Steve Porcaro | Meeting CS-80 V

There aren’t many keyboard players who have blurred the lines between muso and mainstream quite so prolifically and successfully as Steve Porcaro.
As a seasoned session player, songwriter, and a founding member of rock demigods Toto, the legacy of his playing and his musical impact cannot be overstated. We have the privilege of spending time with Porcaro and CS-80 V, our digital reimagining of his very first Toto synthesizer.
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_CREDITS
/ steveporcaromusic

[@issiewizzie]

Steve should have his own KZbin channel talking about synths ......

[@flopasen]

so many stories to tell and wisdom to pass on

[@nickmorgan19457]

There’s a series of vids from the ‘80s with him talking about sound design that’s really good.

[@oholm09]

@xtrmst_01 they need to show young kids about music production

[@vbisbest]

Leland Sklar does this on his channel. Tells stories and shows how he plays the songs.

[@robertmichalscheck3072]

Yeah,Leland sklar does,it’s cool.

[@jimthomascompositions2474]

LEGEND isn’t a big enough word to describe his contributions to modern music!!! Earth, Wind and Fire, Brothers Johnson, Michael Jackson and of course his own band, TOTO!!! Genres don’t matter much when you’re that good!!

[@hamtramckchronicles]

Steve blurs all genre lines. He can do ANY STYLE at the highest level.

[@jackmeginniss6327]

I remember seeing him play live with Gary Wright promoting the Dream Weaver LP, but that was before most people had even heard of him. He was rockin’ back then too.

[@margix1172]

Those 4 artists you have cited are some of the best of all times...rock...disco....funk...soul....pop....they were the masters of the best styles of modern great Music but you forgot to mention Donna Summer who was one of the greatest female singer of all times ...the queen of one of the best styles ever : DISCO! Too many people never realized that the vast majority of disco albums were recorded by the VERY best Musicians EVER .

[@poliomuffinmanuuu]

When you are that good, why be bound by genre?

[@schuey999]

Agreed!

[@jptaylor]

I met Steve at the now-closed Josefina’s club in Sherman Oaks, CA, circa 1985. I was sitting in with the Tower of Power Rhythm Section, and Steve was sitting in a booth by himself listening to the group. After I played, I walked by his table and immediately recognized him and said “Hello”. He couldn’t have been any nicer or more approachable. I mentioned to him that I loved his song, “Takin’ It Back” from the TOTO I album, and it really flattered him, or so he told me. He then wrote his number on a napkin and told me to phone him to get together to hang and talk keyboards. I did so, but we never ended up connecting up. Still, it was a huge compliment to have him want me to get in touch personally and do the keyboard hang. Steve is and was a class act and a great musician. Great memories of meeting him those many years ago.

[@carlmoretonmusic]

Cool.

[@davebellamy4867]

@Jerry Sierzenga Do you have the VST stuff or the analog keyboard synths or both?

[@ebeyslough]

Wait are you the John Taylor from Duran Duran? 😱

[@lnkd70]

Steve, Jeff and Mike : all legends!

[@richimbrogno4399]

and papa Joe on percussion who got them all into music!

[@ytscksdabig1]

@@richimbrogno4399 Thank God he did!

[@HJ-fb8rl]

Merci de penser à Mike. 😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢

[@suga4all]

It wasn't until now that I recognized what a signature his CS80 artwork actually put on Toto's music. When he started playing, it "felt" instantly like Toto. What a legacy he created with his dedication to synths.

[@dandelgado11]

What a Band that was.... Just listened to The Japan 1979 version of hold the line with every single note and vocal live, pure greatness.

[@origin178]

Well done Arturia - at last, a proper and worthwhile celebrity endorsement, from a real musician with the real keyboard, real experience, and real knowledge. So much better than all those previous arty-farty promo videos.

[@diogomori9624]

This guy shaped the 80's sound, what a legend

[@BassMecca312]

Certainly he helped shape the sound of 80’s music. Deserves all the accolades given and more.

[@leroymsipa4011]

I have finally saved enough money to purchase an Arturia keyboard, essential 61 black...it will arrive in Zimbabwe in the next 2 weeks and i cant wait to dig into these beautiful synths that Arturia has to offer and ill unlikely never see these synths irl but this is just a perfect 😃thank you Arturia for this offering

[@bmultimate1One]

I wish you all the very best of luck, and I wish you many years of great enjoyment 👍❗️

[@Waterinmenbenen]

This man and by extension his father and brothers are musical royalty!

[@brettgarsed]

Absolute genius. Just loved all of Steve's contributions throughout Toto's career.

