Cherry Audio has announced the launch of PS-3300, describing it as "an exactingly faithful virtual analog emulation of the Korg semi-modular analog polyphonic synthesizer released in 1977".
With only around 50 units produced, the original PS-3300 has often been cited as a holy grail of gear - a mythical monster synth so powerful that Bob Moog said it was "the best synthesizer for fat sounds." Cherry Audio has pulled out all the stops to accurately recreate and update this massive instrument, from its stacked sonics and signature multiple‑resonator sweeps to the considerable patching capabilities that distinguished the PS-3300 from all other polysynths of the era.
Cherry Audio's PS-3300 virtual instrument replicates the functionality and sonic characteristics of the original's three signal generator panels, essentially three complete polyphonic synthesizers that each included six-waveform oscillators; two modulation generators (LFOs); dynamic lowpass filters, envelopes, and amps; its distinguishing triple-peak resonators; independent per-note "temperament" tuning knobs; and patchable jacks (with virtual cables) for signal routing. Cherry Audio has respectfully updated its features for the modern studio environment with PS- or MS-style filter options, tempo sync, copy/paste between panels, and temperament tuning presets.
The original PS-3300's master panel included a signal mixer, sample & hold, a general envelope generator, and modular jacks for advanced sound shaping and control. Cherry Audio has expanded this section with continuously variable CV control of level, per-channel panning, bend range, and studio-quality integrated chorus, delay, and reverb effects. With additional touches including Cherry Audio's unique Focus zoom-in feature, unlimited cables and multiples per jack, and versatile MIDI mapping, Cherry Audio says PS-3300 will satisfy both vintage synth enthusiasts and modern music producers.
Cherry Audio says it is thrilled that the Electronic Music Education and Preservation Project (EMEAPP) allowed them full access to their exemplary vintage PS-3300, celebrating this pre-eminent piece of synthesizer history. EMEAPP is an independent 501(c) (3) non-profit organization and stewards of a privately held curation of rare vintage electronic instruments and stage-used gear. EMEAPP's mission is to "share the history, artists, sounds, equipment, and technology of electronic and rock music, keeping it relevant and accessible for future generations."
Cherry Audio CTO Dan Goldstein:
We have this opportunity to bring this genuinely unique instrument back to life and to raise awareness of EMEAPP. It's a great opportunity to spotlight both the place of the PS-3300 in synthesizer history and EMEAPP's goals of preservation and education.
Drew Raison, the Executive Director of EMEAPP:
EMEAPP is psyched to be involved in another Cherry Audio project. It is our honor to help bring this rare and dynamic instrument to the masses. Being regular users of our original PS-3300, we must admit that the new Cherry Audio version blows us away. We hope that this is the next of many projects with the good people of Cherry Audio.
PS-3300 includes over 360 presets by sound designers James Terris, INHALT, and Drew Schlesinger, including a Legacy collection of patches diagrammed in the original PS-3300 owner's manual. Even more high quality sounds are available in the Resonation Preset Pack (sold separately) by James Dyson, with 100 additional presets further showcasing PS-3300's otherworldly tones.
The original PS-3300's high production cost meant only the wealthiest musicians could afford it, and it is now so rare and coveted that one recently sold for nearly $100,000. Cherry Audio is making its PS-3300 virtual instrument available at the modest price of $49 (list $69), available now from cherryaudio.com and authorized resellers worldwide (including the KVR Marketplace). In addition, Cherry Audio will be donating 10% of profits from its October website sales of PS-3300 to EMEAPP, and customers purchasing through Cherry Audio will have the option to add a direct donation to EMEAPP at checkout.
PS-3300 is available in AU, VST, VST3, AAX, and standalone formats for macOS (10.13 and above) and Windows (7 or above, including Windows 11). It includes native support for Apple's M1 processor, including Apple M1 Ultra. A free 30-day demo is available.
Visit cherryaudio.com for additional product details, system requirements, and an extensive collection of sound demos.
Find PS-3300 Synthesizer in the KVR Marketplace
