Cherry Audio has introduced Quadra, described as a ‘super-accurate and immensely improved emulation’ of the classic ARP Quadra synthesizer from 1978.
Quadra has been designed to balance authenticity and functionality, addressing the original instrument’s shortcomings, while dramatically expanding its power.
Here’s the official video demo:
Each of the Quadra’s four sections is independently assignable to any region of the keyboard for endless splitting and layering flexibility. The original Quadra’s challenging patch storage has been replaced with an extensive, unlimited patch browsing system. The developers say that the overall sound quality has been improved, and the onboard phaser has been augmented with a stereo chorus/flanger, a syncable echo, and studio-quality reverb – all individually routable.
The Cherry Audio Quadra boasts a fat, monophonic bass section for punchy low end, plus “Strings Bass” for string machine-style orchestral richness. Its classic string synth beautifully reproduces the classic string ensemble instruments of the 1970s, and includes a dedicated two-band EQ. The Poly Synth section is a highly improved version of the original ARP unit, including saw, variable pulse, “spike,” and “hollow” waveforms, expanded range, and a drift button for organic tone. To top off, it features a dual-oscillator lead synth, including ramp, pulse, sine, triangle, and noise waves, LFO- or envelope-controlled pulse-width modulation, two-voice split mode, independent oscillator portamento controls and more.
Pricing and Availability:
Quadra is available now for Mac & Windows, priced at only $39 MAP ($59 MSRP), with a free 30-day demo available.
Neato. I dont think anyone could do a Pepsi challenge with any of Cherry audio’s synths against another one of their synths. They all taste like Pepsi.
If you think you could tell the difference between this and their MemoryMoog you are dishonest…or have much much better ears than me. But probably the first thing.
Or rather what I meant to say: these synths sound wildly dissimilar. As a MemoryMoog owner their emulation deserves nothing short of a Nobel Peace Prize. And doesn’t sound anything like their Oberheim or Korg emulations. So I guess I take affront at calling them all ‘Pepsi.’
That’s good to know. I bought their Memorymoog emulation and think it sounds fantastic.
I disagree- I’ve found their emulations to be spot-on (having owned several of the hardware they are modelled on). They emulations are as good -if not better- than bigger software makers who charge 2-5x more. Highly recommended.
Fabulous efforts!
Cherry Audio is currently running a Thanksgiving special – $199 for 10 softsynths, including Quadra. Must. Resist.
Obviously now, I am waiting for a Chroma emulation!
The idea of a Cherry Audio version of the Chroma Polaris makes my ears salivate.
The Chroma would be a huge item, especially with all of those parameters up front. The idea is a real grabber. Its one of the few un-emulated classics left. Its not a small project for anyone involved, though, oooeee!
I’ve got the Memorymode and it really speaks up as it should. I just wish the Quadra had more than pure analog for each section. I’d like a few samples onboard to sweeten it up, such as more realistic strings. I can zone those in with Logic, of course. I’ve always loved the idea of an Odyssey and an Omni in one box. Here we go.
Got it.. in hope it would sound a tad like my old (and sold) ARP Omni-2. It does not. However – this may be due to the fact that Cherry added an EQ.. not sure – but it has a huge effect on the sound. Some EQ tweaks is getting me a tad closer. Also – my old Omni was hardwired through a Boss CE-1. The Cherry chorus is not like it.. (as is none of my VST-choruses either.. the emulations seem to forget that the CE-1 modulated one channel and left the other alone – for the stereo fx). I am – however pleased to have the low note priority bass available again. I used it extensively for writing songs.. none of the bass lines survived (of course) but it was an inspiring way to write songs with a full range of sound… the two to three fingers on the left hand playing bass while the rest made up for the chord (usually a string sound for pad), leaving the right hand free for the other keyboards. Another thing I like about this emulation is the fact that the “polysynth” section can be multiple triggered.. like the original – and the Omni… just because I used this as a feature on some tunes back in the 80’s. Nostalgia!