Vintage Synth Explorer

Yamaha • CS-30

The CS-30 is a large, knob infested, black analog synthesizer with traditional features. It is a monophonic synth with extensive analog control and shaping. It has two oscillators with separate outputs, two VCF resonant filters, two VCA amplifiers and three envelopes. It also features a ring modulator, external audio triggering and a simple but useful 8-step sequencer for use as a sketch pad, pattern or arpeggio effect. The CS-30 does not have any on-board effects, memory nor MIDI. Although the CS-30 is just a monophonic synth with a short 44 note keyboard it offers a lot of programming flexibility, and plenty of knobs. It's used by 808 State.

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knobexploit

Posted 426 days ago

Great analog wizzard. Has lovely sequencer (the CS30L doesnt have a sequencer but comes build in a flightcase and legs) Has many parameters and modulation options.
Many words have been said by users about the complex setup and routing but IMHO it is as simple as any other synth if you just take the time to understand it properly.

Radek Tymecki

Posted 449 days ago

There were 2 versions of CS30. One had sequencer with selectable sequencer steps from 1 to 8. Another one had simple switch 6 or 8 steps.

Tom

Posted 458 days ago

Also used by Add N to X, supposedly a secret weapon of Daniel Miller. Once you've got your head round this every other monosynth is child's play. Very underrated.

nathanscribe

Posted 458 days ago

Also owned by The Human League; a synth they "never learned how to use." (Future Music 41, p.69)

otto

Posted 461 days ago

Another version of the CS-30 was the CS-30L which was a synth-in-case design and also had built in legs! It had a flat control panel that sloped gently upwards towards the back. One thing missing is the sequencer section.

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