Ear Candy: The Best EP Sounds of the 80s (Full Walkthrough with Intro)

video upload by JimDaneker

"Ear Candy is the ultimate collection of iconic EP (electric piano) sounds from the 80s & early 90s, meticulously deep-sampled for MainStage/Logic and Kontakt. These are the most "expensive" sounding EPs you heard on the biggest hits of the decade, by countless artists.

This is a walkthrough of all patches, with background info on the instruments captured.

Get Ear Candy at:

https://backstagepass.store/earcandy

Table of contents:

00:00:00 - *** Intro Teaser
00:00:32 - *** DX DREAMS: History & FX options
00:02:45 - Clique & reverb options
00:04:01 - Dreaming of the 80s
00:04:25 - Multi-Layer EP: DX Dreams vs. plugin options

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Rhodes Chroma Synthesizer, Restored & Upgraded

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

via this Reverb listing

Video in the listing previously posted here.

"This Rhodes Chromas is in perfect working order, sounds absolutely great, and has been thoroughly updated & reconditioned:

• CC+ Kit Installed – The original CPU board has been removed and replaced with the fabulous CC+ kit. The Chroma CC+ Kit (CPU Plus) significantly upgrades the original Rhodes Chroma synthesizer by adding essential modern features like integrated MIDI, much more program storage (200 programs in 4 banks) instead of the original's limited space, better control over parameters, and expanded MIDI functionality. It essentially modernizes the vintage keyboard, making it fully controllable via MIDI and allowing for complex patch management. It also replaces the original battery-backed memory with non-volatile RAM, eliminating the need to replace the batteries, and removing the danger of battery acid damage.

• MIDI Adapter Included – The Chroma can now send and receive MIDI. With its wooden, velocity-sensitive keyboard, it becomes a fantastic MIDI controller.

• New Power Supply Installed – The original power supply included a large, heavy transformer, and generated a lot of heat. The new switching power supply, designed in Italy specifically for the Chroma, is energy-efficient, reliable, and regulated, ensuring that the Chroma will be stable and noise-free.

• Serviced – All voice cards have had new capacitors installed. All faulty 4000-series logic chips have been replaced, along with several faulty op-amps. Faulty traces and connectors have been replaced.


All voices pass auto-tune test and play perfectly. We’ve burned in the Chroma for 8+ hours and it works perfectly and stays in tune. All keys have been removed and cleaned, and the action feels great. All key contacts have been cleaned and work correctly, with good velocity response.

Cosmetically, the Chroma has some scratches and marks from its 40+ years of use, but overall it’s quite presentable as you can see in the photos.

The Chroma includes the original flight case – however, the foam has gone bad, and has been removed. The flight case would need to be re-foamed to be used to transport the instrument.

The Chroma is available for pickup in Las Vegas, Nevada. We can also personally deliver the Chroma to the Los Angeles, Phoenix, or St. George areas for $150.

The attached video demonstrates the Chroma playing three of the factory preset sounds.

I also have a video showing all 8 voice cards (16 oscillators, 16 filters, 16 VCAs) passing auto-tune without any errors that I can send upon request."

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Retroaktiv Rhodes Chroma Polyphonic Aftertouch Demo

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video upload by Retroaktiv Synthesizers

"Playing a Rhodes Chroma with the Retroaktiv Polyphonic Aftertouch Retrofit installed. For more info, visit www.retroaktivsynthesizers.com"

Found the above video from 2017 in the following listing.

via this listing

"It is in great shape, and the wood is nearly flawless. The metal and tolex are also in great shape. It's got the CC+ CPU board upgrade, MIDI and polyphponic aftertouch. The unit has had the following work done:

Luca Sasdelli Switching Power Supply installed. (Replaces original PSU, which was underpowered)

Retroaktiv Polyphonic Aftertouch installed. Can also transmit this via MIDI to control other devices that support poly aftertouch.

CC+ CPU upgrade installed, allowing for CC control of parameters, extra memory, and more.

