A virtual recreation of the 1983 Crumar Spirit analog monosynth, enhanced with expanded polyphony, a mod matrix, effects, and over 430 presets. It offers deep, experimental synthesis with a bold Italian character.
A Reimagined Cult Classic
Crumar Spirit by Cherry Audio revives the rare 1983 Italian monosynth, designed with Bob Moog, Tom Rhea, and Jim Scott. This virtual instrument captures the original’s unique architecture, including two CEM-style oscillators, dual filters, ring modulation, and a distinctive dual-signal path. It is a faithful yet enhanced recreation, targeting musicians who appreciate unconventional sounds.
The interface modernizes the original’s complex layout for easier navigation. Notably, the software expands the hardware’s monophonic nature, adding polyphonic, unison, and cycle voice modes up to 16 voices. It also introduces a new Matrix Z mod matrix with four independent routing paths, extending the already extensive modulation options far beyond the original’s capabilities, making it a powerful tool for sonic exploration.
Oscillators, Filters, and Signal Flow
The sound engine is built around two oscillators that can be synced, with Oscillator B offering fixed-frequency modes for drones or audio-rate modulation. It routes audio through two paths: an upper filter/ADSR chain, and a lower mixer with ring mod, noise, and a Shaper-Y LFO/EG. The filter section includes a low-pass upper filter and a multimode lower filter with high-pass, band-pass, and overdrive.
Filter slopes are switchable between 12dB and 24dB, and keyboard tracking is dynamic. A fixed formant option on the lower filter adds vocal-like coloring. The flexible signal routing allows for parallel processing and independent outputs, giving sound designers granular control over timbre. This architecture supports a wide range of tones, from warm analog basics to aggressive, metallic textures, true to the original’s experimental spirit.
Modulation and Advanced Features
Modulation is a core strength, featuring Mod-X and Shaper-Y LFOs with dedicated mod wheels. Mod-X sources include triangle, square, sample & hold, red noise, and Oscillator B, while Shaper-Y can act as a free-running LFO or a loopable two-stage envelope. The new Matrix Z provides four additional routing slots with 25 sources and 45 destinations, enabling complex, evolving patches.
The virtual instrument also replicates the original’s unique arpeggiator with Ripple, Arp, and Leap modes, enhanced with swing, chance, and feel controls. Velocity and aftertouch (including polyphonic) add expressiveness, while dual effects chains—including distortion, phaser, chorus, echo, and reverb—further shape the sound. These features make it ideal for live performance and sound design, allowing for real-time manipulation and humanized patterns.
Presets and Workflow
Over 430 presets across 12 categories, designed by a team led by James Terris, offer immediate inspiration. The library spans classic analog tones to experimental textures, with categories like leads, basses, pads, and effects. Each preset is fully editable, and the easy-to-navigate interface encourages tweaking.
The multi-voice modes add per-note variation with ‘mini synth’ panels, enabling realistic ensemble effects or detuned sounds. Quick-access presets simulate variations like hard-panned or slightly detuned voices. The interface includes Cherry Audio’s Focus zoom feature, MIDI learn, and full DAW automation. As a standalone and plug-in, it integrates smoothly into modern workflows, making the complex Spirit architecture approachable for both producers and sound designers.
Key features
- Over 430 presets in 12 categories
- Monophonic, unison, polyphonic (4/8/16 voices), and cycle modes
- Matrix Z mod matrix with 4 pathways, 25 sources, 45 destinations
- Two oscillators with sync and fixed-frequency modes
- Dual filter paths with low-pass, high-pass, band-pass, and overdrive
- Arpeggiator with Ripple, Arp, Leap modes, swing, chance, and feel
- Dual effects chains with distortion, phaser, chorus, echo, and reverb
Best for
Best for sound designers and electronic musicians seeking deep, experimental synthesis. Ideal for creating evolving pads, aggressive leads, and unique textures that stand out in genres like psybient, techno, and film scoring. Its extensive modulation and arpeggiator make it a versatile tool for live performance and studio production.