Roland announces JUNO-X, a new polyphonic synthesizer driven by the next-generation ZEN-Core Synthesis System. JUNO-X brings the best of the past together with Roland’s latest technologies, reimagining the vintage JUNO experience with vastly expanded sound possibilities and free-flowing tools tuned for today’s music. It delivers the full capabilities of the native ZEN-Core engine, along with genuine recreations of the JUNO-60 and JUNO-106 synths plus other legacy Roland instruments.

Standing among the greatest analog synthesizers ever created, Roland’s iconic JUNO lineup has had a massive impact on music for over four decades. The warm, organic sounds of the JUNO-60 and JUNO-106 defined countless ‘80s pop hits and played a huge role in the emergence of techno, house, synth wave, and other electronic styles. JUNO-X delivers the vintage JUNO spirit that continues to inspire leading music makers, coupled with the power and versatility needed for modern workflows.

JUNO-X includes JUNO-60 and JUNO-160 Models, plus an all-new JUNO-X engine with a Super Saw waveform, velocity sensitivity, pitch envelope control, and other evolved features. The two beloved chorus modes from the originals are also available, plus a third mode with even more fatness and swirl. Users can combine them to create seven different chorus effects for use with any JUNO-X tone.

JUNO-X features additional Models from the historic Roland canon, including the PCM-based XV-5080, acoustic pianos from the RD series, and an expressive Vocoder. Model Expansions from Roland Cloud are supported as well, giving players the ability to load optional titles such as the JUPITER-8, JD-800, SH-101, Vocal Designer, and others.

Roland Cloud is also home to a growing range of Wave Expansions, Sound Packs, Sample Packs, and other creative tools, and ten free Sound Packs are available with a JUNO-X purchase. Additionally, JUNO-X provides integrated support for Roland Cloud Connect, a powerful option that includes the WC-1 wireless adapter and one year of Roland Cloud Pro membership. This allows users to browse, audition, and load Model Expansion titles and other Pro membership content directly to the keyboard via Wi-Fi.

A key element of the JUNO’s appeal was a straightforward interface that made it easy to craft inspiring sounds and evolving textures in the heat of the moment. With a familiar hands-on panel inspired by the original 1980s synths, JUNO-X invites players to fully immerse in the music and create without limits. Up to four tones can be layered together, and a wide selection of modern effects are available for enhancing sounds. First introduced with JUPITER-X, the powerful I-Arpeggio function offers both traditional arpeggio sounds and organic, inspiring movement driven by intelligent algorithms.

Roland announces Aerophone AE-20, the latest member of the company’s innovative family of digital wind instruments. Aerophone AE-20 delivers all the playability and expression of the flagship Aerophone Pro in a more compact and streamlined design. Offering a rich musical experience with premium details and Roland’s most advanced streamlined design. Offering a rich musical experience with premium details and Roland’s most advanced sound engines, this inspiring instrument brings next-level power and versatility to wind players everywhere.

Developed in collaboration with leading wind synth artists, Aerophone AE-20 is a top-flight instrument with uncompromising musical response. It features the core sounds and expressive control of Aerophone Pro, along with the premier model’s acclaimed key touch, refined playability, and go-everywhere design.

Aerophone AE-20 provides a wide range of stunningly authentic acoustic instrument sounds at the touch of a button. Soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone saxes are on hand, plus clarinet, flute, trumpet and more. Violin, cello, and other string instruments are also included, along with world instruments like erhu, shakuhachi, and bagpipes. Backed by Roland’s SuperNATURAL technology, every playing nuance is fully translated with lifelike dynamics, articulations and overtones.

The versatility of Aerophone AE-20 extends even further with the ZEN-Core Synthesis System, the same advanced sound engine found in professional Roland keyboards like FANTOM and JUPITER-X. Everything from traditional analog synths to modern digital voices are available, all carefully curated for the unique articulations and extended dynamic range of a wind instrument.

Aerophone AE-20 lets wind players step right into their musical flow with a familiar reed-style mouthpiece, immediate response, and natural pitch and vibrato control. The breath and bite sensors are customizable and ultra-sensitive, and its possible to reconfigure the fingering for sax, clarinet, flute, recorder, or a personal setup. Instant transposition and a five-active range enables players to cover any style without the range limits found with traditional acoustic instruments.

Aerophone AE-20 features an onboard speaker for grab-and-go playing, as well as a headphones jack for quiet practice sessions. There’s also a line output for connecting to a stage amp or PA while performing, plus USB-MIDI for music creation with popular MIDI production apps.

