Review: UVI CS-M version 1.5 Vintage Synth Library

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Yo what’s good fam!

Back with another UVI product to review, this is from their vintage synth line, specifically, it’s the CS-M…version 1.5

Let’s just jump right in and see what this thing is about

So what is the CS-M 1.5?

cs-mIt’s a library dedicated to the “lesser known” Yamaha CS series synths.

So for this library they focused on the 70M, 40M, 20M, and recently added the CS-01

As with other UVI libraries, they didn’t just recreate or clone the instruments, they capture the character and sound of these instruments and turned the content into an instrument on it’s own.

Of course you know they add their special twists like Arp and Mod sequencing, plus FX, with a very sexy customized interface that makes it easy to tweak and alter the sounds.

You can even start from scratch with the init patch and go to work from there.

Quick Specs

So how does it sound?

Reel to Reel Tape RecorderMan anyone that’s been around here for any amount of time knows I’m a fan of the UVI sound in general.

They always seem to bring a certain warmth and character to their instruments, this one is no exception.

You can get everything from super deep bass, to fat analog brass, smooth or aggressive leads, airy pads, and even a few fx and sweeps as well.

Overall the sound quality is top notch, the character is there, and the sounds are ready to be tweaked if you wish.

So what’s the bottom line?

If you like vintage sounds, UVI probably has something for you.

I’m a firm believer that the best way to truly capture the character of a specific synth is with samples, and they definitely have something great in this library.

4andhalfsubsI give CS-M 4.5 out of 5 subs, it sounds amazing, it’s got a dope interface that’s ready to tweak…oh…and you only have to load it once as all the presets can be called up from the interface itself!

They have so many gems in their Vintage Vault collection, you can get the whole thing or just the pieces you want.

No matter what you choose to do, I’m sure you will not be disappointed.

Go on over and check it out:ย http://www.uvi.net/en/vintage-corner/cs-m.html

Leave a comment below and let me know what you think.

 

24 Comments

  1. Sounds cool! What are you using for a keyboard now? I need a new one, the old Edirol 61 has lost it’s top note, not worth fixing they said. I use mostly Logic X, some Live 9, some Studio One 2 – currently I’m looking at the M-Audio Code 61, then maybe a small Akai 25 for key maps etc. I use Garritan so I need one with a mod-wheel that works with GPO/GVO – I wanted the Roland Kroma but it’s too pricey to be honest

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  2. Yeah, I dig it. Seems better value than just a slick MIDI keyboard with pads – I’ve got Maschine anyway. The MX61 is designed with DAW integration in mind, not just some MIDI connections, as long as it’s not too heavy for the keyboard drawer on my studio unit – should be OK I reckon. Yeah, what I’ve heard of the motif sounds fat

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  3. Well, being a cheapskate (saving for Omnisphere) I’m trying out the Nektar Impact LX 61. Seems nice, the action (I’m not sure to be honest if it’s synth action or semi-wieghted) is a lot heavier than the Edirol – I’m not sure if it will build me up or wear me out lol. It’s USB, no MIDI port, I’m trying to get the UVI W.S. to work with it? Logic and Truepianos no problem. Meanwhile I’ve got the salesman looking for a Roland type action product which might be better for me – but I’m intrigued with the Logic integration here – it’s got a ‘mixer’ with mutes etc if you want, seems very cool

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    • There shouldn’t be anything special to get it to work with the UVI workstation, just turning it on as a MIDI device in your DAW should be fine. I haven’t had to setup anything special with UVI with any of my devices.

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  4. Oh well it’s the first day with it, I’m still not sure if it’s a keeper – but yeah all good with Studio One, Logic X (mixer faders work upside down, like drawbars? – smart control integration not working) and Truepiano – no luck yet with UVI or Kontakt though, still I expect I’ll get it going over the next day or two.
    Missing the old Edirol with just old fashioned MIDI – I’ll get over it I guess?

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  5. Well, it went back today, so I’m raising my budget – I might still go for the Yamaha MX61, or a Novation Impulse, or a KeyLab 61 – it’s tuff there’s nowhere local to me to try these things out. It’d be nice to be able to control Logic’s mixer like the Impact did (only upside down!)
    Anyway the old Edirol PCR-M80 is back in the saddle, the only real problem with it as far as the design goes, it has a joystick type of mod control, not two separate wheels which is what I want to use Garritan

    Reply

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