Scott's Synth Stuff Episode 5: Roland System-8 Review

In this new series, I am talking about each of my synthesizers, starting with the simplest one, and moving upwards to the most complex. In episode 5, we feature the Roland System-8, a Virtual Analog synthesizer that can perfectly emulate the Jupiter 8, Juno-106, JX-3P, but it's also so much more! A short demo track made entirely with the System-8 can be heard at 53:41.
Roland System-8 Amazon: amzn.to/37SDvGs
Roland System-8 Thomann: www.thomann.de/gb/roland_syst...
Roland System-8 Reverb: www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinm...
Watch all the episodes:
Episode 1: Yamaha Reface CS • Scott's Synth Stuff Ep...
Episode 2: Korg Nu:Tekt NTS-1 • Scott's Synth Stuff Ep...
Episode 3: Roland GAIA SH-01 • Scott's Synth Stuff Ep...
Episode 4: Roland JD-Xi • Scott's Synth Stuff Ep...
Episode 5: Roland System-8 • Scott's Synth Stuff Ep...
Episode 6: Modal Cobalt8 • Scott's Synth Stuff Ep...
Episode 7: Novation Summit • Scott's Synth Stuff Ep...
Link to System-8 editor: roland-system-1-editor.jimdof...
0:00 Intro
0:37 Comparison
1:48 Overview
2:53 ABM vs ACB
7:41 Controls Overview
8:10 Plugout Mapping
9:59 Analog Sound Demo
10:50 1980s Monster
11:27 Bitimbrality
12:16 Patch Management
14:19 Common Controls
14:49 Vocoder
15:50 Arpeggiator
17:54 Patch vs Performance
22:35 Voice Modes
23:58 Plugouts & Menuing
24:52 Patch Selection
25:27 Step Sequencer
29:58 LFO
33:36 Oscillators
38:32 Filters
41:54 Envelope
42:33 Effects
47:12 Other Features
47:55 MIDI Limitations
49:10 SD Card
51:11 Editor
52:19 More Features
53:41 Sample Song
54:59 Pros and Cons
1:01:26 Conclusion
#Roland #System8 #Review

[@ConcernedRat]

What a charismatic guy! Clear and insightful explanations. This video alone sold me on the System 8

[@AURELIOPENNA]

It is so nice to watch, after all these years, people getting deeper and explain S8 even better than the Roland's site. It make's me feel so right about my buying four years ago. Definately, it's my favorite synth and I do have plenty of analog and VA too. It's design is so functional, so clear, that we could use it to teach synthesizer to childrem if we want! But, of course, the cherry on top is the sound! Sounds so analog and "imperfect" and Condition is an awesome feature too! As Doctor Mix saids, it how the earlier VA's should be!

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

I don't think Claudio's covered the System-8 on his Doctor Mix channel...? Not that I can see. But you're 100% right, having a great interface is wonderful, but in the end the sound is the most important part, and the System-8 has the sound!

[@AURELIOPENNA]

@@ScottsSynthStuff I don't think eigther but I guess he leaves some comment bellow mentioning his thoughts about how S8 sounds like J8 and how earlier VA's should sound.

[@retro-dademusic6403]

I’ve owned one for years, but I watched this whole video to congratulate myself for an hour HAHA. FASTASTIC presentation! The synth community should be very thankful to you. Cheers, My Friend. 😎

[@johansmolinski]

I've had my System-8 for three years and not discovered half of what this walk-through teaches. Subscribed.

[@stacygabriel]

synth heads saying. "id never spend 20-30 grand on a synth".. but spend 30 grand on 15 synths that relatively all do the same thing.. that clutter your studio and give you option paralysis :) good stuff love my system 8

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

I really try to not get synths that sound or do the same thing. I definitely do have some overlap, however.

[@stacygabriel]

@@ScottsSynthStuff yes of course all jokes. I wouldn't spend that much either :)

[@DS-nw4eq]

So what calm down

[@michaelpettit3473]

Best S-8 video on YT. Thanks Scott!

[@aquaticborealis4877]

You always have stellar walk-throughs with a lot of insight. I would love to pick your brain on various things.

[@rayderrich]

What a deep and great talk, thank you so much.

[@TheSynthFreq]

Great great video! Loved it. Keep up the great work.

[@subzsystemant7923]

I've currently got the Promars loaded into mine, I absolutely love that synth.

[@jansonrawlings8169]

Same!!

[@jwolthers]

Love my System 8. Excellent review!

[@edgi55]

Thanks for taking the time Scottt to make this absolutely awesome video very informative and in-depth. I'm considering purchasing the System -8 or 1m and you explained everything i need to know. Keep up the good work. All the best.

