Arturia CS-80V

The Arturia CS-80V is a software synthesizer that is a virtual version of the Yamaha CS-80 from the late 1970's. You can get the software for all formats as far as I'm aware of, but I've only used it on a Mac based system. I don't own this software, so I wouldn't be able to speak about the installation process. Learning how to use the software isn't too difficult if you're just looking to get some basic sounds from it, but it's incredibly in depth. There are so many parameters on here it's almost hard to fathom! I haven't used an original CS-80V myself, so I can't say how it compares exactly, but it seems to be a pretty good emulation of the interface just by judging from pictures of the original. In my time using the CS-80V I've generally stuck to using the presets, but obviously you can get pretty deep with it if you spend the time learning what everything does. A manual would definitely be a good idea if you're serious about learning how to use everything in this soft synth.

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

We have the Arturia CS-80V synthesizer running at the studio where I'm working, which has it on a Pro Tools HD based system. It won't usually get used in Pro Tools however, as mostly it's used in Logic on this system. We have a few different studios, but it generally gets used in the smaller productions suites rather than the main room. Either way, all our systems are pretty sturdy and can handle running this software no matter what it's running with.

OVERALL OPINION

There's a ton of different sounds that are possible with the Arturia CS-80V, which are valuable to have regardless of if you're looking for sounds like the Yamaha CS-80 or not. I haven't delved into the CS-80V as much as is possible at all, but I've used it enough I think to get a good feel of the different sounds possible here, which are certainly vast. It's definitely got the sound of a 70's into the 80's synthesizer, which is great if you're going for that sort of vibe as I often am. If you're interested in this software at all, it's not too expensive as far as high quality software synths go, so definitely do yourself a favor and check it out.

This program installed without any problems. I have a hard time getting some of my stand alone programs to recognize my Presonus Firebox, but all of Arturia's stuff is great for compatibility. I haven't gotten into assigning midi controls from my midi keyboards yet, but it works great in Logic as well as stand alone. This is a copy of a real synth, incase thats not known, so it is fairly complex and tricky to figure out if you are the button pushing type (like me) as opposed to reading a manual type. Obviously this is not the programs fault. Moving through patches is fairly easy, but again, there are so many knobs that it will take some time to really get a grasp of this unit. Thats not necessarily a bad thing, in fact I like the idea of a lot of knobs and whistles, more of those equals more sounds and customization. I have not open the manual yet, as I got a couple software synths at the same time and have been playing around more than learning, but other arturia manuals have been clear and well written, so I would expect the same.

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

I have a MacBook ( 2.2 ghz, 120 gb hd, 4gb ram, generally use either a presonus firepod/firebox)
So far, the software has never had a problem opening, running, saving and performing.
As for performance, the sound quality is great, nice and rich pads, 80's esq. leads and nice fuzzy/strong basses.
I have never crashed or lost any sound or anything with this program and my setup.

OVERALL OPINION

I have been using the CS-80v for about three months now. I love the fact that it has never had any compatibility problems, has great sounds (I don't know exactly what an original CS sounds like) and has some killer pads ( I love pads!). I have other software synths made my Arturia as well as other brands. This one holds its own against all of them. I bought mine off of ebay in a package deal (moog modular and minimoog also) for about $250. I think it was a great deal. I would definitely buy this item again, especially if you like pads.

Problem-free installation

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

Athlon 1.2 GHz, 512MB Ram
Stable software but consumes a lot of CPU

OVERALL OPINION

Dcidemment, they are really strong in Arturia. Those with AIM V Moog will not.

Although the CS-80 is not a "true modular", the possibilities of sound are amazing ... Fast Fashion

I am always fascinated at the sounds that you get from a basic waveform. I do not know the original, but its worth a clone numrique dtour.

The pros: the rich sound (dynamics, frquence), CHAC easy programming

The -: Some potentiomtres are difficult to change the mouse as a kid.

No problem for installation
not to conflict

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

No I must change my sound card May I suggest an external device to
motu eg or other
yes no problem of software

OVERALL OPINION

3 months as I use it
for me the log is not expensive
yes I do it again this election and in addition I have the true Yamaha CS80, the Ftiche Vangelis.
http://www.vangelia.com/
or
http://vangelia.com/HTLM/Lien_pour_Synthe.htm