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Average Price: $190
Standard/Professional
$79
$200+
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Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Applied Acoustics Systems Chromaphone 3". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Unleash a world of sonic exploration with the Applied Acoustics Systems Chromaphone 3, a two-voice synthesizer that merges the artistry of acoustic resonance with the versatility of digital synthesis. By integrating eight distinct, physically modeled acoustic resonators, Chromaphone 3 crafts a palette of sounds that are both breathtakingly real and uniquely imaginative. Whether you're sculpting the timbres of strings, plates, or tubes, this plugin offers a tactile experience that puts the power of instrument creation at your fingertips.
The newly enhanced Home View offers a streamlined interface, making sound design a breeze with its intuitive macros for modulation, timbre, envelope, and effects. This thoughtful layout ensures you spend more time creating and less time navigating, allowing for real-time expressive performance and dynamic sound shaping.
With a factory library boasting over 1000 presets, including 420 entirely new sounds from acclaimed designers, Chromaphone 3 stands as a testament to the possibilities of sound synthesis. The inclusion of an expanded multi-effects module gives you even more creative freedom, letting you polish your sounds with reverb, compression, and more.
For those seeking the cutting edge in music software, Chromaphone 3’s compatibility with Chromaphone 2 sounds and support for microtonal tunings via Scala files ensures a seamless transition and expanded musical horizons.
Key Features:
- Two-voice multitimbral synthesizer with stacked or split timbres
- Eight physically modeled acoustic resonators
- Over 1000 presets including a new library of 420 sounds
- Intuitive Home View with modulation, timbre, envelope, and effects macros
- Expanded multi-effects module with reverb, EQ, compressor, and more
- Compatible with Chromaphone 2 sounds and supports Scala scale files for microtonal music
- Requires macOS 10.11 or later, or Windows 10 64-bit or later, with a minimum Intel Core i5 processor
Owner's manual
Applied Acoustics Systems Chromaphone 3 User ManualProduct specs
| Software Type | Synthesizer |
| Platform | Mac, PC |
| Upgrade/Full | Full |
| Download/Boxed | Download |
| Bit Depth | 64-bit |
| Format | Standalone, VST, AU, AAX Native |
| Hardware Requirements - Mac | Intel Core i5 5th Gen or later (M1 processor compatible), 4GB RAM or more recommended |
| Hardware Requirements - PC | Intel Core i5 5th Gen or later, 4GB RAM or more recommended |
| OS Requirements - Mac | OS X 10.11 or later |
| OS Requirements - PC | Windows 10 or later |
FAQs
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What type of synthesis does Chromaphone 3 use?
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Chromaphone 3 utilizes physical modeling synthesis, simulating real-world acoustic resonators to create organic and dynamic sounds.
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Is Chromaphone 3 compatible with my DAW?
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Chromaphone 3 is compatible with most major DAWs as it supports VST, AU, and AAX plugin formats on both Mac and PC platforms.
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What are the system requirements for running Chromaphone 3?
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Chromaphone 3 requires a Mac (OS X 10.11 or later) or PC (Windows 10 or later) with an Intel Core i5 5th Gen processor or better, and at least 4GB of RAM.
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Can Chromaphone 3 operate as a standalone application?
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Yes, Chromaphone 3 can be used as a standalone application, allowing you to play and experiment with sounds without a DAW.
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Does Chromaphone 3 offer polyphonic capabilities?
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Yes, Chromaphone 3 is polyphonic, allowing you to play multiple notes simultaneously for rich, layered sounds.
Videos
Applied Acoustics Systems
Introducing Chromaphone 3 acoustic object synthesizer plug-in—VST AU AAX NKS
Reviews
PROS
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Unique physical modeling synthesis offers diverse, realistic soundscapes
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Extensive library with over 1000 versatile presets
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Ideal for creating spacey and synthetic sound textures
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Excellent for ethnic and percussive instrument emulation
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Arpeggiator and sequencer enhance groove and rhythm creation
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Intuitive, user-friendly GUI design
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Expands spectral expression capabilities for creative sound design
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Compatible with additional expansion packs for extended versatility
CONS
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High CPU usage can cause audio dropouts on less powerful systems
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License restrictions may limit preset customization
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Price may be high outside of sales or discounts
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Applied Acoustics Systems Chromaphone 3.
Software and compatibility
Features and functionality
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The synth excels at creating hybrid sounds, like a mix between a marimba resonator and a harp, or IDM-textured drumkits.
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Chromaphone 3 includes unique "drumhead" and "manual" resonator modes not found in Ableton's Collision, enhancing sound modeling capabilities.
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The "coupled resonators" mode physically models resonators interacting, distinct from Collision's "serial mode," offering more nuanced sound interactions.
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Built-in EQ and compressor facilitate quick sound cleanup within the plugin, beneficial for streamlined workflow.
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Scala file support allows for alternative tunings, appealing to users interested in microtonality.
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Users highlight modulation capabilities, allowing for control over unique parameters like mallet stiffness and drum head circumference, enhancing expressiveness.
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Use cases and applications
Comparisons
Value and pricing
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings
1097
excellent
I've never heard a sound so pristine on any other vst. If you use ethnic instruments like kalimba, thumb piano, cimbalom, woodblock and tons of other similar percussive instruments, this is absolutely essential. The sound quality is stunning. The GUI is well thought out and easy on the eye, and there are over 1000 presets before even dipping a toe in the whole library of extra expansions you could buy. Highly recommended !!
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