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

The System-8 really is a great synth...MusicRadar just today listed it as #1 on their "best first synth" list.

[@deca5002]

Hahahaha.. You're the first to say what I have been experiencing since I bought the SYS8. I hardly use the juno or JX plugouts , I'm all in for SYS8 and Promars. Really love this machine.

[@MrRafalSC]

Great review! thanks

[@Doctormix]

Nice video!

[@fabimawn]

Review to make a cool beat with? :)))

[@nexuzeb79]

THANK YOU!!!!! I love my s8, considering getting a 2nd :D

[@pcuimac]

Got the System-8 for 900€ NEW! .. I still want the Novation Summit.

[@psprojectbrazil]

Great review! Thx.

[@dacat101]

Great video I love my System 8 it’s a very powerful synth and got it because of the knob per function. Always wanted a Jupiter 8 but couldn’t afford one I looked at the Jupiter XM but didn’t like all the menu diving so I went with the System 8 and haven’t regretted it at all. Do wish Roland would give us more patch storage and a free editor like they did with the Jupiter X . I have made hundreds of patches on it and have to store them on SD card and on the computer and to store them in the Roland cloud you need to have all the cloud synths to store them not ideal. The System 8 is a keeper.

[@danmaduff8919]

Fantastic in-depth overview/review of the System-8. I have yet to buy my first hardware synth (I have a Juno-DS 88 for practicing keys and ROMplaying). I considered the Gaia but after watching several videos on the S-8 I got to try one out at a used store. SO intuitive and incredible sounding; I was off and running right away. Once I have the scratch and am done with all my Syntorial Lessons I am definitely picking one up! Thx Scott!

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

Nothing wrong with the GAIA (I have one too), it's a tremendously capable little synth, and can make so many sounds. But the System-8 has a much bigger sound, and of course you get all those classic sounds.

[@floridahiker1503]

The Juno DS a great synthesizer in the menu. You can create amazing sounds if you learn it.

[@djangofett4879]

Juno DS is a hardware synth

[@BRAPO]

I love the green lights

[@kierenmoore3236]

Analog, on the streets; Digital, under the sheets …

[@shapeshiftersmediagroup]

Underrated comment! LOL

[@Supremeteamcaptain]

When VA was first created, it was intended to sonically be analog without the hassle and reliability issues. Unfortunately, the idea came too early in time, and VA instead became a still-digital sounding category of synths that had analog “characteristics” and a knobby analog panel. The System-8 in my opinion is the first synth that truly accomplished what VA was originally intended to do. There’s no difference in sound or quirks whatsoever between the Plug-Outs: I’ve spent countless hours on end comparing the the JX and Juno I have on hand, and any tiny difference was corrected by adjusting the S8’s condition. This alone is why I didn’t feel ripped off in spending over a grand on it, even if it doesn’t have aftertouch, or what not. When you switch engines, the responsiveness of certain pots and sliders correlates to the new synth engine as well. It’s so detailed. I’ve used the Plug-Outs as VST’s on my computer, and there’s major sonic differences, largely in part to the PC consumer sound chip in my opinion. The S8 is not some VST in a box. And the S8 engine by itself is remarkable.

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

100% agree with everything you've said. The other VA synth I have (which is also relatively new) is the Yamaha Reface CS, and it's also extremely analog-sounding. You'd be hard pressed to tell (sonically speaking) that it's actually a digital engine inside. As I mentioned, the native System-8 engine wasn't even on my radar when I bought this; I simply wanted my JP8. But I find that I use that native engine more than the other three plugout engines combined! It's a powerhouse synth.

[@Supremeteamcaptain]

@@ScottsSynthStuff yup! The Plug-Outs alone are insanely vintage, but the System-8 engine is when you wanna propel your sound into the future!

[@AdamSpade]

So you are saying that the S8 will outperform the VST in terms of sounding analog, because of the added capabilities of the hardware?

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

@@AdamSpade No, the VST should sound identical to the hardware, as they are using (mostly) the same algorithm. There have been shown to be a couple very minor differences, but all else being equal, the sound from the VST is the same as from the hardware.

[@666JGNotts]

Another great video. A couple of things stop me from buying one of these - the keybed not having aftertouch is a minor point but the main point is the patch storage limitations.

[@kierenmoore3236]

Seems Roland didn’t use spots on the board for additional chips … I’m interested to see what the next gen of ACB will bring … ⏳

[@JessieThorne886]

Best synth review I've seen, comprehensive and nuanced! ❤ Am I crazy for considering this as my first synth? I mean, there's modern stuff like the Hydrasynth or Minifreak around, but this just sounds so oldschool and seems extremely user-friendly. Musically, my background is in programming the Commodore 64 SID chip.

