Cherry Audio Introduces Virtual CR-78 Drum Machine

video upload by Cherry Audio

Introduction to Cherry Audio's CR-78 Drum Machine

video upload by Cherry Audio

"'I’ve had absolutely tons and tons of fun with this particular plug-in. I didn’t think I was going to enjoy it as much as I have. I’m not making it up. This is the most fun I’ve had with any plug-in I’ve ever played.'

Cherry Audio and Tim Shoebridge have again teamed up to create an extensive and entertaining video that introduces users to the classic CR-78 sounds and the new features of this tremendous virtual drum machine.

Get CR-78 today at https://cherryaudio.com/products/cr-78 for only $49!

Cherry Audio's CR-78 accurately recreates the punchy analog sounds and 34 onboard preset rhythms of the first true classic drum machine and takes it much further. We've done away with the complex beat programming, replaced it with a familiar X0X-style button-per-step interface, and added an easy-to-use song mode for pattern chaining. Unlike sample-based emulations, Cherry Audio's CR-78 uses modeled synthesis to recreate the classic tones of the original and makes a quantum leap forward by making these sounds fully editable. Four studio-quality effects are provided, with a uniquely fast and fun "send button" for each individual tone in the effects and mixer section, which also includes a complete mixer, compressor, and a six-band graphic EQ.

For more details on how to get the most out of CR-78, try the free demo and check out the User Guide at https://docs.cherryaudio.com/cherry-a...

00:00 - Introduction
01:14 - Overview - The Panels
02:50 - The Main Panel: Factory Preset Buttons and Variations
05:10 - Other Variation Options
09:55 - "Pop Quiz 1!"
12:34 - Programming Patterns
16:58 - Programming Songs
18:59 - "Pop Quiz 2!"
21:46 - Voice Edit Panel
26:26 - "Pop Quiz 3!"
27:15 - DAW Tools and Drag-Export
29:08 - Multi-Outs DAW Option
31:08 - Mixer/Effects Panel
33:18 - Melodic Tones
35:28 - "Pop Quiz Final!"
37:41 - Final Thoughts
40:20 - Outro Track"

Cherry Audio CR 78: A demo and tutorial of a class rhythm machine
video upload by CatSynth TV

"We take a detailed look at the new CR-78 from Cherry Audio, a recreation of the legendary Roland CR-78 "CompuRhythm". With its distinctive analog drum sounds and ability to program one's own rhythms in addition to the 34 presets, the CR-78 made the jump from the top shelf of home electric organs to mainstream pop music in the late 1970s and early 1980s, and set the stage for Roland's later drum machine line. Cherry Audio's version faithfully reproduces the sounds and rhythms of the original, along with some new features to expand it's possibilities an integrate into modern digital studios.


00:00 Introduction
00:23 History of the CR-78
00:57 Overview and preset rhythms
05:11 Additional rhythm controls (fade, cancel, variation, swing)
10:52 Mixer panel
12:35 Voice Edit panel (modify drum sounds)
15:19 Creating user patterns
19:54 Song mode
22:00 Effects
26:17 Factory Presets
30:20 Conclusion"

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via Cherry Audio

CR-78 -- Cherry Audio's first virtual drum machine -- accurately recreates the punchy analog sounds and 34 onboard preset rhythms of the first true classic drum machine and takes it much further. We've done away with the complex beat programming, replaced it with a familiar X0X-style button-per-step interface, and added an easy-to-use song mode for pattern chaining. Unlike sample-based emulations, Cherry Audio's CR-78 uses modeled synthesis to recreate the classic tones of the original and makes a quantum leap forward by making these sounds fully editable. Four studio-quality effects are provided, with a uniquely fast and fun "send button" for each individual tone in the effects and mixer section, which also includes a complete mixer, compressor, and a six-band graphic EQ.

In 1978, following the success of their AceTone electronic rhythm products, Roland introduced a not-so-little box that made a massive impact. Coming from a legacy of preset-based devices intended to sit atop an organ, the CompuRhythm CR-78 was entirely new: the first programmable, microprocessor-controlled, analog beatbox.

