs as the song progressed. Gave me a better understanding of how a synth like thi with no presets could still be useful live.

[@AudioPilz]

Nice techniques!!!

[@Jason75913]

"rompler revival"? Most performers use romplers already. the CS is cute, I'll give it that 😁

[@michaelhannan5885]

If you can find a CZ/PL 88 MINI PATCH LIBRARY it comes with 4,000+ Reface CS patches you can load and possibly save. I have only used it with my DX-7, CZ 101, and CZ 5000

[@michaelhannan5885]

Confirmed - O.S. 5.04 Added support for direct patch saving from Reface synths.

[@AudioPilz]

Nice!

[@tubeMonger]

Enjoyed your review. Your songs with CS sound good. I wouldn't mind having the Reface CP (instead of this) as something I can play on a sofa since these are battery powered and compact.

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@glennotropolis]

At least the reface dx has programmable patches on board, and the firmware update added quantization to the midi looper. Also, the velocity in the dx is way more usable and adjustable, you can adjust sensitivity to each operator/modulator individualy.

[@AudioPilz]

Totally interested in the DX

[@glennotropolis]

@@AudioPilz well, if you are willing to pay dhl shipping from panama to europe and bacl and use it batteries only since its us power, something can be arranged

[@idletimerap]

I've wanted one for a while and this video makes me want one more. I'm more and more realizing that I'm in the niche target audience for this but it seems perfect for what I want. It's gimmicks speak to me, it's simplicity calls to me and the features it lacks are things I'm not interested in. I haven't played one so take this with a grain of salt but I'm more sold on this than anything else in its price range.

[@DJZarpRix]

I've had the CS for a couple of days. I've quickly learned to make the sounds I need, and in doing so have learned more about sound design than four years with my first synth, the Novation Peak. With the Peak you can just chose from thousands of ready made patches, so you don't need to learn how to make them. I have tried to learn how patches are made, but because some critical steps are hidden in the mod matrix or other menus, there is no constant visual reminder of what's going on, and it's difficult to see the interplay between the various elements that make up the patch. With the CS, it's all there in front of you. Once you know how to make a patch, it takes no time to set the faders.

[@AudioPilz]

👍👍👍

[@driescapon1273]

HOoooly shit you nailed that final jam!! Very fair criticism allround, yet still made me love my reface more. I NEED THAT TUNE

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!! Full tracks on Patreon (end of plug;)

[@SisterRose]

For me, I got my CS after researching plenty of other options. I guess I don't hear what some other people hear - it's easily one of the most "analogue" sounding Digital synths at least on the right settings, the filter is just really chewy in ways that I haven't heard from any other synths around that price point(it's important to remember they did cut the price after a while). I remember Look Mum No Computer pulling out one of the simpler of the Prophet range, calling it a "bread and butter" Polysynth - that's very much how I see the Reface CS. It's really, really good for a particular spectrum of vintage poly synth sounds. It's not a monster bass machine(though does some really nice vintage monosynth basses) and doesn't have a lot of configuration, but for just getting down "those" sounds it absolutely hits the spot in a way nothing else I've found does. The Limitations are really annoying, though. I wish there was a way to expand the dynamics - at least you can plug in an expression pedal so have a lot of control over it in Mono mode at least. It is a lot of fun doing that. I am curious what you'd recommend as a better option around this price range? I have considered pairing it with a more versatile poly. For me I got it to replace my Microkorg XL and was weighing it against the Deepmind, Minilogue, JD-Xi. Playing a ton of Mini-key synths in general, it blew the Arturia, Roland stuff out of the water. The sliders also aren't wobbly on mine. I'm thinking of just sticking with VSTs - I really like some of Cherry Audio's recent stuff, and some of the Zencore sounds on my MC101 are incredible. Just mapping all the sliders on the CS might be a pain. The Boutique stuff is definitely a worse offender - with the CS even with the limit options, you get possibly the nicest mini keys around. For someone like me with limited space, it was a bit of a godsend. I'm still struggling to find an affordable MIDI controller I like better - it does suck you need tou se an adapter, though. Also - Vangelis kept one of these around the studio! I think you can't think of it as being a CS80 derivative though does cop some of those sounds very well(better than most VSTs under $150 I'd argue), but it does the general CS vibe quite well. It's almost like a mini Juno type thing, but you also can't think of it as a Juno as it's not voiced for big bassy sounds. I really would recommend spending a bit more time with it and pairing it with effects(I agree the lack of reverb lets it down - it's *built* to be paired with a good verb). It's the perfect pair to a big fat analogue bass synth, I think. It has such an airy mystical quality. If you wanna her a track I did with it, look up "O-Cult Fountain". I use it for some chords towards the end and a pretty sick vaguely solo, it goes a bit John-Carpenter-meets-Vangelis-except-I-can't-really-play-keys. It's paired with the Korg Collection MS20 for the big dirty bass sounds, an SQ80 VST and the Korg Collection Wavestation. I plan to use it again, as a "bread and butter" polysynth on more stuff, though I am leaning towards some of the VSTs I've been collecting for thicker sounds.