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

You're not crazy at all. And if you can do SID programming, you'll pick up on the System-8 in no time. It's an excellent synth, and yes, the included plug-outs are great, but to me the best part of it is the fantastic native System-8 engine.

[@JessieThorne886]

@@ScottsSynthStuff great, thanks for your answer!

[@nexuzeb79]

...about he storage thing, I use the VST ,for free for memory banks on roland cloud, is faster and easier to swap banks of patches and sincerely easier to name you patches on your computer!

[@nexuzeb79]

And the bank storage on the VST is unlimited! Highly recommendable for sorting banks and patches on the s8 and banks of your plugouts!

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

Which is great, and I did mention that in the video...except it doesn't do much for those of us that don't use Roland Cloud. That's why I'm trying to get the third-party editor/patch manager plugin to work with my DAW.

[@andys6592]

I think you have the most straightforward but detail oriented synth demos on KZbin. Thanks alot for the time you put into these. Now the struggle is real for what synth I want to order next. Im still somewhat new to synthesis but have a pretty decent piano background. For the money, what 3 synths would you recommend the most that'll give me the most bang for my money? I currently have a alesis micron. Although I like the sound, the menu diving is atrocious, and I'd prefer either more keys or a solid module. I considered getting the micron larger brother, the ion. But I'm starting to realize that for the money, newer, more future rich synths probably are more stable and cater more longevity and creativity. Thanks alot

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

It really depends on what you're looking to do, and how much you want to spend. Your Micron is reasonably close to the Reface CS, which is a synth I generally recommend to those brand new to synthesizers, to learn subtractive synthesis. The Roland SH-01 GAIA is also a really good synth for learning, and it is really quite a capable little synth. Plus it has full-size keys, which is nice. If you're really looking for bang for the buck, I like both the MODX and Hydrasynth. Two very different synths, but both are amazingly capable, but can be very complex. Something cheaper but still very powerful would be the Modal Cobalt8 or Argon8. Both are pretty inexpensive and make some amazing sounds.

[@collinpople1076]

I think this is my next synthesizer. Seems like the perfect compliment to MODX/Montage. It not only sounds great, but it also has a certain sex appeal and presence. Maybe I'm a sucker for pretty lights and colors lol

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

So many people complain about those green lights, but I like them! And yes, I think it is a perfect companion for the MODX.

[@johnwitt583]

I have a system 8 absolutely love it ❤

[@Daniele-music]

Good! Cause I’m thinking of buying one

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

You won't be sorry!

[@deanbr6ndo70]

brilliant review of this synth mate. it only has 1 lfo in patch mode but in performance mode virtually all functions are doubled up with the exception of the arpeggiator ,yes you only have 4 note polyphony but you get a massive sound.all my patches are created in performance layer mode (think korg ms2000 on steroids). your vids are definitely the best on yt.greetings by the way from Mansfield UK.

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

Thanks Dean, and you're right. If only Roland had made the performance mode store its own copies of patches (like most synths do), so your performances don't get wrecked if you change an underlying patch! :)

[@deanbr6ndo70]

@@ScottsSynthStuffI don't know if you are aware , you can create a patch in performance mode using layer function then overwrite save it.this saves each layer separately in patch mode.im not aware of a system 8 vid on YT that explains this but I always do it this way and it makes it so much better.

[@lassel1644]

This is Scotts best walkthru

[@MIDERA]

The Juno 106 isn’t really any more complicated of a synth than the JX3P. I’d say the JX3P is a little more complex with its metal sync. It does have PWM, which I like how it sounds. Roland failed with trying to recreate the JX3P PWM on the ACB, sadly. I thought I could sell my JX3P after buying the System 8, but I could not. It gets so close… so close… but it wasn’t enough. That said, the System 8 sounded identical to my Juno 6… so I sold that. Oh well :/

[@greglake7069]

Thank you for doing this video. I found it really informative. I have two synths and the System 8 is the one I play the most mainly because of the layout being so hands on. My other synth is a JDXA. I love them both as the two synths work really well together for me. I got them because I can’t afford a Jupiter 8 and an Oberheim OB-Xa without selling a family member. But that JDXA menu is a different story compared to the System 8’s.

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

The JD-Xa is a pretty capable synth (Nick Rhodes uses two of them to play live with Duran Duran!), but I found the user interface just a bit messy for my liking. I definitely like the control layout of the System-8! Your studio must look great with green and red synths glowing!

