In our latest Synth Space History episode, Krzysztof Pająk explores the beloved Yamaha CS80 Synthesizer. This eight-voice analog synthesizer features great controls like polyphonic aftertouch and a ribbon controller. With its undeniably fat sound, the CS80 sits up as an honourary in the synthesizer hall of fame. Watch here: https://youtu.be/xNK1Zv2AHEs | Yamaha Synths

The Yamaha CS-80 is one of the most expressive analog synthesizers ever built, and it became a core voice in Hans Zimmer and Benjamin Wallfisch’s score for Blade Runner 2049 precisely because of that expressive, tactile quality. More than just a “Vangelis tribute” instrument, the CS-80 matches the mood of the film’s world: heavy, humid, weight-bearing, and emotional under layers of architecture and rain. Unlike many modern synths that are programmed by mouse or automation lanes, the CS-80 is a p