ZENOLOGY PRO is a plugin version of Roland's ZEN-Core Synthesis System, an expandable software synthesizer that mixes virtual analog, PCM and hybrid synthesis across up to four partials per tone, available in VST2, AU and AAX formats.
ZENOLOGY PRO brings the ZEN-Core engine from Roland's hardware synthesizers into a plugin for Windows and macOS. Each tone is built from discrete partials, and each partial contains an oscillator, filter, amplifier, dual LFOs and effects. The developer says the engine blends vintage Roland oscillators and filters with PCM waves that can sync and cross-modulate. The plugin ships with over 3500 patches and drum kits, and it can be expanded with Model Expansions that recreate classic Roland synths.
ZEN-Core builds each tone from up to four partials. Every partial offers 4 oscillators with 9 virtual analog waveforms, Supersaw, noise, PCM and PCM SYNC. The library includes 1840 PCM waveforms, and the set can be expanded to more than 7000.
Filters include 10 types, among them models based on iconic Roland designs such as JUPITER. Layering partials lets you combine analog-style and PCM-based timbres in one patch.
There are two LFOs per partial with 11 shapes, so a four-partial tone has eight LFOs running at once. Step LFOs are tempo-synced and offer 16 steps with 37 curve choices per step, which suits evolving textures and rhythmic motion.
The plugin includes 90 effects, among them vintage Roland processors such as the JUNO-106 chorus and the SDD-320 Dimension D. The drum section includes Roland rhythm machine sounds, acoustic and electronic kits, and hybrid kits, with six drum compressors for kit processing.
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 |
ZENOLOGY PRO 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.
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.
Yes. The developer says patches use a single ZEN-Core format that is compatible with mobile, desktop and ZEN-Core-compatible Roland hardware such as FANTOM and JUPITER-X.
The developer describes support for Model Expansions, Wave Expansions and Sound Packs available on Roland Cloud. These add new waveforms, tones and synth models to the plugin.
