CatSynth Pic: Loki, Yamaha DX100, Novation Bass Station

Loki returns, this time with a vintage Yamaha DX100 alongside the more contemporary Novation Bass Station. From thedigitalpurrgatory on Instagram.

The DX100 was the smallest of Yamaha’s DX series. It featured the same sound architecture as most of the other 4-operator FM models (before the TX81Z), but was smaller in size, with mini keys and hooks for a guitar strap. I actually had one which I used primary in “keytar mode” in the 1990s, but rarely used it after that.

CatSynth Pic: Nina and Yamaha CS1x

Adorable Nina sits atop a Yamaha CS1x synthesizer. From ros_franck via Instagram.

The CS1x was a popular synthesizer in the 1990s. Although it carries the “CS” prefix, it’s not really related to the legendary CS line of the 1970s, but a sample-based instrument of its own design. The newer Yamaha Reface CS is a closer emulation of the original CS line.

CatSynth Pic: Betty and the Yamaha CS20m

Betty on top of Yamaha CS20m

Adorable Betty the black cat sits atop a vintage Yamaha CS20m synthesizer. From Edda Jayne Hill via Facebook.

Betty loves the CS20m

And she is certainly in good company! Long before Yamaha’s dominance in the mid-1980s with the DX series of FM synths, they created the CS series of analog subtractive synthesizers. Although similar in topology to other analog synthesizers of the era, they had their own unique sound and character and were prized by many artists.

CatSynth Pics: #NationalCatDay with Sam Sam and Big Merp

Sam Sam with Yamaha TX802 and cassette deck

Of course, every day is National Cat Day (or International Cat Day) here at CatSynth. But we are marking the occasion by letting Sam Sam and Big Merp share their own pics. Above, we see Sam Sam in one of her favorite spots in the studio, in front of the Yamaha TX802 and cassette deck. Sam Sam would also like to share her recent studio video.

And lest Big Merp is left out of the fun, here is a pic of him hanging out behind the main modular synth.

Big Merp with the modular