Cherry Audio | DS-2 Preset Design with Andrew Longhurst

video upload by Cherry Audio

"Musician, producer, and sound designer Andrew Longhurst details his track “Clouds Below, Hills Above,” created entirely with Cherry Audio’s Crumar DS-2 synthesizer. Andrew contributed his own collection of 100 presets which can be explored further in Crumar DS-2.

Check out 'Clouds Below, Hills Above' and 16 other demo tracks at https://cherryaudio.com/products/ds-2...

Andrew first worked on soft/hardware development, preset design and sample libraries in 1983, going on to work create for Sony, Amek, DAR, Steinberg, eMagic, Lexicon, Klark Technic, Akai PMI, Roland, E-Mu, Creative Labs, Novation, Red Sound, dS-Tec, Yamaha and others. After 25 years in AV/VR, he has recently returned to product and sound design.

Cherry Audio's Crumar DS-2 synthesizer faithfully replicates the unique digital/analog sound of the original hardware synth from 1978. This latest collaboration with Crumar Instruments not only captures the distinctive tone and multitimbral capabilities of the original but also enhances them, offering an impressive combination of innovation and authenticity."

Cherry Audio Introduces Crumar DS-2 Software Synthesizer

video upload by Cherry Audio

Cherry Audio Crumar DS-2: Full tutorial by CatSynth TV

Patreon: / catsynth | https://shop.catsynth.com | https://ko-fi.com/catsynth

Playlist:

1. Cherry Audio's DS-2 Part 1 | DCOs, Polyphonic Engine & Factory Presets
2. Cherry Audio's Crumar DS-2 Part 2 | VCF, VCA, voice modes
3. Cherry Audio's Crumar DS-2 Part 3 | Effects, Arpeggiator, Presets

Press release follows:


Cherry Audio Launches Crumar DS-2 Synthesizer

Based on the original 1978 hardware, this value-packed emulation revives the digital control and analog soul of an often forgotten landmark in synth history.

(March 31) Cherry Audio is excited to announce the release of the Crumar DS-2 synthesizer, a virtual instrument that faithfully replicates and significantly enhances the original 1978 hardware synth that was ahead of its time. This release marks the latest collaboration with Crumar Instruments, following last year’s acclaimed Spirit synthesizer, revisiting a groundbreaking Italian synth and infusing it with Cherry Audio’s signature style.

Crumar DS-2 by Cherry Audio is available now for only $59 at cherryaudio.com and through authorized resellers, bringing its rare and legendary “vintage digital” sound to the modern production environment at an exceptionally low price.

The Crumar DS-2 was a unique synthesizer that combined a monophonic Synth engine alongside a fully paraphonic Poly section. The “DS” in its name stood for “Digital Synthesizer,” and it featured two Digitally Controlled Oscillators (DCOs) designed to prevent tuning drift. However, the resulting waveforms were completely stair-stepped, giving the instrument a gritty character and wild harmonics. Together, the two sections provided the DS-2 with a distinct sound that set it apart from both early digital synthesizers and classic analog models.

Building upon the foundation of the vintage hardware, Cherry Audio’s virtual Crumar DS-2 introduces several powerful modern enhancements to expand its creative potential. The monophonic Synth section now includes unison and multi-voice modes, providing panning and tuning options, as well as polyphonic functionality with 4, 8, or 16 voices. The Poly section supports full 32-note polyphony, and DS-2 now features a keyboard split mode in addition to the layered mode.

The Synth section now includes a stair-stepped sine waveform option, and oscillator sync has been added. A third LFO has been introduced, and LFO options now include discrete delays, sync, retrigger, reverse wave, and one-shot capabilities. The five-part LFO Mixer, previously hardwired to specific destinations, now offers six assignable destinations with 33 options each, providing unparalleled modulation flexibility.

The envelopes have been enhanced with an initial delay stage (DADSR) and velocity sensitivity, and now include looping functionality. Additionally, the Poly section now features VCA release control, making it better suited to powerful string-synth sonics. Touch control has been added with four slots and simple click-to-assign functionality, supporting both channel and polyphonic aftertouch with compatible MIDI controllers.

The VCF has been upgraded to include a 12dB 2-pole in addition to the original 24dB 4-pole option, along with polarity and key-follow adjustments. Other enhancements include an assignable bend range, a dedicated mod wheel, and a dynamic arpeggiator that can be applied to either or both sections. DS-2 also offers three customizable effects chains with 20 studio-quality effects, allowing users to arrange, save, and recall their settings. Over 300 professionally designed presets are organized into 14 categories to inspire instant creativity.

