If you drop the phrase “PS-3300” in the right circles, you might open a Pandora’s box of praise and conjecture over the “true king” of 1970s analog polysynths. Highly coveted and obtaining a near-mythical status, the classic PS-3300 is the grail of many synthesists’ aspiring collections. Fortunately, the good folks at Cherry Audio went to great lengths to painstakingly model this iconic synth with exacting precision, bringing its full suite of polyphonic possibilities to the masses.

With its signal-generator panel layout, 3-oscillator architecture, ADSR-style modulators, 24-voice polyphony, semi-modular patching capabilities, and iconic “resonators,” synthesists agree that Cherry Audio’s PS-3300 faithfully captures the sonic scope of its analog predecessor. Moreover, they’ve provided even deeper control over its vast swath of sound-shaping possibilities, including variable temperament modes, user-adjustable oversampling, per-channel panning, studio-grade effects, and more than 360 premium presets. Truly, we’re just scratching the surface.

The original PS-3300 was a behemoth in terms of sonic firepower and physical form (as well as price, if we’re being honest), and its legendary designs have been modeled in excruciating detail by the sound designers at Cherry Audio. Like its predecessor, the company followed the unconventional “signal generator” model, featuring three independently operatable panels with oscillator, filtering, envelope, and resonator controls, alongside per-note tuning capabilities and a pair of LFOs.

Each of its three VCOs features six waveforms, including saw, triangle, and square waves, as well three pulse waves: two of varying, preset widths, and one variable PWM setting. Further, every panel houses a temperament section with presets for Equal Tempered, Mean Tone System, Hepatonal System, and Just Intonation, in addition to per-note tuning knobs of the standard 12-tone chromatic scale.

Due to its unusual design, the PS-3300 became known for its dynamic, undulating sonics, deep modulation possibilities, and timbral-sculpting tools, including the lauded “resonators.” These 12dB/Oct bandpass filters produce phasing and vowel-like tones, and each panel features a dedicated resonator. Additional 12dB/Oct lowpass filters comprise the resonant VCFs — one per panel — with a togglable option to instantly swap between the transparent PS-style filter and the infectiously crunchy MS-style filter.

Undulating soundscapes abound with the ADSR-style envelope modulators, with each panel’s respective modulator outfitted with velocity control and amplitude modulation. But wait, there’s more! All three panels boast a dyad of syncable “mod generators,” which serve as your LFOs. Not only do they have output jacks, but each half features a distinct array of modulation shapes: one dedicated to a triangle waveform, while the other includes triangle, saw, ramp, rectangle, pink noise, and white noise.

A 24-voice polyphony of saccharine analog sonics can lead to some impressive pads, chords, and aural supports. That said, Cherry Audio knows the value of a solid mono tone, and the PS-3300 serves up a trio of options: last-, low-, and high-note priority, resulting in immense leads, roaring basses, and more. For even greater personalization, you can individually adjust the bend range, master tune, and oversampling control, in addition to per-channel panning.

Cherry Audio has also gone to great lengths to procure more than 360 presets that span a dozen categories, all of which have been concocted by some of the best in the game. For the purists, you’ll find a Legacy collection of presets that have been carefully replicated from the patch sheets found in the manual of the original, coupled with a 3100-inspired Glissando patch, and a 432Hz Equal Temperament mode, ensuring expressivity and tone crafting are never shortchanged.

With the classic PS-3300, sound-sculpting tools were never in short supply, and Cherry Audio has preserved that legacy by literally re-creating the details of the original and honoring that spirit with some timely additions. This PS-3300 includes the semi-modular architecture as well, with a customizable cable system and unlimited mults for each jack, allowing you to craft an alchemical aurality that would’ve been impossible with the physical synth.

There’s also the master signal-mixer panel, where you’ll find your sample & hold function, a general envelope generator, and dual CV processors. This panel is also where you’ll find the studio-caliber effects that Cherry Audio’s graciously included, including chorus, a syncable echo, and three flavors of reverb: spring, plate, and their infamous Galactic setting. One of the most impressive features of the PS-3300 is the uncompromising MIDI control and total DAW automation. Every parameter can be automated, externally controlled, and even tethered to additional Vis or external MIDI devices, resulting in limitless interoperative possibilities bridging the divide between physical and digital sonic realms.