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Average Price: $161
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$500
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Description
Step into the world of sound innovation with the Yamaha CS1X, a pioneering force in the realm of analog emulation digital synthesizers. Perfectly blending vintage warmth with modern versatility, this synth is a treasure trove for musicians seeking to explore new sonic territories. Drawing inspiration from its legendary predecessors in the CS series, the CS1X offers an extensive palette of sounds, all at your fingertips with user-friendly controls.
Whether you're crafting lush soundscapes or cutting-edge electronic tracks, the Yamaha CS1X provides a robust platform with its 16-part multi-timbral capability, ensuring each layer of your music is rich and dynamic. Its velocity-sensitive arpeggiator breathes life into your compositions, responding expressively to your touch and enhancing your creative expression. With 128 programmable presets, you have a world of sound ready to be customized to your unique style.
The CS1X also boasts onboard digital effects, allowing you to elevate your music production without needing additional gear. These features make it an ideal choice for both studio environments and live performances, offering flexibility and quality that meet the demands of today's musicians.
Key Features:
- 16-part multi-timbral capability
- Velocity-sensitive arpeggiator
- 128 programmable presets
- Onboard digital effects for enhanced sound production
- User-friendly controls for easy sound manipulation
Product specs
| Brand | Yamaha |
| Model | CS1x Control Synthesizer |
| Finish | Blue |
| Year | 1996 |
| Made In | Japan |
| Categories | Digital Synthesizers, Keyboard Synths |
| Analog / Digital | Digital |
| Key Size | Full Size |
| Keyboard Action | Synth Action |
| MIDI I/O | MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through |
| Number of Keys | 61 Keys |
| Polyphony | 32 Voices |
FAQs
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Is the Yamaha CS1X suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the Yamaha CS1X is designed for live performances with its real-time control features and user-friendly interface, making it easy to manipulate sounds on the fly.
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What type of synthesis does the Yamaha CS1X use?
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The Yamaha CS1X utilizes digital synthesis, offering a wide range of sounds and flexibility for various musical styles.
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How many voices of polyphony does the Yamaha CS1X have?
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The Yamaha CS1X features 32 voices of polyphony, allowing for complex layering and intricate sound design.
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Does the Yamaha CS1X integrate well with other MIDI devices?
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Yes, the Yamaha CS1X has MIDI Input, Output, and Through, making it compatible with other MIDI devices for expanded performance and recording options.
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Can the Yamaha CS1X be used for studio recording?
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The Yamaha CS1X is suitable for studio recording, offering a range of digital sounds and MIDI connectivity that integrates well with recording setups.
Videos
Alphacode Synth Demos & Custom Sound Banks
Yamaha Cs1x Demo I No Talking
Yamaha Cs1x Demo I No Talking
Alphacode Synth Demos & Custom Sound Banks
Bad Gear - Yamaha CS1x - Not Exactly My Thing
AudioPilz
The Power Of CS1x - Ep1 - Airwolf, The Terminator, Don't You Want Me, Knight Rider and Jump
KOSmusic
More late 90's trance with the Yamaha CS1x
Estuera
YAMAHA CS1x | Uplifting Trance Soundset by Aura Qualic
Aura Qualic
Burnies Synths - Yamaha CS1x
Burnie King
YAMAHA CS1x Dance Synthesizer (1996) Blue is Beautiful demo cd from the 90s
RetroSound
Spotlight: Yamaha CS1x Digital Synth (review and demo)
Zachari Smith
Yamaha CS1X Test
Alejandro Arias Video
Reviews
PROS
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Versatile use as both synth and MIDI controller
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Excels in live performance settings
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User-friendly interface
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Good range of effects for creative expression
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Compact and easy to transport
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Distinctive, attractive design
CONS
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Build quality could be improved
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Audible stepping in filter manipulation
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Limited use in music production for some users
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha CS1X.
Features and functionality
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The CS1X includes expression and sustain pedal inputs, assignable macro controls, and a rich MIDI implementation, though its arpeggiator doesn't output to MIDI.
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The CS1X is described as a "synth" synth with a single sound engine, focusing on doing its specific functions well rather than offering broad sound versatility.
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The CS1X requires sending a special sysex message to stop it from responding to all MIDI channels, which can be critical for multi-synth setups.
Source
Comparisons
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Compared to modern digital synths, the CS1X's sound is less sophisticated, but it offers distinct mid to late '90s General MIDI and "dance" sounds.