Cherry Audio is also offering the Deep Space Preset Pack for DS-2 for only $9.99. This pack includes an extra 100 presets that provide an in-depth exploration of DS-2's sophisticated modulation routing, expressive performance features, layers and splits, arpeggiator, and studio-quality effects.

Crumar DS-2 reflects Cherry Audio’s ongoing dedication to delivering high-quality sound at an unbeatable price, even in uncertain times. Priced at just $59, the DS-2 is an ideal choice for synth enthusiasts who value both exceptional tone and affordability. Furthermore, until April 13th, producers can purchase the Crumar DS-2 as part of Cherry Audio’s “Build Your Own Bundle” options. Customers can select a Pick 3 bundle for $99 (regularly $119) or a Pick 6 bundle for only $149 (regularly $169), allowing you to mix and match any of their award-winning instruments for as little as $25 per plugin.

Cherry Audio’s Crumar DS-2 synthesizer is available for macOS (10.13 or later) and Windows (7 or later) in AU, VST, VST3, AAX, and standalone formats. A free 30-day demo is available. Visit cherryaudio.com for additional product details, a deep-dive introductory video, system requirements, and an extensive collection of awe-inspiring sound demos.

Steiner EVI rare wind synth SN 0024

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this Vemia listing

Click the auction link on top when you get there for additional listings.

Interesting note about Apocalypse Now:

"Crumar/Steiner - EVI (s/n E1/00248) Electronic Valve Instrument analogue synth, designed by Nyle Steiner of Steiner-Parker fame. This one is manufactured by Crumar, who he started collaborating with in the late 70s. All working well and generally good condition. 220V with UK plug.

VEMIA note: the EVI was responsible for all of the solo melodies on the great soundtrack of Apocalypse Now, among many other major film credits. VEMIA can collect and pack: 12GBP."

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Rare CRUMAR Orchestrator 2 Synthesizer

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this eBay listing

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Crumar Spirit Analog Monosynth

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this eBay listing

"37-key Analog Monosynth with 2 Oscillators, Sync, ADSR Filter and Loudness Envelopes, Arpeggiator, MIDI/CV Converter, and CV/audio/pedal Control I/O"

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AnalogFX SER-2020 analog monophonic Synthesizer deeper Review. The rise of the Synton Syrinx!

video upload by Knobs & Switches

"here is my deeper review about the AnalogFX SER-2020 analog Synthesizer. A recreation of the legendary and sought after Synton Syrinx together with some FX Pedals and other helpers. (Antonus Step Brother, Erica Synths Perkons HD-01, Korg Drumlogue, Stylophone Beat, Ryk Modular M185 Sequencer, Waldorf KB37, Arturia Keystep Pro, CB Lost&Found, GlouGlou Flancher9, Dreadbox Lethargy, Strymon DIGv2, Boss-RV5, Meris Polymoon,

https://www.analogfx.com/products/ser...

For Pedal Power i used the MyVolts CrazyChain MkII: https://myvolts.com/CrazyChainMKII/?a...

The fancy Audio Cables are the MyVolts Candycords: https://myvolts.com/CandyCords/?a=kas

CV and Clock Cables are MyVolts Halos: https://myvolts.de/Halo/?a=kas

00:00:00​ Intro
00:00:029 Title Track (Only made with the SER-2020 incl. Drums)
00:01:44 Epilogue
00:05:48 Music and Sound Demos
00:14:47 SER-2020 Roun Down
00:19:11 VCO`s, Sync & Ringmod
00:28:03 Formant Filter, LPF & ENV
00:39:46 VCF In
00:42:02 LFO 1 & 2
00:47:37 Bend Pad & Portamento
00:49:22 Speechmode
00:51:42 Conclusion
00:52:22 Outro (SER-2020 + Korg Drumlogue only playing SER-2020 Samples)

Image Sources:

Synton Syrinx: https://greatsynthesizers.com thanks to Theo Bloderer

https://www.synthforbreakfast.nl/inte...

Used Equipment: Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max, Apple iPhone 12, Sony ZV-1, Rode Wireless ME, Universal Audio Apollo Twin Solo, Yamaha MG-06, Steinberg Cubase 14 and Final Cut Pro X"

See The Florian Schneider Collection here.