[@geraldhartley]

I'm not really a keyboard player, but I've admired Steve's work for more than 40 years. This was really cool.

[@macmanmpls]

My very first live concert was Toto when they came to the USF Sun Dome in Tampa for the Isolation Tour. I remember walking on one of the upper levels and I could look over the edge and peer behind the stage at the massive stacks of equipment they were using. Then the concert started and I was blown away. Instantly Steve Pocaro and David Paich became my heroes. Toto still holds a place in my heart and I listen to them several times a week. Absolutely amazing.

[@jjcreativemedia5580]

We need a Steve Porcaro Preset pack for the CS-80v !! So many great sounds in that video alone.

[@robinwindsrygg9568]

When Steve Porcaro is promoting your software, you know you’ve done it right.

[@Powerhauze]

Bless The Porcaro Family!!! Master Musicians displaying THE ART OF MUSIC at the highest level in the most humble manner, driven by passion, talent and the most beautiful personalities...... And although I hear them almost everyday I miss Jeff, Mike & Joe and I bless them everyday for having left behind so much amazing music for us to listen to. Steve, your humbleness makes me think sometimes that you don't have an idea how incredible invaluable you and your family have been to music for the whole world!!! You guys have changed lives! For what it's worth "Takin it Back" mesmerized me from the first time I heard it and has been on the top of my list of reference songs that I use regularly when installing and tweaking sound for over 40 years! I pray that you'll be around for a long time in good health, prospering in happiness, with the same passion we see in this video ( and every other ). Thank you!!!! By the way, this Arturia CS-80 V is amazing!

[@camerond8176]

Steve was the sound of Toto................Legend and Visionary is an understatement. Thank you very much for your current and future contributions to music around the world. Only YOU could take a digital sound, and make it sound like music to my ears.

[@GeorgyPorgyPuddingPie]

No doubt, Steve Porcaro is one of the pioneers to define the classic 80's sound, the synth sound. Even modern genres like Synthwave take a lot of this library.

[@carriersignal]

The wall behind the piano at 6:50 really says about all that could be said with words. I would love to meet Steve and just shake his hand and say thank you, but I never will. The music he helped create in the late 70's early 80's was a big part of my childhood. I miss that. I still have my original Toto, Hydra and IV albums along with Thriller that I bought with chore money. That music was and still is my favorite. Nothing will ever surpass that era. Certainly nothing produced now.

[@user-gi7et4hp9s]

Yeah....Great to see Steve Again ! I worked in the Yamaha/Buena-Park Combo service dept in late 70's to mid 80's and actually worked on Steve's CS-80 ( sent in for repairs & to up-grade the voice...VCO's with the latest..Diode-Stabilization MOD ); unfortunately, that BIG CS-80 power supply had broken-loose from it's mounting and pretty much distroyed many of the pcb's in that area of the CS-80 ( including the Matrix-pcb ). Sorry way-to much to repair....SO - We just gave him a new one. In fact, I still have the original CS-80 / Serial number tag from Steve's CS-80 he sent in !!! One of my keep sakes, beside some other Toto-only keep-sake stuff that I was given, while I worked there at Yamaha. Some great memories !! Thanks Steve & all the guys in ToTo & especially to " David Paich " / Sent in his CP70B for repairs, BUT....broken cast iron Harp Section. So again, Yamaha gave him another one ( I of course have the serial-number tag & front-YAMAHA aluminum emblem from the very front of the harp section. GREAT ToTo keep sakes ! Tks All......Jeffrie T

[@lonophonic117]

This is guy defines a legend and genius. All the people who he’s worked with, what he’s contributed, what he’s created and what he’s become. Steve Porcaro you are just purely incredible and have to be one of the greatest keyboardist /syntheits, musicians and men of all time. Your work and contributions are like no other. They are powerful and unique. Long live, Steve Porcaro!! ❤️🎹

[@CraigFranklinmusic]

I’m not a synth player but I do like what Arturia has been doing and this was very inspiring. Thanks Mr Porcaro and Arturia.

[@Niowiad]

We need an Arturia poly-aftertouch controller for this. Pretty please. 🙏 I mean standard keys, not the MicroFreak.

[@arkasonus7678]

And ribbon.

[@TheBiggerNoise]

Yeah, that would be an insta-buy

[@SWATTECHNOLOGIES]

I've been a keyboardist for 40 years. Like Steve my hero was Keith Emerson. Emerson was another one not satisfied with "default" patches and tones. Me either. Every time I used to hear someone say, "see what this thing can do" I am thinking "that's nice, but what can YOU do". Steve's history with synths more than answered that question.

