JUPITER-8

The king of polysynths

Authentic software recreation of the most desirable analog polysynth of all time

Released in 1981, the JUPITER-8 is one of the most revered and sought-after polysynths of all time. It appears on countless hit tracks spanning decades, and its lush analog sound is simply unmatched for warm pads, soaring strings, and infectious lead tones. With the JUPITER-8 Software Synthesizer, users get an authentic, down-to-the-circuit-level recreation of this vintage icon for their DAW or SYSTEM-8.

Why is it so special?

The JUPITER-8 is perhaps the most desirable analog polysynth ever, with original units going for extremely high prices on the used market. It represents the pinnacle of Roland engineering in the early 1980s, with a gorgeous design, robust build, and extreme sonic flexibility. The instrument’s incredibly warm-yet-clear sound is forever imprinted on the many essential music genres that emerged during its original release. And its influence has never diminished, appearing across a range of styles to this day.

King-sized sound.

Aside from its iconic good looks and roadworthy build, the JUPITER-8 is famous for its unmistakable sound. Each of its eight voices had two stable VCOs with four waveforms to choose from, plus support for cross-modulation and screaming sync sounds. The creamy filter is renowned among synth aficionados with its selectable two- or four-pole low-pass VCF and non-resonant high-pass filter. Add in two envelopes, an onboard arpeggiator, and generous modulation capabilities, and users have the makings of a true legend.

Analog Circuit Behavior (ACB).

Roland used proprietary circuit modeling technology to bring the JUPITER-8 to life in users’ DAWs or SYSTEM-8. The ACB process involves carefully analyzing original hardware units, circuit diagrams, and other historical data. Roland then used 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-8 Software Synthesizer its breathtakingly lifelike sound and unique character.

A legendary instrument with modern features.

While developing the JUPITER-8 plug-in, Roland felt it was important not to veer too far from the original’s classic workflow and sonic majesty. But Roland couldn’t resist adding a few modern touches like making it velocity sensitive, extending the oscillator range, adding an effects section, and enhancing the onboard arpeggiator for extra flexibility. The LFO, arpeggiator, and effects conveniently sync to tempo, and the plug-in fits perfectly into any production environment with a freely resizable, high-definition UI and support for VST3, AAX, and AU formats.

Adjust to taste.

Vintage synths like the JUPITER-8 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 newly added 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, users can dial in everything from a factory-primed JUPITER-8 to a road-worn synth that hasn’t seen a tech bench in decades.

Feel free to browse.

The sophisticated browser lets users explore the JUPITER-8’s stunning collection of factory presets, their own custom sounds, and patches downloaded from Roland Cloud. Users can search across all installed patch banks, sort results, rate their favorites, jot down notes, and make quick adjustments with the integrated tweak panel.

Turn your SYSTEM-8 into a JUPITER-8.

The JUPITER-8 Software Synthesizer offers full integration with the SYSTEM-8 keyboard. Users can change the JUPITER-8’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 JUPITER-8 that can be played in the studio or on stage.

Features

• Authentic recreation of the JUPITER-8 synthesizer, powered by enhanced ACB technology
• High-definition, resizable interface gives the feel of working with the vintage hardware
• Adjustable polyphony, selectable from two to eight notes
• Circuit Mod function lets you tweak the sonic character in real time
• Extended parameters, advanced arpeggiator, onboard effects, and more
• Effects include classic chorus, reverb, flanger, delay, overdrive, and more
• Integrated browser lets you search across all installed patch banks
• All the original JUPITER-8 patches plus new sounds for contemporary music
• PLUG-OUT compatibility with the SYSTEM-8 hardware synth
• VST3, AU, and AAX compatibility and native support for Apple silicon