Softube Model 77 Dual Layer Synth: Is Softube’s CS-80 Replicant the Best Yet?
More CS-80 than CS-80, perhaps?
4,2 / 5,0 | 
Softube Model 77 Dual Layer Synth joins the roster of Yamaha CS-80 emulations, bringing a simplified GUI and integrated reverb to the Blade Runner classic.
Softube Model 77 Dual Layer Synth
In 1977, Yamaha released the CS-80. A behemoth in both physical size and sonic power, it’s graced records by luminaries such as Paul McCartney, Toto, Michael Jackson and of course Vangelis, with Blade Runner seeing it go to new expressive heights.
Given its rarity and expense, it’s been a popular choice for digital emulation, with plenty of developers from Arturia to Cherry Audio taking a crack at it. We can now add Softube to that list with the Softube Model 77 Dual Layer Synth, a fairly faithful recreation that still adds a few modern touches.
Softube Model 77 Dual Layer Synth: Three Synths in One?
In the press release for the Softube Model 77 Dual Layer Synth, the company states that it “perfectly captures the sound of three Japanese synthesizers from 1977.” Three? They’re not wrong, as the CS-50, CS-60 and CS-80 all share the same internal architecture. The difference is in the complexity, with the CS-50 having four voices, the CS-60 eight, and the CS-80 doubling up on the synthesis, containing essentially two CS-60s plus some additional functionality like a primitive form of program memory and performance enhancements.
Softube Model 77 Dual Layer Synth: Two Become One
The first time I ever interacted with a CS-80 was via Arturia’s version. I have to admit, I was initially confused by the layout, both the dual-layer structure with two identical control panels, one on top of the other, plus the unusual placement of parameters like ring modulation. Someone at Softube must have had a similarly befuddling experience with a CS-80 because Softube has decided to render it with a single control panel plus Layer Select buttons for upper and lower parameters.
“Softube took the time to create a more efficient user interface to ensure the plugin is easier to navigate,” the company says. “Two layers are accessible directly from the front panel, but the focus stays on one layer at a time. This improvement allows the user to quickly and confidently adjust their sound.”
GUI adjustments continue with rearranging buttons and controls to fit the signal flow, as newcomers might expect.
“For example,” the company continues, “the Ring Mod section on the interface of Model 77 Dual Layer Synth now corresponds to its location in the signal flow. The balance slider is now found between the upper and lower layers so that users can self-assuredly move between the layers while adjusting parameters for each layer.”
Softube Model 77 Dual Layer Synth: Modern Additions
Along with the GUI changes, Softube Model 77 Dual Layer Synth also features some modern enhancements. These include an Aging Slider to introduce oscillator drift and variations to filter cutoff, pulse width and envelope times. Additionally, there is stereo processing, DAW sync, poly aftertouch (to match the pioneering original hardware) plus an “integrated classic reverb.” My guess is this is based on the company’s TSAR-1 algorithmic reverb plugin, which would add those lush Vangelis vibes.
Softube Model 77 Dual Layer Synth is also Modular and Amp Room-ready, including seven modules for the company’s Modular and two for Amp Room.
Softube Model 77 Dual Layer Synth: Price and Availability
Coming from the same developers as Softube’s Model 72 Synthesizer System, Model 84 Polyphonic Synthesizer, Model 80 Five Voice Synthesizer and Model 82 Sequencing Mono Synth, Model 77 Dual Layer Synth is sure to sound great. It even has the original presets from the three Yamaha synths in case you want to quickly call up those classic sounds.
Softube Model 77 Dual Layer Synth is available now at Plugin Boutique*. The price is for $99 USD until October 3, 2024, when the price goes up to $159 USD.
More Information
- Softube home page
- All about Softube
- All about synthesizers
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2 responses to “Softube Model 77 Dual Layer Synth: Is Softube’s CS-80 Replicant the Best Yet?”
It’s Softube, of course it the best one 😎
Wow 😮!
What a lot of knobs!
Sounds really kool, I prefer the sound of VST to analog hardware.
I won’t be getting this one though, far too intimidating for a newb like me!
One day though!!