Fantastic stuff - read the manual for the vst version of this legendary synth and have to admit - learnt far more in 3 minutes just watching your video.
Spent the last few hours now trying to emulate these on my Arturia Cs80 - Thanks and More please :)
@sexyjungspunds It's called "I hear you now" by Jon & Vangelis. You can hear it all here on you tube by searching for "I hear you now" ! - it's a beautiful song.
The guy's still a genius. I guess there weren't that many musicians back then that could even afford a CS80. I reckon he got in early and got those sounds on tape and published before anyone else could.
Thanks for sharing such a beautiful instrument with us. To be so old yet still sound so warm. To say I'm envious would be an understatement. Thanks again for posting. L8R Ron
Thanks again to everyone for their interest in this clip. I'll be making more clips in the new year, and yes, they will be recorded direct-line. In the meantime, here's a Christmas bonus for fans of the CS80! ... watch?v=U0QpG2Z54QI
I've have been using the CS-80 software emulator (Arturia CS-80V), but... nothing like the original... it came close but is not the same sound, the same feeling, the same poliphonic aftertouch, etc. This is the best poliphonic synthesizer ever made.
@WIXgr I see where you're coming from. I guess in my mind, I always had Vangelis down as an amazing programmer as well as an amazing composer and hearing this made me realise that the sound I've always associated with Vangelis is not so much his sound, but Yamaha's. Using presets isn't necessarily bad, I was just disappointed that my perception of someone I hold in high regard turned out to be a slightly wrong. As for Steinways, they can be tuned to achieve different timbres you know! ;-)
@matt9741399 man, why do you insist a wrong way of thinking? Art isn't a myth! Have you ever programed a synth? It is not an algorithmic programming, just the sense of balance on available parameters. And a rejection filter...
So the rejection filter can work between anything available... Vangelis is a musician, full of ideas, who is using the best tech available anytime... in 70s he used less spring reverbs in 80s more, etc... he doesn know the theoretical fundamentals..
@WIXgr Enough hate already! Yes I've programmed plenty of synths in my time. As it happens I'm a firmware and electronics engineer, so I've done plenty of the other sort of programming too and I fully appreciate the difference and the relationship between art and engineering. You have your opinion, I have mine - There is no such thing as the wrong way of thinking.
@matt9741399 NO HATE (I dislike that word badly)! I expect the best from you! The music optimization is our cultural goal, and that defines the wright or wrong as we are always searching our way! Regards.
awesome stuff mr buggysawtooth. You have to make more videos. I swear you have a 1:1 ratio on playing vangelis. I'll be replaying this video for another 10 - 15 times. Thanks :) I hear you now!!!! *Chorus*
Too bad the recording sounds like it's coming out of a small speaker in your room. Would have loved to hear this direct line in, or better yet, run through a Lexicon 224, then direct line input.
Brilliant - I enjoyed your demo immensely . I saw Vangelis at UCLA in 1986 and he did't seem to waste a lot of time on the controls - did pretty much like you did.
I have the Arturia software version of the CS80 and I was wondering, do you have any idea on how to do the opening bass arpeggio of "Spiral". Thanks in advance.
you really nailed it, I can't imagine how much tinkering it took to get those tones as spot on as you have. I'd pay money to see a show of you covering the tunes from Short Stories....bravo
A german music journalist has mentioned "The influence of the CS80-Sound on Vangelis and vice versa is so strong, that, if you're playing a CS80, it is nearly impossible not to sound like Vangelis."
Thanks a lot for this impressive video demonstration. I will add a video answer, soon. At the moment, we only have a little test video. Regards!!
interesting. I always thought Vangelis tweaked it for the bass/chords of I hear you now. Surprised to hear the presets:) many many thanks from a huge Vangelis fan for sharing an insight into the CS80, made my night:):)
@mik300z Although Vangelis has used many (if not all) of the presets of the CS80, I believe he also has a full understanding of the performance parameters of the machine, which are extensive and highly configurable. In the right hands, and with the right intention, this instrument can exceed all expectations!