[@AudioPilz]

If you wanna go down the software route Arturia Keystep Pro might be the most convenient option

[@SisterRose]

@@AudioPilz too money ;_; lol i paid like less than 300 for my CS. I just need to properly set it up, maybe find a cheaper 48 key controller for bigger synth work.

[@michaelkeefer4293]

I had a CS for a while and had a lot of fun with it. But I eventually decided I wanted an Arturia Microfreak and sold the CS to fund it. I don't regret the decision but I have to confess there are times I miss the CS and it's simplicity, I could turn that thing on and have a workable sound I wanted in less than 30 seconds. That is if the sound was within the range of its very limited capabilities.

[@AudioPilz]

I want a Microfreak too!

[@blenderbuch]

I have both. Get one Microfreak.

[@vinniramos]

I love the reface CS. I bought one after a sold my An1x (I cry every day). It works great for my songs and it is very easy to use. Great synth for those who are learning synthesis.

[@AudioPilz]

I really want an AN1x too

[@djlocodoc]

This is a killer synth in its own right. Put it through a Lexicon PCM 80 and your jaw will drop. Then again, the original CS80 didn't have reverb either. I agree with your assessment about presets with live playing. But I use this as specialty synth when I record. It is a great synth and the hands on controls lets you dial in sounds quickly. Soundmondo is a great resource for deconstructing sounds for a beginner or just a great place to be inspired. Great Jams As Always!!

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks! It REALLY needs that reverb;)

[@djlocodoc]

@ghost mall I think if you programmed a Poly 800 you would think differently about calling the sliders low resolution. I had more expensive synths have less responding sliders than the reface through the years. I have a lot of VST's but I still love using the reface with EDM and Synthwave. But I understand what you mean. Not every synth is for everyone. I hate the Hydrasynth but I lot of people love it. All good though if you didn't like it. :)

[@midimoog]

As always, you've made it sound great in your tunes. Smooth, dense, and controlled.

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@lazsynth]

Ooh finally, another synth I own appears on a new Bad Gear! I picked one up a few years ago when they were cheaper, and I love it quite a lot despite some of its flaws. I use it all the time in my synthwave and chiptune music (which I have on my channel here) to do 80s style analog synth sounds and it's quite capable, can get it to sound kinda like a mini Juno, especially with the really nice, adjustable chorus effect (external reverb is of course a must, sounds epic with Valhalla VintageVerb [what doesn't though? haha] ). For custom patches, I can quickly save and load sysex bulk dumps through USB MIDI. Yes it does mean you need a PC, but I'm usually just recording into my DAW anyway so it's not a huge deal for me. Anyway, awesome video and jams! :)

[@AudioPilz]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@scottbakermedia2457]

Yet another one of my precious musical gadgets on Bad Gear... but I bet you haven't seen the nightmare of the interface that is my new Ensoniq VFX

[@AudioPilz]

This channel is indeed severely under-ensoniqued!

[@thesrabbit]

I just got one of those myself. Good God man, I can’t figure out how to do anything. I couldn’t even apply pitch envelope to an existing preset right, so I sequenced pitch bend over midi from my DAW instead.