Other information:

One of the segments is out on the large 2-digit segment display (Which shows the current program selected). One segment is out on the 8-character mini-7-segment screen. Both of these segments are so minor that I have never been affected by them. One of the voice cards is currently coming up with an error. I am willing to replace the card before shipping the instrument. If I haven't played the Chroma for a month, certain keys will need to be exercised a few times in order to work. This is due to the leaf switches used on these. They're the same as the ones on the K250. I have never seen a keyboard that uses these that did not exhibit this behavior.

There is s small dent in the front panel near the Chroma logo. Hardly noticeable.

Voice 6 is currently throwing an error code."

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Cherry Audio Announces the Rebirth of the Long-Awaited Chroma Synthesizer

Playlist:

1. Cherry Audio | Chroma Synthesizer

2. Cherry Audio | Chroma Classics Preset Pack

Chroma Classics Preset Pack for Chroma features an additional 100 phenomenal presets by Cherry Audio's Director of Sound Design, James Terris, blending vintage tones with a contemporary feel.

https://store.cherryaudio.com/presets...

3. Cherry Audio | The Story of Chroma

"Dive into the captivating history of the Rhodes Chroma synthesizer with "The Story of Chroma," a documentary that traces its revolutionary path from the final days of ARP Instruments to its celebrated release by Rhodes in 1982. This compelling video brings to life the innovative spirit of the Chroma through the firsthand accounts of those who stood at the forefront of its creation. Hear from Dr. Tom Rhea, a renowned electronic music historian, Michael Brigida, a dedicated ARP and Rhodes product specialist, and Mary Lock, the esteemed service manager for both companies, as they recount the synthesizer's development, challenges, and triumphs. Featuring exclusive interviews and insights, this documentary not only explores the technical breakthroughs and musical possibilities the Chroma introduced but also celebrates its enduring legacy and the recent resurgence through Cherry Audio’s efforts. Witness the story of a musical marvel that continues to inspire innovation and creativity in the world of music.

Produced by Daniel Keller
Editing and graphics by Mal Meehan
Music by James Terris"

4. Cherry Audio | Introduction to Chroma Synthesizer

Synth designer Mitchell Sigman of Cherry Audio introduces Chroma, Cherry Audio's virtual instrument that emulates the 1982 Rhodes Chroma polyphonic analog synthesizer and its Expander unit.

Online User Guide at https://docs.cherryaudio.com/cherry-a...

0:10 Introduction
1:18 User Interface Basics
4:44 Voice Architecture and Patch Configuration
9:43 The Chroma Arpeggiator
11:37 Sweep Generators (the LFOs)
17:02 Envelope Generators
19:46 Chroma CPU Usage

Cherry Audio Chroma User Videos


1. Cherry Audio Chroma: A demo + tutorial of an elusive analog synth - CatSynth TV - Patreon

We take a deep dive into Cherry Audio's new Chroma, a meticulous recreation of the legendary and elusive Rhodes Chroma. It was a polyphonic analog synthesizer that came with some unique features, notably the ability to reconfigure the signal path among its oscillators, filters, and VCAs, opening up a wider range of sound possibilities. Cherry Audio's version combines these features with a modern user interface that allows direct manipulation of the parameters (unlike the original with a single data slider), and adds a full-featured effects section. We go over the expansive feature set of this instrument, showing you how each feature works and how to use them to make your own sounds.

00:00 Introduction
00:27 History of the Chroma synthesizer
01:38 Presenting the Cherry Audio Chroma
02:39 Oscillator features
06:56 Filter features
11:17 VCA features
12:42 Dual Layers configuration
16:49 Dual Layers + Oscillator Sync
18:47 Dual Layers + Ring Modulation
21:13 Filter FM
23:54 Parallel Filters
26:09 Parallel Filters + Oscillator Sync
27:04 Series Filters
31:44 Effects section
32:38 Factory Presets
39:41 Conclusion

2. Cherry Audio Chroma Expander Sounds of Chaos Beauty Virtual Synthesizer - Rik Marston Official - AhnyxianSoundDesign

3. Cherry Audio Chroma Expander Sounds of Light & Darkness Virtual Synthesizer VST - Rik Marston Official - AhnyxianSoundDesign

Press release follows:

May 14, 2024: Cherry Audio is excited to unveil Chroma, a groundbreaking virtual instrument that brings the legendary sounds of the 1982 Rhodes Chroma into the digital age.

