Review: Cherry Audio Octave Cat Synthesizer

Octave Cat History

If you believe the practice of less-than-subtle re-imaginings of classic synthesizers is a contemporary thing, reconsider. Back in the late 70s, when yours really was transitioning from a punk fan to among electronic music, Octave was brought to justice by ARP. The factor for this lawsuits was that ARP thought the Cat was extremely close in its style to their own Odyssey. And on the surface area, you might see why. I wouldn’t wish to hypothesize about the finer information of this case however ARP had a point.

However, the Octave Cat had the ability to create its own course. This was mainly due to the behaviour of its filter. A raucous, shouting affair, loaded with self-oscillation. It at first began as a mono synth however quickly got duophonic ability. Best of all, it was significantly more economical than a Minimoog or Odyssey. Thus, it endeared itself to young, less wealthy innovators searching for a unique synth noise. Bands like Split Enz, who included bros Neil & Tim Finn, utilized it in their worldwide smash, “I Got You”.

After a couple of more feline-named releases, Octave combined with Plateau Electronics and provided us the extremely in-demand and concerned Voyetra Eight. They still exist today, as Turtle Beach, a brand name well-known in computer-based audio innovation.

Cherry Audio Octave Cat

Cherry Audio’s Octave Cat

Hot on the heels of their last release, the Novachord and Solovox, Cherry Audio has actually worked together with the Octave Cat’s initial designer, and creator of Octave Electronics, Carmine Bonnano. This offers this plugin a strong sense of precision and peace of mind that this is way more than a lookalike. As well as designing an initial Cat, Cherry Audio has actually broadened the instrument in its typical style. We now have 16 voice polyphony, patch-saving abilities, double panel views for synthesis and FX areas and a variety of efficiency functions.

The Cat has 2 VCOs that consist of saw, triangle, pulse, square and PWM. The four-pole 24db/oct filter properly duplicates the original’s cascaded OTA SSM2040 with its special resonance. It actually nails the shouting bastard nature of the OG Cat. The envelope generators are completely reproduced too. But it is what Cherry Audio give the table that moves the Cat into the 21st century.

Obviously, we now have complete MIDI performance. All manages on the front panel are MIDI learnable, making mapping to your controller of option a doddle. The Cat now includes a completely incorporated FX area including distortion, phaser and flanger/chorus in addition to syncable hold-ups and 5 reverbs! Better yet, the Cat now supports poly aftertouch and has MPE assistance for pitch, channel pressure and tone.

Cherry Audio Octave Cat FX

The Cat’s Meow

So does the Cherry Audio variation of the Octave Cat tickle the hairs? Well, complete disclosure, I’ve never ever had the opportunity of playing a genuine one, however I talked to synth conservator extraordinaire Kent Spong to comprehend what I ought to anticipate from one. First up, I might too cover the uninteresting things. Yes, it includes Cherry Audio’s basic pre-programmed internet browser, which works and useful. Setup is a breeze and I had my controller connected and in charge from the start. The UI is clear, simple to comprehend and, as have all recent CA plugins, gain from Mal Meehan’s fantastic visuals. The Cat was never ever an intricate synth and Cherry Audio hasn’t made it as such. The 2 panels are quickly turned utilizing a toggle switch, leading right.

Given the Cat’s propensity to shout like a moggy on heat, the integrated selectable limiter on the master output is extremely welcome to rein it in. It is so basic to get the Cat to actually release and if misshaped, gnarly synth leads and basses are your thing, the Cat is ideal up your street. On the other hand, it can likewise do warm, mellow and improved. What Cherry Audio have actually done, in bringing the Cat approximately existing requirements, is expand the instrument’s appeal and ability whilst being real to its initial character.

The finest feature of the Cat is its simpleness. But that simpleness does not come at the expense of ability. Unlike lots of other instruments, you have the ability to get actually imaginative extremely rapidly without it developing into an unlistenable kludge. Every control yields some intriguing sonic character which filter is excellent enjoyable when it starts to self-oscillate.

Cherry Audio Octave Cat Wood Trim

In Conclusion

It is nigh on difficult to not like what Cherry Audio do. They have actually created themselves an almost undisputable area in the plugin market. The Octave Cat merely broadens that track record with an economical plugin that provides method more than its rate may recommend. The thing is, everybody now understands that the Cherry Audio brand name is one that suggests quality, enjoyable, effectiveness and cost. I dislike the reality that such fantastic tools were not available to me in my youth, when my imaginative juices streamed like Victoria Falls. But I am happy that individuals can gain from these things today. Cherry Audio’s Octave Cat provides another special and essential instrument to us at pocket money costs, with expert abilities.

Regardless of whether you already own a plugin or hardware mono/duo synth, the Octave Cat has adequate originality about it to require a location in your collection. And everybody understands that a synthesizer’s preferred buddy is a cat…

Mitsie on a Synth

Cherry Audio’s Octave Cat is available now for $49 introduction rate, increasing to $69 after the launch duration. It comes as a 64bit AU, VST, VST3 and AAX plugin, in addition to standalone. A totally free 30-day demonstration is available. Octave Cat supports macOS 10.13 and above, consisting of Ventura with native Apple Silicon. Windows 7 and up is supported, consisting of Windows 11.