Cherry Audio - GX-80 Review
In the world of software synths, where the line between digital emulation and analogue authenticity blurs with every update, Cherry Audio's GX-80 emerges as a formidable contender. A homage to both the legendary GX-1 "Dream Machine" and its revered descendant, the CS-80, this virtual synthesizer blends nostalgia with innovation, delivering a synthesis experience that stands proudly at the intersection of past and future.
Cherry Audio doesn't just stop at crafting another emulation; it introduces a transformative hybrid in the GX-80. This synth incorporates elements unique to both its predecessors - most notably, the dual-layer architecture that essentially gives you two CS-80s within a single plugin. Users can dive into complex sonic landscapes with highpassed resonant pulses and bandpassed sawtooth waves that only a meticulously modeled GX-1 filter could offer. 
But there's more than meets the ear here. The GX-80 houses an impressive 16 polyphonic voices per layer - effectively doubling down on versatility. This means you can have two different CS-80 style sounds playing simultaneously while independently controlling each rank’s panning for expansive stereo imaging. For performance purists, it even simulates polyphonic aftertouch using monophonic controllers - an expressive feature that adds depth to live play.
If you love presets or are short on time to craft your own from scratch, you'll appreciate the library packed with over 1,000 expertly designed presets that exploit every nuance this synth has to offer. These provide quick access to jaw-dropping sounds without delving into deep programming territory.
Let's explore further: Cherry Audio makes bold claims about their reproduction accuracy of both GX-1 and CS-80 filters - promises fulfilled when you hear their soundscapes ignite with realism unmatched by many contemporaries. With four polyphonic voice ranks equipped with voltage-controlled oscillators and resonant filters (among other features), each layer becomes a playground for creativity.
The effects section isn't shy either - offering studio-quality tools like chorus/rotary, flange/phaser, delay synced to tempo (or not), plus reverb powered by Cherry's acclaimed "Galactic" algorithm. While some might find certain aspects less intuitive compared to physical counterparts (as delay times are presented in divisions rather than milliseconds), these are minor quibbles overshadowed by overall capability.
Yet beneath all these features lies something even more profound: Mark Barton's DSP design prowess shines through in optimized coding delivering ultra-low CPU loads ensuring seamless operation across most systems whether Windows or macOS-based; native support extends even onto Apple's M1 processors!
As demands grow alongside our appetites for authentic vintage tones married seamlessly within modern workflows – Cherry Audio’s GX-80 certainly delivers substantial bang for your buck!
So is it worth dipping toes into this virtual ocean? Absolutely! Whether revisiting nostalgic pastures or venturing forward sonically – there's plenty here promising satisfaction aplenty.
Curious souls should consider trying out their demo version first via https://sound7.com/products/cherry-audio-gx-80 – experience what truly sets apart such offerings before making up minds definitively!