Rhodes Chroma - A Legacy of Innovation

The Rhodes Chroma by Cherry Audio synthesizer is a virtual instrument that brings back the spirit and sounds of the iconic Rhodes Chroma polyphonic analog synthesizer from 1982 with the utmost accuracy. Originally released by Cherry Audio in May 2024, the Rhodes Chroma plug-in by Cherry Audio has now been rebranded through a collaboration with Rhodes® Music. This rebranding marks a new chapter in the synthesizer’s legacy, aligning the product with its historical roots under the Rhodes name. The plug-in remains a faithful recreation of the original 1980s Rhodes Chroma, enhanced with modern features that make it accessible to today's musicians and producers, offering them the chance to experience one of the most iconic synthesizers in music history. Topping it off, switching the standard single instrument mode to double mode adds a Chroma Expander - an entire additional Chroma Synthesizer that can run in layer or split modes!

The Story of Chroma

In 1979, a group of pioneers at ARP Instruments began researching and developing one of the most ambitious synthesizer designs of that time: the Chroma. The Chroma was a 16-voice polyphonic marvel, controlled by a microprocessor, with aftertouch, advanced signal routing, and modulation. In 1981, the R&D team and the synthesizer design moved to CBS, where Rhodes pianos were produced, and the Chroma was finally released under the Rhodes brand. While it was a feat of engineering, the flat panel interface of the Chroma wasn’t entirely sufficient for accessing its immense sound and feature set. Nevertheless, the Chroma was a monumental final achievement for its visionary engineering team. Explore the heritage of the Chroma synthesizer in our video documentary The Story of Chroma, featuring exclusive interviews and insights through the firsthand accounts of those who stood at the forefront of its creation. Produced between 1982 and 1984, the Rhodes Chroma is a rare and exceptional synthesizer, with only around 3,000 manufactured and as few as 150 keyboardless Expanders. Synth luminaries highly regard it, and it is still cherished for its unique sound. The Chroma was famously used by musicians including Herbie Hancock, Joe Zawinul, Jethro Tull, and Oscar Peterson. It’s also the source of the signature “wah-wah” chords heard throughout Spandau Ballet’s smash 1983 hit, “True.” Rhodes introduced the Chroma in 1982 at just over $5,000 and the Expander for $2,500. Today, either of these fetch between $8,000 and $16,000 on the used market!