Full Description
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A unified SH-series design
SH-MAX isn’t a straight recreation of a single vintage synth. Instead, it draws together the defining elements of three SH-series instruments and reshapes them into one focused plugin. The weighty core tone of the SH-5 forms the foundation, while the SH-7 contributes performance-oriented features like duophony and oscillator sync. The additive-style oscillator from the SH-3A expands the palette further, making it easier to build harmonically rich sounds. Rather than switching between separate models, everything is integrated into one signal path, so sound design stays fast and intuitive while still reflecting the character of the original instruments.
Faithful sound-building blocks
At its core, SH-MAX models the key components that gave the original synths their identity. Dual oscillators, two LFOs, ring modulation, and sample & hold recreate the raw movement and instability that defined early SH designs. Autobend, filter FM, and additional oscillator waveforms add extra modulation options without straying from the original design language. These elements aren’t bolted on as extras; they’re part of the synthesis engine, so patches respond naturally as you shape them. The result is a sound that feels direct and playable, whether you’re programming basses, leads, or evolving textures.
Filters that define the tone
Much of SH-MAX’s character comes from its parallel filter structure. A multimode filter and dedicated bandpass filter can be driven independently, allowing tones to move easily between rounded warmth and aggressive edge. This makes it simple to carve sounds that sit forward in a mix without heavy processing. Optional drift and slop controls introduce subtle movement across oscillators, filters, envelopes, and amp stages, adding a familiar analogue-style looseness when you want it. These controls are fully adjustable, so you can keep things tight and precise or deliberately imperfect, depending on the track.
Modern workflow, expanded beyond hardware
Software removes many of the practical limits of the original machines, and SH-MAX takes full advantage. The mixer operates in stereo and supports modular-style routing, with each sound source assignable to filters, amp stages, and its own effects chain. Twenty built-in effects can be reordered and reused across four chains, keeping complex patches contained within the instrument. Polyphony scales up to 16 voices, while Touch Effects, polyphonic aftertouch support, and a four-lane step sequencer add expressive control that simply wasn’t possible on the hardware. It’s a clear evolution of the SH concept, built for today’s production environments.
Features
- Authentic virtual instrument inspired by three iconic 1970s synths, giving you classic analog tone with modern reliability.
- Choose from three visual interface themes, each styled after a vintage model, so you can work in the look that inspires you.
- Flexible voice modes let you play mono leads, thick unison sounds, expressive duophonic parts, or rich 16-voice polyphony.
- Five independent sound sources, including dual oscillators, ring modulation, and noise, help you build everything from bass to texture.
- Dual parallel filter design gives you lowpass, bandpass, and highpass options plus a dedicated bandpass for precise tone shaping.
- Two tempo-syncable LFOs with retrigger options keep your modulation tight and perfectly locked to your track.
- Creative tools like sample & hold, autobend, vibrato, ring modulation, and portamento add instant movement and character.
- Two full ADSR envelopes per layer with velocity response and looping give you expressive control over every sound.
- Flexible signal routing lets you send sound sources through either filter, both filters, or straight to the amp for total control.
- Adjustable oscillator, filter, and amp drift adds subtle instability for a warmer, more analog feel.
- Over 300 professionally crafted presets across 14 categories help you find inspiring sounds fast.
- Performance-ready touch effects with four assignable slots let you shape sound in real time using aftertouch-enabled controllers.
- Built-in step sequencer with four channels and up to 16 steps per channel lets you create evolving patterns with humanize and sync options.
- Sequencer can transmit MIDI directly to your DAW, making it easy to capture and edit performances.
- Four independent effects chains plus a global layer give you deep sound design flexibility for each signal path.
- Twenty studio-grade effects, including delays, reverbs, modulation, and dynamics, let you polish sounds without extra plugins.
- Quick FX controls make it easy to toggle effects, adjust mix, and manage modulation at a glance.
- Use it as a standalone instrument or as a plugin in your DAW with AU, VST, VST3, and AAX support.
- User-adjustable oversampling helps you balance sound quality and CPU performance.
- Full MIDI control and DAW automation with simple MIDI learn lets you integrate smoothly into any setup.
- Focus zoom and scalable interface make detailed editing comfortable on any screen size.
- Complete online and downloadable documentation ensures you can get started quickly and master every feature.
Specifications
- Operating system:
- Mac: macOS 10.13 or above (64-bit required)
- Windows: Windows 7 or above (64-bit required)
- Processor:
- Mac: Intel or Apple Silicon processor. 3.4 GHz Quad-Core or Apple Silicon CPU
- Windows: 3.4 GHz Quad-Core computer
- Format:
- Mac: VST, AU, AAX
- Windows: VST, AAX
- RAM: 8GB
- Disk space: 210MB
- Activation: Internet connection required for activation
- Product code: 1316-1069