Software Synthesizer

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The king of polysynths.

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, you get an authentic, down-to-the-circuit-level recreation of this vintage icon for your DAW or SYSTEM-8.

+ Highlights

  • 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
  • Included with Roland Cloud Pro (via Pro Selector) and Ultimate memberships
  • Also available as a Lifetime Key purchase

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.

JUPITER-8 | Why is it so special?

Classic tracks featuring the JUPITER-8 ▼

JUPITER-8 | King-sized sound

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 you have the makings of a true legend.

JUPITER-8 JUPITER-8 JUPITER-8

We’ve used our proprietary circuit modeling technology to bring the JUPITER-8 to life in your DAW or SYSTEM-8. The ACB process involves carefully analyzing original hardware units, circuit diagrams, and other historical data. We then use 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, we felt it was important not to veer too far from the original’s classic workflow and sonic majesty. But we 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 your production environment with a freely resizable, high-definition UI and support for VST3, AAX, and AU formats.

JUPITER-8

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 our latest ACB advancements, the newly added Circuit Mod function lets you sweep through multiple trims using a single macro control. Along with the Condition parameter, which simulates the effects of aging, you can dial in everything from a factory-primed JUPITER-8 to a road-worn synth that hasn’t seen a tech bench in decades.

JUPITER-8
JUPITER-8

Feel free to browse.

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

JUPITER-8

Turn your SYSTEM-8 into a JUPITER-8.

The JUPITER-8 Software Synthesizer offers full integration with the SYSTEM-8 keyboard. You can change the JUPITER-8’s plug-in panel to match the SYSTEM-8 for intuitive, one-to-one control. Or use the PLUG-OUT functionality to turn your SYSTEM-8 into a standalone JUPITER-8 that you can play in the studio or on stage.

JUPITER-8

Try the JUPITER-8 today.

The JUPITER-8 Software Synthesizer is available with Roland Cloud Pro (via Pro Selector) and Ultimate memberships or a Lifetime Key purchase. Roland Cloud is also home to software versions of other vintage Roland instruments plus ZENOLOGY, ZENOLOGY FX, Zenbeats, and other inspiring music tools to back your creative journeys.

Join Roland Cloud

Try the JUPITER-8 Software Synthesizer for free with a Roland Cloud 30-day trial membership.

Specifications
Maximum Polyphony
8 voice
LFO
WAVE FORM (SIN, TRI, SAW, SQR, RND1, RND2)
RATE
DELAY TIME
KEY TRIG (OFF, ON)
TRIG ENV (OFF, ON)
VCO Modulation
Modulation (VCO-1, BOTH, VCO-2)
LFO MOD
ENV MOD
PULSE WIDTH
PULSE WIDTH SW (MAN, LFO, E1+, E1-, E2+, E2-)
VCO-1
Waveform (SAW, PWM, TRIANGLE, SINE, SQUARE, NOISE)
Range (64', 32', 16', 8', 4', 2')
CROSS MOD
VCO-2
WAVEFORM (SAW, PWM, TRI, SIN, SQR, NOISE)
RANGE (64', 32', 16', 8', 4', 2')
Range SW (NORMAL, LOW FREQ)
SUB RANGE (-36--+36)
SYNC (OFF, ON)
VCO-1/VCO-2
LEVEL (VCO-1)
LEVEL (VCO-2)
HPF
CUT OFF FREQ
VCF
CUT OFF FREQ
RES
SLOPE (-24 dB, -18 dB, -12 dB)
ENV MOD
ENV MOD switch (ENV-1, ENV-2)
LFO MOD
KEY FLW
VEL SENS
VCA
LEVEL
LFO MOD
TONE
VEL SENS
ENV-1
A
D
S
R
KEY FOLLOW (OFF, ON)
ENV-2
A
D
S
R
KEY FOLLOW (OFF, ON)
PORTAMENTO
PORTAMENTO
TYPE (1, 2)
LEGATO (OFF, ON)
EFFECT
TYPE (OVERDRIVE, DISTORTION, METAL, FUZZ, CHRUSHER, PHASER)
TONE
DEPTH
DELAY
TYPE (DELAY, PANNING DELAY, CHORUS 1, CHORUS 2, FLANGER, DELAY + CHORUS)
TIME
LEVEL
REVERB
TYPE (AMBIENCE, ROOM, HALL 1, HALL 2, PLATE, MODULATION)
TIME
LEVEL
Controller
TEMPO SYNC (OFF, ON)
ASSIGN MODE (MONO, UNI, POLY1, POLY2)
KEY HOLD (OFF, ON)
OCTAVE (-3, -2, -1, 0, +1, +2, +3)
BEND RANGE
BEND GAIN (x1, x2, x3, x4)
BEND SENS VCO
BEND SENS VCF
MOD SENS VCO
MOD SENS VCF
Arpeggio
RANGE (1, 2, 3, 4)
MODE (UP, DOWN, U&D, RND)
CIRCUIT MOD
AMOUNT
CONDITION
-128--+127
Tune
430 Hz--450 Hz
Sampling Frequency
44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz
Patches per bank
64 patches
*User can make new user banks.
Plug-In Formats
VSTi 2.4 (64 bits) * Windows only
VSTi 3.7 (64 bits)
AU
AAX
System Requirements (macOS™)
Minimum Operating System
macOS 11
Host Application
VST instruments (VSTi) version: VST 3.7 compatible
Audio Units (AU) version: V2 Audio Units compatible
AAX Compatible
CPU
Intel® Core™ i5 or better (Quad-core CPU recommended)
Apple Silicon
RAM
10 GB or more
Storage Space
200 MB or more
Display resolution and Colors
1280 x 800 dots or higher, 16.7 million colors or more
Other
You'll need Internet connectivity to Authenticate this software.
You'll need installation SYSTEM-8 driver to connect this software to the SYSTEM-8.
System Requirements (Windows®)
Minimum Operating System
Microsoft® Windows® 10 (64-bit)

*This does not work with the Windows® RT.
*This does not work with the Windows® Phone.
*This does not work on the virtual machines such as Hyper-V, Virtual PC, or Boot Camp.
Host Application
VST instruments (VSTi) version: VST 2.4/3.7 compatible
AAX compatible
CPU
Intel® Core™ i5 or better (Quad-core CPU recommended)
RAM
10 GB or more
Storage Space
150 MB or more
Display resolution and Colors
1280 x 800 dots or higher, 24 bits Full Color or more
Other
You'll need Internet connectivity to Authenticate this software.
You'll need installation SYSTEM-8 driver to connect this software to the SYSTEM-8.
* Although Roland has tested numerous configurations, and has determined that on average, a computer system similar to that described above will permit normal operation of the PLUG-OUT SOFTWARE SYNTHESIZER, Roland cannot guarantee that a given computer can be used satisfactorily with the PLUG-OUT SOFTWARE SYNTHESIZER based solely on the fact that it meets the above requirements. This is because there are too many other variables that may influence the processing environment, including differences in motherboard design and the particular combination of other devices involved.

Microsoft Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

VST is a trademark and software of Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH.
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Downloads

Support

If you have questions about operating your Roland product, please check our Knowledge Base for answers to the most common questions.
You can also contact our Product Support through Roland Backstage.
In addition, we have a library of Owner’s Manuals and Support Documents that you can download and reference.

Owner’s Manuals