CR‑78 Software Rhythm Composer by Roland drum machine plugin interface

CR‑78 Software Rhythm Composer: Roland's Classic Drum Machine as a Plugin

Rated 4.7/5 on Plugin Boutique (47 ratings)

CR‑78 Software Rhythm Composer is a software drum machine plugin from Roland that recreates the 1978 CR‑78 rhythm machine. It is available as VST2, AU and AAX for Windows and macOS.

VST2AUAAXWindowsmacOS

AVAILABLE ATPlugin Boutique

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01Overview

Roland's CR‑78 Software Rhythm Composer models the original programmable drum machine in plugin form. Its ACB modeling aims to reproduce the component-level sound and response of the hardware, while per-instrument controls for tuning, level, decay and pan allow more precise voicing. A step sequencer adds variable sub-steps, accents, shuffle and last-step settings. The plugin includes curated kits and patterns covering classic and contemporary styles.

Best for

Retro drum programming
Synth-pop beats
Electronic grooves
Lo-fi and vintage textures
Pattern sequencing

Developer: Roland
Category: Drum Machines
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Component-level modeling of the original CR-78 sound and response
Per-instrument tuning, level, decay, pan and more
Variable sub-steps, accents, shuffle and last-step sequencing
Resizable high-DPI interface with woodgrain or black trim skins
Curated preset kits and patterns in classic and contemporary styles
A/B pattern variations with mutes, solos and grid editing
Tempo sync and parameter automation in the host DAW
Drag-and-drop MIDI or rendered audio onto the timeline

03In depth

Authentic CR‑78 sound with expanded tone editing

The plugin uses ACB, which Roland describes as component-level modeling of the original CR-78 sound and response. Roland says the modeling captures the nuances of the analog circuitry, including how tones bloom and how accents respond.

Beyond the hardware's original limits, the plugin adds deeper tone editing. Each instrument has its own tuning, level, decay and pan controls, and parameters such as Attack for the kick and Snappy for the snare let you adjust transients and character.

The original sounds include warm bass drums, crisp snares, cymbals and percussion such as congas, bongos and guiro.

Sequencing, workflow and DAW integration

The step sequencer supports variable sub-steps, accents, shuffle and last-step control for each instrument lane. Step modes add sub-steps (×2, ×3, ×4), adjustable flams and alternate or weak hits. A/B pattern variations, mutes, solos and grid editing are included.

The plugin supports AU, VST3 and AAX, with tempo sync and parameter automation. Kits and patterns save with projects for recall, and patterns can be dragged onto the timeline as MIDI or rendered audio.

The interface is resizable and high-DPI, with woodgrain or black trim skins.

04Specs

Will it run?

Formats, systems and requirements as listed by Plugin Boutique. Missing details are left out, not guessed.

Developer	Roland
Type	Plugin
Category	Drum Machine
Formats	VST2, AU, AAX
Operating systems	Windows, macOS

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What formats and operating systems does CR‑78 Software Rhythm Composer support?

It is available in VST2, AU and AAX formats. It runs on Windows and macOS.

What do I need to run the CR‑78 Software Rhythm Composer?

Windows 11 or macOS 13 or later is required. An internet connection is needed to install and activate Roland Cloud software, and a compatible DAW or plugin host that supports VST, AU or AAX is required.