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Yamaha Reface CS Virtual Analog Synthesizer

37-key Mobile Mini Keyboard with 5 Vintage Synth Types, Onboard Effects, Controller Pedal Input, Built-in Stereo Speakers, MIDI Connectivity, Aux Input, and Dual Line Outputs
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Yamaha Reface CS Virtual Analog Synthesizer
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Iconic Yamaha CS-series Sounds

Inspired by the iconic CS-80 polyphonic analog synthesizer, the Yamaha Reface CS mobile mini keyboard evokes the very essence of the legendary synth of yesteryear. Packed with five types of synthesis and onboard effects, the Reface CS provides you with a variety of lush pads, fat basses, and solo leads. Of course, the Reface CS wouldn't be a CS if it didn't give you tons of tweakability, that's why each type of synthesis has its own set of Texture and Mod sliders that take simple oscillator types and let you turn them into gentle soundscapes, mangled sonic carnage, and everything in between. At Sweetwater, the mere mention of the CS-80 commands instant respect, so we're absolutely thrilled to offer you the Yamaha Reface CS mobile mini keyboard!

Related Videos: Reface CS Virtual Analog Synthesizer

Yamaha Reface CS Mobile Mini Keyboard Features at a Glance:
  • Analog Physical Modeling Engine with multiple synthesis and oscillator types
  • Onboard effects processor with five Types for adding depth to your sound
  • 8-note polyphony allows you to create complex chords and pads
  • Mono mode lets you create fat synth basses or solo leads
  • Phrase looper lets you capture song ideas or create "sound on sound" overdubs
  • HQ mini keyboard allows fast, natural performance with premium feel and response
  • Continuous controller pedal input for volume control
  • Stereo speaker system lets you take your sounds anywhere
  • Specially designed bass reflex port technology enhances bass response for full, rich sound
  • Can operate on 6 AA batteries for up to 5 hours for true portability
  • USB To Host port allows MIDI connectivity to your USB-equipped computer or iOS device
  • An aux line input lets you play along with mobile devices, tablets, and more
  • Dual line outputs provide connection to mixers, audio interfaces, DI boxes, and more
Take iconic synth sounds anywhere with the Yamaha Reface CS mobile mini keyboard!

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Tech Specs

  • Type: Keyboard Synthesizer
  • Sound Engine: Modeling engine with Pulse, Multi-saw, Oscillator Sync, Ring modulation and FM
  • Number of Keys: 37
  • Type of Keys: Mini synth keys
  • Velocity Sensitive: Yes
  • Polyphony: 8 notes
  • Number of Presets: 5 oscillators
  • Effects Types: Chorus, flanger, phaser, delay, distortion
  • Sampling: Phrase looper (up to 10 minutes)
  • Audio Inputs: 1 x 1/8" TRS (aux in)
  • Audio Outputs: 2 x 1/4" (left, right)
  • Headphones: 1 x 1/4"
  • USB: USB Type B
  • MIDI I/O: 1 x MIDI jack with breakout cable
  • Pedal Inputs: 1 x 1/4" (FC7 volume controller)
  • Power Source: 12V DC power supply / 6 x AA batteries (5 hour lifespan)
  • Height: 2.37"
  • Width: 20.87"
  • Depth: 6.87"
  • Weight: 4 lbs. 3 oz.
  • Manufacturer Part Number: REFACE CS

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Customer Reviews

4.6 out of 5

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Awesome synth for beginners and pros alike!

Really accessible synth. While the purists will prefer true fat analog sounds, it's still fantastic for the hobbyist and also a reliable option for anyone who gigs. There's a reason you'll find many popular high level producers on Youtube having one of these lying around in their studio when they record their videos.

The keys may be a little small, so you might have to be a little more accurate. But if you're already an experienced player, you'll regain your abilities from playing on a full-sized keybed in no time.

It was GREAT value when I got it early last year (during a sale), but even around the $ range today after covid-inflation, it's still very competitive in its offering. It's so fast and easy to get a wide variety sounds just working with the sliders.

Best of all, you can quickly create old school video game sounds... :)
by Jimmy N. from Boston, MA on
Music background: Keyboardist, Producer/Sound Design

Amazing Synth

This synth is very easy to use and very simple, yet complex enough for a skilled player to enjoy. The recording and looping feature is very useful and easy to use as well. It has all the fundamental things a good synth needs and the 8 voice polyphonic mode is a great plus. Overall it's a great synth for anyone regardless of skill or experience.
by Sweetwater Customer on

This was one of the smartest purchases I've ever made.

My dad was a professional jazz trumpeter for a few years. My brother plays several instruments. But I never learned one because my first and last music lesson was crushingly boring. But synthesizers have always fascinated me. I recently turned 68 and decided if I don't buy one now, it will soon be too late.

This CS is astonishing. I had no idea so much could be put into such a small package. I'm guessing I have not scratched the surface of what can be done with one of these.

I was talking to a co-worker today. She didn't seem to know what a synth is. So I told her I'd record some sounds from mine. I sat down after work. I was stunned when I realized I'd been "noodling" for 30 minutes.

I am so happy I bought this and the Tascam Pocket-Studio from Sweetwater. Having a blast...
by Someone from Somewhere on
Music background: No musical background

Great Keys, Great Experience!

