Note John Price, is also working on their EMS VCS3 SYNTHI clone.
"We have some exciting update on the DS-80 development. Our lead engineer John Price spent nearly two years recreating the magical CS-80 voice board and transform it into a modern design, while retaining the authentic behavior or the original circuitry. This board is now ready to be tested.
We have completed the voice 'bread board', which is the final step before moving to the actual design of the synthesizer.
This board serves as test and evaluation platform to compare its performance with the original voice board. As you can see, the board contains two voices, and also the digital control section including the powerful ARM processor, plus the VR’s that represent the temporary front panel controls.
For a complete DS-80 we would need 8 of these boards, which shows you the insane amount of complexity and components.
Because this is one of the most complex synthesizer ever designed, we’re still a long way from delivering a final product, but we hope you’ll find this interesting.
Wish us luck with this ambitious project - there is also a substantial risk that we won’t succeed."
A CS-80 clone would be the dream. I can't wait, the second its announces I will be buying one
ReplyDeleteIt's a dream itself. Behringer is on an almost-impossible project.
DeleteGood luck!!! I hope you can do it, I want one so bad
ReplyDeletePlease finish it before I die
ReplyDeleteAnd me lol
DeleteRecently there was a special Blade Runner movie watch accompanied by the famous Vangelis soundtrack played by a live orchestra. The only reason I did not attend was due to the fact they didn't hire an actual Yamaha CS-80, without that synth it's simply never going to be right. However the amazing software version from Arturia in their V synth package is amazing. So there's no need to die before being able to at least play a close approximation of one. However to own a fully modern recreation which will reduce the weight and size will be amazing. The Black Corporation already do a slightly cut down CS-80 by way of their Decards Dream synth: https://black-corporation.com/shop/product/deckards-dream-mk2/ This is also a nice sounding synth but trouble is it lacks a few of the nice features of the original Yamaha CS-80 and it's also just a module on it's own. The overall disappointment with the Decards Dream for me was that while it was very close to a CS-80's sound, it simply wasn't that actual sound. If Behringer can achieve what they did with their ARP2600 clone for example with this, then they will have a massive winner on their hands. I don't believe Yamaha is at all interested in bringing it out again either so I don't think they will take much issue with a clone but I could be wrong on that. Either way Behringer are calling it a DS-80 and it's straight up a bit different to the layout and actual original components of the CS-80. All most people want is that genuine classic sound without all the hassles represented by the original. I mean I'll bet most fans who actually own a CS-80 would even purchase one of these just to save and preserve their originals and then if you want to tour with a synth like this, well the Behringer version will be a no brainer as the originals are simply to expensive and require specialist technicians to re-tune them after each major move making them hideously expensive in the running cost department. Like the other folks have mentioned I'll be there but obviously Behringer like to bring in these synths at an affordable price point. While I know it can be done(the actual Yamaha CS-80 is living proof it can be.) the price needs to be attractive while still ensuring a solid profit to pay for the development costs and bring profit to the overall business and this is the only place I can see a stumbling block. Without a doubt this will be the most expensive Synthesizer Behringer has ever developed to date but I feel an essential one. Fingers crossed that it not only becomes a reality but that it will be commercially viable.
ReplyDelete