Yamaha Announces CS2X Keyboard

Building on the success of their highly-acclaimed CS1X, Yamaha Corporation of America, Pro Audio & Combo Division, introduces the CS2X Control Synthesizer at this year's Winter NAMM show. A startling new design, 64-voice polyphony and a greatly expanded feature set make the CS2X more than a worthy successor to its well-received predecessor. The CS2X is scheduled to ship in January, 1999.

"The CS2X takes up where the CS1X left off," states Athan Billias, marketing manager, Digital Musical Instruments (DMI). "Yamaha is continuing its success in developing easy-to-edit synthesizers with professional-quality sound at affordable prices."

Leading the CS2X's impressive feature list are eight large control knobs which provide extensive, real-time voice editing, making this the most expressive keyboard in its class. Voice parameters available for real-time control include: filter cutoff, resonance, attack, release, decay and more.

The CS2X generates its wide sonic palette from a full 16 MB of high-quality waveform ROM. Portions of this carefully designed sound set have been taken directly from Yamaha's highly-acclaimed EX Series of professional synthesizers. A vast selection of cutting-edge sounds are provided in the CS2X's 256 preset performances and 256 user-memory locations. The CS2X, with its 64-voice polyphony, can provide the biggest pads and handle the densest multi-layered sequences, without note-stealing or stuttering. In addition, full XG, GS and GM sound sets have also been included, making the CS2X fully compatible with all major standardized sequencing formats.

A powerful on-board arpeggiator provides over 30 different pattern types which users can employ to create swirling layers of rhythmic sound. The arpeggiator can also have its active range set to cover the entire keyboard or only a section. This allows users to quickly create expressive layered setups featuring background arpeggiations, automated basslines and more.

Long known for the professional quality of their effects devices, Yamaha has chosen to continue this tradition by providing the CS2X with three powerful on-board effects units. The first unit produces a wide assortment of high-quality reverb effects, ideal for adding an extra level of sonic depth and sheen to the CS2X's output. The second unit provides 14 different types of chorus, allowing users to easily "fatten up" any tones. The third effects unit produces a large range of "variation" effects. These include such studio favorites as distortion, pitchshifting, phasing and flanging.