[@kierenmoore3236]

I watched a JD-XA vid recently, and it sounded so good!! 🤔

[@kierenmoore3236]

How would you compare the JD-XA (actual analog) and the S8 (ACB), soundwise … ? Presence-wise? Do you tend towards one or the other?

[@MrWhipple1062]

Love the informative video on this system 8! I have one on the way to me. I'm a huge Styx fan and wondered if you could tell me how to emulate styx lead tones. Any advice would be awesomely appreciated! Thanks Scott!

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

Dennis DeYoung used a lot of Oberheim and Arp 2600 in Styx songs. Especially with the Oberheim (OB-X, I believe) he stacked a lot of sounds together to make it a big, fat sound. The System-8 is going to have no problem recreating sounds very similar to those.

[@proxibomb4913]

thanks for posting the video! i'm gonna opt for a system-8 instead of jupiter-x so i can save up and have more cash for a moog subsequent 37! to think that i just took the most expensive synth off my list means i've got more cash for the two dream synths left to go (the sub37 and the seq rev2)! def subscribing for your in-depth vids, keep it up dude!!

[@maydaygoingdown5602]

I had the rev 2 and sold it once I tried the Summit. I'm also trying to decide on the Moog Sub 37, its a tough one as I don't really need another mono synth but it does sound proper MOOG:). But then I think of the Pro 3 which is also a great synth.

[@kierenmoore3236]

Rev2 is a monster, and true analog. Summit is great, especially for emulating warm, gooey, synthwave pads. I own and love both.

[@kierenmoore3236]

Subsequent37 sounds great, too! Want! Even tho’ I have a Pro 3 SE … 😏

[@SWATTECHNOLOGIES]

I have the FA06 and have the same "Performance" issues, the way I get around it is to make my own User tones for the User Performances and if I need a change I modify the tone, save it to a new slot and add it to another slot in the same Performance or make a new Performance. Fortunately theFA06 has a lot of user slots. It also allows for the import of Integra Jupiter tones which is great. But I agree with you that it's a lot of extra unnecessary steps/work. But I do love my FA06 once I figured it all out.

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

I don't know why Roland has to do things the "Roland" way instead of the way everyone else does it. Kind of reminds me of Apple....

[@williamwilson3409]

Thanks so much for the content. The S8 is awesome; especially for the beginner. Quick question for you sir: did you ever find a way to do sysex dumps/receives on the machine that you mentioned in the vid around 51:00? Trying to save my patches to and from the S8 and the computer without subing to the cloud or without, if possible, purchasing the third party S8 editor. I've dove into the S8 menu and to the internet to no avail.

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

Anything that can record and play back sysex dumps can capture that data. There's a free utility called "sysex librarian" that can do it. Most DAWs can as well (I know Cubase can).

[@IRIDEHARLEYS]

Great video! Of all the synths you've played over the past 10 years, what would be your top 3 to have? So many good ones! BTW have you tried the Poly Brute?

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

It really depends on the purpose you want them for. I love the Hydrasynth. I also (mostly) love the Novation Summit, which I just put out a video for yesterday. I would love to have a Montage, but $$$ so I have the MODX - which honestly, is 95% the same, with just not a quite as nice keybed.

[@forrestcitygroove]

Love the Synth wish it had a Favorite section or slot for are own created Patches ,but I won't sell it

[@hausofdrone3754]

Video Request - can you do a best led standby mode shootout? Vegas Mode / Mardi Gras Mode etc. I’m visual and love to know about all the best synth “visual ergonomics” to help inspire a creative vibe when passing by them.

[@laloc9610]

Incredible synth! Question: Can it record melodies and chords on the fly while the sequencer is playing? Also, if it can, does the synth quantize the take? Im looking to get it for a live act with ableton live (live looping). Hope you can help me with this 🙌🏼🙏🏼

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

Yes and yes. In Real Time Rec mode, you can play over top of the sequencer (overdub) and it will record your playing into the sequencer, quantized to whatever speed/step you have set up. While the sequencer is playing, just hit the Real Time Rec button and then play. It can record up to four notes (i.e. a four note chord) per step, so if there is for instance a bassline running, you could record a three-note chord into that step as well.

[@Howdy606]

@@ScottsSynthStuff If only it had a metronome and count in, the real-time feature would be so much more useful. I can't understand why they left that out, The one on the Korg Opsix is superb and so much more fun. (but only 16 notes)

[@Gerald_Daniel]

That was quite an insightful review. Does the Reso quantization noise “only” affect the System 8 engine or the JP-8 plug out as well?

