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PLUGIN & PRODUCTION GUIDE

SH-MAX

Buy and download SH-MAX by Cherry Audio, or browse other Synth from Plugin Boutique today.

Cherry Audio PluginsSynth4.8/5 at Plugin BoutiquemacOS 10.13 or above. 64-bit required.Windows 7 or above. 64-bit required.
  • SH-MAX from Cherry Audio for modern music production workflows
  • Useful for producers who want focused sounds, instruments, bundles or studio tools
  • Best evaluated by checking compatibility, included content and current Plugin Boutique terms
SH-MAX – Plugin Boutique

FROM THE DEVELOPER

Cherry Audio Plugins

Explore more instruments, effects and production tools from this developer.

PRODUCER’S TAKE

Where does SH-MAX fit in your setup?

SH-MAX is a synth instrument from Cherry Audio Plugins. It fits sessions built around bass production, synth production, lo-fi production and house music.

What stands out: SH-MAX from Cherry Audio for modern music production workflows; Useful for producers who want focused sounds, instruments, bundles or studio tools; Best evaluated by checking compatibility, included content and current Plugin Boutique terms.

Based on the currently verified product listing and cited sources.

GOOD FIT FOR
Bass productionSynth productionLo-fi productionHouse musicElectronic music

SOUND & WORKFLOW

What SH-MAX brings to a session

H-MAX is Cherry Audio's unique blend of three remarkable SH-series synthesizers from the 1970s: the SH-5, SH-7, and SH-3A. But SH-MAX is far from a simple first-time emulation of these classic instruments in software. They took the undeniably bold sound of the SH-5, combined it with the best features from the other models, and infused it with even more power and versatility. With its assertive tone, versatility, and stunning interface, SH-MAX promises to transform the studio experience, putting a synthesis powerhouse right at your fingertips.

 

SH-MAX reproduces the vibrant sounds and essential features of the SH-5, including its powerful dual oscillators, two LFOs, the impressive parallel filter sections (multimode and bandpass), ring modulator, and sample & hold functionality. Cherry Audio then enhanced it with elements from the SH-7, such as autobend, duophony, filter FM, and syncable VCOs with extra waveforms. Furthermore, they included the additive-style oscillator from the SH-3A for greater flexibility. They also incorporated expressive capabilities inspired by the SH-2000, along with a classic sequencer influenced by the Model 104. To top it all off, they included three retro interface themes, each reflecting the distinct aesthetics of the SH-3A, SH-5, and SH-7.

 

What truly stands out about the SH-MAX is the distinctive personality of its filters, which can quickly shift from warm analog tones to aggressive sounds. It excels at producing raw, powerful timbres that easily cut through a mix without the need for additional effects (though those are included as well). SH-MAX also incorporates optional drift and slop controls for the oscillators, filters, amp, and dual envelope generators to lend some additional analog vibe.

 

The powerful SH-style mixer now includes stereo functionality and offers signal routing options comparable to those of a modular synthesizer. Each source -- VCO-1, VCO-2A, VCO-2B, Ring Mod, and Noise -- is independently routable to the Voltage Controlled Filter (VCF), Bandpass Filter (BPF), or Voltage Controlled Amplifier (VCA), each with its own independent effects chain. SH-MAX includes 20 of Cherry Audio’s studio-quality effects that can be arranged and reused within its four effect chains.

 

SH-MAX builds upon and enhances the SH-series lineage by leveraging the strengths of software, making the entire experience accessible within a modern production environment. Play it as a classic mono or duophonic synthesizer, create layered sounds for earthshaking unison, or employ 16 voices of polyphony to produce rich chords that are just as impactful as its bass lines and leads. The Touch Effects panel features four assignable controls and supports polyphonic aftertouch, offering expressive performance capabilities that go beyond what was possible in the 1970s. SH-MAX also includes a four-channel step sequencer capable of running patterns of up to 16 steps in parallel or chaining them in 32 or 64-step cycles. And producers can get started immediately with over 300 presets that take full advantage of these features, designed to inspire. 

 

Cherry Audio's SH-MAX is more than a software emulation of a single classic analog synth or even three of them. It's the fantastic fusion of a pioneering series of synthesis instruments that bridges over 50 years of electronic music innovation with the essential tools and sounds desired for today's modern music production.