With its colorful buttons for pattern presets, distinctive analog tones, and basic pattern programming, the CR-78 was the first drum machine as we know it. Pro musicians such as Blondie, Ultravox, Phil Collins and Genesis, Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark, Roxy Music, The Cars, Hall and Oates, and many others immediately embraced and immortalized this revolutionary gear.

Waiting for this Moment

For years, musicians have requested a virtual drum machine such as this, and in Cherry Audio fashion, we've delivered it with so much more.

Cherry Audio's CR-78 is a visionary virtual drum machine that re-envisions the original by meticulously recreating and extending its distinctive sounds and beats with new programmability features, and adds over 250 additional presets that take it from mild to wild.

Pattern creation has been simplified with X0X-style 16- or 24-step sequencing, copy-and-paste, and real-time entry using trigger, keyboard, or MIDI device. CR-78 also includes an expansive song mode for chaining up to 99 patterns. All of the original variations for fills, accents, voice cancel, and fades are present, along with new swing and velocity options.

Cherry Audio's CR-78 can be played standalone and includes versatile plug-in options loaded with such DAW-friendly features as auto-sync, drag-and-drop MIDI export, individual outs, and complete automation.

Unlike sample-based instruments, Cherry Audio has emulated the original's tones through modeled synthesis, and a Voice Edit panel allows extensive instrument parameter editing, enabling a range of sonic and melodic possibilities far surpassing the original.

The innovative Effects/Mixer panel delivers discrete level, pan, mute/solo; studio-quality effects, including overdrive, flanger, delay, gated reverb with effects send buttons; and a master compressor and a six-band graphic EQ.

In short, Cherry Audio's CR-78 goes deep inside the box to provide the ultimate outside-of-the-box experience.

Cherry Audio and Tim Shoebridge have again teamed up to create an extensive and entertaining video that introduces users to the classic CR-78 sounds and the features of this tremendous virtual drum machine."

Cherry Audio Releases Pro Soloist Synthesizer

video upload by Cherry Audio

The British Stereo Collective - "Ghosts in the Machine," featuring Cherry Audio's Pro Soloist

video upload by Cherry Audio

""Ghosts in the Machine" by The British Stereo Collective. ALL sounds (including percussion) were played by hand exclusively on Cherry Audio's Pro Soloist virtual instrument. No other synths were used in this recording.

Composer, artist, and producer Phil Heeks of The British Stereo Collective draws his inspiration from classic 70s/80s TV theme compilations, film soundtracks, and sound effects LPs of the era. Read more about Phil's various projects and links to his work at https://cherryaudio.com/videos/excerp..."

Introduction to Cherry Audio's Pro Soloist - Hosted by Tim Shoebridge

video upload by Cherry Audio

"To get users up and running with Pro Soloist, Cherry Audio and Tim Shoebridge of Sound Mangling have again teamed up to create an introductory tutorial video walking users through the extensive features of this iconic virtual synthesizer instrument."

Cherry Audio Pro Soloist: A detailed demo/tutorial of a prog rock and 1970s classic

video upload by CatSynth TV

"We take a detailed look at the new Pro Soloist from Cherry Audio, a recreation of the ARP Pro Soloist that became in mainstay in 1970s prog rock as well as a featured instrument in funk, electronic music, and more. We look at the features from the original, including the front-panel "paddle" presets and the unique touch sensor effects. We then take a deep dive below the hood into the enhanced features for directly editing the individual modules and parameters of the underlying synthesizer architecture (including the resonators) and explore the onboard effects section. Finally, we look at a few of the factory presets, including banks from INHALT and Vintage Vibes by James Dyson.

This instrument was developed in collaboration with Mark Barton, who was also behind the Novochord and Solovox instruments that we at CatSynth have enjoyed.

To find out more, please visit cherryaudio.com

"Pro Soloist is the latest in Cherry Audio's roster of ultimate 'what if?'
virtual instruments. Featuring the precision crafted and circuit-modeled DSP designs of award-winning developer Mark Barton, Cherry Audio's Pro Soloist goes beyond emulating the treasured, preset-based monophonic analog synth originally released by ARP in 1972. Pro Soloist not only exactingly reproduces the expressive controls, 30 infamous presets, and the unique underlying architecture of this prog rock classic, it breaks it out of its cage by making it fully programmable and expanding it with full polyphony, splits and layers, a mod matrix, integrated studio-quality effects, and more."