[@hermeslord]

Listening to the CS80 makes me cry. It sounds so perfect like the holy grail lost to time. 40 years since nothing has been able to come close to the organic living breathing grandeur of this pinnacle of synth beauty. Sorry but no emulation can come close to the loving warmth it has. The brass sounds like archangels appearing in the clouds on judgement day. Vangelis and Steve knew what emotions a CS80 can stir and demonstrated it well through their work.

[@jaggass]

I could hear the difference between the CS-80 and the CS-80V but Arturia have done a good job. CS-80's are worth so much now.

[@Topsy_Krett]

Yes indeed, good comment. Personally I think the fact that such a complex instrument -- perhaps the pinnacle of analog polysynthesis -- could be emulated this well is pretty amazing. Even Steve Porcaro seems to agree here. Still, what is apparent is that no VST synth is ever going to be quite as rich and dynamic as the real thing.

[@jaggass]

@@Topsy_Krett Steve likes his VST's as he's as he can just hook it to a midi controller up to his laptop and hit save which he back then in the early 80's with his epic rig he had.

[@VIC-20_Synthwave]

I could've watched that all day.

[@fernandoperdomomusic]

Takin It Back is my absolute fave Toto song .. You are the man SP!

[@stevehofer3482]

This could be 20 times as long and I’d watch the whole thing,

[@hamtramckchronicles]

A legend in this business. Very few with the class, musicianship, and impeccable chops of Steve Porcaro. Very few.

[@schuey999]

Wish he would produce more material.

[@panutalus]

I'm spotting that lovely obscure and forgotten italian Generalmusic / GEM S3 synthesizer used as master keyboard for the VST. It's one of the best digital poly-at keyboards I have ever used.

[@davidkieltyka9]

Thanks for identifying it!

[@TobiaTesan]

Exactly I had it, it's the _one_ instrument I've loved the most. Absolutely useless for leads, but boy, besides being a fantastic controller it did have some great poly pads in its own right. The Elka sounds were _amazing_ and to this day unrivalled in any of the big Japanese workstations.

[@fritsvanzanten3573]

Things like this should be in the credits. What surprises me is that it was made until 1998 (I read), so this is already over 30 years old. An I guess Steve is not on a budget, so it must have some special qualities. The looks alone are great already.

[@johnmarshall7495]

Genius, class act, and my friend. Love him.

[@marcofunk6280]

Fantastic the last jam

[@jaggass]

I asked Steve Porcaro about how he did the intro Takin It Back. He said he used a few Sine waves, swooping filter and some portamento

[@peeweegee]

This guy helped shape my childhood. He certainly helped craft the soundtrack.

[@leohernandez7193]

Steve is so humble. He’s one of the most unique and technical artists, musicians of all time. He added so much to Toto’s perfect storm of musical brilliance. The Wizard!

[@eddieftw]

It would have been amazing if you guys just uploaded the unedited full version of the jam at the end.

[@jorgepeters7474]

I've been a fan of Toto since 1981, and I've heard hold the line millions of times and that song will never fade away.But Toto,we're geniuses.

[@kaeidh]

If a legend say it’s legit who am I to say otherwise! I love this synth!

[@justduit1879]

Everyone on this planet has the right to have their own opinion, even if it does not coincide with the legends of the music industry, this is normal. As for me, Arturia is currently the best thing from the emulation of analog synthesizers, they are constantly updated, the company understands where to go and what to do, it's very nice.

[@andreasoberg2021]

I just tried this synth today for the first time without knowing any of its history. And I instantly thought woha this sounds awesome!

[@peevee605]

I rank having met Steve Porcaro being one of 2 highlights of my life besides forming the family I’m in. He’s such a huge inspiration words are not enough. Nothing but respect for Steve P.

[@vigneshkarthikeyan8174]

That’s nice of you. Im sure he’d be touched. :)

[@wpochert]

That little jam at the end has been around for a long long time.. I remember something like it during the Goodbye Elenore promo video thing... a small part when Jeff walks over to a drum machine and messes around while Steve plays what sounds like this melody.

[@wiljammusic]

Steve Porcaro the legend!!

[@Samantha-vlly]

I rewatch this many times. I still can't get bored watching this.

[@yesthatsam]

He talks like he was just some part of any kind of ensemble when he was one of a kind cornerstone among very few exceptional ones. This is so humbling. Thank you so much Mr Porcaro.

[@ZTAudio]

For me, Porcaro's work was critical to making Toto a standout, as opposed to just another LA studio band.

[@NToombes]

This man, wow what can I say! Absolute legend, monster & hero! Could watch this guy play his parts on his own all day! It just doesn't get any better! The guys in Toto with their music and sessions, are part of my life!

