Rhodes Chroma Demo, Part 1

YouTube via NonDigitalTom

"Here's the first of a four part series demonstrating the Rhodes Chroma, arguably the greatest polyphonic analog synthesizer of all time. The video was shot with the help of Mike Thompson, who's doing the majority of the playing in this demo. One of the channels on the Chroma is not working, so what you're hearing is 7 out of its 8 voices. The Chroma Expander shown is not currently functioning (we'll get to it someday though).

I acquired this Rhodes Chroma on trade in non-working condition with the hope I could one day get it up and running. I had the power supply replaced and purchased the CC+ upgrade available through RhodesChroma.com. After that, I had three voices working. With a little troubleshooting and swapping around of voice cards I was able to get four voices. Mike was super motivated to hear the Chroma in its full glory (which we've yet to do, mind you). With his help and determination, we figured out that the Chroma had four dead voice cards and one bad channel. We're still trying to figure out what to do about that. In the meantime, I acquired the Chroma Expander, which is non-functional but had good working voice cards. So we pulled some cards from the Expander to make our 7 voice Chroma, which is demonstrated in the video."

Rhodes Chroma Demo, Part 2

"Here's the second installment of our Rhodes Chroma demo. The Chroma originally had one bank of 50 patches, but the CC+ CPU upgrade expands the memory to allow 4 banks of 50 patches. This demo is all the second bank (which we've been referring to as "Bank B"). This time it's just me playing. One thing I really love about the Chroma is the velocity sensitivity, especially for envelope-controlled filter effects. You can see this demonstrated here in some of the patches where I just used the left hand. That (combined with the weighted real wood keys) really makes the Chroma a blast to play. I can't say enough good things about this synth. Seriously. Can't wait to get the Expander going!

Check out http://www.formusiciansonly.com/blog to see pictures of our vintage keyboard studio."

Rhodes Chroma Demo, Part 3

Uploaded by NonDigitalTom on Apr 15, 2009

"Here's the third part in our Rhodes Chroma demo series, this time featuring sounds from Bank C (including the patch we used for our ominous intro). These all came preloaded with the CC+ upgrade - we haven't even gotten to programming our own yet. Should be a lot of fun! This demo features a mix of Mike and myself taking turns going through various patches. Keep in mind, there's no reverb, delay, or effects of any kind in any of these videos; just the Chroma being recorded direct.
Check out http://www.formusiciansonly.com/blog to see pictures of our vintage keyboard studio."

Rhodes CHROMA ARP Analog Polyphonic Synthesizer

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

This is the second one listed today. These are beautiful instruments and thanks to the iPad, Chromas with the CC+ upgrade can now be edited in real time with a dedicated iPad editor.

Notes on this one via the listing: "Here is a Rhodes Chroma that has recently been restored to full operation by William Santana at Santana Musical Electronics of Portland, OR. The unit was purchased from the original owner and has already been upgraded with the SPSU that is currently available for the Chroma.

))))))))PLEASE READ(((((((((
The CPU in the unit is the original design but the CC+ CPU upgrade is on order now and will be available some time in March. Once the kit is available I would be willing to ship it to the seller as it's value is included with the sale price in this auction. No further costs will be incurred by the buyer of this unit for the value of the CC+. The CC+ will be shipped as soon as is received from the manufacturer. The only thing the buyer will have to make arrangements for is for the installation of the upgrade. The CC+ along with the SPSU brings the Chroma truly into the 21st century providing an enduring stable service life for many more years to come as well as many new and valuable features provided by the CC+. Read more info about it at: rhodeschroma.com

The CC+ is essential for full CC control of all parameters and has already been used to great benefit by the designer of the
Enabler Chroma interface, and the iPad Touch OSC interface:

The woodwork is all original. Due to the typical nature of the aging Rhodes Chroma, often the end caps are found to be stained from the degraded foam that lines the flight case for the Chroma. This unit came to me with foam stains but has since been refinished and the case has been refoamed as well.

As you can see in the pics, the cosmetic condition is very clean. I have since provided bushings under the front panel screws to give it a cleaner look. The tolex is very clean as well. Overall, this unit is an excellent example of the Rhodes Chroma model.

Also included is 2 extra channel boards. Parts have been removed from both of these boards to facilitate the restoration of this Chroma. Currently, NONE of the CEM ICs are present on these boards. However, there are other parts that are specific to the Chroma including the cards themselves. Both of the extra cards are the 2nd or 3 revisions that still had to have a jumper installed at the factory. The need for this jumper was corrected by the later revisions of the channel board which are what all 8 channel boards are currently loaded in the Chroma you see here.

