CR-78 Drum Machine is described as a visionary virtual drum machine that re-envisions the original by meticulously recreating and extending its distinctive sounds and beats with new programmability features, and adds over 250 additional presets that take it from mild to wild, and it accurately recreates the punchy analog sounds and 34 onboard preset rhythms of the first true classic drum machine and takes it much further. The historical claim is accurate and worth explaining: the Roland CR-78, released in 1978, was the first drum machine to use microprocessor control with preset rhythm patterns, and its use by Phil Collins on "In the Air Tonight," Blondie, and Gary Numan associated it with the post-punk and early synth-pop era — and its sounds are analog-generated rather than sampled, which is why the drum machine still reads as warm where early sample-based machines read as brittle. The technical approach is the significant distinction: unlike sample-based emulations, Cherry Audio's CR-78 uses modeled synthesis to recreate the classic tones of the original and makes a quantum leap forward by making these sounds fully editable. That is the single most consequential detail in the product, because a modelled recreation lets a producer change the tuning and decay of the metal beat and the congas, where a sampled emulation fixes them — so the machine becomes a designable instrument rather than a playback device. Its programming is documented: we've done away with the complex beat programming, replaced it with a familiar X0X-style button-per-step interface, and added an easy-to-use song mode for pattern chaining, with X0X-style 16- or 24-step sequencing, copy-and-paste, and real-time entry using trigger, keyboard, or MIDI device, and an expansive song mode for chaining up to 99 patterns. Its contents are documented: all 34 factory preset rhythms and "variation/fill-in" patterns included, a simple shift-click action to combine two factory presets, and over 250 additional rhythm and sound presets, including special categories that go far beyond the classic CR-78 tones and patterns, with 250 professionally designed sound and pattern presets that take it from mild to wild, including song mode presets, instrument kits aimed at select music genres, and extraordinary melodic presets that utilize pitch tuning and effects to create harmonious material. Its signal path includes four studio-quality effects, with a uniquely fast and fun "send button" for each individual tone in the effects and mixer section, which also includes a complete mixer, compressor, and a six-band graphic EQ. DAW features are auto-sync, drag-and-drop MIDI export, individual outs, and complete automation, and it can be played standalone. Requirements are macOS 10.13 or above, 64-bit required, with native Apple M1 or greater processor support including Ultra, and 3.4 GHz Quad-Core or M1 CPU with 8 GB RAM recommended, or Windows 7 or above including Windows 11, 64-bit required, 3.4 GHz Quad-Core with 8 GB RAM recommended, with 58 MB hard disk space and an internet connection required for product activation. Formats are AU, VST, VST3, AAX, and standalone, with a free 30-day demo available, and downloads managed through Sync, Cherry Audio's free user application. Tim Shoebridge produced the developer's introduction video, and MusicTech reviewed it as a recreation of the drum machine that revolutionised popular music with some extra goodies of its own. It sits within Cherry Audio's instrument range, which Synth Stack 6 assembles 36 of Cherry Audio's award-winning plugins at an astoundingly affordable price, including the KR-55C Drum Machine. It suits synth-pop, post-punk, new wave, 1980s production, electro, and electronic music of all kinds. #CR78 #CR78DrumMachine #CherryAudio #Roland #AnalogDrumMachine #DrumMachine #ModeledSynthesis #X0X #SongMode #PatternChaining #Presets #Mixer #Compressor #GraphicEQ #SynthPop #PostPunk #NewWave #Electro #Eighties #MusicProduction #VST #VST3 #AU #AAX #Standalone #FLStudio #AbletonLive #LogicPro #Cubase