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The Yamaha CS1X is noted for its narrow scope compared to workstations like the Juno DS, which offer broader sound variety due to sample-based engines.
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User experience
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Owners describe the CS1X as easy to use with minimal menu diving, featuring excellent pads, Moog-like leads, and strings despite some limitations.
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Owners find the CS1X's visual design appealing, noting its blue color scheme as a factor in maintaining interest and engagement during use.
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Use cases and applications
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It's noted for its Yamaha XG system with three FX stages, ADSR control, and a modeled filter with resonance, suitable for layering and performance modes.
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The CS1X excels in replicating 80s and 90s sounds, making it suitable for cover versions of pop and New Wave songs from those eras.
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The CS1X is described as a classic for trance music, notably due to its sparkly and uplifting pads and synths.
Source
Value and pricing
4.5 out of 5
Based on 6 Reviews and 32 Ratings
113
My first professional synth
Bought in 1997 was general keyboard for composing electronic music. Since I jumped into the world of Virtual instruments and sample libraries, I use this great control synthesizer as MIDI controller also using its knobs for parameter changes on virtual synths.
415
Okay for beginners
I used to own the CS1x. It had some good sounds, but the built quality is not the best.
The knobs were fun, but there were audible steps when working the filer.
I used it as MIDI controller with my computer, which worked really good for back then.
344
Had a lot of fun with this one
One of my first synths. Bought this one when I was about 17-18 years old. Never quite used it in many of my music productions for some reason, but it was a lot of fun playing on this synth over the years! And it looks fantastic of course :)
120
magnifico
facil en cuestion de todo , tanto los efectos que trae son buenisimos para tocar en vivo un sinte que vale la pena de verdad
1151
very versatile machine
very easy to use and to transport and somtimes very good sounds
Artist usage
Add artist
This photo taken in 1999 shows the members of Boards of Canada. That blue keyboard is a Yamaha CS-1X.
In this screenshot from an autumn 2024 photo shoot for Dazed, Mk.gee's Yamaha CS1x can be seen in one of the studio-focused photos.
Yamaha released at least 3 synths using this exact body-style (CS1x, CS2x and AN1x), but we know this is a CS1x because of the paint/silkscreening patterns on the unit. If you look at the left-hand side knobs of the keyboard, the paint pattern surrounding the knobs only matches the CS1x, not the CS2x nor AN1x. Additionally, if you look at the LCD display area in the middle of the unit, the CS1x has one very bright, small orange button in the upper left of that area that stands out against the rest of the synth -- you can clearly see this button in the photo.
Lastly, the CS1x is just kind of on-brand for this artist, as it's a late-90s synth full of sample-based sounds that are pretty lofi by today's standards, but still broadly usable and tweak-able (thus all the knobs).
On video 0:31 it can be seen in the background beside the wall of his studio.
When I started making electronic music I was mainly using software like Cakewalk, Impulse Tracker, Rebirth as well as any additional freeware I could find. The first hardware I bought was the Yamaha CS1x and Boss Dr. Sample 202 plus some random FX pedals. My family wasn't exactly rich so I had to work within my limitations. I think this had a lot to do with how I approach making music to this day. Now I still have a quite simple set-up using a Macbook Pro running Ableton Live and some MIDI Controllers. I don't really use many plug-ins apart from a few go-to's like Michael Norris' SoundMagic Spectral plugins and Native Instruments Reaktor + Massive. For the most part I've found that the built-in Ableton plugins are sufficient.
A Yamaha CS1X can be found in the left-hand side of this picture of Jai's old setup
In this photo, we can see Toby with a Yamaha keyboard.
Seen here playing a CS1X, model name & number is very visible
In this instagram story posted by Bladee, a Yamaha CS1x can be spotted next to whitearmor. It was used during a recording session for “Crest”. It is evident that it this is a CS1x through the organization of knobs and buttons on the interface.
In a live setup photo of Dave Greenfield, three Yamaha CS1X synthesizers are visible, highlighting their use in his performances.
At the beginning panning shot, you can see, among the gear, a Yamha CS1X and two Korg Volca synths (a sampler and Keys).
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in this Instagram photo from Lisbon. Carlos Nilmmns photo using a Yamaha CS1X. (Mentioned in the post)
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 CS1X, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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Community setups
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