Rhodes Chroma by Cherry Audio virtual analog synth plugin interface

Rhodes Chroma: Virtual Analog Synth Plugin by Cherry Audio

Rated 4.7/5 on Plugin Boutique (91 ratings)

Rhodes Chroma is a virtual analog synthesizer plugin by Cherry Audio, modeled on the polyphonic Chroma released by Rhodes in 1982. It is available in VST3, VST2, AU, AAX and standalone formats.

VST3VST2AUAAXStandaloneWindowsmacOS64-bit

AVAILABLE ATPlugin Boutique

Download Now

Opens the store in a new tab

01Overview

Rhodes Chroma recreates the Chroma, a 16-voice polyphonic analog synthesizer from 1982 that was produced for only about two years. The plugin is developed by Cherry Audio in partnership with Rhodes and aims to reproduce the original's sound, programming layout and modulation system. Its signal paths, oscillators, filters, VCAs, LFOs and envelope generators are modeled on the hardware, and an optional Chroma Expander module adds a second synth to the mix.

Best for

Vintage analog pads
Polyphonic synth leads
Layered split patches
Retro electronic textures
Modular-style sound design

Developer: Rhodes
Category: Synths
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Virtual analog emulation of the 1982 Chroma with 16 polyphonic voices
16 oscillators, filters, VCAs and LFOs with 32 envelope generators
16 preconfigured signal paths, from simple VCO-VCF-VCA to complex routings
Velocity and polyphonic aftertouch response
Chroma Expander module for layer or split operation
SysEx import of banks and patches from Chroma hardware
700 presets, including the original 250 factory patches
Seven onboard effects plus global EQ and limiter

03In depth

Faithful Emulation of the 1982 Chroma

Cherry Audio models the original's 16 oscillators, filters, VCAs and LFOs, along with 32 envelope generators. Sixteen preconfigured signal paths cover simple VCO-VCF-VCA patches as well as more complex routings that use oscillator sync, filter FM, ring modulation, and variable or serial filter paths.

The plugin keeps the original's expressive response, including velocity and polyphonic aftertouch. Modulation paths are set up through Cherry Audio's pop-up modulation menus, which makes the instrument's modular-style routing easier to manage than on the hardware.

Owners of MIDI-retrofitted Chroma or Expander hardware can transfer banks and single patches into the plugin via SysEx dump, and existing Chroma SysEx files can be imported by drag-and-drop.

Presets, Effects and Workflow

Rhodes Chroma ships with 700 presets across more than a dozen categories. These include the 250 original Chroma factory presets and 450 additional presets from Cherry Audio's sound designers.

Seven onboard effects are included: distortion, phaser, flange/chorus, delay and reverb, plus a global EQ and limiter. The plugin also offers complete MIDI control and DAW automation, with MIDI Learn for mapping controls, along with a Focus zoom feature, standard UI zoom and resize, and user-adjustable oversampling.

04Specs

Will it run?

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

Developer	Rhodes
Type	Plugin
Category	Synth
Formats	VST3, VST2, AU, AAX, Standalone
Operating systems	Windows, macOS
Architecture	64-bit

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What formats does Rhodes Chroma support?

Rhodes Chroma is available in VST3, VST2, AU, AAX and standalone formats.

Which operating systems does Rhodes Chroma run on?

It runs on Windows and macOS. macOS 10.13 or later is required, and Windows 7 or later is required, both as 64-bit versions.

What do I need to use Rhodes Chroma?

The plugin requires a 64-bit host, and an internet connection is needed for product activation. A 3.4 GHz quad-core processor and 8 GB of RAM are recommended, and it needs 74 MB of disk space.

Can I import sounds from the original Chroma hardware?

Yes. Owners of MIDI-retrofitted Chroma or Expander hardware can transfer banks and individual patches via SysEx dump, and Chroma SysEx files can be imported by drag-and-drop.