How to Upgrade the System-8 to the Latest Roland Plugout Versions: Juno-106, JP-8, JP-4

[@Dudderlyful]

Undocumented maze like quagmire is the best and most accurate description of Roland Cloud I have ever heard. Bravo

[@RolandCloud]

Hi, Scott. Brian from Roland Cloud here. Thanks for checking out Roland Cloud, and the new Legendary v2 JUNO-106 & JUPITER-8! The HELP button on the panel of each of the Plug-out instruments features the PDF manual for operation, including the process for loading the Plug-outs to the SYSTEM-8. As always, it’s good to make sure that the SYSTEM-8 is up to date on firmware and drivers for your operating system. The SYSTEM-8 Support page with the links to all drivers is up on our website. One note about the version numbers, there have been different versions of the Plug-outs vs. the DAW instruments. As the Plug-outs were previously updated with SYSTEM-8 firmware to work better with the SYSTEM-8 synth itself, the versions have been different from the DAW versions of the Legendary instruments, which have separately been updated for OS compatibilities, etc. I have been in contact with the product team about potentially standardizing these version numbers based on your feedback here. Thanks for letting us know about your experience. If you have any questions about Roland Cloud instruments, please feel free to reach out to us at www.roland.com/cloud/contact-us We’re always happy to help. Thanks!

[@DDeCan]

They need support reps everywhere to clean up the absolute information overload disaster. I'm asking myself should I just sell my System-8 and save hours of my time.

[@MatthewTomich]

Thank you for keeping ACB and the System 8 alive!

[@aiekmeeisnhdye]

We need the Juno 60 update now

[@MT-mt8bd]

@@aiekmeeisnhdye It's out!

[@voodoohex72]

The thing that sucks here though is the system 8 owners dont even get the update to these. They literally have to pay either a subscription or the lifetime key for the plugin to put the new version on. And if we put the new version on the synth its lost if we removed the plugout to load another one. So basically system 8 owners are forced to buy a sub or pay 199 for new jupiter 8 if they have plugouts they load regularly. The system 8 1.32 version OS should have all the new versions built into it. This is BULLSHIT roland.

[@1155074]

Thank you very much, I was frustrated but you saved the day

[@odmusicman]

Scott, I find when technology gets in the way, it really amps up inspiration, liker the inspiration to jump off a building. I remember in the 90's recording and the only thing I had to worry about was playing my part on the synths or piano, NO tech, the engineer did that. That released my mind to be 100% focused on the music. That's gone now. However, once we figure everything out, things generally run pretty smooth these days, but sometimes with iLok, licensing, and some necessary upgrade stuff, it really pulls you out of the creative process. Joe

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

That was my intention when I rebuilt and redesigned my studio last year: to make everything JUST WORK without futzing around. No fixing MIDI issues, no trying to figure out audio routing problems, just turn it on, hit record, and play. For the most part, that's exactly how it does work.

[@terrygray7465]

Thank you for this video. Just purchased a used System 8 and ran into the same Midi connection issue. Thanks for sleuthing that out.

[@spectre.garden]

Rather than pedalling frustration, take a little time to read and edit to show people how to do the task. I didnt have this much trouble. The documentation is in the pdfs for the vsts.

[@sonic2000gr]

I was a Roland Cloud subscriber for a few months, I can feel your frustration. I ended up not using it much and unsubscribed. The user experience was horrendous.

[@VisionsMusicGroup]

Thanks for the help, Scott! I set out today at 9am to update my 2017 System-8 and here it is, 4:30pm and I'm watching your video because I am absolutely gobsmacked that I have to "subscribe" to Roland Cloud to get upgrades to my previously INCLUDED plug-outs to my System-8? I am pretty sure the last time I upgraded (1.06) there simply was a download link, oddly, in the Download section for the System-8... I love Roland, I love what they do and have been a fanboy since 1983 (Juno-60 baby!) but this has me wondering why I should keep the System-8 after today when essentially, this is "paying for firmware upgrades".

[@Redefine01]

Roland Plug-Out is easy if you've done it before. Thanks for the update. Now I want the Aluminum sides for mine to.

