Description
The powerful and deep AIRA SYSTEM-8 from Roland delivers a vast pallet of sounds inspired by over four decades of legendary Roland synths. The cutting-edge Analog Circuit Behavior (ACB) engine provides an eight-voice, 3-oscillator synth with multiple filters, effects, versatile LFOs, and a wide array of high-resolution controllers to control it all.
The SYSTEM-8 supports up to three Plug-Out synthesizers and ships with the classic Juno-106 and Jupiter-8 synthesizers. The 49-key velocity-sensitive keyboard can be split and layered for never-before heard sounds. The keyboard offers MIDI/audio connections via USB. Other features include an integrated vocoder, advanced polyphonic sequencer (TR-Rec style), arpeggiator, CV/Gate outputs, and polyphonic chord memory. The SYSTEM-8 ships with a power adapter.
Advanced Sound Engine
Roland’s Analog Circuit Behavior (ACB) approach accurately recreates historic analog sounds with forward-thinking technology. The SYSTEM-8 is equipped with the most advanced ACB engine yet, which offers eight voices of polyphony, three oscillators (including a sub oscillator option), and silky-smooth filters with ultra-detailed resolution. It’s easy to dial up warm pads, fat basses, expressive lead tones, and more, all inspired by the rich sonic character of the legendary SYSTEM series. Reaching beyond the retro vibe, the versatile SYSTEM-8 is also capable of producing crisp, dynamic tones and evocative textures that are ideal for modern sound designers
Plug-Out Expansion
In addition to its internal sound engine, the SYSTEM-8 features three expansion slots for hosting and controlling Roland’s PLUG-OUT software synths. Jupiter-8 and Juno-106 Plug-Outs are included, giving you immediate access to authentic sonic reproductions of these Roland classics. Optional Plug-Outs such as the SH-2, SH-101, PROMARS, and others are supported as well. Using the SYSTEM-8’s Performance mode, you’re able to combine the internal synth engine and hosted Plug-Outs to create super-synth patches with layered voices, custom splits, and more
Maximum Sonic Control
With its comprehensive interface, the SYSTEM-8 offers countless ways to shape sounds and discover new ones. The panel is packed with direct-access controls for dynamic sound creation and live performance expression. Many hi-res filter types are available courtesy of the advanced ACB engine, including a powerful side-band filter inherited from Roland’s V-Synth. Tons of top-notch effects are on hand for adding character and ambience, from overdrive, distortion, and fuzz to delay, chorus, reverb, and more. And just like the numerous synth parameters, the effects have grab-and-go controls that make it simple to enhance sounds as you play.
Creative Toolbox
Designed to inspire, the SYSTEM-8 is filled with intuitive performance tools to spark your creativity. The 64-step sequencer features a familiar TR-REC-style interface and dedicated controls to record, play, and manipulate loop sequences in real time. While building your sequences, you can capture single notes or full chords, as well as all your knob and slider moves. The Arpeggio function is equipped with quick-access knobs for switching patterns and styles as you play, while Chord Memory allows you to trigger polyphonic note stacks with a single key. The SYSTEM-8 even has an advanced vocoder built in, offering another expressive option for delivering unique and memorable synth performances
USB and CV/Gate
While the SYSTEM-8 excels as a performance instrument, it easily integrates with your production software and external gear. The synth functions as a USB audio/MIDI interface for your DAW, and the 49 full-size keys provide a responsive, comfortable keyboard for recording MIDI tracks. There’s even a control-surface mode for using the SYSTEM-8’s knobs, sliders, and buttons with your soft synths. And with the built-in CV/Gate outputs, you can send note/pitch data from the synth engine and step sequencer to trigger your modular synths and retro gear
