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.
CR-78 Drum Machine Features
All 34 factory preset rhythms and “variation/fill-in” patterns included
Simple shift-click action to combine two factory presets
Over 250 additional rhythm and sound presets, including special categories that go far beyond the classic CR-78 tones and patterns:
Kits: combinations of instruments matched and tuned to specific genres, with patterns that demonstrate each of the sounds in sequence
Melodic: using pitch tuning and effects to create synth bass or melodic accompaniment along with the beats
All original sounds exactingly modeled — no samples used
Voice Edit panel for mild or extreme sound editing
Familiar X0X-style 16- or 24-step pattern programming
Super flexible pattern and instrument copy and paste capabilities
Swing percentage setting
Real-time step entering via Trigger button
Unlike original, all sounds independently addressable in user pattern mode
Easy to use Song Mode with up to 99 patterns and 99 steps per song
External MIDI sound triggering with velocity sensitivity and user-assignable note mapping
Effects/Mixer panel with studio-quality effects for overdrive, flanger, delay, and gated reverb that can be individually applied to each kit instrument through an innovative “one-button mixer send”
Mixer with independent level, pan, and solo/mute for each instrument
The Effects/Mixer panel also includes a wild and characterful master compressor and six-band graphic EQ
Drag-export function allows simple mouse-drag conversion of patterns to DAW MIDI tracks (plug-in version) or Standard MIDI Files on the desktop (standalone version)
Separate out plug-in version for independent processing of each instrument in a DAW
Super accurate DAW sync
User-adjustable oversampling control
Complete MIDI control and DAW automation for all controls, with easy-to-use MIDI learn and mapping (Preset and Global)
Cherry Audio’s popular Focus zoom-in feature, as well as standard UI zoom and resize via drag
Complete documentation available directly online from the instrument or in downloadable PDF format
