Cherry Audio SH-MAX Synthesizer

SH-MAX is Cherry Audio's unique blend of three remarkable SH-series synthesizers from the 1970s: the SH-5, SH-7, and SH-3A. But SH-MAX is far from a simple first-time emulation of these classic instruments in software. They took the undeniably bold sound of the SH-5, combined it with the best features from the other models, and infused it with even more power and versatility. With its assertive tone, versatility, and stunning interface, SH-MAX promises to transform the studio experience, putting a synthesis powerhouse right at your fingertips.

SH-MAXreproduces the vibrant sounds and essential features of the SH-5, including its powerful dual oscillators, two LFOs, the impressive parallel filter sections (multimode and bandpass), ring modulator, and sample & hold functionality. Cherry Audio then enhanced it with elements from the SH-7, such as autobend, duophony, filter FM, and syncable VCOs with extra waveforms. Furthermore, they included the additive-style oscillator from the SH-3A for greater flexibility. They also incorporated expressive capabilities inspired by the SH-2000, along with a classic sequencer influenced by the Model 104. To top it all off, they included three retro interface themes, each reflecting the distinct aesthetics of the SH-3A, SH-5, and SH-7.

What truly stands out about the SH-MAX is the distinctive personality of its filters, which can quickly shift from warm analog tones to aggressive sounds. It excels at producing raw, powerful timbres that easily cut through a mix without the need for additional effects (though those are included as well). SH-MAX also incorporates optional drift and slop controls for the oscillators, filters, amp, and dual envelope generators to lend some additional analog vibe.

The powerful SH-style mixer now includes stereo functionality and offers signal routing options comparable to those of a modular synthesizer. Each source -- VCO-1, VCO-2A, VCO-2B, Ring Mod, and Noise -- is independently routable to the Voltage Controlled Filter (VCF), Bandpass Filter (BPF), or Voltage Controlled Amplifier (VCA), each with its own independent effects chain. SH-MAX includes 20 of Cherry Audio’s studio-quality effects that can be arranged and reused within its four effect chains.

SH-MAX builds upon and enhances the SH-series lineage by leveraging the strengths of software, making the entire experience accessible within a modern production environment. Play it as a classic mono or duophonic synthesizer, create layered sounds for earthshaking unison, or employ 16 voices of polyphony to produce rich chords that are just as impactful as its bass lines and leads. The Touch Effects panel features four assignable controls and supports polyphonic aftertouch, offering expressive performance capabilities that go beyond what was possible in the 1970s. SH-MAX also includes a four-channel step sequencer capable of running patterns of up to 16 steps in parallel or chaining them in 32 or 64-step cycles. And producers can get started immediately with over 300 presets that take full advantage of these features, designed to inspire.

Cherry Audio's SH-MAX is more than a software emulation of a single classic analog synth or even three of them. It's the fantastic fusion of a pioneering series of synthesis instruments that bridges over 50 years of electronic music innovation with the essential tools and sounds desired for today's modern music production.

SH-MAX Synthesizer Features:

• Software virtual instrument plugin based on the sound and features of the SH-5, SH-7, and SH-3A synthesizers of the 1970s
• Three interface themes, each reflecting the distinct aesthetics of the SH-3A, SH-5, and SH-7
• Highly optimized voicing architecture with monophonic, duophonic, unison, and 16 voice polyphonic modes
• Five sound sources: VCO-1, VCO-2A, VCO-2B, Ring Modulator, and Noise
• Two parallel filter sections: Multimode with lowpass, bandpass, and highpass, and a separate dedicated bandpass filter
• Two tempo-syncable LFOs with retrigger options
• Sample & hold, ring modulator, autobend, vibrato, and portamento
• Two full ADSR envelopes per layer with velocity and loop options
• Flexible signal path options allow individual sound routing to either or both filters, or bypass them directly to the VCA
• Adjustable VCO, VCF, and VCA drift, and EG slop for a more analog vibe
• Over 300 professionally designed presets in 14 categories
• Comprehensive touch effects inspired by the SH-2000 with four slots and simple click-to-assign functionality with 47 destinations controlled by channel or polyphonic aftertouch with compatible controllers
• Syncable and transposable and chainable step sequencer (four channels, up to 16 steps each) inspired by the Model 104 with start, stop, audition, and humanize options, accurate DAW clock and step synchronization, and MIDI output to compatible DAWs
• The sequencer can send MIDI notes to a DAW timeline if the DAW supports recording MIDI from a plugin
• Four independent customizable effects chains, one for each signal path plus a global layer, with an individual effects modulator for each layer
• 20 studio-quality effects that can be arranged, saved, and recalled within their effects chains, which are compatible and can be shared with Cherry Audio's Trident and Mercury-8 synthesizers:
• BBD Flanger, Compressor, Digital Delay, Digital Reverb, Distortion & EQ, Dual Delay, Dual Ensemble, Dual Phaser, Envelope Filter, Flanger & Chorus, Galactic Reverb, Lo-Fi, Lushverb, Ring Modulator, Seven Band EQ, Spring Reverb, Tape Echo, DCO Chorus, Panner, and Pulser
• Persistent effects quick controls for on/off, solo, bipolar modulator amount slider, and dry/wet mix for each effect. Global FX on/off, level, and stereo expand
• Standalone virtual instrument and plug-in versions included (AU, VST, VST3, AAX)
• User-adjustable oversampling control
• Complete MIDI control and DAW automation for all controls, with easy-to-use MIDI learn and mapping (Preset and Global)
• 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