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.

Crumar DS-2 Vintage Monster Mono+Polysynth

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.

VEMIA is Peter Forrest's auction house. He is the author of The A-Z of Analogue Synthesizer Books.

"Here is a great example of a CRUMAR DS2 vintage digital / analog synthesizer. Very clean conditions, it looks impressive with lot of modulation controls. Sounds is tipically warm with an unique character. I have available a MIDI kit for the mono VCOs that I can supply on request (150 euros, or 300 euros installed). This rare synth has been serviced and currently working in original conditions with included its original lid."

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Crumar DS-2 - "Vintage Sampler Series" 165 Samplepack

video upload by LFOstore

"Welcome to the sounds of Vintage Treassure - Crumar DS2 Synthesizer (1978)

BUY: https://lfo.sellfy.store/p/crumar-ds-...

Nick Klimenko had a great opportunity to play on the one of the rariest instrument in the world & sample fully restored & tuned DS-2 synthesizer!

Big Thanks to Alex & Dmitriy for this gift!

Now you have an access to 165 exclusive samples:

Leads
Basses
Drones
Strings
Pads
Seq's
FX
Plucks
Bells

Hi quality 24/44 samples (161 mb) in root "C" in different octaves to transpose to any not you want."

Late '70s Crucianelli / Crumar DS-2 Analogue Synthesizer

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

via this auction

"Dive into the 1970s with the Crumar DS-2 Synthesiser, an instrument that’s more stable than your average Italian sports car but with a sound that can get just as wild. A synth that marries digital precision with analogue warmth, creating a sound as rich and inviting as a Tuscan sunset. The DS-2 is kept in tune thanks to its pioneering digitally controlled oscillators (DCOs); and its unique, simple 'poly' voice, supports the equally unique mono voice you sculpt above it (highest note prioritised). This beautifully weird marriage offers a lushness of sound that could make even a seasoned maestro swoon.

Its dual LFOs, Moog-flavoured filter, and agile ADSRs are your ingredients for culinary sonic excellence, whether you're concocting the bass line of the next disco hit or simmering up some ambient soundscapes. In an era where synths often come with more presets than personality, the DS-2 stands out as a testament to hands-on creativity and the enduring appeal of Italian craftsmanship. The renaissance is now, so put down your chisel, and carve some soundwaves instead!

This is a typically Italian synthesiser, a very playful user experience with all the expected quirks and idiosyncrasies. Lift-off lid not included."

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Crumar DS-2 synthesizer monophonic / polyphonic + manuals (serviced)

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

via this auction

"Completely overhauled Crumar DS-2 synthesizer with its original owner's (in German) and service manual available! All potentiometers are been replaced by new ones, the volumes of the monophonic and polyphonic part are matched, it's recapped and serviced...

The DS2 is a fantastic synth to work with. It can be played polyphonic and/or monophonic, it has two LFOs which can be used at the same time, I like the modulation options where you can choose which LFO you use, it has two glide modes, a great filter, two ENVs and so on."

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UVI Introduces Synth Anthology 4

video uploads by UVI

Note the above is a playlist featuring 4 videos. You can use the player controls to skip through them or just watch them all in order.

Details on Synth Anthology 4 follow:

The authentic sound of 200 synthesizers, from vintage to modern
4,000+ presets and layers deliver incredible sound with hardware soul
Feature-packed dual-layer engine with fx, arpeggiator and more

Synth Anthology 4 - A Synthesizer Tour de Force
https://www.uvi.net/synth-anthology-4

Rebuilt from the ground-up, Synth Anthology 4 now features the authentic hardware sound of 200 vintage and modern synthesizers, a fully redesigned engine with powerful features, fx, arpeggiator, smart sound suggestion engine, native MPE support, and more.
A dreamlike collection!

Also included in SonicPass ➡️ https://www.uvi.net/sonicpass

Video credits: Anthony Hak
Music Credits: Théo & Thomas

"The Best Keeps Getting Better

What's new in version 4?

