The 1980s were a period of rapid advancement in music technology, and Rhodes led the way of advancements in music technology with the launch of the Rhodes Chroma in 1982. This synthesiser became legendary because of its innovative design, robust 16-voice polyphony, and extensive modulation capabilities.
The Chroma, created in conjunction with creative engineers at ARP Instruments, was Rhodes’ response to the changing landscape of electronic music, cementing its position as a crucial participant in influencing the sounds of the era. Recently, the excitement has been rekindled with the release of the Rhodes Chroma Plugin by Cherry Audio.
The Chroma’s Impact on Music History
Despite only being in production for two years, the Chroma left a lasting effect on music history, becoming a valuable collector’s item and a source of inspiration for musicians like Herbie Hancock and Joe Zawinul. Fast forward to today, and this emblem lives on thanks to modern technology. Developed by Cherry Audio, the Rhodes Chroma has been re-released in digital format, combining the best of analogue synthesis with the accessibility of software.
A Modern Rebirth In Sound
The newly released Rhodes Chroma Plugin keeps the original’s sonic depth and character while improving accessibility for today’s musicians and producers. Cherry Audio’s sole development role in emulating every detail of the Chroma, combined with Rhodes’ dedication to preserving the essence of its classic instruments, has resulted in a virtual synthesiser that not only pays homage to the past but also pushes the boundaries of what is possible in the digital world.
Why the Chroma Plugin Stands Out
Beyond its authentic recreation, the Chroma Plugin enhances the original’s capabilities with over 700 expertly designed presets, spanning from vintage-style patches to cutting-edge current sounds. These presets, combined with seven integrated studio-quality effects (including reverb, chorus, and phaser), allow users to dive straight into music creation. The plugin’s ability to run in both single and double modes offers the flexibility of layering multiple voices, making it perfect for experimenting with complex textures and rich harmonic layers.
Authenticity Meets Innovation
This collaboration between Rhodes and Cherry Audio breathes new life into a tradition, allowing the next generation of artists to incorporate the Chroma’s rich, distinctive tones into their music production. The Rhodes Chroma Plugin provides a unique opportunity for musicians to access these legendary sounds. Whether exploring the original’s delicate textures or layering sounds with increased polyphony, the Rhodes Chroma Plugin provides the best of both worlds: respect for heritage while embracing innovation.
Creating with the Chroma Plugin
The Rhodes Chroma doesn’t just capture the sound; it also preserves the unique feel and versatility of the original. Musicians now have the power to tap into new levels of creativity, supported by both the flexible modes and a suite of features that honor the original.
Inspiring a New Generation of Artists
In combining Rhodes’ legacy with Cherry Audio’s modern engineering, the Chroma is ready to inspire another generation of artists, music producers, and sound designers. This release ensures that the Chroma’s tones and textures, both rich and intricate, can again take their place in the heart of music production.
Embrace the Chroma’s Legacy Today
This new digital format allows musicians around the world to experience the magic of the Rhodes Chroma like never before. With the Rhodes Chroma Plugin, Cherry Audio and Rhodes invite you to dive into the legacy, embrace innovation, and make this iconic sound your own.
