Quadra synth plugin interface by Cherry Audio showing four vintage instrument sections

Quadra: Four-Section Vintage Synth Plugin by Cherry Audio Free Download

Rated 4.7/5 on Plugin Boutique (551 ratings)

Quadra is a virtual synthesizer plugin from Cherry Audio that emulates the ARP Quadra, a 1978 analog instrument. It combines four independently assignable sections in one instrument.

VST3VST2AUAAXStandaloneWindowsmacOS64-bit

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Free trial available from the developer

01Overview

Quadra is an emulation of the ARP Quadra synthesizer, first released in 1978 and rarely seen today. Cherry Audio rebuilt its four sections as a virtual instrument, covering bass, strings, a poly synth and a lead. Each section can be assigned to its own key range, so you can split or layer them across the keyboard. The original patch storage has been replaced with a patch browser, and the plugin includes over 400 presets.

Best for

Analog bass lines
String ensemble pads
Layered and split keyboard performances
Vintage lead sounds
Tempo-synced modulation
Multitrack section processing

Developer: Cherry Audio
Category: Synths
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Emulates the 1978 ARP Quadra with four independently assignable sections
Over 400 presets programmed by industry veterans
Poly Synthesizer with Drift control for analog-style realism
Independent key range assignment for all four sections
Phase shifter with multiple modulation sources
Tempo-syncable LFO and improved tempo-synced arpeggiator
Multi-out version for separate processing of each section
Full MIDI control and DAW automation for all controls

03In depth

Four Sections and Vintage Sound Character

Quadra's four sections each recreate a different role from the original instrument. The bass section is a monophonic synth for low-end punch, with a "Strings Bass" mode for string-machine tones. The string section reproduces classic 1970s string ensemble sounds and includes a two-band EQ.

The poly synthesizer offers saw, variable pulse, spike and hollow waveforms, plus a Drift control for added analog-style movement. The lead section is a dual-oscillator synth with ramp, pulse, sine, triangle and noise waves, LFO- or envelope-controlled pulse-width modulation, and a two-voice split mode.

Effects, Arpeggiator and Workflow Controls

Quadra includes a phase shifter with multiple modulation sources, a stereo chorus/flanger, a tempo-syncable echo and a reverb. Each effect can be routed individually. The LFO can be synced to tempo, and the improved arpeggiator also offers tempo sync.

The multi-out version lets you process each instrument section separately in your DAW. All controls support full MIDI control and DAW automation, and the plugin offers user-adjustable oversampling and one-click UI magnification.

04Specs

Will it run?

Formats, systems and requirements as listed by Plugin Boutique. Missing details are left out, not guessed.

Developer	Cherry Audio
Type	Plugin
Category	Synth
Formats	VST3, VST2, AU, AAX, Standalone
Operating systems	Windows, macOS
Architecture	64-bit
Free trial	Yes

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What is Quadra based on?

Quadra is an emulation of the ARP Quadra synthesizer, which was originally released in 1978. Cherry Audio rebuilt it as a virtual instrument.

Which formats and operating systems does Quadra support?

Quadra is available in AU, VST, VST3, AAX and Standalone formats. It runs on Windows and macOS, and the macOS version supports native Apple M1 processing.

What do I need to run Quadra?

On Mac, you need macOS 10.13 or later, and macOS 13 Ventura is supported. On Windows, you need Windows 7 or later, including Windows 11. Both platforms require a 64-bit system, and a quad-core CPU with 8GB of RAM is recommended.