That Yamaha CS-80 synth is basically a unicorn at this point, a dream machine way too pricey for most. Back in the nineties, you could maybe grab one for a few hundred bucks, but now forget it. Sure, you can get a plugin, but it’s never the same as tweaking the real deal.
That’s where this new PM-80 controller comes in, from a company called GLT Audio. They're basically building a dedicated MIDI box that mimics the original synth's famous control panel. It's packed with seventy-five faders and a ribbon controller, aiming to copy that hands-on feel. They tweaked a few things for practicality, like swapping the original organ-style levers for faders and skipping the detents. There's also an extra toggle for modern plugin features. They claim the design choices make it more versatile as a general-use controller, not just a one-trick pony.
It’s built in the Netherlands with Alps Alpine faders, and they’ll even let you tinker with the source code. They’re aiming to start shipping by mid-2026 with a target price of around five hundred euros. If you want in, there's a waiting list on their site, with the first orders expected to open up in early 2026.
That’s where this new PM-80 controller comes in, from a company called GLT Audio. They're basically building a dedicated MIDI box that mimics the original synth's famous control panel. It's packed with seventy-five faders and a ribbon controller, aiming to copy that hands-on feel. They tweaked a few things for practicality, like swapping the original organ-style levers for faders and skipping the detents. There's also an extra toggle for modern plugin features. They claim the design choices make it more versatile as a general-use controller, not just a one-trick pony.
It’s built in the Netherlands with Alps Alpine faders, and they’ll even let you tinker with the source code. They’re aiming to start shipping by mid-2026 with a target price of around five hundred euros. If you want in, there's a waiting list on their site, with the first orders expected to open up in early 2026.
