Yamaha's clever 1979 take on the preset mono. One section gives you 29 instant presets for grab-and-go sounds, the other is a fully tweakable manual synth with a single VCO, a 12dB lowpass and its own ADSR. Dual CV/Gate means you can drive both sections at once for quasi-duophonic tricks, all wrapped in that warm, slightly wonky CS-family character in a gig-ready 37-key package.

FEATURES & PROS:

• Two synths in one: 29 presets on one channel, full manual control on the other.
• Dual CV/Gate: sequence both sections independently for layered or duophonic lines.
• That CS filter: the 12dB lowpass that gives the family its warm, vocal bite.
• Dedicated ADSR: proper envelope shaping on the manual side.
• Roadworthy: 37 keys and solid Yamaha build, easy to move.

GENRE / USE

• Synth-pop, new wave and vintage electronic, where its warm, slightly wonky CS-family tone shines
• Basses and leads with that characteristic Yamaha multimode-filter colour
• Blips, bubbles and sample-and-hold textures for ambient and experimental work
• A grab-and-go preset mono that hides a deeper manual synth for sound design

THE WORD: Synthtopia, highlighting Marc Doty's demo, points out that behind its modest preset panel the CS-15D hides a surprisingly versatile synth engine capable of a wide range of sounds. Read more at Synthtopia.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Years: 1979 to 1982
• Polyphony: monophonic, dual section
• Oscillator: 1 VCO per section
• Presets: 29
• Filter: 12dB/oct lowpass with ADSR
• Keys: 37
• Control: dual CV/Gate
• Condition: used