[@OliverHalligan]

Great video Scott. I’ve always struggled with sending patches and software updates to my system-8, thanks for pointing out what the issue was. The Roland support is quite dreadful and fails to point out issues like this.

[@bio-metric-1016]

Howdy 🤠Scott I thought the montage was complicated lol 😂 . Love the content 2 in a day 👍

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

Not planned, but Roland brought out this update and I saw a lot of people confused as to how to apply it, so I figured I'd whip something up to help. :)

[@georgehardisty8948]

I’m glad I have a MODX. I am going to have a hard enough time figuring it out. But I still find your videos interesting and informative.

[@jptaylor]

Are glad you have a MODX instead of a System 8? If so, why?

[@georgehardisty8948]

@@jptaylor The MODX seems to be less complicated. I might be wrong and I know that there is a lot to learn on the MODX, but I am 67 and it will give me something to do.

[@oldvolksbus]

following the last comment, i did a factory reset as there wasn't any information specific to a massive update. that worked, however the question about charges for the updates would be appreciate.

[@ohheyitskevinc]

Cheers! I had the play 4 life thing which came with 2 lifetime keys as a year end sale last year. Got the Juno 60 and Jupiter 4 for the System 8. Plugging out is still a mess (as is the version numbering). What frustrates me more is - as soon as you’ve trialed or subscribed to Cloud, that’s it, no more being able to trial to plug out what we already own.. the J-8, System 8, 106 or JX-3P… Mine also has a tendency to leave patches when I plug out too. I somehow ended up with a Juno 60 with JX-3P patches on the system 8 when I sent the Juno 60 to the hardware as it didn’t ask me if I wanted to update the patches as well. Still haven’t figured that out (or how to send patches outside the 1-64 range to the hardware). One upside with the trail though - plug out something you don’t own that can be plugged out and it’s yours since Cloud doesn’t or can’t see what’s on the System 8 hardware and authorize it. Downside is - no backup and if you replace that plug out - it’s gone.

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

Yup. The Roland Cloud/plugout/management is an absolute mess. Upgrading/updating the Fantom is even worse.

[@OswaldoVonSchnoobenstein]

One of these days, I may get a Roland. But my eye is on a Novation Summit as a "next buy".

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

The Summit is a monster, one of my favorites!

[@Jobotubular]

well YEAH, after a reco like Scott's!

[@jarrod9052]

Thanks for doing this demo

[@oldvolksbus]

hi Scott. i've just purchased a mint system 8. it had V1.1, with no Juno 106 or jp3. i've updated the firmware to the latest version, stated a free trial with Roland cloud. how do i get these plug-outs without getting charged $398? i'm sure there will be someone in my situation somewhere. thanks, great videos!

[@oldvolksbus]

following the previous question, i have done a factory reset as there were no specific information on line for a massive update. the question still stands regarding charges for the updates as the still state $199 each. thanks

[@Wizil808]

@@oldvolksbus cant you just click the download icon like Scott does in the video at 2:50. downloading does not charge you $199 while you are a Roland cloud ultimate member (at least that is my understanding).

[@djangofett4879]

​​@@oldvolksbusupdate it and then factory reset and all of the three original factory plug-ins should be installed. I have not done this myself but I read online that once you reset it it will reset to the original Three plugins.

[@unclejerrysworld]

Wow! Thank y ou again Scott!! You have WAY WAY more patience than I have (I got WORSE as I got older! LOL)..... This is as usual a wonderful video that helps SO much!! I love Roland Synths but refuse to use the Roland Cloud.... Thankfully it's not really a fit for me except when it comes to the System 8..... and you made this quagmire process(?) look so easy!!! I got thinking while watching this.... I already own a System 8 with the default plugins and spotted a used System 8 for 1K..... Why would I just buy another System 8, grab some other plugins from Roland Sound Cloud(iness) and have 6 synths in 2?? Is that crazy or justifiable if you're a lover of all of them and want them "semi dedicated" if you get what I'm saying....... Thank you again!! You're the best!!!

[@tommyg5095]

That's what I did... It makes total sense... As long as the used gear is mint to excellent condition, and at a fair price...

