Yamaha CS and midi

otto · Post by **otto** » Sun Aug 19, 2007 6:08 pm

I understand that the Yamaha CS mono's have some kind of hertz volt system rather than CV. What are my options for externally controlling this thing? I imagine my Bass Station wont work as it is midi to CV. I think Kenton has something but Kenton product cost almost as much as a synth does... Anyone know any other options?

Also a question on CS-30 tuning. I've read the tuning can be really poor is this true?

Post by **madtheory** » Sun Aug 19, 2007 6:56 pm

Yes, the CS series uses Hz/ Volt scaling. I think you're right, the bass station does not provide that. The Kenton Pro Solo is your best option- it's reliable, gives you an extra LFO, you can have a filter CV if you fit the Kenton socket, and the potamento is very good. Even if your CS doesn't track well, there's enough adjustment range on the Pro Solo to compensate.

DOn't look at it in terms of price- a Pro Solo will turn your CS into a new and far more playable instrument.

alpha5000dk · Post by **alpha5000dk** » Sun Aug 19, 2007 7:00 pm

Doepfer MCV-4 might work for you.
I think they are cheaper than Kenton.

Thou it is a MIDI-to-CV it could work on your Yammi too

Check this link http://www.doepfer.de/mcv4.htm

Post by **madtheory** » Sun Aug 19, 2007 7:04 pm

There are two kinds of CV: Hz/ Volt and Volt/ Octave. The CS is Hz/ V.

The price of the Kenton reflects it's musicality. On the mark II the portamento options are unsurpassed.

Post by **nathanscribe** » Sun Aug 19, 2007 7:04 pm

Another recommendation for the Kenton units here. I use a Pro Solo mkII with my CS 5 and 15, and it works a treat. Built like a tank and plenty of features.

micahjonhughes · Post by **micahjonhughes** » Sun Aug 19, 2007 7:15 pm

The Kenton is highly recommended from me too. It is definately worth the expense. Not only does it allow you to control the synth by midi but adds functionality through additional LFOs.

Doepfer is saying the the MCV4 does not really work with hertz.

Analogue Crazy · Post by **Analogue Crazy** » Sun Aug 19, 2007 7:27 pm

I don't recall tuning being really poor on the CS-30. I think the CS monosynths are generally fine as far as tuning goes. When you compare them to to other monosynths like the SH-09 then they are really stable.

Analogue Crazy · Post by **Analogue Crazy** » Sun Aug 19, 2007 7:30 pm

I don't recall tuning being really poor on the CS-30. I think the CS monosynths are generally fine as far as tuning goes. When you compare them to to other monosynths like the SH-09 then they are really stable.

I find it amazing that my CS-40M stays in tune ALL the time. Its got 4 VCO's so surely it should drift a little? The CS range is star quallity.

Post by **madtheory** » Sun Aug 19, 2007 10:32 pm

Yes, the CS range are among the most stable of all analogues. But the scaling on my CS-10 is a little off compared to the two CS-5s. My point was, I could open it up and service it, but the Pro Solo lets me compensate for it, which is much easier.

supermel74 · Post by **supermel74** » Sun Aug 19, 2007 10:36 pm

the BassStation can control the CS monos.

minime123 · Post by **minime123** » Sun Aug 19, 2007 10:42 pm

anyone remember the old days when midi to cv converters were all 1 volt per octave and you used to be in trouble if you needed to use a korg ms or yamaha cs?!

mini

Post by **madtheory** » Sun Aug 19, 2007 10:48 pm

supermel74 wrote:the BassStation can control the CS monos.

Yep! I just downloaded the manual, and it supports Hz/ Volt and Volt Octave. It doesn't mention portamento, and it doesn't have the additional LFO or extra CV out that the Pro Solo has.

But hey, it works! One cool thing is that it can receive CV as well as transmit it. Neat.

So, RFM otto!

Spaceheater184 · Post by **Spaceheater184** » Sun Aug 19, 2007 10:54 pm

Future Retro Mobius does Hertz/V. It's also a sweet sequencer.

supermel74 · Post by **supermel74** » Sun Aug 19, 2007 10:57 pm

Spaceheater184 wrote:Future Retro Mobius does Hertz/V. It's also a sweet sequencer.

too bad it can only control 1 monophonic synth

piRoN · Post by **piRoN** » Sun Aug 19, 2007 11:33 pm

Another vote for the Pro-Solo here. There's so many goodies crammed into that little box that it's well worth the money.