Roland CR-78

[dionenoid]

Came across this and didn't see it posted yet :

Roland Cloud version of the CR-78

https://www.roland.com/global/products/rc_cr-78/

Roland announces the CR-78 Software Rhythm Composer, the latest member of the expanding family of software-based instruments on Roland Cloud. Driven by the company’s acclaimed Analog Circuit Behavior (ACB) technology, the CR-78 authentically recreates the sound of the original vintage hardware, enhanced with modern sequencing features, individual sound mixing and tuning, DAW tempo sync, drag-and-drop audio/MIDI support, and more.

Well before the famous TR-808 and TR-909 revolutionized hip-hop and dance, the CR-78 CompuRhythm had a massive influence on the music world. Debuting in 1978 as Roland’s first programmable rhythm machine, the CR-78 was quickly adopted by musicians and producers of the era seeking new rhythm textures. Its fat analog sound and distinctive pulse are integral to countless hits across many genres, from new wave and early electronic music to mainstream pop and rock.

The CR-78 Software Rhythm Composer features a familiar interface based on the original tabletop unit. Skins are available to choose between the wood panel and black vinyl covering variations of the CR-78 during its production run. Like the original hardware, the software version is very intuitive to use, with direct-access controls for rhythm patterns, instrument sounds, shuffle, fills, volume balance, fade-in/fade-out, and more.

The original CR-78 offered simple programmability with slots for four pattern variations. The CR-78 Software Rhythm Composer supercharges this workflow, providing a detailed Pattern view where users can enter, delete, and fine-tune steps, control instrument levels, and adjust individual parameters such as tuning and decay. The Kit screen offers expanded mixing control, supplementing instrument parameters with details like panning, mute/solo, and main/sub output routing.


The CR-78 is available with a Roland Cloud Ultimate membership or a Lifetime Key purchase. Through February 28, 2026, a Lifetime Key can be purchased for an introductory price of $49.00 (regular price $199.00).

[4_the masses]

Cherry Audio also do one without a lifetime key purchase, you just buy the VST in one go. https://cherryaudio.com/products/cr-78

[electro]

Asked for the Cherry A/B with Roland TR-8s CR-78 and never saw anything. Maybe its easier now. Roland ACB is very accurate to hardware.

[Voxon]

I bought the Roland yesterday for 49 euros and already have the Cherry Audio. Did a bit of A/B comparing this morning. Both are excellent units, highly recommended. Stock pattens are the same on both, sounds differ slightly (the snare is a bit brighter on the Cherry) but sounds can be tweaked on either unit.

Main advantage of the Cherry is the effects which can be added per-instrument.

The Roland may or may not have a slightly more authentic sound (although I’ve never owned an original unit). Pattern editing on the Roland seems better, it has its own dedicated page.

[Mr Arkadin]

I'd buy this in a hearbeat (pun intended) if Roland would ditch this cloud crap.

[vanerio]

I'd buy this in a hearbeat (pun intended) if Roland would ditch this cloud crap.

Is it that bad (perpetual license, not sub)?

[aMUSEd]

Does the Cloud app need to be running continuously in the background?

It's very retro beautiful - those sounds make me think of the Young Marble Giants, one of my favourite bands from back then - did they use this?

[operandx]

Does the Cloud app need to be running continuously in the background?

It's very retro beautiful - those sounds make me think of the Young Marble Giants, one of my favourite bands from back then - did they use this?

I think they used recordings of a home made sythetic device.

[aMUSEd]

So they did - thanks

[Mr Arkadin]

I'd buy this in a hearbeat (pun intended) if Roland would ditch this cloud crap.

Is it that bad (perpetual license, not sub)?

Well the definition of perpetual licences seems to be changing. To me it means you buy it once and have it forever. With Roland you still have to have an ongoing online account that is checked to make sure you own what you bought.

BFD did the same. I left them and bought SD3. There are many other options for Roland emulations, so I don't feel the need to support their current model. I don't want a system that checks me every month or so to check I'm a legit user.

[vanerio]

I'd buy this in a hearbeat (pun intended) if Roland would ditch this cloud crap.

Is it that bad (perpetual license, not sub)?

Well the definition of perpetual licences seems to be changing. To me it means you buy it once and have it forever. With Roland you still have to have an ongoing online account that is checked to make sure you own what you bought.

BFD did the same. I left them and bought SD3. There are many other options for Roland emulations, so I don't feel the need to support their current model. I don't want a system that checks me every month or so to check I'm a legit user.

Yeah, I am with you. Legit users can´t be penalized more than pirate users.

[husker37]

I'd buy this in a hearbeat (pun intended) if Roland would ditch this cloud crap.

Is it that bad (perpetual license, not sub)?

I don't think so. I don't have a sub, but I have several of permanent licenses

[Echoes in the Attic]

To me the audio demos sound much better than the cherry one. Something didn't seem right to me about the cherry snare in particular. The Roland one sounds much better to me. I'd rather have as much outside the roland cloud as possible, but am considering this for 49.

[Mr Arkadin]

I'd buy this in a hearbeat (pun intended) if Roland would ditch this cloud crap.

Is it that bad (perpetual license, not sub)?

I don't think so. I don't have a sub, but I have several of permanent licenses

You still have to have the Roland Cloud Manager and log in to use them, no? Did they change that? Maybe you're always logged in and don't notice it doing its checks.

[Echoes in the Attic]

Does the Cloud app need to be running continuously in the background?

Don’t think so but once a month it will check when opening plugins and needs to be running and online then or it will be shown as deactivated.