Cherry Audio Rackmode Signal Processors [WiN]

• Product: Rackmode Signal Processors
• Publisher: Cherry Audio
• Version: 1.4.0
• Format: VST, VST3, AAX
• Requirements: Windows 7 or later
• Source: cherryaudio.com/products/rackmode

Rackmode Signal Processors delivers authentic, circuit-modeled Moog effects at an unbeatable price. From the lush Vocoder to the chewy Phaser, it provides a massive palette of vintage analog character for modern producers.

Rackmode: The Moog Effects Rack That Costs Less Than One Module

Cherry Audio’s Rackmode is a comprehensive bundle of seven signal processors that authentically emulates the legendary (and prohibitively expensive) Moog Rack series of the 1970s and 80s. By partnering with synth designer Mark Barton to model the original circuits of the Vocoder, Phaser, Ring Modulator, String Filter, Frequency Shifter, and Dual EQs, Cherry Audio has created a character-rich toolkit for sound designers that delivers $20,000 worth of vintage hardware behavior for under $100.

Key Takeaway

Cherry Audio Rackmode (VST3/AU/AAX) is a collection of 8 plugins (7 effects + 1 instrument vocoder) modeled after the classic Moog Signal Processors. Its standout features are the 16-Band Vocoder, the lush 12-Stage Phaser, and the experimental Frequency Shifter. With modern additions like Syncable LFOs, Stereo Processing, and Apple Silicon Support, it offers an accessible way to add vintage analog weirdness to modern tracks without the noise or cost of hardware.

How I Tested This

My testing focused on whether these emulations captured the “thick” and “chewy” character of Moog hardware, or if they were just generic digital effects with a vintage GUI.

• Hardware Platform: macOS Studio (M3 Max); Windows 10 workstation (i9).
• Host: Ableton Live 12, Logic Pro 11.
• Sessions: Over 20 hours of sound design and mixing.
• Scenarios:
  • Vocoding: Using the Rackmode Vocoder on a drum loop to create rhythmic synth textures.
  • Phasing: Running a sterile digital pad through the 12-Stage Phaser to add movement and swirl.
  • Lo-Fi Textures: Using the String Filter and Frequency Shifter to age and detune a piano recording.
• Comparison: Benchmarked against Arturia FX Collection (Phaser Bi-Tron) and Softube modular effects.

The Collection: A Sound Designer’s Playground

Rackmode isn’t a mixing suite; it’s a color palette.

• Vocoder: This is the star. Available as both an effect and an instrument, it captures that intelligible yet robotic 70s sci-fi sound perfectly. In my testing, it was far easier to set up than Logic’s native EVOC 20.
• Phaser: Deep and resonant. Unlike modern clean phasers, this one saturates beautifully when pushed. It adds a “chewy” texture to guitars and synths that screams analog.
• Ring Modulator & Frequency Shifter: These are for the experimentalists. I used the Frequency Shifter to create metallic, inharmonic bell tones from a simple sine wave. It’s perfect for sci-fi sound design.
• String Filter: A unique, filter-bank style effect that imparts a woody, acoustic resonance. It’s great for making electronic sources sound more organic.

Circuit Authenticity vs. Modern Workflow

Cherry Audio and Mark Barton (MRB) modeled the circuits, not just the output. This means you get the non-linear behavior of the original hardware—the way the gain stages drive and the filters self-oscillate.

However, they added crucial modern features:

• Syncable LFOs: You can lock the Phaser or Ring Mod sweep to your DAW tempo, something the original hardware couldn’t do.
• Stereo Processing: The originals were largely mono. Rackmode allows for wide, immersive stereo effects.
• Presets: 150+ presets give you instant starting points, saving you from dialling in complex patches from zero.

Character, Not Precision

Rackmode is not for surgical EQ or transparent compression. The Graphic EQ and Parametric EQ are broad and colorful. They add “tone,” not precision. If you need to notch out a resonance at 420Hz, use Pro-Q 3. If you want to fatten up a snare drum, use Rackmode.

Some users have noted aliasing at extreme settings on the Ring Mod, but in a dense mix, this is negligible. It captures 95% of the hardware vibe for 0.5% of the price.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Authentic Moog Character.	Aliasing at extreme settings.
Unbeatable Value (<$100 for bundle).	Not for Surgical Mixing.
16-Band Vocoder is excellent.	Visuals are Fixed (Vintage style).
Modern Tempo Sync added.	Graphic EQ is a bit basic.
Low CPU Usage.	Preset Library could be larger.

FAQs

Final Verdict: The Best Vintage FX Bundle for the Money

Cherry Audio Rackmode is a no-brainer for producers who love the sound of the 70s and 80s. It delivers a suite of high-quality, character-rich effects that would otherwise cost a fortune. For sound design, synth-pop, and lo-fi production, it is an essential toolkit.