[@nachomoraga535]

Hi Sscott, liked and suscribed. Now, I have a question that i also posted on one of your other videos about the midi control of the S8. I can do patch change but what about Plug out change over midi? also in the manual talks about MSB and LSB but in the DAW there is not much to work with apart from cc info. Could you show how you do control and make changes through midi? I use Reason 12 but I guess any DAW would be similar. Cheers

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

You send the MSB (85) as CC0, then the LSB (0=System-8, 1=Plugout 1, 2=Plugout 2, etc) as CC32. That will select the plugout, then you send a standard program change (0-63) to select the patch. Each DAW does this a bit differently, unfortunately.

[@nachomoraga535]

@@ScottsSynthStuff thanks for your reply. Reason has a midi out devise (like a one unit rack thing) that has a program change option, and two cc knobs with a little screen, and also two cv knobs. I have tried different combinations of those numbers between the cc knobs and the little screen but nothing happens on the S8. I have also turned off the tx on the S8 as per the manual says. I may have to ask Reason support, unfortunately not many musicians use this DAW. I have tried Ableton but is way too complicated compared to Reason. 👍

[@deandavis325]

Hey Scott, great video. I'm seriously considering getting either the System 8 or the Jupiter Xm. Have a question for you. When you bought your System 8 did it come with the JX 3p plug out or did you install it after purchase ??? Also did you do a firmware update after you purchased it for the FM capabilities or did it come from the factory that way. I'm really considering the System 8 after watching your video because it's one of the best on YT and because even though the Jupiter Xm is a newer synth with more voices and newer technology I've heard the menu diving is deeper than the Mariana Trench !!! (lol) Cheers !!! 🎹😎🎹

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

My System-8 came with both the JX-3P and FM capabilities from the factory, although there *was* a later firmware upgrade. I don't recall what the upgrade did, I think there were a couple bug fixes. There have been a couple firmware updates issued just to support different plug-outs. I agree with the menu diving on the Jupiter X and Xm, it's why I didn't buy one.

[@dxtrs_mnpltr]

I wonder why Roland is neglecting the Jupiter 6

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

I have heard rumors that a JP6 plugout might be coming...

[@fluctura]

Hey! Thank you for this great video!! I think I'll get one. But I'm alot into chillout, and trance. Did you try the supersaw with huuuge reverb? 😅

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

You can actually get a pretty massive reverb on the System-8 if you edit the reverb parameters in the menu (room size and so on), and the supersaw is of course a Roland supersaw (they invented the thing!) so it sounds great. But you will not be able to approach the quality of a DAW-powered reverb in the System-8's hardware (DSP) reverb. But...you'll get close!

[@fluctura]

@@ScottsSynthStuff Thank you!! :) I'm now trying and playing with the Roland cloud. Do you think the VSTs are 1:1 or does it make a difference in the end? Like, if you replicate a simple bass sound on the hw and the same one in VST, record both -- will you see a difference in the analyzer (leaving out limiter-caused level/compression differences?)

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

@@fluctura Running the same patch, the end result coming from the VST System-8 version and coming out of the DAC on the System-8's native engine are going to be 100% identical. Any differences you hear will be as a result of the analog audio chain from the System-8. Of course if you use the built-in audio interface on the System-8, you cut that out of the equation, so what you end up with then is 100% exactly the same, because it's the same code. Almost. With a couple caveats. :) There have been a couple tests done by KZbinrs that managed to find quirks here and there where a filter or something behaved just a tiny bit differently on one of them - I don't recall exactly what it was, but I do recall that it was not something you likely would ever come across in normal usage.

[@fluctura]

@@ScottsSynthStuff Alright! That's very good to know, thank you!! 👍👌 Great channel and content. +1 sub :)

[@mac651000]

@scott'ssynthstuff great review. Very detailed and informative. I noticed how impressive your rack is. I have a MODX, I am now stuck between a System 8 and a Novation Summit. Can you help me, please?

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

Really depends on what you're looking for. If you want that "Roland sound" - particularly the Roland 1980's sound, the System-8 is a no-brainer. The Summit excels more at gentle, lush, expansive sounds, where the System-8 is great at more in-your-face sounds, bass, leads, stabs, etc.

[@mac651000]

@@ScottsSynthStuff Thanks. They both sound amazing. The System 8@s ACB technology is superior to the newer Zen Core AMB that Roland employ. I must admit, the Summit is the synth I think I should get, the Roland is the synth I think I should want. Certainly, the 61 keys of the summit is a big plus., even though I already have an 88 key MODX. I just think that extra octave gives you something. Thnaks for your reply.

