Cherry Audio – CR-78 (Windows)

MusicTech Excellence Award – “10 out of 10!”

CR-78 — Cherry Audio’s first virtual drum machine — accurately recreates the punchy analog sounds and 34 onboard preset rhythms of the first true classic drum machine and takes it much further. We’ve done away with the complex beat programming, replaced it with a familiar X0X-style button-per-step interface, and added an easy-to-use song mode for pattern chaining. Unlike sample-based emulations, Cherry Audio’s CR-78 uses modeled synthesis to recreate the classic tones of the original and makes a quantum leap forward by making these sounds fully editable. Four studio-quality effects are provided, with a uniquely fast and fun “send button” for each individual tone in the effects and mixer section, which also includes a complete mixer, compressor, and a six-band graphic EQ.

In 1978, following the success of their AceTone electronic rhythm products, Roland introduced a not-so-little box that made a massive impact. Coming from a legacy of preset-based devices intended to sit atop an organ, the CompuRhythm CR-78 was entirely new: the first programmable, microprocessor-controlled, analog beatbox.

With its colorful buttons for pattern presets, distinctive analog tones, and basic pattern programming, the CR-78 was the first drum machine as we know it. Pro musicians such as Blondie, Ultravox, Phil Collins and Genesis, Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark, Roxy Music, The Cars, Hall and Oates, and many others immediately embraced and immortalized this revolutionary gear.

Waiting for this Moment

For years, musicians have requested a virtual drum machine such as this, and in Cherry Audio fashion, we’ve delivered it with so much more.

Cherry Audio’s CR-78 is a visionary virtual drum machine that re-envisions the original by meticulously recreating and extending its distinctive sounds and beats with new programmability features, and adds over 250 additional presets that take it from mild to wild.

Pattern creation has been simplified with X0X-style 16- or 24-step sequencing, copy-and-paste, and real-time entry using trigger, keyboard, or MIDI device. CR-78 also includes an expansive song mode for chaining up to 99 patterns. All of the original variations for fills, accents, voice cancel, and fades are present, along with new swing and velocity options.

Cherry Audio’s CR-78 can be played standalone and includes versatile plug-in options loaded with such DAW-friendly features as auto-sync, drag-and-drop MIDI export, individual outs, and complete automation.

Unlike sample-based instruments, Cherry Audio has emulated the original’s tones through modeled synthesis, and a Voice Edit panel allows extensive instrument parameter editing, enabling a range of sonic and melodic possibilities far surpassing the original.

The innovative Effects/Mixer panel delivers discrete level, pan, mute/solo; studio-quality effects, including overdrive, flanger, delay, gated reverb with effects send buttons; and a master compressor and a six-band graphic EQ.

In short, Cherry Audio’s CR-78 goes deep inside the box to provide the ultimate outside-of-the-box experience.

Cherry Audio and Tim Shoebridge have again teamed up to create an extensive and entertaining video that introduces users to the classic CR-78 sounds and the features of this tremendous virtual drum machine.