00:00 Introduction
00:25 History of the Arp Pro Soloist
01:23 Overview of the Cherry Audio Pro Soloist
02:21 Original front-panel presets
08:35 Global controls
09:35 Touch Sensor Effects
16:00 Edit Mode
16:59 VCO
18:59 VCF
21:53 Resonator bank
23:53 Modulating the resonator bank with the mod matrix
26:45 Effects panel
34:46 Multi-layer mode
38:08 Factory Presets
42:18 Vintage Vibe expansion bank
43:44 Conclusion"

Press release follows.

"Cherry Audio releases the highly anticipated Pro Soloist, the latest in its growing line of authentic classic synth emulations. This Pro Soloist breaks out of its cage with fully programmability, expanded polyphony and dual layers, an arpeggiator, a mod matrix, studio-quality effects, and more.

PRESS RELEASE - November 21, 2023: Cherry Audio is thrilled to release the highly anticipated Pro Soloist, the latest in its growing line of authentic emulations of classic synthesizers. Featuring the precision-crafted and circuit-modeled DSP designs of esteemed developer Mark Barton, Pro Soloist goes far beyond reproducing the expressive controls, 30 presets, and the unique architecture of this 1972 classic. Most significantly, Cherry Audio breaks Pro Soloist out of its cage by making it fully programmable and expanding it with full polyphony, splits and layers, an arpeggiator, a mod matrix, integrated studio-quality effects, and more.

Early analog synthesizers were a mystery to most working musicians. In 1972, ARP Instruments released the Pro Soloist, one of the first commercially successful preset-based synthesizers. Pro Soloist featured a revolutionary electronic design and feature set, most notably its innovative "touch sensor" keyboard (now commonly known as aftertouch), where pressing a note harder introduces changes to the sound, allowing highly expressive playing. The Pro Soloist was a hit with acts as varied as Tangerine Dream, Gary Numan, Herbie Hancock, Styx, Prince, Parliament, and Vangelis. Perhaps best remembered was Tony Banks, who amplified the Pro Soloist's legendary presets in epic keyboard solos for the legendary band Genesis.

Cherry Audio has received countless requests to reproduce this oft-forgotten gem — one of those came from frequent collaborator Mark Barton (GX-80, Novachord + Solovox, Miniverse, and others). With unparalleled attention to detail, Mark has created an authentic reproduction of the analog signal path along with the 30 original presets, and together we have substantially expanded the Pro Soloist's capabilities. Cherry Audio has added a dual-layer voicing architecture, with 16 polyphonic voices per layer, that enables two different presets simultaneously, with independent panning for rich stereo timbres and complex sounds. Pro Soloist also includes a split keyboard mode and a brilliant “Last Note” option that effectively simulates polyphonic aftertouch using monophonic-aftertouch controllers.

Pro Soloist's distinctive three-panel interface makes clear that this is far more than a preset synth. Cherry Audio has precisely recreated the look and sounds of the original paddle presets in its main Performance mode panel. In Edit mode, we've exposed all of its unique analog synthesis architecture parameters, most notably, the fully-variable, five parallel bandpass filter "Resonator Bank," key to the Pro Soloist's realistic acoustic orchestra timbres. Additionally, we've revealed the LFO and ADSR/AR envelopes and elevated the sound design possibilities with a "Super Wave" oscillator and a robust six-slot modulation matrix. The Arp/FX panel rounds it out with a syncable arpeggiator and a dozen studio-quality effects for distortion, phaser, flanger/chorus, echo, and reverb.

In short, Cherry Audio has elevated the Pro Soloist from a bare-bones monophonic lead synth into a massive, polyphonic powerhouse beyond anything imagined 50 years ago.

