Rackmode Signal Processors

A Monument of Sound

Rackmode Signal Processors is a bundle of seven virtual effects and an instrument plugin that replicate the classic rack-mounted Moog Signal Processors of the 1970s and ‘80s. This exclusive collection is the first time this entire line of renowned analog treasures has been recreated as virtual effects. Rackmode also marks our latest collaboration with award-winning synth designer and DSP legend Mark Barton (MRB), who modeled the circuit-precise emulations based on the original rack-mounted hardware. The collection includes:

Rackmode Vocoder (instrument and effects versions)
Rackmode Phaser
Rackmode Ring Modulator
Rackmode String Filter
Rackmode Frequency Shifter
Rackmode Graphic EQ
Rackmode Parametric EQ

We have expanded these awe-inspiring vintage effects with additional features aimed at today's music producers, including presets, syncable LFOs, stereo processing, and full Apple Silicon M1 native support. And speaking of authenticity, these effects capture not only the deep sounds and capabilities of the original Signal Processor line, but also the elegant look and heritage of their rack-mounted enclosures.

A Stack of Historic Proportions

In the late ‘70s and early ‘80s, Moog Music Inc., (then owned by Norlin Music, Inc.) wanted to extend their reach further into the production studio. They created the Signal Processor family of rack-mounted products featuring the 16 Channel Vocoder (designed by pioneer Harald Bode), the 12 Stage Phaser, and the Ten Band Graphic and Three Band Parametric Equalizers. Other related rack products were the Harald Bode-designed Frequency Shifter and Ring Modulator, and the singular String Filter created by Moog's Custom Engineering Group.

The Moog Signal Processors have found a place in production facilities worldwide, both past and present. Artists like Wendy Carlos, Yellow Magic Orchestra, Tangerine Dream, John Carpenter, Genesis, Jan Hammer, Mouse on Mars, and Coldplay have used them to shape their distinctive sounds. And producers as diverse as Giorgio Moroder, Mike Elizondo, and Sylvia Massy have cited these black boxes as treasured parts of their studio gear. Today these units are increasingly scarce and fetch prices far above their original value – that is, if they can be found at all.

The Future is Yours

Cherry Audio's Rackmode Signal Processors collection represents a first-time opportunity for producers to explore these studio-quality vintage effects. When combined with today's modern production workflow, experimentation will lead to inspiration, and an old approach to sound can unexpectedly result in something completely new.

If tracked down and purchased today, the original hardware would cost well over $20,000. Cherry Audio is introducing the entire Rackmode Signal Processors bundle at an unheard-of price of $99, less than $13 per plugin!

“It has been a pleasure to be reunited with some old hardware friends from Cherry Audio. Like the best signal processors, there aren't too many controls to get lost in, just what you need to get the job done. I'd almost forgotten how much weight and saturation the EQ's can bring to a signal, or how warm the 12 stage phaser is, or how lush that vocoder sounds. I'm already putting these to work in my mixes. Highly recommended.”

“It has been a pleasure to be reunited with some old hardware friends from Cherry Audio. Like the best signal processors, there aren't too many controls to get lost in, just what you need to get the job done. I'd almost forgotten how much weight and”

Eric Frampton

Keyboardist, Producer, Composer, and Technician
B-52s, Boston, Paul Simon, Lionel Richie, Collective Soul, Yanni, Billy Currington, Electric Avenue, and more.

“To have all the old Moog effects at my fingertips is a crazy amount of fun! And in terms of sound quality Cherry Audio have smashed it out of the park again. I don't think any other plug-in series has a better fun-to-dollar ratio than this collection!”

“To have all the old Moog effects at my fingertips is a crazy amount of fun! And in terms of sound quality Cherry Audio have smashed it out of the park again. I don't think any other plug-in series has a better fun-to-dollar ratio than this”

Dom Morley

Grammy Award winning producer/mixer/engineer
Credits include Amy Winehouse, Adele, Sting, Nick Cave, The Verve, The Police, and many more.

“I've been searching forever for effects that revisit the sound of the now discontinued "fooger" pedals. My search is over... the Rackmode Processors have THAT thick, warm, analog tone I've been looking for. The Vocoder instrument included in the pack is a huge bonus! This is an inexpensive and yet awesome bargain even if it was twice the price.”

“I've been searching forever for effects that revisit the sound of the now discontinued "fooger" pedals. My search is over... the Rackmode Processors have THAT thick, warm, analog tone I've been looking for. The Vocoder instrument included in the pack”

Dave Polich

Music producer/sound designer/tour keyboard technician
Michael Jackson, David Foster, The Cure, Bonnie Raitt, Fleetwood Mac, Yamaha, Korg, Roland, Sequential, and more.

