I can't wait for this one! I love a bit of Berlin School. Perfect 70's sounds. Check out the demos on this page.

https://cherryaudio.com/products/sh-max-synthesizer

 

Cherry Audio SH-MAX Fuses Features From 3 Classic Roland Synths

Cherry Audio has introduced SH-MAX synthesizer, a virtual instrument plugin for Mac & Windows that they say is inspired by three synthesizers from the Roland’s SH series of the ’70s: the SH-5, SH-7, and SH-3A.

They say that “SH-MAX captures the bold sound of the SH-5, while incorporating features and aesthetics from the other models.”



SH-MAX brings together capabilities from a variety of Roland’s ’70s era synths:

• It features dual oscillators, two LFOs and ADSR envelopes, the dual-parallel multimode and bandpass filter sections, and the five-channel mixer of the SH-5 (1976), plus a ring modulator and sample/hold capability.
• Also included are autobend, duophony, filter FM, and the syncable VCOs with additional waveforms found in the SH-7 (1978).
• The extra additive-style oscillator from the SH-3A (1975) further enhances sound design flexibility.
• Moreover, SH-MAX incorporates and expands upon the expressive touch performance of the SH-2000 (1973) and features an onboard sequencer inspired by the Model 104 of the System 100 semi-modular synthesizer from 1975.

SH-MAX combines these features with modern software capabilities, letting it support mono, duophonic, and 16-voice polyphonic operation. It also features three unique retro interface themes that pay homage to the aesthetic of the SH-3A, SH-5, and SH-7. Additionally, optional drift and slop controls for the oscillators, filters, amp, and dual envelope generators can be used to add more ‘vintage analog’ to your patches.

Pricing and Availability:

Cherry Audio’s SH-MAX synthesizer is available now for $59

Source: www.synthtopia.com/content/2026/02/10/cherry-audio-sh-max-fuses-features-from-3-classic-roland-synths/

 

ooh I love Berlin school and always looking for more guidelines on their kit, techniques and modern equivalents. If its 104 sequencer does midi out, thats even more tempting. (tested it - it does!!)

I've bought a few cherry audio synths over the years but they don't get touched much because they always sound so clean and digital to my ears. Maybe this will be a bit more gritty.

 

Last edited: Feb 11, 2026 at 2:53 PM

The 104 manual is great, but then again a lot of older gear manuals are. This is my favourite bit: "The patch in fig. 2-23 gives the sound of a cracking whip. (Why don't you try to synthesize some screams to go with it?)"

Never had a 104, but I did have a System 100 Model 101 at my disposal for a year or so. Gutted when I had to return it.

Anyways, enough OT, this actually looks like a good CA product again, a lot of their stuff has been what has been done so many times before, nice to see them try something rarer again.

*edit number 6* fuck this fancy pseudo-WYSIWYG BBcode editor.