@jh650423 I was astonished when I powered up this instrument after over 3 years in storage, to find it so in tune. It had been dropped, knocked, and bashed more than a few times in transit, so I was expecting the worst. I was so relieved!
@superhifi The first minute or so is taken from the song "I Hear You Now", by Jon & Vangelis. Vangelis made use of quite a few CS80 presets for the song (notably, 'Bass', 'Bass + Guitar', 'Flute', and 'Brass 1 + Brass 2'). My brief cover can't really do justice to this song, and to Vangelis' unique approach to this instrument, but having a go is always enjoyable. Thanks for listening!
Can't blame you for that...it's one he'll of a synth, just ignore the weight & tuning issues that is. I would love to hear an improvisation making use of the ring mod,LFO & pitch ribbon...I feel these are the cs80's strongest features.! Many thanks
Well to be honest i feel that Vangelis' use of the CS80 if the definitive word on this particular synth....am sure there are artists out there who are capable of coaxing more out of this synth,but i just can't think of a better example that the big Greek himself.
Its such an organic synth with so much expression,I have only ever played one CS80 for a few minutes and even i could tell the expressive power that the keyboards velocity/after touch can impart to a performance.
@progrockfan90 thanks for the feedback. if you would like to suggest some songs that feature the CS80 presets, then I would be happy to demonstrate in a new video. Perhaps something other than Vangelis?
Can you get close to the Toto "Africa" sound? I don't know if it's a preset or not... but it's COOL! I think the keyboard solo is CS-80 also, which sounds delicious as well.
@micronautical Thanks for your feedback! I'm convinced that the 'Africa' patch is 'Brass 1 + Brass 2' (for the intro), with the 'Glissandi' mode and pitch ribbon playing a big part in the instrumental break. All immaculately performed by Toto's synth maestro! Incidentally, did you know that the Xylophone/Marimba sound is the Yamaha GS1?
@BuggySawtooth I have to correct myself here and say that the instrumental break I referred to is from another Toto track, "Rosanna", and not "Africa" !
@BuggySawtooth Yeah, I'd like to hear something improvised, Beaubourg style, also it would be nice to show some fewer used options, like the wahwah and chorus and, why not, some user/panel sounds ;) !
watch the official music video for "Confusion" by ELO (Electric Light Orchestra). You will see it alot. Its on youtube
sadalite 1 day ago
1:24 = sex
SchemeMachine 4 days ago
Fantastic stuff - read the manual for the vst version of this legendary synth and have to admit - learnt far more in 3 minutes just watching your video.
Spent the last few hours now trying to emulate these on my Arturia Cs80 - Thanks and More please :)
DazaM1973 1 week ago
What a gorgeous sound. Beats anything on the market now in the Roland/ Korg range.Does anyone know if you can still get these keyboards?
edmund184 1 week ago
excellent, thanks:)
Ferdiphone 2 weeks ago
Wow the sounds are soooo great and this thing is over 30 years old! Why isnt a synth like this build today
FAndreee 2 weeks ago
sounds amazing, well done, such a fabulous keyboard when played well ! - Thx for posting.
kipp0man 2 weeks ago
Great sounds! Thanks for making a video that doesn't sound cheesy or too weird. This looks like a very usable synth, if you can afford one that is.
quarktron 3 weeks ago
Amazing sounds and so unique and distintive to this synth. The cs80 was also used on don't give up by Peter Gabriel is that a preset too?
jimbobond 4 weeks ago
Couldn't at least showed the built in drum kit?
AssMaster0069 1 month ago
Fabulous, more please.
clockworkaccordion 1 month ago
Well done. Sounds great to me!
EconomicTerror 1 month ago
I don't know what I'm looking at.
But this sounds awesome. Lol.
TheTurqouiseZora 1 month ago
This is just magic - what a treat for a long time Vangelis fan...thank you.
jabezproduction 1 month ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Have you tried performing the Doctor Who theme from the 80's on it?
I DIDN'T KNOW THIS THING WEIGHS 100KGS!!!
Agui007 1 month ago
Comment removed
Agui007 1 month ago
Wow this is great , i want a cs80 !!!! , so vangelis use preset sounds ?