[@ForecastGrim]

Been gassing for one of these. Scott Could you please tell me if it responds to poly after touch like the Mc 707(it does)?

[@Cluless02]

Used to have a Juno-6 but not so much into the Roland Jupiter, JX-3P synths, nor the D-50 that were really popular at the time. Also had the MKS-50 rack units with the Programmer 300. The System 8 sounds quite a bit better.

[@nexuzeb79]

Am I wrong or does the velocity sensitivity on the filter turn off when in chord memory mode? A shame if it is, I couldn't find a way around it..

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

Definitely not. I just tried it myself, and had no problem having velocity affect filter cutoff with chord memory on or off, in the System-8 as well as the plugout engines.

[@bdodger548]

Where can you get those parameter correspondence cheat sheets? Thank you

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

They're all on the Roland site: www.roland.com/global/support/by_product/system-8/owners_manuals/

[@idobabayoff]

Hi scott, great review i entend to buy this one. Placing synth is one of problems and i notice this stand with comfortable 3 synth on it. How do u call this stand i would like to order one. Thanks

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

It is actually made up of two stands: The base is a two-tier Onstage Stands Z-stand: amzn.to/3qFdlA9 The top (third) tier is the Onstage Stands top tier: amzn.to/3mKGx7S

[@idobabayoff]

@@ScottsSynthStuff thanks!

[@80ssynthfan48]

I am within near reach of getting a used S8 in which the current owner has the three slots occupied by Jup 4, Juno 60 and JX3P. Is it easy/quick to keep swapping in and out with other plug ins? On the one hand I am not thrilled at the prospect of removing the Jup 4 or Juno 60 but on the other hand the Jupiter 8 and Juno 106 plug outs might both warrant a run as well based on what I hear.

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

So here's how that will work. Once the plugouts are installed into the S8, they will remain there until you take action to remove them. However...once you remove them (overwrite, or reset to factory default) you cannot get them back, because the licenses to those plugouts actually belong to the previous owner. If you want to reinstall them, you'll have to purchase them in Roland Cloud yourself.

[@80ssynthfan48]

@@ScottsSynthStuff ah, OK thanks. Looks like the JX3P will be the one to go then. I don't want to lose the 4 or the 60.

[@geoffreymerrifield5666]

Is Roland still creating new plug out's. I almost got this but elected to get a Yamaha Montage 6, then sold that for a Yamaha modx6, and later a Moog Subsequent 37. The Moog is quite incredible in sound and feel, but occasionally I wonder how things would have gone had I got a System 8 instead of the Moog.

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

It was thought that Roland had abandoned plug-out development in favor of Zen-Core, but then they released the Juno-60 plug-out a few months ago. I have a MODX7, and I love it, it's my kitchen sink synth that does everything well. I *almost* bought a Subsequent 37, but ended up with a Summit instead!

[@geoffreymerrifield5666]

@@ScottsSynthStuff The Summit looks like a monster. It wasn't on my radar but it would've been out of my price range. Actually the Moog was too, but I've wanted one since hearing the Tangerine Dream soundtrack to Sorcerer.

[@btraxproject]

At the price range, would you recommend anything else than this for someone who has limited budget and space and just wants one flagship synth for analog sounds?

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

If you want "Roland" sounds, the System-8 is fabulous. For a very capable synth with great analog sounds, you could probably find a used Summit for that price. Other alternatives might be a MODX or Fantom-0, which would give you the capability (but not the UI) to create those types of sounds, and thousands of others as well.

[@TheAndyland1]

On the system 8 how many preset sounds are there please Thank you

[@tommyg5095]

I've been on the fence about this synth. I do have several synths, but I keep looking at this for that "80's" sound. And as close as I have come several times to pull the trigger on the S8, I keep seeing shortcomings, such as patch memory , performance lost by saving patches, only three plug outs at any one time. I guess I am curious if anyone thinks that the basis of this S8 will be taken to a higher level, especially since this synyh is going on 6 years old. ASM Hydrasynth brought out a Deluxe version of their " not too old" market entry. That may be what I purchase next, even though I have the original version of the Hydrasynth 49 keys... Hell, I think I just convinced myself to just pull the trigger on the Hydrasynth Deluxe.

