Introduction to Cherry Audio Elka-X Part 1 - Hosted by Tim Shoebridge
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- Опубліковано 17 сер 2022
- #synthesizer #vst #synthex
Tim Shoebridge of Sound Mangling introduces Cherry Audio's Elka-X synthesizer in the first of a three part series. In this episode, Tim covers the history of the ELKA Synthex (which Elka-X is based on), details Elka-X's signal chain, demonstrates the onboard effects, and introduces the multitimbral layers.
Part 2: • Introduction to Cherry...
Part 3: • Introduction to Cherry...
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Cherry Audio's Elka-X synthesizer is based upon the legendary Synthex, a rare Italian masterpiece with luxury features. Elka-X replicates the exceptional character of the original synth, thoughtfully expands its extraordinary functionality, and delivers the authentic Synthex experience at a price anyone can afford.
Try the Elka-X demo for free at cherryaudio.com/products/elka-x
See more videos from Tim Shoebridge at / timshoebridge
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Free demos, videos, and sound samples from Cherry Audio products are available at cherryaudio.com/
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Part 2: ua-cam.com/video/-rGPK6k10Wk/v-deo.html
Part 3: ua-cam.com/video/jJL8k7cHpuM/v-deo.html
Elka-X Synthesizer: ua-cam.com/video/M0X7vKww6rg/v-deo.html
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In 1984 I had a week to study for my electronics exam. On Sunday Martin, a good friend of mine, came by with a synthesizer he had bought. It was the Elka Synthex. I was amazed, what a huge thing and what possibilities. Much to my delight and surprise, Martin said that I could borrow the Synthex for a week. I was so happy as a child. I had longed for a synthesizer of my own for several years and suddenly there was one at home. There was very little study that week. I went all out, made beautiful and weird sequences and experimented a lot. I found the joystick very special to manipulate the sounds with it.
The following Sunday Martin came to collect the Synthex. It was with a heavy heart that I said goodbye. I only had a few hours left to study. With lead in my shoes I went to my exam on Monday. To my luck, a lot of questions were about AD converters. Now let that be a subject I knew quite a bit about. That knowledge resulted in a good grade and I obtained my diploma.
For many years I have tried to get a Synthex, but alas. Until today. Cherry Audio releases the Elka-X. I'm glad I have a day off today. It's not hard to guess what I'm going to play with today....
I saw Elka in the email, went and purchased without even demoing. This is my 6th Cherry Audio vst & I haven't been disappointed about to load it up in my DAW and have some fun.
Tim is one cool cat, knows his stuff and is down to Earth.
Can ask him anything within reason and he will respond if he can.
He is meticulous with information and tries to be as balanced as possible with pros and cons.
You could not have picked a better person to do an overview of your products.
I have also become a fan
i agree
since he started reviewing cherry audio stuff i just can t stop buying them
@@Naikonenko he knows his way around gear so he is the perfect person to be exploring the Cherry Audio range imo.
I own an Elka Synthex,
If you want the additional “warmed” from the plugin just put the signal thru a Rupert Neve preamp in “silk” mode. Done deal!
Don’t forget, back in the 80’s those synths where plugged in on “mixing boards” and songs where cut on “tape”. It was all part of the sound.
I don’t think I’m gonna turn on mine that often from now on.
Good job.
PS : Tim is great as always!
I just bought this synth plus the retro sound pack and it sounds amazing! It has this extra fizzle that gives it that big poly sound! 👍
This machine was a legend for me, never seen one in the flesh. Back in the 80s when I was obsessed with Jean-Michel Jarre he was sponsored by Elka but was working on his Zoolook LP where the focus was the Fairlight and sampling. When he did his big outdoor concert in the US and knocked together an LP for the event it was practically a demonstration for the Synthex showing off the bandpass filters (I believe it was the first synth that had BP) from the outset. The 'laser harp' sound which Cherry have included in the presets is great. what I've never been able to figure out is how exactly he made that patch, the bottom end is there but the higher registers are thin like he's a key-tracked high-pass filter. Interestingly if you use the Xils emulation of the same machine and use their version of the LH patch it seems to do a better job up top so if you play them both at the same time the sound is pretty huge over the full range. From what I've heard so far the Cherry emulation is more musical than the other. For reasons I've not figured out I've never been able to get theirs to sit in a mix and not gotten great value from the purchase. Looking forward to digging into this one, if I can crack that Rendezvous III lead I can start saving up for the laser-MIDI trigger!
