Roland Synthesizers

What makes Roland synthesizers stand out is their variety. They cover a huge range of price points and form factors. Some Roland synths specialise in a certain sound, offering a streamlined set of features and dedicated controls for practically every function. Others present a powerful canvas of sound, allowing you to sculpt and layer synth sounds with near-limitless flexibility.

Aside the Aerophone wind instruments, which are designed for sax players who want to experiment with electronic sounds, Roland synths are either a sound module or a keyboard.

Although many of Roland’s synth sound modules feature a button-based keyboard, they can be paired with a MIDI keyboard or sequenced with a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW). A Roland synth module is ideal if you want portability, to save space in your studio, use a sequencer-based approach with a step sequencer or DAW or want flexibility with the kind of keyboard you use with it.

Roland synth keyboards are ideal for live performances as they’re a straightforward, all-in-one solution that’s quick to set up. Simply plug the power cable in, connect a cable from the outputs to a mixer, audio interface or keyboard and you’re ready to go.

There are plenty of beginner-friendly Roland synths that are affordable and easy to create inspiring sounds with. The AIRA Compact range and the Boutique series are very popular with beginners, thanks to their portable size, keen price point and intuitive features. You don’t need to be Jean Michel Jarre to create interesting sounds with these synth modules.

Whilst all of Roland’s synths deliver the sound quality and robustness that a professional would expect, some models are more catered to touring and studio musicians who demand more customisation and control.

The Fantom series and the more affordable Fantom-0 range can cover any sound you’d require for a gig as well as any splits, layering or on-the-fly adjustments you’d need for a performance. They’re incredibly versatile workstation keyboards with touchscreens and tactile controls that make designing sounds a breeze.

The Jupiter-X/Xm, Juno-X and System-8 feature a more synth-focussed design and are ideal if you require dedicated synth controls.

Roland have always been known for creating exciting, sonically expansive instruments, going back to the modular System-700, the analogue powerhouse Jupiter-8 and the revolutionary JD-800. Their modern synths are no exception.

Zen-Core

Roland’s Zen-Core powered synths have become a favourite of sound designers, composers and avid synthesists looking for an incredible sonic playground. At its heart, Zen-Core is a powerful synthesizer system that melds Virtual Analogue modelling technology, PCM sampling techniques and studio-quality DSP effects. Plus, any Zen-Core-powered synth can share its sounds with another.

The vintage-inspired Jupiter-X, Jupiter-Xm and Juno-X have become a go-to for avid synthesists who appreciate the classic aesthetics, wealth of hands-on controls and expressive sound engines. Although these synths can emulate Roland analogue synths with ease, they can go well beyond the original Jupiter-8 and Juno-60 sonically.

SH-4d

The Roland SH-4d is an extremely deep, versatile and powerful desktop synth module. The SH-4d features a tactile workflow with an array of hands-on controls, which make controlling each of its four synth parts and dedicated rhythm part a breeze. Each of the synth parts can be one of eleven oscillator models, which range from virtual analogue to wavetable to FM to sample-based synthesis.

On top of this astounding sonic flexibility, you also have many high-quality effects onboard, a multitimbral pattern sequencer, motion recording, D-Motion and optional battery-powered operation so you can sound design on the go.

System-8

The System-8 is another popular choice that’s suited to fans of old-school analogue and FM synth sounds. It’s powered by Analog Circuit Behavior technology, which digitally recreates every circuit found in iconic Roland synths such as the Jupiter-8, Juno-106 and JX-3P. The result is unmistakable sonic authenticity with enhanced sound design potential and reliability of a digital synth. If you’re a fan of vintage Roland synths, the System-8 is the one for you.

JD-08

The Roland JD-08 Boutique synthesizer module is inspired by the JD-800, one of the most acclaimed digital synths ever created. Like the JD-800, the JD-08 is capable of multi-layered, evolving patches. There’s a reason why its become popular with sound designers and soundtrack composers.

