Experience an original breathtakingly lifelike sound that buzzes with unique character with the Roland JUPITER-4 Lifetime Key Software Synthesizer, a plug-in that emulates the polyphonic JUPITER-4 hardware with sonic accuracy down to the circuit level. Introduced in 1978, the JUPITER-4 sounds exactly like you'd expect—warm, fat, and evocative of synth pop, new wave, and other emerging styles of the era—but with new capabilities and enhancements for today's workflows.
The plug-in comes with a Roland Cloud Lifetime Key, which is managed online and provides 24-hour access to all updates and enhancements at no additional charge. A free Roland Account is required to access Roland Cloud Manager.
Key Features
- Authentic recreation of the JUPITER-4 synthesizer using enhanced ACB technology
- High-definition resizable interface gives the feel of working with the vintage hardware
- Double the polyphony of the original hardware (selectable from two to eight notes)
- Circuit Mod function lets you tweak the sonic character in real time
- Extended parameters, advanced arpeggiator, onboard effects, and more
- Lush Ensemble chorus effect, plus classic reverb, flanger, delay, overdrive, and more
- PLUG-OUT compatibility with the SYSTEM-8 hardware synth
- Integrated browser lets you search across all installed patch banks
- All the original patches plus new sounds for contemporary music
- VST3, AU, and AAX compatibility and native support for Apple silicon
- Lifetime Key purchase
A New Wave of Synths
- Roland’s first polyphonic analog synthesizer launched the JUPITER legacy of best-in-class sound and cutting-edge innovation. Along with its incredible synthesis power, the JUPITER-4 brought digital voltage control and the ability to store eight user presets with new technological wizardry dubbed Compuphonic.
- But the real magic was in grabbing the panel controls and designing big, beautiful tones, which led synth pioneers to create timeless tracks that continue to influence musicians today.
Analog Circuit Behavior (ACB)
- Roland uses its proprietary circuit modeling technology to bring the JUPITER-4 to life in your DAW or SYSTEM-8.
- The ACB process involves carefully analyzing original hardware units, circuit diagrams, and other historical data. Roland then uses this information to recreate the authentic circuit behaviors of the vintage instrument, including all the beloved quirks and instabilities.
Modern Enhancements and Capabilities
- While the JUPITER-4 plug-in carefully models an instrument from the past, the implementation here is thoroughly modern.
- The plug-in version features enhancements that take the original's sonic powers to another level, including extended oscillator range, adjustable noise, velocity sensitivity, sub-oscillator volume control, and a flexible arpeggiator.
- In addition to perfectly modeling the JUPITER-4’s lush Ensemble chorus, Roland has added a slew of new effects, including phaser, flanger, overdrive, reverb, and delay.
- And it fits perfectly into your production environment with a resizable high-definition UI, support for VST3, AAX, and AU formats, and Apple silicon compatibility.
Tweak Condition Parameter for Out-of-Spec Sounds
- Vintage synths like the JUPITER-4 hardware had internal trim controls that allowed technicians to tweak various analog components when they drifted out of spec. But sometimes tweaking out-of-spec created a sound that was unique, interesting, or extraordinary.
- Realized through Roland's latest ACB advancements, the new Circuit Mod function lets you sweep through multiple trims using a single macro control. Along with the Condition parameter, which simulates the effects of aging, you can dial in everything from a factory-primed JUPITER-4 to a road-worn synth that hasn’t seen a tech bench in decades.
Sophisticated Browser
- The sophisticated browser lets you explore the JUPITER-4’s stunning collection of factory presets, your own custom sounds, and patches downloaded from Roland Cloud.
- Search across all installed patch banks, sort results, rate your favorites, jot down notes, and make quick adjustments with the integrated tweak panel.
PLUG-OUT Hardware Integration with SYSTEM-8
- The JUPITER-4 Software Synthesizer offers full integration with the SYSTEM-8 keyboard. You can change the JUPITER-4’s plug-in panel to match the SYSTEM-8 for intuitive, one-to-one control.
- Or use the PLUG-OUT functionality to turn your SYSTEM-8 into a standalone eight-voice JUPITER-4 that you can play in the studio or onstage.
What Is a Lifetime Key and How Does It Work?
- The Lifetime Key system provides an evolving service that includes free lifetime updates, cloud-based mobility with installation for up to five devices, plus access to current Test Drive promotions of instruments and patch collections.
- A Lifetime Key is a cloud-based authorization for Roland Cloud instruments. Roland Cloud Membership and Lifetime Keys are managed through an online ID called a Roland Account.
- A free Roland Account is required to access Roland Cloud Manager and will periodically connect to the internet to authorize your Membership and/or Lifetime Keys.
- Lifetime Key is active as long as your Roland account is active—even if you’re not a paying member.