Pro Soloist also features 450 presets created by an extraordinarily talented team of sound design veterans, including James Terris, INHALT, Drew Schlesinger, Huston Singletary, and Mark Barton. More captivating sounds are available in the Vintage Vibes Preset Pack (sold separately) by James Dyson. With additional touches such as Cherry Audio's acclaimed MIDI mapping functions, highly optimized DSP for optimal performance, and a visually immersive interface, Pro Soloist will satisfy both vintage synth aficionados and today's music producers.

A mint condition and serviced Pro Soloist can easily fetch $2,500 or more these days, and its unique architecture makes MIDI retrofits impossible. Cherry Audio is thrilled to introduce this virtual and expanded Pro Soloist at the jaw-dropping price of only $49 (list $69), obtainable now from cherryaudio.com and authorized resellers worldwide. Pro Soloist is also available as part of Cherry Audio's new and comprehensive Synth Stack 4 collection. This ultimate sonic package includes all 22 of Cherry Audio's virtual instruments to date at an unbelievably affordable price, on sale for a limited time.

Pro Soloist is available in AU, VST, VST3, AAX, and standalone formats for Windows (7 or above, including Windows 11) and macOS (10.13 and above), including native support for Apple Silicon. A free 30-day demo is available. Visit cherryaudio.com for additional product details, system requirements, videos, and an extensive collection of awe-inspiring sound demos."

Tim Shoebridge: My Search Is Over

video upload by Tim Shoebridge

"My search for an amazing sounding, powerful, flexible analogue poly synth is now over. And to celebrate, here is my own little tribute to the Alesis Andromeda A6 (ASICS), long may it continue to power on!!"

Cherry Audio PS-3000 Patching Techniques - Hosted by Tim Shoebridge

video upload by Cherry Audio

"In this follow-up to the overwhelmingly popular PS-3300 tutorial. [Introduction video here]

Tim Shoebridge digs deeper into the semi-modular nature of PS-3300, and demonstrates a number of patching techniques to get more out of this monster synthesizer."

Cherry Audio Introduces PS-3300 Virtual Analog Recreation of the KORG PS-3300 Synthesizer

video upload by Cherry Audio

"PS-3300 is an exactingly faithful virtual analog emulation of the colossal and ultra-rare semi-modular analog polyphonic synthesizer released by KORG in 1977. Cherry Audio has pulled out all the stops to accurately recreate and update this mythical monster synth, from its massive stacked sonic character and signature multiple‑resonator sweeps to the considerable patching capabilities that distinguished the PS-3300 from all other polysynths at the time."

Introduction to Cherry Audio's PS-3300 - Hosted by Tim Shoebridge

video upload by Cherry Audio

"To get users up and running with PS-3300, Cherry Audio and Tim Shoebridge of Sound Mangling have again teamed up to create an introductory tutorial video walking users through the history and extensive features of this massive virtual synthesizer instrument.

https://cherryaudio.com/products/ps-3300

00:00 - Introduction
02:57 - The KORG PS-3300
04:38 - Cherry Audio's PS-3300


User Interface Basics
05:41 - Signal Generator Panels and Master Panel
06:33 - The Oscillators
08:15 - The Filters
09:22 - The EGs
10:54 - Keyboard Tracking
11:21 - The Resonators
13:00 - Modulation (LFOs)
16:45 - Temperament and Tuning Controls

Semi-Modular Patching with Virtual Cables
18:14 - Patching Basics
20:58 - Mod Wheel Patching
25:20 - Conclusion

Cherry Audio PS-3300 - a massive demo and tutorial for a massive synth

video upload by CatSynth TV

"Today we present the new PS-3300 from our friends at Cherry Audio, in partnership with the good people at the Electronic Music Education and Preservation Project (EMEAPP). The original Korg PS-3300 is a massive polyphonic semi-modular analog synthesizer with three independent polyphonic synth voices, each of which has a multi-waveform oscillator, low-pass resonant filter, a unique three-band resonator, independent tuning of each note of the scale and more. Cherry Audio's version recreates the look and sound of the original, and adds some additional modern features.

Such a beast of an instrument deserves a beast of a video, almost an hour in length, packed with details about the history of the instrument, how each part of the synth voice works, how to use all three together, the global and effects sections, and factory presets."

