Cherry Audio's DCO-106 aims to bring the legendary Juno 106 sound into your digital studio, and it does so with remarkable attention to detail. As digital music production continues to blend the lines between vintage charm and modern convenience, the DCO-106 emerges as a beacon for those yearning for that classic '80s polysynth vibe without the bulk or maintenance of hardware.
Old Acquaintances
Upon launching the DCO-106, nostalgia hits hard. This isn't just another soft synth pretending to be analog; it's an homage to one of the most iconic synths ever made. The interface evokes memories of dusty studios filled with warmth from analog circuits and wooden panels. Every component is meticulously modeled to capture the sonic essence of its predecessor.
The heart of this plugin is its CPU efficiency - something often overlooked in authentic emulations. Cherry Audio has crafted a lightweight yet powerful engine that manages 16 voices of polyphony without overwhelming your system. The intuitive UI, complete with advanced one-click magnification, ensures you spend more time creating than navigating.
Check out this YouTube demo showcasing the DCO-106's capabilities
A Sonic Palette
The collection of over 330 presets, including original Juno 106 factory patches, serves as a treasure trove for those seeking lush chorus pads or cutting leads typical of synthwave and outrun genres. The sound design extends beyond mere replication; features like single-key chord memory mode and unison detune add modern flexibility to classic tones.
Cherry Audio doesn't just replicate sounds; it enhances them with stereo chorus effects that rival any physical unit's lushness. The reverb section, boasting three proprietary models, transforms spaces from intimate rooms to expansive halls effortlessly. With tempo-synced delay options at your fingertips, crafting timeless echoes becomes second nature.
Control and Expression
Modulation enthusiasts will revel in the expanded LFO section featuring six waveforms and tempo sync capabilities - a nod towards endless creative possibilities without sacrificing ease-of-use. Multiple voice assign modes offer flexibility whether you're after dense layers or sparse textures.
MIDI control is robustly supported across all DAWs via full automation integration - a testament to Cherry Audio's commitment to seamless workflow integration. For those yearning for tactile control beyond their screen, MPE support ensures expressive performances are fully realized.
System Compatibility
The DCO-106 runs smoothly on both macOS (10.9+) and Windows (7+), supporting AU, VST/VST3, AAX formats alongside standalone operation - ensuring compatibility regardless of your setup. Optimized for native Apple M1 processors too!