Aerophone AE-20 comes with onboard Bluetooth connectivity for wireless integration with mobile music apps from Roland and others. The Aerophone Lesson app helps users get started right away, even if they’ve never played a wind instrument. The Aerophone Pro Editor unlocks the full potential of Aerophone with deep customization of sound and performance settings. And with Bluetooth audio streaming, users can play along with music and instructional videos through the Aerophone’s sound system.

With Roland Cloud, players can take the Aerophone experience even further with Sound Packs created by wind instrument experts and music production apps like Zenbeats and Zentracker. Roland Cloud is also home to many other powerful music tools, including software versions of the most revered keyboard and rhythm instruments in Roland’s storied history.

Roland, a leading manufacturer of professional audio, video, and electronic musical instrument gear, announces three new products to help livestreamers take their productions to the next level.

AeroCaster

AeroCaster is an innovative, easy-to-use system that allows anyone to create a wireless multi-camera streaming setup using mobile devices. The system consists of the AeroCaster VRC-01 hardware control surface and audio interface, the AeroCaster LIVE app for iPad, and the AeroCaster Camera app for iOS and Android mobile devices. Leveraging the convenience and mobility of wireless connectivity, AeroCaster opens up a new world of creative possibilities for any livestreaming application, from online talk shows and music performances to live commerce, remote education, and beyond.

AeroCaster lets users switch wireless camera feeds from smartphones and tablets, plus screen shares from computers and mobile devices. The system supports up to four wireless devices at once, along with the camera on the host iPad. Roland’s advanced video technology is also available for adding graphics, titles, video clips, photos and more. Operation is quick and intuitive, with a direct streaming connection to YouTube, FacebookLive, Twitch, and custom RTMP channels over Wi-Fi or 4G/5G cellular networks.

UVC-02 Web Presentation Dock

Using web conferencing platforms to conduct business has become regular part of life.But the quality of built-in computer webcams and microphones leaves a lot to be desired. The UVC_02 Web Presentation Dock helps users bridge that gap, providing a simple and affordable solution to level up virtual presentations with better quality audio/visual gear and more control.

The compact UVC-02 is a desktop control hub that allows the user to connect a high quality HDMI camera, pro microphone, and other audio sources and send them directly to computer-based meeting and streaming platforms via a single USB cable. It also includes a panel full of hands-on knobs and switches, providing quick hardware control of levels, audio and video muting, sound effects, and more.

CGM-30 Gooseneck Microphone

The CGM-30 Gooseneck Microphone plugs directly into the XLR input on the UVC-02 Web Presentation Dock, providing a high-quality desktop solution that eliminates the need for an external mic and stand. It also works with the Roland VR-1HD AV Streaming Mixer and any other product with a phantom-powered XLR microphone input on the top panel.

Roland announces two powerful creative tools for all JUPITER-X and JUPITER-Xm synthesizer owners. The Vocal Designer Model Expansion brings the company’s acclaimed vocal synthesis technology to the JUPITER-X range, opening up a new world of expressive possibilities with the dynamic character of the human voice. Roland Cloud Connect unlocks instant access to an ever-expanding universe filled with thousands of iconic sounds and expansions using just a mobile device.

Vocal Designer Model Expansion

The most expressive instrument in the world is the one inside us all – the human voice. With the Vocal Designer Model Expansion, players can add the warmth and expression of their voices to synthesized sounds, complete with deep customization options to craft unique and memorable tones. Roland has a long history in vocal synthesis, including the famous VP and V-Synth keyboards. Now, the Vocal Designer Model Expansion brings the pinnacle of this powerful technology to the JUPITER-X and JUPITER-Xm.

After connecting a microphone to the rear panel of the JUPITER-X/-XM, the Vocal Designer Model Expansion allows all types of synthesizer sounds to be controlled and modulated with vocal input. This enables the performer to create otherworldly textures that blend the organic expression of the voice (the modulator) with a synthesized tone or instrument sound (the carrier). The Vocal Designer Model Expansion includes 26 different vocal synthesis algorithms with a wide range of customizable options. And any ZEN-Core tone – even from other Model Expansions – can be used as a carrier, offering a staggering number of sonic possibilities.

In addition to all-new sounds, the Vocal Designer Model Expansion offers classic vocoder sounds derived from the legendary VP series, including choir and ensemble tones, robot voices, and more.

And despite its name, the Vocal Designer Model Expansion isn’t just for voice. It’s possible to use nearly any analog audio or USB input source as a modulator, including drum machines, guitars, circuit-bent toys, DAW audio tracks, or anything the user can imagine.