| Roland SYSTEM-8 Specs | |
| Keyboard | 49 keys (with velocity) |
| Sound Generator | Models SYSTEM-8, PLUG-OUT1, PLUG-OUT2, PLUG-OUT3 Maximum Polyphony 8 voices (MODEL: SYSTEM-8) (MODEL: PLUG-OUT1, 2 and 3 are dependent on PLUG-OUT software) User Memory Patch: 64 (8 memories x 8 banks, per one model) Performance: 64 (8 memories x 8 banks) Structure Elements MODEL: SYSTEM-8 is as follows (MODEL: PLUG-OUT 1, 2 and 3 are dependent on PLUG-OUT software) LFO Section Variation: 1 (Single LFO), 2 (Dual LFO), 3 (Resonanced Pulse LFO) Waveform: : Sine, Triangle, Saw, Square, Sample&Hold, Random Knobs: Fade Time, Rate, Pitch, Filter, Amp Controllers: Key Trigger, Trigger Envelope Oscillator 1 Section Variation: 1, 2 Waveform: : Saw, Square, Triangle, Saw2, Square2, Triangle2 Knobs: Color, Modulation Source (Manual, LFO, P.ENV, F.ENV, A.ENV, OSC 3), Octave (64, 32, 16, 8, 4, 2), Coarse Tune, Fine Tune Modulation: Cross Modulator Oscillator 2 Section Variation: 1, 2 Waveform: : Saw, Square, Triangle, Saw2, Square2, Triangle2 Knobs: Color, Modulation Source (MANUAL, LFO, P.ENV, F.ENV, A.ENV, OSC 3) OCTAVE (64, 32, 16, 8, 4, 2), Coarse Tune, Fine Tune Modulation: Ring Modulator, Oscillator Sync Oscillator 3/Sub Oscillator Section Waveform: Sine (-2 octave), Sine (-1 octave), Sine, Triangle (-1 octave), Triangle (-2 octave) Knobs: Color, Tune Mixer Section Level: OSC 1, OSC 2, OSC 3/Sub OSC, Noise Noise: White Noise/Pink Noise Pitch Section Knob: Envelope Depth Envelope: Attack Time, Decay Time Filter Section Variation: 1, 2 Filter Type: : LPF (-24 dB), LPF (-18 dB), LPF (-12 dB), HPF (-12 dB), HPF (-18 dB), HPF (-24 dB) Knobs: Cutoff, Resonance, Velocity Sens, Envelope Depth, Key Follow, HPF Cutoff Envelope: Attack Time, Decay Time, Sustain Level, Release Time Amplifier Section Knobs: Velocity Sens, Tone, Level Envelope: Attack Time, Decay Time, Sustain Level, Release Time Effect Section Type: Over Drive, Distortion, Metal, Fuzz, Crusher, Phaser Knobs: Tone, Depth Delay/Chorus Section Type: Delay, Panning Delay, Chorus 1, Chorus 2, Flanger, Delay + Chorus Knobs: Time, Level Reverb Section Type: Ambience, Room, Hall 1, Hall 2, Plate, Modulation Knobs: Time, Level |
| Other | Knobs: Portamento, Tempo Controller: Legato, Tempo Sync Key Mode: Mono/Unison/Poly |
| Sequencer | Track: 1 per Patch (step pattern is saved as a patch) Step: 1 - 64 steps Recording Method: Step recording, Real-time recording |
| Controllers | Scale, Play Mode, Gate, Shuffle, First Step, Last Step Other: Volume, Input Volume, Arpeggio, Chord Memory, Vocoder, Keyhold, Velocity Off, Transpose, Octave Controllers: Pitch Bend and Modulation Lever, Bend Sens Pitch, Bend Sens Filter, Mod Sens Pitch, Mod Sens Filter |
| Display | 16 characters 2-line LCD |
| External Storage | SD Card (SDHC supported) for backup/restore function |
| Connectors | Phones Jack: Stereo 1/4" / 6.35 mm phone type Output (L/MONO, R) Jacks: 1/4" / 6.35 mm TRS phone type Input (L/MONO, R) Jacks: 1/4" / 6.35 mm phone type CV Output Jacks: 1/8" / 3.5 mm phone type (Supports OCT/V (Hz/V is not supported) Gate: 1/8" / 3.5 mm (Outputs +10 V) Trigger In Jack: 1/8" / 3.5 mm phone type Pedal (Hold, Control) Jacks: 1/4" / 6.35 mm phone type MIDI (IN, Out) Connectors: 2x 5-pin DIN USB Port: USB Type-B (Audio/MIDI) DC In Jack |
| Power Requirements | AC adapter Current Draw: 2 A |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 34.7 x 14.3 x 4.3" / 88.1 x 36.4 x 10.9 cm |
| Weight | 13.0 lb / 5.9 kg |
| Packaging Info | |
| Package Weight | 20 lb |
| Box Dimensions (LxWxH) | 40.5 x 19.5 x 7.5" |
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