The sound of the unit is big, organic and very deep. The keyboard is a real, wooden 64-note velocity-sensitive dream come true. The programming features are truly unlike any other synth. The "patch" parameter gives you several different routing options between the 2 voices on each card. Some have compared this to the "Algorithm" concept found in the Yamaha DX7.

This unit comes with all of the original accessories including:
Dual sustain/sostenuto pedal (Rhodes)
Single patch advance pedal (Rhodes)
Variable voltage control pedal (Rhodes)
3 x cassette interface cables (original) 2 x 5-pin 1 x 8 pin
Programming manual
Performance Manual
Syntech MIDI interface with all documentation
Front panel interface feature chart
2 x original factory patch cassettes

The Rhodes Chroma was the last product to come from ARP. This unit was to be ARPs big push back into the very competitive synthesizer market. They were definitely onto something. There were many innovation that were developed for this machine that were way ahead of its time. Unfortunately, ARP could not hold things together to release the product to market. Phillip Dodds, who was responsible for the Chromas development and the shutting down of ARP, managed to convince CBS to take up the design along with the R&D team to release it to market under the Rhodes badge. The Rhodes Chroma saw some hi-profile use and was definitely the "players" synthesizer in its day."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Rhodes Chroma with Enabler Controller

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

" Rhodes Chroma in excellent condition! The Chroma includes the Enabler contoller(and power cord/midi connector) , brand new flight case for Chroma, original pedals. the Enabler wood is cherry with a finish to match the Chroma cherry wood and finish. Reworked by New England Analog(NEA) who performed the following service.If you go to NEA's website and gallery,you can see photos of this exact Chroma.
removed all wood surfaces, stripped and resanded the cherry wood and finished in cherry finish with three coats of PU
all electrolytic capacitors replaced.
replaced PSU with Luca Sasdelli's switching power supply kit which was the Chroma's weakest point. Chroma now generates no heat upon touch and is incredibly stable.
Added Chris Borman's, After touch Pressure Sensor Kit. Chroma now has aftertouch which can easily be adjusted with the Enabler.
Added the CPU Plus CC+ software PCB which adds further operating stability and better midi control.This feature increases the standard 50 patches to 200 patches and allows the Chroma to be controlled by Randall Osborne's Enabler which is now marketed by NEA.
For those unfamiliar with the Chroma, you can find basic info on Vintage Synth Explorer or Soundonsound, but the primary source of information in on the Rhodes Chroma website which contains significant information about the Chroma and all the upgrades performed on this unit.Here are the basics:

Polyphony-16 voices with 1 OSC per voice or 8 voice with 2 Osc per voice
64 note velocity sensitive full size keys including polyphonic aftertouch
Oscillators -mix of saw and variable pulse waveforms
Filters- switchable low and high pass .16 different configurations including parallel, in series,variable mix, ring mod, FM mod, band pass, notch filtering.
VCA- ADSR type
Transpose, split, and two patch link capability
Autotune
Memory-200 patches
LFO- 16 different waveforms
Midi controllable"

CLICK FOR MORE »

Rhodes Chroma Site Turns 10

via Chris Ryan on the Rhodes Chroma List:
"Ten years ago [2/21/99] today the first version of the Chroma site went live. I posted five pages on the instrument to my personal site, and sent a short announcement to comp.music.midi (Usenet! how things have changed). I've attached a screen shot of the home page from 1999.

A decade later, the site comprises 327 pages and more than 975,000 words--about the length of ten or eleven novels--including over 3700 posts to the mailing list (which now has about 150 subscribers). It all adds up to 330mb of information on our beloved synthesizer. All of the documentation is available, along with most of the known reviews, a gold mine of technical information, software, patches, numerous downloads, and a lot more: take a look at the site map to get an idea of the scope if you haven't browsed recently. Of course, I couldn't have done it all myself; see the list of contributors.

Perhaps most significantly, activity surrounding the instrument has resumed, with excellent projects such as the CPU Plus, SPSU kit, and more. Some have purchased and/or restored their instruments as a result of the community and the resources available at the site.

There have been more than a couple hundred thousand visitors, which is astonishing considering we have figured out that only about 1500 Chromas were manufactured, and probably only a few hundred, at most, are currently in use or even in working order. I've updated the Site Statistics page with information through the end of 2008; it's quite interesting to see the changes in browsers, referring sites and search engines, and top pages over the years.

Thanks, everyone, for your continued participation, contributions, and donations. It's been really rewarding; I've learned a lot and have heard from many great people from all over the world.