[@sauce_aux]

It may not be a workhorse, but I’d say it sounds pretty good as a VA poly. Probably a great synths for anyone who isn’t too familiar with hardware. Although, those prices are a bit steep for someone just wanting to dip their toes in.

[@AudioPilz]

Not the most affordable beginners synth;)

[@keyhoarder]

It's sad that Yamaha abandoned reface firmware , they could add velocity sensitivity via update, keybed have the same velocity as in all refaces.

[@Skootavision]

You need to do director commentary on your videos cos its so easy to miss genius little nuggets, like those few PWM notes from Toms Diner - still tickling all the foxes! I've the Reface DX as my 'sofa and garden' keyboard and its pretty nice, but had not heard this one before and...Im glad I went for the DX :D

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks!!! The DX is probably the one to get

[@MegaCadr]

@@AudioPilz director commentary would be great patreon reward :)

[@Medniex]

@@MegaCadr exactly my thoughts

[@PhilipHaggardBerry]

The wrap up at the end is usually exactly the kind of unfiltered review I like to hear. I've avoided a few synths because of this summary with its deep description of the limitations which I then put up against the room of gear I already have and find I just don't need it. Of course there's always the section where he makes the "bad gear" sound freaking incredible, but that's because he's a talented musician and as such he can really, like many others, take any synth into capable hands and get something great out of it. I have plenty of gear that can make exactly the sounds provided. I do find his odd omission of CS buzzy strings and mono synth sax's from Vangelis's Bladerunner score a strange omission. But I have a (god forbid) old Roland digital rompler expander with analog synth samples that you can't tell from the original. Everything from mellotron strings to the buzzy Bladerunner cs 80 "let's go kill Tyrell by squeezing his head" music. Some of those (or even most) samples of vintage gear from a piece of rack gear sound expander from the 90's can seriously outshine Korg Vocals and Roland boutiques. As is often said, the musician and the producer are the only ones who seem to give a poop about using original synths instead of things like the reface or, as mentioned, that old Roland synth expander that only used samples, no virtual analog etc, to create the exact same sounds you hear in synth pop to soundtracks (and don't be pouty and say "well 'I' can hear the difference." No. No you can't. Just like wine connoisseurs can't tell the difference between a vintage 1920 glass of wine from a cheap boxed wine from Walmart "oh 'I' can taste the difference." No. No you can't. It's all just fermented grapes. Blind taste tests have shown this many times, just like those fanatics who ended up not being able to tell coke from "new coke" or from Pepsi in blind taste tests. Anyway, if you can't find the Roland expander, the Streichfett does a killer job sounding like cs80 strings, but is a weird looking little box that's also capable of all kinds of incredible strings. Blah! I'm tired. That wore me out.😴 Extra features: when I got my SY 77 and played the moog bass compared to the all analog novation bass station rack, the bass station sounded like a buzzy children's toy compared to late 80's samples.

[@AudioPilz]

👍👍👍

[@jalen8r]

All of the reface series imo are crazy useful for their own purposes this one just happens to land in a category that’s already got it covered

[@AudioPilz]

I've yet to try the other ones...

[@Roboprogs]

I like my Reface DX. It feels like (most of) a DX-11 in (most of) a DX-100 package. The biggest drawback is the 8 notes polyphony, making it hard to use a sustain pedal much on those e-pianos. The FM engine and built in effects sound good, though. I’ve seen videos of people who love their organ and piano Reface’s, as well. The CS just seems to be the gimp of the batch.

[@jalen8r]

@@Roboprogs I mean I can attest to the usefulness of the CP ive had it for over a year now and it is one of the best sounding rhodes/clav/wurlitzer emu ive heard from a keyboard sub $1.5k and youd be surprised how often i use the tape delay even just as an effect. I've been really interested in the DX for a while actually though, how do you think it stands up against something like the volca fm paired with a keystep?