The best "laser harp" patch (as on Rendez-Vous) I've heard is actually a Diva patch
I’ve never had much luck with the XILS version either. I think this one sounds more like an analog instrument
I got mine in the early eighties via a special offer in a music magazine for £999.00 - still a lot of money back then. I eventually sold it as I thought it was beyond repair. Shame I didn't get it fixed and keep it. Fabulous sounding synth.
Looking forwrd to trying this one!
Selling my Synthex back in '88 or so is one of my biggest regrets, hope this softens the blow.
Whatever you do, don't look at the prices now 😵 We hope this helps you capture the spirit!
Bought this for my 18 year old musician nephew the blonde one in Asianblonde. He thinks it's awesome. He's used it, plus the Cherry Audio Polymoog and Juno synths in their music like 2AM, Strangers and Tongue Tied. Going to add Sines next.
That was an Explosive Presentation from that guy. The minute the Elka add dropped in my email I bought this synth no hesitation. i own ten of cherry audio's plugins Simply because i love late 70's 80's classic synth sound and they're affordable and tweekable. Not to mention the GUI always looks good.
I wasn't about to buy this synth, but seeing Tim's excellent explanation makes me reconsider. I subbed to this channel to not miss out on the sequel, as I watch almost every video of Tim. I love his humor and his British accent. Together with Loopop, he tops my watch-list on UA-cam (not counting the weekly shows).
That’s so great to hear, thank you! More Tim on its way this coming week!
Yes, Tim is the ideal presenter for a new synth! I’ll probably buy it, but I‘d prefer a hardware Synthex with all those buttons. :))
@@RayyMusik and you'll need very deep pockets to get one. Good luck with that lottery win ,😉
Excellent video, couldn't have asked for better.
Awesome job bringing this to life! Can't wait to put this into some songs!
Just bought it, wow, great work guys. I have all your stuff. How have I not heard of this synth before? It's such a masterpiece.
I just bought this and can't wait to try it out. A very helpful vid thanks Tim
It's been a joy to get a real feel of how to programme a Synthex. Cherry Audio have doe a fantastic job, as always! Congratulations CA!!!!
Great recreation! We had a Synthex that we used on a lot of early records in Bent - I miss it a lot! To be fair, it made the Jupiter 8 sound thin, haha.. So warm and rich sounding.
Just got this. Simply extraordinary. Some great decisions made atop those of the original architecture. And hats off to Tim-the pace of these videos is perfetto, and his approach is comprehensive and useful. Thank you!
My ears are just dripping with gorgeous resonate sounds. Thank you for an excellent demonstration vid. Looking forward to the next. Running to purchase now.
Beautiful piece of hardware and from my experience with Cherry I anticipate their software recreation will be just as glorious.
I just bought it today. Love it.❤Cherry Audio
Just got this. Simply extraordinary. Some great decisions made atop those of the original architecture. And hats off to Tim-the pace of these videos is perfetto, and his approach is comprehensive and useful. Hats off!
Have to admit I have never heard of the original Synth Ex but this Ella X looks very interesting. I think Cherry Audio do a great job in bringing affordable software synths with superb sound capabilities so we can all make music. I have about 6 of their synths now and am yet to be disappointed. Well done to all the design team and to Tim for a very clear presentation.
This sounds like a toy or like a cheap plastic sounding Casio compared to the superior sound of the Synthex. VST emulations may give you the impression or help you fantasize that you're playing the real thing but can't produce the sound from actually playing the real thing.
@@gravyguns That may be true, but as I’ll never have the money to buy the real thing even if I could find one, I’m happy to use the VST version. Also doesn’t take up space, require repairs, more cables etc. if you’ve got the money and space then go for it but I’m perfectly happy t use VSTs. I do own 4 hardware synths and prefer their hands on control and sound, but now room for anything else now.
@@JohnMcGFrance Never ever doubt that you'd be able to afford anything you want because it prevents you from developing the motivation, work ethic, and strategy necessary to achieve what you want.
By far, one the very best Synth VST's I've ever played. The Bass Machine preset is superb and reminiscent of what was used by 70s Kraut Rock bands such as Guru Guru, Harmonia, Novalis and Neu. After watching tutorials on the original Elka Twin, this purchase was a no brainer.
Thank you SO MUCH for making these videos. It's really helpful to have such detail when learning my way around a new synth. The videos alone are worth the introductory price of the synth.
