CS6x

Introduced in 1999 as Yamaha's final synth of the millennium, the CS6x blended the real-time control vibe of earlier CS models with AN1x-style virtual analog flair, making it a go-to for trance and dance producers chasing hands-on tweaks.

This 61-key velocity- and aftertouch-sensitive board rocks a silver finish with a practical layout: pitch/mod wheels, ribbon controller, six assignable knobs under a central LCD, and more knobs on the left for quick edits. Voices build from up to four AWM2 elements—pulling from 479 waveforms—each with resonant low-pass filter, four-stage envelopes for amp/pitch/filter, dedicated LFOs (saw, triangle, square, and more), and EQ. It delivers 64-note polyphony, 16-part multitimbrality, plus deep effects like 12 reverbs, 23 choruses, 93 insertion FX, and master EQ; two PLG slots expand it further with AN modeling or other boards. Arpeggiator boasts 128 patterns from basics to full sequences, phrase sampling captures ideas on the fly, and SmartMedia slots handle SMF playback and storage—all in a sturdy, expandable chassis with stereo outs, MIDI I/O, and headphones.

Players love its warm, versatile tones for pads, basses, and leads—Faithless and Depeche Mode swore by it—though some note the small screen slows deep programming. Still, its performance punch and expansion keep it a vintage gem for live sets or studio dives.