Cherry Audio SH-MAX Review – Vintage Roland SH Sound Reimagined

The SH-MAX from Cherry Audio is not just another vintage emulation. Instead of recreating a single instrument, it merges the DNA of three iconic Roland mono synths — Roland SH-5, Roland SH-7, and Roland SH-3A — into one expanded, modern virtual instrument.

The result? A bold, analog-flavored synthesizer that feels retro but works like a contemporary production powerhouse.

Sound Engine & Architecture

At its core, SH-MAX delivers a rich virtual-analog engine built for flexibility and depth.

Triple Oscillator Power

You get:

• Two classic VCOs for traditional subtractive synthesis

• A unique drawbar-style additive oscillator (VCO-2B) inspired by the SH-3A

This combination allows for everything from thick vintage basslines to harmonically rich pads and experimental textures.

Dual Filters for Complex Tone Shaping

SH-MAX includes:

• A multimode filter (Low-Pass, Band-Pass, High-Pass)

• An additional dedicated band-pass filter

The routing options allow parallel processing or creative signal paths that go far beyond a simple mono synth architecture.

Modulation & Expressiveness

SH-MAX is surprisingly deep when it comes to movement and performance control:

• 2 LFOs

• 2 ADSR envelopes

• Assignable modulation routing

• Polyphonic aftertouch support

• Four expressive “Touch Effects” controls

These features make it more than a vintage emulation — it’s a modern sound design tool capable of evolving textures and dynamic performances.

Performance Modes & Sequencing

Unlike the original SH synths, SH-MAX isn’t limited to mono mode.

• Mono

• Duo

• Unison

• Up to 16-voice polyphony

The built-in 4-lane sequencer adds rhythmic modulation and classic step-sequence power, making it ideal for synthwave, techno, ambient, and cinematic scoring.

Built-In Effects Section

SH-MAX includes up to 20 onboard studio effects, including:

• Reverb

• Delay

• Chorus

• Phaser

• Flanger

• Tape echo

• Distortion

With multiple FX chains available, you can fully shape a polished sound directly inside the plugin — no extra processing required.

Sound Quality

The standout feature is its warm, weighty analog character. Basses are thick, leads cut through mixes, and pads feel lush and alive. Drift and slop controls add subtle imperfections that enhance realism without sounding artificial.

It captures the spirit of the Roland SH era while offering more depth and clarity suited for modern DAWs.

CPU Performance

One thing to consider: when running high polyphony with multiple effects enabled, CPU usage can increase. On modern systems this isn’t a dealbreaker, but it’s worth noting for larger sessions.

Pros & Cons

Pros

✔ Warm, vintage analog tone
✔ Flexible routing and modulation
✔ 16-voice polyphony
✔ Built-in sequencer
✔ Huge preset library
✔ Excellent price-to-performance ratio

Cons

✖ Can be CPU-intensive in complex patches
✖ Deep architecture may overwhelm beginners

Final Verdict

Cherry Audio SH-MAX successfully bridges classic analog heritage and modern production workflow. Rather than cloning a single vintage instrument, it reimagines the entire Roland SH concept into a powerful hybrid synthesizer.

If you love vintage character but need modern flexibility, SH-MAX delivers serious value — especially at its price point.

Whether you're producing synthwave, electronic, cinematic, or experimental music, this plugin is a strong addition to any producer’s toolkit.