[@unclejerrysworld]

@@tommyg5095 Great to hear!!! Thanks for letting us know!! (I can't find a reason it doesn't make sense other than budgetary)

[@tommyg5095]

@@unclejerrysworld The sequencer is a plus on these units... I wish the build quality felt a bit heftier,. less plastics. But , so far so good..

[@unclejerrysworld]

@@tommyg5095 Exactly.... I am looking to get rid of a Yamaha synth I don't use at all (MOXF6) and was thinking the Summit would be perfect (and still may be) but this was something that made me think of capturing A LOT of Roland in 2 BEAUTIFUL synths inside and out!! Yes I agree about the build quality..... I'm lucky I sprung for the aluminum sides when I ordered it.... I understand they are hard to get now.... But since I'm only studio bound now.... the plastic/roadworthiness doesn't bother me (as much!) :)

[@tommyg5095]

@@unclejerrysworld I have the Summit also, and it is a great instrument... Love it...

[@macdaddybender]

Thanks Scott. This is a perfectly timed video. I heard about the update today on another channel but would have no clue about how to perform the upgrade.

[@gasparpini]

Thanks you for the content 👏👏

[@odmusicman]

Another Roland beauty is the fact that on the RD88 at least, which I have, the sound packs are a one at a time deal. Load one, make your scenes. But if you load a second one and want to customize, EVERYTHING you did with the previous pack is wiped out. An engineers idea of a joke I suppose. But no one who is finding this out is laughing. Joe

[@jptaylor]

Can you still buy the cool aluminum sides for the System 8? If so, where and how much? Thanks for any info!

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

They were made by Roland years ago, but they haven't sold them in a long time. I have heard of people who made their own, and I think there are pattern files on the web somewhere.

[@djangofett4879]

The aluminum sides were included with some of the earliest to ship units. they may have sold them separately like the wood ones but i dont remember seeing them separately. i bought one second hand that had the aluminum sides and the owner said it came new with them.

[@IanWaugh]

Roland is really pulling out all the stops with this update... 🤣 Super vid, Scott, but maybe not worth updating my Super 8 for wobbliness. I seriously think Roland has totally lost the plot and is riding on its laurels. I don't think their design team - if they have one - includes any musicians (kzbin.info/www/bejne/sIWWeml5oM5kh7M). More 'reviewers' need to call them out so well done!

[@mastermachetier5594]

So does the plug outs stay indefinitely on the system 8 even after your subscription expires?

[@djangofett4879]

as far as i know, yes. i bought a second system 8 so I plan to sign up for a 1-month subscription to install three new plugins on the second system 8. I've heard from other people that once you "plug out", it's permanent as long as you dont factory reset

[@willboyd552]

I have a very strange request. I see you have the brushed aluminum side panels for your system 8. I have looked around the world online to try and find a set but of course they are discontinued. I even reached out to Roland and asked if they could somehow get a template or have the measurements of them so that I could possibly have a metal shop fabricate them for me, but of course Roland was of no help at all. Is there any way that you might make a template of yours? Also I am having the same problem trying to install plug out synths into my hardware synths ( I have both the system 1 and system 8) using Ableton 10 live. I have tried to research and find what the exact midi settings should be but have not found anything! I love Roland products but their support is very below par to say the least! Any help you might have would be great, if none that’s also fine as I know it’s not really your problem! Thank you

[@willboyd552]

And by the way, I forgot to mention that for a template, I would be willing to pay you for your time to make one and mail it to me! Just saying, thanks again

[@Cubik303]

Roland Cloud makes my head hurt. I show it to my clients all the time as a lesson on now NOT to implement a connected-product platform.

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

I shake my head in frustration every time I have to use it. It's so awful. The Fantom, their flagship synth, doesn't even have any connected functionality, everything has to be done by copying files to USB drives and putting them into various slots on the synth, then booting it with arcane button combinations. It really makes it feel like the sound/firmware/plugout/expansion process was a hurried afterthought to the product.

[@amour4all]

Thanks Scott!

[@mudi2000a]

By the way, while I find it confusing, the procedure IS documented in the manual of the VST (why only there?)

