PG-8X (2.0) released

[jamcat]

Just an update on the PG-8X development. First of all, sorry that I have been mainly absent for a long time. I changed job, moved to a different country, had to get into my new job, which already takes much of my time, so I had very little time to look into the development of the PG-8X.

Now, that things finally have settled a bit, I started investigating the options again. I looked into JUCE and also iPlug2. From what I can see. JUCE would mean basically a complete rewrite of large parts of the plugin, at least the complete GUI. So, a few weeks ago, I started porting to iPlug2. The framework also has changed significantly from iPlug/WDL-OL, which I used for the PG-8X, and also there, I introduced many modofications of the framework, which are no longer compatible with iPlug2.

The current status is that the code compiles with iPlug2 as a standalone app, but the GUI is not yet functional. I am in contact with Oli Larkin and hope that I can resolve the issues soon.

Cheers,
Martin

How’s that going, Martin?
Any new updates to share?

[wylermusic]

I just discovered this amazing plugin.

Are there any plans to upgrade to VST3 format and also have M1 Apple Silicon support?

[Sound Author]

I have high hopes for PG-8X. I would happily pay for a commercial version. I'm also willing to patiently wait for a "complete rewrite" if that's what it takes, even if that means waiting a few more years for it. The JX-8P makes some of the smoothest, silkiest pads ever to come out of the 80s, and the PG-8X (in my opinion anyway) comes closest to "that sound".

[phreaque]

Supporting the developer by a small donation would help to get him motivated to bring this project to the next level.

[trusampler]

This is the best emulation of any hardware in VST format ever and should be a paid version if it gets to VST3 format. Far more accurate then even Rolands model in the Fantom and Zen Core by far.

[mrz80]

This is the best emulation of any hardware in VST format ever and should be a paid version if it gets to VST3 format. Far more accurate then even Rolands model in the Fantom and Zen Core by far.

Not to mention that dark and moody sounding little Boutique JX-08. Mind you, it's a neat sounding, decently powerful little gizmo, but as Espen Kraft demonstrated, it's nowhere NEAR the JX-8P that Martin's plugin is.

[Sound Author]

If this isn't a massive endorsement of the PG-8X, I don't know what is.

[Babz]

If this isn't a massive endorsement of the PG-8X, I don't know what is.

I felt the same way when PG-8X worked for me. But then a minor DAW or OS update (I forget which -- I rarely update, and only do so cautiously) broke it so that it can't load banks -- even worse, older projects containing PG-8X freeze on start up unless you disable the plugin. I held out hope for a year or more hoping for an update, but ironically I just recently came to the conclusion that the JX-8P is one case where there is no viable software solution and you really need the hardware, and was just today texting that to someone when this video appeared!

[Mutant]

But then a minor DAW or OS update (I forget which -- I rarely update, and only do so cautiously) broke it

What plugin version, OS and DAW ?

[hurricaneaudiolab]

I am not selling my JX-8P until a software version comes along that I will be able to count on being useable on a MAC in the future. I mean, right now PG-8X isn't even officially supported on a MAC except for that janky audio unit floating around. I'll keep using PG-8X 'till I can't, and then when I can't, I'll use the JX-8P exclusively.

There is no other synth right now that can do the JX-8P thing.

Martin - bruh, HERE IS MY MONEY TAKE IT.

[hurricaneaudiolab]

As I'm thinking of this, what I would hate to see is someone else give the JX-8P a shot, and have them churn out a mediocre version. Roland couldn't even get it right. The PG-8X is like 99.99999% there already. I'd like to see Arturia jump in and offer some $$$ to Martin, and then have them V-Collection the PG-8X. Guts of the PG-8x with an Arturia exterior. I'm in.

[Funkybot's Evil Twin]

As I'm thinking of this, what I would hate to see is someone else give the JX-8P a shot, and have them churn out a mediocre version. Roland couldn't even get it right. The PG-8X is like 99.99999% there already. I'd like to see Arturia jump in and offer some $$$ to Martin, and then have them V-Collection the PG-8X. Guts of the PG-8x with an Arturia exterior. I'm in.

Wouldn't be the first time they did that (see their Vox and Farfisa organs)!

[Tj Shredder]

It would need a port to Arturias Juce implementation to get a consistent UI. Would be extra work, but payed work…

[uselessmind]

I'd like to see Arturia jump in and offer some $$$ to Martin, and then have them V-Collection the PG-8X. Guts of the PG-8x with an Arturia exterior. I'm in.

I would strongly dislike that, also i think Martin can do it alone.
But if we entertain something like this i would rather see TAL doing this.

[Ex Machina]

I am not selling my JX-8P until a software version comes along that I will be able to count on being useable on a MAC in the future. I mean, right now PG-8X isn't even officially supported on a MAC except for that janky audio unit floating around. I'll keep using PG-8X 'till I can't, and then when I can't, I'll use the JX-8P exclusively.

There is no other synth right now that can do the JX-8P thing.

Martin - bruh, HERE IS MY MONEY TAKE IT.

I'm in the same boat. PG-8X doesn't run in Cubase Pro 12 on my Intel MacBook Pro running macOS Big Sur. If there was a viable, commercial version of PG-8X I would buy it in a heartbeat and even consider selling my Roland MKS-70 (the rack version of the JX-10).

IMO, the Zen-Core Roland Cloud and Boutique JX-8P emulations don't sound anything like a real JX-8P or MKS-70. The PG-8X is the only synth plugin that even comes close.