Glad to hear it, and we hope to do more of these for all of our products. Part 3 of this series coming this week!
Great information. I bought this the other day, I am a beginner when it comes to these types of synths.
👏👏👏 very good ! Sounds spectacular 🤩
Wow ! Cherry have knocked it of the park again.
Many years ago a friend of mine had a Synthex, when I played it I found more interesting than a Prophet or an Ob-x. I have been waiting for a long time to have a simulation of that jewel in my computer. I am so happy Cherry guys did it. I am sure, it's a masterpiece!
Wonderful work!!!!
Sounds really nice. Have to put that one on my list!
Cherry Audio has done it again! ELKA-X is fantastic!
Very nice extra for my studio, like a lot of cherryaudiosynths. They all sound so good!
PURCHASED! My fav synth of all time. Folks who don't know about this monster are missing out. It's a stack of Juno's on steroids with filters galore but so much more.
Another hit from the Cherry Audio team!
I think this has to go on my shopping list :) I distinctly remember seeing the Synthex in magazine ads in years gone by - I always thought it looked very interesting, with that button-laden panel. This plugin version will be great for Synthwave music!
Professional demonstration of that new child in the family. I am looking forward to try it later…👍🏽🧔🏼
Grazie from Italy ❤️
nice track to the elka. 80s vibes too. quality shoebridge review on a quality cherry audio product :D
Man this thing smacks it out of the park
It sounds great. Just bought it...
Funny little story. I downloaded this demo today and made the best two loops I’ve made all year. Considering I got a Moog One, Juno 106, mellotron and OBX8 in the last few months that says a whole lot. I don’t know if it will sustain but I have to say this is one of the coolest soft synths I’ve ever tried. Both of them were made just quickly hitting record on the sequencer.
That says a lot, dude. NICE!
Thank you.
Really cool
I’ll have to pick this up and pair it with my other Cherry Audio synths for more ambient goodness.
Sounds great, so many awesome softsynths these days, it's pretty insane! Please do a Chroma Polaris next :-)
That LFO 2 FREQ ACCEL slider is very useful. On other synths you need an extra mod matrix entry for this effect - if it‘s possible at all.
Love cherry 🍒 audio have 4 of their synths and use them all and a great price range they have aswell
LOVE the demo 2:33
Wow. The tone is really beautiful. Sounds like a 3320. It seems like a lot of plugins have cool features, but the actual tone can be lacking. The basic tone is beautiful, so anything you make with it will sing.
Thank you for this fascinating review! Your Elka-X composition, which can be heard in the beginning section, is absolutely GORGEOUS! Maybe that's too much to ask for, but could you provide the Cubase project? I'm so curious how did you do that...!
It's an excellent VST, nearly flawless reproduction of the Synthex.
got it right away
I'm sure Elka were still promoting and selling the Synthex well after 1984. They were running print ads with Jean-Michel Jarre for them long after that, around the time of Rendez-vous in 1986 or possibly even into 1987.
600 well designed presets!
Great 3 part introduction to the Elka-X thanks, Tim. 11:00 is this an included factory preset?
God it sounds great even though my iPhone speaker! Want it!
18:38 It's unusual to have the pitch bend going to filter cutoff. So you could use pitch bend on a self oscillating filter or change the timbre.
У вас все синтезаторы круто сделаны! 😋👍
спасибо!
Very nice demo song! Any chance to get it somewhere?
wow
Slick & creamy
At 6:18, I'm confused by your description of ring modulation because there isn't a carrier and modulator for ring modulation. It's two frequencies mixed together to get result in the sum and difference frequencies.
These are standard terms in ring modulation, and apply here as either of the DCOs can modulate the other. One is the input/modulator signal and the other is the carrier signal. The output contains only the sum and difference frequencies of the two signals, and removes the common frequencies.
i love the Synthex, almost bought one when i was 14 (!) but had to let go.... ok.. for the VST, seems they do not include the original presets right? ....im especially looking for preset nr 46.... for an obvious reason :P
Of course we included 46! It's there, just look up "Laser Harp" (and we've got a stereo version as well). Some other factory presets replicated, but not all. We have but one Synthex to be shared between many devs and sound designers.
@@CherryAudiovst ow..... yes... my god, i wasnt that far scrolling already and didnt expected it would called just 'Laser Harp' lol many many many thks!!
