Pricing and availability

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Reverb
5.0 (3)
$1,659.04 8 available Used
Thomann
$48.00 $47.00 $1.00 · All time low

Average Price: $451

Budget/Beginner

$500

$1501+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Octave CAT". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Step into the world of classic analog sound with the Octave CAT synthesizer, a modern tribute to a rare gem from 1976. Designed for musicians who crave the authentic warmth and character of vintage synthesis, this instrument offers a meticulous recreation of its legendary predecessor. Whether you're exploring monophonic riffs or lush, 16-voice polyphonic textures, the Octave CAT delivers with precision and flair. Its dual oscillators, capable of producing various waveforms, open up a universe of sonic possibilities. Dive deep into sound design with modulation options, sub-octave settings, and a mixable noise generator.

The true heart of the Octave CAT lies in its four-pole filter, inspired by the original SSM2040, offering a nuanced resonance behavior that captures the essence of the past while embracing the demands of modern production. With tempo-synced LFOs and an intuitive step sequencer, your creative journey becomes limitless. The internal effects section, loaded with distortion, phaser, and reverb options, ensures that your sound is as expansive as your imagination. Fully equipped for today's digital world, it supports MIDI control, DAW automation, and even MPE support, making it a versatile tool for any studio setup.

Key Features:

  • Mono, duophonic, and up to 16-voice polyphonic modes
  • Two oscillators with diverse waveforms
  • True-to-original four-pole filter with SSM2040-inspired design
  • Modulation, S+H, and sub-octave settings
  • Tempo-synchronous LFO and eight-step sequencer
  • Internal effects: distortion, phaser, flanger/chorus, echo, reverb
  • Full MIDI control and DAW integration
  • Over 300 presets available
  • Scalable user interface with zoom and resize options

Product specs

Available since July 2023
Single/Bundle article Los artikel
Akustik Keys/Pianos No
Beat production / Drum machines No
Wind Instruments No
Cinematic / Effects No
Chorus / Vocals No
Drums / Percussion No
E-Pianos No
Ethno / Folk No
Guitars/plucked instruments No
Loops/Construction-Kits No
Orchestra Instruments No
Organs No
String Bass No
Sampler No
String Instruments No
Synthesizer Yes
Vintage Instrument Yes
Hardware Controller No
Download 1

FAQs

Is the Cherry Audio Octave CAT synthesizer monophonic or polyphonic?

The Cherry Audio Octave CAT offers monophonic, duophonic, and polyphonic modes, supporting up to 16 voices for versatile sound creation.

What type of filter does the Cherry Audio Octave CAT use?

The Octave CAT features a vintage-correct four-pole 24 dB/oct filter, providing rich and classic analog filtering capabilities.

Does the Cherry Audio Octave CAT support MIDI Polyphonic Expression (MPE)?

Yes, the Octave CAT supports MIDI Polyphonic Expression (MPE), allowing for more expressive performances with compatible controllers through pitch, channel pressure, and timbre modulation.

What are some of the integrated effects available on the Cherry Audio Octave CAT?

The Octave CAT includes studio-quality effects such as distortion with tube and fuzz options, phaser, flanger/chorus, multiple delay types, and five reverb types for extensive sound shaping.

Can the Octave CAT be used as a standalone virtual instrument?

Yes, the Cherry Audio Octave CAT can function as both a standalone virtual instrument and a plug-in, providing flexibility for different production setups.

How many presets are available on the Cherry Audio Octave CAT?

The Cherry Audio Octave CAT comes with over 300 presets, offering a wide range of sounds right out of the box.

GForce Software

GForce Software

Octave CAT

Video thumbnail for Octave CAT by GForce Software

Octave CAT

GForce Software

GForce Software

Video thumbnail for Vintage Classics // Octave Cat by Starsky Carr

Vintage Classics // Octave Cat

Starsky Carr

Starsky Carr

Video thumbnail for Octave Cat Demo 1 - Oscillators and Filter by Earmonkey Music

Octave Cat Demo 1 - Oscillators and Filter

Earmonkey Music

Earmonkey Music

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Octave CAT.

Build quality

  • The keybed on the Octave CAT is notably clacky, making it difficult to mask unwanted noise even with a noise gate.

    Source
  • The 2040 filter used in some CAT models is praised for its massive resonance, causing significant level jumps during tweaking, highlighting its unique character.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Users have encountered issues with the keyboard action, with some keys becoming unresponsive, requiring recalibration or repairs.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Octave CAT is reported to have low note priority, which affects how notes are triggered in poly mode.

    Source
  • Users highlight the ability to use the filter as an oscillator with key tracking, as well as utilizing VCO 1 as a drone at a fixed frequency.

    Source
  • The CAT's audio-rate filter FM and VCO cross-modulation, using a mix of waveforms, provides a wide variety of tones, distinct from the Odyssey's features.

