Is Xils Lab The Eighty the “Nexus-4” of CS-80 Plugins?
An extensive plugin recreation of the Godfather of polysynths.
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Is Xils Lab The Eighty the "Nexus-4" of CS-80 Plugins? · Source: Xils Lab
Xils Lab The Eighty
Xils Lab The Eighty is a detailed plugin recreation of the legendary Yamaha CS-80 analogue polyphonic synthesizer of the late 1970s.
First introduced in 1977, the Yamaha CS-80 is a massive 8-voice keyboard with two timbre layers. This now iconic synth was made famous by the Greek artist and composer Vangelis, who used it in his Blade Runner and Chariots Of Fire film scores.
Although it was soon overshadowed by offerings from Sequential Circuits and Oberheim, the CS-80 provided players with a great degree of expressive control. This was partly due to its pressure-sensitive keyboard and ribbon controller that allowed polyphonic pitch bends.
Xils Lab The Eighty
With The Eighty, the French developer Xils Lab has gone to town, not only seeking to give you an authentic CS-80 experience, but something more. Rather than the slightly more stripped-down approach we saw in Softube’s Model 77, The Eighty has expanded the capabilities of the original with three synth layers instead of two.
The first two layers allow you to create the classic CS-80 sound with linked high-pass and low-pass filters. Meanwhile, the third layer can be introduced and balanced with the mixer and used to add depth and create deeper, more modern sounds.
In each synth layer, The Eighty provides a single oscillator with a range of modulation options, the filter section, and two independent envelopes. In addition, the impressive arpeggiator section offers per-step modulation, and there is a range of effects.
These include reverb, delay, EQ, and phaser, which give you plenty of ways to breathe character and life into your sounds. Furthermore, you have the signature ring modulator with its basic envelope and a chorus effect that can introduce tremolo and vibrato.
Overall, the GUI may take some getting used to, but the design of The Eighty certainly takes the capabilities of the CS-80 to a new level. The only drawback is the depth of competition from Softube, Arturia, Cherry Audio, and Memorymoon.
Pricing and availability:
Xils Lab The Eighty is currently available from Thomann, with an introductory pricing offer running until 31 January.
More about Xils Lab The Eighty:
- Official Product Page
- More from Xils Lab
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One response to “Is Xils Lab The Eighty the “Nexus-4” of CS-80 Plugins?”
It’s sad that they can’t release anything new anymore. I really like vsti instruments though. But I’ve already tried everything and bought it. I ran out of ideas. 🙁