Chris"

I want to congratulate Chris on running THE BEST dedicated synth site on the web hands down. It really is amazing how much life Chris has given to the Rhodes Chroma through the site and the email list. As someone on the list said, if it weren't for the site his Chroma would be a paper weight. As a proud owner of a Rhodes Chroma myself, I sincerely thank Chris for all he has done for us. I still need to get me a CPU Plus one day. :) If you haven't checked out the site, do it. It's a vast resource not only on the Rhodes Chroma but the Polaris as well.

Rhodes Chroma with Chroma CPU Plus (CC+)

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

Pics of the inside below.

"If you are looking at this then you probably know something about the Rhodes Chroma.
It's a Beast of a synth! And this one if fully operational and updated. And, shipping is free in the U.S.
The major upgrade is the Chroma CPU Plus (CC+).
This updated CPU gives you all sorts of features, most notably MIDI. But also general stability. Read about it.
The other necessary upgrade is the new power supply. The original power always eventually goes out on the Chroma. Hand made in Italy this new power supply brings stability to the entire system.
You can find info on these upgrades on the RhodesChroma website.

Every inch of this synth has been gone through by my synth tech. Here's a note from him about all the things he took care of. If you have any more specific questions about what's going on with the Chroma we would be happy to talk with you.
--------
The Voice boards have had all of the electrolytic capacitors replaced, and the 4000 series cmos multiplexers and decoders have also been replaced. in 6 of 8 voice cards the RC4151 chips were replaced. many but not all of the chips had chip sockets installed to make for easier repair in the future. (some of the chips had been replaced already before I got there, and in some cases I just ran out of IC sockets) but for the most part it should be far less of a pain in the ass to replace the ICs on the voice boards going forward.
The mother board has had the electrolytic capacitors replaced and also had a number of the 4000 series cmos chips replaced. (CD4016, CD4566… etc..) in addition the LM311 comparator was replaced and the dual audio opamps were upgraded.
On the IO board many of the buffer, decoder/encoder, and flip flop chips have been replaced as well as electrolytic capacitors."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Rhodes Chroma CPU Board

Title link takes you to shots via this auction.

Note you can get the new enhanced CC+ CPU from the Rhodes Chroma site. Many owners are upgrading their perfectly fine working Chromas to the new CPU. You can read more about the enhancements on the Rhodes Chroma Site.

Rhodes Chroma Polaris

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

Super nice pics via this auction

"If you are looking at this, wise viewer, you already know what awaits; one of the most incredible polyphonic analog synthesizers ever created since the dawn of man and music. It would, in fact, not be too bold to state that this Rhodes Chroma Polaris completely embodies the timeless, incredibly sought-after sound of the 80s and beyond. From lush pads to stabbing leads, ringing pulse-modulated keys and shimmering textures, the Chroma Polaris was the absolute cutting edge of analog synthesizer technology at the time of its release in 1984. Any musician, with the means at their disposal, would be considered naught but addlebrained fools, to neglect bringing every resource to bear in acquiring this incredible machine with all due haste.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Rhodes Chroma poly synth, with CC+ cpu upgrade SN 21030544

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"The Rhodes Chroma is one of the most unique and interesting sounding polysynths ever built. For lots of information on this synth, please google 'rhodes chroma' and the Rhodes Chroma website will be in the top few links. This Chroma has been restored electrically, all voices tune properly and sound great. I replaced the original CPU with a CC+ board and the original (flawed) power supply with an SPSU. These upgrades make it fully controllable by MIDI and very reliable."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Rhodes Chroma Expander

via this auction

"Fully serviced and upgraded Rhodes Chroma Expander in excellent condition cosmetically and electronically.

Upgraded with David Clarke's Chroma CPU Plus (CC+) and Luca Sasdelli's switching power supply replacement.

For full details of these excellent upgrades and everything else you've ever wanted to know (and more) about the Rhodes Chroma, please visit Chris Ryan's superb www.rhodeschroma.com."

inside a Chroma

CLICK FOR MORE »

CC+ Firmware Update for Rhodes Chroma

via David Clarke on the Rhodes Chroma list:

"Thank you all for your ongoing participation in the Chroma CPU Plus (CC+) project.

Firmware Release 217 (http://www.rhodeschroma.com/?id=cpuplusfirmware#217) has just been made available.

