Rhodes Chroma
by Cherry Audio · Synth · Rhodes Chroma analog polysynth
Not rated yet
A recreation of the 1982 Rhodes Chroma polysynth, developed with Rhodes Music, with 16 voices and 16 preconfigured signal paths for sync, filter FM, ring mod and serial filters.
It includes the Chroma Expander as a second synth for layers and splits, seven effects, polyphonic aftertouch and 700 presets, including 250 originals, for $69.
Best for: Keys & Synths, Bass, Sound Design. Genres: Electronic & EDM, Pop, Ambient & Cinematic.
Keywords: polyphonic, electric piano, preset-driven, FM, 80s, analog, brass, metallic, pads, basses, evolving, leads, sound design, steep learning curve, subtractive, textures.
What it does
Rhodes Chroma, "A Legacy of Innovation", is Cherry Audio's recreation of the 1980s Rhodes Chroma polysynth. The developer calls it faithful to the original, with a reworked interface that "dramatically simplifies programming". Each patch picks one of 16 signal paths.
- Voices: 16 polyphonic voices with velocity and polyphonic aftertouch, built from 16 oscillators, 16 filters and 32 envelope generators.
- Signal paths: 16 preconfigured routings, including oscillator sync, filter FM, ring modulation and serial or variable filter setups.
- Modulation: the original Chroma's modulation options, set through pop-up menus instead of the hardware's parameter-number programming.
- Expander: the Rhodes Chroma Expander runs as a second complete synth in layer or split mode.
- Effects: distortion, phaser, flanger/chorus, delay and reverb, plus global EQ and a limiter.
- Presets and import: 700 presets (250 original factory patches and 450 new ones), with SysEx import and import of the original's cassette tape data from WAV files.
- Workflow: MIDI learn, DAW automation and a Focus zoom for enlarging sections of the panel.
A free 30-day demo is available (it plays white noise periodically).
Source: Cherry Audio product page
When to use it
Rhodes Chroma is a good pick if you want a less common early-80s polysynth with a very wide range. Compared with Arturia Matrix-12 V2 or Jup-8 V, its selectable signal paths reach further, from warm pads and brass to metallic ring-mod and filter-FM tones. Unlike UVI Kroma, which is sample-based, it is a fully programmable synth that also loads original patches. Next to Diva, which models several classic synths, it focuses on one instrument, and building patches from scratch takes more learning.
- Best for: evolving pads, metallic textures, brass, beefy basses and expressive leads with poly aftertouch.
- Genres: electronic, pop, ambient and film music.
- Look elsewhere if: you want a simple, quick polysynth; Mercury-8 is more straightforward.
- Tip: on a laptop screen, use the Focus button to enlarge the part of the panel you are editing.
What producers say
Reviewers rate it highly for sound and versatility; the main caveat is the learning curve.
- MusicRadar (Roland Schmidt, 2024) called the sound "utterly superb" and said its versatility and programmability "make it a must-have", praising the Expander and the 700 presets.
- Musicplayers.com (Jason Buchwald, 2025) gave it a WIHO Award, called it "a no-brainer" at the price and praised the menu-based programming and clear manual.
- Criticisms: both reviews note that patch-building takes some learning, even with the simplified interface.
Where to buy
- Cherry Audio: $69
- PluginFox: $69
- AudioDeluxe: $69
Tutorials and reviews
- Cherry Audio Chroma: A demo + tutorial of an elusive analog synth
- Cherry Chroma soft synth : the rare Rhodes Chroma vintage polysynth
- Cherry Audio Rhodes Chroma - Sound Bank '79
- Cherrry Chroma by Cherrry Audio Is here
- Cherry Chroma ARP Rhodes Chroma Synth Cherry Audio NO TALKING SOUNDS DEMO
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