CS2x

Back in 1999, this synth doubled the polyphony of its predecessor to 64 voices while packing in 16MB of waveforms, making it a hands-on powerhouse for crafting those evolving dance tracks that defined the era.

Its AWM2 engine draws from 779 voices including GM/XG sets and drum kits, shaped by digital resonant filters—low-pass, high-pass, even 24dB options—plus three ADSR envelopes and LFOs for dynamic movement. You'll find eight assignable knobs up front for real-time tweaks to attack, decay, release, resonance, and more, alongside a matrix of rocker buttons, numeric keypad, and scene memory buttons that snapshot your settings for instant recall or mod-wheel morphing. The 61 full-size velocity-sensitive keys span a sleek silver chassis that's just 6kg and compact at 976x103x285mm, with a built-in arpeggiator offering 40 patterns, 10 time subdivisions, hold, and split functions syncing from 40-240BPM or MIDI clock. Three effects processors handle 12 reverbs, 14 choruses, and 62 variations, all in 16-part multitimbral mode or layered performances with 256 presets and 256 user slots.

Players have long praised its intuitive control layout and clear, noise-free output for live gigs and studio grooves—think Depeche Mode vibes—though some note the non-weighted keys favor synth lines over piano work. It's a vintage gem that still sparks creativity today.