Back in 1996, Yamaha dropped the CS1x as a dance-floor weapon, blending the tactile joy of analog-style controls with cutting-edge digital sample playback to let performers twist sounds live like never before.
This slim 61-key powerhouse runs on AWM2 tone generation with 32-voice polyphony, pulling from 480 GM/XG-compatible waveforms for everything from searing leads to lush pads. Six assignable knobs plus a mod wheel deliver hands-on tweaks to filter cutoff, resonance, envelopes, and LFOs, while scene memory buttons snap between two setups for instant shifts mid-performance. Three simultaneous DSP effects—reverb, chorus, and 43 variation types like distortion, phaser, and wah—add depth, and the arpeggiator with 30 chord patterns syncs to MIDI clock. At just 5.7kg and under 30cm deep, it's gig-ready with velocity-sensitive keys, AUX in, main outs, headphones, full MIDI DIN, USB, and footswitch ports.
Players dig its thick, era-defining tones that scream late-90s rave energy, especially those merciless leads and nostalgic pads, though some note the basic GM kit lacks punchy percussion and the foot volume pedal can be finicky without the right Yamaha match. It's a vintage gem for anyone chasing that interactive, no-menu-dive synth flow.
