Cherry Audio CR-78 is a virtual drum machine plugin that meticulously recreates the iconic sounds and rhythms of the original Roland CompuRhythm CR-78, while expanding its capabilities for modern music production. Released in 2024, this software instrument combines vintage charm with contemporary features, offering producers and musicians a versatile tool for crafting both authentic retro beats and innovative rhythmic patterns. The CR-78 plugin faithfully reproduces the punchy analog tones of its hardware predecessor, including all 34 original preset rhythms, but goes far beyond by making these sounds fully editable. Users can shape and manipulate each drum voice through a comprehensive set of parameters, opening up a world of sonic possibilities that were unattainable with the original unit. The plugin’s interface is designed to be intuitive, replacing the complex programming of the hardware with a familiar X0X-style step sequencer, allowing for quick and easy pattern creation. Cherry Audio has also included a robust effects section, mixer, and additional modern features like drag-and-drop MIDI export, making the CR-78 a powerful and flexible drum machine for today’s production workflows.
Pros:
• Authentic recreation of the CR-78’s iconic sounds with added editability
• Intuitive X0X-style sequencer for easy pattern programming
• Extensive preset library with over 250 additional sounds and patterns
• Comprehensive effects and mixing section for sound shaping
• Drag-and-drop MIDI export for seamless DAW integration
Cons:
• May be overkill for users seeking only basic drum machine functionality
• Some users might prefer sample-based alternatives for absolute authenticity
Cherry Audio CR-78 boasts an impressive array of features that elevate it beyond a mere emulation of the original hardware. At its core, the plugin uses modeled synthesis to recreate the distinctive analog tones of the CR-78, ensuring a warm, punchy sound that captures the essence of the classic drum machine. This approach allows for unprecedented flexibility in sound design, as users can adjust parameters like pitch, decay, and attack for each individual drum voice, something that was impossible on the original unit.
The plugin’s interface is divided into three main sections: the main panel, which closely resembles the original CR-78’s faceplate; the Voice Edit panel for detailed sound shaping; and the Effects/Mixer panel for further processing and mixing. The main panel offers easy access to all 34 original preset rhythms, along with their variations and fill-ins. However, Cherry Audio has significantly improved the programming experience by implementing a 16- or 24-step sequencer that allows for real-time step entry and flexible pattern creation.
The Voice Edit panel is where the CR-78 plugin truly shines, offering deep control over each drum sound. Users can adjust parameters such as tone, noise level, and envelope settings, enabling a wide range of sonic possibilities from subtle tweaks to extreme transformations. This level of editability extends the CR-78’s palette far beyond its original capabilities, making it suitable for a variety of musical genres.
In the Effects/Mixer section, Cherry Audio has included four studio-quality effects: overdrive, flanger, delay, and gated reverb. Each effect can be applied to individual drum voices using a unique “one-button mixer send” feature, allowing for quick and creative sound design. The mixer provides independent level, pan, and solo/mute controls for each instrument, along with a master compressor and a 6-band graphic EQ for fine-tuning the overall sound.
The CR-78 plugin also introduces a Song Mode, enabling users to chain up to 99 patterns with 99 steps per song. This feature greatly enhances the instrument’s usability for creating complete drum tracks or extended performances. Additionally, the plugin supports external MIDI triggering with velocity sensitivity, allowing for expressive playing when controlled by MIDI keyboards or drum pads.
One of the most practical features for modern producers is the ability to convert patterns to MIDI tracks in a DAW or export them as standard MIDI files. This functionality, combined with complete MIDI control and DAW automation support, makes integrating the CR-78 into existing workflows a breeze. The plugin also offers both a standard version and a “separate outs” version, giving users the flexibility to process each drum voice individually within their DAW.
Cherry Audio has included over 250 additional presets, expanding the CR-78’s repertoire with genre-specific kits and even melodic presets that utilize pitch tuning and effects to create synth-like accompaniments. This vast library of sounds and patterns provides instant inspiration and showcases the plugin’s versatility.
When comparing the Cherry Audio CR-78 to similar plugins, it stands out for its combination of authenticity and modern features. While there are other CR-78 emulations on the market, many are sample-based and lack the deep editability offered by Cherry Audio’s modeled approach. The Arturia Drum Brute, for instance, offers a similar vintage drum machine experience but with a different sound palette and feature set. Roland’s own CR-78 plugin, available through their Cloud service, provides a more direct emulation but lacks some of the extended features found in Cherry Audio’s version. Compared to more general drum machine plugins like Native Instruments’ Battery or XLN Audio’s Addictive Drums, the CR-78 is more focused on recreating a specific vintage sound while still offering modern conveniences. Its strength lies in its ability to deliver authentic CR-78 tones with the flexibility to push them into new territories, something that broader drum plugins might not achieve as effectively.
This plugin is best for:
• Producers seeking authentic late 70s/early 80s drum sounds
• Electronic musicians looking for vintage-inspired rhythms with modern tweak-ability
• Sound designers who want to explore beyond traditional CR-78 sounds
• Composers working on retro-style film or game soundtracks
• Musicians who appreciate the simplicity and charm of classic drum machines
Cherry Audio CR-78 drum machine plugin is a remarkable achievement in virtual instrument design, successfully bridging the gap between vintage authenticity and modern functionality. It captures the essence of the original CR-78’s warm, punchy sounds while providing an extensive set of tools for sound shaping and pattern creation. The intuitive interface, combined with powerful features like the Voice Edit panel and comprehensive effects section, makes it easy for users to craft both classic and innovative rhythms. While it may offer more than some users need for basic drum machine tasks, its versatility and sound quality make it a valuable addition to any producer’s toolkit. Whether you’re aiming to recreate the iconic beats of the late 70s and early 80s or push the boundaries of what a CR-78 can do, this plugin offers a compelling blend of vintage charm and modern capabilities. Its ability to seamlessly integrate with modern DAWs through features like MIDI export and automation support ensures that it can find a place in contemporary production workflows. For those who appreciate the unique character of classic drum machines but desire the flexibility of software, the Cherry Audio CR-78 presents an enticing option that delivers on both fronts.