Vintage Synth Explorer

Yamaha • CS6x

The next generation of CS synthesizers is here, with added sampling and features from the AN1x synth! In keeping with the new CS-line trend of analog emulation for dance and electronic music, the CS6x offers real-time and assignable knobs, scene memory and morphing, MIDI controllability and excellent sounds. Yamaha says that this IS the machine for Trance. Its awesome arpeggiators, filters and phrase sampling are proof of this claim.

First the sounds, they're just great! 64 voice polyphony allows for some thick sounds. Excellent (AWM2) Advanced Wave Memory samples provide emulation of classic analog synths is truly possible with the CS6x enhanced abilities. It has a Bit-depth switch which allows you to degrade its output creating 'Vintage' lo-fi quality sounds, which can be cool. And filters... the CS6x has the best one yet with 2,3,4-pole filters with 6,12,24dB slopes and low, hi and band pass filter types (see technical data below for specifics) for just about any imaginable filtration method you can use to shape its sounds.

The CS6x allows you to sample sounds or load in samples using the 4MB Phrase sampler. All the features and functions a pro-quality 16-bit linear sampler should have are found here with sampling at 44.1kHz. Up to 256 Phrase sample clips can be created and used as loops in your performances or sequences. Apply effects to your samples or synth sounds using the vast array of quality digital multi-effects. The built-in arpeggiator is better than any previous CS synths with 128 patterns and filter patterns. The CS6x will also play SMF playback sequences (Format 0) loaded in from a disk. The CS6x is expandable with two slots for Plug-In Expansion Boards which add polyphony, sounds, effects and more! For performance and control the CS6x has a pitch and mod wheel, ribbon controller and 6 assignable knobs. The CS6x also has a built-in 3.3V smart media storage drive. This stores the phrase sample clips, SMF sequences and other synth data on 4, 8, 16 or 32MB cards. Simply the biggest and best CS synth from Yamaha. It has been used by Faithless and Depeche Mode.

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Posting Rules: Please keep your comments relevant! Do not post requests for help, do not use for sales, do not post unless you have something interesting to say about this instrument, or we may delete your post.

 

Kain

Posted 41 days ago

It is used by the mexican Darkelectro Band HOCICO.

80skeys

Posted 53 days ago

I got this synth for $400 (used) about six months ago. I love it. It is a solid, quality piece of machinery. For the money it's awesome. I'm in the process of putting together the midi sequences for solo performance of 80s pop music and it's looking like this thing will be able to handle the whole show on its own. I thought recently I might have to upgrade to the PSR 3000, but then I found out the CS6x can: load midi 0 files directly into the CS6X, I can expand the polyphony by adding an expansion board, I can increase the number of channels that use the insertion effect by using the expansion board, and I can add XG-compatibility with the PLG150XG board. That takes care of everything I wanted to do with the PSR3000. Rather than upgrading, I'll just purchase the expansion board. The CS6X is great.

Shawn

Posted 115 days ago

I have not been as inspired like this by a synth since the JP8000. Brilliant sounds, very user friendly, and did I mention that the sounds are amazing? I had the beginnings of a dozen new compositions the first time I sat down in front of this instrument. One of Yamaha's very best!

stickler

Posted 208 days ago

This synth screams "balance in all things" -- it really nailed a lot of aspects of synth design. Still love mine. Got 2 AN cards for it plus the VL card, which from time to time I've swapped in for one of the AN cards, but the two AN cards give me 10 voices of AN loveliness, so I think of it as my CS6X/AN1X hybrid. :) Works for me!

Sim

Posted 260 days ago

I got this synth the day it came out and have loved it ever since. Have gone through many other synths but this one has a massive amount of flexibility, power and control. The sound from Faithless' Insomnia is on the synth but as far as I'm aware the sound originated from the Roland. Some of the sounds are very thin (but with tweaking can be great) but others are absolute monster sounds. I had this synth at the same time the Korg Prophecy and Triton and I use this more than both of those synths now - well worth the few hundred quid they can be picked up for now. Spares still available from Yamaha too!!

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