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

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Welcome to Bad Gear, the show about the world's most hated audio tools. Today we are going to talk about the Yamaha Reface CS. Is this 2015 virtual analog synthesizer The iSynth or just a scaled down version of the 1998 AN1x???
Thanks to Asifeh for lending me his Reface CS:
/ stormtrap
asifeh.bandcam...
/ st0rmtrap
/ asifeh
Chapters:
00:00 Intro tune
01:20 Overview Yamaha Reface CS
01:40 Does it have velocity???
01:59 Oscillators: Ring Mod, FM, Sync, Supersaws, PWM
02:48 Filter
03:02 Envelope
03:12 LFOs
03:32 Polyphony, mono mode, portamento
03:54 FX section (chorus, delay)
04:14 Looper
04:25 Patch memory (or lack thereof...), librarian, SynthMondo
04:35 Pitch bend, mod wheel (or lack thereof...)
04:42 What else??? (midi, updates, settings, pricing)
05:14 Hate
05:37 Jam 1 (Techno)
06:30 Jam 2 (Synthwave)
07:29 Finale (Meme House)
08:01 Verdict

[@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).

[@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

[@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…

[@TheAlienDog]

This show never disappoints, RIP Vangelis.

[@AudioPilz]

Help me buy more Bad Gear and get *Full Tracks, Extended Jams, Sample Packs:* www.patreon.com/audiopilz

[@vechirni_anbernic]

I'd love your take on yamaha pss-a50. it's a budget "toy" keyboard with some impressive features

[@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.

[@singingcookie5945]

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

[@AudioPilz]

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

[@KooriGraywolf]

My girlfriend recently moved in with me, and now whenever I'm watching your videos and your jams come up she just shakes her butt at me in rhythm to the music :D Also, even though she's not a musician, less so a synth nerd, even she recognizes that you're really good at what you do!

[@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!!!

[@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!!!

[@skinnybouddha]

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!

[@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

[@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;)

[@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.

[@AndreasR77]

@@AudioPilz gotta put those synths on something

[@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!!!

[@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!!!

[@Altarwood1684]

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

[@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.

[@dwaynecarroll6098]

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

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you so much!!!

[@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…;)

[@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]

❤️

[@gerarddip]

It’s so fricking good dude So versatile

[@AudioPilz]

👍

[@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

[@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!

[@skiptabor]

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

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@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

[@bennolee348]

Been waiting for you to tear apart my favorite synth

[@AudioPilz]

😀❤️😀❤️😀

[@SynGirl32]

Yes! I've been waiting for this!

[@AudioPilz]

It was about time!!!

[@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!!!

[@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

[@personedesign]

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

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you so much!!!

[@d_vibe-swe]

The synthwave jam sounded amazing!

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@EannaButler]

Just to say, it really touched me, the shout out to Vangelis at the start. I actually cried when he died, recently. First time ever I cried at a death, outside of my family, I think. ❤🙏 The rest of the vid was typically brilliant. I've decided that you are *the* most ironic of all channels I frequent - you make 'bad gear' sing. And lets face it, alot of it really isn't really bad gear. But that is why you are so endearing in your authenticity. Just great stuff @AudioPilz... 👍

[@EannaButler]

Just to add - are the Waldorf Rocket and Elektron Digitakt really the same 'height'? I know the Rocket better than I do the digitakt. And the second jam with the five cs instances is properly good, with the widening reverb added. What did you use in the mix? Glad to you are getting out on the weekend, rather than searching for dank memes on the internet for this show... It's summertime! 👏👍

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks! RIP Vangelis

[@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!

[@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

[@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.

[@clickastlyindustries3033]

Hello 👋 Amazing work, as ever. I’d like to see a compilation video of all of the intro tunes. Where they go head to head, to find out the ultimate intro tune bad gear line up. Thank you 😊

[@AudioPilz]

Great idea, thanks!!!

[@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😄

[@midimoog]

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

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@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?

[@M1k1haus]

Man's really gonna feature all my gear collection on this show. Do the cs01 when you get a chance.

[@AudioPilz]

Great suggestion, thanks!

[@timonkaipoumpa7927]

Very delicious jams! Especially the last two pieces ✨

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@martinsouthall]

I picked up a CP from this series as a first synth for my son. It’s a lot of fun. You’re getting some decent sounds out of the CS 🙂

[@akirakosaintjust]

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

[@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;)

[@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...

[@danielpirone8028]

Deep Nick cut there - well done!

[@AudioPilz]

The man. The legend.

[@urh8523]

It is incredible what such little synth can do.

[@AudioPilz]

😀

[@johnsterthemonster9181]

I've been waiting for a video on this synth! Excellent.

