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Roland
Plug-Out Synthesizer
Product Videos :
YouTube Video
![Roland System-8 Polyphonic PLUG-OUT Synthesizer [Product Demonstration]](https://img.youtube.com/vi/0_ZWCbUoPWo/hqdefault.jpg)
Sale Price: $2,299.99 CDN
Original Price: $2,499.99 CDN
or from $135 CDN/mo
SYSTEM-8 PLUG-OUT Synthesizer
Powerful and deep, the SYSTEM-8 delivers a vast palette of sounds inspired by over four decades of legendary Roland synths. Its next-gen Analog Circuit Behavior (ACB) engine powers an eight-voice, three-oscillator monster with stunning filters and effects, highly versatile LFOs, and a massive array of high-resolution knobs and sliders to control it all. Support for three PLUG-OUT synths means the SYSTEM-8 can host spot-on recreations of numerous Roland classics, and JUPITER-8 and JUNO-106 PLUG-OUTS are even included with purchase (*). Split and layer synths for unheard of sounds, and tap into the integrated vocoder, arpeggiator, CV/Gate outs, and advanced polyphonic step sequencer to fuel endless creative explorations.
Expandable synth with Roland's advanced ACB technology.
• Versatile performance synthesizer with advanced ACB technology and 49 full-size keys
• Internal sound engine delivers classic analog tones and dynamic modern sounds with analog vibe
• Hosts up to three PLUG-OUT synths; JUPITER-8 and JUNO-106 PLUG-OUTs included (*)
• Advanced low-pass, high-pass, and side-band filters with high-resolution controls
• Massive real-time control with dedicated knobs, sliders, and buttons
• Polyphonic step sequencer with classic TR-REC style interface
• Arpeggio, vocoder, and polyphonic Chord Memory functions
• CV/Gate outputs for interfacing with modular synths and vintage gear
• Large selection of onboard effects with hands-on controls
• USB audio/MIDI interface and control surface mode
• JUNO-106 is scheduled for release in 2017.
*Support for SYSTEM-8 on previously released plug-out synths to be available soon.
Powerful and deep, the SYSTEM-8 delivers a vast palette of sounds inspired by over four decades of legendary Roland synths. Its next-gen Analog Circuit Behavior (ACB) engine powers an eight-voice, three-oscillator monster with stunning filters and effects, highly versatile LFOs, and a massive array of high-resolution knobs and sliders to control it all. Support for three PLUG-OUT synths means the SYSTEM-8 can host spot-on recreations of numerous Roland classics, and JUPITER-8 and JUNO-106 PLUG-OUTS are even included with purchase (*). Split and layer synths for unheard of sounds, and tap into the integrated vocoder, arpeggiator, CV/Gate outs, and advanced polyphonic step sequencer to fuel endless creative explorations.
Expandable synth with Roland's advanced ACB technology.
• Versatile performance synthesizer with advanced ACB technology and 49 full-size keys
• Internal sound engine delivers classic analog tones and dynamic modern sounds with analog vibe
• Hosts up to three PLUG-OUT synths; JUPITER-8 and JUNO-106 PLUG-OUTs included (*)
• Advanced low-pass, high-pass, and side-band filters with high-resolution controls
• Massive real-time control with dedicated knobs, sliders, and buttons
• Polyphonic step sequencer with classic TR-REC style interface
• Arpeggio, vocoder, and polyphonic Chord Memory functions
• CV/Gate outputs for interfacing with modular synths and vintage gear
• Large selection of onboard effects with hands-on controls
• USB audio/MIDI interface and control surface mode
• JUNO-106 is scheduled for release in 2017.
*Support for SYSTEM-8 on previously released plug-out synths to be available soon.
Media
Youtube video product demo
Description: Dustin Good from Roland Canada gives a quick demonstration of the Roland System-8 Polyphonic PLUG-OUT synthesizer.
Q & A
There are currently no questions for this product.