Great play , i love it , your playing like vangelis
gertbruins 1 month ago
hey please help me sometimes, like the song called at 0:23 sec?
what' the name of this song?
sexyjungspunds 1 month ago
@sexyjungspunds It's called "I hear you now" by Jon & Vangelis. You can hear it all here on you tube by searching for "I hear you now" ! - it's a beautiful song.
kipp0man 2 weeks ago
you can tell he probably plays organ by the way he moves his hands on the controls...cool synth..wish i had ALL of them !
sprintbass 1 month ago
the famous 4-chord proggression on Billie Jean was recorded with this. ( by jackson himself )
TheMusicDude1997 2 months ago
i imported one from canada 5yrs ago dead for £885 all in ,
starmaidens1 2 months ago
TAKE MY MONEY!
keoni29 2 months ago
I THOUGHT VANGELIS PROGRAMMED THOSE SOUNDS FROM SCRATCH
1975MAICO1975 2 months ago
@1975MAICO1975 Me too!! :-D
The guy's still a genius. I guess there weren't that many musicians back then that could even afford a CS80. I reckon he got in early and got those sounds on tape and published before anyone else could.
ColinBobbyDartford 2 months ago
fabulous!
BigNobbah 2 months ago
No wonder that synth costs so much.
synthelab0 2 months ago
Comment removed
synthelab0 2 months ago
Thanks for sharing such a beautiful instrument with us. To be so old yet still sound so warm. To say I'm envious would be an understatement. Thanks again for posting. L8R Ron
Booger6995 2 months ago
Great demo of Vangelis sound. Can You make sound from Billie Jean? Main chords were be played also on CS80.
chrisbern75 2 months ago
the name of the song at 2.13? thanx!
buginene 2 months ago
@buginene to the unknow man, hehe nooneknows
buginene 3 weeks ago
My heart have started to beat faster and faster hearing these sounds coming out... what the hell live inside these oscillators...
eCouchez 2 months ago
Thanks again to everyone for their interest in this clip. I'll be making more clips in the new year, and yes, they will be recorded direct-line. In the meantime, here's a Christmas bonus for fans of the CS80! ... watch?v=U0QpG2Z54QI
BuggySawtooth 2 months ago
WOW, very cool to hear... Vangelis is one of the best synth'ers.
janxenjanxen 2 months ago
Nothing sounds like a CS80...
unamacarana 2 months ago
super instrument vangelisa
ErykMaler 2 months ago
I'm 100% serious now - are you Vangelis or is it his CS-80?
jeshkam 2 months ago
I'm just picking up my jaw from the floor.....
jeshkam 2 months ago
Oh Shit! Oh Shit! Now I can play Blade Runner too! What's the name of the preset? I'd like to test if the Arturia CS80 will perform equally.
TheEltestosteron 3 months ago
@TheEltestosteron I wanna know to.
jeshkam 2 months ago
I've have been using the CS-80 software emulator (Arturia CS-80V), but... nothing like the original... it came close but is not the same sound, the same feeling, the same poliphonic aftertouch, etc. This is the best poliphonic synthesizer ever made.
MillenniumStudio 3 months ago
Great stuff - Although a little disappointed that Vangelis used so many presets.
matt9741399 3 months ago
@matt9741399 disappointed? why? Is it bad to select the best presets? I dont mind to use the preset of an original Steinway, do you?
You confuse the end goals with means goals...
WIXgr 3 months ago
@WIXgr I see where you're coming from. I guess in my mind, I always had Vangelis down as an amazing programmer as well as an amazing composer and hearing this made me realise that the sound I've always associated with Vangelis is not so much his sound, but Yamaha's. Using presets isn't necessarily bad, I was just disappointed that my perception of someone I hold in high regard turned out to be a slightly wrong. As for Steinways, they can be tuned to achieve different timbres you know! ;-)
matt9741399 3 months ago
@matt9741399 man, why do you insist a wrong way of thinking? Art isn't a myth! Have you ever programed a synth? It is not an algorithmic programming, just the sense of balance on available parameters. And a rejection filter...
