PS-20 by Cherry Audio

Overview

This instrument is built for exploration, unpredictability, and hands-on experimentation. Rather than aiming for polite or pristine tones, it embraces grit, instability, and raw analog behavior to create sounds that feel alive and constantly shifting.

By expanding a legendary semi-modular concept with modern features, it removes historical limitations while amplifying everything that made the original design exciting and unconventional.

Filters and Core Character

The defining element is its aggressive dual-filter topology, which shapes sound in a way that is immediately recognizable and unapologetically bold. The interaction between high-pass and low-pass filtering creates resonance, saturation, and instability that define its sonic identity.

Key traits include:

• Dual filter design with strong resonance
• Unpredictable, expressive behavior at extreme settings
• Thick, squelchy, and screaming tonal responses
• A sound that rewards pushing parameters beyond safe ranges

These filters are central to the instrument’s character and creative appeal.

Patch Panel and Modularity

A flexible patch panel lies at the heart of the workflow, enabling deep signal routing and modular-style experimentation. The layout has been refined to improve clarity while expanding creative possibilities.

Patch-related features include:

• Extensive modulation and audio routing points
• Flexible connections for oscillators, filters, and VCAs
• Modern cabling system for fast experimentation
• Support for unconventional signal flows

This design encourages discovery and embraces creative accidents as part of the process.

Sequencing and Performance Tools

Integrated sequencing adds rhythmic structure to its chaotic potential. Multiple sequencer lanes and performance-oriented features allow patterns to evolve dynamically over time.

Performance highlights:

• Multi-channel step sequencer with tempo sync
• Chord memory for instant harmonic playback
• Unison and detune modes for massive sounds
• MPE and expressive controller support

These tools bridge the gap between experimental sound design and playable musical results.

Effects and Signal Processing

Built-in effects extend the instrument’s aggressive personality and allow sounds to be finalized internally. These effects are designed to complement the raw synthesis engine rather than smooth it out.

Included processing covers:

• Heavy distortion for added edge
• Modulated delay with stereo movement
• Lush reverb with spring and plate character
• Tight integration with synthesis and modulation

This enables production-ready sounds without external processing.

Presets and Creative Use

A large preset library demonstrates the wide range of possibilities, from classic snarling tones to complex evolving sequences. Presets serve as inspiration and starting points rather than fixed endpoints.

Common applications include:

• Industrial and experimental music
• Aggressive basses and leads
• Modular-style sequences and textures
• Sound effects and unconventional timbres

Overall, this synthesizer stands out as a fearless, character-driven instrument designed for producers who value experimentation, raw energy, and creative unpredictability over safe and conventional sound design.