Based on user requests, the newly released version of firmware adds the following items:

* Native support for the SparkFun serial LCD controller
* Autotune failure information display [Set Split 40]
* User-defined MIDI velocity mapping
* Auto-send of patch parameters with a Program Change

Two elements are also changed in this release:

* Correction for the ‘reset’ issue noted here:
http://www.rhodeschroma.com/?id=2012&month=01#cpuplusfirmwarehiccup

* Update the MIDI Continuous Controller “Prog” Mode to allow automatic LCD decoding of patches from BCR2000, Enabler, iPad, etc.

Details and other notes are below:

CLICK FOR MORE »

The Rhodes Chroma CPU Plus (CC+)

What you are looking at is a CPU replacement board for the Rhodes Chroma created by Sandro Sfregola and David Clarke. Title link takes you to more info and shots on The Rhodes Chroma site. More vintage synths could use a group like this; I am continually blown away by them. I wouldn't be surprised if a poly-aftertouch kit came next.

Rhodes Chroma SN 21030391

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

via the seller: "This is the second Rhodes Chroma restored for me by Chroma guru Randel Osborne. The first one was sold in July.
Refer to Randel's extensive synth restoration work at : otb.redshift-consulting.com/Welcome.html
and his amazing Enabler controller for the Chroma: enabler.redshift-consulting.com

This Chroma is in excellent physical condition for its age and 100% functional.
Randel's restoration included:
- installation of the modern switching power supply by Luca Sasdelli
- installation of the CPU Plus (CC+) control board (midi upgrade)
- recapping of the voice cards and calibration
- complete synth dissembly, cleaning and testing

Additional included items:
- midi breakout cable
- Chromatrol overlay for the Behringer BCR2000 (see the rhodeschroma.com website for details)
- brand new custom case by Calzone (Anvil) worth $600

The Chroma will be shipped fully insured in the included case."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Fully Serviced Rhodes Chroma with CC+ MIDI

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
via this auction

"Offered for sale is this Rhodes Chroma in excellent cosmetic condition and as near perfect working order as could be hoped for. It has had an extensive service and been thoroughly-upgraded for trouble-free use (*remember it is a Chroma!) with no expense spared. The work was carried out by James Walker at Synth Repair Services who even exceeded his usual high standards - we requested that everything possible that could be done should be done.

It has had the CC+ CPU upgrade board installed, which adds additional functionality (including Midi) and stability, and a new SPSU power supply kit by Luca Sfregola. Many original ageing parts have been replaced and the synth has been calibrated and PAT-tested for electrical safety. The results are better than we'd hoped for and the synth autotunes without error practically all the time (we cannot guarantee that it won't fail now and again, it is a Chroma).

It comes loaded with four banks of 50 sounds courtesy of the CC+ kit and sounds fantastic; the wooden keys are a delight to play and overall the synth looks beautiful. This Chroma has had a quiet life and is consequently in very good cosmetic order, with no major flaws to the finish. The wooden end cheeks have some scuffs, dings and staining - as you'd expect from a vintage synth - but there was nothing overly detrimental to its appearance. Some people like a modern re-finish, but we prefer where possible to leave the original and appropriate vintage patina on vintage equipment. There has been no touching up of the paint/metalwork anywhere - a few minor nicks and chips are present. A couple of keys have some very light pitting and the control panel finish is starting to lift around the screws at the very edges. Old Chroma flightcases are notorious for the foam distintegrating and this one was no exception - it has been professionally refoamed to a high standard by 3D cases. Included in the sale is the original dual pedal set, the bound manuals, various program cassettes, and of course the Midi breakout box.

There are no known faults with this synth."

ARP Rhodes Chroma with Full Panel Enabler Knob Control + Keybed Retrofit Kit

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

That is one impressive image. Note the Chroma Expander on top of the first Chroma on the left.

"Very Rare, Ultra well maintained Rhodes Chroma + Enabler

Check this out when listing.` NB: Photo taken from site of original builder - RedShift Consulting - (original photos to replace this soon to come!)

It's like having 8 ARP 2600's in a box with pressure and velocity sensing and one knob for every function... [maybe not quite - you can read about the Chroma on the excellent rhodeschroma.com]

1. New CPU
2. Extensive Servicing
3. Full Enabler (Full Scale ARP like design one-knob per control, Panel)
4. Sound libraries, tips and notes
5. Original documents and accesories (pedals"

Rhodes Chroma w. MIDI, all upgrades, display, more

via this auction

"All of us synth doods know about the Chroma. Amazingly versatile architecture, the closest thing you can get to the ARP 2500 modular sound, beautiful weighted keyboard, and a nice flat top to stack other gear on as well.

