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SYSTEM-8: PLUG-OUT Synthesizer

Sound. Control.

Features

Powerful and deep, the SYSTEM-8 delivers a vast palette of sounds inspired by over four decades of legendary Roland synths. Its next-gen Analog Circuit Behavior (ACB) engine powers an eight-voice, three-oscillator monster with stunning filters and effects, highly versatile LFOs, and a massive array of high-resolution knobs and sliders to control it all. Support for three PLUG-OUT synths means the SYSTEM-8 can host spot-on recreations of numerous Roland classics, and JUPITER-8 and JUNO-106 PLUG-OUTS are even included with purchase (*). Split and layer synths for unheard of sounds, and tap into the integrated vocoder, arpeggiator, CV/Gate outs, and advanced polyphonic step sequencer to fuel endless creative explorations.

* JUNO-106 is scheduled for release in 2017.
* Support for SYSTEM-8 on previously released plug-out synths to be available soon.

  • Versatile performance synthesizer with advanced ACB technology and 49 full-size keys
  • Internal sound engine delivers classic analog tones and dynamic modern sounds with analog vibe
  • Hosts up to three PLUG-OUT synths; JUPITER-8 and JUNO-106 PLUG-OUTs included (*)
  • Advanced low-pass, high-pass, and side-band filters with high-resolution controls
  • Massive real-time control with dedicated knobs, sliders, and buttons
  • Polyphonic step sequencer with classic TR-REC style interface
  • Arpeggio, vocoder, and polyphonic Chord Memory functions
  • CV/Gate outputs for interfacing with modular synths and vintage gear
  • Large selection of onboard effects with hands-on controls
  • USB audio/MIDI interface and control surface mode

Sound. Control.

More Info

Advanced Sound Engine

Roland’s universally acclaimed Analog Circuit Behavior approach accurately recreates historic analog sounds with forward-thinking technology. The SYSTEM-8 is equipped with the most advanced ACB engine yet, which offers eight voices of polyphony, three oscillators (including a sub oscillator option), and silky-smooth filters with ultra-detailed resolution. It’s easy to dial up warm pads, fat basses, expressive lead tones, and more, all inspired by the rich sonic character of the legendary SYSTEM series. Reaching beyond the retro vibe, the versatile SYSTEM-8 is also capable of producing crisp, dynamic tones and evocative textures that are ideal for modern sound designers.

PLUG-OUT Expansion

In addition to its impressive internal sound engine, the SYSTEM-8 features three expansion slots for hosting and controlling Roland’s PLUG-OUT software synths. JUPITER-8 and JUNO-106 PLUG-OUTs are included, giving you immediate access to authentic sonic reproductions of these Roland classics (*1). Optional PLUG-OUTs such as the SH-2, SH-101, PROMARS, and others are supported as well (*2). Using the SYSTEM-8’s Performance mode, you’re able to combine the internal synth engine and hosted PLUG-OUTs to create super-synth patches with layered voices, custom splits, and more.

*1 JUNO-106 is scheduled for release in 2017.
*2 Support for SYSTEM-8 on previously released plug-out synths to be available soon.

Maximum Sonic Control

With its comprehensive interface, the SYSTEM-8 offers countless ways to shape sounds and discover new ones. The panel is packed with direct-access controls for dynamic sound creation and live performance expression. Many hi-res filter types are available courtesy of the advanced ACB engine, including a powerful side-band filter inherited from Roland’s influential V-Synth. Tons of top-notch effects are on hand for adding character and ambience, from overdrive, distortion, and fuzz to delay, chorus, reverb, and more. And just like the numerous synth parameters, the effects have grab-and-go controls that make it simple to enhance sounds as you play.

