Cherry Audio Revives Ultra-Rare 1981 Synthesizer with New Pentaphonic Plugin
Cherry Audio is proud to announce the release of Pentaphonic, an innovative virtual instrument that resurrects one of the rarest synthesizers ever made: the Gleeman Pentaphonic. With fewer than 70 units of the original hardware ever produced, this software version is a compelling opportunity for vintage synth enthusiasts and music producers of all genres. Pentaphonic is now available for both Mac and Windows at cherryaudio.com and through authorized resellers worldwide, priced at an unbeatable $59.
The original Pentaphonic synthesizer, designed in 1981 by brothers Bob and Al Gleeman in a Silicon Valley garage, was engineered to stay in tune under stage lights and priced to compete with analog polysynths of the time. It cleverly used a pair of Intel microprocessors to control five voices and digitally controlled oscillators (DCOs). Its rich analog tone came from Curtis CEM 3320 voltage-controlled 4-pole filters, and it was valued for its powerful, crystal-clear sound.
The Pentaphonic synthesizer was known not only for its sound but also for its distinctive looks. The first model featured a simple black chassis with an integrated handle and built-in speaker, making it the "ultimate portable" unit at just 18 pounds. Responding to requests for a more visually striking design, Gleeman Instruments introduced the Pentaphonic Clear, which showcased a clear acrylic housing, plexiglass knobs, and optional lighting that illuminated the circuitry against the green circuit boards. However, as the market began to favor digital synthesizers by the mid-1980s, Gleeman gradually wound down Pentaphonic production. Nevertheless, the synthesizer gained popularity among notable musicians, including Oscar Peterson, Martin Gore of Depeche Mode, and bands like Kansas, electronic duo The Moog Cookbook, and R.E.M.
Cherry Audio's Pentaphonic faithfully reproduces the original's distinctive hybrid architecture while dramatically increasing its capabilities. Features include three user interface skins reflecting the Pentaphonic's history, from the standard black chassis to extraordinary clear designs with adjustable opacity. Polyphony now ranges from monophonic up to 16 voices, with added unison, pulse width modulation, a noise generator, oscillator sync, and an additional LFO, both now featuring the eight original waveforms.
The update also introduces a 2-pole filter mode, keyboard tracking, a limiter, and enhanced performance expression through velocity, channel and polyphonic aftertouch, and 14 modulatable parameters. The syncable arpeggiator and 16x4 polyphonic note step sequencer offer flexible humanization options, while a new Parameter Animator and 22 studio-quality effects round out the instrument's expanded sound design toolkit.
Alongside the plugin, Cherry Audio has also released the Translucent Preset Pack for Pentaphonic, available for $9.99. Translucent further explores tranquil and hypnotic soundscapes across 100 additional presets in eight categories, drawing on Pentaphonic's modulation, performance, sequencing, and effects capabilities.
Pentaphonic showcases Cherry Audio's ongoing commitment to providing exceptional sound at an unbeatable price, even in challenging times. Priced at just $59, Pentaphonic is an ideal choice for synth enthusiasts who value both exceptional sound and affordability. Furthermore, until October 19th, producers can purchase Pentaphonic as part of Cherry Audio's Build Your Own Bundle options. Customers can customize a Pick 3 bundle for $99 (regularly $119) or a Pick 6 bundle for $149 (regularly $169), letting them mix and match any of Cherry Audio's award-winning instruments for as little as $25 per plugin.
Cherry Audio's Pentaphonic synthesizer is available now for macOS (10.13 or later) and Windows (7 or later) in AU, VST, VST3, AAX, and standalone formats. Visit cherryaudio.com for complete product details, a free 30-day demo download, a deep-dive introductory video, system requirements, and an extensive collection of inspiring audio demo tracks.