Rhodes Chroma: Features, Pricing & Is It Worth It? (2026)
Rhodes Chroma is available at Plugin Boutique. Check the current price here.
What Is Rhodes Chroma by Cherry Audio?
Rhodes Chroma is Cherry Audio’s software emulation of the original Rhodes Chroma hardware synthesizer — a polyphonic analog instrument from the early 1980s that paired computer control with analog sound generation. The hardware was developed by the engineering team at ARP Instruments and completed under the Rhodes name, making it historically notable as one of the earliest computer-controlled analog polysynths. Cherry Audio has built its catalog around detailed recreations of rare vintage hardware, and the Rhodes Chroma fits squarely in that tradition.
Key Features
- 16-voice polyphony — Reproduces the full polyphonic capacity of the original hardware, enabling dense harmonic stacking
- Dual DCOs per voice — Each voice runs two digitally controlled oscillators for thick, layered analog tones
- Deep modulation architecture — The original Chroma was known for unusually complex modulation routing for its era; Cherry Audio’s emulation carries this over
- Analog-modeled filters — Filter circuits modeled on the original hardware’s signal path
- Full MIDI implementation — Integrates cleanly into modern DAW workflows without compromises
- Cherry Audio interface design — Parameter layout that makes navigating a complex vintage architecture accessible
Who Is It For?
- ** The $39 price point sits at a level where producers interested in vintage polysynth emulation can act without significant financial risk. The $30 savings over the standard price is concrete and meaningful at this price tier.
→ Check current price at Plugin Boutique
Alternatives at a Glance
| Name | Price | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Arturia Juno-106 V | ~$99 | Emulates the Roland Juno-106; simpler architecture, different filter character |
| TAL-U-NO-LX | ~$60 | Juno-60 emulation; lower CPU footprint, less modulation depth |
| Cherry Audio Memorymode | ~$29–49 | Moog Memorymoog emulation; single-oscillator-focused, warmer low-end bias |
The Rhodes Chroma is the right pick when you specifically need the Chroma’s dual-oscillator voice structure and its unusually deep modulation routing. For simpler 1980s polyphonic character with a lower learning curve, the Juno-based options cover adjacent sonic territory with less complexity.
FAQ
Q: Does Rhodes Chroma by Cherry Audio require iLok? A: Cherry Audio does not use iLok. Their plugins use Cherry Audio’s own license activation system.
Q: Is the $39.00 price permanent? A: No — this is a promotional discount from the standard $69.00 price. The deal is time-limited.
Q: Which plugin formats are supported? A: Cherry Audio plugins are available in standard formats including VST, VST3, AU, and AAX, covering compatibility with major DAWs such as Ableton Live, Logic Pro, FL Studio, and Pro Tools.
→ Check current price at Plugin Boutique
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