PROMARS by Roland monophonic synth plugin interface

PROMARS: Circuit-Modeled Monophonic Synth Plugin by Roland

Rated 4.5/5 on Plugin Boutique (6 ratings)

PROMARS is a monophonic synth plugin from Roland that recreates the 1979 PROMARS synthesizer using part-by-part circuit modeling. It runs as VST2, AU and AAX on Windows and macOS.

VST2AUAAXWindowsmacOS64-bit

AVAILABLE ATPlugin Boutique

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01Overview

PROMARS is a software version of a 1979 Roland monophonic synthesizer that was designed as a smaller companion to the JUPITER-4. Roland recreates the original using part-by-part analysis of its analog circuits. The plugin keeps the original's signal path while adding extended oscillator range, a Random LFO waveform, a tempo-synced arpeggiator and modern reverb, bit-crusher and delay effects. It works in VST2, AU and AAX hosts on Windows and macOS.

Best for

Fat synth basses
Growling lead tones
Vintage unison pads
Live hardware performance
Tempo-synced arpeggios

Developer: Roland
Category: Synths
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Recreates the 1979 PROMARS monophonic synthesizer
Part-by-part circuit modeling for vintage accuracy
Dual VCOs and sub-oscillators per voice for unison tones
Extended oscillator range per oscillator
LFO with a new Random waveform setting
Full user control of noise and pulse width
Tempo-synced arpeggiator
Built-in reverb, bit-crusher and tempo-syncing delay
PLUG-OUT compatibility with SYSTEM-8, SYSTEM-1 and SYSTEM-1m

03In depth

Vintage Sound and Oscillator Design

The original PROMARS gave each voice two VCOs and two sub-oscillators, where the JUPITER-4 had one of each. Detuning these oscillators produces a unison chorus effect, which the developer describes as sounding like a four-VCO synth.

The plugin models the analog circuitry of the original, so the bass and lead tones aim to match its character. Roland describes the sound as thick and buzzy, with a strong low end suited to growling basses and searing leads.

The oscillator range is wider than on the original, and the LFO adds a Random waveform. Full control of noise and pulse width is also available.

Arpeggiator, Effects and PLUG-OUT Hardware Use

The arpeggiator can sync to tempo, and the built-in reverb, bit-crusher and delay can sync to tempo as well. These effects let you shape modern textures on top of the vintage voice.

PROMARS also runs as a PLUG-OUT instrument on Roland's SYSTEM-8, SYSTEM-1 and SYSTEM-1m hardware. You can move sounds between software and hardware, and use the hardware as a hands-on controller for the plugin. This setup also allows live performance without a computer, using the same sounds as your DAW session.

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 PROMARS?

PROMARS is a Roland software synthesizer that recreates the 1979 PROMARS monophonic synth. It uses circuit modeling to reproduce the original's analog sound and adds some new features.

Which formats and operating systems does PROMARS support?

PROMARS is available in VST2, AU and AAX formats. It runs on Windows 10 (64-bit) or Windows 11, and on macOS 11 (Big Sur) or later.

What do I need to use PROMARS?

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

Can I use PROMARS with Roland hardware?

Yes. PROMARS is a PLUG-OUT instrument that works with SYSTEM-8, SYSTEM-1 and SYSTEM-1m, so you can transfer sounds between the plugin and the hardware.