As a reminder: the original JD-800 uses linear arithmetic synthesis (Roland D-50) which combines sample playback with digital synthesis. Roland celebrates the 30th birthday (1991) of the JD-800 this year. This time as a standalone plugin with a revamped GUI in the design of the original device from the 90s. Roland beamed the JD-800 into the cloud a second time. Good news: the JD-800 is now also available as an independent VST3/AU/AAX plugin with an authentic GUI and without ZEN chains. It’s basically an engine that can be loaded directly into the Jupiter X/Xm hardware or into the Zenology plugin. The JD-800 was previously only available as a model expansion that is part of the ZEN-Core world. This year alone, numerous new instruments were added such as emulations of the Juno-60 or the TR-707 / TR-727. Plus, the options to buy plugins at any moment. However, Roland shows the market that you can make it attractive with good products and constant support. Subscriptions aren’t popular, that’s no secret.
Roland first made their JD-800 emulation playable as a model expansion for ZEN-Core, now the plugin version is available on the cloud.
