video upload by RolandChannel
Press release follows.
Fifty Years of Legendary Roland Synths and Drum Machines and Thousands of Iconic Sounds in One Powerful Super Instrument, Available Exclusively on Roland CloudLos Angeles, CA, Nov. 14, 2023 — Roland introduces GALAXIAS, a powerful new software-based musical instrument available exclusively on Roland Cloud. Roland has been a pioneer in music technology for over half a century, delivering a continuous stream of influential instruments and effects that have fueled countless hits, defined genres, and driven cultural trends. With GALAXIAS, musicians and producers can explore and experience them all in one creative environment.
GALAXIAS runs as a standalone application on macOS and Windows. It will also be available in VST3 and AU plug-in formats for DAW music production soon after the initial release. Within GALAXIAS, users can work with any instrument on Roland Cloud and instantly access a vast searchable library with over 20,000 ready-to-play sounds. From historic icons such as the JUPITER-8, TR-808, and D-50 to modern instruments like ZENOLOGY and SYSTEM-8, GALAXIAS harnesses Roland's evolving sonic legacy into a single “Super Instrument” with infinite creative possibilities.
GALAXIAS provides the ability to layer up to four instruments and create massive sonic superclusters called Scenes. Every layer has its own key range, transpose, and MIDI input settings, plus a dedicated arpeggiator. Convenient learn and drag functionality makes it fast and easy to build intricate sounds that are deeply engaging and demand attention. Ultra-powerful macro controls offer a new level of expression with simultaneous operation of up to 128 parameters via internal LFOs or an external MIDI controller. Scenes can be organized in Setlists for live performances, complete with gapless transitions for a seamless stage experience.
In addition to the formidable effects within each individual instrument, GALAXIAS provides two insert effects per layer and two global send effects. A growing collection of authentic Roland and BOSS effects are on hand, and it’s possible to route layers to various external destinations for further processing.
The inspiring GALAXIAS interface has been carefully forged for rapid creativity and instant satisfaction. Everything is logically organized, making it simple to go deep and quickly translate ideas into great-sounding tracks. Users can delve into a single instrument layer, tweak the complete set of parameters, and get the experience of using the original hardware with Roland’s classic instrument plug-ins. With the full-screen Immersive View, the focus can be toggled between the entire Scene and an individual instrument or effect using a single click or key command.
Included with Roland Cloud Ultimate membership, GALAXIAS is a rapidly evolving platform instrument that will continue to improve with new sounds and capabilities added regularly. A 30-day free Ultimate trial provides access to GALAXIAS and everything Roland Cloud offers, including software versions of vintage Roland instruments, ZENOLOGY, Sound Packs, Wave Expansions, Zenbeats, and much more.
Availability & Pricing
Roland GALAXIAS is available now in the U.S. exclusively with the Roland Cloud Ultimate membership, which is $199 annually or $19.99 monthly.
Full disclosure. I had a few drinks. That being said. We're dumb. And when I say 'we', I mean those who play synths. We're dumber than guitarists - who in the past droned on and on about 'tone'. That's us now.
ReplyDeletePractice our playing or production skills? Nah. Anyways. Why do we keep rewarding Roland for giving us what we/they think we want (classic/analog), but in a manner that we don't want (subscription/software)? Why is Roland still even a thing where synths or drum machines are concerned? Because we're dumb. I still keep wanting a Jupiter 8 more than a brand new Prophet 10, or any of the far superior synths like the Novation Summit or Hydrasynth... thingy... deluxe? Why? Because. I'm dumb.