The Roland JD-800 Model Expansion for Zenology and Zenology Pro Software instruments.
The Roland JD-800 synth is back from the 90s as a Zen-Core Model Expansion. The stuning digital instrument offered analogue-style control. The Roland JD-800 synthesizer was released in 1991 was, in several ways, ahead of its time. Like many synths of that era, it was digital, but with its massive panel of controls, it harked back to the analogue beasts of yesteryear.
However, this was way back before the analogue revival had us in its warm, comforting grip. Today, I still reckon that the JD-800 is one of the greatest synths of all time, and its time might just have come again thanks to a new Roland ZEN-Core Model Expansion. This software reboot combines the original JD-800 waveforms with advanced modelling techniques, and promises 100 per cent authenticity. Additionally, you will get all of the original sound-shaping potential.
The JD-800 Model Expansion works with Roland Zenology and Zenology Pro software instruments, and the Jupiter-X and Jupiter-Xm hardware instruments. It is included with the Pro and Ultimate membership levels of Roland Cloud and any Roland Cloud member can also purchase a Lifetime Key for this or any other Model Expansion title – you are eligible for a 30-day trial of Ultimate with any paid-for plan.
The JD-800 released is to mark the 30th anniversary of the JD-800 birth, and is available via the Roland Cloud. Find out more on the Roland Cloud website.
Sequential has released a free OS update for the Prophet-6 and the OB-6 that adds MPE support, Vintage Mode and more.
Sequential says that the updates ‘significantly enhance the expressivity of both instruments’.
Here’s what is new;
Support for MIDI Polyphonic Expression (MPE). This enable the Prophet-6 and OB-6 respond to MPE-driven controllers, including the LinnStrument, Expressive E Osmose, Roli Seaboard series and others.
Improved aftertouch curves for enhanced expressiveness, when using the Prophet-6 and OB-6’s own keyboard.
Prophet-5 Rev 4-style “vintage” mode. This gives the Prophet-6 and OB-6 a ‘looser, more organic sound’ that emulates the behavior of vintage synthesizers, where the behavior of individual oscillators, filters, and envelopes vary from voice to voice.
GForce OB-E synth plugin brings back the Oberheim 8-Voice. 8 SMEs in one massive instrument.
GForce Software has unveiled its magnum opus, the OB-E. A plugin recreation of Oberheim legendary 8-Voice synthesizer, this packs eight of Oberheim classic SEMs into a single unit, giving users a monstrous polyphonic instrument. Each monophonic SEM offers two ADS envelope generators, two VCOs with pulse and sawtooth waveforms, one LFO, and a multimode filter. Bring these together and you have a massive 8-voice polysynth. The OB-E offers complete per-voice control – though you can edit all SEMS at once – and programming is much easier than on the original hardware. GForce has also added an 8-step sequencer and a routable stereo delay. The UI is fully scalable.
Used in Mono mode, OB-E gives you just one Synthesizer Expanded Module (SME) to work with, a good place to start if you want to learn the programming ropes. Switch to Poly mode, and all eight SEMs become visible. Used in Unison mode, and each SEM can be set to different tunings.
The OB-E ships with 600 factory patches, the majority of which have been designed to fit in your mix – though there are a few showstoppers to demonstrate the instrument’s standalone capabilities as well. These have been categorized and tagged to enable you to find the sound you are looking for easier.
The OB-E supports polyphonic aftertouch and is MPE ready. You can also split the upper and lower SEMs across the keyboard. And is offered as a Mac VST/AU/AAX plugin – which will gauge interest in a PC version.
OB-E is available now for the introductory price of £130 plus tax, rising to £150 plus tax on 8 March.
