The Model 77 isn't a CS-80 emulation since it lacks the chorus and tremolo. It is a dual layer CS-60 (that didn't have the Chorus or tremolo as opposed to the CS-80) with an added great reverb and some spread features. To say it is a CS-80 is to say that a Juno-106 without a chorus is a Juno-106... Actually with the stereo spread features this makes it more of a cross between a dual Layer CS-60 and an Oberheim (With the many filter options too). That with a great added reverb! With that last Vangelis attempt at the end it actually sounds like an Oberheim with a very clear sound compared to how a real CS-80 sounds with the Chorus on (not so defined and clear). The Model 77 seems to have more "bite".... This sounds like a great sounding softsynt nevertheless, but not a CS-80 emulation!
indeed! and the ribbon, which is also important for playing. (and it isn't MPE, than the ribbon is only for 'visuals', well not all MPE controllers can do pitch glide well.... but some can do it very well...)
Your knowledge is great, in your opinion which is the closest vst to a CS 80? I used to have the CS 50 but had to sell it when I emigrated, So I'm now watching videos as I would like to at-least have some memory of the sound but would like to experience the full beauty of the 80, thanks
It definitely sounds great. However, Cherry Audio's GX-80 is such a great combination, packed with features, it is going to be difficult to surpass. That said, I haven't done a comparison, myself. Therefore, I have a somewhat biased perspective. Nice work!
@@davelordy but to honest, when you are in the Arturia Ecosystem, you can get, the full V Collection, if you have none of the collections, but other stuff, about at €199, in sales, and after sometime after the release... and in sale the CS80V is the half the price.... but i must confess, that i like ánd the Cherry Audio GX80 ánd the Arturia CS80 V4... really like them both... different results (also because the Arturia has MPE). great results from both. soundwise great. i take them as is... i will fall for the Model 77, i know it, also because it has 7 modules for Softube Modular (yes that i still use).
I have all three of them, and an analog Deckard's Dream. I prefer the Cherry, but I also feel I can grab a great useable preset on any of them, and most of the time prefer to deep dive for a unique tone. They're all even better with a Lexicon 224.
Correction: The "Age" parameter has nothing to do with the reverb, other than being situated beside it. It randomises the tuning and selection of the modelled oscillators and filters, much like an un-aligned analog synth.
Memory moon SUCKS! They just dropped support for their VST version and those who bought it are just F*CKED. SO PISSED off when I found this out! WASTE of money. 🤨
As usual, the sound of the Softube version is closer to the original than others IMO, in this case Arturia and Cherry Audio, and I also prefer the good overview of the Model 77 UI.
I have GX-80 and I love it. But I don't stuck with BRAND names and video promotion of any product. I have to buy the other 2 products to judge them in my studio. Anyway, although I love the GX-80, from listening this video I have to say that all 3 of them are very interesting and unique! Thanks for the video!
Great comparison, thanks. I have the Arturia CS-80 V4 and the Cherry Audio GX-80, which I prefer. I’d rather have enhanced features than the most accurate model of the CS 80, so I feel no need to get the Model 77.
Who said the Model 77 was the most accurate? We didn’t even get any conclusion from the author as to which is most accurate (but perhaps in not in a position to render an opinion?).
@@kierenmoore3236 True. Alex didn’t claim the Model 77 was more accurate than other CS-80 emulations, only that he likes the flavour of it. I am saying that even if the Model 77 sounded more like a real CS-80 than any other VST, I would not be tempted to get it.
LOVE this! ANY CS80 is lovely. I only have the preset Arturia one but the Softube and Cherry sound brilliant, and yes one sounds more vintage. I also believe more buttons can lead to more distraction so it's nice to have choices. My list is growing, too many toys not enough time/brass (cash). 🖖👍🎶
Softsynth really do make excellent emulations. And one day I know I'll get this. Just to have it. I picked up their Juno last week. It really is like my hardware version. The GX from Cherry Audio is an absolute Belter !! One of my favourites. The main difference between this and the 77 being the lower mids on the waveform data. I also know I can get something very similar to the CS-80 from U-He's Diva And to be brutally honest - the microKORG comes pretty close too. Will still have to get the 77 though.
@@le-berry You are right: Softube ( not softsynth ). And on reflection - their CS-80 is not quite the CS-80 I played for a year. But then I imagine that no two CS-80's would have sounded the same. However, It's still very good. My favourite version of the instrument is the GX-80 from Cherry Audio, purely because it sounds so EPIC - straight out of the box.
