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Average Price: $99
Budget/Beginner
$500
$1501+
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Description
Dive into the sonic exploration with the Yamaha CS15D, a synthesizer that melds vintage charm with modern versatility. Perfect for both newcomers and seasoned musicians, its intuitive interface and rich sound palette make it a standout choice. From ambient landscapes to pulsating beats, the CS15D opens up a world of musical possibilities, making it a worthy addition to any setup. Its preset and manual section allows for immediate playability while offering depth for those looking to sculpt their unique sound. Additionally, the single VCO per section ensures a warm, analog tone that's both nostalgic and refreshing.
Key Features:
- Preset and manual modes for flexible sound shaping
- Single Voltage-Controlled Oscillator (VCO) per section for authentic analog sounds
- 29 presets ranging from classic tones to contemporary textures
- Single Low Frequency Oscillator (LFO) with selectable sine and square waveforms for modulating effects
- 12db/oct (2-pole) lowpass filter for smooth frequency attenuation
- Dual CV / Gate for integrating with other modular gear and synthesizers
Product specs
| Brand | Yamaha |
| Model | CS-15D Monophonic Synthesizer |
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 1979 - 1982 |
| Made In | Japan |
| Categories | Analog Synths, Keyboard Synths |
| Analog / Digital | Analog |
| Key Size | Full Size |
| Keyboard Action | Synth Action |
| Number of Keys | 37 Keys |
| Polyphony | 1 Voice |
FAQs
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What type of synthesis does the Yamaha CS15D use?
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The Yamaha CS15D is an analog synthesizer, known for its rich and warm sound typical of vintage analog gear.
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Is the Yamaha CS15D suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the Yamaha CS15D's full-size keys and straightforward interface make it suitable for live performances, especially if you are looking for classic analog tones.
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How many voices can the Yamaha CS15D produce simultaneously?
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The Yamaha CS15D is a monophonic synthesizer, meaning it can produce one voice at a time.
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Does the Yamaha CS15D have any built-in effects?
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The Yamaha CS15D does not have built-in effects, focusing instead on delivering pure analog sound.
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What is the key action like on the Yamaha CS15D?
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The Yamaha CS15D features a synth action keyboard, providing a smooth and responsive playing experience suitable for synthesizer performance.
Videos
AutomaticGainsay
CS-15D Demonstration.
Reviews
PROS
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Two monosynths in one, with separate outputs for versatile sound production
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Allows for stacking, duophonic playing, or independent sequencing
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Usable presets enhance the analogue VCO sound quality
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Features filter, LFO, detune, and sustain controls for presets
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Manual mode for custom sound crafting alongside presets
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Can blend two voices for complex two-voice sounds
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Produces lush, Vangelis-esque brass sounds with external reverb
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Offers quick usability and productivity compared to Eurorack setups
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Affordable compared to other vintage synths like Moog
CONS
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Limited synthesis features restrict sound design capabilities
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Some presets are not appealing, affecting the variety of usable sounds
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha CS15D.
Features and functionality
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The Yamaha CS15D can be modified for a dual channel setup by converting the first channel to be editable rather than preset-only.
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The "brilliance" slider on channel one appears to control a macro function over both filters, potentially influencing high pass rather than low pass.
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It's possible to achieve duophonic play by connecting a sequencer to the CV/Gate for oscillator 2.
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User experience
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The synth has been praised for its vintage tone and warmth, particularly noted in filter improvisation demos.
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Recreating specific sounds is challenging due to variations in mixing, mastering, and equipment, making exact replication nearly impossible.
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The CS-15 is praised for its hardy build, allowing aggressive manipulation of wide-range oscillator octaves without damage.
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Mods and upgrades
Comparisons
Setup and maintenance
Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 6 Ratings
133
Lush-sounding, but limited
Bought one in mint condition in early 2017. What stands out most about this synth, is its looks. I found it to produce incredibly lush-sounding & vangelish-esque brass-sounds when run trough a reverb, but it is quite limited in its synthesis features!
Artist usage
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Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Yamaha CS15D, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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