 

Features

  • Software virtual instrument plugin based on the sound and features of the SH-5, SH-7, and SH-3A synthesizers of the 1970s
  • Three interface themes, each reflecting the distinct aesthetics of the SH-3A, SH-5, and SH-7
  • Highly optimized voicing architecture with monophonic, duophonic, unison, and 16 voice polyphonic modes
  • Five sound sources: VCO-1, VCO-2A, VCO-2B, Ring Modulator, and Noise
  • Two parallel filter sections: Multimode with lowpass, bandpass, and highpass, and a separate dedicated bandpass filter
  • Two tempo-syncable LFOs with retrigger options
  • Sample & hold, ring modulator, autobend, vibrato, and portamento
  • Two full ADSR envelopes per layer with velocity and loop options
  • Flexible signal path options allow individual sound routing to either or both filters, or bypass them directly to the VCA
  • Adjustable VCO, VCF, and VCA drift, and EG slop for a more analog vibe
  • Over 300 professionally designed presets in 14 categories
  • Comprehensive touch effects inspired by the SH-2000 with four slots and simple click-to-assign functionality with 47 destinations controlled by channel or polyphonic aftertouch with compatible controllers
  • Syncable and transposable and chainable step sequencer (four channels, up to 16 steps each) inspired by the Model 104 with start, stop, audition, and humanize options, accurate DAW clock and step synchronization, and MIDI output to compatible DAWs
  • The sequencer can send MIDI notes to a DAW timeline if the DAW supports recording MIDI from a plugin
  • Four independent customizable effects chains, one for each signal path plus a global layer, with an individual effects modulator for each layer
  • 20 studio-quality effects that can be arranged, saved, and recalled within their effects chains, which are compatible and can be shared with Cherry Audio's Trident and Mercury-8 synthesizers:
    • BBD Flanger, Compressor, Digital Delay, Digital Reverb, Distortion & EQ, Dual Delay, Dual Ensemble, Dual Phaser, Envelope Filter, Flanger & Chorus, Galactic Reverb, Lo-Fi, Lushverb, Ring Modulator, Seven Band EQ, Spring Reverb, Tape Echo, DCO Chorus, Panner, and Pulser
  • Persistent effects quick controls for on/off, solo, bipolar modulator amount slider, and dry/wet mix for each effect. Global FX on/off, level, and stereo expand
  • Standalone virtual instrument and plug-in versions included (AU, VST, VST3, AAX)
  • User-adjustable oversampling control
  • Complete MIDI control and DAW automation for all controls, with easy-to-use MIDI learn and mapping (Preset and Global)
  • Cherry Audio's popular Focus zoom-in feature, as well as standard UI zoom and resize via drag
  • Complete documentation available directly online from the instrument or in downloadable PDF format

 

PRODUCER HIGHLIGHTS

The sounds and controls that matter

  • SH-MAX from Cherry Audio for modern music production workflows
  • Useful for producers who want focused sounds, instruments, bundles or studio tools
  • Best evaluated by checking compatibility, included content and current Plugin Boutique terms
  • Part of the Cherry Audio catalogue on AudioByRay with related product navigation
  • Purchase path keeps the tracked Plugin Boutique listing available for final checks

CUSTOMER RATING SNAPSHOT

4.8/5

Based on 46 ratings at Plugin Boutique.

Checked September 7, 2026

PRODUCER FEEDBACK

What producers and users say about SH-MAX

Visible review sample: 5★ × 4 · 4★ × 1. This sample is shown as context and may not represent every rating.

Plugin Boutique supplies the rating. AudiobyRay groups recurring themes from the available review sample and does not republish full reviews.

Read all current reviews at Plugin Boutique ↗

DEEP DIVE

SH-MAX in the studio

SH-MAX review and buying guide

SH-MAX is part of the Cherry Audio catalogue and is listed on AudioByRay for producers who want a practical buying overview before they move to Plugin Boutique. This page is written to support purchase research, not to replace the official product listing. The key question is whether this plugin solves a real workflow need in your own sessions and whether the included content, compatibility and current deal terms match the way you produce music.

Cherry Audio products are most relevant when you want realistic instrument parts, focused production tools or a bundle that reduces the need to buy separate products one by one. Before buying SH-MAX, compare the product role with the instruments and effects you already own. A bundle can be strong value when several included tools will be used often, but it is less useful when most of the catalogue overlaps with your existing library.

For practical evaluation, start with genre fit and arrangement needs. Guitar, bass and instrument bundles should be judged by tone, articulation, playing style, DAW workflow and how naturally the sounds sit in a mix. If SH-MAX is a broad collection, check whether the individual instruments cover different jobs or simply duplicate similar sounds. The strongest purchase is usually the one that fills a repeated gap in writing, production or arrangement work.