Boasting 128 voices of polyphony, a two-part polyphonic sequencer, high-quality effects, motion recording, multi-stage envelopes and 108 of original JD-800 waveforms, the JD-08 packs an impressive amount of synth into such a portable footprint.

Roland’s Analog Circuit Behaviour (ACB) is a ground-breaking technology that faithfully recreates the unique sounds of classic Roland instruments. It can be found in some Roland Boutique modules, the System-8 and Roland Cloud recreations of vintage Roland synths.

By analysing and modelling the intricate workings of original analogue circuits, ACB breathes new life into beloved classics like the TR-808 and SH-101. Unlike traditional modelling methods, ACB dives deep into the original designs, replicating the distinct characteristics of each individual component. This precision allows Roland to reproduce the iconic sounds and behaviours that musicians and producers adore.

Created with the insights of the original engineers and advanced DSP technology, ACB goes beyond replication. It’s a blend of nostalgia and innovation, reproducing beloved tones of the past while paving the way for the synthesizers of the future.

Roland’s Zen-Core is an innovative synthesizer system that blends Virtual Analog modelling, traditional PCM sampling, and high-quality DSP effects to generate its diverse range of sounds. A standout feature of Zen-Core is its cross-compatibility, allowing sounds created on one Zen-Core device to be shared with another.

At the heart of Zen-Core are the Behaviour Modelling Core (BMC) processor chips. These make possible the intricate design of a single Zen-Core tone, composed of four synth partials and one effect. Each partial boasts an oscillator, a filter, an amp, and two LFOs. This translates to up to four independent oscillators and eight separate LFOs in a single tone.

The capacity of Zen-Core tones varies across devices. For example, the MC-101 can support up to 4 Zen-Core tones simultaneously, while the flagship Fantom model accommodates up to 16.

Flexibility is another strength of Zen-Core. The BMC chip allows for constant updates and expansions, increasing the value for users over time. Additionally, the Roland Cloud service offers customers an even wider variety of sound engines and sound packs, keeping their instruments updated and exciting for continued creativity.

Roland Corporation, a music technology titan since 1972, has crafted an iconic line of synthesizers, forever altering the landscape of electronic music. From the studios of pioneering musicians to the bedrooms of indie producers, Roland synthesizers have struck an enduring chord, renowned for their innovative design, powerful capabilities, and exquisite sound.

Enter the 1980s, when the classic Roland TR-808 drum machine set the music world alight. Hailed as the heartbeat of Hip-Hop and electronic music, its distinctive bass drum sound is a dance music staple, echoing through the ages. Followed by the TR-909, these drum machines set the rhythm for countless hits, their impact resonating even today.

The illustrious Jupiter-8 synthesizer made waves in 1981, a polyphonic powerhouse with an extensive range of sonic capabilities. This trendsetter was sought after by maestros of music, famed for its lush pads, shimmering leads, and punchy basses. As one of the most revered polyphonic synthesizers, the Jupiter-8 holds a place of honour in synthesizer history.

In 1982, the TB-303 Bass Line Synthesizer entered the scene, defining acid house music with its squelchy and resonant sound. Despite its short-lived original run, the TB-303’s legendary status led to its digital resurrection, continuously fuelling dance floors worldwide. Want to learn more about this classic monosynth? Click here to read an in-depth history of the Roland TB-303.

Let’s not forget the iconic Roland Juno series. Launching with the Juno-6 in 1982, followed by the Juno-60 and the MIDI-equipped Juno-106, these synthesizers became legendary for their rich and creamy sounds, simplistic design, and affordability, making professional quality synthesis accessible to all.

Today, Roland continues to inspire with its Boutique, AIRA and Zen-Core series, paying homage to their classics while pushing the boundaries of digital synthesis. Combining time-honoured legacy with cutting-edge innovation, these synthesizers embody Roland’s commitment to the evolution of electronic music.