Xils Lab has released The Eighty, a new authentic emulation of the legendary Yamaha CS-80 Synthesizer from 1977 with three layers.
At the end of 2024, the French developer Xils Lab teased a new Synthesizer plugin. It quickly became clear that the plugin, named The Eighty, would emulate the legendary Yamaha CS-80 polyphonic Synthesizer.
Good news, it’s out now, and I have the full details.
Xils Lab The Eighty
The Eighty is a new Synthesizer plugin that authentically emulates the Yamaha CS-80. Unlike the original hardware, the latest software replica offers an upgraded layering concept with three layers.
The first two layers offer the classic CS-80 workflow and sound with linked high-pass and low-pass filters, while the third is the cherry on top. It’s designed for deeper, more modern sounds. The third layer can be balanced using the 2D mixer.
According to Xils Lab, the plugin recreates the original CS-80 engine, including meticulously modeled oscillators and zero-delay 12 dB resonant high-pass and low-pass filters in each signal path. The Eighty also includes dedicated sub-oscillator and ring modulation sections designed to enhance live playability.
A new advanced arpeggiator, which goes beyond classic features, including cyclical modulation and muting, is also onboard. The Eighty offers polyphonic aftertouch support, keyboard followers, and velocity sensitivity, giving you many expressivity options.
Further, Xils Lab The Eighty hosts built-in effects. On one side, you get delay, phaser, reverb, and EQ, with independent routing options. In addition, it has a modulation section with a ring modulator with attack and decay envelope control, chorus, tremolo, vibrato, and ensemble effects.
The developer ships the plugin with over 500 presets from professional sound designers (Nori Ubukata, SoundsDivine, Daniel Stawczy…), including the 12 original hardware presets.
First Impression
Yes, indeed, another Yamaha CS-80 emulation. In terms of features, it looks much more extensive and versatile than the last one from Softube (Model 77), which was very feature-reduced.
So far, Xavier Oudin from Xils Lab has created high-quality Synthesizer emulations. I’ll just say the PolyKB III, which I really like. I haven’t tested The Eighty yet, but what I heard so far sounds very convincing.
Xils Lab The Eighty is available now for an introductory price of 89€ instead of 179€, at Thomann for 79€. This offer is available from Tuesday, January 14, 2025, through Friday, January 31, 2025.
It runs as a 64-bit-only VST, VST3, AU, and AAX plugin on macOS (native Apple Silicon + Intel) and Windows. The website offers a time-limited demo of the full version.
More information here: Xils Lab
Available at my partner
Article From December 15, 2024
The most popular and legendary analog Synthesizer is probably the Yamaha CS-80. The synthesizer received a massive boost in popularity, mainly thanks to the epic Blade Runner soundtrack by Vangelis.
This boost has also motivated many developers to try to revive this vintage beast. There are various emulations for the DAW (Arturia, Cherry Audio, Softube, Memorymoon…) and an analog replica, Deckard’s Dream, from Black Corporation. Plus, Behringer has another in development.
The Eighty Teaser
I believe this Synthesizer is quite challenging to replicate. Just before the year’s end, another developer is attempting to capture the essence of this analog monster.
Xils Lab has unveiled a teaser video for “The Eighty,” a new Synthesizer plugin emulating the iconic Yamaha CS-80.
The video provides minimal details, featuring blurred visuals of the plugin while indicating that development on this new Synthesizer has been ongoing for quite some time. Additionally, the familiar tunes from Blade Runner can be heard in the background.
Finally, Xils Lab writes: “The Eighty more to come, stay tuned… I assume that this will be the name of the plugin. It would also fit. It will be exciting to see if it is a 1:1 of the feature set or if Xils Lab has built-in effects or other functions.
I’m excited to see what it will look like. Stay tuned; I will, of course, update the article.
Xils Lab Deals
In the meantime, I can also point out that Xils Lab currently has a massive sale on all plugins. You can buy them between $14,99 and $39,99. For example, you can get the PolyKB III (PolyKobol) or XILS 4 (VCS3 on steroids) for just $39,99.
The Analog String String Machine bundle with two plugins is just $49,99. These are big deals on these fantastic plugins, and they are available at Best Service, Plugin Fox, and other retailers.
More information will follow here: Xils Lab
Xils Lab plugins are available at my partners
Geez…..another one already.
To be honest I’m on the same side. It’s getting old seeing multiple CS-80 emulations with varying degrees of accuracy and minimal differences. Only thing I’m excited for is Behringer’s hardware clone whenever that releases.
Sweet!
Exciting news, thanks for the article. Never bought before from Pluginfox or Best Service, are they reliable and well established? Don’t want my license key to be banned or something 🙂
Both are well established sellers: Best Service is a known German company and Pluginfox is a small US retailer
Great, thanks!
Just spent the morning with this, bravo Xavier / Xils!! My new favorite: authentic where it needs to be, with well-thought out expanded synthesis features and a great-looking GUI. The sound is the thing, of course; to me, having played the CS80 extensively and having owned a 60 (plus the surprisingly fun Reface CS) it succeeds in capturing the essential CS tone and vibe, and with a lot more utility. While each of the current crop of CS emulators has its charm and merits, for me, this is now my favorite. I’d like to add, also that Xavier’s customer service has been outstanding in the past, he helped me navigate some challenges with the infamous iLok and all is well and very well, there. Very excited to get playing & programming with this, controlled by a KX88 plus a Kurzweil Expressionmate…thanks again, Xils!
VST with vents. innovation at it’s finest.