Yamaha Synths Official Unveils Reface Robot 2: Automation Meets Tactile Synthesis

Yamaha Synths Official kicks off their Superbooth 2025 session by unveiling the Reface Robot 2, a concept prototype designed to breathe new life into the Reface CS synthesizer. Building on the original Reface Robot from 2017, this second iteration is not just a nostalgic callback but a leap forward in interactive synthesis. The presenters, Dom Sigalas and Blake Angelos, set the stage by reminiscing about the earlier version while highlighting the increased control and fun that version 2 brings to the table.

What sets the Reface Robot 2 apart is its fusion of physical and digital innovation. The addition of a Raspberry OS screen provides real-time visual feedback, but the real stars are the servo-driven robotic arms that physically move the CS’s sliders and knobs. This isn’t just a tech demo—it’s a reimagining of how musicians can interact with their instruments, making the process as visually engaging as it is sonically rich.

At the heart of the Reface Robot 2 are its motorized controls, which allow for precise, automated manipulation of every slider and knob on the Reface CS. The video demonstrates how each parameter—from pitch bend to octave, filter cutoff to resonance—can be accessed and moved by robotic arms, offering a level of control that goes far beyond traditional manual tweaking. The presenters emphasize that this is not just about automation for its own sake, but about expanding the expressive possibilities of the instrument.

A standout feature is the REC/PLAY functionality, which enables users to record their own parameter movements and play them back with adjustable speed. This programmable motion opens the door to real-time automation, LFO-like modulation, and complex, evolving soundscapes—all without the need for menu diving or external sequencers. The system even supports different waveforms for automated movement, simulating classic LFO shapes like sine waves, and allows for fine-tuning of depth and rate.

The demonstration segment showcases the Reface Robot 2’s ability to translate human gestures into repeatable, automated actions. In demo mode, users can freely move any control, with the robotic arms responding instantly to touch. The presenters walk through a series of hands-on examples, manipulating filter cutoff, resonance, and envelope settings in real time, while the audience can observe both the sonic and visual results.

Recording a movement is as simple as entering record mode and performing a sweep on a chosen parameter. Once captured, these movements can be played back at different speeds, allowing for precise, repeatable automation. The presenters also highlight how this system can simulate LFO effects, such as automated sweeps and rhythmic modulations, all programmed directly from the front panel. This approach brings a new level of precision and creativity to sound design, making complex modulation accessible without external gear.

In its final moments, the video underscores how the Reface Robot 2 offers a uniquely tactile and visual way to interact with synthesis. The robotic arms not only automate parameter changes but also provide a mesmerizing visual display, making the process of sound creation more engaging and intuitive. The presenters liken the experience to having extra fingers, enabling complex modulations that would otherwise be physically impossible in real time.

This prototype stands out as both an educational tool and a performance enhancer. By removing menu diving and making every function immediately accessible, the Reface Robot 2 lowers the barrier to creative exploration. While still a concept, it points toward a future where synthesis is as much about interaction and play as it is about sound. Yamaha Synths Official delivers a compelling vision of what happens when robotics and musical expression collide.