00:00 Introduction
00:26 History of the Korg PS-3300
01:33 Overview
02:39 Single voice - oscillator
05:40 Low pass filter
10:42 Resonators
13:56 Amplitude and frequency modulation (single voice)
17:56 More global modules
19:55 Temperament and intonation
23:48 Multiple voices
25:57 Multiple resonators and low-pass filters
34:27 Cross-voice modulation
39:23 Different temperaments on each voice
41:33 The effects section
48:48 Factory Presets
57:15 Conclusion

**NEW** Cherry Audio PS3300 // 3 polyphonic synths in a semi modular box

video upload by Starsky Carr

"This is one CRAZY synth!! 3 full polyphonic synths in one big box. Here's my review, demo and walkthrough of the Cherry Audio PS3300. It's a replica of the Korg of the same name from 1977. This is a great example of a unique and characterful synth from the days when they were figuring out how best to create and control the tones.

Each voice has a single oscillator, lowpass filter, ADSR envelope and 2 LFOs. The resonators are a great addition - 3 resonant BP filters per voice - gives a lush or crazy phasing effect.

Follow all this with Cherry Audios FX, and the scalable interface, MIDI control etc etc and you end up with something well worth picking up. Have a cheese sandwich for you dinner and pick this up instead of a pizza!"

0:00 what is it?
2:35 Oscillators
4:52 Filter
6:20 Envelope
7:22 Polyphony
7:41 Keyboard Volume Balance
8:18 Resonators
9:50 Amp Modulation
10:27 Keyboard CV Outputs
11:08 Mixer
13:08 CV Processors
15:23 Sample and Hold
16:21 CV Processors Signal Invert

Groove Synthesis | 3rd Wave | MPE

video upload by Tim Shoebridge

"Just a brief video to discuss 3rd Wave firmware updates and to demonstrate MPE support. I'm using the Expressive-E Osmose as MPE controller for this demo."

Groove Synthesis | 3rd Wave | Patch Deconstruction | Attempt #1

video upload by Tim Shoebridge

"Here's another quick look at the mighty 3rd Wave from Groove Synthesis. Today I explain how I put together a simple multi-part patch. I'm pretty sure I will do this approach for more patches in the future, hence the "#1" !"

Groove Synthesis | 3rd Wave | Initial Impressions

video upload by Tim Shoebridge

"Here in 4K are some brief initial impressions plus plenty of sound examples from the 3rd Wave by Groove Synthesis. All the sound examples you hear are just a single oscillator, no filter, no complex modulation."

Octave Cat | Cherry Audio

video upload by Cherry Audio

Introduction to Cherry Audio's Octave Cat - Hosted by Tim Shoebridge

video upload by Cherry Audio

Retropolis Pack For Cherry Audio Octave Cat

video upload by James Dyson

""Ready to unleash more ferocious power with the Octave Cat? With the Retropolis for Octave Cat preset pack, you can tap into the true potential of this beastly synthesizer and discover a whole mew world of sound. Created by masterful sound designer James Dyson, Retropolis offers 100 new presets showcasing the Octave Cat's impressive duophonic mode, dual-step sequencer, additional clawsome analog leads, brass tones, modern polyphonic sounds, and more. Not only does Retropolis offer a glimpse into the past, but it also instantly provides unique modern sounds for the music producers of today. Don't wait to pounce on this treat - add Retropolis to your Octave Cat synthesizer and start making truly fierce music today!"

Link to the Pack here https://store.cherryaudio.com/presets..."

Octave CAT by Cherry Audio - A detailed demo and tutorial

video upload by CatSynth TV

https://catsynth.com

Understanding the Octave CAT // Walkthrough of Cherry Audio's latest release

video upload by Starsky Carr



"Cherry Audio's Octave Cat is a virtual synthesizer instrument designed in collaboration with Carmine Bonanno, the original designer of the CAT synthesizer. The 1976 Octave Electronics CAT was an affordable alternative to expensive portable analog synthesizers of the day.