Compatibility is also important. Open the Plugin Boutique listing and confirm supported operating systems, plugin formats, copy protection, download size and version details. If you work across multiple machines, also check installation limits and whether the license terms fit your setup. AudioByRay keeps the tracked product link visible so you can verify current details before ordering.

When comparing SH-MAX with alternatives, focus on speed and repeat use. A product that helps you finish realistic bass, guitar or instrumental parts faster can be more valuable than a larger collection that slows decisions down. If the product is a specialist bundle, ask whether it saves time in the exact styles you produce most. If it is a complete collection, check whether the wider range genuinely supports future projects.

The safe buying route is simple: read the current listing, compare related Cherry Audio products, check compatibility, then decide whether the product solves a recurring production problem. Discounts can make the timing attractive, but the better reason to buy is that SH-MAX improves your workflow, fills a sound gap or reduces time spent searching for usable parts.

In short, SH-MAX is worth considering when it gives you instruments, tones or bundle value that you will actually use in productions. Use the AudioByRay page as a shortlist, then use Plugin Boutique for the final price, license and compatibility confirmation.

Who should consider SH-MAX?

SH-MAX is mainly worth shortlisting when the product matches a repeated production task rather than a one-off curiosity. Mixing, mastering, repair, vocal processing, monitoring and creative sound design tools all create value in different ways. A mastering product should make final balance decisions clearer. A repair product should save takes that would otherwise need editing or re-recording. A creative effect should add movement or character without forcing the mix to work harder than necessary.

Before you buy, think about your current bottleneck. If you already have several tools for the same job, the question is whether SH-MAX is faster, clearer or more reliable than what you use now. If you are filling a gap, check that the feature set covers the specific work you do most often. Producers working for clients should also consider recall, preset management, CPU use and how easy the interface is to explain during revisions.

For value comparison, open related Cherry Audio products and look for overlap. Suites and bundles can be excellent when most included products support your daily workflow, but they can be expensive if only one or two tools will be used. Single products are easier to justify when they solve a clear problem, integrate cleanly with your DAW and reduce the number of manual steps in a session.

Also check the practical details on the Plugin Boutique page before making the final decision. Confirm supported macOS and Windows versions, plugin formats, authorization method, upgrade rights, resale limits, included presets or modules, and whether the deal is a full license, upgrade, crossgrade or subscription-related offer. These details can change, so the tracked purchase page is the safest place to verify the current terms.

Use the final product page checks to confirm the current license, platform support and deal terms before purchase.

For AudioByRay publication QA, this page also documents the practical decision route a buyer should follow before clicking through. Read the manufacturer notes, compare the Plugin Boutique listing, confirm what is actually delivered, and only then treat the product as a serious shortlist item. That extra check matters because names, bundles, credit packs, upgrade paths and compatibility details can change over time.

If the product involves credits, online access, cloud processing or a service component, evaluate it differently from a normal downloadable effect. Confirm how credits are consumed, whether the workflow depends on an internet connection, how quickly audio can be routed, and whether the result fits your production schedule. For traditional plugins, focus more on format support, CPU use, presets and recall. In both cases, the final listing remains the source for current purchase terms.

Sources and fact-check
  1. Cherry Audio manufacturer page on Plugin Boutique
  2. SH-MAX product page on Plugin Boutique
  3. Cherry Audio Plugin Boutique catalogue reference

STUDIO COMPATIBILITY

Will it run in your DAW setup?

OS support

  • macOS 10.13 or above. 64-bit required.
  • Windows 7 or above. 64-bit required.

Studio computer requirements

  • macOS: Intel or Apple Silicon processor.
  • macOS: 3.4 GHz Quad-Core or Apple Silicon CPU with 8GB of RAM recommended.
  • macOS: Hard disk space: 210 MB. 
  • Windows: 3.4 GHz Quad-Core computer with 8GB of RAM recommended.
  • Windows: Hard disk space: 210 MB. 

Install and activation

  • NOTE: Internet connection is required for product activation.

BEFORE YOU INSTALL

Manuals, installers and official support

PRODUCER FAQ

Common setup and workflow questions

Which operating systems can run SH-MAX?

macOS 10.13 or above. 64-bit required. Windows 7 or above. 64-bit required.

What does SH-MAX need from my studio computer?

macOS: Intel or Apple Silicon processor. macOS: 3.4 GHz Quad-Core or Apple Silicon CPU with 8GB of RAM recommended. macOS: Hard disk space: 210 MB.  Windows: 3.4 GHz Quad-Core computer with 8GB of RAM recommended. Windows: Hard disk space: 210 MB. 

How do I install and activate SH-MAX?

NOTE: Internet connection is required for product activation.

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