Reviews
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Roland System 8 is a Mini Roland Jupiter 8 0 of 0 customers found this review helpful
Features
Quality
Value
Overall
Product Experience I own it
Closest Store Halifax, Nova Scotia
I bought my System 8 about 2 years ago know that the programming is very similar to the original Roland Jupiter 8. In 1981 I bought a Jupiter 8 and paid about $5500 for it, I love it. I have been waiting for over 25 years for Roland to re-release the JP8 but they never have, so I bought the System 8 instead. The System 8 has CV and so does my JP8 so that I can run MIDI to the System 8 and run my JP8 from the System 8. I was disappointed to see that Roland release a Jupiter X because, had I have known that a new JP was coming, I would have waited. Of course in Synthesizer User Groups always had rumours that Roland would/should re-release the JP8 and never have. I still love my System 8 and I find the programming easier than the original JP8. JP8 and the DX7 defined the sound of Pop & Rock radio in the 1980's & 1990's. The System 8 is a lot lighter weight wise than the JP8 (60 lb) and the System 8 has great analog / digital sounds that made Roland famous. If you know how to program JP8 style synths, the System 8 is pretty quick to program and sounds fantastic right out of the box. One thing I can't figure out is why Roland made the main output balanced (TRS) instead of unbalance, the JP8 has both unbalanced 1/4" and balanced XLR output. The problem with balanced outputs on the System 8 is if the mixing board is running Condenser Microphone, the signal from the System 8 is a bit noisy. To solve the problem you can Y the headphone jack and still great the great stereo output. Other than that I love my System 8 - 9.75/10
Posted by MrGuitarPlayer on Jan 5, 2023
It ok, fun, but not DSI or Access good 4 of 4 customers found this review helpful
Features
Quality
Value
Overall
Product Experience I own it
Closest Store Winnipeg (Pembina), Manitoba
Ok so, first this thing falls short in a bunch of places I didn't think it would, or I didn't think I'd care about until I played it more.
1. No aftertouch makes it so I can't use it as a "master board" for my rack modules. Which it would otherwise be perfect for in my opinion, so that I pretty disappointing. Why not just include it when making soothing this expensive.
2. Despite what online videos show, I have been surprised at how much this thing is not convincing as an actual analog synth. It's not just the physical control side of it. When you record it and mix it there is no mistaking that it is totally digital when you have other actual analog synth stems along side it. Especially when recording some synths it models.
3. Roland have totally ruined their name with me on this one. The synth itself came with a card and code for free software. Which Roland had already changed the process for redeeming when I bought the S8. Dealing with their customer service people was the worst CS I've ever experienced where they basically passed my request for software code redemption around many agents, stalled, told me to wait stalled more, and then when I persisted the final agent started taking a very patronizing/mocking tone with me. And decided this was my last experience with Roland unless they turned away from the cloud based software and started making real synths again.
4. The promise of their plug out software is not as good as it looks and their marketing is very misleading in this area. Their best vsts will not be able to load into the s8. And even if you find one that does it requires the S8 to be tethered to your computer for regular "check ins" . This is a huge deal breaker for. Especially considering their plug-ins are extremely cpu heavy and in the end not better than a Dune or Sylenth.
To me this synth represents the last decent thing Roland made before focusing on a totally garbage plug in based synth direction. Korg have done this idea right. Roland's approach is all wrong. Yes this is a fun synth, I do enjoy playing it. But considering everything written above it is also my worst synth buying/owning experience to date. But to the positive side, the cv outs are nice, the 3 synths it comes.with are decent recreations of the originals. The S8 synth engine itself is arguably the synth in the bunch and a joy to play. I love the green lighting on it. The file /preset /SD card system is a huge miss however. This is still a great synth, with a ton of draw backs. Think hard before you buy this.
Posted by Stephen on Oct 11, 2021
One of Rolands Best Innovations in Years. 4 of 4 customers found this review helpful
Features
Quality
Value
Overall
Product Experience I own it
Closest Store Ottawa, Ontario
I have played Roland synths for over two decades now This is , by far, one of their best synths yet. Super portable, powerful in its entirety. An absolute ultra flexible studio synth. Program on the fly. A super intuitive arpeggiator . I owned a Jupiter 8 for years. Carrying that synth around was brutal!! This one parallels the sound absolutely equal to the vintage unit , you get a JUNO106 , a JX3P, and a super powerful new engine to boot. A soundscape powerhouse. So, there's all the good. If Roland had have added one extra octave for us more "player" oriented synthesists, and a sturdier aluminum casing, it would have been an absolute 5 out of 5 for me.
Posted by Drake Jensen on Feb 16, 2020
Why don't you bought one yet? 7 of 8 customers found this review helpful
Features
Quality
Value
Overall
Product Experience I own it
Closest Store Cambridge, Ontario
Roland really got it right with this on. A JP-8000, this is not... this synth sounds and behaves like it's analog. I have a JP-8080 so I know...
I've been doing synth music since 1982 and owned the System-8 for 2 years. This is now my all time favorite machine. My previous fav synths were the Oxford OSCar(yeah, I owned one for about 10 years) and Juptier-6 (owned since 1983) and I've owned and still own many classic analog and digital synths.
The System-8 panel is a one knob = one function machine. The interface has no menu diving to speak of. If you've owned a classic synth then you know the tactile pleasure that comes from a machine like this. If you don't like the glowing lights... turn it off. If you don't like the plastic case... get over it because you're being silly. The user experience is just too nice to worry about details like that.
As for the native sound engine... it's a monster of features and versatility - numerous oscillators including FM and many different filters to choose from. If you like FM sounds, classic synth pads, brass sounds, far out drones... this unit can do it.
