Yamaha CS1X

My big dissapointment is that to use the good performance sounds, you have to be in performance mode, and that mode is monotimbral. Other wise you can use up to 4 XG sounds at once in multi mode. Very annoying. There are basic filters on this that are pretty limiting. Definitely "first synth" territory.

Price paid

700$

UTILIZATION

The menu is pretty complicated for such an entry level synth. And no thats not a good thing. There is one knob and 10 arrow buttons to press to navigate the huge menu. A lot of the things are not self explanitory and half of the stuff you will never use.

3 knobs fell off on mine (they are cheap plastic knobs), and now I turn them with their metal bars instead. However, it still works after 8 years in all respects.

SOUNDS

Ok basically this is one part ROMpler and one part GM/XG machine. As far as the ROM sounds go, they are exemplar of the mid nineties dance/trance scene. A few pads, lots of leads and basses. Drums are OK. The GM sounds are good, but they are GM. Considering the low cost of the cs1x the sound set is pretty good. I'm sure you can find much better for more money but considering that this is a 8 year old machine that shouldnt be a challenge.

OVERALL OPINION

Ok now here is where the 10 comes. You're probably asking urself; ok why does he still have this synth? Here is the reason: it is a PERFECT midi controller. Ok maybe not perfect, but very good. Why? You can definetly get this on ebay for less than 100$. It has a solid 66 synthaction key board. It has 6 good assignable knobs. Simple to use. Nuff said. This has been my sole controller since I got into MIDI and it has never let me down. Moreover, it is a good keyboard to try out ideas on...it has all the major dance sounds you need as a trance/dance producer to use as a "scratchpad". Then, when you are ready to control your VSTs you just press a button and there you are. And I'll admit it, I just have a love for this thing as my first keyboard...yeah I said it!

Originally posted on FutureProducers.com
Posted by: I_watch_stars ( 7-, 2005)

The CSIX is a synth using AWM2 out in the mid-90s, electronic music oriented. It has roughly 61 keys, some buttons on the front, the standard connectivity, midi, headphones, stereo output, pedals and reliement to the computer (To host) ...
The polyphony is 32 voices, the multitimbrality 16.
There are hundreds of sounds at the origin (close to 900) and 21 drum kits. Common fx (reverbs, delays and variations) + an arpeggiator.

UTILIZATION

If I remember correctly, the use is based on a system of layers (2 max) that can overlap. Each can be modified before and all headed in the effects section. The manual supplied is relatively clear and it is quite easy to find the sound you want and create a nice little set.
Especially the buttons for a minimum edition are on the front panel (buttons cutoff, resonance, attack, release and ASSIGN1 and Assign2). It was very pleasant to edit your own sounds: it takes two layers, we put a little resonance, cutoff envelopes are managed, although his time on dose and reverb and hop it sounds.

SOUNDS

As part of my group at the time, the sounds were quite convincing oriented electro, new wave, dance and techno. Some more traditional sounds (piano, strings) are outdated today, but in my humble level was very acceptable at the time.
The realism was not his strong point, he offered against by beautiful sounds like pads, fx or leads.

OVERALL OPINION

I used a couple of years the time of existence of my small group and frankly we have extensively used (we had two). The value for money was exceptional. Then resold.
What I liked most: its color, weight, ease of use and sound
What I liked least: I do not know ...
To conclude this is a great first synth to learn to program sounds. In time, it should not cost a pittance.

Wide range of quality sounds correct and Varis, paramtres edition of fairly comprehensive and direct some of CASC these parameters are pushed me CRITERIA acqurir this keypad.

The ratio quality / price is really correct, as often with Yamaha.

UTILIZATION

Even if this keyboard is meant intuitive, the publishing patches and Access in paramtres is through menus and submenus. Nanmoins, the ACCS is the notch thanks ais rtro-clear graphics, and Multi-Table slecteur faade in the keyboard. As is the concept of CS-1x, most functions are Submitted ditions.

The manual, the blue book (Tutorial Designed for Fast Fashion CS1x sound) and the extensive documentation available on the net can be drawn and rapidemet full advantage of this machine.

SOUNDS

The factory sounds and samples are correct quality, but a little older. Fortunately, the edition features relatively compltes allies crativit the user took a certain guarantee of the machine.

Edition of the buttons are INTERESTED in real time (attack, cut-off, etc..), But not always effective.

OVERALL OPINION

If one is looking for a keyboard to the sound of INTERESTED edition, with a relatively small budget lev this keyboard will bring pleasure and satisfaction the user.

Need I remind you that Jamiroquai has made good use of trs some of their tubes and scne ...

128 preset
128 user
several banks of sounds supplmentaires be found on the net.
Midi in / out / thru
1 output (monol Monor)
etc.
6 potentiomtres in real time (we do without it, both for the synth itself as to drive apps like Reason or VST instruments) whose position is mmorisable.

UTILIZATION

The manual is superfluous for those who know it (as always).
If you do not know what an LFO, it will be difficult but by turning the irreplaceable potentiomtres, you will understand.
The edition is trs comfortable, and the use of an app to control the whole is frankly unnecessary.

SOUNDS

The CS1x Has one of the first synths appear as synth techno.
It's a bit of prcurseur the number of machines come APRS (CS2x, AN1x, CS6x, Groovebox, etc.)
He has an arpeggiator, but effectively restricted from what is done now.
Most of the "layers" are pretty trs and t is an effort to provide a bank of plant quality and crystalline sound of the genre FM.
The CS1x can be extremely intrressant To create the ambience of music for documentaries, for example.
Now, in terms of techno ct, I find in gnral that there is no power and the flexibility expected (compare with CS6x and you'll understand).
It will use some plugins to find a percussive sound, both internal effects honntes but basic.
The keyboard is functional ... but fairly low-end it must be said.

OVERALL OPINION

When it was released (1997 or 1998 I think), I bought this synth 4500 frs.
At this price, c'tait a good deal.
You can always find a sound interresting, and orders rel tps make an invaluable service.
Now, let's be clear.
There are machines that claim to techno trend, this cell or that affordable, and those found in the studios REALLY.
I would say for someone who really wants to move towards a professional production, one should not opt ​​for this type of product. Alone may be some apps can now for a low price to make a satisfactory rponse (for my part I find Reason monstrous!).