ZEN-Core SYNTHESIS SYSTEM

ZEN-Core is a new synthesis system from Roland which embodies nearly five decades of historical know-how gained through the development of our most famous analog, digital, and virtual analog synthesizers.

The ZEN-Core multi-timbral engine combines Virtual Analog and PCM (up to 256 voices) synthesis types with powerful DSP effects. Advanced synthesis features include new VA Oscillators, precisely modeled Filters, ultra-fast and smooth LFO and Envelope modulators, and high-resolution control of primary editing and performance parameters.

ZEN-Core also supports instrument-specific ZEN-Core Expansions, including Analog Behavior Modeling for JUPITER-X Series and V-Piano for FANTOM music production synthesizers. And further ZEN-Core expansions will soon arrive for other products in the Roland ZEN-Core family, including the latest RD-88 stage piano.

The power to recreate sonic legends — and far more

Analog Behavior Modeling (ABM) reproduces both the sound and unique characteristics of vintage synthesizer “Models” (gathered together in a “Model Bank”), while offering up to 32 voices of polyphony for rich and complex layered textures.

While most analog modeling techniques focus exclusively on recreating the sound and character of core tone generation components in vintage synthesizers, ABM is more ambitious in scope. In addition to the recreation of core elements such as Oscillators, Filters, and Modulators, ABM captures unique and dynamic qualities such as pitch drift due to temperature variation, envelope response, note triggering latency, voice-to-voice variations, and many other characteristics that exist inside a vintage synth.

Comparing directly with Roland’s acclaimed Analog Circuit Behavior modeling—where ACB delivers ultra-precise circuit-accurate recreations of vintage Roland synths with sufficient polyphony for single sound or simple layer performance, ABM offers a more holistic and dynamic recreation of vintage Roland and other synthesizers, but with full 32-voice polyphony. Simply put, choosing between them is a matter of personal taste and application; they are both fantastic!

Natural. Seamless. Perfect. Piano.

Featuring Roland’s unique piano modeling technology, the V-Piano ZEN-Core Expansion for the FANTOM Series allows every note played to respond and evolve naturally, seamlessly, and perfectly. With V-Piano technology on the FANTOM, there is no velocity switching and it provides a smooth, natural decay that must be heard to be believed.

The V-Piano ZEN-Core Expansion offers unparalleled personalization of each Piano tone. Using the language of acoustic piano, V-Piano technology provides for customization of various overall resonance elements including string, damper, sound board, cabinet, and key-off, as well as key-specific control of tuning, level, character, and more.

The V-Piano Expansion for ZEN-Core takes full advantage of the immense processing power of Roland’s proprietary BMC chip to provide full polyphony for rich, authentic, and perfectly accurate performance.