GX-80 Synthesizer

GX-80 is a groundbreaking virtual synthesizer that merges the unparalleled sound and features of the legendary GX-1 “Dream Machine” and its renowned successor, the CS-80, into a single, hybrid powerhouse. Developed by Cherry Audio, GX-80 features carefully crafted and intensely circuit-modeled DSP designs by award-winning developer Mark Barton, who has meticulously replicated every nuance of the original instruments, resulting in the most authentic emulation of its kind.

More than a Replicant

GX-80 is not just another CS-80 emulation. It adeptly integrates the GX-1’s distinctive feature set into the CS-80 architecture, most significantly the massive dual-layer architecture that essentially makes the GX-1 equivalent to two CS-80s and then some. The GX-1’s unique highpassed resonant pulse and bandpassed sawtooth waves, octave-up triangle wave, and filter envelope inversion have been incorporated, opening up new realms of sonic exploration. GX-80 includes a meticulously recreated GX-1 filter, delivering exquisite timbres that even the mighty CS-80 cannot produce. It boasts an impressive, dual-layer voicing architecture with 16 polyphonic voices per layer, enabling two different patches to sound simultaneously, with independent panning for each rank, to create exquisitely rich stereo timbres and complex, layered sounds. For ultimate flexibility and expressive performance, GX-80 features a split keyboard mode and an innovative option to simulate polyphonic aftertouch using a monophonic aftertouch controller. With over 1,000 expertly designed presets and integrated studio-grade effects, jaw-dropping sounds are just a few clicks away.

Cherry Audio’s GX-80 is far more than a mere recreation of the past; it’s an unprecedented gateway to the sounds and music of an unrealized future.

The Inspirations

In 1973, the most technologically advanced polyphonic synthesizer ever conceived, the GX-1, was released. Featuring groundbreaking advances in polyphony, velocity, and aftertouch sensitivity, the GX-1 was a quantum leap forward from its contemporaries. However, due to its immense size, weight, and price tag, it was available only to the most elite musicians. Despite its rarity, the GX-1 was used by notable artists such as Keith Emerson, Stevie Wonder, ABBA, and John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin. Four years later, the more compact and programmable CS-80 synthesizer was released. Retaining the same voicing architecture and innovative performance controls as the GX-1, the CS-80 became a favorite among music professionals, including Paul McCartney, Michael Jackson, Peter Gabriel, Hans Zimmer, and Vangelis, who famously used it in the score for “Blade Runner.” Although the GX-1 and CS-80 had radically different outward appearances, they shared similar internal architectures, both based on a voicing structure known as “ranks.”

More than the Sum of its Parts

Cherry Audio began work in 2021 to make the dream of a virtual CS-80 a reality. DSP designer Mark Barton’s extensive research of the original CS-80 and its schematics led him back to its predecessor, the indomitable GX-1. Barton’s dedication to deciphering the audio path and behavior of the CS-80 has resulted in GX-80 combining all of the sonic characteristics of the originals with exceptional accuracy. The dual-layer voicing architecture, featuring 16 polyphonic voices per layer and the ability to play two different patches simultaneously in split or stacked mode, sets the GX-80 apart. Additionally, the GX-80 includes a split keyboard mode and support for both polyphonic and monophonic aftertouch controllers, with an innovative “last-note priority” mode for simulated poly aftertouch response. GX-80’s interface, presets, and effects have been meticulously designed to offer an experience worthy of the “flagship” label.

Unobtainium, Until Now

With only a dozen operating GX-1s accounted for, and CS-80s rarely listed for less than $60,000, Cherry Audio’s GX-80 offers musicians the opportunity to experience these legendary instruments at an astoundingly low price of $59. GX-80 is also available as part of Cherry Audio’s comprehensive Synth Stack 3 collection.

Key Features:

• Hybrid Design
• Dual-Layer Voicing Architecture
• Authentic Filters
• Advanced Modulation
• Extensive Presets
• Expressive Touch Response
• Highly Optimized Performance
• Broad Compatibility