Roland System-8

The Roland System 8 is a 49-key professional synthesizer featuring three oscillators. Delivering remarkable flexibility, the Roland System 8 AIRA builds on its reputation and design from previous iterations, giving you the ability to access a varied palette of tones with unparalleled character and exceptional audio quality. The System 8 AIRA features improved ACB technology, letting you have more control over your parameters and giving you the ability to craft virtually any sound you desire. Also included is a built-in vocoder, arpeggiator and polyphonic 'Chord Memory' functions.

Check out this video below for an overview of the Roland System-8!

• 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.

One of the most unique features of the Roland System 8 AIRA is the ‘PLUG-OUT’ technology which allows you gain access to plug-in versions of infamous Roland synths, which you can play directly from the System-8, completely eliminating the need for a computer. This gives you unprecedented access to a wide range of classic Roland synthesizers that have been emulated in plug-in form for use with the System-8. Host and control up top three Roland Plug-Out software synthesizers, with brand new JUPITER-8 and JUNO-106 PLUG-OUTs included with the System 8 AIRA.

The Roland System 8 AIRA features the latest generation of the renowned Analogue Circuit Behaviour (ACB) technology. The new SYSTEM-8 synthesizer features the most advanced ACB engine yet, powering the eight voices of polyphony, plus the three oscillators, hi-resolutions filters and the versatile LFOs. The ACB engine provides expressive and diverse sounds, allowing you to create a wide range of tones from classic analogue-style pads and basses to dynamic lead synths and other-worldly textures, ideal for the avid sound designer.

Designed for optimal controllability and sound design, the Roland System 8 includes a wide range of versatile controls that gives you the ability to craft, mould and edit sounds to your desire. Perfect for incorporating into live performances and music productions, the polyphonic 64-step sequencers features a TR-REC style interface with dedicated controls to play, record and manipulate loop sequences. An arpeggio function has also been included complete with quick-access knobs for quickly switching between patterns and styles in real time. The System-8 also features a built-in advanced vocoder, allowing you to use your voice and words to control the sound while playing notes for unique melodies.

Chord Memory functionality allows you to trigger polyphonic note stacks with a single key, giving you the ability to trigger chords with a single note. The System-8 also features three expansion slots which helps to host and control Roland’s PLUG-OUT software synths. There are a range of optimal PLUG-OUTs including the SH-2, SH101, PROMARS and more.

While the System-8 excels as a stand-alone performance instrument, it can also integrate easily within a music production environment, allowing you to utilise the System-8 with your favourite DAW. The synth features a built-in USB audio/MIDI interface for connecting to a digital audio workstation and the 49 full-size, velocity-sensitive keys provide a dynamic response, perfect for recording complex MIDI tracks. The System-8 also features a control surface made for the knobs, sliders and buttons allowing you to use the controls to use with virtual instrument plug-ins. CV/GATE outputs have also been included allowing you to send note/pitch data from the synth engine and step sequencer to external gear such as modular synths and vintage analogue gear.

The System-8 AIRA features a highly intuitive and ergonomic layout that’s presents you with all the prominent controls you need in the optimal position. This gives you a hands-on experience when it comes to sound creation and performance expression. There are a wide range of filter types included, thanks to the advanced ACB engine, including a side-band filter, taken from Roland’s influential V-Synth. There are also a range of top-quality effects included for adding character and ambiance, including everything from overdrive and distortion to chorus, reverb and more. The wide range of synth parameters and hands-on controls makes creating new sounds a breeze.

• 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 depend on PLUG-OUT software)
• User Memory:
  • Patch: 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 depend on PLUG-OUT software)
• LFO Section:
  • Variation: 1 (Single LFO), 2 (Dual LFO), 3 (Resonanced Pulse LFO)
  • Waveform: : SINE, TRIANGLE, SAW, SQUARE, Sample&Hold, Random, : 6 types, : 6 types
  • Knobs: FADE TIME, RATE, PITCH, FILTER, AMP
  • Controllers: KEY TRIGGER, TRIGGER ENVELOPE
• Oscillator 1 Section:
  • Variation: 1, 2
  • Waveform: : SAW, SQUARE, TRIANGLE, SAW2, SQUARE2, TRIANGLE2, : 6 types
  • Modulation: CROSS Modulator
• Oscillator 2 Section:
  • Variation: 1, 2
  • Waveform: : SAW, SQUARE, TRIANGLE, SAW2, SQUARE2, TRIANGLE2, : 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:
  • 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
• 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
• Power Supply: AC Adaptor
• Current Draw: 2 A
• Weight: 5.9kg
• Included Accessories: Owner’s Manual, AC Adaptor, Power Cord