Roland JD-800 Software Synthesizer

Roland JD-800 Synthesizer Emulation Plug-in with Expanded Polyphony, Classic and New Presets, and 7 Effects with Two-stage Multi-FX Section - AAX, AU, VST3

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Item ID: JD800plug

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Software Compatibility

Most software is compatible with both macOS and Windows, but check to make sure.

If you're using Pro Tools, AAX plug-ins are what you need. Most other DAWs on macOS support Audio Units (AU) plug-ins, while VST is compatible with many DAWs on oth macOS and Windows. Be sure you choose plug-ins that work with your DAW!

To learn more about software compatibility, check out our buying guide.

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Roland JD-800 Software Synthesizer

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Q: What is the Roland JD-800 Software Synthesizer?

The Roland JD-800 Software Synthesizer is a virtual instrument that faithfully recreates the iconic digital synth from the early 1990s. Known for its hands-on control and powerful sound engine, the software version brings its rich pads, bright leads, and evolving textures to your modern DAW. It's perfect for producers and musicians looking to add a touch of classic '90s digital character to their tracks.

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Q: What are the system requirements for running the JD-800 Software Synthesizer?

To run the JD-800 Software Synthesizer, you'll need a 64-bit Mac (macOS 11.0 or later, Intel Core i5 or higher, Apple Silicon supported) or PC (Windows 10 or later, Intel Core i5 or higher). A minimum of 4GB RAM is recommended for smooth performance. It integrates seamlessly into your digital audio workstation.

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Q: What plug-in formats does the JD-800 Software Synthesizer support?

The JD-800 Software Synthesizer offers broad compatibility with major digital audio workstations. It supports AAX for Pro Tools users, AU (Audio Units) for Logic Pro and other macOS DAWs, and VST for a wide range of Windows and macOS applications. This ensures you can easily integrate it into your preferred production environment.

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Q: How do I get and authorize the JD-800 Software Synthesizer?

The JD-800 Software Synthesizer is an expansion for Roland Cloud. You'll need a Roland Cloud account to download and authorize it. Once you've purchased access, simply log into your Roland Cloud Manager, download the plug-in, and follow the on-screen instructions for installation and authorization. Sweetwater's Sales Engineers are available for live expert support if you need assistance.

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Q: What kind of sounds can I create with the JD-800 Software Synthesizer?

The JD-800 Software Synthesizer excels at producing the distinctive digital sounds of the early '90s. You can craft everything from lush, evolving pads and shimmering textures to punchy basses, crisp arpeggios, and cutting leads. With its intuitive interface, 64 classic presets, and 64 new presets from industry-leading sound designers, it offers expanded polyphony and encourages deep sound design, allowing you to explore a vast sonic palette perfect for electronic music, film scores, and more.

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Roland’s 1990s Vintage Digital Icon

In 1991, Roland released the JD-800 Programmable Synthesizer. This fully digital, multi-timbral synth featured a massive hands-on user interface that harkened back to early analog subtractive synths, representing a significant departure from the pared-down interfaces of the time. With its crisp digital sound, thunderous low end, and nearly limitless programmability with four multitimbral layers, the JD-800 was a favorite of top pop producers and film composers, and it remains an in-demand synth on the collectors’ market. Now, with the JD-800 software synthesizer, you too can harness the power of this iconic vintage digital synth from the comfort of your DAW. Featuring 64 classic presets and 64 new presets from industry-leading sound designers, the JD-800 is an inspiring soft synth right out of the gate; however, with its expanded polyphony, it transforms the original into an even more formidable contemporary synth!

Roland Legendary Series

The Roland Legendary Series of software synthesizers comprises a formidable lineup of classic analog and digital synths. From Roland’s earliest forays into synthesis, including the System-100 semi-modular mono synth, to their legendary TR-808 and TR-909 rhythm composers and groundbreaking digital synthesizers, such as the JV-1080, the Roland Legendary Series includes a pantheon of synth titans. Using state-of-the-art Analog and Digital Circuit Behavior technologies, Roland has captured the essence of their legacy synths. With the original hardware versions becoming ever rarer and commanding exorbitant prices on the collectors’ market, fewer and fewer people will ever lay their hands on a real Juno-106, Jupiter-8, or any of these icons. But, with the Roland Legendary Series, you can own them all, in a convenient and affordable software format. Pining for that legendary Roland sound? Then go straight to the source with Roland’s Legendary Series of software synthesizers.

