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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