Adopt your Octave Cat today! https://cherryaudio.com/

Octave Cat retains all the growl of the original hardware's fat and savage duophonic sound and replicates the CAT's uniquely aggressive resonant four-pole 24 dB/oct filter. The Octave Cat feature set expands on the original with enhancements including 16-voice polyphony, sample and hold glide, and interchangeable skins.

A secondary panel view reveals dual eight-step classic-style sequencers and studio-quality effects featuring distortion, phaser, flanger/chorus, delay, and reverb. With support for MPE, over 300 expertly designed presets, and extensive MIDI mapping functions, Octave Cat will satisfy both vintage synth aficionados and professional modern music producers.

Octave Cat is provided in AU, VST, VST3, AAX, and standalone formats, and a free 30-day demo is available at https://cherryaudio.com/

macOS Requirements: macOS 10.13 or above. macOS 13 Ventura supported. 64-bit required. Native Apple M1 processor support, including Apple M1 Ultra. 3.4 GHz Quad-Core or M1 CPU with 8GB of RAM recommended.

Windows Requirements: Windows 7 or above (including Windows 11), 64-bit required. Quad-core computer with 8GB of RAM recommended.

Also available! Retropolis for Octave Cat Preset Pack (sold separately), featuring 100 new presets showcasing the Octave Cat's impressive duophonic mode, dual-step sequencer, additional clawsome analog leads, brass tones, modern polyphonic sounds, and more.

Octave Cat Features

- All aspects of the original CAT precisely modeled in exacting detail
- Over 300 presets
- Dual Panel Views with an authentic Main view for synthesis controls, and an additional FX/Seq panel with extended features
- Monophonic, duophonic, and polyphonic (up to 16 voices) voice modes
- Unison for mono and duo modes
- Two distinct VCOs with discrete wave, modulation, S+H, and sub octave settings; VCO1 with saw, triangle, and pulse with PWM, and VCO2 with square and saw waveforms
- Vintage-correct four-pole 24 db/oct filter, based on the original “cascaded OTA” SSM2040 filter with precise replication of The CAT’s unique resonance

CLICK FOR MORE »

Waldorf Discontinues the Pulse 2

via Waldorf

"It’s always sad when we have to say goodbye to one of our favorite instruments. In this case we are talking about one of the best synthesizers that first saw the light of day in 1995 and has inspired many music producers and musicians to this day.

This device was one of the pioneers in the world of music production, offering many possibilities to create unique and innovative sounds. It has helped many artists to turn their musical visions into reality.

The fact that this synthesizer was reissued and improved in 2013 shows that it was and still is relevant and sought after after almost two decades later. Many users have requested that the unit be available again, and it has subsequently been updated with the latest technologies and features to offer even more possibilities.

We would also like to thank all the satisfied customers who use this device constantly and create great music with it."


Waldorf Pulse 2 Demo & Sound Design Tutorial

video upload by Martin Stürtzer

You Should Buy The Waldorf Pulse 2

video upload by Alfonso Muchacho

Waldorf Pulse 2 Analog Synth- Sonic Lab Review

video upload by sonicstate

Waldorf Pulse 2

video upload by Tim Shoebridge

A4 Revisited | Sound Demos

video upload by Tim Shoebridge

"Here are just a few noodles I put together (and remembered to record!) when I was playing around with the A4's sequencers."

Follow-up to this post.

A4 Revisited

video upload by Tim Shoebridge

"This is my second look at the GRP Synthesiser A4. This time in glorious 4K so you can see a detailed view of the front panel of this wonderful looking instrument!"

Creamware Minimax ASB - Quick Sound Comparison

video upload by Tim Shoebridge

"So I decided to sell my Minimax, in fact have now sold it, and just before boxing it up I decided to have a quick play and compare it to my Studio Electronics SE-1X. Big mistake! I'm now regretting selling!! :("

Waldorf M | Demo

video upload by Tim Shoebridge

"This is just a brief video about this very inspiring synthesiser from Waldorf. Hope you enjoy the sounds."

New Cherry Audio Mercury-6 Reveal

video upload by Cherry Audio

Update: user videos added below.

