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Cheeze Machine 2

String Machine Plugin by 2getheraudio
MyKVRFAVORITE70WANT30
Free

Cheeze Machine 2 has an average user rating of 5.00 from 3 reviews

Rate & Review Cheeze Machine 2

User Reviews by KVR Members for Cheeze Machine 2

Cheeze Machine 2

Reviewed By YnJ [all]
April 23rd, 2021
Version reviewed: 1006224 on Windows

I don't know the original Cheeze Machine, but this is really good by any measure and probably one of the best freeware synths you can get your hands on.

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User Reviews of older versions

Cheeze Machine

Reviewed By The Chase [all]
May 5th, 2018
Version reviewed: 1.3.2 on Windows

Credit where credit is due for this old VST.

In the early 2000's there weren't many emulations of string ensemble synthesizers that were popular in the late 70's. Of course you could throw some modulation effects on a basic rampwave patch if you wanted to, but it was nice having a free string ensemble ready to go, with some clear attention to detail spent on having such particular voicing and modulation resemble that of the vintage machines it is emulating.

There may not be much use for it now; the sound has held up about as well as any other VST from 2002 - but this quirky little synth brought me much entertainment in an age when there simply weren't many VSTs around, especially of this type, and especially for free. I'll still use it from time to time, with an oversampler that breathes a little bit of life back into it.

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Cheeze Machine

Reviewed By ToddBradley [all]
December 17th, 2003
Version reviewed: 1.3.2 on Windows

I downloaded Cheeze Station on a lark, but I've fallen in love with it. It doesn't do much, but I like what it does and have never had any stability problems with it. I'm now using it in more and more of my band's live songs, ranging from backing strings to lead synth solos. I always get the feeling that the sounds are very "full" - not tinny or thing at all.

My drummer says it's perfectly named because it sounds so cheesy, but I think it gives our material a unique sound and I'm not afraid to sound cheesy. I just noticed that the Big Tick website is accepting donations, since this is free software, so I think I'll go drop a few bucks in the kitty.
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Cheeze Machine

Reviewed By brok landers [all]
September 26th, 2003
Version reviewed: 1.3.2 on Windows

first of all i have to say that i own a solina and a crumar multiman, wich are both stringmachines of the 70es, so i had an comparsion.

its a nice little synth wich uses almost no cpu power.
it can do some nice, oldstyle pads.

but thats about it.
its absolutely NEVER even half wa close to a real stringmachine like the solina or the vp 330.
its just not done by putting a fast, cheap chorus after a cheap oscillator, not to mention the phaser or the reverb, if you want to call it so.
listen to jean michelle jarres equionox or oxygene.
he often fed the machines into a vintage phaser ...
this is how a real stringmachine (well, one of the best, the eminent 310u) sounds ... or listen to the strings of the old vangelis recordings, you´ll understand the important difference.

all in all a nice vsti, considering the price ;=), but since they compare it to the old stringmachines they lost it in these terms. it simply has nothing to do with a real stringmachine, which is sad, as there`s none in the vsti world that matches the sound and behave of a real stringmachine ...

brok landers
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Cheeze Machine

Reviewed By metalsvinet [all]
July 4th, 2003
Version reviewed: latest on Windows

cheeze machine is smooth sounding and easy to use. the sound is not versatile at all, but that's a good thing. i'd rather have a small collection of simple instruments each with a strong character of its own than a programming monster with a hundred buttons and no soul

one trick ponies shouldn't score high on features, but this one gets extra points for having a stand-alone version included

in short, a classic!
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Cheeze Machine

Reviewed By Magpel [all]
June 9th, 2003
Version reviewed: ? on Windows

I can't believe I've never taken a minute to review this little bit of freebie perfection, so there you have it. I don't write anything that could be described as electronic music stylistically, but I'm amazed how much I find myself using this thing for its quirky and character-ful sound. I'm sure its sound can be created on other synths and fx, but why bother? The Cheeze Machine has total vibe and a surpisingly lush, musically useful output.

In a recent project, I layered it with Dan Dean's solo strings for Giga. Shorten the envelope A and R so it can keep up with a fairly eventful string arrangement. Wow, what a neat, phasey depth it added. The point of this, I guess, is that it's not for pads only. It can track lines as well, and sound pretty good, even though it doesn't have distinctive "attack characterstics" in its own right.

It layers beautifully, it mixes well. It's just a little piece of pure happiness, really.