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

I sold my 49 key Hydrasynth and replaced it with a Deluxe, and I love it. That said, the System-8 does not cover much of the same sonic territory as the Hydrasynth. If you want a "Roland sound", the System-8 is it. They will not likely be replacing it with anything of the kind, as Roland is concentrating on Zen-core emulations, not the ACB that powers the System-8. I'd recommend both the Hydrasynth AND the System-8. There, solved it for you! :)

[@tommyg5095]

@@ScottsSynthStuff Maybe... I am pulling the trigger on the hydra Deluxe. Shopping for best price, but may just pay full price from Sweetwater, I like everything about that company plus the 2 year extended from them. I want to see what happens for Memorial Day sales, if I can get a substantial deal. I believe you when you say that Roland , more than likely, will not improve on this model, Such a shame too, could you imagine what this format could really be!!!!

[@kierenmoore3236]

@@ScottsSynthStuff Hope you’re wrong about no expanded/Gen 2 ACB synth, like the S8 … I can’t imagine them just abandoning the technology (tho’, they’ve mostly abandoned analog, despite user demand, so 😏 … 😉)

[@EverettDudgeon138]

I still have my eye on the System 8 for the FM capabilities to compliment my Prophet 6 but I would only really use the System 8 engine and with the lack of memory patches per each engine it feels like I'd eat up memory really fast.

[@Supremeteamcaptain]

You can use the VST as a simple librarian for all your patches

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

I should have mentioned that in the video. I don't use Roland Cloud, so it wasn't in the forefront of my mind - but yes, you can use the VST to store patches.

[@EverettDudgeon138]

@@Supremeteamcaptain I don't use Roland Cloud so that would be useless to me. My Prophet 6 and my Prophet X both have over 400 user slots for patches. Less than 100 for the System 8 is kind of a setback in many respects.

[@st0rmchild]

The chintzy patch storage is my biggest complaint. You can save 64 patches per plugout. There should be at least 256 slots per plugout. Considering how easy and fun it is to make new sounds with all this hands-on control, you end up running out of slots in no time.

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

@@st0rmchild 100%, that's my biggest complaint about it as well. Not only that, all of the slots are populated with factory sounds when you get it, so you have to blow stuff away to do your own sounds - and because of the way the performances are set up, when you start blowing away patches, you ruin any of the performances that reference those patches. Stupid!!!

[@Daniele-music]

So overall is the Roland system 8 worthwhile and do you still use it?

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

I think so, for those classic Roland sounds. I still use mine all the time!

[@80ssynthfan48]

Is this easy to use for a beginner? Is there aftertouch? Thanks.

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

Because the controls are all laid out in front of you, it is relatively easy to learn, even for a beginner. No aftertouch, however.

[@kierenmoore3236]

@@ScottsSynthStuff So, the S8 KB has no aftertouch … but does the synth engine respond to aftertouch, eg from an external keyboard that does have AT ?!

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

@@kierenmoore3236 No, it has no aftertouch mapping at all. It ignores any aftertouch MIDI data it receives.

[@kekethetoad]

I wonder why they couldn't just take a vintage Roland synth like a jupiter 8 for example, have some computer MIDI interface & software control all of the possible parameter combinations to a high number of incremental points per parameter, then sample the resultant waveforms / envelopes / filters etc. then have them correlated to the MIDI #

[@nexuzeb79]

BTW.... Should be noted that the sequencer is purely quantized... Thus motion sequencing...erm.. B creative!

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

Yes...but you could adjust the gate and swing (both of which I realized after the fact that I forgot to mention!) to try to give a bit of life to a hard-quantized sequence.

[@nexuzeb79]

@@ScottsSynthStuff I was surprised to see that the s8 records arp's as well... Not all sequencers do that, even today!

[@lumer2b]

Why would you ever need to transpose outside -5..+6 if you also have octave controls? -11 for example is +1 on the other octave

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

True, but it just makes it a bit harder to do, and then limits your octave controls. Every other synth I have lets you tune +/- 11 or 12. Just seems silly that Roland wouldn't do the same. It's just software! :)

[@lumer2b]

@@ScottsSynthStuff Yes I know it's not how most other workstations go (I can go -24 to +24 with Yamaha synths) but it really didn't seem that unreasonable, just a bit of silliness indeed :)

[@mybachhertzbaud3074]

I know it's a sin but I catch myself coveting thy neighbor's studio😇 Excellent demo . I have the System-8 constantly on my desire list. But that Hydrasynth Deluxe keeps calling me😁

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

I'm waiting for mine to arrive, hopefully soon! :)

[@Daniele-music]

What does fl stand for in chorus

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

Flanger. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flanging

[@harryepstein3629]