Hmm. It’s a tough one if on a budget. I have Arturia and Cherry Audio. Between the two, Arturia definitely has better filters. (Cherry synths always have a way of sounding similar despite what they are modeling) But now that Softtube has jumped into the CS-80 game, it’s gotten even tougher. To my ears it’s sounding just as good as Arturia but with more interesting features. Welcome to the digital rabbit hole.
G-dammit... I just bought the Cherry version a month ago and now I think I need to get this one too. It does sound a bit fuller, and the workflow is WAY easier (although the GX-80 is certainly 'authentic - meaning extremely complex and puzzling. 🤨)
I have the Cherry Audio GX-80. It can do everything the CS-80 hardware does and a lot more. I don’t think you need the Model 77. Even if it happens to sound a tiny bit more realistic than the other options, I doubt that anyone would notice in a multitrack recording.
Marketing WORKS! The higher the price of a product is, THEN... the majority of the consumers thinks, that the more expensive products are the best of the rest of the competition!
Arminator 2 will always be the one for me, it sounds so rightthe layout is beautiful and straight to the point and it's free and a good ol vintage vst for the street cred
Of the Cherry Audio synths, the GX-80 is one of my favorites (along with the PS-3300). I never really clicked with the Arturia version and, of their offerings, lean more towards Pigments.
@@AlexReidStudios I didn't know about Softube Model 77 until I saw your video, so we're even. (ME80 is included with Mixcraft Pro Studio. Last I checked it is a reasonable $30 a la carte.).
Yeah unfortunately most people are never going to get the chance to be in the same room as a CS-80, let alone own one. With all these vintage emulations the real question to ask isn’t necessarily “does it sound like the real thing?” And more, “does it sound good, make my work easier, and have the specific texture and vibe I’m looking for?” When these machines were on the market and producers were making the songs we all know and love with them, they chose them because they were the best tool for the job, not because they were vintage or had the legacy they do today. Use what’s available to you and inspires you to make the best music you can.
@@ggeessttaalltt When comparing three digital recreations of a specific hardware synth, the focus is automatically on determining which one is most faithful to the original. This is an objective criterion based on accuracy. However, if you're trying to answer questions like "Which synth sounds good to me?" or "Which one helps me work more efficiently?", a video comparison of emulations won't be very relevant or helpful. On the other hand, if your goal is to find out "Which digital synth captures the vibe of a hardware synth?", you should compare the digital synth directly to the hardware, not to other digital emulations.
IMPORTANT
The Age slider actually adds "aging" to the whole synth, like oscillator drift, pulse width, filter and envelope variation.
The Cherry Audio CX80 is such a beast, but is is also complex. I love it. Great comparison mate.
Thank you! Sometimes complex is good, other times simple is good :)
once u know a few simple things its easy. you can make it simpler by turning 2 of the 4 layers for example.
The Model 77 isn't a CS-80 emulation since it lacks the chorus and tremolo. It is a dual layer CS-60 (that didn't have the Chorus or tremolo as opposed to the CS-80) with an added great reverb and some spread features.
To say it is a CS-80 is to say that a Juno-106 without a chorus is a Juno-106...
Actually with the stereo spread features this makes it more of a cross between a dual Layer CS-60 and an Oberheim (With the many filter options too). That with a great added reverb! With that last Vangelis attempt at the end it actually sounds like an Oberheim with a very clear sound compared to how a real CS-80 sounds with the Chorus on (not so defined and clear). The Model 77 seems to have more "bite"....
This sounds like a great sounding softsynt nevertheless, but not a CS-80 emulation!
That's very interesting, wonder why they left those features out
indeed! and the ribbon, which is also important for playing. (and it isn't MPE, than the ribbon is only for 'visuals', well not all MPE controllers can do pitch glide well.... but some can do it very well...)
Your knowledge is great, in your opinion which is the closest vst to a CS 80? I used to have the CS 50 but had to sell it when I emigrated, So I'm now watching videos as I would like to at-least have some memory of the sound but would like to experience the full beauty of the 80, thanks
It definitely sounds great. However, Cherry Audio's GX-80 is such a great combination, packed with features, it is going to be difficult to surpass. That said, I haven't done a comparison, myself. Therefore, I have a somewhat biased perspective. Nice work!
Thank you! The GX-80 is a different beast, Model 77 aims for simplicity
Also the Cherry Audio version is pretty amazing value . . .
$40 - Memory Moon ME80
$59 - Cherry Audio GX80
$99 - Softtube Model 77
$149 - Arturia CS80V
@@davelordy There is also that to consider. Cherry Audio is definitely giving these other companies a run for their money.
