SYSTEM-8 by Roland virtual synthesizer plugin interface

SYSTEM-8: Virtual Synthesizer Plugin by Roland

Rated 4.8/5 on Plugin Boutique (10 ratings)

SYSTEM-8 is a software synthesizer plugin from Roland that recreates the sound of the SYSTEM-8 hardware synth. It runs in VST2, AU and AAX formats on Windows and macOS, and works with Roland hardware via PLUG-OUT.

VST2AUAAXWindowsmacOS64-bit

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01Overview

Roland describes SYSTEM-8 as a cross-platform software version of its hardware synthesizer. The plugin brings the hardware's oscillators, filters and effects into a DAW, and the developer says it is identical in sound to the hardware. It draws on Roland's circuit-modeling work, including the 1979 PROMARS monophonic synth, and adds modern digital and analog-style oscillators, a tempo-synced arpeggiator and built-in reverb, bit-crusher and delay.

Best for

Vintage analog bass
Fat unison leads
Synth pads and textures
Tempo-synced arpeggios
Live performance with hardware
Patch transfer to hardware

Developer: Roland
Category: Synths
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Authentic recreation of the 1979 PROMARS monophonic synthesizer
Part-by-part circuit modeling for vintage accuracy
Dual VCOs and sub-oscillators per voice for fat unison tones
Extended oscillator range and LFO with Random waveform
Advanced tempo-synced arpeggiator
Built-in reverb, bit-crusher and delay effects
PLUG-OUT compatibility with SYSTEM-8, SYSTEM-1 and SYSTEM-1m
Available as VST2, AU and AAX plugin for Windows and macOS

03In depth

Vintage Roland Sound and Modern Oscillator Options

Roland says the plugin uses part-by-part circuit modeling of classic Roland oscillators, filters and effects. Each part recreates the PROMARS monophonic synthesizer, which the developer presents as an authentic recreation of the 1979 design.

The synth also includes dual VCOs and sub-oscillators per voice, which the developer links to fat unison tones. On the modern side, the oscillator section offers digital and analog-style waveforms, including SuperSaw and FM shapes. Filter options include the JUPITER and JUNO filter designs alongside a newer VCF and formant, harmonic and side-band filters.

Hardware Integration with PLUG-OUT

SYSTEM-8 supports PLUG-OUT compatibility with the SYSTEM-8, SYSTEM-1 and SYSTEM-1m hardware. Sounds can be transferred between the software and hardware in both directions, so a patch built on a computer can be played on stage without a computer.

The hardware can also act as a tactile controller for the software version, giving you physical knobs and a velocity-sensitive keyboard for sound design in the DAW.

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 formats does SYSTEM-8 come in?

SYSTEM-8 is available as a VST2, AU and AAX plugin. It runs on Windows and macOS.

What are the system requirements for SYSTEM-8?

On Windows, it requires Windows 10 (64-bit) or Windows 11. On macOS, it requires macOS 11 (Big Sur) or later. An internet connection is needed to install and activate Roland Cloud software, and you need a compatible DAW or plugin host.

Can I move sounds between SYSTEM-8 software and hardware?

Yes. PLUG-OUT compatibility with the SYSTEM-8, SYSTEM-1 and SYSTEM-1m lets you transfer sounds between the software and hardware.

What do I need to use SYSTEM-8?

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