Over the years, the Chroma has got some negative press due to some original design choices. Luckily, the Chroma is without a doubt the most supported vintage synth on the planet. Chris Ryan's www.rhodeschroma.com site has provided owners and potential owners help and support for many years. In addition, dedicated users and techs have come up with some essential upgrades over the years to make the Chroma even better.

This Chroma has all the updates plus more.

MIDI CC+ CPU board - replaces original CPU board (and leak-prone AA batteries) and adds full MIDI support.

SPSU - smaller, lighter, more stable universal power supply

CPS - polyphonic pressure sensor kit

In addition, using the interface provided by the CC+ board and latest OS, I added an LCD display to show you what you're editing!

Face it, one of the knocks against the Chroma is that the complexity of the synth engine is somewhat hidden by the very basic 2 segment LED displays and touch panel buttons. Programming it required you to keep the manual or at least the large parameter chart handy. No more!

Take a look at the display in the picture - you can see you are editing parameter 37 (LP/HP filter), the current value (LP), and all the modulations being applied to the parameter. Excellent!

So, at this point, you have a polyphonic pressure generating analog polysynth with an easy to use interface, stable power, and amazing MIDI capabilities. Where else can you find this? Maybe a Yamaha CS-80 with a MIDI retrofit. Good luck with that one though. More expensive, much heavier, and prone to breakdowns.

In addition, this Chroma has the dual footpedal, complete set of docs (I found the Performance manual after taking the pix), and 2 voice cards. At least one of the cards works (but doesn't pass auto-tune) and both cards are fully populated so you have backups of the CEMs and other stuff. There's a great tech in Canada (JL at Cantos) that fixes up cards for a reasonable price, so if you wanted working spares, you could send them off to him.

You won't find a Chroma with all these upgrades and extras anywhere else, so if you've been on the fence, now is the time to act."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Synthchaser #117 - Rhodes Chroma Repair & Restoration Part 2 - Power Supply & Recapping

Published on Apr 9, 2019 Synth Chaser

http://www.synthchaser.com

"In the last Rhodes Chroma video we figured out why this synthesizer wouldn't work. In this video, we make the repair to the power supply as well as recap the synth and clean up some corrosion on the CPU board."

Synthchaser Rhodes Chroma Repair

Rhodes Chroma CPU Plus (CC+) Firmware Update Revision 213

Available on the excellent Rhodes Chroma site. The update features "support for transmission of Polyphonic Key Pressure via MIDI (if a pressure sensor is installed)"

Rhodes Chroma - Fully Restored, with CC+ and New Power Supply

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

This Rhodes Chroma is in excellent condition and performs exactly as it should. It has been fully restored and upgraded by Chroma guru Randel Osborne. Randel has restored many Chromas and also builds the Enabler controller. It’s hard to imagine a better example of this rare instrument: beautiful, modernized and 100% Randel certified.

Restoration included:
- complete synth cleaning, calibration and testing
- voice board servicing
- refinishing of the woodwork
- installation of the modern switching power supply by Luca Sasdelli
- installation of the CPU Plus (CC+) control board (MIDI upgrade with breakout cable)

The keybed is in superb shape, with a comfortable feel between piano and synth action."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Rhodes Chroma New Parameter Chart Update

via Chris Ryan on the Rhodes Chroma list:

"It's taken me ages to get back to this, but I've posted a new version of the redrawn parameter chart. I've made some revisions based on feedback from last March (see New Parameter Chart): most significantly, I've reversed the order of the parameter lists to correspond with the original chart. Exceptions are PATCH [1] and the modulation routings. I've also added a small legend for the colour coding: orange for stock Chroma, grey for parameters and functions for which an upgrade is required (pressure sensor, CPU Plus, Syntech MIDI). And there are a couple of other minor fixes.

Please let me know what you think, and if you have any more feedback. Also, when finalized, do you think the original version should live alongside this one, or should this "version 2" chart replace it?"

Rhodes Chroma Expander #16

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"The Expander is a Rhodes Chroma in module format. Less than 200 Expanders were made.
This is #16.

It has been fully serviced and upgraded by Randel Osborne who has restored many Chromas and also builds the Enabler controller (video below). [posted here - V2.0 demo here]

- installation of the switching power supply (by Luca Sasdelli)
- installation of the CPU Plus (CC+) control board (MIDI upgrade with breakout cable)
- complete synth testing, adjustment, cleaning

Extreme rarity, top-level restoration and essential upgrades make this Expander a very special instrument and high-value investment. It’s the rarest version of ARP’s most powerful synth, in perfect working condition. Amazing by itself or paired with another Chroma."

CLICK FOR MORE »