Cherry Audio SH-MAX Tutorial: How to Use SH-MAX Synth Step-by-Step Guide

🎯 Introduction

Cherry Audio SH-MAX is a powerful virtual analog synthesizer inspired by classic Roland SH-series hardware. It combines vintage character with modern features like advanced modulation, a built-in sequencer, and flexible routing.

In this tutorial, you’ll learn:

• How to load SH-MAX in your DAW

• How to build a basic sound from scratch

• How to use filters and modulation

• How to create sequences

• How to tweak presets like a pro

🖥 Step 1: Load SH-MAX in Your DAW

1. Open your DAW (FL Studio, Ableton Live, Logic Pro, Reaper, etc.).

2. Create a new Instrument Track.

3. Insert Cherry Audio SH-MAX as a VST3, AU, or AAX plugin.

4. Make sure it’s activated (log into your Cherry Audio account if required).

Now you’re ready to create sound.

🔊 Step 2: Create Your First Sound

Let’s start from an initialized (empty) patch.

🎚 1. Choose a Waveform

Go to VCO-1:

• Select Sawtooth for bright leads.

• Select Square for hollow tones.

• Select Triangle for softer sounds.

Turn up the oscillator level in the mixer section.

🎛 2. Shape the Filter

• Set the filter to Lowpass.

• Lower the Cutoff slightly.

• Increase Resonance for more character.

You should now hear a shaped analog tone.

🌊 Step 3: Add Movement with Modulation

🎵 Use the LFO

• Assign LFO 1 → Filter Cutoff for a wobble effect.

• Lower the rate for slow movement.

• Sync it to your DAW tempo if needed.

🎹 Use the Envelope

• Increase Attack for softer pads.

• Lower Decay & Sustain for plucky sounds.

• Increase Release for long tails.

This is where your sound becomes dynamic and expressive.

🎚 Step 4: Layer Oscillators

SH-MAX includes multiple sound sources:

• VCO-1

• VCO-2A

• VCO-2B

• Noise generator

• Ring Modulator

Try this:

1. Turn on VCO-2A.

2. Slightly detune it.

3. Blend both oscillators in the mixer.

Now your sound is thicker and wider.

🎼 Step 5: Use the Built-In Sequencer

SH-MAX features a 4-lane, 16-step sequencer.

1. Open the sequencer panel.

2. Activate steps by clicking them.

3. Adjust pitch or modulation per step.

4. Press a key on your MIDI keyboard to trigger the pattern.

Great for basslines, arps, and rhythmic synth sequences.

🎧 Step 6: Explore Presets

SH-MAX comes with 300+ presets.

1. Open the Preset Browser.

2. Select categories like Bass, Lead, Pad, FX.

3. Choose a preset.

4. Tweak cutoff, envelopes, and LFO to personalize it.

💡 Pro Tip: Load a preset and reverse-engineer it to understand how it works.

🎹 Step 7: Performance Controls

• Switch between Mono, Duo, Unison, or Poly modes.

• Use Glide for smooth transitions.

• Try the Arpeggiator for rhythmic patterns.

• Map parameters to MIDI controllers for live performance.

🚀 Quick Sound Recipes

🎵 Analog Bass

• Saw wave

• Low cutoff

• Short decay

• Mono mode

• Slight glide

🌌 Warm Pad

• Two oscillators detuned

• Slow attack

• Long release

• Light LFO on filter

⚡ Acid Lead

• Square wave

• High resonance

• Fast envelope

• Sequencer enabled

🎯 Final Thoughts

Cherry Audio SH-MAX is versatile and beginner-friendly while offering deep sound design possibilities. Start simple, experiment with modulation, and gradually explore routing and sequencing features.

The best way to learn?
Turn knobs, trust your ears, and build patches from scratch.