SYSTEM-8PLUG-OUT Synthesizer

SYSTEM-8

The New Classic

The SYSTEM-8 is a direct result of over four decades of synthesizer development at Roland, including some of the most iconic instruments ever made. It absolutely nails the sound and behavior of our most sought-after classics, like the included JUPITER-8, JUNO-106 and JX-3P synthesizers—and yet it does so much more. Mix and match modern and vintage oscillators and filter types with multiple dedicated effects—then split and layer them into never-before-heard new sounds. Shape every detail with the huge array of high-resolution controls and create fully realized musical ideas with the onboard polyphonic sequencer with motion recording.

SYSTEM-8 Beyond Vintage

Beyond Vintage

The SYSTEM-8’s synth architecture draws on our deep history of research and development—and it includes authentic models of classic oscillators, filters and effects. It even has down-to-the-circuit recreations of the JUPITER-8, JUNO-106 and JX-3P built-in, not to mention the world of legendary synths available on Roland Cloud. But the SYSTEM-8 goes way beyond vintage. It has multiple flavors of digital and analog-style oscillators including Saw, Square, Triangle, SuperSaw, FM and more completely unique waveforms. Filter options include the famous JUPITER and JUNO filters as well as more recent designs like the unique Side Band Filter. Ever wondered what a knobby, FM synth with a JUPITER-8 filter would be like? Now you can find out. Able to split, layer and combine different synth engines, the SYSTEM-8 is unparalleled in its versatility, going from glass to growl, or pluck to punch, with just a few tweaks of its high-resolution controls.

SYSTEM-8 PLUG-OUT Expansion
JUPITER-8 JUNO-106 JX-3P
JUPITER-8 JUNO-106 JX-3P

PLUG-OUT Expansion

In addition to the SYSTEM-8’s native engine, there are three expansion slots for hosting and controlling PLUG-OUT synths. These are complete, 100% authentic models that you can swap in and out of your SYSTEM-8 whenever you like. The JUPITER-8, JUNO-106, and JX-3P PLUG-OUTs are included, giving you immediate access to living, breathing recreations of these Roland classics. More PLUG-OUTs are available on Roland Cloud including the SH-2, SH-101, PROMARS, and SYSTEM-100, not to mention many other instruments which you can control from the SYSTEM-8’s panel. In Performance mode, you can combine the native synth engine and any hosted PLUG-OUTs to create super-synth patches with layered voices, custom splits, and more.

SYSTEM-8 High-Resolution Control

High-Resolution Control

With one of the most expansive control layouts available, the SYSTEM-8 has dozens of knobs, sliders, and buttons for you to shape your sound. Dimmable lights give you feedback as to which controls are active and let you see what’s happening in dim studios and dark stages. Controls have a logical, flowing, layout with tonal tweaking in mind. You’ll get ultra-smooth parameter changes that sound great and help you find the sweet spots.

SYSTEM-8 Dream Sequencer

Dream Sequencer

The SYSTEM-8’s polyphonic sequencer is designed to be quick and flowing, keeping up with the rapid pace of your musical ideas. The upper and lower layers of the SYSTEM-8 each have their own dedicated sequencer which can trigger internal sounds or devices connected via USB, standard MIDI, or CV/GATE. You can record in step or real-time modes and the sequencer can even capture per-step or real-time parameter changes using motion recording. Keep things fresh and exciting with dedicated knobs for scale, gate, and shuffle as well as hands-on control of playback modes and direction.

SYSTEM-8 USB Audio and MIDI

USB Audio and MIDI

With extensive support for audio and MIDI over USB, the SYSTEM-8 integrates perfectly into your studio setup or live rig. It functions as a high-resolution audio interface making live performance and on-the-road production setups clean and simple. The 49-full size keys are responsive, and the huge array of lighted knobs and sliders mean you can control your favorite plugin instruments with an interface made for tweaking synthesizers, instead of rows of generic controls. Many Roland Cloud synths even have modes that mimic the SYSTEM-8’s layout so you get automatic and intuitive one-to-one control.

SYSTEM-8 CV/GATE

CV/GATE

In addition to its full complement of MIDI and USB connections, the SYSTEM-8 also has built-in CV/GATE outputs, meaning it works as well with analog and modular gear as it does with software plugins. In fact, it’s the ideal centerpiece to the wide world of Eurorack modules and hybrid setups. You can use the high-quality 49-key keyboard to play your modular synths or use the advanced sequencer to send note and pitch data to external gear in perfect sync.