Almost everything!
We've rebuilt the engine from the ground-up, added more synths, more presets, more effects, more filters, more modulation, a dedicated browser, a second fully-customizable layer for creating hybrid and blended timbres, an all-new smart suggestion engine that helps you quickly find similar sounds, a more powerful arpeggiator/phraser, bus effects, native MPE support, and more!

Real Hardware Sounds There is something unmistakable about the sound of a real hardware synth, from subtle differences between voice circuits and drift to the varied way filters bite into the sound; there's a distinct character and energy. Synth Anthology 4 delivers the authentic and uncompromising hardware sound with all the conveniences of a modern software instrument.

Every piece of hardware represents a unique creative vision, sonic character, innovations, and strengths. Whatever you're looking for, from analog to digital, vintage classic to future classic, you will find it here. Synth Anthology 4 delivers an incredible collection of hardware, every major manufacturer, every type of synthesis, every era, 200 synthesizers in all.

You won't find a more complete collection anywhere else."

The list:

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Crazy Vincent SELLS 100 synths & keeps 26! EP1 = intro, synth list, and new studio space.

video upload by Vincent Presley

"After 2 years of crazy synth buying, Vincent has the new Secret Records studio down to a mere 26 synthesizers that he claims are better than the rest.....
Before you watch, maybe you can make your own list of what you would have kept or make some guesses about what Crazy Vincent kept. Remember..... he's not like other people.

Support the label, the studio, and us at secretrecords.bandcamp.com

Chapters:
00:00 Opening Music
00:14 Introduction
01:32 Overview
03:04 Stack One
04:49 Stack Two
05:48 Stack Three
07:23 Stack Four
08:43 Stack Five
09:23 Stack Six
09:55 Stack Seven
11:12 Stack Eight
13:19 Outro
14:50 Some Music

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Sun Ra Plays the Crumar DS-2 Synthesizer

video upload by Farsetto Nero

"1978’s Crumar DS2 analog synth"

Crumar DS2 Synthesizer

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

via this auction

"Completely serviced by wellknown dutch top tech (with invoice)
Great state, great sound and complete with lid/hardcase.

The DS-2 is basically a monosynth with an added 44-voice polyphonic strings section. The DS-2 uses DCOs (digitally controlled osc.) making it stable in tune. That isn't to say it can't sound fat...it can. Especially if you use the polyphonic string section and apply some slow LFO modulation to the pitch. This is a very big and good looking synth with a lot of knobs for instant hands-on control. And you don't need a hardcase, it's built into one. Just lift the cover and there it is.

It has two nice LFOs, one with S&H and staircase waveforms. You can use either or both LFOs for modulation of Osc 1, Osc 2, VCF and the VCA. Pulse-width can be set manually or modulated by either LFO. The VCF is killer, it has a nice Moog sound in it that fattens up the sound. The two ADSRs are very fast so there's no problem making bass and drum sounds with it. It has an external input for processing other sounds through its lovely filter too."

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This Analog Synth Arrived Broken...

video upload by HAINBACH

"When I first heard the Crumar DS-2 I was enchanted: it sounds absolutely wonderful and is, like most Italian synths, a true player's instrument. I get why Sun Ra dug it so much. But it is a risky synthesizer to buy: according to vintagesynth.com it is one of "the most unreliable on the used market". And mine was no exception. The seller claimed that "you can make music with it" and he was not wrong, even though he did not say it was this messed up. I was very close to sending it back, but then I started really playing it. This is what happened.

Get the tape and book of my DS-2 album 'Tagwerk':
https://industrialcomplexx.bandcamp.c..."

Hainbach is the paradigm of the revaluation of outdated material and the reconditioning of machines destined for other purposes that have nothing to do with sound, although his work as a researcher is currently much broader, his technological mastery is possibly one of the most advanced of our era.

Tagwerk is an album that honours Hainbach's way of working. It is recorded on a Crumar DS-2, an early Italian synthesiser he acquired and which began to malfunction shortly after he started it up, hence the title. This album is about embracing the broken and letting it inspire you. Much of it was recorded in two days, not even daring to open the window or turn off the synthesizer for fear that inspiration would escape or that it would break completely. He recorded 22 tracks in this marathon state, and the ones on this release are the ones that survived. There is a sonic magic in that era that is unsurpassed.

