Cherry Audio Unveils Atomika: A Revitalized Soviet-Era Synthesizer

Cherry Audio has once again delivered a nostalgic gem with the release of Atomika, a fresh take on the classic Soviet-era Polivoks synthesizer. Known for breathing new life into vintage instruments, Cherry Audio has added its own modern twist to this rare analog classic, enhancing its features while maintaining the distinct character that made the original famous.

A Track Record of Excellence

Cherry Audio has built a strong reputation for its high-quality software emulations, with an impressive catalog of vintage synth recreations. In just the last year, they’ve released faithful virtual versions of instruments like the Rhodes Chroma, Korg PS-3300, GG Audio Blue3 Organ, Wurlitzer 140B, ARP Pro Soloist, Oberheim SEM modules, and Roland’s CR-78 drum machine. Despite their rapid pace, the quality remains top-notch, with many of their plugins receiving five-star reviews across the board.

A Soviet Classic, Reimagined

Atomika takes its inspiration from the Formanta Polivoks, a two-voice analog synthesizer produced in the USSR during the 1980s. Though it was a rarity outside the Soviet Union at the time, the Polivoks has gained cult status thanks to its unique sound. Its notoriously unstable oscillators, gritty filter, and quick-to-distort signal path created a signature tone that many modern producers still crave.

With Atomika, Cherry Audio faithfully captures the Polivoks’ original charm while adding some much-needed modern enhancements.

Key Enhancements in Atomika

While staying true to the Polivoks’ sound, Cherry Audio has expanded Atomika’s capabilities:

  • Polyphony Boost: Atomika upgrades the Polivoks’ original two voices to 16-voice polyphony, complete with a unison mode for even thicker sounds.
  • Expanded Filter Modes: In addition to the original low- and band-pass filters, Atomika introduces new high-pass, notch, and peak filter options, offering more sonic versatility.
  • LFO Flexibility: The LFO section now features additional wave shapes, giving users more control over modulation.
  • Performance and Modulation Upgrades: Atomika lets users route velocity, aftertouch, key-tracking, and mod wheel movements to various parameters, enhancing expressiveness and playability.

Built-in Effects and Modern UI

On top of the expanded synth engine, Atomika includes a comprehensive effects section. Users can shape their sound further with:

  • Phaser
  • Flanger/Chorus
  • Delay
  • Reverb

Additionally, Atomika features a simple arpeggiator to create rhythmic patterns with ease.

Cherry Audio has also equipped Atomika with a resizable, user-friendly interface, featuring a smart “focus” zoom option for better workflow. For added authenticity, users can switch the interface labels from English to Cyrillic, mimicking the original Polivoks layout.

Pricing and Availability

Atomika is available now from boundplugins.com for just $49, making it an affordable option for those looking to explore the vintage Soviet sound. Cherry Audio also offers a 30-day free trial for users who want to take the synth for a test drive before committing.

Get Atomika from boundplugins.com