If you are a fan of that gritty, raw, and undeniable sound of the 1970s Roland SH-series, today is a very good day. Cherry Audio has just announced the launch of SH-MAX, and it isn’t just a recreation of a single synthesizer. It is a "greatest hits" collection of analog powerhouses rolled into one modern instrument.
For producers and synth enthusiasts who have long chased the elusive tones of the SH-5 or the quirky architecture of the SH-3a, SH-MAX promises to deliver that vintage heavy-lifting without the vintage price tag.
A "Frankenstein" of Legendary Hardware
The concept behind SH-MAX is ambitious. Rather than modeling just one unit, Cherry Audio has built a hybrid engine that integrates the best distinct features from three legendary models:
The Foundation (SH-5): At its core, SH-MAX captures the bold sound of the 1976 SH-5. This includes the famous dual oscillators, ADSR envelopes, and the distinctive dual-parallel multimode and bandpass filter sections.
The Expansion (SH-7): From the 1978 SH-7, the plugin borrows autobend, filter FM, and syncable VCOs with additional waveforms.
The Texture (SH-3a): To round out the palette, they’ve included the additive-style oscillator from the 1975 SH-3a for unique sound design flexibility.
They didn't stop there. The instrument also features a sequencer inspired by the System 100 Model 104 and expressive touch performance features drawn from the SH-2000.
Modern Power meets Vintage Dirt
While the sound engine is rooted in the 70s, the workflow is strictly 2024. The original hardware was famously monophonic or duophonic. SH-MAX blows this wide open with support for 16-voice polyphony.
This means you can take those massive, aggressive leads associated with artists like The Prodigy or Nine Inch Nails and transform them into lush, earthshaking pads.
Key features for modern production include:
- Modular-Style Routing: A flexible stereo mixer allows you to route VCOs, Ring Mod, and Noise independently to VCF, BPF, or VCA.
- Massive Effects: 20 studio-quality effects available across four chains.
- Analog Realism: Optional "Drift" and "Slop" controls to introduce that unstable, warm character of aging components.
- Visual Nostalgia: Three unique interface themes that pay homage to the aesthetics of the SH-3a, SH-5, and SH-7.
The SH-series has been a secret weapon for everyone from Kraftwerk and Pink Floyd to Aphex Twin and Orbital. With over 300 presets included (and an optional pack by sound designer James Dyson available), SH-MAX looks to be an instant no-brainer for anyone producing synth-wave, techno, industrial, or ambient music.
SH-MAX is available now for macOS and Windows (AU/VST/VST3/AAX/Standalone).
