SYNTH WEEK 2024: Cherry Audio's latest release, Chroma synthesizer, brings the legendary sounds of the 1982 Rhodes Chroma synthesizer into the digital age. After a meticulous development process lasting over a year and a half, the Chroma virtual instrument offers unprecedented authenticity and ease of use.
Recognizing the iconic status of the Chroma and the challenges posed by its vast parameter set, Cherry Audio committed to creating a plugin that faithfully reproduces every aspect of the original while vastly improving the user interface and ease of operation. The result is a virtual instrument that captures the essence of the original Chroma and enhances the user experience with modern conveniences and an intuitive interface.
In 1979, ARP Instruments developed the 16-voice polyphonic Chroma analog synthesizer. Despite ARP facing bankruptcy in 1981, the design was taken over by Rhodes, who produced it from 1982 to 1984 in limited quantities. Notable users include Herbie Hancock, Joe Zawinul, and the band Spandau Ballet, whose 1983 hit album True featured the synthesizer prominently.
To celebrate the launch, Cherry Audio has created "The Story of Chroma," a captivating video documentary exploring the history of the original synthesizer through conversations with key figures from the industry's pioneering era.
Key Features of the Cherry Audio Chroma Synthesizer
- Authentic Sound Reproduction: Meticulously emulated to match the original Rhodes Chroma, from its 16 polyphonic voices to its expressive velocity and aftertouch capabilities.
- Extensive Modular Elements: 16 Oscillators, Filters, VCAs, and LFOs, and 32 Envelope Generators arranged in 16 distinct preconfigured signal paths, offering a range of setups and configurations.
- Enhanced User Experience: Intuitive pop-up menus and real-time displays simplify the programming process, making it accessible to novices and seasoned professionals.
- Expander Module Integration: Includes the Chroma Expander, adding an entire second Chroma synthesizer to the mix, running in layer or split modes for expanded creative possibilities.
- Full Array of Effects: Seven studio-quality onboard effects, including distortion, phaser, flange/chorus, delay, and reverb, as well as a global EQ and limiter.
- Direct Patch Import: Chroma is an emulation so accurate that can import program data directly from the actual hardware, SysEx files, or even WAV files based on the original cassette tapes, bringing decades of sound design into a modern workflow.
- 700 Extraordinary Presets: Loaded with the original 250 factory presets and enriched by an additional 450 custom presets crafted by a stellar team of sound designers. The Chroma Classics Preset Pack (sold separately) includes 100 more phenomenal presets that blend vintage tones with a contemporary feel.
Computer Music magazine recently reviewed Cherry Audio's Chroma, rating it 10 out of 10 and giving it the Editor's Choice and Value Awards, citing its attention to detail and sonic versatility.
Cherry Audio aims to celebrate the legacy of the Chroma and make its unique sounds and capabilities accessible to a broader audience. Chroma is priced at only $69, making it an ideal choice for musicians and producers looking to incorporate vintage synthesizer sounds into their projects.
The virtual instrument is available for macOS and Windows, and a free 30-day demo is available from cherryaudio.com.
"Cherry Audio does it again with the Chroma. Love the recreation, love the presets, too." Mike Dean - Multi-GRAMMY award-winning hip hop record producer, audio engineer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist
"Cherry's presentation of the instrument's topology and ease of programming presents a massive quality of life improvement, making it a much more user-friendly experience." Vince Pupillo, Jr - Associate Director of EMEAPP (Electronic Music Education Preservation Project)
"It's just how I remember it sounding when I first played it! It was more than a stroll down memory lane." Steve Weingart - Jazz-funk keyboard player who has performed with Chaka Khan, Kenny Rankin, Jimmy Earl, Ernie Watts, and many more.
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