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Cherry Audio Elka-X Synthesizer
virtual instrument, legendary ELKA Synthex, modern enhancements, powerful tool
Cherry Audio Elka-X: Bringing a Legend Back to Life The Cherry Audio Elka-X is a virtual instrument that meticulously recreates the legendary ELKA Synthex, a rare Italian analog synthesizer from the early 1980s.
This powerful tool faithfully captures the extraordinary character and sonic richness of the original, while expanding its feature set with modern enhancements. Legacy of the Original Synthex: Uncommon Features: The Synthex boasted highly stable digitally-controlled analog oscillators (DCOs), a flexible four-pole multimode filter with unique configurations, and a powerful onboard analog chorus effect. Multitimbral Capabilities: Play two separate patches simultaneously, in either split or layer mode, for added sonic depth. Innovative Sequencer: A four-track sequencer with real-time recording and transposition offered creative possibilities beyond the norm. Limited Recognition: Market Focus: ELKA's primary focus on home organs hampered their reach in the professional synthesizer market. Digital Revolution: The rise of digital synths, like the Yamaha DX7, overshadowed the Synthex despite its remarkable capabilities. Notable Users: Stevie Wonder (distinctive bass tone on "Skeletons") Geoff Downes (supergroup Asia) Keith Emerson Nick Rhodes (Duran Duran) Peter Howell (BBC Radiophonic Workshop) Jean-Michel Jarre (Rendezvous and "laser harp" sound) X-pertly Extended and Enhanced: Precise Modeling: Cherry Audio meticulously captured the tone of the original Synthex, including its DCOs, filter, and chorus. Modern Enhancements: Increased polyphony, mono and unison modes, velocity response, expanded filter and LFO functionality, and a simplified and improved step sequencer. Studio-Quality Effects: Chorus, echo, and reverb with independent settings for both layers. Additional Features: Chord memory, over 600 pro patches, flexible MIDI mapping, and more.
