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! ;)"

Nord Wave 2

video upload by Tim Shoebridge

"Finally! After more than 18 months I put 'pen to paper' and discuss the paradox that is the Nord Wave 2"

Negative Keyboard Tracking on the Waldorf Pulse

video upload by Tim Shoebridge

"This is a very very VERY brief video on the subject of filter keyboard tracking, which is something I think a lot of people new to synths don't spend enough time playing with, it can definitely add life to static sounding patches. And here in this video I demonstrate negative keyboard tracking using the rather wonderful Waldorf Pulse."

Cherry Audio Introduces the GX-80 Virtual Yamaha CS80

Playlist (use the player controls to skip around):
GX-80 | Cherry Audio
Introduction to Cherry Audio's GX-80 - Hosted by Tim Shoebridge
Evil Genius (feat. Cherry Audio GX-80)
Cherry Audio - GX-80 -10 Miscellaneous Presets #notalking #synthesizer
Cherry Audio GX-80 // How to Program a 1970's Classic // a CS-80 plus extras from the GX-1



"GX-80 is Cherry Audio's visionary new flagship synthesizer - over a year in the making - that combines the unparalleled sound and features of the fabled GX-1 "Dream Machine" and its renowned descendant the CS-80 to create a powerhouse hybrid.

Get GX-80 Now!

GX-80 is not just another CS-80 emulation. GX-80 adapts the legendary GX-1's massive dual-layers, additional waveforms, and unique filters, making it the equivalent of two CS-80s and then some! When enhanced with GX-80's discrete layer volume and panning controls, the result is a colossal dual-layer voicing architecture with 16 polyphonic voices per layer, capable of sounding two different CS-80 style sounds simultaneously in a split or stacked layer mode.

To provide the ultimate expressive performance, GX-80 includes a split keyboard mode and support for both polyphonic and monophonic aftertouch controllers. Further, Cherry Audio has added an innovative 'last-note priority' mode for simulated poly aftertouch response with a monophonic channel aftertouch controller.

With its dual-layer interface, over 1,000 stunning presets from expert sound designers, and integrated studio-quality effects, GX-80 is a singular effort worthy of the 'flagship' label.

The rarity and exorbitant cost of the GX-1 and the CS-80 have made it impossible for most musicians to experience these legendary instruments. That's why Cherry Audio is making its flagship GX-80 synthesizer available at the astoundingly low price of only $59! GX-80 is also available as part of Cherry Audio's comprehensive new Synth Stack 3 collection, which features all of its virtual instruments at an even more affordable price.

GX-80 is available now at https://cherryaudio.com/products/gx-80 and authorized resellers worldwide for Windows and macOS, with macOS 13 Ventura and native Apple M1 processor support, including Apple M1 Ultra. GX-80 is provided in AU, VST, VST3, AAX, and standalone formats, and a free 30-day demo is available.

Visit cherryaudio.com for a complete list of features, exciting launch videos, testimonials from industry professionals, earthshaking demo tracks, and system requirements."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Waldorf STVC

video upload by Tim Shoebridge

"What a fantastic little keyboard this is! I've had the STVC for a couple of months now and in this video I cover a few of its features that have really surprised me, and in a good way."

Cherry Audio Introduces Sines Diverse Waveshaping Synthesizer

video upload by Cherry Audio

Introduction to Cherry Audio Sines Synthesizer with Tim Shoebridge


Cherry Audio Sines // Review and Walkthrough // East vs West, Analog vs Digital all in one synth!

video upload by Starsky Carr

"Sines is our latest original and innovative polyphonic synthesizer utilizing diverse waveshaping to bend pure sine waveforms into infinitely variable and complex shapes and sounds. With four sine-wave oscillators, wide-ranging modulation capabilities, and integrated effects, Sines users can create a distinctive array of unique timbres ranging from the sublime to the sizzling.

Cherry Audio's Sines synthesizer is now available at https://bit.ly/getsines and authorized resellers worldwide at the extraordinary price of only $39.

To get users up and running, Cherry Audio and Tim Shoebridge have again teamed up to create an introductory video to walk users through the outstanding features and sound design strategies of Sines: https://youtu.be/a_n_awi5ad0

About Sines

The state-of-the-art Sines interface provides immediate access to all sound parameters and comes alive with illuminated indicators, color, and mini oscilloscopes, providing instant visual feedback. The primary sound design controls highlight the "four of everything" nature of Sines: four LFOs with 14 wave shapes, four oscillators, and four envelope generators. At the core of each section are unique sine-wave oscillator waveshaping controls: feedback, phase, width, shape, wavefold, and drive, along with a sub and super sine-wave oscillators. Phase modulation and ratio controls allow oscillators to be configured in modulator/carrier arrangements for four-op DX/FM-style synthesis.

Sines also features Cherry Audio's most extensive multimode filter to date, an arpeggio, a "best of" selection of Cherry Audio's finest acclaimed effects, a drift function, and an eight-band graphic EQ. Many controls include an adjacent mod source button, and an outrageously comprehensive four-slot mod matrix provides considerable modulation options for nearly every Sines parameter.

Sines includes all of Cherry Audio's exceptional touches, including polyphonic aftertouch, MIDI Polyphonic Expression (MPE), flexible MIDI mapping, and its industry-leading preset browser with a massive library of over 700 presets created by our elite team of sound artists. Altogether, Sines is the complete package for new frontiers in sound design and performance.

