GLT Audio PM-80 is an upcoming boutique MIDI controller designed to bring hands-on control to CS-80 Synthesizer plugins.
The Yamaha CS-80 from 1977 is widely regarded as the holy grail of synthesizers. Owning one is almost like possessing the ring from The Lord of the Rings movie. Buying one at a realistic price is practically impossible.
So you’re left with only three options: either get the Deckard’s Dream, which isn’t exactly cheap, wait for the Behringer clone, or use one of the many CS-80 emulations. The Dutch company GLT Audio is currently developing a dedicated MIDI controller, the PM-80, for these plugins.
GLT Audio PM-80
PM-80 is a new boutique MIDI controller designed to control Yamaha CS-80 plugins, including Cherry Audio GX-80, Softube Model 77, Arturia CS-80 V, XILS-lab The Eighty, and more.
The GLT Audio PM-80 isn’t an exclusive CS-80 controller; it’s also a classic MIDI controller that can be mapped to any hardware and software with MIDI CC support. The goal of this controller is to provide users of CS-80 plugins with haptic, hands-on CS-80-like control.
PM-80 features 75 “silk-mooth” faders, six high-quality waveform toggle switches, and a 30 cm ribbon controller.
The faceplate features pre-printed labels with the same controls as every CS-80 Synthesizer plugin. Alternatively, it ships with magnetic overlays that provide parameter labels from other virtual instruments.
Unlike the SoundForce SFC-4 Mini, which is designed for Minimoog plugins, there’s no bidirectional communication between the controller and the plugin. This one works with classic MIDI CC.
According to GLT Audio, the PM-80’s hardware features are housed in a slim metal tabletop enclosure measuring 20cm x 2cm. This makes the MIDI controller very compact and space-saving.
On the back, you will find a USB-C port for power and MIDI out, a 3.5mm TRS MIDI output, an expression pedal input with built-in MIDI conversion, and CV and gate outputs assigned to the ribbon controller.
For many musicians, owning a CS-80 synthesizer is a dream that’s out of reach – both financially and in terms of required maintenance. While today’s VST replicas sound remarkably close, the true spirit of the CS-80 only comes alive when you have all controls at your fingertips.
That’s why GLT Audio created the “Poor Man’s CS-80” — the PM-80, featuring 75 dedicated faders and a ribbon controller, offering an inspiring hands-on experience.
First Impression
As with the SFC-4 Mini, the PM-80 is a niche MIDI controller, especially useful for users who work extensively with CS-80 plugins and want a CS-80-like hardware programming experience without sacrificing the flexibility of software.
GLT Audio PM-80 will be available for 499€ + VAT + shipping from the Netherlands. The first batch will probably ship by July 2026. You can join the waitlist.
More information here: GLT Audio
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