Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $69

Budget/Beginner

$79

$200+

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Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Cherry Audio Mercury-8 Virtual Instrument Plug-in". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Unleash the full power of 1980s analog synthesis with the Cherry Audio Mercury-8 Virtual Instrument Plug-in. This formidable synthesizer software faithfully captures the essence of the iconic JP-8, while incorporating modern enhancements that make it a must-have for any music producer's toolkit. The Mercury-8 offers a dual-layer, 16-voice architecture, providing rich and evolving soundscapes that are perfect for any musical genre. With dual oscillators per voice, users can explore a variety of waveforms including triangle, ramp, sine, and more to craft their unique sound.

The plug-in is packed with features that ensure flexibility and creativity. Its comprehensive modulation matrix, complete with click-to-assign functionality, allows for intricate sound shaping and dynamic modulation. Additionally, the Mercury-8 includes a tempo-syncable LFO, an array of studio-quality effects, and a user-friendly interface that makes sound design both intuitive and fun. Whether you're performing live or producing in the studio, the Mercury-8 can adapt to your workflow with its standalone mode and seamless MIDI controller integration. Dive into a library of over 600 presets for instant inspiration, or craft your own sonic signature with ease.

Key Features:

  • Dual-layer voicing architecture with 16 polyphonic voices per layer
  • Two oscillators per voice with multiple waveform options
  • Highpass and resonant lowpass filters
  • Tempo-syncable LFO with retrigger functionality
  • Four-slot modulation matrix with click-to-assign functionality
  • Built-in arpeggiator and 16x4 polyphonic step sequencer
  • Over 600 factory-built presets
  • Three independent effect chains with 20 studio-quality effects
  • Standalone virtual instrument and plug-in versions (AU, VST, VST3, AAX)

Product specs

Software Type Analog Polyphonic Synth Virtual Instrument
Platform Mac, PC
Upgrade/Full Full
Download/Boxed Download
Bit Depth 64-bit
Plug-in Formats Standalone, AAX, AU, VST
Hardware Requirements - Mac 3.4 GHz or Apple Silicon CPU, 8 GB RAM
Hardware Requirements - PC 3.4 GHz CPU, 8 GB RAM
OS Requirements - Mac macOS 10.13 or later
OS Requirements - PC Windows 7 or later

FAQs

What are the standout features of the Cherry Audio Mercury-8's sound engine?

The Cherry Audio Mercury-8 offers a rich analog polyphonic sound, inspired by classic synths, with a range of modulation and effects options. It includes features like dual oscillators, an arpeggiator, and a comprehensive modulation matrix, making it versatile for various music styles.

Is the Cherry Audio Mercury-8 compatible with my DAW?

The Cherry Audio Mercury-8 is compatible with most popular DAWs as it supports AAX, AU, and VST plug-in formats. It can also be used as a standalone application.

What are the system requirements for running the Cherry Audio Mercury-8 on a Mac?

To run the Cherry Audio Mercury-8 on a Mac, you'll need macOS 10.13 or later, a 3.4 GHz or Apple Silicon CPU, and at least 8 GB of RAM.

Can I use the Cherry Audio Mercury-8 on a Windows PC?

Yes, the Cherry Audio Mercury-8 is compatible with Windows 7 or later. It requires a 3.4 GHz CPU and 8 GB of RAM for optimal performance.

Is the Cherry Audio Mercury-8 a polyphonic or monophonic synthesizer?

The Cherry Audio Mercury-8 is an analog polyphonic synthesizer, allowing you to play multiple notes simultaneously for rich, layered sounds.