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks!

[@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 :-(

[@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 🤦

[@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;)

[@dfreeman120]

Got the CP and love it, the effects are outstanding

[@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 )

[@patrickryanagapito502]

Outstanding use of memes, pictures, edit and interview the remodeling [of all CS series with a MIDI port].

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@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]

👍👍👍

[@bisheejom]

Third bad gear I own that you've made a video on. I really enjoy twiddling with its sounds, and when the inspiration hits it sounds amazing to me!

[@AudioPilz]

👍

[@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;)

[@computer_toucher]

Love the honesty about your compositional skills even though you underestimate yourself like all skilled musicians ;)

[@mycosys]

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

[@AudioPilz]

It's a major PITA!!!

[@dfreeman120]

Your groove that you created sounds fantastic ! Sounds good to me !

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@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?

[@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;)

[@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]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@fender1000100]

The CS REFACE is the greatest modern synth hands down. People have no idea. If you think £300 is expensive for the sonic power this gem has. You don't have a clue. I am old enough to remember when big heavy analogue synths cost £5000 in todays money. And would go out of tune if you looked sideways at them. And were only good at certain sounds. So you would need a drum machine. Or a bass synth too. Or both. And THEN came the CS REFACE. The little synth that can do it ALL... When I first heard this marvel I was blown away. I bought it immediately. Hell I would have paid twice three times as much for it. Because I know better than most of the idiots out there. Sonically it's as good as any synth to ever be released in analogue synth history. And from only 17 movements. The breadth of sounds it can produce is ASTOUNDING. From tight analogue drums and unique percussion. To lush vangelesque pads. To gritty guitar sounds. To fat juicy moog style bass. It does it all. Let's put is like this. Had this been fullsized with user memory patches. It would now be heralded as a modern classic. All this B.S about mod wheels and velocity sensitivity is a crock. When you hear Donna Summers I feel Love. Or Human leagues don't you want me. Its the raw sound of analogue that blows you away. And thats what the CS reface has. I have created a catalogue of patches from the CS reface. That can rival any analogue synth in history. And many cannot even produce these sounds. The CS REFACE is the greatest modern synth PERIOD. Anyone who hears my patches will shut up and rush to buy one. I rest my case...

[@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.

[@Kirurishii]

Ahh Yamahaaahh, one of the brands that one can have more of on the shelf than you thought you had. The CS1 and 2x were one of the first synths I had and still have, and still like to play with them. Although thin for today standards when going clean from the output, a little eq goes a long way. I was thinking to get the Reface, but after a try out I found it didn't add much to the set and just fetched a SuperNova II to compare it with. The reface never stood a chance.. Great show once again, mr Pilz! And the memes made my friday yet again! And David Guetta at the 'dull' got me hopping like that seal!

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@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!!!

[@smburke1]

Squirrel Dancing got me. One of your best montage mash up ending video efforts. Thank you.

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks!

[@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

[@AcardusTallasi]

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]

👍👍👍

[@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.

[@BlackCat-on6jn]

After 7 years a man really talk about it on KZbin.

[@AudioPilz]

Hey, I had stuff from the early 80s on the show;)

[@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.

[@greatheightsu]

The finale music video was a masterpiece. Thank you.

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks!

[@Pickelhaube808]

Bad Gear CS-80 when 😎

[@AudioPilz]

Right after the P5 and Minimoog episode;)

[@TheInart]

Fantastic as always very good video. You are always the best!

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you so much!

[@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!!!

[@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. :)

[@MikeA0110]

Damn, that's what your Saturday nights look like?? I wanna hang out with you brother!

[@AudioPilz]

That actually was an authentic and photorealistic depiction of the entire evening

[@Jason75913]

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

[@maroonraj]

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

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks! Already had the non-plus on the show

[@jeffbroders9336]

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

[@AudioPilz]

I feel you;)

[@robertlee1176]

Man - your Saturday nights when you head out are awesome

[@AudioPilz]

😀😀😀

[@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.

[@ilikebassmusic]

In less than 90 secs I’ve laughed three times HE DON’T MISS

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks!

[@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

[@darwiniandude]

Great video as always.

[@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!

[@MTVGMSynthCovers]

spitting facts. the Reface CS sounds good at what it does but it only does like 4 or 5 things! Sold it and got a Microfreak and never looked back. Thanks for the great content btw! We all look forward to it

[@mitchparker2081]

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

[@AudioPilz]

Both!!!

[@litup6465]

You may have missed an important and huge demographic- half-assed keyboard players who are also half-assed knobs twiddlers- sounds perfect for them! - but I’m not paying over $250….

[@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

[@1973asdf]

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

[@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.

[@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.