Description
Overview
The Crumar DS-2 by Cherry Audio is a faithful software recreation of the avant-garde “vintage digital” synthesizer from 1978. Developed in collaboration with Crumar Instruments, this virtual instrument captures the gritty, harmonically edgy character of the original hybrid hardware, which combined Digitally-Controlled Oscillators (DCOs) with analog filters and envelopes. Unlike the smooth tones of modern digital synths or the buttery warmth of classic analog, the DS-2 is celebrated for its jagged, stair-stepped waveforms and unique sonic aggression.
While maintaining the authentic spirit of the original, Cherry Audio has significantly expanded the DS-2 for the 21st century. It transforms the original’s limited architecture into a powerhouse of sound design, adding advanced polyphony, flexible modulation routing, and professional effects chains, making it an ideal tool for producers seeking characterful, non-traditional synthesis.
Key Details
- Hybrid Architecture: Replicates the original “Digital Synthesizer” design featuring DCOs paired with analog VCFs, VCAs, and EGs.
- Expanded Synth Section: The monophonic engine now includes Unison and Multi-voice options (voice cycling, panning, and tuning) and supports 4-, 8-, or 16-voice polyphony.
- Enhanced Poly Section: Supports full polyphony up to 32 notes and now includes VCA release control for powerful string-synth textures.
- Advanced Waveforms: OSC 2 in the Synth section features a new stair-stepped sine waveform, and oscillator sync has been added for complex sound design.
- Powerful Modulation: Three LFOs (ramp, sine, square, and staircase) with discrete delay knobs, sync, retrigger, and one-shot capabilities. The LFO Mixer now offers six assignable destinations with 33 options each.
- Upgraded Envelopes: Envelopes now feature an initial delay stage, velocity sensitivity, and looping functionality.
- Flexible VCF: The filter is upgraded to include both 12dB 2-pole and the original 24dB 4-pole options, with polarity and key follow adjustments.
- Performance Controls: Includes a dynamic arpeggiator, assignable bend range, mod wheel, and four touch control slots supporting channel and polyphonic aftertouch.
- Integrated Effects: Three independent customizable effects chains (Synth, Poly, and Global) utilizing 20 studio-quality effects, each with its own modulator.
- Preset Library: Comes loaded with over 300 professionally designed presets across 14 categories.
Use Cases
- Experimental Sound Design: Perfect for creating gritty, harmonically rich textures and “weird” synth leads that stand out from standard analog emulations.
- Vintage Electronic Music: Ideal for recreating the specific aesthetic of late 70s and early 80s electronic music, as used by artists like Sun Ra and Legowelt.
- Cinematic Scoring: Use the expanded Poly section and VCA release controls to create haunting, evolving string pads and atmospheric drones.
- Modern Production: Integrate the DS-2 into DAW-based composing and mixing sessions where a distinct, edgy digital character is needed to cut through a dense mix.
Installation
The Crumar DS-2 is delivered as a digital license. After purchase, follow the publisher’s instructions to download the installer and activate the software via your Cherry Audio account. Once installed, perform a plugin scan within your DAW to locate the AAX, AU, or VST formats. Ensure you have your serial number and account credentials available during the authorization process.
Compatibility
- Supported Operating Systems: Windows 7+ (64-Bit), macOS 10.13+ (64-Bit)
- Plugin Formats: Stand-Alone, AAX, AU, VST2, VST3
- RAM: 8 GB RAM
- Disk Space: 0.1 GB Hard Drive Space
Additional Details
- Manufacturer: Cherry Audio
- SKU: 1316-1070
- Delivery Format: Download / Digital License
- Platform: Windows, macOS
- Plug-In Formats: AAX, AU, VST2, VST3, Stand-Alone
- Plug-In Formats: AAX, AU, VST3
- Plug-In Formats: Stand-Alone, AAX, AU, VST2, VST3
- Supported Operating Systems: Windows 7+ (64-Bit), macOS 10.13+ (64-Bit)
- RAM Requirements: 8 GB RAM
- Disk Space: 0.1 GB Hard Drive Space
- Requirements Source: manufacturer or supplier product documentation (https://cherryaudio.com/products/ds-2-synthesizer).
Product Demo
Product Demo
Product Demo
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