"Cherry Audio's Mercury-6 is a virtual synthesizer instrument that emulates and expands on the renowned Jupiter-6, just in time for its 40th anniversary! Mercury-6 captures all that is exceptional in this treasured polyphonic classic, boosts its extraordinary feature set for today's DAW production and workflow, and celebrates the ground-breaking innovation from the era that changed music forever. If you've long yearned to explore the Jupiter-6, you'll love Mercury-6!"

via Cherry Audio

Mercury-6 is a meticulous recreation of the Jupiter-6 analog synthesizer, just in time for its 40th anniversary! Sandwiched between the earlier Jupiter-4 and Jupiter-8 models in name only, the sophisticated Jupiter-6 has sometimes been considered a sleeper release. These days, it has persevered to become one of Roland's most notable and coveted classic synthesizers due to its distinctive dark and complex character. Mercury-6 captures all that is exceptional in this treasured polyphonic classic, boosts its extraordinary feature set for today's DAW production and workflow, and celebrates the ground-breaking innovation from the era that changed music forever.

If you've long yearned to explore the Jupiter-6, you'll love Mercury-6!

The Year Everything Changed

Released in 1983 as a more affordable alternative to the flagship eight-voice Jupiter-8, the six-voice Jupiter-6 nevertheless staked out an essential position in the history of analog polysynths. Though similar in appearance and feature set, the Jupiter-6 stood apart from the Jupiter-8 in its sound and capabilities. Unlike earlier Roland polysynths with lowpass filters plus a rudimentary non-resonant highpass filter, the Jupiter-6 featured a true multimode filter with 24 dB/oct lowpass, 24 dB/oct highpass, or 12 dB/oct bandpass modes. This versatile filter design lent a more aggressive sound than previous Jupiters, making the Jupiter-6 a natural for cutting-edge techno and electro styles.

Though something of a "hidden feature," the Jupiter-6 VCOs supported multiple simultaneous waveforms, and its two LFOs and oscillator cross mod capabilities provided extensive modulation possibilities. Its earthshaking solo and poly unison modes enabled massive lead and bass sounds, and it was notably one of the first synthesizers to include the then-new MIDI protocol.

Although often praised for its harmonic complexity and ability to cut through a mix, the cost-cutting in the Jupiter-6 design resulted in some disadvantages. Output was mono only and it was limited to six-voice polyphony. The Jupiter-6 had an impressive (for the time) split keyboard and patch preset storage functionality, but this six-voice maximum hampered its potential. And though it was considerably less expensive than the Jupiter-8, its timing was ill-fated when the digital revolution was ignited by the release of Yamaha's revolutionary DX-7 FM digital synth the same year.

Despite its noteworthy character, the Jupiter-6 is not one of those synths immediately identified with recognizable sounds from hit songs. Nevertheless, it was the Jupiter-6 behind the bass line of Ray Parker Jr.'s classic "Ghostbusters," and it found purchase in the work of Human League, Tangerine Dream, Thomas Dolby, Trans-X, Vangelis, and Devo. In a testament to its staying power over the decades, its popularity grew in genres such as big beat, house, and techno through The Chemical Brothers, Moby, and The Crystal Method. Electronic music duo Orbital has been a vocal proponent of the Jupiter-6 and, more recently, it has been a significant part of the sound of Daft Punk and Junkie XL.

Mercury-6: 40 Years in the Making

Cherry Audio's Mercury-6 brings the Jupiter-6 experience into the future and celebrates the invaluable contribution that MIDI itself has made to the music community over the past 40 years. Mercury-6 captures all that is exceptional in this classic and boosts the extraordinary feature set and functionality for today's DAW production and workflow. We've added velocity sensitivity, improved the split mode, and added a layer mode capable of stacking two different sounds simultaneously with per-layer stereo panning, detuning, and sustain. A panel control lets users easily select and navigate between these layers and includes a utility function for exchanging settings between the lower and upper layers, or even between presets. And with polyphony extended to 16 notes, Mercury-6 won't easily run out of voices.

We've reproduced the arpeggiator, including the hidden Down/Up mode of the original, and augmented it by adding a Random mode and MIDI tempo sync. A chord memory mode enables multiple notes to be stored and played back with a single key. We've improved the functionality of the LFOs with a retrigger for LFO-1 and an always-on option for LFO-2, both syncable to MIDI tempo.

