Cherry Audio CR-78, Cherry’s first drum machine/rhythm machine, is an authentic emulation of the iconic Roland CR-78 from 1978.
In the past, the emulation market was primarily dominated by releases by Arturia, Softube, U-he, and others. This has changed quite a bit in the last few years. Cherry Audio, a young American company, has entered the market with an ever-growing emulation portfolio at very reasonable prices.
It started with numerous Synthesizer emulations such as the Minimoog, Synthex, Polymoog, Oberheim SEM/Eight Voice, and many others. Today, they are opening the next chapter. Now, you can explore the rhythmic side of Cherry Audio with the first drum machine release. It’s a classic from 1978. I only say: “Can you feel it coming in the air tonight? Oh Lord, oh Lord”
Cherry Audio CR-78
Cherry’s first drum machine is an authentic emulation of the iconic Roland CR-78. An analog rhythmic box popularized by many famous artists and bands, including Blondie, Phil Collins, Hall & Oates, and more. One of the most famous tracks where it appears is “In The Air Tonight” by Phil Collins.
Now, you can explore this classic drum machine in your DAW. The plugin comes with an easy-to-use three-panel user interface. The first is very similar to the original, while the other gives you control, allowing you to go much deeper than on the original unit.
The second panel is exciting, where you have full access to the 14 original instruments, including kick, snare, rim, cowbell, hi-hats, cymbals, congas, bongos, tambourine, and curios.
According to Cherry Audio, the emulation doesn’t use samples but instant modeled synthesis with in-depth control options. The bass drum/kick, for example, gives you the option to modify the pitch, decay, click tone, and click brightness. Sound design options not possible in the original CR-78.
Then, the third panels gives you a wide range of effects, and mixing options. For the mixer, you find discrete levels, pan, and mute/solo. On the effects side, it includes overdrive, flanger, delay, and gated reverb effects with convenient effects send buttons for each instrument. Plus, a master compressor and 6-band graphic EQ.
Classic Sequencing With A Modern Touch
The Cherry Audio developers also virtualized all the classic patterns of the original unit. A new addition is a straightforward 16- or 24-step X0X-style sequencer with song mode for pattern chaining and loop, swing, and velocity. It also hosts DAW features like auto-sync, individual outs, and complete automation.
Clever, you can also export your patterns to MIDI data in your DAW or a desktop folder via drag-and-drop.
It sounds great, and I’ll be spending a lot of time with this,” praised Greg Hawkes (keyboardist and founding member of The Cars), who provided the original CR-78 used to model this virtual instrument. “Cherry Audio has done an awesome job, and I’m proud to be a facilitator.”
Further, Cherry ships the CR-78 plugin with a curated library with over 250 professionally designed sounds, song mode presets, instrument kits, and more.
Additionally, the Compu-Rhythms for CR-78 preset Pack is available separately and features 100 more “out of the box” unique presets by various sound designers (James Dyson, Huston Singletary, and Agent Method).
First Impression
The day when Cherry Audio also emulated drum machine plugins was to be expected. Now he’s here. The CR-78 is a great entry point. The demos sound very authentic, and you are immediately transported back to 1978.
It wouldn’t be the drum machine I would use often because it doesn’t suit my music style, but it’s very exciting for anyone who loves synthpop and other vintage-synth orient styles.
Cherry Audio CR-78 is available now for $49. It runs as a standalone app and VST, VST3, AU, and AAX plugin on macOS (native Apple Silicon + Intel) and Windows. A free 30-day demo is available.
If you purchase it at Plugin Boutique, you support Synth Anatomy and get a plugin for free on top (this month, UA PolyMax or Pulsar Audio W495)
More information here: Cherry Audio
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