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Keyboard
Keyboard
49 keys (with velocity)
Sound Generator Section
Models
SYSTEM-8, PLUG-OUT1, PLUG-OUT2, PLUG-OUT3
Maximum Polyphony
8 voices (MODEL: SYSTEM-8)
(MODEL: PLUG-OUT1, 2 and 3 are depend on PLUG-OUT software)
User Memory
Patch: 64 (8 memories x 8 banks, per one model)
Performance: 64 (8 memories x 8 banks)
Structure Elements
MODEL: SYSTEM-8 is as follows
(MODEL: PLUG-OUT 1, 2 and 3 are depend on PLUG-OUT software)
LFO Section
Variation: 1 (Single LFO), 2 (Dual LFO), 3 (Resonanced Pulse LFO)
Waveform:
VARIATION 1: SINE, TRIANGLE, SAW, SQUARE, Sample&Hold, Random
VARIATION 2: 6 types
VARIATION 3: 6 types
Knobs: FADE TIME, RATE, PITCH, FILTER, AMP
Controllers: KEY TRIGGER, TRIGGER ENVELOPE
Oscillator 1 Section
Variation: 1, 2
Waveform:
VARIATION 1: SAW, SQUARE, TRIANGLE, SAW2, SQUARE2, TRIANGLE2
VARIATION 2: 6 types
Knobs: COLOR, MODULATION Source (MANUAL, LFO, P.ENV, F.ENV, A.ENV, OSC 3), OCTAVE (64, 32, 16, 8, 4, 2), COARSE TUNE, FINE TUNE
Modulation: CROSS Modulator
Oscillator 2 Section
Variation: 1, 2
Waveform:
VARIATION 1: SAW, SQUARE, TRIANGLE, SAW2, SQUARE2, TRIANGLE2
VARIATION 2: 6 types
Knobs: COLOR, MODULATION Source (MANUAL, LFO, P.ENV, F.ENV, A.ENV, OSC 3), OCTAVE (64, 32, 16, 8, 4, 2), COARSE TUNE, FINE TUNE
Modulation: RING Modulator, Oscillator SYNC
Oscillator 3/Sub Oscillator Section
Variation: 1, 2
Waveform: SINE (-2 octave), SINE (-1 octave), SINE, TRIANGLE､TRIANGLE (-1 octave)､TRIANGLE (-2 octave)
Knobs: COLOR, TUNE
Mixer Section
Level: OSC 1, OSC 2, OSC 3/SUB OSC, NOISE
Noise: WHITE Noise/PINK Noise
Pitch Section
Knob: ENVELOPE Depth
Envelope: ATTACK Time, DECAY Time
Filter Section
Variation: 1, 2
Filter Type:
VARIATION 1: LPF (-24 dB), LPF (-18 dB), LPF (-12 dB), HPF (-12 dB), HPF (-18 dB), HPF (-24 dB)
VARIATION 2: 6 types
Knobs: CUTOFF, RESONANCE, VELOCITY SENS, ENVELOPE Depth, KEY Follow, HPF CUTOFF
Envelope: ATTACK Time, DECAY Time, SUSTAIN LEVEL, RELEASE Time
Amplifier Section
Knobs: VELOCITY SENS, TONE, LEVEL
Envelope: ATTACK Time, DECAY Time, SUSTAIN LEVEL, RELEASE Time
Effect Section
Type: OVER DRIVE, DISTORTION, METAL, FUZZ, CRUSHER, PHASER
Knobs: TONE, DEPTH
Delay/Chorus Section
Type: DELAY, PANNING DELAY, CHORUS 1, CHORUS 2, FLANGER, DELAY + CHORUS
Knobs: TIME, LEVEL
Reverb Section
Type: AMBIENCE, ROOM, HALL 1, HALL 2, PLATE, MODULATION
Knobs: TIME, LEVEL
Other Section
Knobs: PORTAMENTO, TEMPO
Controller: LEGATO, TEMPO SYNC
Key Mode: MONO/UNISON/POLY
Step Sequencer
Track
1 per Patch (step pattern is saved as a patch)
Step
1 - 64 steps
Recording Method
Step recording, Realtime recording
Controllers
SCALE, PLAY MODE, GATE, SHUFFLE, FIRST STEP, LAST STEP
Other
 
VOLUME, INPUT volume, ARPEGGIO, CHORD MEMORY, VOCODER, KEYHOLD, VELOCITY OFF, TRANSPOSE, OCTAVE
Controllers
 
Pitch bend and modulation lever, BEND SENS PITCH, BEND SENS FILTER, MOD SENS PITCH, MOD SENS FILTER
Display
 
16 characters 2 line LCD
External Storage
 
SD Card (SDHC supported) for backup/restore function
Connectors
 
PHONES jack: Stereo 1/4-inch phone type
OUTPUT (L/MONO, R) jacks: 1/4-inch TRS phone type
INPUT (L/MONO, R) jacks: 1/4-inch phone type
CV/GATE OUTPUT jacks: Miniature phone type
(CV: This jack supports OCT/V (Hz/V is not supported). GATE: This jack outputs +10 V.)
TRIGGER IN jack: Miniature phone type
PEDAL (HOLD, CONTROL) jacks: 1/4-inch phone type
MIDI (IN, OUT) connectors
USB port: USB type B (Audio/MIDI)
DC IN jack
Power Supply
 
AC Adaptor
Current draw
 
2 A
Accessories
 
Owner's manual
AC adaptor
Power cord
Options (sold separately)
 
Keyboard Stand (*1): KS-18Z
Pedal switch: DP Series
Expression pedal: EV-5
*1 When using the KS-18Z ensure that the height of the unit is one meter or lower.
Size and Weight
Width
881 mm
34-11/16 inches
Depth
364 mm
14-3/8 inches
Height
109 mm
4-5/16 inches
Weight
5.9 kg
13 lbs 1 oz

Video Library

Ultimate Guide: SYSTEM-8

Ultimate Guide: SYSTEM-8

Get the most out of the powerful Roland SYSTEM-8 synthesizer on stage and in the studio with this comprehensive Ultimate Guide.Read more…

Ultimate Guide: FM Synthesis

Ultimate Guide: FM Synthesis

Understanding FM synthesis is considered a mystical art. Explore Frequency Modulation and how the TR-8S, TR-6S, and SYSTEM-8 utilize it.Read more…

[Blog] 7 Advanced Synth Tips using SYSTEM-8

[Blog] 7 Advanced Synth Tips using SYSTEM-8

Read more…

SYSTEM-8 Quick Start

SYSTEM-8 Quick StartStep-by-step instructions

These Quick Start Videos contain step-by-step instructions that will quickly introduce you to its major features.Read more…

Support

If you have questions about operating your Roland product, please check our Knowledge Base for answers to the most common questions.
You can also contact our Product Support department by phone or email.
In addition, we have a library of Owner’s Manuals and Support Documents that you can download and reference.

Owner's Manuals

Support Documents