[@Mattshank-uo6jl]

This was a cool video. Steve is a legend among keys players. So cool to hear his insights and approaches to playing synth.

[@ytscksdabig1]

Steve Porcaro has truly had an amazing impact on keyboards, music, and people everywhere.

[@presetreveal]

Great video! It was so cool to see Steve Porcaro's reactions to the CS-80 V and hear his insights on how the original CS-80 was used in Toto's music. Thanks for sharing this interview with us, it was a real treat for synth enthusiasts and Toto fans alike.

[@nickmorgan19457]

One of the most underrated keyboard players out there. A master of hooks.

[@clubdegatos7968]

Steve Porcaro is a master of synthesizers. My respects to one of the greats of music.

[@yosefsantoni599]

I could watch Steve talk and play synths for hours. Guy needs to livestream on a KZbin channel.

[@ds99]

When Steve played the intro to Takin’ It Back it gave me goose bumps. That’s my all time favourite song of all songs that I’ve been exposed to. It touches me very deeply. I bought the “Hold the Line” 45 rpm as soon as it was released. I flipped the record over to hear Takin’ It Back. I went crazy over that song. I never understood why it was a B side recording. One thing I find about musicians playing songs they made in the 70s and 80s is they can never fully recreate the synthesizer sounds. They are almost always off. It really removes a lot from the song. I NEVER like it nearly as much. I figured it was because the synthesizer is no longer made and the new ones cannot reproduce the same sounds. That’s why I’m so shocked today to hear Steve, many decades later, reproducing the exact same sound. Wow. Just so awesome.

[@PEC2528]

Truth be told every song on the first on the first album was a banger so all b-sides would have had that 'What? this is a b-side!?" feel to it

[@ds99]

@@PEC2528 I agree. I loved the entire album. I worked in the TV and electronics department in a big department store when I was in my late teens. I would often take my own cassette tapes in and play them in the ghetto blasters the store had on display. Twice when Takin’ It Back was playing I had customers come up to me and ask me who is singing that song. It seemed to have instant appeal. No other song that I played garnered this sort of reaction. I think if it was released as a hit it would have sold many millions.

[@jayandgem]

Non-professional keyboard warrior: "Even though I’ve never played (and can't afford) an original CS-80, the Arturia isn't as good."

[@richimbrogno4399]

🤣🤣

[@supercompooper]

It really is weak IMO.

[@waltersimmons946]

Steve Porcaro is not a keyboard player. He's "Captain Synthesizer " in my book . I became a keyboard player because of in this order (1) Dennis Deyoung (Styx) (2) David Paich (3) Steve Porcaro and I'm especially motivated by Steve Porcaro because he plus Michael Gray who played Billy Batson in SHAZAM my favorite super hero in the 70s and me all shared a birthday > September 2, 2022 . This is interview with Steve I count it as my be-lated birthday present 🎁 🎁 . Great interview.

[@mousepd]

I'm a singer songwriter from New Orleans. I've always been a huge fan of the Porcaro brothers. I've met Bobby Kimball a few times. He's from Louisiana as well. Great video! I wish you would do a video on the Keyboards you used with Gary Wright. We play several Wright songs in my covertune band 3 Blind Mice. P.S. The intro to Human Nature is legendary.

[@Jay-Go]

That jam at the end is pretty kick ass!

[@maryamrahman738]

Thank you Steve for giving us "Human Nature ❤

[@ThomasLoyd]

One of my favorite keyboardists! Glad to see this!

[@ajb-drums]

Keyboardists are like drummers, we just love to be surrounded by all of our musical toys.

[@rdm5190]

My self-respect goes to you all the way back to when I first discovered synths ,God bless you you've always been an inspiration

[@markgabriel5797]

The Porcaro family and especially Steve Porcaro WAS the secret weapon in Toto.

[@danielsonderhoff5882]

Steve Porcaro: Great, unique, makes my live better with every of his songs and sounddesign!

[@mgtowvalues]

Thank you for everything Mr Porcaro, and for this video as well.