@@davelordy but to honest, when you are in the Arturia Ecosystem, you can get, the full V Collection, if you have none of the collections, but other stuff, about at €199, in sales, and after sometime after the release... and in sale the CS80V is the half the price....
but i must confess, that i like ánd the Cherry Audio GX80 ánd the Arturia CS80 V4... really like them both... different results (also because the Arturia has MPE). great results from both. soundwise great. i take them as is...
i will fall for the Model 77, i know it, also because it has 7 modules for Softube Modular (yes that i still use).
I have all three of them, and an analog Deckard's Dream. I prefer the Cherry, but I also feel I can grab a great useable preset on any of them, and most of the time prefer to deep dive for a unique tone. They're all even better with a Lexicon 224.
Correction: The "Age" parameter has nothing to do with the reverb, other than being situated beside it. It randomises the tuning and selection of the modelled oscillators and filters, much like an un-aligned analog synth.
@@tramistfromhell Yep, already pinned a comment sating that. Sorry about that!
Great video, as always! I think they already had a Vangelis preset called Blade, I saw it in their own presentation.
@@eklipseRomania Yes! But I wanted to see if it was possible for me to recreate
You missed out Memory Moon !
hands down still the best CS-80 emulator, sadly no longer supported on modern macs
Memory moon SUCKS! They just dropped support for their VST version and those who bought it are just F*CKED. SO PISSED off when I found this out! WASTE of money. 🤨
Thank you Alex!! This was good, and the Model 77 sounds different (meaning exceptionally good). Peace to you/yours. 🙂👍💙💙
Thank you :)
As usual, the sound of the Softube version is closer to the original than others IMO, in this case Arturia and Cherry Audio, and I also prefer the good overview of the Model 77 UI.
It feel less cluttered. And it sounds great
There is also the ME-80 by Gunnar Erkorrnås. Sounds brilliant IMHO.
I have GX-80 and I love it. But I don't stuck with BRAND names and video promotion of any product. I have to buy the other 2 products to judge them in my studio. Anyway, although I love the GX-80, from listening this video I have to say that all 3 of them are very interesting and unique! Thanks for the video!
Hey Thanks for watching! Glad you liked the video
8:07 "It's wabbit season!"
8:12 "Ok... just kidding." 😆
@@brianbergmusic5288 It was a risky move
Great comparison, thanks. I have the Arturia CS-80 V4 and the Cherry Audio GX-80, which I prefer. I’d rather have enhanced features than the most accurate model of the CS 80, so I feel no need to get the Model 77.
the GX-80 is amazing, I do like the flavour of the Model 77, but is not a must have of you have the others
Who said the Model 77 was the most accurate?
We didn’t even get any conclusion from the author as to which is most accurate (but perhaps in not in a position to render an opinion?).
@@kierenmoore3236 True. Alex didn’t claim the Model 77 was more accurate than other CS-80 emulations, only that he likes the flavour of it. I am saying that even if the Model 77 sounded more like a real CS-80 than any other VST, I would not be tempted to get it.
but will you get to compare these to a deckards dream/expander MK2 combo?
Sure, do you have $4,000 you can give me?
@@AlexReidStudios ah foiled again by dollars haha
It's the DD all day for me :)
cherry audio all the way for me
I second that, it is pure love for the original hardware
LOVE this! ANY CS80 is lovely. I only have the preset Arturia one but the Softube and Cherry sound brilliant, and yes one sounds more vintage. I also believe more buttons can lead to more distraction so it's nice to have choices. My list is growing, too many toys not enough time/brass (cash). 🖖👍🎶
@@SuperGinkgo Agree with you, is nice to have alternatives. Different emulations can be amazing and also sound and work very differently
Softsynth really do make excellent emulations. And one day I know I'll get this. Just to have it.
I picked up their Juno last week. It really is like my hardware version.
The GX from Cherry Audio is an absolute Belter !! One of my favourites.
The main difference between this and the 77 being the lower mids on the waveform data.
I also know I can get something very similar to the CS-80 from U-He's Diva
And to be brutally honest - the microKORG comes pretty close too.
Will still have to get the 77 though.
@@David3Wise Is great to have comments from actual hardware owners, thanks!
Softube you wanted to say softtube not softsynth
@@le-berry You are right: Softube ( not softsynth ). And on reflection - their CS-80 is not quite the CS-80 I played for a year. But then I imagine that no two CS-80's would have sounded the same. However, It's still very good. My favourite version of the instrument is the GX-80 from Cherry Audio, purely because it sounds so EPIC - straight out of the box.
