JD-800 by Roland software synth plugin interface

JD-800: Roland Software Synth Modeled on the Classic Digital Synthesizer

Rated 4.7/5 on Plugin Boutique (93 ratings)

JD-800 is a software synthesizer from Roland that recreates the 1991 JD-800 hardware using modeling and original waveform data. It is available as a VST3, AU and AAX plugin for Windows and macOS.

VST2AUAAXWindowsmacOS64-bit

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01Overview

The JD-800 software synth brings back Roland's 1991 digital synthesizer, a hands-on instrument with a large control panel and a complex, bright sound. The plugin uses the original waveform data together with advanced modeling so that it aims to sound and behave like the hardware. It includes 64 presets from the original JD-800 and 64 new presets built by sound designers, giving you a starting point for both classic and modern sounds.

Best for

Classic 90s digital synth sounds
Film and TV score pads
Electronic music basslines
Layered synth textures
Sound design with multi-effects

Developer: Roland
Category: Synths
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Modeled on the 1991 JD-800 using original waveform data
64 original JD-800 presets plus 64 new presets
Two-stage multi-effects section with drag and drop reordering
Seven effects including chorus, phaser, enhancer and reverb
Resizable interface with alternate views
Expanded polyphony compared with the hardware
VST3, AAX and AU formats with Apple silicon support

03In depth

Authentic JD-800 Sound and Multi-Effects

Roland describes the JD-800 software as built to sound and behave like the original hardware, using the original waveform data rather than a set of samples. The instrument uses D-50-style waveforms with multimode resonant filters, and each of its four layers works like a complete synthesizer with flexible modulation routing and time-variant amp and filter envelopes.

The two-stage multi-effects section is recreated with an expanded view for realtime tweaking. It offers seven effects: distortion/overdrive, enhancer, spectrum equalizer, phaser, chorus, triple-tap delay and a selection of reverbs. The effects can be reordered by drag and drop to change the signal flow.

Interface, Polyphony and Plugin Workflow

The interface is resizable for high-resolution screens and includes alternate views. The plugin offers expanded polyphony compared with the original hardware, and Roland says it runs multiple instances with lots of polyphony without excessive CPU use.

The plugin is available in VST3, AAX and AU formats, with native support for Apple silicon on modern Macs. It runs on Windows 10 or 11 and on macOS 11 or later. An internet connection is required to install and activate the Roland Cloud software.

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	Synth
Formats	VST2, AU, AAX
Operating systems	Windows, macOS
Architecture	64-bit

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What is the JD-800 software synth?

The JD-800 is a software synthesizer from Roland that emulates the 1991 JD-800 hardware. It uses modeling and the original waveform data to recreate its sound and behavior.

What formats and operating systems does JD-800 support?

JD-800 is available in VST3, AU and AAX formats. It runs on Windows 10 (64-bit) or Windows 11, and on macOS 11 (Big Sur) or later, with support for Apple silicon.

What do I need to use JD-800?

You need a compatible DAW or plugin host that supports VST, AU or AAX formats. An internet connection is required to install and activate the Roland Cloud software.