Computer Music Editor's Choice and Value Awards - "10 out of 10!"

The Rhodes Chroma by Cherry Audio 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. Originally released by Cherry Audio in May 2024, the Rhodes Chroma plug-in by Cherry Audio has now been rebranded through a collaboration with Rhodes® Music. This rebranding marks a new chapter in the synthesizer’s legacy, aligning the product with its historical roots under the Rhodes name. The plug-in remains a faithful recreation of the original 1980s Rhodes Chroma, enhanced with modern features that make it accessible to today's musicians and producers, offering them the chance to experience one of the most iconic synthesizers in music history.

A Chroma - Expanded! - for Everyone

Rhodes Chroma is a stunning virtual instrument that meticulously revives the essence and sonic capabilities of the legendary original. This endeavor has been one of Cherry Audio’s most ambitious projects, presenting a formidable challenge due to the original’s complexity and the vast array of parameters it comprises. The result is an instrument that not only matches but elevates the original’s experience, offering an unmatched level of innovation and authenticity worthy of the original.

Rhodes Chroma faithfully reproduces every nuance of the Chroma with astonishing accuracy. Remarkably, it allows direct import of SysEx patch data from the original instrument and even WAV-format cassette tape data, bridging four decades of sound design into a modern workflow. Cherry Audio has painstakingly recreated each component of the original Chroma hardware, from its 16 oscillators, filters, VCAs, and LFOs to its 32 envelope generators. These highly modular elements can be selected from 16 distinct preconfigured signal paths, ranging from straightforward VCO-VCF-VCA setups to intricate configurations involving oscillator sync, filter FM, ring modulation, and variable or serially connected filters.

Central to Cherry Audio’s design is an improved user interface that dramatically simplifies programming. Intuitive pop-up elements and real-time displays integrated directly into parameter buttons make sound design an effortlessly rewarding experience. 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 comprehensive modulation pop-up menus.

Rhodes Chroma by Cherry Audio is more than just a virtual replica of the original synthesizer's complex structure and expressive depth. It goes beyond that and incorporates Cherry Audio's own characteristic innovation to finally make Chroma's unique sonic qualities accessible to today's musicians and producers.

Rhodes Chroma Features

• 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 Rhodes 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
• Tape Data Import: Rhodes Chroma can import 50-program cassette tape data backups made with the original Chroma (uncompressed .wav files, mono/stereo, any sample rate or bit depth)
• 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
• Also available: Chroma Classics Preset Pack (sold separately), featuring 100 more phenomenal presets that blend vintage tones with a contemporary feel.

Rhodes 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.

System Requirements

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.