Yamaha CS-5 vs. Dave Smith Evolver

MPrint · Post by **MPrint** » Sat Mar 22, 2008 2:49 am

So as I really don't know too much about either, I was looking for some advice. I'm sure most of you will say the Evolver is better, but I can get the Yamaha for about $200 less. I'm in a band that makes electronic hip-hop similar too Ratatat and Thom Yorke. So i'm looking for the best bang for my buck here. I'm sure the Dave Smith is better because the guy invented the prophet for god's sake, but i was just wondering what people had to say about the Cs-5.

Post by **WDW** » Sat Mar 22, 2008 3:09 am

Taking from your other thread...

MPrint wrote:Currently I have a Alesis Ion and a microkorg at my disposal, but I am considering the Evolver because it seems like the most cost effective solution to adding analog sound to my set-up. I was considering a little phatty, but the Evolver is half the price.

Personally, I think that the ION is more "analogue" than the Evolver. Or, more accurately, capable of a larger sonic palette of analogue emulations than the naturally analogue sounds of the Evolver. So, if you are after generic analogue sounds, then you pretty well have that currently covered.

Where the Evolver shines is in its ability to not only make analogue sounds, but also digital and hybrid. The Evolver, as surely you know, has 2 analogue and 2 digital OSCs, and the Evolver can use any combination of them. That allows some very complex sounds, as well as the more traditional vanilla ones.

Additionally, the Evolver has a few other features that really add to its sonic abilities:
3 filters (2 low pass analogue; 1 digital high pass)
4 LFOs
3 EGs
16x4 step sequencer.

With respect to your Microkorg, although it is digital, it is nothing like the Evolver. Two completely different sounds.

I don't have a CS-5; therefore, I cannot really speak of it firsthand well. But I can remind you that there is no patch storage (whereas the Evolver has 4x128 banks) and no MIDI. If these things are of concern to you, then they should be weighed.

WD

P.S. I have an ION, Microkorg, PEK and PER.

Post by **WDW** » Sat Mar 22, 2008 3:11 am

If you are seriously considering the Little Phatty, I can also speak to that. I have one in my studio as well.

WD

Post by **madtheory** » Sat Mar 22, 2008 4:57 am

No comparison. It's almost ridiculous! But here's what I think.

The Evolver is a superior instrument reperesnting great value for money and sonic innovation. The CS-5 is quality but overpriced for what you're quoted. This is from someone who owns a CS-10 and a CS-5 and will never part with them. The smaller CS have a unique character and are really easy to use. They have their little sonic niche that is quite nice. The Evolver can do the same type of sounds but mostly without that CS sweetness. In contrast, the CS-5 needs a lot of help to get the sonic range of the Evolver!

You'll feel limited by the CS-5 fairly quickly, but it is an excellent synth to learn subtractive synthesis on. The Evolver is a little advanced for a beginning synthesist. But the important thing: "Bang for buck"- range of tone, memories, effects, reliability- the Evolver is far better.

Post by **WDW** » Sat Mar 22, 2008 5:20 am

madtheory wrote:No comparison. It's almost ridiculous!

Apples and Steak Sandwiches, eh?

I was too polite to say it in my post, but since you brought it up...yeah.

WD

Post by **space6oy** » Sat Mar 22, 2008 6:09 am

i agree, there's a gigantic difference.

if you're looking to be twisting knobs and pressing keys and getting started w/ analog synths, CS-5 is a great place to start. it was my first analog, years before synth gear became my focus. it's limited in its variety of sounds, but it is very simple and very strong, which are both very nice things. they're also built like tanks; my first band hauled that first CS-5 of mine around for 5 weeks of touring with just a soft case years ago and it's still working perfectly.

Post by **WDW** » Sat Mar 22, 2008 6:24 am

Keep in mind that he has an ION and Microkorg at his disposal; therefore, he already has the tools to learn subtractive synthesis. That being the case, the question is more a matter of sound capabilities and character, patch storage, MIDI, etc.

WD

Post by **nathanscribe** » Sat Mar 22, 2008 2:17 pm

Having a CS-5 and Evolver, I agree that they are very different. The CS-5, if you find one cheap, which shouldn't be too hard, even these days, is well worth having. I find it much easier to tweak than the evolver (mono keyboard version) and its immediacy makes me do things with it I would shy away from figuring out on the MEK. For improvisational noises, it's great, and despite the simplicity of it (one oscillator, one envelope, one LFO) it can do plenty. Partly that's down to the range of the LFO, and partly it's the multi-mode filter.

The Evolver is muh more flexible but less immediate, and might suit a more in-depth approach to synthesis. I don't find it very good for ad-lib tweaking, but it has great range.

Depends how you like to use things really. They each fill a different niche for me.

JSRockit · Post by **JSRockit** » Mon Mar 24, 2008 1:30 am

If you want a straight analog synth for playing, not sequencing... get the Yamaha. If you want a synth that offers analog, digital, noise processing options, a sequencer, but is not as straight forward...get the evolver. If you can get the Yamaha for $200-300...and are playing live in a band that wants a straight and simple analog sound...get the Yamaha.

roboctopus · Post by **roboctopus** » Mon Mar 24, 2008 5:03 am

If I were making music along the lines of Ratatat, porbably I'd go for the Yamaha, since they focus more on melody and compostion (with a good - yet basic sound). The Yamaha will give you immediacy and good sounds. The evolver may be rewarding over time, but has a learning curve and will never be quite as hands-on and immediate.

I'm seconding JSRockit you want ease and immediacy (and thus, more basic sounds) go for the Yamaha. I'm biased, though. I want a CS-5. 8)