Cherry Audio Wurlybird 140B is a meticulously crafted virtual instrument that brings the iconic sound of the 1964 Wurlitzer 140B electric piano to the digital realm. This sample-based plugin captures the essence of what many consider to be the crown jewel of the Wurlitzer family, known for its superior action and tone quality compared to the more widely emulated 200 series. The Wurlybird 140B is the result of a collaboration between Cherry Audio and renowned sound designer Mike Martin, who painstakingly sampled every nuance of a professionally restored 140B keyboard owned by keyboardist Tom Hammer. The plugin offers an ultra-realistic response, incorporating subtle randomization of key release and pedal sounds, precision modeling of the original preamp, and faithfully emulated vibrato/tremolo. With its gorgeously rendered interface and a suite of eight studio-quality effects, the Wurlybird 140B aims to deliver unparalleled sound quality and authenticity to musicians and producers.
Pros:
• Meticulously sampled from a rare, professionally restored 1964 Wurlitzer 140B
• Ultra-realistic response with subtle randomization of key release and pedal sounds
• Comprehensive suite of eight high-quality effects for tonal shaping
Cons:
• Limited to a single Wurlitzer model, which may not suit users seeking a broader range of electric piano sounds
Cherry Audio Wurlybird 140B boasts an impressive array of features that contribute to its authentic sound and versatile performance capabilities. At its core, the plugin is built upon deep multi-sample programming that captures the response of every key and reed from the original instrument. This level of detail ensures that players experience the nuanced tonal variations and dynamic response characteristic of the 140B model. The plugin’s user interface is both visually appealing and functional, with easily accessible controls for key parameters such as Vibrato (Tremolo), Tune, Hum, and Velocity Curve. These controls allow users to fine-tune the instrument’s sound to their liking, from subtle adjustments to more dramatic tonal shifts.
One of the standout aspects of the Wurlybird 140B is its effects section. Cherry Audio has included eight stompbox-style effects that greatly expand the sonic possibilities of the instrument. The Tube Overdrive effect can add warmth and grit to the sound, perfect for rock and blues styles. The Chorus and 70s Phaser effects provide classic modulation options, while the Rotator effect simulates the sound of a rotating speaker cabinet. For spatial enhancement, the plugin offers Delay and Reverb effects, allowing users to create everything from tight slapback echoes to lush, expansive ambiences. The Seven-Band Graphic EQ provides precise tonal shaping capabilities, and the LoFi effect, with discrete vinyl and noise controls, allows for creative sound degradation.
The Wurlybird 140B also includes over 60 presets created by veteran sound designers James Terris and James Dyson. These presets span a wide range of tones from classic to modern, providing users with instant inspiration and a solid starting point for their own sound design explorations.
In terms of playability, the Wurlybird 140B shines with its attention to detail. The subtle randomization of key release and pedal sounds contributes to a more organic, realistic playing experience. The precise modeling of the original preamp adds to the authentic character of the instrument, capturing the warmth and slight coloration that the 140B is known for.
For users who want to integrate the Wurlybird 140B into their existing workflow, the plugin offers complete MIDI control and DAW automation. The MIDI learn mapping feature makes it easy to assign hardware controllers to various parameters, allowing for expressive, hands-on control during performance or recording.
When compared to similar plugins on the market, the Cherry Audio Wurlybird 140B stands out for its focus on a specific, highly regarded model of Wurlitzer electric piano. While many other plugins offer emulations of multiple electric piano types or even the entire Wurlitzer range, the Wurlybird 140B’s dedication to the 140B model results in a depth of authenticity that is hard to match. For instance, Arturia’s Stage-73 V2 offers models of both Fender Rhodes and Wurlitzer electric pianos, providing more variety but potentially sacrificing some of the nuanced detail found in the Wurlybird 140B. Similarly, Native Instruments’ Electric Vintage covers a broader range of classic electric pianos but may not capture the specific character of the 140B as faithfully.
This plugin is best for:
• Musicians and producers seeking an authentic, high-quality Wurlitzer 140B sound
• Keyboardists looking for a responsive, expressive electric piano plugin
• Studio professionals requiring a versatile electric piano sound with extensive effects options
• Budget-conscious users who want professional-grade sound at an affordable price
Cherry Audio Wurlybird 140B is a testament to the power of focused, meticulous virtual instrument design. By honing in on a single, revered model of electric piano, Cherry Audio has created a plugin that captures the essence of the Wurlitzer 140B with remarkable accuracy. The attention to detail in the sampling process, combined with the subtle randomization of key and pedal sounds, results in a playing experience that closely mimics the feel of the original instrument. The inclusion of a comprehensive effects suite greatly expands the sonic palette, allowing users to craft both vintage and modern electric piano tones with ease. While some users might prefer a plugin that offers a wider variety of electric piano models, the Wurlybird 140B’s dedication to the 140B model results in a depth of sound and responsiveness that is hard to match. Its affordable price point makes it an attractive option for a wide range of users, from home studio enthusiasts to professional producers. For those seeking the authentic sound and feel of a classic Wurlitzer 140B, Cherry Audio’s Wurlybird 140B plugin offers a compelling and accessible solution.