Behringer says it’s made a development breakthrough as it aims for a “100% authentic” Yamaha CS-80 analogue synth clone

Replicating Yamaha’s classic CS-80 synth was never going to be easy, and Behringer has just offered some fresh insight into the scale of the challenge with an update on the progress of its clone, the DS-80.

In a Facebook post, company says that, after painstaking development, it’s now got its VCF and envelopes performing “100% identically”. The cloning process has been made particularly difficult because all of the chips used in the original CS-80 are no longer available, as is any related documentation.

So, Manchester-based “analogue guru” John Price has been forced to measure every function of the CS-80 voice board and then redesign the circuitry with current components.

This has been no easy task, partly because the CS-80 has an unusual VCO, VCF and waveshaper design, which is one of the key factors behind its unique sound.

The next step, says Behringer, is to complete the VCO and waveshaper circuitry and build a voice board for final testing and comparison.

This suggests that the release of the DS-80 is still some way off; let’s hope it’s worth waiting for.


https://www.musicradar.com/news/behringer-ds-80-synth-update

 

Last edited by a moderator: Jun 20, 2021

No replies? Really? lol

 

'Factsheet' on the Behringer DS-80:

• Incredible 8-voice polyphonic analog synthesizer based on CS-80*
• Two independent synthesizer channels per voice for layered and thick sounds
• Instantly recognizable and naturally detuned strings, brass and drone sounds, etc.
• 22 legendary factory presets as used by countless artists on stage, music albums and film scores
• 5-octave full-size keyboard with polyphonic aftertouch for unmatched dynamic control
• 4 user settings with illuminated faders can be stored and recalled
• Unique Ribbon Controller for intuitive and creative glissando and portamento performance
• Authentic analog signal path based on original VCO, VCF and VCA designs
• Each oscillator featuring saw, square/PWM and sine waves as well as noise for unparalleled sound width
• Famous low- and high-pass resonant filters for unparalleled sound pallets
• Powerful Ring Modulator with dedicated envelope and LFO controls for tremolo and metallic sounds
• LFO with sine, saw, ramp, square, noise and external signal for vibrato, tremolo and wah effects
• 2 envelope generators per channel for control of VCF´s and VCA’s
• Unlimited storage of presets via USB and external App
• Authentic analog tremolo and chorus effects for rich and wide stereo sounds
• 224 controls for complete and real-time access to all sound parameters
• Stereo audio and powerful headphones outputs
• Comprehensive MIDI implementation (including NRPN/ CC control of all parameters and bulk load/save)
• Designed and engineered in Italy

Please note, this is what they're planning to implement, ATM. There isn't even an existing prototype and all 'pics' are just 3D renders.
The DS-80 is still a project which exists mainly on the paper/in their heads.

 

As much as I am indifferent to Behringer as a company, I have no doubt it'll happen. Everything they have teased has come to fruition and they stand to make a SHITLOAD of money once it's brought to market.

Incidentally, they just announced their LinnDrum remake which has passed audio testing but still in the prototype stage:



https://www.musicradar.com/news/behringer-lmdrum-linndrum

 

Me neither but this is at a very, very early stage and nothing we could really discuss about.

 

Maybe they will make an sp1200 cheap clone lol

 

Behringer be like: we also filled the enclosure with solid concrete so the weight is accurate

 

I forgot all about this, I don't know if I ever really believed it when it was announced months ago.
Guess Behringer didn't believe it either until now.

 

don't forget about their 'tube technology' guitar amps that featured..wait for it...a light bulb that resembled a tube for that real Uli toob technology.

 

I lolled at the "PRECUSSION" typo in the mixer.

 

Isn't it kind of pointless and ecologically questionable to release a glorified sample player and sequencer in a plastic case in the year 2021?

 

Got tired of waiting for the Behringer and instead got an ASM Hydrasynth keyboard with poly aftertouch and the ribbon that does so much

 

That's not how it works, is it? By the time Behringer is ready to release, you'll be ready for yet another synth.

 

Yes, but that synth will be the VCS3, Arp 2600, or whatever else comes along, not the CS-80 clone.
A friend left me his CS-60 for safe keeping while he moved many years ago and I had the chance to deep dive into it.
Not my sound or style.

 

Does your friend remember you still have it? Because I can dress that CS-60 into the most stylish birthday suit for y- myself if it's not up to your taste. I could dolly that motherfucker out of your house for you if you ever need to make space and part ways with that old piece of shit. Holla.

 

It seems we have very similar tastes in synths. I also have no interest in the CS-80 clone.

 

cs80 = bass grid king

 

Will all the controls be usable/assignable via Midi CC?

How many units could they realistically sell worldwide?

 

Last edited: Jun 20, 2021

->

 

I don't quite get it - for what reason would be the four arrays of preset-"memory" located on the left side ? Those were Yamahas workaround for the lack of digital storage on analog gear at that time. The "4 user settings with illuminated faders can be stored and recalled" are redundant, aren't they, today ? Unless there is no user memory except them aforementioned 4 user settings...which could be meant with "Unlimited storage of presets via USB and external App".