reface CS is a 37-note mini synth keyboard with initial touch reproducing the legendary CS-80 analog poly synthesizer. There are 5 types of synthesis which can be tweaked in many ways due to special individual texture and mod sliders.

The unit delivers 5 effect types (chorus, flanger, phaser, delay, distortion) and 5 oscillators. Modeling engine with Pulse, Multi-saw, Oscillator Sync, Ring modulation and FM generate the sound. The keyboard has an 8-note polyphony while mono mode will do great for thick and dense leads and basses. There’s a possibility of creating some overdubs owing to the onboard phrase looper. The instrument comprises a stereo speaker system and has a continuous control pedal integrated. CS provides portability (can be powered with AA batteries allowing for standalone operation), USB host port, aux line input for mobile devices and tablets, and dual line outputs for mixers and audio interfaces.

As any keyboard of the Reface series Reface CS has a playable keybed even though it doesn’t support aftertouch or velocity but is capable of transmitting velocity via MIDI.

It was meant for the “synth” sound and synth sound enjoys tweaking. 21 sliders help it evolve and play with character. No patch memory, pure sonic improvisation but control presetting consumes your inspiration. Yamaha has an app called Capture thought it’s hardly a problem solver. The MIDI syncable LFO has 4 mod destinations available and at audio rates it delivers some amusing textures.

The Multi-saw oscillator type provides the Roland’s Supersaw kind of deal – get a few detuned saws. FM supplies you with no fuss DX-style voices straight away. Ring modulation is here to add some metallic character. Go smooth or punchy, gritty or sonorous – is all about tweaking.