Listen to Cherry Audio's SH-MAX with Bill Wolfer

Описание: In this video, I take a semi-deep dive into SH-MAX, Cherry Audio’s modern mash-up of classic early-1970s Roland synthesizers. Drawing from legendary instruments like the SH-1000, SH-3, SH-5, SH-7, and System 100, SH-MAX brings vintage Roland character into a powerful, modern software synth.

I talk about my firsthand experience with these original Roland synths, why they were so important to the early Japanese synth industry, and how Cherry Audio combined the best features of each — including oscillator sync, ring modulation, extensive CV-style control, and a flexible effects matrix.

We also dig into the System-100-inspired step sequencer, polyrhythmic possibilities, probability and chance controls, presets, and overall sound character. I wrap things up by putting SH-MAX to the test with a short performance — a quick take on the Miles Davis tune “Jean Pierre” — using nothing but SH-MAX for all the sounds and effects.

If you’re into vintage synths, modern software instruments, or creative sequencing, this one’s worth a listen.

Chapters

0:00 — Introduction to SH-MAX
0:41 — What Cherry Audio built and why
0:54 — Roland’s first synth: the SH-1000 (1973)
1:14 — Discovering early Roland synths in Los Angeles
1:31 — SH-1000, SH-3, SH-5, SH-7, and System 100
1:44 — Using early Roland synths in large CV setups
2:00 — How those sessions led to working with Stevie Wonder
2:14 — CV inputs and why they mattered
3:52 — Why these early Rolands were special
3:56 — Cherry Audio’s “best of” mash-up approach
4:21 — Oscillator sync, ring mod, and expanded features
4:26 — Built-in effects and routing matrix
5:00 — System-100-style step sequencer overview
5:27 — Chaining channels for long sequences
5:34 — Playback modes: loop, ping-pong, random
6:11 — Sequencing pitch, filters, and volume
6:32 — Accents, probability, swing, and feel
7:02 — Polyrhythms and complex patterns
7:26 — Presets and musical examples
7:31 — “From a Hot Air Balloon” preset breakdown
9:39 — Design aesthetics (and the green panel)
10:17 — Sound over looks
10:58 — Can it get funky?
11:04 — “Jean Pierre” performance — all SH-MAX
11:20 — Final thoughts and sign-off

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