03-The Crumar Orchestrator-Brass3nt

video upload by AutomaticGainsay

AutomaticGainsay Crumar Orchestrator posts

"Here is part three of a three-part demonstration of the sound and functionality of the Brass preset and the low-pass filter found on the Crumar Orchestrator.

The theme to this series was created entirely with the Crumar Orchestrator plus drums constructed from GarageBand loops.

This video was funded by the Patreon supporters of Automatic Gainsay. Support the creation of this video and all of the Automatic Gainsay videos that have helped you by becoming an Automatic Gainsay supporter on Patreon! / automaticgainsay

If you are interested in learning about the history of synthesizers and/or how to become a synthesist being taught by a synthesist and synthesizer historian, check out the OTHER Automatic Gainsay Patreon: / automaticgainsaythewavewrights"

02-The Crumar Orchestrator-Brass2nt

video upload by AutomaticGainsay

AutomaticGainsay Crumar Orchestrator posts

"Here is part two of a three-part demonstration of the sound and functionality of the Brass preset and the low-pass filter found on the Crumar Orchestrator.

The theme to this series was created entirely with the Crumar Orchestrator plus drums constructed from GarageBand loops.

This video was funded by the Patreon supporters of Automatic Gainsay. Support the creation of this video and all of the Automatic Gainsay videos that have helped you by becoming an Automatic Gainsay supporter on Patreon! / automaticgainsay

If you are interested in learning about the history of synthesizers and/or how to become a synthesist being taught by a synthesist and synthesizer historian, check out the OTHER Automatic Gainsay Patreon: / automaticgainsaythewavewrights "

01-The Crumar Orchestrator-Brass1-nt

video upload by AutomaticGainsay

AutomaticGainsay Crumar Orchestrator posts "Here is part one of a three-part demonstration of the sound and functionality of the Brass preset and the low-pass filter found on the Crumar Orchestrator.

The theme to this series was created entirely with the Crumar Orchestrator plus drums constructed from GarageBand loops.

This video was funded by the Patreon supporters of Automatic Gainsay. Support the creation of this video and all of the Automatic Gainsay videos that have helped you by becoming an Automatic Gainsay supporter on Patreon! / automaticgainsay

If you are interested in learning about the history of synthesizers and/or how to become a synthesist being taught by a synthesist and synthesizer historian, check out the OTHER Automatic Gainsay Patreon: / automaticgainsaythewavewrights"

RetroSound Studio Tour: Classic Analog String Machines from the 70s and 80s

video upload by RetroSound

"Step inside RetroSound Studio for an in-depth studio tour focused on classic analog string machines from the golden era of the 70s and 80s.

In this video, I showcase my collection of vintage string synthesizers, legendary analog ensemble keyboards that shaped the sound of disco, prog rock, synth-pop, ambient, and early electronic music. These iconic instruments are known for their lush chorus effects, warm analog tone, and unmistakable vintage character.

From rare string machines to well-loved classics, this studio tour is a deep dive into the history, sound, and vibe of analog synth technology that continues to inspire modern music production today.

Whether you’re a synth enthusiast, producer, collector, or just love retro sounds, this tour of RetroSound Studio highlights why analog string machines remain timeless.

Stringmachine list:
0:07 Logan String Melody 2
1:30 Roland VP-330 Vocoder Plus Mk2
4:38 Crumar Performer B
7:53 Korg EPS-1
10:03 ARP Quadra
13:50 Rmif Opus
15:29 Elektronika EM-26

The analog string machine playlist:"



Shop: https://retrosound.creator-spring.com/
Bandcamp: https://retrosound.bandcamp.com/"

Crumar Steiner EVI Analog Wind Synthesizer

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this listing

Additional Perfect Circuit listings

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Behold the CRUMAR CORDATRON (1974)

video upload by Vintage Audio Institute Italia

"Chapters
..................
00:00 Introduction
00:49 Organ Section with Vibrato controls
01:47 String Machine Section
02:16 Brass Section w Filter Controls
02:47 Musical Interlude
04:51 Left Hand Chords
05:57 Left and Right hand
07:12 Musical Interlude 2
08:31 Outro

CRUMAR CORDATRON (1974) Castelfidardo

This is an accordion string machine with organ section, a brass synth section with filter controls, trigger-able analog drum sounds and chord and piano presets on a Stradella button board.
Crumar made a few different models of this type of instrument but this is the very first.
Unicorn rarity is the order of the day regarding the control key- and button board - the serial number 3 of allegedly 10 units ever put in production.