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Rhodes Chroma Expander SN 16330003

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

via this auction

"The Expander is a Rhodes Chroma in module format. About 150 were made. This is #3.

It has been fully serviced and upgraded by Randel Osborne who has restored many Chromas and also builds the Enabler controller [see this video].

- installation of the switching power supply (by Luca Sasdelli)

- installation of the CPU Plus (CC+) control board (MIDI upgrade with breakout cable)

- replacement of electrolytic capacitors and addition of bypass capacitors in sample/hold section of all voice cards

- refinishing of all woodwork

- complete synth testing, adjustment, cleaning

Extreme rarity, top-level restoration and essential upgrades make this Expander a very special instrument and high-value investment. It's the rarest version of ARP's most powerful synth, in perfect working condition. Amazing by itself or interfaced with another Chroma."

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Rhodes Chroma Expander #16

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

via this auction

"The Expander is a Rhodes Chroma in module format. Less than 200 Expanders were made.
This is #16.

It has been fully serviced and upgraded by Randel Osborne who has restored many Chromas and also builds the Enabler controller (video below). [posted here - V2.0 demo here]

- installation of the switching power supply (by Luca Sasdelli)
- installation of the CPU Plus (CC+) control board (MIDI upgrade with breakout cable)
- complete synth testing, adjustment, cleaning

Extreme rarity, top-level restoration and essential upgrades make this Expander a very special instrument and high-value investment. It’s the rarest version of ARP’s most powerful synth, in perfect working condition. Amazing by itself or paired with another Chroma."

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Rhodes Chroma - Fully Restored, with CC+ and New Power Supply

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

via this auction

This Rhodes Chroma is in excellent condition and performs exactly as it should. It has been fully restored and upgraded by Chroma guru Randel Osborne. Randel has restored many Chromas and also builds the Enabler controller. It’s hard to imagine a better example of this rare instrument: beautiful, modernized and 100% Randel certified.

Restoration included:
- complete synth cleaning, calibration and testing
- voice board servicing
- refinishing of the woodwork
- installation of the modern switching power supply by Luca Sasdelli
- installation of the CPU Plus (CC+) control board (MIDI upgrade with breakout cable)

The keybed is in superb shape, with a comfortable feel between piano and synth action."

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Rhodes Chroma + Enabler + Midi Kit

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

via this auction

"Here is the opportunity to get a Rhodes Chroma with its Enabler in Perfect Condition !

*Professionally SERVICED in FULL Working order*

All the logic and linear circuits on the 8 cards without forgetting to solder CI supports.

All the decoupling and filtering condos, trimmers and transistors have been changed on the 8 cards.

4 CEM 3360 and 4 CEM3350 have been changed to 4 Channels.

The MOLEX connectors on the 8 cards have been changed.

All the CIs have been unsoldered and changed on the I / O BOARD and DUAL CHANNEL cards.

I reprogrammed an EPROM for keyboard management.

Of course the power supply has been changed by a new one as well as the installation of a CPU ++ card in order to control the magnificent ENABLER."

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ARP Rhodes Chroma with Full Panel Enabler Knob Control + Keybed Retrofit Kit

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

via this auction

That is one impressive image. Note the Chroma Expander on top of the first Chroma on the left.

"Very Rare, Ultra well maintained Rhodes Chroma + Enabler

Check this out when listing.` NB: Photo taken from site of original builder - RedShift Consulting - (original photos to replace this soon to come!)

