Free Yamaha Cs-80 Synthesizer Samples Where To Find And How To Use Them

The Yamaha CS-80, introduced in 1976, has been widely considered one of the greatest polyphonic synthesizers of all time. Its distinctive lush, analog sound has been featured in numerous seminal recordings, particularly from the 1970s and 1980s, most famously in Vangelis's score for Ridley Scott's 1982 film Blade Runner. For music producers and enthusiasts seeking to incorporate this iconic sound into their productions, several free sample options and plugins are available. This article explores the various sources for free Yamaha CS-80 samples, their usage terms, and how they can be utilized in music production.

The Yamaha CS-80: A Brief Overview

The Yamaha CS-80 synthesizer was revolutionary for its time, featuring polyphonic aftertouch, a ribbon controller, and rich analog sound capabilities that set it apart from other synthesizers of the era. Its distinctive tonal qualities made it a favorite among composers and musicians for creating everything from lush string pads to expressive lead lines. The instrument gained particular notoriety through Vangelis's use of it in the Blade Runner soundtrack, which helped cement its legendary status in music production history.

According to source material, the CS-80 was introduced in 1976 and has been widely considered "the greatest polyphonic synthesizer of all time." Its unique sound capabilities have made it highly sought after by producers and musicians decades after its original production run.

Free CS-80 Sample Libraries

Samplerobot's CS-80 Sample Collection

One notable source for free CS-80 samples is Samplerobot, which offers a multisampled collection of the Yamaha CS-80. According to their website, these samples were captured from "a living heavyweight Yamaha CS-80" and are designed to reproduce the original CS-80 sound reminiscent of the Blade Runner opening credits.

Key features of this sample collection include: - Complete multisampling of the CS-80 - Free download available - Usage in personal and commercial productions permitted - Redistribution not permitted - Special consideration for aftertouch mapping for enhanced expression

The samples are particularly recommended for users with keyboards that support aftertouch or polyphonic aftertouch, as mapping the included aftertouch layer in software samplers can help achieve more CS-80-like expression.

Freesound.org's CS-80 Sample Collection

Another source for free CS-80 samples is Freesound.org, which offers a comprehensive collection of CS-80 samples. According to the source, this collection includes:

• Single note samples from all 61 notes for each of the CS-80 tone selector presets
• Raw waveform samples
• Multiple sample packs organized by different presets and timbres

The license for these samples is CC-BY-NC (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial), which allows for specific usage terms: - Commercial use of the samples is permitted - Redistribution of the samples for sale is not allowed - Users are free to share and remix the samples - Attribution to the original author is required - The samples cannot be used for commercial purposes without proper attribution

This makes the Freesound.org collection a valuable resource for producers looking for authentic CS-80 sounds while maintaining compliance with licensing requirements.

Free Plugins Inspired by the CS-80

The Unstable Plugin

For producers seeking not just samples but a playable instrument inspired by the Yamaha CS-80, the Unstable plugin offers an interesting option. According to music-prod.com, this plugin is:

• A modern interpretation of the Yamaha CS-80
• Designed by MORPHOICE, a producer with expertise in retro-inspired electronic music
• Not a direct CS-80 emulator but captures much of the original's lush, analog character
• Currently available for free while in beta

The Unstable plugin provides a contemporary approach to the classic CS-80 sound, offering music producers a versatile tool for creating vintage analog-style sounds without the need for sampling or complex sampling setups. Its availability as a free beta plugin makes it an accessible option for producers interested in experimenting with CS-80-inspired sounds.

Commercial CS-80 Sample Libraries

While the focus of this article is on free samples, it's worth noting that commercial options exist for those seeking more comprehensive CS-80 sound libraries. Yamaha itself offers the "KApro CS80" sound expansion library for their Montage synthesizers, which includes:

• 164 Performances based on 164 Parts with 440 different Scenes
• A Live Set containing 7 pages of Performances
• 61 waveforms with 1,179 keybanks
• 470MB of uncompressed PCM data

This library requires a Yamaha Montage synthesizer running Montage OS v1.6 or higher. While not free, it represents an official, professionally produced CS-80 sound expansion for Yamaha's modern flagship synthesizer.

Sample Packs from Notable Producers

Splice.com offers several CS-80 sample packs created by notable producers. One such collection by RJD2 (Ramble Jon Krohn) includes numerous CS-80 samples with descriptive filenames indicating their intended use:

• Lead samples (e.g., "RJD2CS80leadsmidlick01Bb.wav")
• Bass samples (e.g., "RJD2CS80bassbrassy5th4bars105_Cmin.wav")
• Chord samples (e.g., "RJD2CS80chordsmemoriessweepyportamentooctave_C#.wav")
• FX samples (e.g., "RJD2CS80fxringmodlaser02.wav")

These samples appear to be organized by musical function and tonal character, making it easier for producers to find sounds suited to specific applications in their productions.

How to Use CS-80 Samples in Music Production

Integration with DAWs

CS-80 samples can be integrated into digital audio workstations (DAWs) through various methods:

1. Sampler Instruments: Load the samples into sampler plugins such as Native Instruments Kontakt, Steinberg HALion, or similar instruments
2. Sample Playback: Use simpler sample players that support basic mapping and expression
3. Looping: For sustained sounds, create seamless loops to maintain continuous notes

Expression and Performance

To achieve the expressive qualities of the original CS-80, consider these techniques:

1. Aftertouch Implementation: Map aftertouch data to parameters such as filter cutoff, vibrato, or volume for expressive playing
2. Modulation Wheels: Use modulation wheels to add dynamic expression similar to the original synthesizer's controls
3. Pitch Bend: Apply pitch bend for realistic portamento effects and expressive pitch variations
4. Ribbon Controller: If available, use ribbon controllers for unique pitch and timbral effects

Sound Design Applications

CS-80 samples can be applied in various musical contexts:

1. Film Scoring: Recreate the atmospheric, evocative sounds used in films like Blade Runner
2. Electronic Music: Add vintage analog character to electronic productions
3. Pop and Rock: Enhance arrangements with rich, polyphonic pads and leads
4. Ambient Textures: Create evolving soundscapes and atmospheric backgrounds

Licensing and Usage Considerations

When using free CS-80 samples, it's essential to understand the licensing terms:

1. Redistribution Restrictions: Most free samples prohibit redistribution, even if commercial use is permitted
2. Attribution Requirements: Some samples require proper attribution to the original creator
3. Commercial Use Permissions: Verify whether commercial use is permitted under the specific license
4. Modification Rights: Check whether samples can be modified or processed when used in productions

Conclusion

The Yamaha CS-80 remains one of the most sought-after synthesizers in music production history, and its distinctive sound continues to inspire musicians and producers decades after its original release. Fortunately, several options exist for accessing CS-80 sounds without purchasing the original hardware:

• Free sample libraries from sources like Samplerobot and Freesound.org
• The Unstable plugin, a free beta offering inspired by the CS-80
• Commercial sample libraries for those seeking more comprehensive sound sets
• Sample packs from notable producers like RJD2 available on platforms like Splice

When utilizing these free resources, producers should pay close attention to licensing terms to ensure proper usage and attribution. With careful implementation and attention to expression techniques, these CS-80 samples can bring the legendary analog character of this iconic synthesizer to modern music productions across various genres.

Sources

1. Samplerobot CS-80 Samples
2. Freesound CS-80 Sample Collection
3. Unstable Plugin Information
4. RJD2 CS-80 Samples on Splice
5. Yamaha CS80 Montage Sound Expansion