Tagwerk is accompanied by a book that tells the story of this German producer and also discusses many of his machines and working techniques.

Vintage Crumar Digital Synthesizer DS-2 SN 00030

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

via this auction

Pic of the inside below. This one needs some work.

"Vintage Crumar DS-2; in very good condition, cosmetically, and mostly functions very good, Very clean inside and out; I don't think this synth has been played much, and spent the last 30 years stored in a dry climate.

lowest E key cuts out intermittently only on POLY section; but if you play it softly its fine. Works fine for both oscillators.
some of the LFO modulation routing switches are noisy.
some keys are slightly blemished
Resonance control isn't very gradual; after 9 it jumps quickly to self-oscillation.
Pitch bending potentiometer is not the original.
Missing one slider cap."

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1978 Crumar DS2 Synthesizer

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

via this auction

I think the seller is mixing up the Crumar Spirit with the DS2. From the listing:

"Der letzte von Robert Moog in den späten 70er Jahren entwickelte Synthesizer."

"The last synthesizer developed by Robert Moog in the late 70's."

Moog worked on the Crumar Spirit from 1983.

via Wikipedia: "In 1978, Crumar released their first full-fledged synthesizer, the DS-2, which had one of the earliest digitally controlled oscillators (DCO).[2] Crumar synthesizers are comparable and contemporaneous to Moog synthesizers and other analog synthesizers; in fact, the Crumar Spirit synthesizer (1983) was designed by Bob Moog himself, along with Minimoog co-designer Jim Scott and Tom Rhea (who wrote Moog manuals)."

Crumar DS-2 44-Key Keyboard / Synthesizer For Parts

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

via this auction

"What works: Powers on, all keys work, parameters work, left and right outputs work

What doesn't work: tuning is a bit unstable, master volume knob isn't smooth and makes jumps, Pitch knob in OSC 1 section is difficult to move, pitch bend is hard to move.

What it needs: a good internal cleaning and probably some caps replaced. Overall, a good experianced tech to get in there. Lots of good to work off of. Selling as is. Includes cover."

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Restored Crumar DS-2

video upload by umusic6

Crumar DS 2 Synthesizer SN 278

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

via this auction

"Tested recently. One of the oscillators is off-line. This item is a bit of a project. There is a schematic inside the cover. All original. Much of this unit is functional."

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Crumar TRILOGY Vintage Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
Crumar Trilogy Sound Test video upload by Mario Mantero

Note this video is from 2016 and not the specific TRILOGY listed below.

via this auction

“Released in 1981 by Crumar, the Trilogy is a polyphonic analog synthesizer organized in 3 sections : Polysynth, Organ and Strings. The three sections are combined into one instrument to make up the six-voice analog hybrid synth. The Trilogy is a very versatile and warm machine that can easily generate synth basses & leads, electronic pianos and organs, warm strings, lush pads and sci-fi type noises. Thanks to the razor-sharp filter resonance you can also get a variety of tuned percussive sounds.

SYNTH SECTION
The Synth section implements two 74LS221 oscillators (the same used in the ultra-rare Crumar DS-1) with saw, square and saw+square waveforms. The two oscillators can be synced or tuned separately. The Synth architecture is basically built around CEM chips and in fact it features 6 CEM VCFs, 6 CEM VCAs and 6 CEM EG (one per voice).

ORGAN SECTION
The Organ section implements two additional detunable (or syncable) master tone generators divided-down to generate the octaves of the 4 horizontal drawbars (2', 4', 8' and 16'). The fact that the two master Organ oscillators can be detuned allows to produce a vast, rich, organy sound. The Organ section is fully polyphonic and can benefit of the Glide effect and the LFO features.

