Synth: Yamaha CS30
Review by: Duncan of RMI (doi_oing@mail.bogo.co.uk)
Summary: 2 oscillators, 2 filters, 2 VCA's, 3 envelope generators, ring modulator, 8-step analogue sequencer, "stereo" output, no midi, no patch memory, very difficult to make same noise twice, therefore not a tool for lightweights! You can control LFO with any of eg's, you can modulate oscillators with each other, with lfo and with eg's, you can use one osc/vcf/vca path with the keyboard and the other with the sequencer; you can use the keyboard to transpose the sequencer....Looks? When I took mine out with a Mellotron, the Yam. got more attention...In use, it's "where the hell did that noise come from?" I'd guess you'd be looking at in the region of £300-400 if you can find one.
Years Made: 1977-1982?

Polyphony: can make several noises at once
Multitimbrality: see above
MIDI:

    Note on/off: needs hz/v interface
    MIDI controllers (aftertouch, CC, etc): 
    Sysex patch storage: polaroid camera
    Sysex parameter control: 


Other inputs/external control:

    CV/gate: yes-hz/volt&s-trig
    Clock: no
    Other CV: vcf
    Audio: yes, will trig also
    Proprietary (DCB, etc): no
    Programmer: no


Outputs: 1,2 and 1+2 (mono)
Patch storage: polaroid!
Patch dumping (MIDI, tape, etc): no

Voice architecture: 

Interface: 
Sequencer/arpeggiator: yes
Keyboard/rack: 3ft long, 3oct kybd
Known problems: heavy, but not as heavy as CS80
Accessories: 

Related synths/gear: Other CS series mono synths, CS5 and up. Version of CS30 without sequencer.

Price range: £300-top value!
Availability: limited

Strengths: Unpredictable, will not make the same sound twice. This really is a strength in a world full of samplers and black boxes.
Weaknesses: See above.
Other comments: Hours of fun.