Cherry Audio’s extensive range of virtual instruments contains many recreations of sought-after vintage synthesizers, many of which have been enhanced with more modern feature sets as well as emulating the sounds of the original unit. Their latest release, CR-78, becomes the first drum machine to join the line-up, offering a modern take on Roland’s CR-78.
New & Improved
The new instrument accurately recreates the sounds of the original unit, including its 34 onboard preset rhythms, but Cherry Audio have taken the chance to replace its programming interface with a more familiar button-per-step alternative, as well as introducing a Song Mode that allows up to 99 patterns to be chained together. The original sounds have been reproduced using modelling rather than sampling, meaning that they are all fully editable; a dedicated Voice Edit screen provides a set of dedicated parameters for every drum sound.
Effects & Mixer
CR-78 includes a comprehensive mixer and effects system, but also supports individual outputs for those who'd prefer to utilise their DAW mixer.
An Effects/Mixer page then provides a wealth of built-in control over the instrument’s output. Overdrive, flanger, delay and reverb sections each house a set of dedicated parameters, with all but the flanger also offering multiple effect types, and both the flanger and delay can be synchronised to the tempo of the host application. Each drum part benefits from its own level, mute, solo and pan controls, as well as a routing switch that allows any of the four effects to be inserted on a per-part basis. There’s also a master compressor and six-band graphic EQ for adding the finishing touches to the final mixed output, and individual outputs are also provided for those who prefer to mix elsewhere.
As well as meticulously recreating the sounds and presets of the original unit, CR-78 comes loaded with over 250 additional presets that demonstrate its new-found capabilities. As you might expect, it also includes a number of DAW-friendly additions such as simple drag-and-drop MIDI export and complete parameter automation support.
Compatibility
CR-78 is supported on PCs running Windows 7 or higher, and Macs running macOS 10.13 and above. VST, VST3, AU and AAX plug-in versions are available, along with a standalone application.
Pricing & Availability
CR-78 is available now, and is currently (15 February 2024) being offered for an introductory price of $49, reduced from its full cost of $69.
