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A year and a half in the making! The long-awaited and often requested Cherry Audio Chroma synthesizer is a virtual instrument that brings back the spirit and sounds of the iconic Rhodes Chroma polyphonic analog synthesizer from 1982 with the utmost accuracy. Due to its highly complex nature and sheer number of parameters, this has been among the most challenging virtual instruments Cherry Audio has ever created. We’ve painstakingly emulated every aspect with exacting precision while making the sound programming experience more intuitive with easy-to-use pop-up menus and informative real-time display directly built into the parameter buttons.
Topping it off, switching the standard single instrument mode to double mode adds a Chroma Expander - an entire additional Chroma Synthesizer that can run in layer or split modes!
Exactingly faithful virtual analog emulation of the analog polyphonic synthesizer released by Rhodes in 1982, from its 16 polyphonic voices to its expressive velocity and polyphonic aftertouch capabilities
16 Oscillators, Filters, VCAs, and LFOs, and 32 Envelope Generators
16 distinct preconfigured signal paths, ranging from straightforward VCO-VCF-VCA setups to intricate configurations featuring oscillator sync, filter FM, ring modulation, and variable or serial filter paths
Intuitive menus and real-time displays simplify the programming process, making it accessible to novices and seasoned professionals alike
All of the original Chroma’s unprecedented modulation capabilities have been precisely replicated to create a powerfully flexible modular synthesizer-like programming experience. Modulation paths are configured quickly and easily using Cherry Audio Chroma’s comprehensive modulation pop-up menus
Includes the Chroma Expander module, which adds an entire second Chroma synthesizer to the mix, running in layer or split modes for expanded creative possibilities
SysEx Import: Owners of MIDI-retrofitted Chroma or Expander hardware can directly transfer banks and individual patches to Cherry Audio Chroma via SysEx dump. Additionally, users can easily import Chroma SysEx files through drag-and-drop
Seven studio-quality onboard effects, including distortion, phaser, flange/chorus, delay, and reverb, as well as a global EQ and limiter
700 extraordinary presets in over a dozen categories: includes the original 250 Chroma factory presets and an additional 450 custom presets crafted by a stellar team of sound designers
Standalone virtual instrument and plug-in versions
Complete MIDI control and DAW automation for all controls, with easy-to-use MIDI Learn and mapping
Cherry Audio’s popular Focus zoom-in feature, as well as standard UI zoom and resize via drag
Complete documentation available directly online from the instrument or in downloadable PDF format
User-adjustable oversampling control
In 1979, the pioneers at ARP Instruments began researching and developing one of the most ambitious synthesizer designs of that time - the Chroma. The Chroma was a 16-voice polyphonic marvel, controlled by a microprocessor, with aftertouch and advanced signal routing and modulation. Unfortunately, ARP was entering bankruptcy in 1981. Fortunately, the Chroma design was preserved by Rhodes, which produced it from 1982 to 1984, at the dawn of the new digital era. While it was a feat of engineering, the flat panel interface of the Chroma wasn’t up to the task of accessing its immense sound and feature set. Despite its challenges, the Chroma was a monumental final achievement for ARP’s visionary engineering team. Explore the heritage of the Chroma synthesizer in our video documentary The Story of Chroma, featuring exclusive interviews and insights through the firsthand accounts of those who stood at the forefront of its creation.
The Chroma is a rare and exceptional synthesizer, with only around 3,000 produced by Rhodes and as few as 150 keyboardless Expanders. It is highly regarded by synth luminaries and is still cherished for its unique sound. The Chroma was famously used by musicians including Herbie Hancock, Joe Zawinul, Jethro Tull, and Oscar Peterson. It’s also the source of the signature “wah-wah” chords heard throughout Spandau Ballet’s smash 1983 hit, “True.”
Rhodes introduced the Chroma in 1982 at just over $5,000 and the Expander for $2,500. Today, either of these fetch between $8,000 and $16,000 on the used market!
Chroma is available in AU, VST, VST3, AAX, and standalone formats.
A free 30-day demo is available. This demo will play white noise periodically, but is otherwise unlimited.
macOS Requirements: macOS 10.13 or above. 64-bit required. Intel or Apple Silicon processor. 3.4 GHz Quad-Core or Apple Silicon CPU with 8GB of RAM recommended.
Windows Requirements: Windows 7 or above. 64-bit required. 3.4 GHz Quad-Core computer with 8GB of RAM recommended.
Hard disk space: 74 MB
NOTE: Internet connection required for product activation
Rhodes® is a registered trademark of Rhodes Music Ltd. There is no association, affiliation or endorsement of Cherry Audio or its products by Rhodes Music.