Roland JD-800 Software Synthesizer Features:

Software reproduction of a legendary digital synthesizer with four multitimbral layers
Digital Circuit Behavior (DCB) delivers detailed, accurate sound
User interface provides the look and feel of the original JD-800
Features 64 original presets and 64 new presets from industry-leading sound designers
Includes the JD-800’s unique dual-stage multi-FX section with over 90 effects
Mac/PC, VST2, VST3, AU, and AAX; 64-bit only
PC minimum system requirements: Windows 7/8/10, 4GB RAM, Intel Core 2 Duo
Mac minimum system requirements: Mac OS X 10.12 or later, 4GB RAM, Intel Core 2 Duo
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Tech Specs

Software Type: Classic Synth Virtual Instrument
Platform: Mac, PC
Upgrade/Full: Expansion for Roland Cloud
Download/Boxed: Download
Bit Depth: 64-bit
Plug-in Formats: AAX, AU, VST
Authorization Type: Roland Cloud Account
Hardware Requirements - Mac: Intel Core i5 or higher (Apple Silicon support), 4GB RAM or more recommended
Hardware Requirements - PC: Intel Core i5 or higher, 4GB RAM or more recommended
OS Requirements - Mac: macOS 11.0 or later
OS Requirements - PC: Windows 10 or later
Manufacturer Part Number: RCJD800LTK

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Reviews

4.7

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The sounds are incredible. It's a joy to hear and have an easy way to edit the sounds.

I didn't purchase this unit from SweetWater but Idid purchase 7 of the other Roland Soft Synth from them and I must say this reproduction is as good as it gets! Sounds just like the hardware counter part with the original presets and 64 new ones.

Overall this is a great recreation of the sound of the original JD-800. I would disregard the image on the Sweetwater website as this is actually the newer standalone VST and not the expansion model for Roland Zenology Pro.
Some things to keep in mind are that this is very much a digital synth, not an analog synth. I would buy this synth if you love the sound engine of the original. If you're buying this primarily because you love the hands on interface of the original, you're likely to be disappointed. The manual admits that when you assign synth parameters to your MIDI controller, it's based on each of the individual tones. So if you assign a controller knob to the filter cutoff for Tone A, then switch to Tone B, you'll still be controlling the filter cutoff for Tone A. In the end you'll likely be adjusting synth parameters using your mouse as it's more convenient and intuitive. I think that's why this one of the few VSTs that doesn't have a "plug out" option to play on a system 8. If you really need to get hands on with this, you're better off buying an actual JD-800. For me this was by no means a deal breaker, but I did deduct a star for it.
The other reason I deducted a star is that this only supports Windows 10 and above, so I was forced to install this on my laptop and not my Windows 7 desktop. Again this wasn't a deal breaker, but it was an annoyance.
For me this is as close as I'll get to the original without having to spend an exorbitant amount of money on an actual JD-800, which may or may not suffer from the dreaded red glue key bed issue. I could spend so many hours designing sounds with this thing!

Simply put, modern electronic music wouldn't exist without Roland. Many of the electronic musicians here at Sweetwater cut our teeth on TR Rhythm machines and fondly remember programming our first TB-303s. We owe a good part of our careers to this amazing and innovative company. It's been fun to watch and grow right alongside Roland, as they've introduced wave after wave of revolutionary keyboards, digital pianos, and more. For example, Roland's V-Drum Kits continuously redefine the possibilities of electronic drums, beginning with SuperNATURAL technology to the latest Prismatic Sound Modeling. We're huge fans, and we'd love to tell you all about them. Whether you want a pocket-sized synth or a cutting-edge video mixer, if Roland makes it, then Sweetwater is 100% behind it.

See also: synth plugins, Roland, Roland Virtual Synthesizer Software