Cherry Audio Launches Mercury-8 Synth Emulation

Cherry Audio has announced the release of the Mercury-8, a newly developed software synthesizer that emulates the iconic Roland Jupiter-8. This state-of-the-art instrument capitalizes on virtual analog synthesis techniques rather than sampling, aiming to faithfully recreate the analog sound of the original 1981 hardware while incorporating modern workflow enhancements.

Advanced Features

The Mercury-8 features a dual-layer architecture, allowing for two independent layers, each capable of 16-voice polyphony. Users can create rich, dense unison sounds by stacking these layers or split them across the keyboard for versatile playing configurations. The independent control over synthesis parameters for each layer ensures extensive flexibility in sound design.

Oscillators and Filters

This software synthesizer features two VCOs per voice, offering a selection of waveforms including triangle, sawtooth, and pulse waves. Additionally, there are high-pass and resonant low-pass filters that are modeled after the original hardware, giving users the option to choose from both 12 dB/oct and 24 dB/oct slopes.

Modulation and Sequencing

Moreover, the Mercury-8 boasts a comprehensive modulation matrix with four slots per layer, connecting 25 modulation sources to 43 destinations. Complementing this, an integrated arpeggiator and a 16×4 polyphonic step sequencer per layer, syncable to DAW clock, add further creative possibilities.

Effects and Compatibility

This synthesizer includes three independent effect chains with a total of 20 effects algorithms, such as Galactic Reverb and Tape Echo, allowing for extensive creative sound processing. Furthermore, for users who own hardware versions of the Jupiter-8, Mercury-8 supports SysEx data compatibility for seamless patch transfers.

Pricing and Availability

Price
Mercury-8 is available now for $69.

Synth Stack 6 Bundle

Alongside the release of Mercury-8, Cherry Audio also unveiled the Synth Stack 6, which now includes 36 virtual instruments. This updated bundle integrates the Mercury-8 along with six other new instruments, supporting a vast library of over 12,000 presets. Both products signal Cherry Audio’s commitment to delivering high-quality virtual instruments that blend vintage sounds with modern technology.

More info: Cherry Audio | Mercury-8