Dive into the lush sonic landscapes of the Cherry Audio Elka-X, a synth plugin that faithfully captures the essence of the legendary Synthex, without breaking the bank. Originally crafted by the visionary Mario Maggi and brought to life by ELKA in the early 80s, the Synthex was known for its digitally-controlled analog oscillators and a versatile multimode filter, offering a range of tonal possibilities that were ahead of its time.

With the Elka-X, Cherry Audio meticulously recreates this iconic sound palette while introducing enhanced features for today's musicians. Experience the dynamic interplay of 16 polyphonic voices, perfect for crafting rich textures and intricate arrangements. The Elka-X expands on the original with increased modulation options, enabling you to sculpt your sound with precision using its flexible LFOs and envelope generators. Cherry Audio also elevates the user experience with modern conveniences, such as an intuitive panel for seamless layer control and a refined four-track step sequencer, now accompanied by a complete arpeggiator.

Further enriched with studio-quality effects like echo and reverb, and over 600 expertly crafted presets, the Elka-X is a powerhouse for sound designers and performers alike. Whether you're chasing vintage vibes or pushing into uncharted auditory realms, this synth plugin delivers an inspiring fusion of nostalgia and innovation.

Key Features:

• Two-part multitimbral operation with keyboard split or stacked layer modes
• 16 polyphonic voices for lush, complex soundscapes
• Two DCO oscillators with PWM Cross Modulation and Ring Modulation
• Versatile CEM3320-style multimode filter
• Two tempo-syncable LFOs with comprehensive modulation capabilities
• Refined step sequencer and complete arpeggiator
• Studio-quality effects: chorus, echo, and reverb
• Over 600 professional presets
• Full MIDI control and DAW automation
• Compatible with AU, VST, VST3, AAX, and Standalone formats for both Mac and Windows systems

FAQs:

What is Cherry Audio Elka-X?
Elka-X is a software emulation of the rare ELKA Synthex analog synthesizer, faithfully recreating its lush sound and advanced features. Cherry Audio has expanded the original’s capabilities with modern enhancements for studio and live use.

What makes the original Synthex - and Elka-X - so special?

• Digitally controlled analog oscillators (DCOs) for tuning stability and rich tone
  
• Versatile 4-pole multimode filter (lowpass, bandpass, highpass) with CEM3320-style character
  
• Two-part multitimbral operation with split/layer functionality
  
• Classic four-track step sequencer, now modernized
  
• Lush built-in chorus and added delay/reverb in Elka-X
  
• Velocity response, chord memory, and extensive modulation options

What modern features are added in Elka-X?

• 16-voice polyphony
  
• Dual-layer multitimbrality with independent effects and controls
  
• Enhanced LFO and envelope behavior
  
• Modern step sequencer (up to 128 steps)
  
• High-quality stereo delay and reverb
  
• MIDI Learn and DAW automation
  
• Over 600 presets
  
• User-adjustable oversampling for performance tuning
  
• Standalone version included

What kinds of sounds can I create with Elka-X?

• Warm, analog-style pads
  
• Fat basslines and synth leads
  
• Metallic bell tones and evolving textures
  
• Classic '80s synth sounds (Jarre, Wonder, etc.)
  
• Experimental soundscapes and sci-fi effects

What are the system requirements and plugin formats?

• OS: macOS 10.13+ (Apple Silicon native) / Windows 7+
  
• CPU: Quad-core 3.4GHz or higher
  
• RAM: 8 GB recommended
  
• Formats: AU, VST, VST3, AAX, plus standalone

Is Elka-X CPU-intensive?
No. Elka-X is optimized for low CPU usage while still offering powerful features. Oversampling settings let you balance performance and fidelity.

Can I use Elka-X without a DAW?
Yes. It includes a standalone app for direct use—perfect for live performance or casual sound design.

Does Elka-X support MPE?
Full MPE support isn’t guaranteed. While it includes velocity and modulation features, check Cherry Audio’s official site for current MPE compatibility.

How many presets are included, and can I save my own?
Elka-X comes with 600+ factory presets and allows unlimited user preset creation and organization.

Owner's manual

Product specs

FAQs

Is the Cherry Audio Elka-X synthesizer polyphonic?

Yes, the Cherry Audio Elka-X is a polyphonic synthesizer, allowing you to play multiple notes simultaneously, which is ideal for creating rich, layered sounds.

What are the system requirements for running Cherry Audio Elka-X on a Mac?

To run Cherry Audio Elka-X on a Mac, you need macOS 10.13 or later, a quad-core 3.4GHz / M1 CPU or higher, and a minimum of 8GB RAM.

Is Cherry Audio Elka-X compatible with popular DAWs like Ableton Live and Pro Tools?

Yes, Cherry Audio Elka-X is compatible with popular DAWs as it supports AAX, AU, VST, and VST3 formats, making it versatile for integration with software like Ableton Live and Pro Tools.

Does Cherry Audio Elka-X require an internet connection for authorization?

Yes, Cherry Audio Elka-X requires an internet connection for authorization to ensure proper licensing and functionality.

Can Cherry Audio Elka-X be used as a standalone application?

Yes, the Cherry Audio Elka-X can be used as a standalone application, in addition to being used as a plugin within a DAW.