Roland have released Roland CR-78 Software Rhythm Composer, available at the intro price of $49.00, increasing to $199.00 after the promotion or via Roland Cloud Ultimate membership.
Roland’s first programmable rhythm machine, rebuilt for the modern age.
Step back into the late 1970s, when the Roland CR‑78 changed the course of music production forever. As one of the first programmable rhythm machines, it gave artists unprecedented control and paired that flexibility with a distinctive analog sound that stood apart from anything that came before it. Its warm, textured tones powered era-defining tracks and became a staple in early synth-pop and new wave. Now the CR‑78 returns in stunning detail with the speed, precision, and creative range demanded by modern production—delivering timeless sound for retro authenticity or futuristic grooves.
Introduced in 1978, the Roland CR‑78 marked a turning point in music technology, bringing user programmability to the standard preset-based drum machine. Its warm bass drum, crisp snare, silky cymbals, and unique percussion like congas, bongos, and guiro became the heartbeat of genre-shaping hits, inspiring artists across pop, rock, and electronic music. More than a drum machine, it was a cultural milestone with a human quality that still resonates today.
The soul of the CR‑78 lies in its analog circuitry—the way tones bloom, accents breathe, and rhythms flow. Our Analog Circuit Behavior (ACB) technology recreates these nuances at the component level, modeling every detail for unmatched realism. From lush tambourines to deep kick drums, every sound responds just like the original, with the subtle variations and organic movement that made the CR‑78 a studio favorite. And while ACB preserves this character, it also unlocks expanded tone editing, letting you shape sounds far beyond the hardware’s limits—all without sacrificing authenticity.
The CR‑78 was as beautiful as it was groundbreaking, and that spirit lives on in a modern plug-in that honors its iconic look. Every detail of the original layout is here, complete with optional woodgrain or black trim, now enhanced with high‑definition graphics and a fully resizable interface for any display. Dedicated views for tone shaping and pattern sequencing keep advanced features clear and accessible. The design feels instantly familiar and period‑correct yet optimized for today—a perfect blend of vintage charm and contemporary convenience.
Jumpstart your creativity with curated kits and pattern presets that capture the iconic CR-78 sound and explore forward-looking styles. All the original patterns are included for authentic grooves, ready to use or transform. Treat them as launchpads, then tweak the parameters and reshape the rhythms to fit your production. Whether you want vintage character or something completely new, these presets quickly put ideas into motion.
Go far beyond vintage presets with a full suite of sound-shaping tools. Each instrument channel includes dedicated controls for tuning, decay, pan, and volume, plus advanced parameters like Attack for the kick and Snappy for the snare to fine-tune transients and character. Gain staging, flexible output routing, and a global balance control make it easy to craft mix-ready grooves or push into bold new sonic territory.
Shape grooves with an advanced step sequencer that greatly surpasses the CR-78’s simple programmability. Each instrument lane offers independent shuffle and last-step control for engaging rhythmic variation. Detailed step modes let you add sub-steps (×2, ×3, ×4), adjustable flams, and alternate or weak hits for expressive nuance. With A/B pattern variations, mutes, solos, and intuitive grid editing, you have the precision to craft rhythms that feel alive and perfectly tailored to your track.
Drop the CR‑78 into any DAW with AU, VST3, and AAX support. Host tempo sync keeps patterns locked to your project, while parameter automation makes it easy to shape movement and feel. Kits and patterns save with projects for instant recall, while drag‑and‑drop MIDI or rendered audio places grooves directly on the timeline for quick arranging.
Features include:
- ACB authenticity—component-level modeling of the original CR-78 sound and response
- Deep editing—per-instrument tuning, level, decay, pan, and more for precise voicing
- Advanced sequencing—variable sub-steps, accents, shuffle, last step, and more
- Cross-genre ready—from retro textures to futuristic beats, the CR-78 adapts to any style
- High-definition interface—resizable, high-DPI UI with woodgrain or black trim skins
- Preset library—curated kits and patterns spanning classic and contemporary styles
Roland CR-78 Software Rhythm Composer is available to PC and Mac users (VST3, AU and AAX).
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