Roland AIRA System-8 Plug-Out Synthesizer

Powerful and deep, Roland 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 System-8 can host spot-on recreations of numerous Roland classics. 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. 

• 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
• Advanced low pass, high pass and side-band filters with high resolution controls
• Special Jupiter-8 and Juno-106 filters
• Formant and harmonic filters
• Massive realtime control with dedicated knobs, sliders and buttons
• Polyphonic step sequencer with classic TR-REC x0x-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

Advanced sound engine
Roland's acclaimed Analog Circuit Behavior approach accurately recreates historic analog sounds with forward-thinking technology. 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 impressive internal sound engine, System-8 features three expansion slots for hosting and controlling Roland's Plug-Out software synths. Using 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, 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 influential V-Synth as well as special Jupiter-8 and Juno-106 filters. 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, 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. 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 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, great-feeling 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.