Exploring the Unique Features and Sound of Cherry Audio Atomika
Cherry Audio Atomika Review: Reviving Soviet Synth Power for Modern Producers
Cherry Audio’s Atomika is a striking emulation of the legendary Polivoks synthesizer from the Soviet era, breathing new life into this rare and powerful machine. Known for its brutal and aggressive sound, the Polivoks is now recreated as a modern plugin, complete with enhancements and additional features that make it more versatile than ever for today’s producers.
Sound Quality
The standout feature of Atomika is its powerful and gritty sound, faithful to the original Polivoks design, but with modern improvements. Its dual oscillators offer a wide range of tones, from warm analog basses to aggressive leads. The star of the show, however, is the filter. The infamous Soviet filter has been expanded with new modes—highpass, notch, and peak—giving it far more versatility than the original’s limited lowpass and bandpass. You can push the filter into wild, distorted territories using the Starve and Filter Drive controls, creating aggressive tones that are unique to this synth.
Features
Atomika is packed with features that go beyond the limitations of the original Polivoks. It offers two oscillators, a rich modulation section, and a versatile filter. Key features include:
- Expanded Filter: In addition to the lowpass and bandpass of the original, Atomika offers highpass, notch, and peak modes, vastly increasing its flexibility.
- Modulation Options: With two LFOs, an envelope section with looping modes, and various modulation routing options, Atomika provides deep sound-shaping capabilities.
- Unison Mode: Atomika introduces unison detune, allowing users to create thick, layered sounds. The results are particularly impressive for epic pads and leads.
- Built-In Effects: The multi-effects section includes high-quality phaser, chorus, delay, and reverb effects that enhance Atomika’s already rich sound palette.
- Arpeggiator: A classic arpeggiator with multiple play modes and an octave range gives users creative rhythmic possibilities.
User Interface (UI)
Cherry Audio continues its tradition of offering clean, intuitive interfaces. Atomika’s UI is straightforward and functional, with easy-to-read knobs and clear modulation paths. Users will appreciate the balance between modern design and staying true to the look of the original hardware. The layout is logical and simple, making it approachable even for those unfamiliar with the Polivoks, while more experienced users will enjoy the depth and customization available.
Presets
Atomika ships with over 350 presets, covering a broad spectrum of genres and styles. From ambient pads to distorted basses, these presets offer a great starting point, showcasing the synth’s range. They provide instant inspiration for various musical applications, but the synth’s design also encourages deep customization for more advanced users.
Performance
Atomika is efficient on CPU, making it a reliable tool for even resource-heavy projects. It performs smoothly across DAWs, maintaining stability even under heavy loads, making it suitable for live performance as well as studio production.
Pros:
- Faithful recreation of the Polivoks sound
- Expanded filter options for more versatility
- Powerful modulation section
- High-quality built-in effects
- Extensive preset library
Cons:
- No external input option, unlike the original Polivoks
- Some users may find the aggressive sound character limiting for certain genres
Conclusion
Cherry Audio’s Atomika is an impressive fusion of vintage Soviet synthesis and modern sound design. Its gritty, aggressive tones make it perfect for genres like industrial, techno, and experimental music, but its versatility ensures it can handle a wide range of styles. Whether you’re a fan of classic analog hardware or a modern producer looking for something unique, Atomika is a must-have in your plugin arsenal.