Roland Cloud Connect

Roland Cloud Connect is a powerful new system that revolutionizes sound expansion for the JUPITER-X and JUPITER Xm, providing wireless access to new sounds on demand. After plugging the included WC-1 wireless adapter into their instrument, owners can use the iOS/Android mobile app to browse, audition, and install Sound Packs, Wave Expansions, Model Expansions, and more from Roland Cloud. There’s a comprehensive search engine for compatible content, and selections automatically synchronize with the user’s Roland Account and Roland Cloud Manager software on a desktop computer.

The purchase of Roland Cloud Connect provides an entire year of the Pro membership tier of Roland Cloud. Included is unlimited use of over 30,000 sounds, plus the Vocal Designer Model Expansion and other Model Expansions for hardware of software instruments.

Support for the Vocal Designer Model Expansion and Roland Cloud Connect is included with the free Version 2.0 update for the JUPITER-X and JUPITER-Xm.

Roland introduced Zentracker, a free audio recording app for iOS and Android mobile devices. Ideal for singer, songwriters, and instrumentalists, the app turns the device in everyone’s pocket into a professional-level multitrack recorder with advanced audio production tools. Zentracker puts the focus on getting ideas down while they’re still fresh with an easy-yet-powerful way to record, edit, and mix music anywhere.

Recording music doesn’t have to be complicated, and a complex home studio full of expensive gear is not required to get great results. Zentracker is simple to use and designed to capture inspired moments with a friendly, pick-up-and-go approach to recording and mixing. A complete studio is never further away than a smartphone or tablet, and a simple finger tap is all that’s needed to begin a new project.

Zentracker can be a musical scratchpad or the starting point of a professional production – or both. Creators can quickly record new ideas or build complete songs, all within the app. Over 200 audio loops are also included to jumpstart the creative process and fill out productions. And by saving Zentracker projects to Google Drive or Microsoft OneDrive, it’s easy to share and collaborate with friends, bandmates, and other artists.

With unlimited tracks to work with, Zentracker puts no bounds on musical creativity. Users can craft complex, layered textures and overdub as much as needed to complete a project. The integrated mixing console provides touch control of each track’s level and pan position, and 16 audio effects are available for pro results that don’t require a degree in audio engineering.

The free version of Zentracker is mighty powerful, but users can unlock even more creative options by upgrading to a Roland Cloud Core, Pro, or Ultimate membership. Additional Zentracker features include expanded audio effects, unlimited track sends, stem export support, timeline automation, over 20 Loop Packs, and much more. Membership also provides access to all the other wonders on Roland Cloud, like authentic Roland virtual instruments and effects, expanded sound content, additional mobile apps, and many other powerful production tools.

Roland announced the JX-08 and JD-08 Sound Modules, the latest additions to the award-winning Roland Boutique lineup of compact electronic instruments. The JX-08 offers a scaled-down recreation of the JX-8P, one of the last analog synthesizers produced by Roland in the 1980s and a highly sought-after piece for vintage synth fans.

The JD-08 is a compact reproduction of Roland’s JD-800 synthesizer, an influential digital instrument from the early 1990s loved for its complex, gleaming sound and comprehensive hands-on control.

In 1985, Roland’s innovative JX-8P took hybrid keyboard design to the next level, fusing analog synthesis with precision digital control. Top session players instantly embraced its compelling new voice, forever embedding the instrument’s warm pads, shimmery chorus, and crystalline textures into the most popular songs of the era. The JX-08 reintroduces the unique sounds of the JX-8P in stunning detail, coupled with powerful new effects, a polyphonic sequencer, and more.

The JX-08 features expanded polyphony, two-part multitimbral capability, and dual/split modes. It also includes 32 presets from the original hardware and 100-plus new patches tuned for contemporary styles. And to enhance the creative workflow, there’s a full panel of hands-on controls derived from the companion PG-800 programmer unit for the original hardware. After crafting sounds, users can store their creations in 256 preset slots for easy recall.

By the early 1990s, preset-driven digital synths with limited tactile controls dominated the landscape. The JD-800 changed all that in 1991, bringing the synthesizer world back to its roots with a control-laden panel and an aggressively electronic sound palette. Combining the original JD-800 waveforms with advanced modeling techniques, the JD-08 delivers the exquisite hands-on sound design of the original, with hugely expanded polyphony, a two-part polyphonic sequencer, and other modern updates.

The JX-08 includes 64 presets from the original hardware and perfectly recreates the four-tone structure, 108 waveforms, and unique two-part multi-effects behind the JD-800’s intricate, evolving sound. It also features a miniature version of the well-stocked JD-800 control panel, giving users an inspiring selection of sliders, buttons, and knobs for on-the-spot sound manipulation.