I have always loved Yamaha stuff. I still have a Yamaha FX-10 console organ from 1983 that's in perfect working condition and I play all the time! I must confess, I bought the reface YC organ first last year, then quickly the CP piano. I loved those so much that after a year, I had to have them all, and ordered the DX and this CS synth! I love the way the can play full-range (not just the three octaves on the keys themselves) on a MIDI keyboard controller, so I rigged up all four to play thru my Dexibell Classico L3 73-key keyboard. I can mix in one or all four! This is truly a "wall of sound" now! I can make any sounds imaginable, and with the reface series, you can use your iPad with the Soundmondo app, and store/upload/download your favorite preset sounds or make up your own set lists! With this setup, it's also easy to take any of the reface keys out for a show, or jam session, or just to play battery operated in the back yard! These will inspire you be creative and sound great anytime, anywhere!
by George Newman from NC on

Good Entry-level Synth

I have all four of the Reface Series, from Yamaha, but this review is for the Reface CS. Let's get started...

The Reface CS is a virtual analog synth that follows the build format of the other three Reface units, except this one is in a white case. It is lightweight, and features 37 small keys. It can be battery powered, feaures a joystick (for pitch bends) and LOTS of sliders. Just about everything you need to program this thing is right on the front face of the unit. There are keybed presses while powering on the unit for additional functionality, and the manual clearly explains these. The Reface CS also features 8 notes of polyphony. That should be enough for most pads and certainly enough for soloing. It also has built-in speakers, but they are for personal practice only. You will need an external amp/mixer to be able to hear this in a band situation. It comes with a wall-wart power supply as well. It also comes with a MIDI breakout cable, but it is a bit fiddly. It has stereo 1/4" outputs, and also features a 1/8" AUX input.

How does it sound? Very good! You have a lot of options for sound building on this and it has 5 different 'oscillators' that feature saw waves ring mod to FM synthesis. It can get pretty deep and because all of the sliders are right there, you will be making sounds all of the time. There is no patch storage on this unit, so make sure that you take note of the slider positions for any sounds that you want to redo later. This is not a preset machine - this is a machine that begs to be messed around with to get the sounds you want.

It has an octave slider as well, so you can span the range of a full-range keybed. It also feaures polyphonic and monophonic modes, and also has a portamento feature. These work well. Depending on the 'oscillator' that you are using, there is also a slider that brings in different characteristics for that 'oscillator'. A good example of this is when using the saw wave. If you mess with the 'Texture' slider, you will notice that a sub-oscillator comes into the mix (pun intended). For each 'oscillator' the texture slider will do different things.

I will not go into detail for every slider, but they all do something that effects the sound. It is real-time and effective.

I can make pads on this, leads on this, sound effects on this, and other sounds that are more organic-sounding. It is really versatile and I am glad that I got it.

The Reface CS also features a looper/recorder in it, but I have not used it and cannot comment as to how it works. I doubt that I would use that feature, to be honest.

What are my dislikes? There are not many, but I would point to the EFX section for my main gripe. For EFX, it features, Phaser, Flanger, Chorus, Delay, and Distortion. Nowhere in there does it have a Reverb effect! With that said, all of the EFX have a Depth and Rate slider, but there is no Reverb at all. This means that you need an external EFX processor to get Reverb. I have done this in the form of buying a Korg NTS-1 and am using it for the EFX for the Reface CS.

Another dislike is the MIDI breakout cable. It is fiddly and pretty much proprietary. I would recommend purchasing a couple of backup cables, because they can easily be lost. You can get these online, just like I did.

Another gripe, which I addressed in my review of the Reface DX, is the small form factor and how to fit one (or many) of these on a keyboard stand (like the columnar Apex, Stay, or SPider type keyboard stands). It caused me to fashion a custom setup that cost me an extra $150 for the parts. No worries, but it is something to keep in mind when wanting to use these live with a stand...

There is one more concern and I hope that a company will produce something that will fix it. ALL of these Reface units come with wall-wart power supplies. While you can use batteries with these units, playing a full gig with these would really require one to use the power supplies. NO ONE that I am aware of makes a centralized power station/power brick that could power all 4 of these units together. THAT would be cool to have. I am thinking something along the lines of a power brick; something similar to what guitar players use for their pedalboards, but for the Reface instead. This would make powering all of these units so much easier and centralized. It would also clear up the clutter of cables for these units. I am fashioning a box that houses a power strip that will have the wall wart supplies in the box, but something designed purposely for the Reface (and maybe other units) would be much better.

Other than that, I would recommend the Reface CS - all of them, really. They will add to your sound and give you options that otherwise could cost you a lot more money by purchasing other options.
by Harry Ebbeson III from Anamosa, IA on
Music background: Professional Musician and Studio Owner/Recording Engineer

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What Do Our In-house Gear Experts Think?

Carson McClain

The Reface CS is a true CS! The biggest benefit is that it's NOT 260lbs, stuffed in a basement, or broken down in need of repair. Yes, it's a digital engine because miles of wire and thousands of capacitors will not fit in this form factor. But don't be fooled by it's digital engine, because this baby can get wild, nasty, and really kick you in the teeth when you start moving those faders. This synth will find its home in the production studio, live rigs, and also school classrooms teaching brand-new synth nerds how to geek out. (Make sure you download the app for this, you'll want it for instant patch recall.)
See also: Key Synths, Yamaha, Yamaha Synthesizers
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