The CS-20m is another of Yamaha's classic CS-series analog synthesizers of the '70's and '80's. It is a monophonic analog synthesizer with dual-VCOs that use subtractive synthesis to create superb bass, synth, lead, bubbly-squirty and percussive sounds. It has all the essential components of a classic synth: There is a resonant filter with switchable high, band or lowpass filtering with its own ADSR envelope controls. There is an ADSR VCA envelope generator which contains a third oscillator which generates a sine wave to modulate and enhance your sounds. And there is an LFO which can modulate the PWM sweep. Fortunately, the CS-20m features 8 memory locations for patch storage of your favorite or most used sounds.

Stacked up against the other CS-synths, the CS-20m appears to be a very little brother to the CS-70m (a 12-VCO and very flexible beast). The CS-20m offers more memory patches than any other CS-synth (excluding newer CS1x and CS6x models). As for other synths, the CS-20m could be considered Minimoog-like, though it sounds much brighter and thinner than the Mini. If the Minimoog's price is out of your league, the CS-20m is not just a nice alternative but it is quite a classic and solid analog synth! It is used by The Crystal Method.

Travesty

May 3, 2011 @ 2:53 pm

If you get hold of a novation bass station rack module, it has midi to cv built in. A lot of people use them to control old gear. Plus you get a great analogue bass synth too : )

John

December 15, 2010 @ 11:09 am

I should add that I just got this synth, and I'm loving it. It's full of weirdness, the dual oscillators combined with LFO VCF modulation allow for beautiful pulsating drone sounds which I can slowly transform into squirty electronic noise. Just hoping there is a way I can run audio through the filter.

john

December 15, 2010 @ 11:04 am

is there anyway I can modulate live vocals or an audio signal with this? can I do it with a midi - CV converter?

JOE

September 21, 2009 @ 12:22 am

it can be controlled through kenton pro solo midi with no probs.great yamaha cs synth. not as dark or sonically deep sounding as the cs 10 but instant ear candy for that bit of inspiration.i love all the yamaha cs synths and this is a good one . recommended.

ichor75

September 14, 2009 @ 2:29 pm

i love this machine to bits, but does anybody know if there's a PROVEN way to control it via MIDI? Kenton and Synhouse websites are kinda unclear about that.

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