Crumar Performer
Key Features
- Recreates the 1979 Performer as a fully polyphonic string-and-brass instrument with the original's focused, slider-led workflow.
- Combines 16' and 8' string registrations, three-band EQ, and envelope controls for bright ensemble shimmer or darker sustained pads.
- Provides a dedicated brass section with resonant filtering and contour controls for compact vintage brass layers alongside the strings.
- Lets you switch between modeled Rev.A and Rev.B behavior, including the alternative filter character and sustain-modification options.
- Adds adjustable chorus and reverb plus graphic EQ, phaser, chorus/flanger, and analog-delay pedal simulations for self-contained vintage processing.
- Includes MIDI Learn and program/bank import and export for adapting the hardware-inspired panel to a Linux DAW setup.
Description
Crumar Performer is Crumar's software recreation of its 1979 string-and-brass keyboard, built around the original instrument's separate brass and strings sections, hands-on sliders, and fully polyphonic divide-down character. The official Linux edition makes that focused vintage ensemble sound available as a Linux plug-in or standalone instrument rather than a generic modern polysynth.
The strings section uses 16' and 8' registrations with EQ and envelope-style controls, while the brass section adds a resonant filter and its own contour. Crumar also models the original Rev.A and Rev.B behavior, so the instrument is suited to shimmering string beds, muted brass layers, and the slightly constrained interactions that give early string machines their personality.
Beyond the main panel, Performer includes adjustable chorus and reverb plus an effects section with graphic EQ, phaser, chorus/flanger, and analog delay. MIDI Learn and program/bank import and export make the compact instrument more practical in a current Linux DAW workflow without changing its vintage control logic.
This is specifically the permanently available Linux Free Edition; the same official page sells separate Windows and macOS licenses, so those paid builds are not represented as part of this listing. Crumar's live product page visibly offers the Linux Free Edition download, and its support listing identifies that edition as a 29.44 MB download.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Crumar Performer emulate?
It recreates Crumar's 1979 Performer, a compact keyboard with separate strings and brass sections. The software preserves the instrument's divide-down, fully polyphonic approach and hardware-style panel while adding modern plug-in conveniences.
Is the Crumar Performer listing available on every operating system?
No. This listing is for Crumar's official Linux Free Edition only. The same official product page offers separately licensed Windows and macOS versions, so those systems are not included in this no-cost route.
What kinds of sounds can Performer make?
Its core palette is vintage string ensemble and brass, with independent controls for each section. The onboard chorus, reverb, EQ, phaser, chorus/flanger, and analog delay broaden that into pads, retro accompaniment, and more processed electronic textures.
What is the difference between the Rev.A and Rev.B options?
Crumar models both original Performer revisions and exposes a choice between their filter behavior. The product page also documents a sustain-modification option, giving users access to differences found across the original hardware variants.
