Softube Model 77, three legendary Yamaha CS synths revived in a plugin and modular

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Softube Model 77 is a new, authentic emulation of three legendary Yamaha CS synthesizers, available as a plugin and for Softube Modular.

The Yamaha CS-80 is one of the most legendary synthesizers ever built. I would say it is number 1 for many musicians. It was released in 1977 and is now a legend. The CS-80 sound is mainly associated with Blade Runner by Vangelis (RIP). 

Because the device was so rare and is no longer produced, its used price is also legendary. In order to give many people the CS-80 vibe, there are hardware and software clones. With the Model 77, Softube is now showing a new emulation of the CS-80 and little brothers.

Softube Model 77

Softube Model 77 

Unlike Arturia or Cherry Audio, Softube has squeezed three Yamaha emulations into one plugin: the CS-80, CS-60, and CS-50. All three had the same analog basis but with modified features and different sonic characters.

Model 77 offers two layers accessible directly from the intuitive front panel. Speaking of user interface. Softube also redesigned the position of the sections to communicate the instrument’s proper signal flow, improving the sound design workflow.

For example, the ring mod section now corresponds to its location in the signal flow. So, the interface is not 100% authentic like the originals. There is also a balance slider between the upper and lower layers.

The new Model 77 plugin hosts the same signal path with the same features, including two oscillators per voice (saw, square, sine, noise…), PWM, filters, the iconic ring modulator, and more. That’s not all.

Softube has also expanded the engine by adding new features and workflow enhancements. These include stereo processing, DAW sync, and a new aging slider. The latter creates vintage vibes to the sound by adding drift to the oscillators and variations over the filter cutoff, pulse width, and envelope time. 

There is also a new stereo algorithmic reverb with dry/wet and decay time controls. Once active, you can reproduce the sound of classic hits, promise Softube.

A key element of the original CS-80 was expressivity via polyphonic aftertouch. This is also found in the Softube Model 77, which is Softube’s first instrument with true polyphonic aftertouch support. 

Softube Model 77

Softube Modular

A unique selling point of the Softube Model Synthesizer series is its connection to the modular world. Each Synthesizer plugin contains modules based on the emulation for the Softube Modular environment. 

This is also the case with the new releases, which include eight Model 77 modules for Softube Modular: reverb, 2x ring modulator, LFO, oscillator, envelope generator, dual-mode filter, and amp. With these, you can also create your CS emulation in modular forms.

Further, Softube also ships the Model 77 with all the original presets for all three synthesizers. In addition to the Single Layer Presets, Model 77 features Dual Layer Presets, which allow you to recreate classic sounds through the combination of the upper and lower presets that were so famously used.

First Impression

Since I don’t have a CS Synthesizer or CS-80 at home or studio, I can’t say anything about the authenticity of the new Softube plugin. However, it is known that the previous emulations from Softube have been described by many as spot on, so I assume that this one is also of a high standard.

I really like the look of the Softube Model 77 because it is not overwhelming with parameters. The first sounds also make you want more.

Softube Model 77 is available now for an introductory price of 99€ instead of 159€. It runs as a VST, VST3, AU, and AAX plugin on macOS (native Apple Silicon) and Windows.

If you buy the plugin at Plugin Boutique, you will get Audiority Pyros, Excity Audio Bloom, or Vocal Aether Lite for free throughout September.

More information here: Softube 

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