The unit comes with 3 classic poly plug outs; Jupiter-8, Juno-106 and JX-3P, that have a few nice little tweaks (i.e. Juno-106 has a filter env) that make them better than the Boutique units. The System-8 versions of these classics sound better than the Boutiques too. I've owned the Boutique units and carefully compared them before I sold them off. If you don't like polys then load classic mono synths like the SH-2, Promars, System-100 and SH-101. The Promars is my favorite Roland mono.
The System-8 is a sound crafting monster of versatility. If you like the Roland sound then you owe it to yourself to seriously
look at this machine. I highly recommended it.
Posted by Jeff Pincheck on Jan 18, 2019
Roland Versatility 5 of 6 customers found this review helpful
Features
Quality
Value
Overall
Product Experience I own it
Closest Store Ottawa, Ontario
The System-8 is arguably the most versatile standalone synth on which, that I have had the pleasure of Noodling. Here, we have essentially, now, five synths in one. The Plug-Out system comes with the Jupiter 8 and Juno 106 preinstalled, with one space remaining for users to install whichever Legacy synth they may choose. I went for the old System-100, myself. Lastly, with updates, Roland has also added FM synthesis capabilities, plus a myriad of Filtering options. An Arpeggiator, a 64 Step Sequencer and built in Effects, the System-8 seems under-priced. I love this unit. Roland really has pulled a Rabbit out of the hat with this one.
Posted by Brian Smith on Sep 13, 2018
Protect your investment with the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty
A warranty can be a very important factor when making a buying decision. Because repairs can be very expensive in terms of parts and labour costs, manufacturers usually only provide one year limited warranties that generally only cover items that malfunction due to a manufacturer’s defect. With an important purchase such as a musical
instrument or piece of studio gear, however, many people want to have the peace of mind in knowing that their investment will be protected should the product no longer be performing at 100%.
Because of this, Long & McQuade provides our customers with a FREE one-year Performance Warranty on most of our products. The Long & McQuade Performance Warranty supplements the manufacturer’s warranty to ensure that our customers receive complete “no hassle” warranty coverage within their first year.
How does the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty differ from most manufacturers' warranties?
- Performance Guarantee: Normal wear and tear is covered, so your product will be performing as well as the day you purchased it for the entire duration of the coverage. Band and Orchestral Performance Warranty does not include replacing pads or cleaning for woodwind instruments, unless deemed necessary by our repair staff. Ultrasonic cleaning for brass instruments will be provided if deemed necessary by our repair staff, but is not routinely offered under the Performance Warranty.
- Product Replacement: If your product cannot be fixed or costs too much to fix, we will replace it with the equivalent model for no additional charge. If this is not possible, a full refund will be provided.
- No Lemon Policy: Your product will be replaced should the same problem occur multiple times.
- Convenient: Easy drop off and pick up of the product at any Long & McQuade location.
- Guitar Setup: Guitars purchased at Long & McQuade come with 1 free setup, to be redeemed within 1 year for new guitars and 90 days for used guitars.
- Loaners Available: A loaner product may be given while the product is being repaired.
- Power Surge Protection: Your product is covered even if damaged from a power surge.
- Accessory Coverage: Any peripheral devices or accessories that come with your product (i.e. foot pedal, case) are also covered.
- Commercial Use Coverage: Music and recording professionals who purchase gear for “heavy-use” commercial purposes will still be covered.
Long & McQuade reserves the right to restrict the purchase of additional years of Performance Warranty. Used products come with a 3-month Long & McQuade Performance Warranty. Some products (i.e. computers, software, cymbals and other items) are covered only by the manufacturer‘s warranty. Consumables (i.e. strings, reeds, drum sticks, batteries, tubes, cross faders) are excluded as they are designed to be replaced. Cosmetic Damage, Accidental Damage, or problems caused by Humidity or Temperature Issues are not covered. Speakers damaged by overpowering are generally not covered. Our coverage does not provide compensation for loss of use. As of June 2018 the Performance Warranty is no longer transferable. The warranty is only valid in Canada.
Purchasing additional years of coverage
Some manufacturers provide warranties for longer than 1 year; however, these are usually limited warranties that do not provide the same coverage as the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty. Customers interested in more complete and convenient (but not necessarily longer) coverage are still able to purchase additional years of the Performance Warranty.
If you are interested in receiving this coverage for longer than one year, you have the option of purchasing additional years of the Performance Warranty. The pricing is as follows:
- NEW products: 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. 4% for each additional year.
- USED products: 4% of the current new selling price to increase the warranty from 3 months to 1 year. 4% for each additional year.
- GUITARS: 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. 4% for each additional year. $45 maximum. An additional free setup is not included with additional purchased years of Performance Warranty.
- BAND and ORCHESTRAL instruments: 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. 4% for each additional year.
Great Additions
Reserve in Store
| Product | SKU | Qty |
|---|---|---|
| Plug-Out Synthesizer | 487512 |