So the rejection filter can work between anything available... Vangelis is a musician, full of ideas, who is using the best tech available anytime... in 70s he used less spring reverbs in 80s more, etc... he doesn know the theoretical fundamentals..
WIXgr 3 months ago
@WIXgr Enough hate already! Yes I've programmed plenty of synths in my time. As it happens I'm a firmware and electronics engineer, so I've done plenty of the other sort of programming too and I fully appreciate the difference and the relationship between art and engineering. You have your opinion, I have mine - There is no such thing as the wrong way of thinking.
matt9741399 3 months ago
@matt9741399 NO HATE (I dislike that word badly)! I expect the best from you! The music optimization is our cultural goal, and that defines the wright or wrong as we are always searching our way! Regards.
WIXgr 3 months ago
That first preset was also used on Les Chants Magnetiques Part 5, I believe... It sounds awfully familiar to me.
TeamNES1 3 months ago
@TeamNES1 No.... Elka X-705 all presets.... in Magnetic Fields the first synth was an OBX (I know it, as i have an ob8)...
WIXgr 3 months ago
@WIXgr Ah, okay... Thanks for the clarification :3
TeamNES1 3 months ago
Yeaah bladerunner!
metabog 3 months ago
BuggySawtooth have you looked at shipping costs for this thing to my house?
KiopGenJin 3 months ago
you lucky chap you... impeccable CS80... THANKS FOR SHARING !!!
AhoraEsRenacer 3 months ago
awesome stuff mr buggysawtooth. You have to make more videos. I swear you have a 1:1 ratio on playing vangelis. I'll be replaying this video for another 10 - 15 times. Thanks :) I hear you now!!!! *Chorus*
elewsive 3 months ago
Your CS-80 looks to be in impeccable condition!
Too bad the recording sounds like it's coming out of a small speaker in your room. Would have loved to hear this direct line in, or better yet, run through a Lexicon 224, then direct line input.
zenmachinefilms 3 months ago 2
Hahahhahahhahahaa I love it :) . Awesome
cnightwing 3 months ago
This video deserves 1080p and direct line input...
LF0 3 months ago 2
CS-80 - the alpha male of synthesizers.
PepeLogu 4 months ago
So Great!
mogoduc 4 months ago
Brilliant - I enjoyed your demo immensely . I saw Vangelis at UCLA in 1986 and he did't seem to waste a lot of time on the controls - did pretty much like you did.
I have the Arturia software version of the CS80 and I was wondering, do you have any idea on how to do the opening bass arpeggio of "Spiral". Thanks in advance.
randallni 4 months ago
@randallni That sequence at the beginning was done using an ARP Oddyssey as the sound source and the Roland System 100 as the sequencer.
KiopGenJin 3 months ago
you really nailed it, I can't imagine how much tinkering it took to get those tones as spot on as you have. I'd pay money to see a show of you covering the tunes from Short Stories....bravo
LordMcmontegue 4 months ago
A german music journalist has mentioned "The influence of the CS80-Sound on Vangelis and vice versa is so strong, that, if you're playing a CS80, it is nearly impossible not to sound like Vangelis."
Thanks a lot for this impressive video demonstration. I will add a video answer, soon. At the moment, we only have a little test video. Regards!!
Tastronauten 4 months ago
blade runner songs amazing
vivaelrock34 4 months ago
uhhhh vangelis epic
vivaelrock34 4 months ago
interesting. I always thought Vangelis tweaked it for the bass/chords of I hear you now. Surprised to hear the presets:) many many thanks from a huge Vangelis fan for sharing an insight into the CS80, made my night:):)
Mick.
mik300z 4 months ago
@mik300z Although Vangelis has used many (if not all) of the presets of the CS80, I believe he also has a full understanding of the performance parameters of the machine, which are extensive and highly configurable. In the right hands, and with the right intention, this instrument can exceed all expectations!