Cherry Audio

Cherry Audio

Cherry Audio | Introduction to Mercury-8 with Tim Shoebridge

Video thumbnail for Cherry Audio | Introduction to Mercury-8 with Tim Shoebridge by Cherry Audio

Cherry Audio | Introduction to Mercury-8 with Tim Shoebridge

Cherry Audio

Cherry Audio

Video thumbnail for Cherry Audio | JUPITER-8 x MERCURY-8 - Factory Presets Compared A/B by Cherry Audio

Cherry Audio | JUPITER-8 x MERCURY-8 - Factory Presets Compared A/B

Cherry Audio

Cherry Audio

Video thumbnail for Cherry Audio | Mercury-8: A Tour of the Presets with Mike Martin by Cherry Audio

Cherry Audio | Mercury-8: A Tour of the Presets with Mike Martin

Cherry Audio

Cherry Audio

Video thumbnail for Cherry Audio | Mercury-8 Synthesizer - NEW! by Cherry Audio

Cherry Audio | Mercury-8 Synthesizer - NEW!

Cherry Audio

Cherry Audio

Video thumbnail for Another Jupiter-8 Plugin… or the Best Yet? Mercury-8 Deep Dive LIVE by Vulture Culture

Another Jupiter-8 Plugin… or the Best Yet? Mercury-8 Deep Dive LIVE

Vulture Culture

Vulture Culture

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Cherry Audio Mercury-8 Virtual Instrument Plug-in.

Features and functionality

  • Mercury-8 is included in the Synth Stack 6 bundle, which allows for a cost-effective upgrade for existing Cherry Audio users.

    Source
  • Some users feel the 3D skins on Cherry Audio plugins are dated and could benefit from a more modern interface design.

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  • Mercury-8 features a comprehensive effects section with 17 effects across four customizable chains, offering more than the original flanger, ensemble, and vibrato.

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Value and pricing

  • Owners who have purchased previous Cherry Audio synths can receive a discounted price on Synth Stack 6, demonstrating good loyalty incentives.

    Source
  • The Mercury-8 was found in a bundle deal with CS-80 and Trident, making it a cost-effective choice during Black Friday sales.

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Comparisons

  • The Mercury-8 impressed some users with its sound quality, especially when compared to other Jupiter-8 VSTs.

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  • Owners compared Mercury-8's effects section to Trident Mk III, noting the inclusion of a compressor, ring modulator, and 7-band EQ, enhancing its versatility.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners have noted that despite not matching the exact sound of original hardware, Cherry Audio synths offer a satisfactory experience for those seeking affordable alternatives.

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  • Some users experienced issues navigating Cherry Audio's website, needing to create an account to access bundles, highlighting potential purchasing hurdles.

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Use cases and applications

  • Some users appreciate Cherry Audio synths for their distinctive, fat, and gritty sounds, particularly highlighting the Atomika synth as a favorite.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • The Mercury-8, like other Cherry Audio plugins, provides an accessible entry point for those exploring virtual synths without needing to own the original hardware.

    Source

Critic Reviews

"It's not just another recreation of the Jupiter-8": Cherry Audio goes "beyond Jupiter" with the Mercury-8 soft synth | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

Cherry Audio's Mercury-8 isn't just another Jupiter-8 clone; it expands on the iconic synth with modern touches. Its advanced polyphony, modulation enhancements, and robust effects engine make it a creative powerhouse. The inclusion of multi-voice modes and analogue-style filters adds depth, while an impressive preset library offers plenty of inspiration. However, for purists, the digital emulation may still fall short of true analogue warmth. Overall, it's a comprehensive and creative tool for today's musicians, priced attractively at $69.

positive

At $69, Cherry Audio's Mercury-8 is looking like a very impressive Jupiter-8 emulation

musictech.com

Cherry Audio’s Mercury-8 impresses as a budget-friendly emulation of the iconic Jupiter-8, packed with modern features while retaining the original's charm. Its advanced modelling and ability to exchange SysEx data with updated Jupiters stand out, alongside a user-friendly interface and a powerful new effects system. While competition is stiff with Arturia and TAL offering their takes, Mercury-8's $69 price and feature set provide excellent value. However, those seeking extensive modulation options might still lean towards alternatives. All in all, a strong contender in the realm of virtual synths, delivering rich, versatile sounds without breaking the bank.

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