    Source
  • The CAT's sub-mixer within the VCO output sections offers fine timbre blending, although it lacks the ability to abruptly mute oscillators, except for VCO 1.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners have experienced issues with phase-y distortion when recording due to compression, recommending uncompressed formats to improve audio quality.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Octave CAT allows blending of multiple waveforms from each VCO, unlike the Odyssey, which enhances its sonic weight despite having only two VCOs.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Adding diode clamps on the feedback path, similar to the SH-101, is suggested to manage the significant resonance levels of the CAT's 2040 filter.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Octave CAT, Kitten & Voyetra

soundonsound.com

The Octave CAT is a powerful vintage synthesizer known for its aggressive sound and flexible modulation capabilities, reminiscent of the ARP Odyssey. Praised for its robust oscillators and rich filter, the CAT delivers impressive bass and lead sounds. However, it's criticized for its lack of versatility in emulating acoustic instruments. The CAT's duophonic capability is a standout feature, though it shares limitations with the Odyssey. Despite legal controversies over design similarities with the ARP, the CAT maintained its uniqueness. While it’s not the go-to for realistic sounds, it's a solid choice for those seeking classic synth tones.

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 3 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Bonobo uses Octave CAT

Bonobo

Bassist, Composer

...
Verified via Photo

The Octave Cat Synth can be seen to the right of the Ableton Push, in the right hand corner of Bonobo's Instagram Photo.

See how Ty Segall uses Octave CAT

Ty Segall

Guitarist, Drummer

Fuzz

...
Verified via YouTube

In this short clip of Adult Swim's Squidbillies, Ty can be seen using his Octave The Cat synthesizer at 0:10.

See how The Chemical Brothers uses Octave CAT

The Chemical Brothers

Music Producer

The Chemical Brothers

...
Verified via Kreativsound

In an interview on Kreativ Sound, The Chemical Brothers' Tom Rowlands discusses their pursuit of unique sounds and mentions using the Octave CAT synthesizer in their studio work.

See how Squarepusher uses Octave CAT

Squarepusher

Bassist, Music Producer

Squarepusher & AFX

...
Verified via Photo

Bits of Jenkinson's gear can be seen in the cover of his 2006 album "Hello Everything". The synth at the left is the Octave CAT Synth. Other confirmed examples of his gear present in this image include the Yamaha QY700 Sequencer (middle top) and his custom six-string Zoot bass (top right).

See how Com Truise uses Octave CAT

Com Truise

Music Producer

...
Verified via Keyboardmag

I recently picked up a [Roland] Juno- 106, but I have yet to record with it. I also have an Octave Cat that I started to record with when I was done with the last tour.

See how Röyksopp uses Octave CAT

Röyksopp

Music Producer

Röyksopp

...
Verified via YouTube

Norwegian EDM duo Röyksopp features a lesser-known ARP Odyssey clone from the late 70s: Octave's 37-key, polyphonic (2-voice) "The Cat," first seen played by RYXP 9000 at 0:48 in their 2016 retro-funk hit "Never Ever" with Susanne Sundfør.

While only the upper part of the "Octave" wordmark is visible on the backplate, it is easily identifiable by the placement of the Transient Generator slider group in the upper left corner, the Pitch and Glide controllers in the lower left, and the VCO1 (five knobs), VCO2 (three knobs), and VCF (three knobs) groups arranged from left-to-right. The Main Power switch resides in the upper right corner, with Bypass, VCA (Volume), and the master Noise Level slider consecutively grouped below.

Additional supporting documentation:

See how Mark Mothersbaugh uses Octave CAT

Mark Mothersbaugh

Singer, Guitarist

Devo

...
Verified via YouTube

In a YouTube video, Mark Mothersbaugh is seen using the Octave CAT synthesizer, a model known for its similarities to the ARP Odyssey, which led to legal action by ARP Synthesizers.

See how Jon Carin uses Octave CAT

Jon Carin

Keyboardist, Composer

Pink Floyd

...
Verified via Brain-damage

"Synthi AKS and an Octave Plateau Cat. Not in that order."

See how French 79 uses Octave CAT

French 79

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In this YouTube video of French 79 performing at La Conservation du Patrimoine des Musées, 5:47 of the video

See how Erol Alkan uses Octave CAT

Erol Alkan

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

Item can be seen 1:04 into this video.

See how Benge uses Octave CAT

Benge

Keyboardist

Wrangler

...
Verified via Electricity-club

What was your first synth and is it still part of your armoury?

The first synth I ever bought was an Octave Cat mono synth for £30. I sold it for £40 to buy a Moog Prodigy which I sold for £60 to buy something else, I think it was a Yamaha CS40M. That was pretty much the last synth I sold.

See how Gary Daly uses Octave CAT

Gary Daly

Singer, Keyboardist

China Crisis

...
Verified via Muzines

"After we bought the CS10, we started borrowing a lot of instruments off people we knew, and we didn't buy anything else until we got a Cat mono-synth. After that we had a Roland SH2 and then, when we signed to Virgin, we got our first polysynth, a Korg Polysix. The main reason we chose that was simply the fact that it made the best sounds, plus the fact that it seemed relatively cheap at the time."

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Octave CAT, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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hanzvolt

hanzvolt

Gear IQ 89

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