Creative Toolbox

Designed to inspire, the SYSTEM-8 is filled with intuitive performance tools to spark your creativity. The 64-step sequencer features a familiar TR-REC style interface and dedicated controls to record, play, and manipulate loop sequences in real time. While building your sequences, you can capture single notes or full chords, as well as all your knob and slider moves. The Arpeggio function is equipped with quick-access knobs for switching patterns and styles as you play, while Chord Memory allows you to trigger polyphonic note stacks with a single key. The SYSTEM-8 even has an advanced vocoder built in, offering another expressive option for delivering unique and memorable synth performances.

USB and CV/Gate

While the SYSTEM-8 excels as a performance instrument, it easily integrates with your production software and external gear. The synth functions as a USB audio/MIDI interface for your DAW, and the 49 full-size keys provide a responsive, great-feeling keyboard for recording MIDI tracks. There’s even a control surface mode for using the SYSTEM-8’s knobs, sliders, and buttons with your soft synths. And with the built-in CV/Gate outputs, you can send note/pitch data from the synth engine and step sequencer to trigger your modular synths and retro gear.

Sound. Control.

Specs

Keyboard
Keyboard
49 keys (with velocity)
Sound Generator Section
Models
SYSTEM-8, PLUG-OUT1, PLUG-OUT2, PLUG-OUT3
Maximum Polyphony
8 voices (MODEL: SYSTEM-8)
(MODEL: PLUG-OUT1, 2 and 3 are depend on PLUG-OUT software)
User Memory
Patch: 64 (8 memories x 8 banks, per one model)
Performance: 64 (8 memories x 8 banks)
Structure Elements
MODEL: SYSTEM-8 is as follows
(MODEL: PLUG-OUT 1, 2 and 3 are depend on PLUG-OUT software)
LFO Section
Variation: 1 (Single LFO), 2 (Dual LFO), 3 (Resonanced Pulse LFO)
Waveform:
VARIATION 1: SINE, TRIANGLE, SAW, SQUARE, Sample&Hold, Random
VARIATION 2: 6 types
VARIATION 3: 6 types
Knobs: FADE TIME, RATE, PITCH, FILTER, AMP
Controllers: KEY TRIGGER, TRIGGER ENVELOPE
Oscillator 1 Section
Variation: 1, 2
Waveform:
VARIATION 1: SAW, SQUARE, TRIANGLE, SAW2, SQUARE2, TRIANGLE2
VARIATION 2: 6 types
Knobs: COLOR, MODULATION Source (MANUAL, LFO, P.ENV, F.ENV, A.ENV, OSC 3), OCTAVE (64, 32, 16, 8, 4, 2), COARSE TUNE, FINE TUNE
Modulation: CROSS Modulator
Oscillator 2 Section
Variation: 1, 2
Waveform:
VARIATION 1: SAW, SQUARE, TRIANGLE, SAW2, SQUARE2, TRIANGLE2
VARIATION 2: 6 types
Knobs: COLOR, MODULATION Source (MANUAL, LFO, P.ENV, F.ENV, A.ENV, OSC 3), OCTAVE (64, 32, 16, 8, 4, 2), COARSE TUNE, FINE TUNE
Modulation: RING Modulator, Oscillator SYNC
Oscillator 3/Sub Oscillator Section
Variation: 1, 2
Waveform: SINE (-2 octave), SINE (-1 octave), SINE, TRIANGLE、TRIANGLE (-1 octave)、TRIANGLE (-2 octave)
Knobs: COLOR, TUNE
Mixer Section
Level: OSC 1, OSC 2, OSC 3/SUB OSC, NOISE
Noise: WHITE Noise/PINK Noise
Pitch Section
Knob: ENVELOPE Depth
Envelope: ATTACK Time, DECAY Time
Filter Section
Variation: 1, 2
Filter Type:
VARIATION 1: LPF (-24 dB), LPF (-18 dB), LPF (-12 dB), HPF (-12 dB), HPF (-18 dB), HPF (-24 dB)
VARIATION 2: 6 types
Knobs: CUTOFF, RESONANCE, VELOCITY SENS, ENVELOPE Depth, KEY Follow, HPF CUTOFF
Envelope: ATTACK Time, DECAY Time, SUSTAIN LEVEL, RELEASE Time
Amplifier Section
Knobs: VELOCITY SENS, TONE, LEVEL
Envelope: ATTACK Time, DECAY Time, SUSTAIN LEVEL, RELEASE Time
Effect Section
Type: OVER DRIVE, DISTORTION, METAL, FUZZ, CRUSHER, PHASER
Knobs: TONE, DEPTH
Delay/Chorus Section
Type: DELAY, PANNING DELAY, CHORUS 1, CHORUS 2, FLANGER, DELAY + CHORUS
Knobs: TIME, LEVEL
Reverb Section
Type: AMBIENCE, ROOM, HALL 1, HALL 2, PLATE, MODULATION
Knobs: TIME, LEVEL
Other Section
Knobs: PORTAMENTO, TEMPO
Controller: LEGATO, TEMPO SYNC
Key Mode: MONO/UNISON/POLY
Step Sequencer
Track
1 per Patch (step pattern is saved as a patch)
Step
1 - 64 steps
Recording Method
Step recording, Realtime recording
Controllers
SCALE, PLAY MODE, GATE, SHUFFLE, FIRST STEP, LAST STEP
Other
 
