Cherry Audio’s latest release offers a faithful recreation of a rare 1980s analogue monosynth that was designed by some of the synth industry’s leading figures, including none other than Bob Moog. Crumar Spirit promises to accurately capture the instrument of the same name, as well as enhancing it with polyphony, additional modulation capabilities and built-in effects.
While the recreation emulates the sound and workings of the original instrument, Cherry Audio have introduced unison and polyphonic modes that offer up to 16 voices of polyphony, along with a monophonic mode that mimics the capabilities of the hardware version. Its already powerful modulation system has been enhanced, too, with the plug-in version boasting a new four-slot modulation matrix kitted out with 25 sources and 45 destinations.
The original arpeggiator design has been updated to include modern parameters such as swing, chance and feel, and dual effects chains offer a collection of built in processors that include distortion, flanger, chorus, echo, reverb and more. Playability has also been enhanced thanks to support for polyphonic aftertouch.
The company say that The release of Spirit continues their Bob Moog Appreciation Month, which sees significant discounts being applied to their products that have been inspired by Dr. Moog's contributions to synthesizers and audio-production equipment.
Key Features
- Replicates the innovative design of two independent mixers and signal paths found in the original.
- Monophonic, unison, polyphonic (four, eight or 16 voices) modes, enhanced by cyclic voice modes that can add per-note variation and more analogue-style character.
- Accurate reproduction of the Upper low-pass filter and multi-mode Lower filter, with a fixed formant option to add vocal-like colour.
- Significantly enhances the modulation capabilities of the original's Mod X and Shaper Y sections by introducing Matrix Z, a four-slot modulation matrix featuring 25 sources and 45 destinations.
- Spirit's distinctive three-mode arpeggiator has been enhanced with swing, chance and feel, introducing a greater degree of humanisation to arpeggiated patterns.
Crumar Spirit in SOS Retrozone
If you’d like to find out more about the Crumar Spirit, take a look at our Retrozone article from the July 2001 issue of SOS.
Compatibility
Crumar Spirit is supported on PCs running Windows 7 or above, and Macs running macOS 10.13 and higher. VST, VST3, AU and AAX plug-in versions are available.
Pricing & Availability
Crumar Spirit is available now, priced at $59. Alongside the launch Cherry Audio are also introducing the Spectres Preset Pack. Priced at $9.99, the pack features an additional 100 presets designed to further showcase the synth’s darker and more atmospheric side. Additionally, until 1 September 2025, Spirit can be purchased as part of Cherry Audio's Build Your Own Bundle options. Customers can choose the Pick 3 bundle for $99 (regularly $129) or the Pick 6 bundle for $149 (regularly $169).