It's like having 8 ARP 2600's in a box with pressure and velocity sensing and one knob for every function... [maybe not quite - you can read about the Chroma on the excellent rhodeschroma.com]

1. New CPU
2. Extensive Servicing
3. Full Enabler (Full Scale ARP like design one-knob per control, Panel)
4. Sound libraries, tips and notes
5. Original documents and accesories (pedals"

Synthchaser #117 - Rhodes Chroma Repair & Restoration Part 2 - Power Supply & Recapping

Published on Apr 9, 2019 Synth Chaser

http://www.synthchaser.com

"In the last Rhodes Chroma video we figured out why this synthesizer wouldn't work. In this video, we make the repair to the power supply as well as recap the synth and clean up some corrosion on the CPU board."

Synthchaser Rhodes Chroma Repair

Rhodes ARP Chroma 2103 Analog Keyboard Synthesizer SN 21030156

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

via this auction

"To say the Chroma sounds superb is an understatement. The flexibility, rawness, charm, and feel of the Chroma is magical. I purchased this in 2013 and had it repaired and upgraded with the new PSU and CPU (CC+).

Everything works and has been tested the night of this listing. That said, I can only sell the Chroma as-is. It’s enormous, heavy, and the voice cards can be finicky when moved in transit."

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Rhodes/ARP Chroma 2103 Analog Keyboard Synthesizer

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

via this auction

"Vintage early 80's analog synth Rhodes Chroma Model 2103 #0567, the last significant project by ARP synthesizers. 16 channel programmable polyphonic synth with true dynamic keyboard feel (velocity and after-touch sensitive full-size wooden keys). This keyboard is in great physical condition. It has seen no use since it was purchased from the music store 35 yrs ago. The keyboard is close to being physically immaculate, clean in and out, not a nick on it. Original wood looks great and all keys like new and snap right back responsively with no marks on them at all. Keyboard has the original power supply which still works. That being said, electronics like to be on and 35 years of no use results in some necessary internal service. When switched on the fan runs but LED's aren't lighting up. This will need to be checked out by a technician but I've already discussed with and been estimated to completely upgrade to full working condition the following, where necessary, new power supply, new CPU board, any issues with analog voices etc. somewhere in the range of $1000-$2000. Pro re-furbed units have been recently selling by known brokers in the $8000-$9000 range and there is currently one selling on eBay for ($9699)."

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Rhodes Chroma w/ CC+ Midi ~ Poly Analog Synthesizer

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via this auction

"This one is in beautiful cosmetic condition and working 100%. It has just been serviced and with some restoration. As the title says, this one has the CPU Plus (CC+ Midi upgrade). It will come with the original pedal, the midi box, and a newly foamed road case made for this unit when it was originally purchased (from the original owner). It is likely the nicest Rhodes Chroma on Ebay."

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Rhodes Chroma - Legendary Synthesizer

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via this auction

"This listing is for a Rhodes Chroma incl. CC + CPU upgrade (midi). this is a legendary synth used by eg. vangelis scoring bladerunner."

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Rhodes Chroma CC MIDI SPSU Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer SN 30472

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

via this auction

"RC w/ SPSU & CC MIDI Upgrades, Factory Pedals + Polyphonic Aftetouch kit!
S/N #21034105 Made in Fullerton, CA, USA, Pro-Serviced

In 2017, this Chroma was repaired, calibrated, tuned by Greg Montalbano, a world-class synth tech.

This is the ONLY Chroma you will see listed with the following features & benefits:
includes resurfaced top/back cover (bead-blasted, powder-coated)
includes pedals, fully renovated
CC MIDI, with breakout box, & SPSU Power Supply Upgrades --> 100% DAW-ready!
Aftertouch kit included (not installed)
Free Anvil case OR hand delivery to CA/OR/WA/NV/AZ
Exterior: Chassis/Cabinet/Panels:
Membrane panels are working perfectly, all LEDs are bright, all sliders function, and are original.
Renovated original cherry cabinet: dark walnut w/ semi-gloss finish (see pics).
No rust/corrosion present in the chassis of the synth itself.
Some light oxidation on some contacts (see pics), they all function 100%
Interior
CCMIDI+ CPU Board (with the MIDI Breakout Box):
Channel motherboard, I/O Board, EQ Boards all in Excellent shape
All 8 Voice Cards (0-7) look great and tune PERFECTLY.

