What synthesizer did Toto use on Rosanna?

Toto used a Yamaha CS-80 synthesizer to create the prominent synth brass sound on 'Rosanna'. The CS-80 was a flagship polyphonic synthesizer known for its expressive capabilities and realistic brass sounds.

How to recreate Toto Rosanna synth brass sound?

Start with sawtooth and square wave oscillators, apply a resonant low-pass filter with envelope control for dynamic attack and decay, and add chorus with slight detuning to fatten the sound. The key is achieving the punchy, metallic character through proper filter and envelope shaping.

What makes the CS-80 good for brass sounds?

The Yamaha CS-80's dual oscillator design, polyphonic aftertouch, and distinctive filter characteristics made it exceptional for brass sounds. Its ability to respond to playing dynamics and the harmonic richness of its oscillators created very expressive and realistic brass tones.

Can you get Rosanna synth sound with plugins?

Yes, several plugin emulations like Arturia CS-80 V and UVI CS-80 V3 can recreate this sound effectively. These plugins model the original CS-80's oscillators, filters, and envelope characteristics needed for the 'Rosanna' brass tone.

synth from "rosanna" by toto | built with ToneDB

rosanna

toto

synth

AI generatedv1.0

Tone Profile

This synth brass sound is bright and powerful, cutting through the mix with a slightly metallic edge. It provides a punchy and harmonically rich foundation to the song.

Gear

Yamaha CS-80instrument: Reverb Sweetwater

ToneDB may earn a commission from purchases made through these links.

The Story

The synth brass sound on 'Rosanna' was created using a Yamaha CS-80 synthesizer. The CS-80 was particularly renowned for its ability to create expressive brass sounds through its dual oscillator design and polyphonic aftertouch capabilities. The sound was likely crafted using multiple oscillators with filter and envelope shaping to achieve its punchy, metallic character.

Production Credits

Producer: Toto

Engineer: Al Schmitt, Greg Ladanyi, Tom Knox, Niko Bolas

Recorded at: Studio 55, Los Angeles

Signal Chain

Instrument: Yamaha CS-80

Recreation Tips

Start with a sawtooth wave and a square wave.
Use a resonant low-pass filter to shape the tone.
Adjust the filter envelope to create a dynamic brass-like attack and decay.
Add chorus and slight detuning to fatten the sound.

Original Gear

Yamaha CS-80(synth)

Substitutions & Recommendations

Arturia CS-80 V$99-$199

Alternative to: Yamaha CS-80

Faithful software emulation of the CS-80 with the same oscillator structure and filter characteristics needed for this brass sound

Reverb Sweetwater

UVI CS-80 V3$149-$249

Alternative to: Yamaha CS-80

Sample-based recreation using the actual CS-80 hardware, capturing the authentic harmonic content and dynamics

Reverb Sweetwater

Sequential Prophet-5 Rev4$3,499-$3,999

Alternative to: Yamaha CS-80

Vintage analog polysynth with similar oscillator and filter architecture capable of creating comparable brass sounds

Reverb Sweetwater

Behringer CS-80 Clone$799-$1,199

Alternative to: Yamaha CS-80

Hardware clone designed to recreate CS-80 sounds at a budget-friendly price point with similar sonic characteristics

Reverb Sweetwater

Nord Lead A1$649-$899

Alternative to: Yamaha CS-80

Virtual analog synthesizer with powerful oscillators and filters that can recreate punchy brass sounds similar to the CS-80

Reverb Sweetwater

Sources

Synth Anatomy: Yamaha CS-80

Frequently Asked Questions

Community Insights

No community insights yet. Be the first to contribute!

TONEDB...

synth from “rosanna” by toto | ToneDB

rosanna

Tone Profile

Gear

The Story

Production Credits

Signal Chain

Recreation Tips

Original Gear

Substitutions & Recommendations

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

What synthesizer did Toto use on Rosanna?

How to recreate Toto Rosanna synth brass sound?

What makes the CS-80 good for brass sounds?

Can you get Rosanna synth sound with plugins?

Community Insights