[@Jobotubular]

I admit: I bought my S8 secondhand, so somebody else had already installed the plug-ins. I may stick with those rather than try to negotiate this Cloud thing. What might change my mind? If something convinced me to have the JP-4 rather than the JX3P

[@666JGNotts]

Great information 😊

[@Zebulon94]

Hi Scott. Thank you for this tutorial, It will be of service to many users 👍 I just bought a System 8, it's a wonderful machine (with lots of flaws but I like it). I had a few questions: If I reset the synth, I assume the plug-outs will return to their original place and version? Does a global backup record plug-out data (updates or plug-outs installed in the different slots) or do we have to go through the "Roland cloud" for any changes? THANKS

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

A factory reset will return the plugouts to their defaults (Jupiter 8, Juno-106, JX-3P). The only way to install/change plugouts is using Roland Cloud - backups do not contain the plugouts themselves.

[@Zebulon94]

@@ScottsSynthStuff I suspected that, thanks for the answer 😉

[@martinjmusic]

Does the workaround still work in mid 2024? Do your plugouts still work?

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

The System-8 has no way of "deactivating" plugouts like the GAIA 2 does. Once it's installed in the System-8, it's in there forever, or until you overwrite it or factory reset the synth.

[@mrfuzztone]

Messed up screen sizes really badly when I upgraded the Roland Cloud Juno 106. Windows 10 The size of the upgraded synth didn't even fit on the screen. It was gigantic. Similar to what happened with a Roland Cloud interface update. I own a lot of lifetime keys for the Roland Legendary synths. I have a lot of sizes set just right with PlugIn Guru Unify presets. I was able to revert to the previous Juno 106 version using a computer backup copy.

[@zoundsic]

Had me too on the system-1m, no mention of disabling midi port to one instance.

[@kevorkianrock8004]

Infinitas gracias. Concuerdo 100% tus descargos hacia Roland. Su soporte es horrible. Malo para una marca tan grande de sintes. Abrazos

[@timbaker1920]

Hi Scott, did the latest versions of jp8 and j106 still work when your free trail expired? i'm going to update but just want to make sure they'll work without carrying on with the subscription

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

Yes, when you load a plugout into the System-8, it stays there and continues to work even if you cancel your Roland Cloud subscription. The only way they go away is if you factory reset the System-8. Roland has changed this behavior with the new GAIA 2. You can only turn on the synth 30 times before it has to "call home" and verify that you're still allowed to use the expansions. If it doesn't, then it locks you out until you do. I HATE this kind of licensing scheme, and I will NEVER buy an expansion for my GAIA 2 for this reason.

[@timbaker1920]

@@ScottsSynthStuff Thanks Scott👍

[@PeteKowalsky]

This is good to see - I almost thought that a System-8 might scratch my Roland itch and alleviate my frustration with Roland Cloud / ZenCore with my Jupiter Xm. Nope. It’s time to sell. If Roland is going to fully stop the innovation, I have what I need already in my Softube / TAL / U-he plugins, and the lifetime loyalty keys for JD-800 and System-8 plugins from Roland themselves. I can consider it an itch that’s been scratched, it would seem. What a pile of hot garbage all around, eh?

[@jansonrawlings8169]

Hey thanks for making these system 8 videos. Big fan, but it really bothered me quite a bit that you only showed the circuit mod at 0 and 100% without then showing anything in between. Most people will be dialing that knob in to taste and not going all the way

[@WireAlbatross]

Does restoring a backup restore the unique set of plugouts that were installed as well?

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

No, the plugouts can only be installed from the VST as I show, not from a backup.

[@aquaticborealis4877]

I really want their vocalizers in software format. But I believe it’s only on their hardware. Roland’s UIs are pretty bad. Novation is decent, Modal is top notch.

[@denniswitherspoonful]

😅thanks, I agree with you and I am also frustrated 😢

[@sranug]

Trial is a one time deal. So next time when Roland makes another update, I'm forced to spend money. Or I'm missing something.

