Cherry Audio’s CR-78 drum machine plugin brings one of the most iconic drum machines from history into the modern age, blending the classic sounds of the original with the convenience and flexibility of modern software. By meticulously modeling the sounds of the original CR-78 and enhancing its usability, Cherry Audio has reimagined this legendary device for contemporary music production. Gone are the limitations of the original’s complex programming. Instead, users are treated to an intuitive 16- or 24-step button interface, allowing for easier pattern creation. Moreover, pattern chaining is now made simple with a user-friendly Song Mode, making the plugin ideal for musicians and producers of all skill levels.

One of the plugin’s key features is its extensive library of sounds. In addition to the original CR-78’s 34 onboard presets, Cherry Audio’s version includes over 250 extra presets, offering a wide range of drum sounds and rhythms. These presets cover everything from the vintage tones that made the CR-78 famous to more modern and genre-specific options. The plugin also provides users with full control over sound parameters, making it easy to tweak and customize each sound to fit the needs of a specific project.

The CR-78 plugin also excels in its effects and mixer section. It offers a comprehensive set of tools, including a complete mixer with individual level, pan, and solo/mute controls for each instrument. For added versatility, a master compressor and a 6-band graphic EQ are included, allowing for fine-tuning the overall sound. Additionally, the plugin features four studio-grade effects—overdrive, flanger, delay, and gated reverb—further expanding the sonic possibilities.

With Cherry Audio’s CR-78, ease of use is paramount. The plugin offers drag-and-drop MIDI export, enabling users to quickly transfer their patterns into a DAW for further arrangement and manipulation. The integration with DAWs goes even deeper with features like DAW sync, full MIDI control, and automation capabilities. This allows for a seamless workflow between the CR-78 plugin and your digital audio workstation, giving producers the freedom to create dynamic and complex drum patterns with minimal effort.

The software’s Song Mode is another powerful tool that enhances creativity. It allows users to chain up to 99 patterns and 99 steps per song, offering enough flexibility for both short loops and long, evolving compositions. With real-time step entering, copy-and-paste functionality, and flexible pattern programming, this mode makes building entire tracks straightforward and enjoyable.

Cherry Audio has also ensured that the CR-78 plugin offers a robust set of editing tools. The Voice Edit panel gives users access to sound-shaping capabilities that range from subtle tweaks to extreme transformations. Whether you’re adjusting the tone of a snare or shaping the decay of a cymbal, the plugin’s editing features make it easy to achieve the desired sound. This kind of flexibility is a major advantage for producers looking to craft unique drum sounds that stand out in their mixes.

One of the standout aspects of the CR-78 plugin is its ability to convert patterns into MIDI tracks within a DAW or export them as standard MIDI files. This drag-and-drop functionality makes it quick and easy to incorporate the CR-78’s patterns into any production workflow. Additionally, with over 250 additional rhythm and sound presets, including special kits and melodic categories, the plugin is perfect for creating anything from basslines to melodic accompaniments.

Further enhancing its usability, the plugin offers complete MIDI control and DAW automation, making it easy to sync the CR-78 with external MIDI hardware or other virtual instruments. The MIDI learn feature and user-assignable note mapping options allow for a highly personalized setup, whether working in a preset or global configuration. For added realism, the plugin even supports external MIDI sound triggering with velocity sensitivity, giving users even more expressive control over their drum patterns.

Cherry Audio has also paid attention to user experience with features like zoom-in functionality and standard UI resizing, ensuring that the interface can be tailored to different screen sizes and setups. This makes the CR-78 plugin as visually flexible as it is sonically versatile.

In summary, Cherry Audio’s CR-78 drum machine plugin is a powerful and user-friendly tool that brings the iconic sounds of the past into the present. By combining an intuitive interface with modern production features like DAW integration, MIDI control, and a robust effects section, this virtual instrument is perfect for both nostalgic recreations and cutting-edge productions. Whether you’re crafting the next big hit or simply exploring new sonic possibilities, the CR-78 plugin offers the best of both worlds—classic sounds and modern convenience.