One Tremendously Powerful Voice
Synthesizer Expander Module is a free emulation of the classic Oberheim self‑contained synthesizer module of the same name. Originally released in 1974, the keyboardless, mono module was intended as a companion to the one of the earliest digital sequencers, the Oberheim DS-2. Soon thereafter, Oberheim linked multiple Synthesizer Expander Modules to an early digitally scanned keyboard to create some of the first polyphonic synthesizers, used by legendary artists including Joe Zawinul, Toto's Steve Porcaro, Styx, and Jan Hammer.
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Though it was a simple, barebones monosynth, the Synthesizer Expander Module possessed a unique tone quality, courtesy of its 12 dB/oct state-variable filter. With lowpass, bandpass, highpass, and notch modes, this flexible filter was the star of the show. We've precisely recreated it here with a filter section and Phasor effect programmed by award-winning synth designer Mark Barton (MRB).
Best of all, it's absolutely FREE.
Synthesizer Expander Module features:
Synthesizer Expander Module is a standalone virtual instrument and plugin, not a module for Voltage Modular. For Voltage Modular, please check out the Voltage Modular Synthesizer Expander Module Bundle from Cherry Audio/MRB with extensive patch panels for modular flexibility, and includes the Poly Synthesizer Expander Module.
Synthesizer Expander Module is available in AU, VST, VST3, AAX, and standalone formats.
Reviewed By Notbob [all]
January 13th, 2025
Version reviewed: 1.0.2 on Windows
I downloaded this SEM to get an idea of what to expect from their 8 Voice soft synth engine. I had my monitors up a bit louder than I knew, and when I hit the first note, a low bass-type preset, it really took me by surprise! The sound quality is amazing to my ears. I find myself opening the stand alone version of this just to hear a few notes, and it ends up keeping me occupied for quite some time. And the price can't be beat. You have nothing to lose when it's free. I am really impressed with the other soft synths I've tried from Cherry Audio as well.
Reviewed By DiBase [all]
December 3rd, 2023
Version reviewed: 1 on Windows
I like some of the CA synths but not all. Given that this is free it's okay but I might suggest others instead. This sounds verry 80ish and pretty basic so don't expect too much. They have much better synths for a few pizzas, so you might want to check them out anyway. Voltage Modular and MG1 are some other free options as well.
Reviewed By Faydit [all]
December 2nd, 2023
Version reviewed: 1.0.2 on Windows
Simply awesome, rare gem.
100% Rolls Royce- oh sorry - Oberheim sounds, also the Phasor works and sounds fantastic and can even improve already excellent sounds.
Nice tool for creating a lot of iconic top-notch synthesizer sounds between Zawinul and Jestofunk, I would say.
Also interesting, how fantastic this real vintage gear even sounds today. I always had been a Taurus and Mini Moog fan, an OB-X fan anyway, but this one has something even more special, very simple controls, but absolutely awesome sounds. (Even more, if you do not use a keyboard, but a guitar to MIDI solution... This plugin gives me exactly the sounds, I always had been looking for with this setup.).
What did the rest do wrong since 1974, that they never came close?
Even better, that it's freeware.
You cannot go wrong with Cherry Audio. They do an excellent work and always are capable you with something even better.
If possible, I gave 10 stars.
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