[@Roboprogs]

@@jalen8r the original Volca FM didn't have velocity sensitivity, which is a huge loss for FM synthesis - you want to be able to modulate modifier/operator output on velocity to get the tone to "nasty up" when you bang hard on the keys. The 3 note polyphony is weak, as well. Is there a Bad Gear episode on the Volca FM? If not, there should be. There are kluge work arounds for the velocity INsensitivity, and you can multitrack for lack of productivity, so it can be used for "production" just fine, but it's not for "live" use.

[@henninghoefer]

What the rompler revival will bring: Lots of Bad Gear episodes 😍

[@AudioPilz]

Hopefully!

[@travisrwebster]

I love my Reface CS, but the current prices are outrageous(bought new for $225 at the beginning of the pandemic, which felt like the *right* price). Still, if they would release a larger version with a mod wheel and second oscillator, I'd buy it again! It is impossible to understand why they would release anything with a looper that bad, though. Pure trash there.

[@AudioPilz]

I think we can expect another Yamaha VA;)

[@ruxiwang9571]

I think the looper is quite fun - although it is not a usual looper

[@bennolee348]

Been waiting for you to tear apart my favorite synth

[@AudioPilz]

😀❤️😀❤️😀

[@DestroyER82]

Awesome review, agree! They metioned somewhere they were inspired by CS-01 for this one. But they messed up everything. CS-01 is much more portable and cool, CS-01 sounds wild and cuts through mixes and rocks the solos and also, CS-01 was really afforable for its time. Alex Ball did his review, go watch! :) All the best!

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks! Love Alex' review!!!

[@halcyo]

One of the best aspects of this synth is that it will make you a better synth programmer. It's simple enough to learn all the most important basics on, and the stripped down controls and lack of patch storage literally FORCE you to learn how to dial in certain types of sounds.

[@timonkaipoumpa7927]

Very delicious jams! Especially the last two pieces ✨

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@KevinSeifert]

IMO the CS hits a sweet spot if you like writing music and want a scratchpad to try ideas on. I haven't found a better small self-contained keyboard. The only other option I found that comes close is a Korg Microkey Air that is paired with a phone. But then there's another level of complexity and potential latency issues You can save CS patches through USB, though I love that it doesn't sound the same every time. It's like a new instrument each day, which is perfect for writing. It can produce a wide pallet of possible sounds emulating things like wood-block, brass, flute, organ and sci-fi-esque tones. I've played with the DX a bit but prefer the retro subtractive tones and ease of use of the CS (no menus)

[@AudioPilz]

👍👍👍

[@mitchparker2081]

Love my Reface CS! Put on the strap & you're set to either blow minds or make eyes roll!!

[@AudioPilz]

Both!!!

[@vince89503]

I would be happy with a rompler revival , but yes , you do have to wonder what kind of retro rompler products synth manufacturers would be overcharging us for. Thanks again for the great videos , always makes my day.

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks! I assume the ROM cards would be VERY expensive;)

[@jeffbroders9336]

I'm embarrassed by how many "bad gears" I actually own...

[@AudioPilz]

I feel you;)

[@ThermalWorld_]

Every time I look at new bad gear series, I fall in love with these instruments even more 😂 I have to spend hours and hours in the second-hand market now 🤦

[@fractaltheory]

I don't know anything about synths or music production but all of your videos are entirely too entertaining. Love it!

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you so much!!!

[@personedesign]

The Dankest memes! 👏🏼🤣 love my reface CS too!! Great channel 🙌🏼

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you so much!!!

[@OIP_1]

you can't go after the CS it's a modern classic! has a few flaws but the UI and sound are incredible

[@char1737]

7:30 those Vibeing Cat got me there

[@AudioPilz]

😻😻😻

[@geoffk777]

I never understood the appeal of this synth. Any instrument with only one ADSR is going to be very limited in getting subtle and interesting sounds. Add to that the mini keys and other toy-like aspects and it just isn't a serious instrument. Yes, it can make some decent simple sounds, but so can any VST costing a fraction as much (or nothing at all).

[@AudioPilz]

It reminded me of freeware plugs too!

[@olav7]

I just always thought of the Reface as an amazing update of the CS01.

[@AudioPilz]

The CS01 is indeed a quirky gem