Crumar has introduced Performer, a virtual instrument that recreates the sound of their classic Performer hardware synthesizer.
Performer is a physical modeling emulation of the original. It expands on the original by offering options for different versions of the filter, adding effects, offering MIDI support and more.
Features:
- Adjustable global and single note tuning.
- Fully polyphonic.
- Realistic control panel with sliders and buttons like the original.
- Accurate simulation of original circuitry.
- Selection for Rev.A and Rev.B filter.
- Selection for the “sustain modification”.
- Built-in adjustable reverb and chorus effect.
- Simulation of pedals effect section including Graphic EQ, Phaser, Flanger and Analog Delay.
- On-screen help tips and readout values.
- Very low memory and CPU power needed.
- Easy MIDI-Learn feature.
- MIDI map import and export feature.
- Bank and program import and export feature.
- Compatible with Windows and OSX.
Audio Demo:
Pricing and Availability
The Performer virtual instrument is available now for EURO 99,00 + VAT. A demo version is also available.
100euro seems like an awful lot for such a simple instrument. Even Arturia wouldn’t charge that much.
Sounds good though.
Just for the reality check: Arturia charge 150 € for their Solina string software….
Link:
https://www.arturia.com/products/analog-classics/solina-v/overview
Okay, good catch! I guess I’ve only purchased their instruments on sale. Still seems pretty high, 12 years ago I regularly saw Crumar’s on Craigslist for roughly the cost of this plugin.
Hopefully they run a half off sale some day.
Arturia solina v is 149
I remember messing with one of those at keyboard exchange in denver colorado in the 80s. It had a nice big sound and clean for those times. That sample they have there doesn’t show much, the companies page has some nice samples.
I love these freeware synths. I got the Cherry Audio MG-1 a few weeks ago, and now I see this one too.
It’s not free. 99 EUR.
There is a free demo. That is probably enough for me for now, I enjoyed a quick play around with the demo. If I later want to use a string machine in a track I would consider buying this one.
Crumar Performer was my first ever synth… bought secondhand in the late 80’s. It was great fun, but 100 Euros is excessive.
I really like seeing the microtuning sliders per note. That’s a nice approach. That GUI is pretty gorgeous– especially the onscreen keyboard.
Nice see the actual company making their own tribute VI. They have all the deep resources to model it properly and have the sense of what the “essence” of the original is. I like what I hear in those demos.
Price is a bit steep. They’ll probably sell mainly to people who have a nostalgia for that specific sound. At a lower price they may sell more licenses, but have to deal with supporting more entry-level users.
apparently not the same company, from Wikipedia “Crumar ceased trading in 1987, just as they were about to launch a high-quality sampler at the lower end of the market.
In 2008 the Crumar brand was acquired by a new Italian company that soon began producing new keyboards under the Crumar name, including the Baby Grand piano (introduced at the 2008 Musikmesse), Bassman bass synth, and Mojo clonewheel organ. “
The original Crumar company was italian as well.
The demo tracks on the website do sound very nice. https://www.crumar.it/?a=showproduct&cat=software&pid=CSP0 (scroll down to ” LISTEN TO AUDIO DEMOS” and click a track).
I was just having a convo w a friend about picking up a Performer on Craigslist. I love this particular synth (as well as the DS-1 and the Orchestrator), but the weight, maintenance cost, and lack of CV or Midi are real hurdles. Might have to check this VI out.