Cherry Audio Elka-X (DOWNLOAD)

General

The JP6, JP8, CS-80, DX-1 and OB-8 are all examples of classic 61-key synths that came crammed into a relatively chunky housing, but there's another, slightly less widely known poly-synth that's actually one of Jean Michel Jarre's favourites: the Elka Synthex - a rich-sounding, old-school Italian synth that's now available in the virtual form of the Cherry Audio Elka-X.

The Cherry Audio Elka-X

As per usual, this virtual instrument is a bit more extensive than the original chunk of hardware. The Elka-X features a doubled polyphony (16 voices with two oscillators per voice), unisono and monophonic modes, touch-sensitivity, a more comprehensive LFO and filter, and even an extensive arpeggiator that comes alongside the original 4-track sequencer. As far as effects go, this plug-in hooks you up with the same rich chorus that the Synthex came with, plus a delay and reverb. Considering the real thing currently goes for five-figure numbers, Cherry Audio are presenting a great deal here, especially if you love the sound of the eighties!