Cherry Audio CA2600 Synthesizer

If, like me, you like to program analog synth parts from scratch, it doesn't get any more straightforward than the ARP 2600. (It comes with a ton of presets, but I rarely look at them.) Designed originally as a teaching tool, the 'classroom'-like layout and pre-connections make creating easy. Anytime I need a droning pulse, a synth bass part, or a sound effect, the CA2600 is my first stop. I don't have a real '2600 here to compare, but the sounds come up exactly as I expect them to, with that nice ARP edginess. I like the addition of stereo panning and effects like distortion, delay, and reverb (the original '2600 had a spring reverb, but this effect goes way beyond that range) are nice bonuses, and having them integrated into the front panel is helpful. The Focus control is a nice way to get a good view of a work area without having to tie up the entire screen with the VST. And Cherry Audio's pricing makes it easy to add their synths to your collection!