Octave Cat $69

Emulating a key ’70s synth scene disruptor, Cherry Audio’s new creation adopts feline tendencies. Dave Gale takes a prowl…

Octave Electronics would perhaps not be the first company that might trip off the tongue when considering the early synth classics of the ’70s. Borne out of a desire to offer synthesisers to the masses, at a price point that individuals could afford, the Cat was its flagship monophonic machine.

In many respects, Cherry Audio is continuing this tradition, offering a considerable lineup of classics, both recognisable and lesser known, in a desirable format that won’t break the bank. We’ve been blown away by their recent offerings, but what does this particular Cat bring to the basket?

The original Cat was a duophonic machine; equipped with two oscillators, its mono operation could be split, assigning each VCO to a voice, while continuing to adopt single envelope and amplifier operation. This shares duophonic kinship with the ARP Odyssey, which provided similar functionality. Being as it is a software clone, Cherry Audio have extended this operation, while maintaining the behavioural elements that would have been provided by the limitations of duophony.