Rhodes Chroma – A Legacy of Innovation
Rhodes Chroma – A Legacy of Innovation
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. 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!
The Story of Chroma
In 1979, a group of 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, advanced signal routing, and modulation. In 1981, the R&D team and the synthesizer design moved to CBS, where Rhodes pianos were produced, and the Chroma was finally released under the Rhodes brand. While it was a feat of engineering, the flat panel interface of the Chroma wasn’t entirely sufficient for accessing its immense sound and feature set. Nevertheless, the Chroma was a monumental final achievement for its 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.
Produced between 1982 and 1984, the Rhodes Chroma is a rare and exceptional synthesizer, with only around 3,000 manufactured and as few as 150 keyboardless Expanders. Synth luminaries highly regard it, and it 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!
requirements:
mac:
cpu: Intel or Apple Silicon processor. 3.4 GHz Quad-Core or Apple Silicon CPU
ram: 8
disk: 1
version: 1.0
notes: macOS 10.13 or above
additional_requirements: NOTE: Internet connection required for product activation
internet required: yes
support:
64_bit
plugins:
VST-2
VST-3
AU
AAX
STAND-ALONE
windows:
cpu: 3.4 GHz Quad-Core
ram: 8
disk: 1
version: 1.0
notes: Windows 7 or above
additional_requirements: NOTE: Internet connection required for product activation
internet required: yes
support:
64_bit
plugins:
VST-2
VST-3
AAX
STAND-ALONE
trial: no
notes: Rhodes Chroma Synthesizer by Cherry Audio
feature: 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
Chroma is available in AU, VST, VST3, AAX, and standalone formats.
licensing methods:
computer
platforms: mac
windows
1316-1055