We've also introduced an integrated studio-quality effects panel with brilliant-sounding distortion, phaser, flanger/chorus, delay, and reverb. With additional touches such as per-layer drift control, over 500 expertly designed presets, and flexible MIDI mapping, Mercury-6 will satisfy both vintage synth aficionados and today's music producer.

Cherry Audio Mercury-6: A Detailed Demo and Tutorial

video upload by CatSynth TV

"A detailed look at the new Mercury-6 from Cherry Audio, a recreation of the Roland Jupiter-6 analog polyphonic synthesizer. We look a few of the factory presets then take a deep dive into the various features of the synthesizer including the VCOs, VCF, cross-modulation, effects, and more.

00:17 History of the Jupiter-6
00:57 Introducing the Mercury-6
01:37 A few factory presets
02:58 Oscillators (VCOs)
08:40 Cross Modulation
10:43 Filter (VCF)
16:44 Performance Controls
19:01 Effects
26:46 Using multiple layers
32:14 More factory presets"

Cherry Audio Mercury 6 Dark Jupiter Strings

video upload by Rik Marston Official

Introduction to Cherry Audio's Mercury-6 - Hosted by Tim Shoebridge

video upload by Cherry Audio



Mercury 6 vs Jupiter 6 // Does the Cherry Audio sound like the Roland ...?
video upload by Starsky Carr

"How does the Mercury 6 stack up against the original? Cherry Audio are killing it with these releases, and this one is great. I can't think of another Jupiter 6 emulation out there. It was quite a unique synth in its day with a super fast LFO (100Hz), sync 2-ways, cross mod with modulation, a second LFO and bitimbral. Quite a cool thing.

Here I've not lingered on the more prosaic functions and sound. We all know the Cherry Audio stuff sounds good - so here I've dug into if it's doing those Jupiter 6 specialities like Cross Mod and Sync...

and also because the hardware was dying!! Another good reason for getting thew software :) I had to finish this before it cut out..!

0:00 The Jupiter 6
4:71 Are they the same?
5:00 Filters
8:22 Cross Mod
9:57 Sync
12:15 LFO
13:28 Effects
14:54 Wrapping Up
15:37 A Few Sounds"

Cherry Audio Mercury 6 Sweet Synth FX

video upload by Rik Marston Official

Osmose as Controller

video upload by Tim Shoebridge

"This video takes a brief look at using the Expressive-E Osmose as a MIDI controller keyboard"

With Black Corporation's Deckard's Dream.

Expressive-E Osmose : Initial Impressions #2

video upload by Tim Shoebridge

"Here's the second installment of my adventures with the incredibly expressive Expressive-E Osmose.
I'm using the word 'expressivity' a lot in this video, I may be using it out of context but it just feels like the word 'expression' is not enough! ;)"

Part 1 here

Expressive-E Osmose : Initial Impressions #1

video upload by Tim Shoebridge

"Here is my very first look at the highly expressive Osmose synthesiser and MPE keyboard from Expressive-E. These are my very first impressions after a few hours getting familiar with the keyboard."

Part 2 here

Be sure to see the Expressive E Osmose Launch post, and the Expressive E label below for more.

Matriarch and Melodicer

video upload by Tim Shoebridge

"Here is a brief 'typing-no-talking' demonstration of the Vermona Melodicer being used in conjunction with the Moog Matriarch and a collection of Behringer 2500 modules.

The Melodicer is really the star of the show in this video, admittedly it is an expensive module but if you are patient they do come up on the used market for good prices, that's how I bought mine.

And the Matriarch? Even though it's Moog and it sells for a lot of money it is IMHO the Bargain of the Century: Four wonderful sounding VCO's, two beautiful sounding analogue low pass transistor ladder filters in stereo configuration, two gorgeous sounding analogue bucket brigade delays in stereo configuration, and more modular patch points than you can shake a stick at. What's not to like?!"

Modular Is For Non Musicians

video upload by Tim Shoebridge

"This one's dedicated to my good friend John, huge respect, I 'rode it' for you! ;)"