VOLUME, INPUT volume, ARPEGGIO, CHORD MEMORY, VOCODER, KEYHOLD, VELOCITY OFF, TRANSPOSE, OCTAVE
Controllers
 
Pitch bend and modulation lever, BEND SENS PITCH, BEND SENS FILTER, MOD SENS PITCH, MOD SENS FILTER
Display
 
16 characters 2 line LCD
External Storage
 
SD Card (SDHC supported) for backup/restore function
Connectors
 
PHONES jack: Stereo 1/4-inch phone type
OUTPUT (L/MONO, R) jacks: 1/4-inch TRS phone type
INPUT (L/MONO, R) jacks: 1/4-inch phone type
CV/GATE OUTPUT jacks: Miniature phone type
(CV: This jack supports OCT/V (Hz/V is not supported). GATE: This jack outputs +10 V.)
TRIGGER IN jack: Miniature phone type
PEDAL (HOLD, CONTROL) jacks: 1/4-inch phone type
MIDI (IN, OUT) connectors
USB port: USB type B (Audio/MIDI)
DC IN jack
Power Supply
 
AC Adaptor
Current draw
 
2 A
Accessories
 
Owner's manual
AC adaptor
Power cord
Options (sold separately)
 
Keyboard Stand (*1): KS-18Z
Pedal switch: DP Series
Expression pedal: EV-5
*1 When using the KS-18Z ensure that the height of the unit is one meter or lower.
Size and Weight
Width
881 mm
34-11/16 inches
Depth
364 mm
14-3/8 inches
Height
109 mm
4-5/16 inches
Weight
5.9 kg
13 lbs 1 oz

Accessories

KS-18Z

Keyboard Stand

KS-18Z

The KS-18Z keyboard stand is attractive, easy to transport, and sturdy enough to hold even the heaviest 88-key keyboard securely.

Click for Details

DP-10

Damper Pedal

DP-10

This well-built, real-feel pedal comes with a non-slip rubber plate — essential when performing on hardwood or slip-prone surfaces — and an extended cable (2.2m) for stacked multi-keyboard setups.

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DP-2

Damper Pedal

DP-2

Momentary footswitch for use with keyboards and recording products.

Click for Details

EV-5

Expression Pedal

EV-5

Durable expression pedal for use with keyboards or other Expression-compatible instruments to control a range of functions and effects parameters.

Click for Details

Support

If you have questions about operating your Roland, BOSS or Cakewalk product, please check our Knowledge Base for answers to the most common questions.

You can also contact our Product Support department by phone or email.

In addition, we have a library of Support Documents that you can download and reference. If Support Documents are available for this product, they will be listed below.

Support Documents

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Phone

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