Roland has announced the PROMARS PLUG-OUT Software Synthesizer, a complete reproduction of the rare PROMARS synthesizer first released in 1979. With two detunable VCOs and two sub-oscillators per voice, the PROMARS has been designed for SYSTEM-1 as well as Mac and PC hosts.
The original PROMARS was a sibling of the JUPITER-4, and is often thought of as simply a monophonic version. But the PROMARS was much more. While the JUPITER-4 had one VCO and one sub-OSC per voice, the PROMARS had two of each. The pitch of the two VCOs could be slightly detuned to produce a unison chorus effect, and a sub-OSC was provided on each VCO. Able to produce sounds similar to a four-VCO synthesizer, the PROMARS sounded much bigger than it’s size, with a big, fat synth tone. While not as well known as the JUPITER-4, the thick sound and compu-memory function that allowed sounds to be stored and recalled made it a noted part of Roland’s classic mono synth past.
Main Features:
» Replica of rare PROMARS COMPUPHONIC synthesizer
» ACB claims to provide the rich, warm vintage tone of the original
» Two VCOs plus two sub-oscillators per voice
» Fast envelopes and filters with classic Roland character
» VST, AU and PLUG-OUT compatible
With the new PROMARS PLUG-OUT Synthesizer, the sound of this rare, vintage instrument is reproduced with Analog Circuit Behavior (ACB) technology. ACB claims to capture the sound and feel of Roland’s classics, using original design specs, and a detailed, part-by-part analysis of each analog circuit. In addition to the reproduction, Roland took the liberty to enhance the functionality and sound. The VCOs have increased range settings, the LFO has a Random waveform setting, and the Noise and and Pulse Width sections have full range control of those parameters. There is also an effects and an advanced arpeggiator section.
While multiple instances of the PROMARS plug-in can be used in any VST or AU compatible DAW, the PROMARS PLUG-OUT Software Synthesizer offers integration and unique capabilities for SYSTEM-1 owners. Connect a SYSTEM-1 and it becomes a dedicated controller, only lighting the appropriate knobs and sliders pertinent to the PROMARS. Transfer sounds back and forth between the PROMARS and SYSTEM-1 and even use the SYSTEM-1 as a high-quality audio and MIDI interface. Or break free entirely and PLUG-OUT directly to the SYSTEM-1, creating a stand-alone, hardware PROMARS synthesizer with real physical controls that can go anywhere and doesn’t require a computer.
No pricing or availability has been announced.
Roland