It's right up there at the top of my freebie list (Well come on; Crystal's kinda blown it for everyone else, hasn't it?)
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Cheeze Machine

Reviewed By declan [all]
June 8th, 2003
Version reviewed: latest on Windows

I love the Cheese Machine, it does have that '80's analogue-synth string sounds, but it actually sounds better to me than my old Korg Poly-6 that I was desperate to get back.
The reviews I've read seem accurate to me, the only thing I have to add is that a lot of what is best about this synth is it's warmth and depth. The only criticism I'd have is that it's strengths are it's weaknesses: it's hard to coax a bright, sharp sound out of it. I've found myself using other far more CPU intensive alternatives to punch up the sound in places.
I don't know if this is kosher or not, (so k-v-r) delete me at will) but the new synth-edit creation Sympho combined with the Cheese Machine is really surprising. You get some "real" sounding string effects even if you're not going for it.
By itself the Cheese Machine still delivers more than it promises.
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Cheeze Machine

Reviewed By Funkybot [all]
January 12th, 2003
Version reviewed: 1 on Windows

I'm surprised I'd never gotten around to reviewing this as I've had it for so long. This is truly a must have freebie, a one trick pony, that does that trick rather well. Do you want chessey 70s style string/pads, with little fuss? This is one of the two VSTi's that will do the job, easily and very well. The other is Crazy Diamonds, and frankly everyone should own both, they're very similar, but still sound very different. The idea with this seems to have been to provide VST users with something along the lines of a Solina String Ensemble, i.e. easy analog string sounds. The sounds sit in a mix very well, and sound even better when layered with either more complex synth string sounds, or string samples. Download this for the one thing it does very well and you'll love it.
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Cheeze Machine

Reviewed By Peel [all]
January 12th, 2003
Version reviewed: 1 on Windows

The basic oscillator waveform is nice -- organ-like -- and reacts well to the brightness knob.

This is one of those synths where the effects, if used, tend to totally dominate the sound. This synth tends towards creating simple phase-heavy, chorus-heavy pad and organ sounds. Unfortunately, IMHO this is not a sound with a lot of character; in fact, I find that on many synths I expend a lot of effort trying to avoid this kind of sound. Others' tastes may vary.

I have found that with low brightness values and no phaser, however, the ensemble effect can create nice vibrato effects (for example, the cheeze flute preset). This is a sound I like, and I have put it on my list of sounds to use.

Overall, this is a one-trick pony sort of synth, which shouldn't be taken as a criticism -- in fact, more often than not that is a good thing. And this synth's interface takes the right approach, being perfectly suited to the niche of the synth; you can dial in the sound you're looking for in seconds, even if you're fairly new to the synth.

This synth is good at what it does, but whether you love it or hate it will largely be a matter of personal taste. Although I don't generally like the sort of sound this synth specializes in, and I believe that sonically, many other synths can do the same thing, this synth's interface (and price, or course) are enough to earn it a permanent spot in my collection.
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Cheeze Machine

Reviewed By womble42 [all]
July 24th, 2002
Version reviewed: 1.0 on Windows

This is a great little instrument for inspiring pad sounds - Yes, the presets are a bit limited and some of the sounds arent that great but I am sure with some tinkering you can get some nice results.

I have used some plug-in fx to lift the sounds and that has certainly helped.

At the end of the day......its free!!!! It may give you some ideas .......but dont expect it to blow your mind!
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Cheeze Machine

Reviewed By yasodanandana [all]
June 23rd, 2002
Version reviewed: 9 on unspecified OS

I cannot resist to join the people who is deeply appreciating this instrument

its good and it's not a big load for the computer

i am also a "programming maniac" but i had simply to surrender to the excellent sounds

i like also this style, "little" VSTi specialized not all round boring and heavy instruments (i liked so much DelayLama!!!!)

dreams? yes!!!!!! an accordion/indian harmonium machine!!!!!
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Cheeze Machine

Reviewed By Trojan Badger [all]
June 21st, 2002
Version reviewed: 1.x on Windows

Why is it that you pay £200 for a sampler and can't get a single decent pad sound out of it?

Praise the Lord for Big Tick and the Cheese Machine! Pure simple atmosphere applicable everywhere. I use this in every song now and would not be parted from it.

I don't care about whoops, buzzes and loops, I want the kind of VSTi that makes me feel so good I want to cry. And this one does. I wouldn't really call it a "string ensemble" synth, but there aren't really words for the kind of bottled mellowness this applies to everything. Wonderful.

I'd love to get more presets for this one, please guys load some up if you've got any!
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Cheeze Machine

Reviewed By Emerald Tablet [all]
April 8th, 2002
Version reviewed: ? on Windows

The Big Tick Cheeze Machine gives nice string-like moddy sounds

I played with the rainbow synth a couple of months ago and i was delighted by the good presets and sounds ...however i had a ending trial and no money in the pocket to buy it

this cheese machine is free and gives some nice string sounds ... i personaly like the flute pad preset ..very atmospheric sounds ... good for backing strings bad for leading realistic string sounds.