Hi Scott. Could you, or SOMEBODY out there, watching your videos, please answer a very simple question for me? I'd really like to buy the system 8, but first want to know if it can be played with an external keyboard? Nobody seems to address this issue. I still absolutely love my roland a90ex midi controller, which I bought brand new, back in the early 90's, and it's still my main keyboard, and I still absolutely love playing it all the time, and would never ever sell it. I want to use it as the keybed for the system 8, all the while, having full ability to use all of the system 8's control surface--- is this possible? Have you personally used one of your other synths as the keybed for the system 8? Does it work? I'm afraid to spend $1500.00 on the system 8, hook up my a90 to it, via midi, only to find out it's not gonna work! Please help, if you can. I'd very very much appreciate it. harry

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

Yes, will do this, and it's quite flexible this way. In patch mode (where it's playing a single sound), you can have it respond to just a single MIDI channel, or respond to ALL channels (omni mode). You can also select if you want the arpeggiator to be triggered from an external keyboard or not. You can also run it in split mode, where you can send sounds for the lower half on one MIDI channel, and sounds for the upper half on a different MIDI channel (you can change the channel numbers as you wish). While doing this, all the controls on the System-8 remain active and usable.

[@harryepstein3629]

@ScottsSynthStuff oh wow! Thanks so much Scott! You've actually done this for yourself, and know of a surity that it works as you described? This is not just head knowledge you know of, but you have actually experienced it and done it for yourself? I feel like I've probably got a bunch of other questions I could ask you too- such as, the system 8 will respond to all 88 keys on the a90, without having to shift up and down, like you'd have to do using the on-board system 8 keyboard? And does roland have any plug out programs that are more geared for piano sounds, that I could load into the system 8? I've also got a kawai vpc1 keyboard, that I'm probably gonna want to use for the system 8 keyboard. I'm very excited now, to get the system 8! God bless. Thanks once again scott! Most sincerely yours, harry

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

@@harryepstein3629 yup, definitely done it myself. You aren't going to find piano type sounds coming from that synth, it's not what it's made for.

[@OgamiItto70]

What's the deal with Roland and MIDI? I had a Boss GT-8 (made by Roland Corp.) and it didn't play well with other MIDI devices. I called up the manufacturer of one of those other devices to find out why their rack unit wasn't doing like it should and they told me it was because of "Roland MIDI." And they were right. I had to reconnect everything to be controlled by another MIDI footpedal controller instead of being able to trigger everything from the GT-8, thereby losing a bunch of the GT-8's functions. It was irritating as hell.

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

Yup. Roland is kind of the Apple of the synth world. They play fast and loose with standards, making it mostly compatible, but adding their own "stuff" to it to suit what they want to make it do. The System-8 is the singular most frustrating synth I own when it comes to getting it to play nice with my DAW via MIDI. Just last night I lost half an hour trying to figure out why it was going into a MIDI loop with my DAW....again. Fantom is unfortunately the same.

[@SendyTheEndless]

No multicoloured buttons like on the J8 tho : ( : )

[@Daniele-music]

But you can always change them

[@shaft9000]

"it's completely indistinguishable from an analog synthesizer" says a guy surrounded by digital synthesizers

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

Look closer, there's a couple analogs in there. :) That said, having been buying and playing synths since the 80's, I remember well dealing with cantankerous analog synths that go out of tune, need to be warmed up to work correctly, stop working randomly...digital synths today can provide essentially perfect emulations of analogs, with the perfection and reliability of digital control. As I mentioned, many people have done comparisons of the System-8 emulating the Juno-106, JP8 and JX-3P against the real article, and with a couple extremely minor exceptions, you can't tell them apart.

[@dxtrs_mnpltr]

@ghost mall nah I’m with Scott on this one, the sound is the same.. there might be a slight difference in character here and there but that is compensated by the cost and reliability of the S8 plus all the extra functionality and synth models you get. It’s a no brainer really

[@andrewserich2076]

Electrolytic capacitor degredation simulation? ? Seriously. .. how about a simulation when a capicitor explodes... .or the sound it makes when it leaks all over the circuit board and starts eating tracks...lol

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

We'll leave that to the old Korgs :)

[@kierenmoore3236]

@@ScottsSynthStuff Oh, no, he di’n’t !!!! ☝🏼😮

[@mykdubz128]

Well, you seem to like using superlatives. An example is the "extremely powerful" filter. How many modes does it have? - 8? This is neither extreme nor powerful. That's - with all due respect - pretty poor. But well, you have to understand System 8 as an emulator. But I don't know why I should buy this synth. There are software synthesizers that emulate good 80s sounds and to be honest - no one on a dance floor is interested in that. Basically, good music has nothing to do with good equipment. It's nice if you have it though. But it also works without illuminated buttons. Really, this System 8 compared to, let's say PhasePlant... Guess how long it takes that you run out of arguments for System 8. Not even 2 minutes.