CC+ Midi Upgrade and Breakout box (pictured)
This CC Midi Upgrade offer CC+ parameter control from BCR2000 or other common MIDI control surfaces.

SPSU
The SPSU power supply greatly reduces emitted heat, and reduces the transformer weight of this unit. See rhodeschroma-dot-com for more details."

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Rhodes Chroma SN 21030391

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

via this auction

via the seller: "This is the second Rhodes Chroma restored for me by Chroma guru Randel Osborne. The first one was sold in July.
Refer to Randel's extensive synth restoration work at : otb.redshift-consulting.com/Welcome.html
and his amazing Enabler controller for the Chroma: enabler.redshift-consulting.com

This Chroma is in excellent physical condition for its age and 100% functional.
Randel's restoration included:
- installation of the modern switching power supply by Luca Sasdelli
- installation of the CPU Plus (CC+) control board (midi upgrade)
- recapping of the voice cards and calibration
- complete synth dissembly, cleaning and testing

Additional included items:
- midi breakout cable
- Chromatrol overlay for the Behringer BCR2000 (see the rhodeschroma.com website for details)
- brand new custom case by Calzone (Anvil) worth $600

The Chroma will be shipped fully insured in the included case."

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Rhodes Chroma, Completely Restored, with CC+ Midi SN 21030521

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

via this auction

"This beauty was completely restored for me by Chroma guru Randel Osborne in 2015.
Please refer to his extensive restoration work at: otb.redshift-consulting.com/Welcome.html
and his incredible Enabler controller for the Chroma (video [posted here]): enabler.redshift-consulting.com

It's in excellent cosmetic condition and 100% functional.
Randel's restoration included:
- installation of the switching power supply by Luca Sasdelli
- installation of the CPU Plus (CC+) control board (midi upgrade)
- recapping of the voice cards and calibration
- complete synth disassembly, cleaning and testing

The Chroma will be shipped in a newly foamed Anvil case with a custom compartment for accessories (see photos)."

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Rhodes Chroma w/ CC+ Midi

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

via this auction

"This one is in beautiful cosmetic condition and working 100%. It has just been serviced and with some restoration. It's likely the nicest Rhodes Chroma for sale anywhere. It is ready to be played and needs nothing! As the title says, this one has the CPU Plus (CC+ Midi upgrade) In addition, it also has a new power supply (SPSU) by Luca Sfregola. It will come with the original pedal, the midi box, and a newly foamed road case made for this unit when it was originally purchased."

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Rhodes Chroma Polaris

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

Super nice pics via this auction

"If you are looking at this, wise viewer, you already know what awaits; one of the most incredible polyphonic analog synthesizers ever created since the dawn of man and music. It would, in fact, not be too bold to state that this Rhodes Chroma Polaris completely embodies the timeless, incredibly sought-after sound of the 80s and beyond. From lush pads to stabbing leads, ringing pulse-modulated keys and shimmering textures, the Chroma Polaris was the absolute cutting edge of analog synthesizer technology at the time of its release in 1984. Any musician, with the means at their disposal, would be considered naught but addlebrained fools, to neglect bringing every resource to bear in acquiring this incredible machine with all due haste.

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Rhodes Chroma poly synth, with CC+ cpu upgrade SN 21030544

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

via this auction

"The Rhodes Chroma is one of the most unique and interesting sounding polysynths ever built. For lots of information on this synth, please google 'rhodes chroma' and the Rhodes Chroma website will be in the top few links. This Chroma has been restored electrically, all voices tune properly and sound great. I replaced the original CPU with a CC+ board and the original (flawed) power supply with an SPSU. These upgrades make it fully controllable by MIDI and very reliable."

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