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Cheeze Machine

Reviewed By Scot Solida [all]
March 26th, 2002
Version reviewed: current on Windows

Almost a year ago exactly, I went out looking for an ARP OMNI 2. I'd been missing that gooey, swirling wash that you hear on Tangerine Dream, JMJ, and even "Closer" by Joy Division. I came home with a battered hulk of a thing that may have once been an OMNI 2 (it was) for $200. I've used it on just about everything until now. Bick Tick's Cheeze Machine will have the OMNI's chair in this year's ensemble. The lush, artificial pads, the phased "Equinoxe" sweeps, it does it all, and without the noise floor of the OMNI 2. It sounds marvellous, and the GUI is gorgeous! Okay, it doesn't have any rust-colored leather panels like the OMNI (YUCK), but the wood grain and brushed aluminum panel makes one look for the "Univox" nameplate. I'm giving it high marks for features, 'cause it has a built in reverb, and hey, this is 1977, right? That's a bonus! Never bothered to look for documentation, as it says all I need right on the front-panel. There are a smattering of good presets (twice as many as my ARP!), and I've already used one or two in songs with little tweaking. It does seem to sit nicely into any track, more than some modern string pads. It's stable as heck, never a glitch (though I can't figure out how to set my Prophet on top of it!). And it's from Big Tick, so the support, if needed, would be great. As for value, see the above figure to understand what I would pay for this sound. Thanks, Tick!
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Cheeze Machine

Reviewed By Drunken Mozart [all]
March 26th, 2002
Version reviewed: 1.3 on Windows

Owned the Hohner String Ensemble back in 1981(list price $2700 U.S.). No programmability. No f/x. Power transformer in volume pedal enclosure that constantly malfunctioned. Ribbon cable connector cable between pedal and keyboard that constantly needed difficult and expensive repair. Am I happy? YES! Thanks,Big Tick!
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Cheeze Machine

Reviewed By kelly [all]
March 26th, 2002
Version reviewed: 1.x on Windows

An excellent plugin doing exactly what it is meant to. It doesn't do orchestra style things but it does sound really good. The GUI clearly labels everything and I think it is well worth the download.

If you want cheesy string sounds go for it
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Cheeze Machine

Reviewed By donkey tugger [all]
March 22nd, 2002
Version reviewed: 1 on Windows

I luuurvve it. I write a lot of cheese and the Cheeze machine suits me down to the ground. If you gate and eq it you can get excellent 70s disco stylee stuff out of it.

Flippin marvellous
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Cheeze Machine

Reviewed By exponent [all]
March 22nd, 2002
Version reviewed: 1.31 on Windows

This instrument is very useful for chord arrangements. Sure it dosent have too many presets but basically it's just an AR envelope, a sawlike wave with nonres LP, and three effects, so it has a limited range. But that's no problem, because with this it's about the atmosphere created by that simple combination of DSP components, and it adds up really well.

Install it or start using it more today, it sits really well in a mix(esp with some eq) and you'll find yourself coming back to it for the backing of tracks a lot. I've had a problem with hanging notes in orion with specific sequences but i cant say this is cheezemachines fault for sure. Overall it's perfectly stable in my experience.
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Cheeze Machine

Reviewed By Tronam [all]
March 6th, 2002
Version reviewed: 1.3 on Windows

This is a small, focused and unassuming virtual synth with one purpose only: cheesy string pads!

It's a lot of fun to play with and harkens back to the string machines of the 70's made famous by folks such as Jean Michel Jarre (among many others). The string sounds are not intended to be of "orchestral" quality or nature, but more a simulation of the unique timbres of early era synthesizer simulated strings. The sound quality is excellent and it's very easy to program.

Though the raw oscillators are pretty fixed, you have enough control over the chorus, phaser and reverb to create a good variety of swirly pad sounds. I did have a few issues with changing the settings live, even locking up my host (Orion PRO) a couple of times, but this only seemed to happen when making big changes in the number of voices or in the chorus.

