Cherry Audio PS-20 is a supercharged, polyphonic Korg MS-20 emulation with MPE support, expanded patch matrix, and more for just $29 USD.
The number of synthesizer emulations has increased a lot in the last few months. This is mainly due to the huge number of new synthesizer plugins from Cherry Audio. From Polymoog, Juno-106, Arp 2600, or Oberheim 8 Voice, there is something for everyone. The plugins are very affordable and often only cost 20-30€, which is a huge difference from Arturia, Softube, or U-he. Emulations for everyone even those who have less budget.
Today Cherry Audio introduced the next emulation with the PA-20. Here they have virtualized the famous Korg MS-20 monophonic Synthesizer from 1978. But they haven’t emulated it 1 to 1. They made a kind of new MS-20 out of it.
Cherry Audio PS-20
The PS-20 is an authentic emulation of the well-known Korg MS-20 Synthesizer. However, Cherry Audio has not left the engine with the classic MS-20. They took it to the next level by adding 16 voices of polyphony and MPE to it. Much of the rough, dirty sound of the Korg MS-20 comes from the two built-in filters. The developers at CA have placed great emphasis on authentic digital reproductions of these.
Just as important is the patch matrix on the right, which turns the MS-20 into a wild, unpredictable Synthesizer. This is also adopted in detail in a digital, expanded form. It comes with more in-and-out patch points for all oscillators, filters, and VCAs. They also improved the “confusing” terminology of the original by making it more user-friendly.
Supercharged MS-20
The PS-20 is super-charged not because of the well-known features of the original MS-20 but because of the new ones that make the synth a completely new instrument. In addition to the 16-voice polyphony and MPE support, it has three layers, an eight-step sequencer with flexible CV outs, and an integrated multi-effects processor. This includes a characterful distortion, modulation echo with stereo spread, and a lush digital reverb with spring and plate types.
The plugin ships with user-selectable interface color themes including classic black, blue, army-green, and white. The same colors as Korg is now offering its MS-20 FS. Further, you get full MIDI control and DAW automation for all controls.
Cherry Audio has shown with the PS-20 and other releases in the past few months that they can develop great-sounding Synthesizer emulations at a no-brainer price. Sonically and level of details not on the same level as U-he or Softube but still amazing virtual instruments for super fair prices.
Cherry Audio PS-20 is available for an introductory price of 25€/$29. Don’t forget: if you buy over our partner Plugin Boutique, you get either Audio Damage Dubstation 2 or Cableguys DriveShaper for free through the month of May 2021. And you support the Synth Anatomy activity, big thanks in advance.
More information here: Cherry Audio
Available at our partner
You can also find a video review of the PS-20 here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3fb5xg7Uhc
Would be great if you could physically control this VST using Korg’s MS-20IC USB controller….