Yamaha Reface CS (2015 – Present)

Name: Yamaha Reface CS
Brand: Yamaha

A 37-key virtual analog modeling synthesizer released in 2015 with hands-on control and 8-note polyphony.

Overview

The Yamaha Reface CS is a compact virtual analog synth released in September 2015. It has 37 mini-action keys, an AN (Analog Physical Modeling) sound engine, and a hands-on interface with no menus. It plays 8 notes at once, and it can be switched to monophonic mode. Small as it is, it carries an assignable LFO, an ADSR envelope generator, and a self-oscillating 18 dB/octave low-pass filter. There are onboard effects too, plus a 2x 2 W amplifier driving two 3.0 cm speakers.

It connects over USB as a class-compliant MIDI device. It has a 1/4" audio input and dual 1/4" outputs. Power comes from an external 12 VDC supply (500 mA). At launch the MSRP was $649, with an initial street price around $500.

Specifications

Number of Keys	37
Key Size	Full
Key Weight	Synth
Polyphony	8
Sound Generation	AN (Analog Physical Modeling)
Filter type	Low-pass, 18 dB/octave, self-oscillating
Envelope	ADSR envelope generator
LFO	assignable LFO
Effects	onboard effects
Amplifier	2x 2 W
Speakers	2x 3.0 cm
USB	USB port for use as a class-compliant MIDI
Audio In	1/4" input
Audio Out	dual 1/4" outputs
Power Adapter	12 VDC: PA
Dimensions (W×H×D)	530 x 60 x 175 mm
Weight	1.9 kg

Design

The Reface CS uses digital subtractive synthesis and has no menus. Control is real-time, through dedicated sliders. A pitch-bend lever and octave controls sit on the left-hand side. Sliders handle the oscillator, filter, envelope, and effect parameters.

Context

The Reface CS was generally well received on its 2015 release for its portability, its immediate workflow, and its analog-style sound. It belongs to Yamaha's Reface series, a line of compact, affordable modeling synths. It is not a direct counterpart in Yamaha's official hierarchy, but the VTA Archive lists it as a "VTA Sibling" to the Yamaha Montage.

Market

The Reface CS had a market price of US $399 as of January 4, 2018. Aftermarket 12V power supplies are commonly available, and retailers offer accessories like the Yamaha Reface CS Decksaver Set.