Bottom line: It sounds good and it's free, so there's no reason not to have it in your VST folder, unless you simply dislike this kind of sound. Though I wouldn't necessarily call it a one-trick-pony, it's certainly designed for a certain style of sound and is by no means an all rounder.
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Cheeze Machine

Reviewed By Hypertone [all]
February 16th, 2002
Version reviewed: 1.3 on Windows

Amazing synth strings. One of the best sounding VSTIs I have ever heard, free or otherwise. Cheezemachine is really inspiring to play and has its own character. Minimal features, but its a string synth, so thats kinda the point. Seems like a good stable plug-in, as Ive used it for hours now without a problem. Highly recommended.
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Cheeze Machine

Reviewed By [all]
February 15th, 2002
Version reviewed: 1.3 on Windows

The three most common problems with free VSTi's are that they are either a) cheap sounding, b) undocumented, or c) technically inferior (including the GUI). Cheeze Machine manages to avoid all three - and does it in style.

This is not a universal synth, so don't expect to use it in everything, everywhere. It does produce, however, great synth-strings that are good enough to sound real, but synthetic enough to have their own character. Beautiful interface, ease of use - what else would you want?

For a great ensemble, try loading 3 different Cheeze Machines and playing them simultaneously, but with 3 different presets... tres kewl!
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Cheeze Machine

Reviewed By Deuce [all]
February 15th, 2002
Version reviewed: 1.0 on Windows

Worth having a look at/listen to:

[+] GUI is nice looking and very easy to program
[+] Nice sounds
[+] Great value for money (another freebie)
[+] Manual
[+] No crashes to date
[+] Standalone..if thats what you want

[-] Not many features
[-] Hardly any presets

I've used it a few times and I expect you will too so definately worth the download!!
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Cheeze Machine

Reviewed By putte [all]
February 5th, 2002
Version reviewed: 1 on unspecified OS

simple: nice, warm, very symphatic, stable and good looking and feeling. Thanks for giving this, and thanks again and again for porting it to the mac too.
:)
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Cheeze Machine

Reviewed By autodafe [all]
February 1st, 2002
Version reviewed: 1.1 on Windows

Well, This Vsti sounds really nice.
It has a great Interface (well, actually two...there are two versions with different interfaces)
The sound is nice, it becomes nicer if you ad some phaser or flanger/reverb effect...
Useful to recreate old "analog string" machines (Solina, Crumar Performer to name a few...)
It doesn't have many presets, but the one provided are pretty good.
And Hey, it's FREE!
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Cheeze Machine

Reviewed By shortyedwards [all]
January 30th, 2002
Version reviewed: 1.3 on Windows

This is practically instant gratification! A piece of cake to get ahold of, program and get a really nice sound out of. Its a must.
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Cheeze Machine

Reviewed By Wine [all]
January 29th, 2002
Version reviewed: 1 on Windows

This really is a brilliant synth (particularly for the money). While I was a little doubtful at first, I found that this is one of the best synths around for really interesting pad sounds.

While there is a lack of presets, this vsti is so easy to use it really isnt't a problem.
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Cheeze Machine

Reviewed By dandridge [all]
December 20th, 2001
Version reviewed: 1.2 on Windows

YES! This is a wonderful one trick pony. A string machine that takes you straight... into the 70's. It's sound forces me to play Joy Division's "Love Will Tear Us A Part" or Bowies "Warszawa" from the classic 1977 album "Low". Again and again. Thank you for this instrument Mr. Big Tick. But wait! It's not enough. Let us pay something for this!
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Cheeze Machine

Reviewed By paul minot [all]
December 20th, 2001
Version reviewed: 1 on Windows

This freeware is limited, but good at what it does. Little editing available, but it has self-contained effects that create a surprisingly broad pallette within its realm. Especially good for ambient effects. Nice GUI. I would have liked some more presets, but it is devastatingly simple to use, and you can only do so much anyway, so it's not really a big deal. Not a meat-and-potatoes freebie like mdaPiano, but cute, simple, and lots of pseudovintage fun. Thank you, Big Tick!
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Cheeze Machine

Reviewed By x_bruce [all]
December 20th, 2001
Version reviewed: 1.x on Windows

If you like string synths this is a great little synth to add to your collection. The sounds are crisp to warm, brittle to lush. For a free plugin you get a nice interface and effective but limited editing.

Pros: great synth string sounds, easy on the processor
Cons: a one trick pony, not much depth for editing

I'm glad I downloaded this VSTi, it was useful almost immediately.

Update...

The more I use Cheeze Machine the more I like it. It's one of the best freeware plugins available even though it's limited to string sounds.
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Comments & Discussion for 2getheraudio Cheeze Machine 2

Discussion
Discussion: Active

THIS POST HAS BEEN REMOVED

layzer
layzer
24 January 2019 at 12:46am

any chance you can port this to a windows XP 32-bit compatable framework? many people that.

love vintage synthesizers ALSO love vintage operating systems.

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