The JX-08 and JD-08 feature a built in USB-C audio/MIDI interface for working with computer production software, along with full-size MIDI I/O for connecting with other MIDI hardware. An external clock input is also available on each unit, allowing users to drive the onboard sequencer and arpeggiator from vintage analog instruments and modern Eurorack systems.

Like all Roland Boutique modules, the JX-08 and JD-08 are highly portable and can run on USB bus power or batteries. Each module also includes a built-in speaker for mobile sound monitoring. And when mounted in an optional K-25m Keyboard Unit, the JX-08 or JD-08 can be used as a compact, all-in-one synth with 25 velocity-sensitive keys.

Roland announced the JD-800 Software Synthesizer, the latest edition to the Legendary series of software-based Roland instruments available through Roland Cloud.

In early 2021 – 30 years after the debut of the original JD-800 hardware synth – Roland introduced the JD-800 Model Expansion for the ZENOLOGY software synthesizer and select ZEN-CORE hardware instruments.

The JD-800 is an authentic software recreation of the iconic ‘90s digital synth, available exclusively through Roland Cloud.

The anniversary celebration continues with the release of this iconic digital instrument as a dedicated DAW plug-in. The JD-800 Software Synthesizer delivers a virtual recreation of the original’s unique sound and inviting control-laden interface, along with a host of new features and enhancements for today’s music producers.

In the early 1990s, preset-driven digital synths with limited hands-on controls dominated the landscape. The JD-800 changed all that in 1991, bringing the synthesizer world back to its roots with a massive control-filled panel and an unapologetically electronic sound palette. An instant hit among the world’s top keyboard players, this innovative instrument found its way onto classic albums and numerous film and television scores, and it remains highly sought after to this day.

The JD-800 Software Synthesizer is painstakingly crafted to sound and behave exactly like the original hardware. Rather than simply combining a bunch of JD-800 samples, Roland used the original waveform data along with advanced modeling techniques to perfectly recreate the big, bright, spacious sound that only the JD-800 can deliver.

A key ingredient of the JD-800’s sound was its formidable multistage effects section. It’s been carefully recreated in the plug-in and enhanced with an expanded view for real-time tweaking. In addition to a master EQ, there are seven effects with adjustable controls and the ability to change the signal flow with drag-and-drop actions.

The JD-800 Sofware Synthesizer includes 64 newly crafted presets that show how inspiring and evocative the synth can be in a modern context.

And with the plug-in’s extensive array of top-level controls, users can easily create all-new sounds to make their music stand out from the crowd.

Roland announces TR-EDITOR, a free Mac/Windows software application for the popular TR-8S and TR-6S Rhythm Performer instruments. Representing the apex of the Roland TR line, the TR-8S and TR-6S are the most complete drum machines to date – forward-thinking, performance-turned instruments unlike any other.

TR-EDITOR significantly enhances the workflow of these hands-on machines, providing an easy-to-use graphical interface with expand visual controls and organizational tools that further amplify the TR’s creative possibilities.

TR-EDITOR’s large display and five tabs eliminate the need for menu diving and page scrolling on the hardware while designing kits and sounds. It’s possible to access kit and instrument parameters on a single screen, draw motion data for instant results, and view all parameters for selected FX at one time. Undo and redo are also available for quick revisions and comparing ideas.

The breakout librarian window in TR-EDITOR assists with organizing and managing patterns and kits. Users can access the complete TR library and filter various instrument categories to customize sounds. And via the computer keyboard, it’s quick and easy to name and rename hardware patches, kits, and projects.

TR-EDITOR is available for free through Roland Cloud Manager, the software interface for Roland Cloud content. Roland Cloud is also the home of Sample Packs and other premium content for taking the TR experience to the next level.

Roland announced the SP-404MKII Creative Sampler and Effector, the latest generation model in the legendary SP compact sampler series. Since 2005, SP samplers have been the bona fide kings of performance-based betaking, celebrated for their distinctive sound and ability to create rapid-fire beats anywhere, anytime, Carefully refined through community feedback and extensive research and development, the SP-404MKII is the ultimate SP sampler.

It’s faster and better than ever, with a vivid OLED display, expressive new pads, expanded effects, fluid sequencing and sampling, and a massive library of authentic sounds to inspire new music.

The SP-404MKII has everything creators love about its predecessors – along with some serious upgrades like 17 ultra-expressive pads and updated knobs for smooth, hands-on control. Beatmaking is even quicker with speedy boot time, fast project loading, and sample import. Project access is also easier via 16 GB of internal storage, which comes preloaded with a huge collection of curated samples to inspire the creative process right away. Users can create beats anywhere with AA or mobile battery power, interface with mobile devices via USB, or collaborate with partners using the dual headphones outputs and mic/guitar input.