Crumar had just started producing keyboards after mainly producing accordions, and around this time they launched the three COMPAC models that definitely inspired the sections of the Cordatron: Compac Strings, Compac Brass and Compac Piano.

Most of the CRUMAR CORDATRON specifications are in the video as text already so please watch the video and read the text - but a quick roundup would look like this :

The instrument consists of mainly two separate units connected by a huge, hardwired 3-piece connector : the main sound generator unit with power supply, audio outputs, tuning and volume pedal, as well as the control unit - basically a butterflied accordion with a Stradella button board for the left hand and a regular keyboard for the right hand.

All the sounds are analog and are generated by the very first generation of divide down technology - no eproms or other intruders of vulgar modernity is on hand.
The sound generator weighs 23 kilos and is literally crammed with sandwiched layers of massive circuit boards of transistors and capacitors.

If you're into rare Italian synths and drum machines you can subscribe to our channel and please check out our other videos of rare gems, but you might also enjoy the V.A.I. website : a photo book and encyclopedia Italian Vintage Synths and Drum Machines: https://www.vintageaudioinstitute.com/"

Crumar bit 01 black CEM3328, w/ Tauntek OS & Stereoping Controller

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this Reverb listing

"It has the CEM3328 filters, sounding great.

I have installed the Tauntek firmware, allowing realtime MIDI control, especially great with the included Stereoping Controller.

The Stereoping Controller has an overlay of the G8-P edition glued and the bit 01 overlay is only thrown above, which works top notch as is and makes it even easier to dust clean (I have some other editions overlays I may include for free if interested)."

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Crumar Spirit Analog Synthesizer SN 175664

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this Reverb listing

"WORKING CONDITION: Excellent. Every parameter, switch, knob and pitch / mod wheel is flawless. The unit sounds fantastic and the keybed is smooth. Amazing Moog 12/24dB/oct filter and resonance.

PHYSICAL CONDITION: Excellent. There are no visible blemishes on this synthesizer."

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Crumar Performer Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer SN 01003

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this listing

Additional Perfect Circuit listings

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Crumar Bit One (1985) #awarattarawa #synth #synthesizer #vintagesynth #electronicmusic #berlin

video upload by A war at Tarawa

"closing the year with my favourite synth…. The Crumar Bit One

please consider adding a like and a comment to support future content 🙏🏻"

Vintage Synths Doing Classic Horror Movie Themes | Top 8

video upload by Espen Kraft

"8 horror movie theme covers performed with a variety of classic 80s and 90s synths, samplers and drum machines.

The thumbnail image is not AI generated."

Roland JX-3P, Yamaha KX88, Roland Juno-106, Roland JX-8P, Elka OMB 5, Bit01, Roland Jupiter-8, John Bowen Solaris, Oberheim Matrix-12, Sequential Six-Trak, & Prophet-VS.

Crumar Bit99 - Relective 3D Inscriptions Intact Version

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this Reverb listing

"BIT99 in very good condition.

40 years vintage synth released in 1985

Analog synthesizer.

Polyphonic

Rare 3D Reflective Lettering Intact .

Superb 80s Look . TRON movie design inspiration

Beautiful Violins, Brass, and Bass.

Prophet 5 filter and sound family type"

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Vieni Uomo

video upload by Davide Micheli

Update: walktrough added below.

"This song, titled 'Vieni Uomo,' is inspired by the Italo disco dance music of the 1980s.

This piece was actually recorded using some analog electronic synthesizers and string machines from the 1980s, such as the Crumar Bit99, Crumar Multiman-S, and Solton Programmer 24. The vocal part also features a barely audible Hammond organ background. This part is played along with the String Machine connected to an analog phaser. Other synthesizers I used include the Prophet 6 and the Korg Prologue 16 for some solo parts. For the vocal part, I used the full analog GRP V22 vocoder, which is truly fantastic.

For the drum machine, I used a vintage Dynacord P20-8 bit from the 1980s.

I also used an Oberheim OB-X8 to create an adaptation break before the vocoder part.

This song truly evokes 1980s Italo Disco music, and the sound is typical of that genre.

I'll post a later video detailing the recording process for this song, track by track.

The song is scheduled for release on major streaming platforms on December 3, 2025."

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RaceRunner Phaser introduction

video upload by Kanawha Music

"A quick video introducing our new Phaser module, and exact replica of the 'chorus' effect from the Crumar RoadRacer electric piano."