Atomika by Cherry Audio is a circuit-modeled emulation of the Soviet-era Polivoks synthesizer, expanded with polyphony, an arpeggiator, effects, and modern performance controls for today’s producers.
Purpose and Heritage
Atomika faithfully recreates the sound of the Polivoks, a duophonic analog synthesizer built in the Soviet Union from 1982 to 1990. Its iconic filter, based on programmable op-amps, delivers a gritty and distinctive character. The emulation, designed by Mark Barton, goes beyond simple replication, offering a modern take on a rare classic.
This instrument captures the raw, industrial vibe of the original while adding features that make it suitable for contemporary music production. It appeals to both vintage synth enthusiasts and professionals seeking a unique tonal palette.
Key Capabilities
Atomika expands the original architecture with up to 16-voice polyphony, unison stacking, and glide options. The filter gains new Drive and Starve controls plus highpass, notch, and peak modes, extending its sonic range. Two VCOs offer FM and multiple waveforms, and the loopable envelopes function as LFOs for creative modulation.
A dedicated second panel houses a syncable arpeggiator and four studio-quality effects: Phasor, Flange/Chorus, Echo/Delay, and Reverb. Each effect has its own modulatable LFO, allowing for dynamic and evolving textures. The UI can switch to Cyrillic labels and includes a hide-keyboard option.
Workflow and Performance
Atomika integrates well into a DAW-based workflow. All controls support MIDI mapping and automation, with easy-to-use global or per-preset MIDI learn. Velocity, aftertouch, and keyboard tracking are implemented, making the synth expressive with a controller. The extensive preset browser provides quick access to over 350 sounds.
Performance-oriented features like the arpeggiator and syncable LFOs allow for rhythmic and complex patterns. The adjustable oversampling control lets users tailor the DSP load to their system. A Focus zoom feature and standard UI resizing enhance usability on various displays.
Practical Applications
Atomika excels in genres that benefit from aggressive, industrial tones, such as techno, EBM, and experimental electronic music. Its gritty filter and drive controls are ideal for leads, basslines, and percussive stabs. The polyphony and effects also enable lush pads and atmospheric soundscapes.
In a mix, the unique filter character can help sounds stand out. The arpeggiator and loopable envelopes are perfect for generating evolving sequences and rhythmic textures. The broad preset library provides a starting point for sound design, from classic analog emulations to modern, twisted timbres.
Key features
- Circuit-modeled emulation of the Polivoks, including its distinctive filter
- Up to 16-voice polyphony plus monophonic and duophonic modes
- Filter Drive, Amp Drive, and Starve controls with additional filter modes
- Syncable arpeggiator and four effects with dedicated modulation LFO
- Loopable filter and amp envelopes for LFO-style modulation
- Over 350 presets, full MIDI mapping, and DAW automation
- Immersive UI with optional Cyrillic labels and adjustable oversampling
Best for
Atomika is best for producers seeking an aggressive, characterful analog synth for techno, industrial, or experimental music. Its unique filter and drive controls are ideal for gritty leads, bass, and percussion, while polyphony and effects expand its use into pads and atmospheres, offering a distinctive alternative to generic virtual analogs.