STRINGS
The Strings section is relatively simple but generates warm and unique brassy string sounds. The Strings section features a stepless "Footage" knob to mix low and high strings (16 ′ to 8 ′), a cutoff filter named "Timbre" and volume Attack and Release. The Strings section is 6-voice polyphonic and can benefit of the Glide effect and the LFO features

OUTPUTS
What is nice about the Trilogy is that in addition to being able to layer the sections they all also feature individual outputs for separating the sounds. The Organ and Strings audio outputs can be taken separately from a ¼inch jack socket on the back panel, or from the socket marked 'Polysynth' which in fact gives a mix of synth and organ if used alone.

MODULATION
The Trilogy LFO features triangle and square waveforms, and sports controls not often found on other synths. These included a variable delay control that determines how quickly the LFO is brought into the sound, a variable slope for blending two separate tones, and a glide feature for a glissando pitch change in the initial attack of a sound. An oscillator sync option determines the high frequency attack of one oscillator with the other high frequency oscillator. An input on the rear panel allowed for pedal control of this function.
Geek Porn : the presets 2->8 are not "static", they just cannot be edited using the synth knobs and sliders. You need to open the synth and tweak the dozens of trimpots placed on the preset board using an insulated screwdriver!”

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The Forgotten Synthesizers Of Marche Region

video upload by HAINBACH

Update: you can find additional posts featuring The Museo Del Synth Marchigiano here.

"The Marche Region in Italy was home to a thriving industry of music instrument production from the 1950s to the mid-90s. Tens of thousands of people made organs, accordions and small runs of synthesizers that were like nothing else in the world. Much production closed in the 90s, leaving only a few companies around, and many people lost their jobs. The history of Marche synths was not talked about, too bitter were the memories. The Museo Del Synth Marchigiano aims to change that - a motley crew of synth lovers work together to get the story about this special time in music instrument history out.

I was invited to play a show at Acusmatic Festival in Ancona and visit the collection before. I was overwhelmed by the amazing sounds these machines made, so I captured them on tape and for use in my performance. I also just had to film every synth I could get my hand for you to enjoy. You will find instruments by Siel, Elka, Elgan, Farfisa, Crumar, CRB and more here.

https://www.museodelsynth.org"

Timeline:

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CRUMAR STRATUS Vintage CEM Synthesizer SN 00269

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

via this auction

"Unfairly marked as "slimmed-down version of the Crumar Trilogy", the Stratus is actually a synth with its own character and features, a hybrid keyboard with a set of sounds which belong neither to the world of the conventional organ nor to that of complex polyphonic synth. Released in 1982, it's a 6-voices polyphonic analog synthesizer + organ synth which can be played separately or simultaneously.

SYNTH SECTION

The Synth section implements two 74LS221 oscillators (the same used in the ultra-rare Crumar DS-1) with saw, square and saw+square waveforms. The two oscillators can be synced or tuned separately. The Synth architecture is basically built around CEM chips and in fact it features 6 CEM VCFs, 6 CEM VCAs and 6 CEM EG (one per voice). The CEM filters and envelopes, combined with the various oscillator features, make it possible to create a wide range of electronic pianos, lush strings, quasi-vocal pads and tuned percussive sounds. A very unusual (unique?) feature is the "Alternate" switch: this automatically switches between sawtooth and square on every key depression, or only after all the keys have been released and one is depressed again.

ORGAN SECTION

The Organ section implements two additional detunable (or syncable) master tone generators divided-down to generate the octaves of the 4 horizontal drawbars (2', 4', 8' and 16'). The fact that the two master Organ oscillators can be detuned allows to produce a vast, rich, organy sound. The Organ section is fully polyphonic and can benefit of the Glide effect and the LFO features. The Organ audio output can be taken separately from a ¼inch jack socket on the back panel, or from the socket marked 'Polysynth' which in fact gives a mix of synth and organ if used alone.

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Crumar Composer Digital keyboard synthesizer DS-2

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

via this auction

"Pitch bending needs to be cleaned

Right output is a little lower than the left output

Keyboard contacts need to be cleaned

All keyboard keys work

Both oscillators work great and tune perfectly

Keyboard is in excellent condition

Front panel is in excellent condition

Both side wood panels are in great condition

The tolex case is in good condition with no rips or tears

The unit has no scratches or damage

Everything else appears to be working fine"

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