Sample editing is ultra-smooth with the SP404MKII’s OLED screen and zoomable waveform view. Users can chop up samples in real time or employ auto chop to slice samples automatically, then finesse them with envelope and pitch shift. The new resampling workflow provides the ability to re-record patterns and effects layers for detailed sound design. And with Skip Back Sampling, it’s possible to capture inspired moments by recalling up to 25 seconds from the most recent performance.

The SP-404MKII features both legendary SP effects and a selection of new classics. Legacy staples like Vinyl Simulator and DJFX Looper are complemented with powerful additions that include Lo-fi Cassette Simulator, and Resonator. Users can also plug into the mic/guitar input and jam with ready-to-go Vocoder, Auto Pitch, and Guitar Amp Simulator effects.

The enhanced sequencing features in the SP-404MKII provide the flexibility to create patterns with unique feel and energy. There’s adjustable input quantize and shuffle for custom swing, Pad Link for firing off multiple samples with a single tap, a Roll button for variable note repeat, and BPM-per-bank for instant tempo changes. It’s also possible to organize patterns for different sets and chain them together to automate playback.

SP users are famous for personalizing their hardware to match their musical style and branding, and the SP-404MKII makes this process easier than ever. They can download a faceplate template to create custom overlays, style their startup screen with personalized logos, and select a screensaver that matches their creative vibe.

With the SP-404MKII App from Roland Cloud Manager, beat makers can take the SP experience even deeper with a Mac or Windows computer. This powerful app enhances workflow with a large sample waveform view, a pad matrix for sample and pattern management, easy import and export of files, and the ability to convert legacy SP-404SX and SP-404A projects to MKII format. Roland Cloud is also home to Beatmaker Sample Packs, an exclusive series of premium sample collections created by top sound designers and musicians to inspire productions on the SP-404MKII.

Roland announces the V-02HD MK II Streaming Video Mixer, a simple and affordable solution for bringing higher production values to computer-based live-streaming. Compact and easy to use, the V-02HD MK II allows users to connect and switch two high-quality HDMI cameras and send them directly to a favorite streaming platform over USB-C. It’s also possible to mix in audio sources via dedicated inputs and HDMI, apply video effects and transitions, and more.

From talk shows and live demonstrations to artistic performances and beyond, cameras that support HDMI output will elevate the image quality in livestreams and drive more audience engagement. They have much better lenses than any webcam and often have zoom capability to frame the perfect shot. Users can connect up to HDMI cameras to the V-02HD MK II and let Roland’s advanced tech handle all the details, eliminating USB conflicts with multiple webcams and HDMI-to-USB encoder adaptors. Other devices with HDMI output are also supported, including computers, mobile devices, and gaming consoles.

With its intuitive control layout and T-bar fader, the V-02HD MK II is very simple to operate. The USB connection is plug and play, ready for instant streaming with popular platforms like Facebook, YouTube, Twitch, and Zoom or advanced workflows such as OBS Studio, Streamlabs OBS, StreamYard, and Restream.

The V-02 MK II also include a 10-channel digital audio mixer with Roland’s legendary sound quality and control. There are two audio inputs with 3.5 mm jacks, and each support a microphone – including lavalier mics that require plug-in power – or stereo audio from a smartphone, mixer, or other device. Users can mix embedded stereo audio from HDMI sources as well, including microphones connected to cameras.

The V-02HD MK II supports hands-free control with up to two optional BOSS foot switches, a convenient feature for creators who perform or give demonstrations during streams. With a discrete off-camera stomp, it’s possible to switch camera angles, cut to a static image, transition scene layouts, fade picture-in-picture windows, and more.

Out of the box, the V-02HD MK II provides the dedicated controls needed to switch cameras and make basic adjustments to video and audio sources. But for users who want to dive deeper, there’s a world of advanced features and custom assignments to explore. Connecting an HDMI monitor provides a display for setting up a wide selection of audio and video effects, footswitch assignments, and more. And in one of Roland’s free remote control apps, users can operate the V-02HD MK II via an intuitive graphical interface on their iPad computer. (Remote control apps for macOS and Windows will be available in late 2021.)

The purchase of a V-02HD MK II also provides free access to Roland’s new AeroCaster Switcher for iPad, a powerful video and media expansion solution for select Roland hardware switchers. With this unique app, users can switch wireless feeds from up to five devices – including smartphone and tablet cameras and screen shares from computers and mobile devices – and then output a combined program to feed to the V-02HD MK II or another supported Roland switcher with HDMI input.