Launched in 1981 as a rare successor to the legendary CS-80, this analog poly synth packs 12 voltage-controlled oscillators across its 6 voices, delivering the kind of thick, evolving tones that defined early '80s electronic soundscapes.
Its dual-channel design lets you split the keyboard—say, 2 voices low and 4 high, or vice versa—with independent outputs for stereo layering or mono mix. Each voice draws from 2 VCOs offering saw, pulse, triangle, and noise waveforms with PWM, feeding into smooth multimode filters (low-pass, band-pass, high-pass) complete with resonance, cutoff, ADSR envelope (invertible and x5 time multiplier), and dedicated EG depth. Two LFOs provide versatile modulation—sine, saw, square, or S&H—routable to pitch, filter, VCA, or pulse width, with speed from 10-second cycles to 100Hz, attack/decay shaping, and wheel/pedal control. The 61-key synth-action board with aftertouch feels responsive, backed by big programmable knobs for editing, 30 onboard voice memories, a 4-track poly sequencer, hold function, portamento, and unison mode for massive single-note power. At 1120x500x180mm and 28.8kg, it's a hefty Japanese-built beast in black finish.
Players cherish its fat basses, cutting leads, and lush pads—often compared to Jarre or Tangerine Dream vibes—with the flexible LFO and filter sweep standing out. The factory presets are basic, but hands-on tweaking shines, though its rarity and weight draw occasional gripes from gigging folks.
