NEWS
The Japanese megacorp unveil a new plugin based on ZEN-Core Synthesis
Providing a wealth of emulations of their classic synths and drum machines – both algorithmic and samplebased – for a competitive monthly fee, Roland’s Roland Cloud service has successfully established itself as part of the music technology landscape over the last couple of years. And now, alongside the legendary likes of the SH-101, TR-808, Juno-106 and System 100, subscribers can get their hands on a plugin version of the company’s recently unveiled ZENCore Synthesis System.
Called Zenology, the new instrument “embodies nearly 50 years of synthesizer research and development”, and uses analogue emulation, PCM-based and analogue/digital hybrid technologies for sound generation, with “Analog Behavior Modelling” due to be added at a later date. Importantly, it allows for transfer of patches between it and Roland‘s ZEN-Corecompatible hardware synths – such as the Jupiter-X, Fantom and MC-707 – meaning you can program a sound on one, then open it in another for further editing or use as is.
Zenology itself houses over 3000 presets and looks to be a pretty simple affair, with synthesis parameters comprising filter Cutoff and Resonance, envelope Attack and Release, and Vibrato depth. 80 extensive drum kits are also onboard, offering adjustment of Level, Pan, Attack, Decay and Release for individual drum sounds. A single effect processor from a menu of over 90 can also be deployed.
As well as the aforementioned Analog Behavior Modelling expansions, a Pro version of Zenology with deeper editing of synthesis and modulation parameters is on the schedule for later in the year, and this forms the focal point of the new Roland Cloud pricing system. Now, the Core tier ($2.99/month or $29.99/year) gets you Zencore and all ZEN-Core Sound Packs and Wave Expansions; a Pro account ($9.99/ month or $99/year) adds the forthcoming Zenology Pro, plus the D-50 and TR-808 plugins; and Ultimate Membership ($19.99/ month or $199/year) unlocks everything Roland Cloud has to offer.
roland.com