JUPITER-4

The original JUPITER synthesizer, reborn

The JUPITER-4 Software Synthesizer is an authentic recreation of the first synthesizer to carry the iconic JUPITER name. Introduced in 1978, the JUPITER-4 kicked off the storied legacy of Roland analog polysynths and sounds exactly like you’d expect—warm, fat, and evocative of synth pop, new wave, and other emerging styles of the era. Now users can have this analog classic in their own productions and performances, complete with modern enhancements that take its creative capabilities further than ever.

A new wave

Roland’s first polyphonic analog synthesizer launched the JUPITER legacy of best-in-class sound and cutting-edge innovation. Along with its incredible synthesis power, the JUPITER-4 brought digital voltage control and the ability to store eight user presets with new technological wizardry dubbed “Compuphonic.” But the real magic was in grabbing the panel controls and designing big, beautiful tones, which led synth pioneers to create timeless tracks that continue to influence musicians today.

Analog Circuit Behavior (ACB)

Roland has used its proprietary circuit modeling technology to bring the JUPITER-4 to life in a DAW or SYSTEM-8. The ACB process involves carefully analyzing original hardware units, circuit diagrams, and other historical data. Roland then uses this information to recreate the authentic circuit behaviors of the vintage instrument, including all the beloved quirks and instabilities. This is what gives the JUPITER-4 Software Synthesizer its breathtakingly lifelike sound that buzzes with unique character.

Sound the size of a planet

While the JUPITER-4 only has a single VCO, it sounds positively massive. The combined characteristics of its oscillator, filter, LFO section, and other components make it sound thick and warm. And its built-in Ensemble chorus pours on a helping of lusciousness that takes it to another level. This is where ACB really shines, giving Roland the ability to capture the behavior and interaction of all the components working together to create sonic magic.

Supersonic. Compuphonic

During the development of the JUPITER-4 plug-in, Roland found areas to improve the original hardware while keeping the authentic experience intact. So the company imbued this new version with enhancements that boost its powers even further, including extended oscillator range, adjustable noise, velocity sensitivity, sub-oscillator volume control, and a flexible arpeggiator. And in addition to perfectly modeling the JUPITER-4’s lush Ensemble chorus, Roland added a slew of new effects, including phaser, flanger, overdrive, reverb, and delay.

Adjust to taste

Vintage synths like the JUPITER-4 had internal trim controls that allowed technicians to tweak various analog components when they drifted out of spec. But sometimes, “out of spec” created a sound that was unique, interesting, or extraordinary. Realized through Roland’s latest ACB advancements, the new Circuit Mod function lets users sweep through multiple trims using a single macro control. Along with the Condition parameter, which simulates the effects of aging, it’s possible to dial in everything from a factory-primed JUPITER-4 to a road-worn synth that hasn’t seen a tech bench in decades.

Modern living

While the JUPITER-4 carefully models an instrument from the past, the implementation here is thoroughly modern. The LFO, arpeggiator, and effects conveniently sync to tempo for carefree creative sessions. And it fits perfectly into a production environment with a freely resizable UI, support for VST3, AAX, and AU formats, and native compatibility with Apple silicon.

Turn the SYSTEM-8 into an eight-voice JUPITER-4

The JUPITER-4 Software Synthesizer offers full integration with the SYSTEM-8 keyboard. Users can change the JUPITER-4’s plug-in panel to match the SYSTEM-8 for intuitive, one-to-one control. Or they can use the PLUG-OUT functionality to turn the SYSTEM-8 into a standalone, eight-voice JUPITER-4 that can be played in the studio or on stage.

Features

• Authentic recreation of the JUPITER-4 synthesizer using enhanced ACB technology
• Detailed interface gives the feel of working with the vintage hardware
• Double the polyphony of the original hardware (selectable from two to eight notes)
• Circuit Mod function lets users tweak the sonic character in real time
• Extended parameters, advanced arpeggiator, onboard effects, and more
• Lush Ensemble chorus effect, plus classic reverb, flanger, delay, overdrive, and more
• PLUG-OUT compatibility with the SYSTEM-8 hardware synth
• All the original patches plus new sounds for contemporary music
• VST3, AU, and AAX compatibility and native support for Apple silicon