Tubbutec CeeS is a new MIDI upgrade kit for the Yamaha CS-10, CS-15, and CS-30 analog synths, adding new features to them + a new MIDI controller.
When we discuss synthesizers these days, we typically assume they have a MIDI interface. Looking back, many vintage synthesizers didn’t have MIDI capabilities. This is because MIDI wasn’t introduced until 1983. Among other synths, the Yamaha CS series (from the late 70s to the early 80s) didn’t feature MIDI.
But now you can easily upgrade. Tubbutec has expanded its Vintage Synth mods with the CeeS, a new MIDI upgrade kit for the Yamaha CS mono synths.
Tubbutec CeeS
The CeeS is the latest Tubbutec vintage synth mod, and it’s more than just a simple MIDI upgrade kit. The small PCB significantly expands the feature set of your Yamaha CS-10, CS-15, and CS-30.
Once installed, the hardware features MIDI input and output ports on the back. The MIDI channel of each port is fully customizable and can be turned off. For the CS-30, the MIDI input features an extended note range, with five additional notes available below the lowest F.
Like the original engine, the MIDI input is monophonic and behaves exactly like playing on the keyboard, with priority on the highest note. Nice, the MIDI output is polyphonic to an extent. But that’s not all.
The CeeS also provides MIDI CC control of the filter cutoff and resonance for the filter (CS-10) or both filters (CS-15, CS-30). The MIDI cutoff control is additive to the existing cutoff setting, while the MIDI resonance is subtractive to the existing resonance setting.
Then, Tubbutec CeeS also introduces two additional multi-wave LFOs (triangle, rising sawtooth, falling sawtooth, square, and S/H), one for each filter. They offer a running mode, as well as a MIDI clock option with 18 different dividers. You can also work with an LFO delay and a phase reset.
The parameters of both LFOs are controllable via MIDI, and you can map velocity and aftertouch to the LFO depth and speed. As a bonus, the CeeS adds MIDI sync to the built-in sequencer of the Yamaha CS-30 in two ways: MIDI clock with clock divider or MIDI note trigger.
Additionally, the MIDI upgrade kit also allows you to map MIDI velocity and aftertouch to the filters, and add-on LFO parameters (depth and speed/clock divider).
CeeS Controller
As with the other vintage synth mods, Tubbutec also offers a dedicated MIDI controller for the CeeS, giving you hands-on control over the new features. For example, it provides complete control over the two new LFOs, each featuring five controls: waveform, sync button, depth, delay, and speed.
First Impression
Tubbutec has created significant enhancements for many vintage classics with his vintage synth mods. The number of extra features he incorporates with these mods is remarkable. The same applies to the new CeeS upgrade kit. I’m sure many Yamaha CS synth users can get this upgrade as it brings these synths to the modern age.
The Tubbutec CeeS MIDI upgrade is now available for 167€ to 178€ + VAT, and the dedicated CeeS controller is out now for 255€ + VAT.
More information here: Tubbutec
Be the first to comment