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

Or....create a new email address. Just saying. :)

[@Wizil808]

@@ScottsSynthStuff I am not versed in the Roland Cloud nuances like you are. You had mentioned in the Roland Fantom EX update, that the EX update was per product and per user basic and was connected to your Roland Cloud account and Keyboard registration. For the System 8 plug out updates, is that not a concern?

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

@@Wizil808It is not. Once a plug-out is loaded into the System-8, it is there until it is removed or the synth is factory reset. It is tied to the synth serial number only. Unlike the Fantom, where the expansions are tied to both the synth AND the user.

[@TheBebe666]

Damn..i have 3 Roland`s and not a half of your patience. I am f... up. 😅😅

[@AMikeOnLine]

Q. Can i just download the files to my PC and then put the new version onto the SD card that is in my S8 and update it like that? Thanks Scott really great video.

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

As far as I know, the ONLY way to load plugouts into the System-8 is using the VST as I show here. If you don't have a DAW, any application that can open a VST will work.

[@AMikeOnLine]

@@ScottsSynthStuff Ah okay. Thanks Scott much appreciated.

[@mastermachetier5594]

I wish Roland would actually make a good synth with their plugins or vintage engines in it sigh

[@RoneySmithseedoflife]

The language and perhaps cultural barriers are the roots of the documentation problems and a couple of years ago before the pandemic a former rep (not sure anymore if Roland was the company) explained how documentation was not a priority for foreign companies. I’m wondering whether buying another synth license key is worth it as I’m shifting back to hardware mainly. Thanks for this video as it is still a great resource in understanding how far to go with and without software! 🎉🎳

[@ianrutherford]

I've been waiting for 18 months for Apple Silicon VST3 versions - these three look good but M1 Mac performance is spiking the CPU in Cubase 12 (Native)

[@mudi2000a]

I don’t know what they are doing. It was the same before and I thought it is an issue with Rosetta but turns out it is not, they somehow broke the VST version on the Mac. The AU version is fine in Reaper. Also Roland is the only company I know who did not update the AU version to M1 at the same time as the VST. Maybe they should pay Arturia to help them implement proper VSTs 😂

[@ianrutherford]

@@mudi2000a Yes, the communications, documentation and actual RCM software have left a lot to desire. Until now the VSTs have been great. The AU versions don't run directly under Cubase 12 in Native mode and since, as you say, Roland are about the only company not to do full Apple Silicon releases, you can't be expected to run in Rosetta mode - any performance is often an issue. I'd been wrapping the AU version in Blue Cat Patch Works to get VST3. Tragically the Roland Native VST3 don't run as well as the AU version.

[@lassel1644]

The Jupiter 4 is way cooler than the Juno106....in my opinion

[@Iofflight78]

This is truly a terrible process. Incredibly convoluted. You should be able to slap that plug on a SD card. I loathe it so deeply I haven't bothered with trying out other plugouts.

[@cyberfennek]

I just want Jd 800 and Jp 8 installed on my Juno X no membership and all that

[@voodoohex72]

The thing that sucks here though is the system 8 owners dont even get the update to these. They literally have to pay either a subscription or the lifetime key for the plugin to put the new version on. And if we put the new version on the synth its lost if we removed the plugout to load another one. So basically system 8 owners are forced to buy a sub or pay 199 for new jupiter 8 if they have plugouts they load regularly. The system 8 1.32 version OS should have all the new versions built into it. This is BULLSHIT roland.

[@ashfaqazad8132]

No manual, no guide. You have a lot of patience to deal with it. For this very reason, I avoid vsts.

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

I know that if I'm frustrated trying to figure out this arcane process, others are as well, which is why I made this video.

[@lassel1644]

😂 This is more button pushing than music creation

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

It's electronic dance music. How do you think they made the music in the first place??

[@OliverHalligan]

Bach turning in his grave 😂

[@voicesofdust4749]

When did Roland raise the price of the Jupiter-8 VST? I remember it being $149.99, on the cloud store is now $199.99. Also, being an owner of a TR-8S, I have to say that it's a slap in the face to the user that we have to use this garbage cloud program just so I can use an basic editor. I eventually deleted RC out of frustration and only use MIDI CC in for direct editing in Bitwig. As for the authorization u-he is the best.