Cherry Audio SH-MAX brings the character of Roland’s classic SH line into a contemporary software instrument, blending key elements from the SH-3A, SH-5, and SH-7 into a single plug-in built for today’s workflows. Designed to capture vintage tone while adding modern routing, effects, and sequencing, SH-MAX aims at producers, DJs, and performers who want classic subtractive punch plus wider sound-design flexibility.
Rather than recreating just one instrument, SH-MAX consolidates multiple SH-era approaches—subtractive synthesis, an additive-style oscillator concept, and performance-oriented control—into a cohesive interface that can run as AU, VST, VST3, and AAX, as well as a standalone application on macOS and Windows.
From SH classics to a unified instrument
Roland’s SH series has a reputation for bold tone and hands-on control, and SH-MAX is built as a “best-of” interpretation rather than a strict clone of a single model. Cherry Audio positions it around the SH-5’s core architecture, then extends the concept with SH-7-inspired features such as syncable oscillators with additional waveforms, plus utilities like autobend, duophony, and filter FM. The instrument is further expanded with an additional additive-style oscillator inspired by the SH-3A, a Touch effects panel inspired by the SH-2000, and a step sequencer inspired by the Model 104 of the System 100.
Crucially, these references are used as building blocks for a modern plug-in, not as constraints. SH-MAX supports mono, duophonic, and 16-voice polyphonic operation, and it offers three retro interface themes that pay homage to the original instruments while keeping navigation practical inside a DAW.
Oscillators and core tone shaping
At the core is a multi-source signal path with multiple oscillators and classic utilities like noise and ring modulation. This structure supports everything from straightforward single-oscillator basses to layered, animated timbres that feel closer to modular-style patching than a fixed, one-path virtual analog.
One of SH-MAX’s defining additions is the extra oscillator section inspired by the SH-3A’s additive-style approach. In practical terms, this opens doors to organ-like footages, bright harmonic stacks, and complex, bell-adjacent textures that sit differently in a mix than standard subtractive waves.
To help patches feel less static, SH-MAX includes optional drift and slop controls applied across oscillators, filters, the amplifier, and the envelope generators. Used subtly, these parameters can add movement and a more organic edge; pushed harder, they can exaggerate instability for wide unison timbres and animated vintage-style leads.
Parallel filtering and flexible routing
Filtering is central to the SH identity, and SH-MAX emphasizes this with a dual-parallel multimode filter section alongside a dedicated bandpass stage derived from the SH-5 concept. The result is familiar SH-style weight and bite, but with routing choices that go well beyond a single serial filter.
Each sound source—VCO-1, VCO-2A, the additional oscillator, ring mod, and noise—can be routed independently to the VCF, the BPF, or directly to the VCA. This encourages a semi-modular mindset: you can keep the low end tight by sending a bass-heavy source straight to the amp, then carve and animate a brighter layer through the bandpass, or push metallic ring modulation through a separate filter path to keep it controlled and musical.
Mixer, modulation, and performance controls
An SH-style stereo mixer lets you balance sources and manage stereo positioning in a way that feels immediate and performance-friendly. Ring modulation, in particular, is useful here for adding metallic overtones, robotic textures, and percussive harmonic content—an area where SH-style designs have historically excelled.
On the modulation side, SH-MAX combines classic components (LFOs and ADSR envelopes) with modern conveniences such as sync options and looping behavior. That makes it practical to dial in rhythmic filter movement, evolving pads, or animated bass modulation without leaving the plug-in.
For performance, the Touch panel supports channel and polyphonic aftertouch with compatible controllers. Mapping pressure to filter cutoff, oscillator mix, effects depth, or modulation amounts can add a lot of expressiveness, especially for lead lines and chord stabs where subtle dynamics make the difference between a static patch and something that feels “played.”
Sequencing and modern production features
SH-MAX includes a four-channel step sequencer that can run lanes in parallel or be chained for longer passages. In practice, this is a fast way to sketch ideas: you can build a bass pattern, add a separate rhythmic modulation lane, and audition patches quickly before committing to DAW clips.
A second modern highlight is the integrated effects system. SH-MAX offers 20 effects that can be arranged and reused within four independent chains, with routing applied per path. That architecture makes layered sounds more controllable: you can keep the fundamental dry, add tempo-synced delay to a higher oscillator layer, or apply saturation and chorus only to a bandpass path so the low end stays clean.
Presets and workflow
To help users get moving quickly, SH-MAX ships with over 300 presets organized into 14 categories, curated by Cherry Audio’s sound designers and contributors. For those who want additional starting points, Cherry Audio also offers an optional expansion pack with 100 more presets.
Visually, SH-MAX includes three retro interface themes styled after the SH-3A, SH-5, and SH-7. Beyond aesthetics, the themes reinforce the “fusion” concept, making the instrument feel like a curated SH toolset rather than a generic virtual analog panel.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Combines SH-3A, SH-5, and SH-7-inspired elements into one cohesive instrument
- Dual-parallel multimode filtering plus a dedicated bandpass stage supports classic SH sculpting and more complex blends
- Flexible per-source routing (to VCF, BPF, or VCA) encourages semi-modular style sound design
- Four-chain effects architecture with 20 effects enables detailed, layered processing inside the plug-in
- Four-channel step sequencer and aftertouch-ready Touch controls improve playability and quick idea generation
- Available as AU, VST, VST3, and AAX, plus standalone, on macOS and Windows
Cons:
- Vintage-inspired depth can feel complex if you want a minimal “one-oscillator, one-filter” workflow
- Availability and pricing can vary by reseller; some retailers may list it later than the official store
Pricing and Availability
The SH-MAX is available at €49 / $59 at Cherry Audio official store and on plugin resellers stores.
More Info
Get more info on the official Cherry Audio website.
Conclusion
Cherry Audio SH-MAX is built as a focused “fusion” instrument: it channels the personality of several landmark SH designs while extending them with flexible routing, integrated multi-chain effects, and an onboard sequencer that fits modern production habits. For anyone chasing classic SH weight and immediacy—alongside deeper patching options and performance expressivity—SH-MAX offers a practical way to bring that heritage into current sessions without sacrificing contemporary conveniences.