Get Sines

Sines is now available at https://cherryaudio.com/ and authorized resellers worldwide. The software is provided as both a standalone application and in AU, VST, VST3, and AAX plugin formats for Windows and macOS, and is already compatible with macOS 13 Ventura. A free 30-day demo is available. Visit cherryaudio.com for additional product details, system requirements, and an extensive collection of awe-inspiring sound demos."

Try the Sines demo for free at https://cherryaudio.com/products/sines

GRP Synthesiser A4 - Part 1

video upload by Tim Shoebridge

"Finally! Here are my initial thoughts on the A4 monophonic analogue synthesiser from Grp Synthesizer, well at least the first installment!"

Introduction to Cherry Audio Elka-X Part 3 - Hosted by Tim Shoebridge

video upload by Cherry Audio

Introduction to Cherry Audio Elka-X posts

"Tim Shoebridge of Sound Mangling concludes his hugely popular three-part series on Cherry Audio's Elka-X synthesizer. In this final episode, Tim goes into more detail on the arpeggiator and the step sequencer."

Introduction to Cherry Audio Elka-X Part 2 - Hosted by Tim Shoebridge

video upload by Cherry Audio

Part 1 posted here. Additional Elka-X posts here.

"Tim Shoebridge of Sound Mangling introduces Cherry Audio's Elka-X synthesizer in the second of this hugely popular three-part series. In this episode, Tim goes into more detail on layers and splits, layer utilities (swap, copy, import/export), play modes, and voice settings."

Cherry Audio Introduces the Elka-X - Virtual Elka Synthex

video upload by Cherry Audio

Update: user videos added futher below.

Introduction to Cherry Audio Elka-X Part 1 - Hosted by Tim Shoebridge

video upload by Cherry Audio


"Cherry Audio's Elka-X synthesizer is based upon the legendary ELKA Synthex, a rare Italian masterpiece with luxury features. Elka-X replicates the original's exceptional character without compromising sound or functionality and expands its features to deliver the authentic Synthex experience at a price anyone can afford. Cherry Audio's Elka-X synthesizer is now available at https://bit.ly/elka-x and authorized resellers worldwide at the extraordinary price of only $39.

About Elka-X Synthesizer

Cherry Audio precisely crafted each aspect of the Elka-X synthesizer to sound and behave exactly like a vintage hardware Synthex. Every effort was taken to emulate the prized tone of the original's DCOs, dynamic filter, and stunning chorus. The innovative sound-sculpting and performance features such as layering and keyboard split have been preserved, and the original's 128-step sequencer has been greatly improved.

As with its other synthesizer and effects products, Cherry Audio has kept the soul of a classic alive while updating its feature set for modern studio environments. Elka-X expands the polyphony and filter modes and introduces mono and unison modes that were absent from the original design. The extended functionality of the LFOs and addition of velocity response expands modulation potential, and a new arpeggiator delivers new performance possibilities.

Unique panel controls make it painless to exchange settings between layers, sequencer tracks, and even different presets. In addition to the original chorus effect, Elka-X adds studio-quality echo and reverb stereo effects, with independent settings for both layers. With additional touches such as chord memory, over 600 pro patches, and flexible MIDI mapping, Cherry Audio's Elka-X brings the authentic and expanded Synthex experience roaring into the 21st century.

Visit cherryaudio.com for a full list of features, system requirements, brilliant demo tracks, preset examples, testimonials, and a free 30-day demo of the software.

Elka-X synthesizer is now available at https://cherryaudio.com/ and authorized resellers worldwide. The software is provided as both a standalone application and in AU, VST, VST3, and AAX plugin formats for Windows and macOS, with native Apple silicon support for the highest performance on the latest Mac computers."

Cherry Audio Elka-X // Review and Walkthrough

video upload by Starsky Carr

🎹 ELKA X Synth 🍒 Cherry Audio All Playing NO TALKING Sounds Demo by AGD @Andrew G Dugros

video upload by Andrew G Dugros

Introducing PolyChain DIY

video upload by Tim Shoebridge

"I am very pleased to be able to announce my latest software product called PolyChain DIY.

PolyChain DIY allows you to poly-chain together up to eight separate instruments simultaneously. Instruments can be hardware synths, electronic keyboards, samplers, grooveboxes, multi-timbral sound sources, even soft synths running as a VST in your DAW. If you can connect to the instrument via MIDI from your computer then PolyChain DIY can control it. Choose from four different poly-chain algorithms, create poly-chain zones across your keyboard, transpose your instruments, set their priority, control pan spread across your instruments as well as other basic sound attributes if your synths have suitable support via MIDI CC automation.

For more information please check out my SoundMangling website here: https://www.soundmangling.com/getmore/"

"This module allows you to polychain together up to eight separate instruments. Instruments can be hardware synths, electronic keyboards, samplers, grooveboxes, multi-timbral sound sources, ecen soft synths running as a VST in your DAW. If you can connect to the instrument via MIDI from your computer then PolyChain DIY can control it. Choose from four different polychain algorithms, create polychain zones across your keyboard, transpose your instruments, set their priority, control pan spread and other basic sound attributes if your synths have support support via MIDI CC automation.

PolyChain DIY is actually a bundle of three modules: the main polychain module itself, a stand-alone MIDI Map editor, and a software controller for controlling basic synth parameters on all your instruments simultaneously."