Cherry Audio Chroma is a virtual instrument plugin that meticulously recreates the iconic Rhodes Chroma polyphonic analog synthesizer from 1982. This software emulation captures the essence and sound of the original hardware with exacting precision, offering 16-voice polyphony and a powerful modular engine. The plugin features 16 oscillators, filters, VCAs, LFOs, and 32 envelope generators, all of which can be rearranged in 16 pre-configured signal paths. Cherry Audio has enhanced the original design by including an emulation of the Chroma Expander, effectively doubling the synthesizer’s capabilities with layers and splits. The plugin comes loaded with the original 250 factory presets and an additional 450 custom presets created by professional sound designers. Chroma also incorporates seven studio-quality effects, including distortion, phaser, flange/chorus, delay, and reverb, as well as a global EQ and limiter. With its intuitive interface and expanded functionality, Cherry Audio Chroma makes the unique sonic qualities of the original synthesizer accessible to modern musicians and producers.
Pros:
• Authentic emulation of the rare Rhodes Chroma synthesizer
• Expanded functionality with the inclusion of the Chroma Expander
• Extensive preset library with over 700 presets
• Intuitive interface with easy-to-use modulation assignments
• Seven high-quality built-in effects
• SysEx support for transferring patches from hardware to software
Cons:
• Learning curve may be steep for users unfamiliar with complex modular synthesizers
The Cherry Audio Chroma plugin boasts an impressive array of features that faithfully recreate and expand upon the original Rhodes Chroma synthesizer. At its core, the plugin utilizes a powerful modular engine that emulates the 16-voice architecture of the original hardware. This engine provides users with 16 oscillators, filters, VCAs, LFOs, and 32 envelope generators, offering a vast palette of sound-shaping possibilities.
One of the most notable features is the ability to rearrange these components into 16 pre-configured signal paths. Users can easily switch between classic VCO-VCF-VCA configurations and more complex setups involving oscillator sync, filter FM, ring modulation, and serial filter paths. This flexibility allows for rapid sound design and experimentation, often achievable with just a few clicks.
The oscillators and filters in Cherry Audio Chroma stay true to the original hardware, offering traditional waveforms and classic analog characteristics. The modulation capabilities are particularly deep, with a sweep generator/LFO that provides various waveforms, including complete patterns and unique extras. Two advanced envelope generators offer extensive modulation options for filter, amplitude, and pitch parameters.
Cherry Audio has significantly enhanced the original design by incorporating an emulation of the Chroma Expander. This addition effectively doubles the synthesizer’s capabilities, allowing users to run two complete Chroma synthesizers in layer or split modes. This feature greatly expands the creative possibilities, enabling complex, layered sounds and split keyboard configurations.
The plugin comes equipped with seven high-quality effects, including distortion, phaser, flanger/chorus, delay, and reverb. The reverb effect includes Cherry Audio’s ambient algorithm, Galactic, adding spacious and ethereal qualities to the sounds. A global EQ and limiter are also included, providing further sound-shaping options.
Cherry Audio Chroma supports SysEx, allowing users to transfer banks and individual patches from their hardware Rhodes Chroma to the software plugin. This feature is particularly valuable for owners of the original hardware, ensuring that their existing sound libraries can be seamlessly integrated into the digital realm.
The preset library is extensive, featuring over 700 presets created by professional sound designers. These presets cover a wide range of musical genres and production styles, providing users with instant inspiration and a solid starting point for their own sound design explorations. Additionally, Cherry Audio offers the Chroma Classics Preset Pack (sold separately), which includes 100 more presets that blend vintage tones with contemporary aesthetics.
The plugin’s user interface is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, despite the complex nature of the synthesizer. Modulation assignments are configured quickly and easily using dedicated pop-up menus, streamlining the sound design process. The inclusion of an introductory tutorial video by lead designer Mitchell Sigman helps users familiarize themselves with the plugin’s features and capabilities.
When comparing Cherry Audio Chroma to similar plugins, it stands out for its faithful recreation of a rare and sought-after hardware synthesizer. While there are numerous virtual analog synthesizers on the market, few offer the specific character and capabilities of the Rhodes Chroma. The inclusion of the Chroma Expander emulation sets it apart from other vintage synth emulations, offering expanded functionality that goes beyond the original hardware. In terms of sound quality and authenticity, Cherry Audio Chroma competes favorably with other high-end virtual synthesizers. Its attention to detail in emulating the original hardware’s nuances and quirks results in a rich, warm sound that captures the essence of analog synthesis. The extensive modulation options and flexible signal routing capabilities put it in league with more complex software synthesizers, while maintaining a relatively approachable interface. Compared to other Cherry Audio offerings, Chroma represents one of their most ambitious and feature-rich synthesizer plugins to date. It builds upon the company’s reputation for creating accurate and affordable emulations of classic synthesizers, while pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in a virtual instrument.
This plugin is best for:
• Producers and musicians seeking authentic vintage analog synthesizer sounds
• Sound designers looking for a deep, modular synthesis platform
• Owners of the original Rhodes Chroma hardware wanting to integrate their patches into a digital workflow
• Electronic music producers across various genres, from ambient to EDM
• Film and game composers requiring rich, evolving textures and complex soundscapes
Cherry Audio Chroma is a remarkable achievement in virtual instrument design, offering a faithful recreation of a legendary synthesizer while expanding its capabilities for modern music production. The plugin’s attention to detail in emulating the original Rhodes Chroma is evident in its rich, warm sound and complex modulation options. The inclusion of the Chroma Expander emulation adds significant value, effectively doubling the synthesizer’s power and opening up new creative possibilities. With its extensive preset library, high-quality effects, and intuitive interface, Cherry Audio Chroma provides both vintage authenticity and modern convenience. While it may have a learning curve for those unfamiliar with complex modular synthesizers, the depth and quality of sounds achievable make it a worthwhile investment for producers, sound designers, and musicians across various genres. The plugin’s ability to bridge the gap between classic analog warmth and contemporary production techniques positions it as a versatile tool in any electronic musician’s arsenal.