Cherry Chroma

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A Legacy of Innovation

Introducing the Cherry Audio Chroma synthesizer! This virtual instrument faithfully recreates the iconic Rhodes Chroma polyphonic analog synthesizer from 1982. It's been meticulously crafted to capture every detail, making sound programming easier with intuitive pop-up menus and real-time parameter displays. Plus, switch to double mode to access a whole additional Chroma Synthesizer for layering or splitting sounds!

The Story of Chroma

The ARP Chroma, born from pioneering efforts in 1979, was a groundbreaking 16-voice polyphonic synthesizer equipped with advanced features like aftertouch and intricate modulation. Despite ARP's financial struggles, Rhodes salvaged the design, producing it from 1982 to 1984. While hailed for its engineering, its flat panel interface posed challenges. Still, the Chroma remains revered, with only around 3,000 produced, earning praise from luminaries like Herbie Hancock and Joe Zawinul. Delve into its legacy in our documentary "The Story of Chroma," featuring exclusive insights from its creators and renowned users.

A Chroma - Expanded! - for Everyone

Cherry Audio's Chroma synthesizer is a virtual marvel, faithfully recreating the essence of its legendary predecessor while introducing innovative features. It meticulously replicates every detail of the Rhodes Chroma, even allowing direct import of SysEx patch data. The instrument's 16 preconfigured signal paths offer modular flexibility, while its improved user interface simplifies programming with intuitive pop-up elements and real-time displays.

Enhancing the original's expressive capabilities, Chroma includes features like velocity sensitivity and aftertouch, along with an Expander emulation for expanded layering and splitting options. With a vast library of 700 presets and seven integrated studio-quality effects, it caters to diverse musical styles.

Beyond replication, Chroma incorporates Cherry Audio's own innovations, making its unique sonic qualities accessible to modern musicians. Lead designer Mitchell Sigman's tutorial video guides users through its features, ensuring they unlock its full potential quickly.

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Features

Exactingly faithful virtual analog emulation of the analog polyphonic synthesizer released by Rhodes in 1982, from its 16 polyphonic voices to its expressive velocity and polyphonic aftertouch capabilities
16 Oscillators, Filters, VCAs, and LFOs, and 32 Envelope Generators
16 distinct preconfigured signal paths, ranging from straightforward VCO-VCF-VCA setups to intricate configurations featuring oscillator sync, filter FM, ring modulation, and variable or serial filter paths
Intuitive menus and real-time displays simplify the programming process, making it accessible to novices and seasoned professionals alike
All of the original Chroma’s unprecedented modulation capabilities have been precisely replicated to create a powerfully flexible modular synthesizer-like programming experience. Modulation paths are configured quickly and easily using Cherry Audio Chroma’s comprehensive modulation pop-up menus
Includes the Chroma Expander module, which adds an entire second Chroma synthesizer to the mix, running in layer or split modes for expanded creative possibilities
SysEx Import: Owners of MIDI-retrofitted Chroma or Expander hardware can directly transfer banks and individual patches to Cherry Audio Chroma via SysEx dump. Additionally, users can easily import Chroma SysEx files through drag-and-drop
Seven studio-quality onboard effects, including distortion, phaser, flange/chorus, delay, and reverb, as well as a global EQ and limiter
700 extraordinary presets in over a dozen categories: includes the original 250 Chroma factory presets and an additional 450 custom presets crafted by a stellar team of sound designers
Standalone virtual instrument and plug-in versions
Complete MIDI control and DAW automation for all controls, with easy-to-use MIDI Learn and mapping
Cherry Audio’s popular Focus zoom-in feature, as well as standard UI zoom and resize via drag
Complete documentation available directly online from the instrument or in downloadable PDF format
User-adjustable oversampling control