“The vintage nerd in me is in love with the Rackmode effects. I can see so many uses (and abuses) of these in my coming projects. The mind reels!”

“The vintage nerd in me is in love with the Rackmode effects. I can see so many uses (and abuses) of these in my coming projects. The mind reels!”

Steve Ouimette

Composer/Artist/Producer
NFL, MLB, Call Of Duty, and Ghost Recon video game series

“We all know how important effect chains are within our setup. The right effect can be as important and crucial as choosing a sound and should always be chosen wisely. Working mainly with vintage synthesizers, one of the most important things for me is to keep the warmth and depth of the sound of my synths while adding personality through the effects. Using the 'Rackmode Signal Processors' I am pleasantly impressed by the sound quality of all the effects; in particular, the Phaser and the Ring Modulator hit me hard thanks to their uniqueness. Highly recommended!”

“We all know how important effect chains are within our setup. The right effect can be as important and crucial as choosing a sound and should always be chosen wisely. Working mainly with vintage synthesizers, one of the most important things for me”

Sebastian Galassi

Synthesist, Composer
Kylmää kiveä (Documentary, 2015)

Getting down with the Rackmode Vocoder, that is. Also in on the groove: the String Filter (chords at 0:34), Ring Modulator on the drum hats (clean on the left, ring mod hats on the right), and the entire drum bus sent to the Frequency Shifter.

Each of the Rackmode Signal Processors contributes to this dynamic track. Vocals feature the Vocoder with a touch of Parametric EQ for additional shine. Phaser is applied to bass guitar along with Graphic EQ to boost the lower, scoop the mids, and enhance the highs. Guitar and clav use Phaser to add motion, and String Filter brings additional depth and warmth to the electric pianos. Frequency Shifter adds extra energy to the Surrealistic MG-1 solo, and percussions are sent to Ring Modulator to create movement and bounce. Parametric EQ enhances the drums with filter sweeps that are not brittle or harsh like similar EQs.

Rackmode Signal Processors Features

Eight circuit-precise emulations based on the original rack-mounted hardware:
- Rackmode Vocoder - Rackmode includes two versions for this 16 channel classic: an instrument plugin with a built-in dual oscillator, and an effects plugin to modify other input formats and DAW tracks for unlimited processing flexibility
- Rackmode Phaser - Based on the definitive 12 stage original known for its lush, sweeping textures
- Rackmode Ring Modulator - Based on Moog's Harald Bode Ring Modulator with Squelch control
- Rackmode String Filter - Based on the extremely rare system created by Moog's Custom Engineering Group, this module utilizes filter arrays that mimic acoustic string instruments
- Rackmode Frequency Shifter - Mixes two external inputs or sidechains a single input with its own built-in oscillator. The Frequency Shifter creates colorful, often metallic effects by modifying the ratio of incoming frequency components
- Rackmode Graphic EQ - Ten selectable frequency bands with Drive and Gain controls, capable of creating exotic effects when used with other instruments and effects
- Rackmode Parametric EQ - Three bands for sculpting Low, Mid, and High-frequency ranges
Provided as individual standalone applications and separate DAW plugins. Please note: there is no stack effects styled interface.
User preset library, including over 150 presets for common uses and instruments
Sync to DAW master tempo
Selectable mono/stereo modes
Highly optimized coding for high performance with ultra-low CPU load
Full MIDI control and DAW automation for all controls
Full Apple Silicon M1 native support

Rackmode Signal Processors is available in AU, VST, VST3, and AAX formats, and as standalone applications.

A free 30-day demo of Rackmode Signal Processors is available. This demo will play white noise periodically, but is otherwise unlimited.

macOS Requirements: 10.13 or above. macOS 13 Ventura supported. 64-bit required. Native Apple M1 or greater processor support, including Ultra. 3.4 GHz Quad-Core or M1 CPU with 8GB of RAM recommended.

Windows Requirements: Windows 7 or above (including Windows 11), 64-bit required. Quad-core computer with 8GB of RAM recommended.

NOTE: Internet connection required for product activation.

Moog® is a registered trademark of Moog Music, Inc. There is no association, affiliation, or endorsement of Cherry Audio or its products by Moog Music, Inc.

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Making Sound Effective

A Monument of Sound

A Stack of Historic Proportions

The Future is Yours

The Sounds of Rackmode Signal Processors

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Rackmode Signal Processors Features