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Average Price: $11,000
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$500
$1501+
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Description
Introducing the Yamaha CS-70M, an iconic synthesizer that adds depth and character to any musical piece. Its unique 6-voice polyphony and powerful 12 VCOs per voice make it a musician's dream. This synth offers a robust sound palette, thanks to its 2 LFOs, 12 VCFs, and 12 VCAs. The 61-key keyboard with aftertouch delivers a responsive and expressive playing experience that can truly bring your music to life.
Key Features:
- 6-voice polyphonic architecture for lush, layered sounds
- 12 Voltage-Controlled Oscillators (VCOs) per voice for rich tonal variety
- 2 Low-Frequency Oscillators (LFOs) for added depth and modulation
- 12 Voltage-Controlled Filters (VCFs) and 12 Voltage-Controlled Amplifiers (VCAs) for shaping and controlling your sound
- 61-key keyboard with aftertouch for expressive playing.
Product specs
| Brand | Yamaha |
| Model | CS-70M Polyphonic Synthesizers |
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 1981 - 1984 |
| Made In | Japan |
| Categories | Analog Synths, Keyboard Synths |
| Analog / Digital | Analog |
| Key Size | Full Size |
| Keyboard Action | Synth Action |
| Number of Keys | 61 Keys |
| Polyphony | 6 Voices |
FAQs
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Is the Yamaha CS-70M synthesizer polyphonic or monophonic?
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The Yamaha CS-70M is a polyphonic synthesizer, capable of playing up to six voices simultaneously.
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What type of synthesis does the Yamaha CS-70M use?
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The Yamaha CS-70M uses analog subtractive synthesis, which is known for its warm and rich sound characteristics.
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How many keys does the Yamaha CS-70M have, and what is the key action like?
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The Yamaha CS-70M features 61 full-size keys with a synth action, providing a responsive and smooth playing experience.
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What are some standout features of the Yamaha CS-70M's sound engine?
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The Yamaha CS-70M offers a dual-channel architecture with separate VCFs and VCAs for each channel, allowing for complex sound layering and modulation possibilities.
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Is the Yamaha CS-70M suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the Yamaha CS-70M is suitable for live performances, thanks to its robust build, expressive controls, and the ability to store and recall patches quickly.
Videos
Alex Natsis (analogshinse)
Yamaha CS 70M high quality audio
Yamaha CS 70M high quality audio
Alex Natsis (analogshinse)
YAMAHA CS-70M analog synthesizer - Sounds & patches 【SYNTH DEMO】
synth4ever
Every way the CS70M is BETTER than the Yamaha CS-80!
Vulture Culture
YAMAHA CS-70M + CS-60 SYNTH DEMO ~ Vintage Synthesizer Museum
once upon a synth
The Yamaha CS80 VS. CS70M - An Exploration of Two LEGENDS!
Vintage Synthesizer Solutions
Yamaha CS70m demo
Nader Sharif
Yamaha CS70M: Live Deep Dive of the Most Advanced Analog Synth Yamaha Ever Made!
Vulture Culture
Yamaha CS70m - review and deep dive
K’s Music Lounge
Yamaha CS-70m Dreams
Vintage Synthesizer Museum
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha CS-70M.
Comparisons
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The Deckard's Dream, inspired by the CS-80, offers a similar experience to the CS-70M, being more affordable and portable than the CS-80.
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CS-M series filters are preferred by some for their unique sweeping capabilities and aftertouch, offering a distinct sound compared to the standard CS series.
Source
Features and functionality
Software and compatibility
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TAL u-no-LX, a Juno 6 emulation, replicates the CS-70M's core sound architecture, although it lacks a distinct filter envelope but includes a stereo chorus effect.
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Setup and maintenance
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Stack two instances of u-no-LX to independently pitch oscillators for stereo effects, mimicking the CS-70M's capabilities.
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The voice cards in the CS-70M allow for easier troubleshooting with an extensive service manual aiding in isolating issues.
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Corroded batteries can cause failures in the card reader, highlighting the importance of regular maintenance checks.
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Use cases and applications
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The Yamaha An1x is noted for its trance sound capabilities and has been used extensively by Boards of Canada.
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Build quality
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The CS-70M contains numerous custom Yamaha ICs, making repairs challenging due to the rarity of these parts.
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User experience
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Owners have noted the synth's substantial weight, though it remains lighter than the CS-80.
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Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 3 Ratings
64
Superb
A big old analog poly monster. Cs80 territory. Big lush pads, crazy stabs and more. A powerful synth often overlooked due to its older sibling.
Artist usage
Add artist
In the original album description provided by Boards of Canada's label (Warp Records) the Yamaha CS-70M is mentioned as their "trademark" synth.
via Bleep
"Then I did this other project last year which was a documentary for Red Bull. It's called Distance Between Dreams with Ian Walsh, the star surfer. That was a very soft, ambient electronic score. I did everything live with MIDI and just mixed it on the board and that was the end result. I used the Jupiter-8 for that, the Jupiter-6, the Juno-6 with the sequencer, the MSQ, the Roland 60, the 106, also the GB4, Roland VP-03, the vocoder. I used a Roland S-770 sampler, which has a really great tone to it. A couple of Yamaha synthesizers, the CS-60, the CS-70M—all pretty rare machines to have. But for that kind of stuff they sound so fantastic."
Noted in his new album and you can see it in his studio at the beggining of this video
Mukaiya uses the CS-70M (seen to his right at 0:42, and Mukaiya can be seen playing it at 0:59) to play the main melody in this video. It can be seen in many of Casiopea's early 80s concert videos, and is listed as being used on some of their studio albums.
Bill mentions his use of synths and more. "I soon added other synths, including a Solina String Machine and a Yamaha CS70M. I also was an early adopter of drum machine technology and synth-guitars. (I had one of the first Hagstrom Patch 2000 synth-guitars which I used on the 'Drastic Plastic' album.)"
In this video you can see Philippe Zdar showing a Yamaha CS-70 Synth
Greg Ham used a Yamaha CS-70M for live shows in 1982, as seen at 20:20 in this video.
The instrument appears on the list of instruments on official artist's website (http://olszak.pl/).
Album Usage
The Yamaha CS-70M has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Yamaha CS-70M, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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