Always put reverb to a CS-80 ;) =]
I wonder how close you can get using Cardinal/VCV and braids' CSAW plus Surge filters. (Not sure if there's a polyphonic braids?)
That's an interesting experiment
I like the BA-1 alot too. Its sort of become my bread and butter go to softsynth.
@@beatsbyjiro8291 That one is really good
Hmm. It’s a tough one if on a budget.
I have Arturia and Cherry Audio. Between the two, Arturia definitely has better filters. (Cherry synths always have a way of sounding similar despite what they are modeling)
But now that Softtube has jumped into the CS-80 game, it’s gotten even tougher.
To my ears it’s sounding just as good as Arturia but with more interesting features.
Welcome to the digital rabbit hole.
@@Tyrell_Corp2019 I'd say go for either one and you won't regret either way :)
@@AlexReidStudios Thanks. So I'll sit tight and be grateful for Arturia for now. (While looking over the fence at Softube. :)
G-dammit... I just bought the Cherry version a month ago and now I think I need to get this one too. It does sound a bit fuller, and the workflow is WAY easier (although the GX-80 is certainly 'authentic - meaning extremely complex and puzzling. 🤨)
To be fair, the GX-80 is like 4 synths in one
I have the Cherry Audio GX-80. It can do everything the CS-80 hardware does and a lot more. I don’t think you need the Model 77. Even if it happens to sound a tiny bit more realistic than the other options, I doubt that anyone would notice in a multitrack recording.
I am snitching to Robert about the Wonder Christmas Time sound haha ;)
@@JDSoundsets Too late, he already knows. If the video has 1 dislike we know it's him
@@AlexReidStudios In talks with RUclips to have it taken down as we speak ;)
@@JDSoundsets To be fair, I didn't use GX-80 for that
$40 - Memory Moon ME80
$59 - Cherry Audio GX80
$99 - Softtube Model 77
$149 - Arturia CS80V
You can get CS80v as part of V Collection X, for half price during the black Friday sales.
Marketing WORKS! The higher the price of a product is, THEN... the majority of the consumers thinks, that the more expensive products are the best of the rest of the competition!
Arminator 2 will always be the one for me, it sounds so rightthe layout is beautiful and straight to the point and it's free and a good ol vintage vst for the street cred
Free is always great
I love Arminator2.... not more than GX-80, but those are the only ones I use. If one doesn't quite work, I use the other.
Of the Cherry Audio synths, the GX-80 is one of my favorites (along with the PS-3300). I never really clicked with the Arturia version and, of their offerings, lean more towards Pigments.
@@Cysubtor_8vb Pigments is great, one of my most used. From their emulations the CS-80 is not lol
the Arturia version seems bland in comparison.
What about Memorymoon’s ME80? I haven’t tried model 77, but I like how ME80 responds to aftertouch better than GX80, and way more than CS-80V.
@@stevehofer3482 Need to try it, honestly didn't know about it
@@AlexReidStudios I didn't know about Softube Model 77 until I saw your video, so we're even. (ME80 is included with Mixcraft Pro Studio. Last I checked it is a reasonable $30 a la carte.).
What about the Memorymoon v2??
@@lextron-audio I don't own it, but will try it out
They should be compared to the hardware not to each other mr batman
I wish I had a CS-80
Yeah unfortunately most people are never going to get the chance to be in the same room as a CS-80, let alone own one. With all these vintage emulations the real question to ask isn’t necessarily “does it sound like the real thing?” And more, “does it sound good, make my work easier, and have the specific texture and vibe I’m looking for?”
When these machines were on the market and producers were making the songs we all know and love with them, they chose them because they were the best tool for the job, not because they were vintage or had the legacy they do today. Use what’s available to you and inspires you to make the best music you can.
@@ggeessttaalltt When comparing three digital recreations of a specific hardware synth, the focus is automatically on determining which one is most faithful to the original. This is an objective criterion based on accuracy.
However, if you're trying to answer questions like "Which synth sounds good to me?" or "Which one helps me work more efficiently?", a video comparison of emulations won't be very relevant or helpful.
On the other hand, if your goal is to find out "Which digital synth captures the vibe of a hardware synth?", you should compare the digital synth directly to the hardware, not to other digital emulations.
Cherry audios
Is this channel supported by Hugh Hefner ? ......🤣🤣🤣
@@frankweber356 if you think I'm sexy then yeah sure
@@AlexReidStudios 😅😅😅