ExtraFruitJam 4 months ago
Any chance this beauty is for sale? I have been searching for one for some time. I am in London....
mollyoko 5 months ago
lucky man ..... i love this song.... too many remembers..... i m going to sell my house, my dogs, my cars, to have one !!! loool
well done...
mylittlestudio 5 months ago
i need to buy a car
omarballer23 5 months ago
This one seems to be really in tune !!!
I remember the moment this one came out - going to every Yamaha demo I could.
Never again have I experienced a more organic feeling e-instrument ...
jh650423 5 months ago
@jh650423 I was astonished when I powered up this instrument after over 3 years in storage, to find it so in tune. It had been dropped, knocked, and bashed more than a few times in transit, so I was expecting the worst. I was so relieved!
ExtraFruitJam 4 months ago
@ExtraFruitJam
That's one of those moments when I can't suppress "you lucky b..tard" ;D
jh650423 4 months ago
oh those gorgeous sounds! where is the first song/melody from?
superhifi 6 months ago
@superhifi The first minute or so is taken from the song "I Hear You Now", by Jon & Vangelis. Vangelis made use of quite a few CS80 presets for the song (notably, 'Bass', 'Bass + Guitar', 'Flute', and 'Brass 1 + Brass 2'). My brief cover can't really do justice to this song, and to Vangelis' unique approach to this instrument, but having a go is always enjoyable. Thanks for listening!
BuggySawtooth 6 months ago
Yamaha CS80; sheer sound perfection!
JohnnyTheWolfLupino 6 months ago
Can't blame you for that...it's one he'll of a synth, just ignore the weight & tuning issues that is. I would love to hear an improvisation making use of the ring mod,LFO & pitch ribbon...I feel these are the cs80's strongest features.! Many thanks
progrockfan90 7 months ago
Oh yes....what was the music from the final 15 seconds or so....Vangelis or just a quick improvisation by you self...?
progrockfan90 7 months ago
@progrockfan90 that was a quick improvisation, although I can't remember what prompted it! It's hard to resist noodling when I'm sat at the CS80!
BuggySawtooth 7 months ago
Well to be honest i feel that Vangelis' use of the CS80 if the definitive word on this particular synth....am sure there are artists out there who are capable of coaxing more out of this synth,but i just can't think of a better example that the big Greek himself.
Its such an organic synth with so much expression,I have only ever played one CS80 for a few minutes and even i could tell the expressive power that the keyboards velocity/after touch can impart to a performance.
progrockfan90 7 months ago
Excellent selection of vangelis songs. Defiantly more videos please...!
progrockfan90 7 months ago
@progrockfan90 thanks for the feedback. if you would like to suggest some songs that feature the CS80 presets, then I would be happy to demonstrate in a new video. Perhaps something other than Vangelis?
BuggySawtooth 7 months ago
@BuggySawtooth
Awesome!
Can you get close to the Toto "Africa" sound? I don't know if it's a preset or not... but it's COOL! I think the keyboard solo is CS-80 also, which sounds delicious as well.
micronautical 7 months ago
@micronautical Thanks for your feedback! I'm convinced that the 'Africa' patch is 'Brass 1 + Brass 2' (for the intro), with the 'Glissandi' mode and pitch ribbon playing a big part in the instrumental break. All immaculately performed by Toto's synth maestro! Incidentally, did you know that the Xylophone/Marimba sound is the Yamaha GS1?
BuggySawtooth 6 months ago
@BuggySawtooth
Had no idea! Ah, the mighty GS1.... that's nice to know--thanks!
micronautical 6 months ago
@BuggySawtooth I have to correct myself here and say that the instrumental break I referred to is from another Toto track, "Rosanna", and not "Africa" !
ExtraFruitJam 4 months ago
Long live His Lushness!
Will you make new videos with a direct input , though ;-) ?
omissis75 7 months ago
@omissis75 happy to record direct just as soon as my new computer is up and running. any particular song?
BuggySawtooth 7 months ago
@BuggySawtooth Yeah, I'd like to hear something improvised, Beaubourg style, also it would be nice to show some fewer used options, like the wahwah and chorus and, why not, some user/panel sounds ;) !
omissis75 7 months ago