[@diegoromero7930]

This is great! More of these please 🙂

[@bebotinoandrich2592]

Steve Porcaro Epic keyboardist !!! n1

[@maxryu]

Ver uma lenda dessas falando assim fico até emocionado, porque é uma inspiração pra nós aspirantes a synth guy como ele é hehe 🥲

[@GoodSneakers]

A legend and a hero. He taught me so much! I was fortunate to see him live with band and Joseph Williams, playing a lot of songs from Fahrenheit. A touching experience. Love you, Steve. ❤️

[@Samantha-vlly]

I cannot express in words how this guy is an ultimate legend. He's the gold standard in synthesizers🔥❤️

[@JureJerebic]

God bless you Steve, miss you on this Toto tour! Inspiration for all keyboardists all over the world

[@Subjective_JoshNelson]

Great to see this true synth OG from the 70s comment for Arturia's soft emulations, which are my main sounds. AL V with V Collection 9, controlled through a KeyLab 61 Mkll

[@TheChaziv62]

Aways loved that Taking it Back synth. So unique...pure genius.

[@KordTaylor]

This is such a great video. Thank you!

[@kpec3]

Steve's a genius. You could learn so much from him.

[@ellemusic.]

Arturia - this is incredible! Steve Porcaro - you're so inspiring!!! Thank you for all of your brilliant work! This is my fave video♥

[@pedrosura]

Once aspect of Steve's career that is hard to appreciate on the video, is how much of a showman he is on stage. Went to see Toto Live in the early eightees, and I could not take my eyes off him. He really would steal the show.

[@adamjacksonmedia]

I CRAVE that brass sound produced by the CS80. To my ears… it’s Oberheim on steroids.

[@TheDarkHorse949]

Start a channel Steve! Your knowledge is do valuable to the community

[@brandon1351]

Legend doesn't even come close to what this guy is! Love the sounds he gets from those old machines

[@Razor195T]

Jam at the end extra groovy

[@beardenbob6567]

I've idolized this guy since seeing him live with Gary Wright. Gifted.

[@filalifeels2887]

La très grande classe Mr Porcaro vous resterez à jamais un grand génie des synthétiseurs car tout vos productions ainsi que vos collaborations ont toujours été de très grandes qualités vous avez énormément apporté à la musique des années 70 et 80. Merci beaucoup!!!Monsieur Monsieur Porcaro

[@tekis0]

Good job, Arturia! I've always loved the sound of the CS-80!

[@fabiocasanova_]

incredible artist.

[@djeighty8421]

This is so amazing to see

[@markussukram9290]

Steve Porcaro and Toto...the kings of Musicians

[@musiqsoundsproductions]

Imagine touring the cs-80. Even in those days it was a niche. Stunning!

[@Dudderlyful]

Just needed the REALLY big shirt to finish the piece, but wow that was a great endorsement. Not to mention some patch tips like the old vids too. Magic!

[@breath7]

Hey Steve. Always good to see and hear from you! Kevin.

[@mikemasse]

Love it!

[@brianchamberlain]

This is an amazing endorsement for arturia.

[@etpslick100]

Learn something new everyday. That CS-80 was a beast in itself! I remember David “Hawk” Wolinski from Rufus/Chaka Khan had a CS-80 as well. Great synth!😌🎹🎶👍🏾

[@AndrejDoms]

I am blown away… a hero of my youth. One of the greatest keyboarders ever. 🙏🏻😎

[@percywalker3960]

Fax

[@Milano357]

❤️🙏🏾🎶 Inspiration every time 🎶

[@michaelarthurholloway9539]

Legend!!! Wonderful video.

[@riccampbell]

Holy crap, this takes me back - had a CS-60 thru most of the 80's.

[@ANTJOY]

Wow amazing demo !

[@Fuff63]

He like me, grew up in a time when all of us would make ‘Mecca’ religious trips to to local synth store just for the privilege to tweak around with the new synths coming out…and spend our time-longing working, and saving and for them. Back then musicians would spend tons of cash [some, the price a car] just to to get a synth that would actually remember the patch settings. LOL. We had notebooks, cheat sheets wires everywhere, and were like cats on a hot tin roof on stage…hurrying to program fast for the next song, and oh they never stayed in tune and were subject to lots of malfunctions live, mostly due to over heating etc. It was our entire life to hole-up in our studios and bedrooms and program sounds. But oh it was fun! Still is…we are living in a great time to be alive. From the birth of portable synths to todays amazing technology. I Enjoyed this. Cheers.

[@curiouscurious6558]

STEVE is a definite hero of mine, I actually had a CS80 back in the day, and my head is about to explode thinking about the fact that there was no way to actually save a patch back then. Using the CS80 live you had to adjust those very touchy toggles. as fast as you could between and/or during songs for the next patch. Just thinking about being able to save and call up the sounds with Aturia, WOW. Iconic player and talent, iconic synth!

[@lucasmansodasilva5665]

Amazing stuff

[@alessandroaraujo9286]

Thank you, Steve! 🙂

[@denisecosta1346]

I love to listen to Steve's explanations.