Hi, Tim! I dont know how to import ext. presets (TSOM_Elka-X) into my elka-x? Can you help? Thanks and best, Suzanna
Make sure you have the latest file (the zip file from www.dropbox.com/s/fesu9qs9bubbo4b/TSOM_Elka-X.zip?dl=0). You can just drag and drop TSOM_Elka-X.zip onto the Elka-X UI and it will import them automatically!
Cherry Audio rocks. This product is a home run. This may be silly, but any chance of getting alternate skins? :-)
No plans at this time, this is one we're looking to stay as faithful to the original look and feel
@@CherryAudiovst Thank you for the reply. It still does have a great look and feel. Most importantly, I love the awesome sound and features. Great job! This one is a winner.
You failed to mention Roland's Jupiter 8 / 6 which came out circa 1981 and were much more dominant in the UK
This one sounds nice! But I would like Cherry team to make a MS-20 rev. 2. That synth is not up there. I had big expectations for it
If you have not already, please consider visiting the PS-20 section of our forums on our website, and post the specifics of what you’d like to see. Thanks!
But what effect does a meteorite have on the synth market?
I love it when plugin code writers use the phrase "faithful recreation". hhhh
interesting that these vids are not on his page.
IMO the Synthex was really up against the probably the greatest synth ever made, the Roland Jupiter 8, the similarities with the JP8 cannot be a coincidence, and that was a battle it was never going to win especially when it had the handicap of being attached to a name that was synonymous with a company that made organs. On a side note, like everyone else I too believed the DX7 'digital age' hype and went out and bought one but of course the 'plinky bass' and the 'cheesy' elec piano patch soon lost their novelty and within a few years it was gone. How ironic that one of the main uses of digital technology in music today seems to be to create the 'analogue sound & vibe' that it took away and analogue synths or at the very least analogue/digital hybrid synths are really making a comeback. I'm sure Elton John's statement on the DX7 flyer didn't prove to be true, he like the rest of us were soon worshipping the new king 'Korg' when their big guns arrived on the scene. 😎
Don't compare a dco synth to vco , even though the synthex was the best dco synth , one of the reasons why professional players left it aside at the time was the onboard chorus ,
they were convinced it was to thicken the sound and couldn't complete with the big names, the ones that looked past that had a great instrument albeit dco.
tempo sync to daw tempo doesn't work, is there a trick? OS selection is a useless option for me cuz some presets a very high on cpu, unfortunately.
A few Synthesizer-sounds not bad, though
Please drop a line to Support with details on your DAW, OS and platform, and the sync option (one? all?) that you're having issues with. QA and Support are not aware of any issue and will want to investigate or help you resolve. Thanks! cherryaudio.kayako.com/conversation/new
@@CherryAudiovst just have to start playback a little before audio file, then it works, would buy your plugin with better cpu, it's a hog and in a session with several tracks not nice to use the plugin
@@danielwetzs9317 We’ve just updated Elka-X with some further CPU optimizations (August 19), so you may want to update your demo and see if you note some improvement. Thanks!
@@CherryAudiovst It's still version 1.5 on your homepage and displays "already demoed" anyway!?
@@danielwetzs9317 It went from 1.0.5 Build 80 to Build 82. You can redownload the new installer and run it to install over your current demo version. Demo is good for 30 days.
CPU usage does not indicate whether a plugin is high quality with special algos, it rather shows programming skills. Lots of patches way too high on cpu, there are cpu friendlier VSTis
Well it certainly sounds like a synthesizer.
Too high on cpu, no fun to use it in sessions with several tracks and oversampling feature thus is nonsense, when no os or 1x os already is that high on cpu
New build released overnight (August 19) has improved the filter response and CPU efficiency a great deal. Update and give it another try!
The sound of this synth is mesmerizing, but this VST is the biggest CPU hog I have ever used....how is this possible?? I am running 3 instances of the Elka(on the lowest quality setting) and I have a quad-core processor with 16GB of RAM, PC is on high performance mode and I have my DAW buffer size set to 2048. Despite all this, my DAW is stuttering & cracking & popping like a mofo...WTF!?
Please see our response to your same post in the comments of our launch video. Thanks!
Does anybody know what synthesizers were used on Elton John’s funeral for a friend and Led Zeppelin? John Paul Jones playing synthesizers on no Quarter would be so greatly appreciated if somebody could break this mystery
Wonderful work!!!!