Mercury-8

Description

Overview

The Mercury-8 Synthesizer by Cherry Audio is a meticulously crafted virtual instrument that captures the authentic sound and behavior of the legendary JP-8. Utilizing advanced circuit and behavior modeling rather than simple samples, Mercury-8 employs virtual analog synthesis to provide unparalleled sonic accuracy and dynamic control over every synthesis parameter.

Going “beyond Jupiter,” this software expands upon the original hardware’s capabilities. It offers increased polyphony, a versatile modulation matrix, and studio-quality effects, transforming a vintage classic into a modern production powerhouse. Its precision is so high that it even facilitates data exchange with MIDI-modified hardware, bridging the gap between classic analog essence and contemporary digital flexibility.

Key Details

• Dual-Layer Architecture: Highly optimized system with 16 polyphonic voices per layer, supporting keyboard split and stacked layer modes.
• Powerful Oscillators: Two oscillators per voice per layer featuring triangle, ramp, sine, sawtooth, noise, and square/variable pulse waveforms with PWM and exponential FM cross-modulation.
• Legendary Filtering: High-pass and resonant low-pass filters for each layer with 12 dB and 24 dB slope options to recreate classic Jupiter curves.
• Expressive Envelopes: Two full ADSR envelopes per layer with velocity, independently assignable to filter, amp, and modulation.
• Vintage Character: Analog Drift and Condition controls allow you to adjust the “age” of the synth, from pristine new to unstable vintage.
• Advanced Modulation: Comprehensive modulation matrix with 4 slots, 25 sources, and 43 destinations featuring simple click-to-assign functionality.
• Integrated Sequencing: Syncable and transposable arpeggiator and a 16×4 polyphonic step sequencer for each layer with humanize options.
• Studio Effects: Three independent customizable effect chains with 20 studio-quality effects, including BBD Flanger, Digital Delay, and Dual Ensemble.
• Massive Preset Library: Over 600 presets from ten sound design pros, including precise recreations of the 64 original JP-8 factory patches and enhanced “Factory Plus” versions.

Use Cases

Vintage Sound Recreation: Perfect for producers seeking the exact timbre of the 1980s era, utilizing the original factory patches and “Analog Drift” to achieve authentic vintage instability.

Modern Sound Design: Use the expanded polyphony, dual-layer stacking, and complex modulation matrix to create evolving textures and thick, modern synth pads that exceed the original hardware’s limits.

Live Performance: Leverage the syncable arpeggiator and polyphonic step sequencer to create complex rhythmic patterns and melodic sequences in real-time within a DAW.

Installation

Mercury-8 is a virtual instrument software. After purchase, download the installer from your account. Follow the on-screen prompts to install the plugin into your preferred DAW folder. Ensure you select the appropriate plugin format (VST, AU, or AAX) during the installation process to ensure the software is recognized by your host application.

Compatibility

• Supported Operating Systems: Windows, macOS
• RAM: 4GB RAM
• Disk Space: 1GB Hard Drive Space
• Plugin Formats: VST, AU, AAX

Audio Demos

Product Demo

Product Demo