The Anthology libraries are actually full sample-based models of entire keyboards or sound modules. The D-50, the D-70, the JD-990, SR-JV80-02 Orchestral Board, etc. But Roland just made them all free to download lol, and for that, I'm thinking about financially supporting their decision to not make them unusable or legally unobtainable after discontinuing them.
Roland lost me when I missed to ‚migrate‘ my legacy account couple of years ago and now I do not dare to change any of my currently loaded plugouts in my System-8, fearing I‘d lose them and need to buy them again. It‘s still kind of unclear to me how this works without subscription/rebuy (e.g. being able to use the PC/Mac-plugin at least for patch management for System-8 like formerly possible). Documentation in typical Roland-style outdated, unclear or misleading. Anyhow: Thank you for shedding some light into the current offering!
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts. I procrastinated joining the Roland Cloud until I needed the TR-8S Editor. Now, I'm thinking this is more interesting than I thought.
I have the pro plan and I can use two plugins from the ultimate plan but the good thing is i can change what these two are anytime i want to use a plugin, so the limitations are only 2 plugins at the same time from the legendary synths.
For anyone in the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol/Maschine world - it appears they’re releasing KK and Maschine with VST3 support, which means we’ll finally be able to run Roland Cloud plug-ins dawless in KK/Maschine since Roland Cloud is one of the few that doesn’t support VST2.
Yeah luckily VST3 support is now active in Maschine and KK, so now all Roland synths work. Roland Cloud still has VST2 versions of their older synths but every single vst maker were forced to release all their new synths in VST3 form and newer Roland Cloud synths like the JD-800, Juno-60, Jupiter-4, Juno-60 Chorus were released at a time when new synths were not allowed to be released as VST2 anymore, and Native was slow to adopt VST3 support for 3rd party synths so we had a nice long gap when we could only play the older synths that had vst2 versions.
This is great to hear! This subscription will make sense; especially if you get to keep software after 12 months of paying for it. Having both a N.I. Maschine Mikro MK3 and KK s61 MK2 makes me want to try this for 2 years. That will allow me to own a decent sound bank; even if I pause for a bit.
Thanks so much for this. I don't think it is this material is well explained at all on their website. You answer all the questions I've had and not found or not found easily about the Roland Cloud.
I love the Roland cloud. I have bought several of their lifetime key purchases. The only thing that constantly makes me uncomfortable is that Roland is always checking into my computer to see if I am allowed to use my purchases or not. I absolutely hate that. What’s going to happen when something goes wrong and I can no longer use the software that I bought to own? There have been several times I opened my DAW and none of the Roland Cloud instruments would authorize. Strangely, the next day they would work again. If I bought it, I shouldn’t have to check into the internet before using it. Period. Very bad business approach.
I have had better luck with that. I haven't had to re-authorize any of my lifetime keys for like 4 years. Try opening Roland Cloud Manager about once a month. Maybe that keeps the vst's from timing out if there is somekind of a timer for that.
So if you wanted to fully( let’s say) purchase a 1080 software vst but didn’t want to pay monthly or yearly then you go with the lifetime key purchase and how much is that going to coast you?
I would never buy a Roland hardware synth that relies on Roland Cloud for its sounds. I have a few Roland boutiques, but I can't imagine being happy with having a hardware box that has to reconnect to the internet every so often just for me to be able to keep playing its sounds to their full extent.
Just to be clear. You don’t need to reconnect to the cloud to resync or confirm your license for hardware. For what I have seen and heard what is in your hardware device will stay in it. Unless you do a factory reset. You really need the Cloud Manager when you want to add new presets or expand the functions of your hardware device.
@@Nu-trix In this video on the JUNO-X, the Roland guy did say that the synth has to reconnect to revalidate every 30 days or 30 power cycles. So that does look to be the direction they're moving towards? th-cam.com/video/VUe8r3MVgbI/w-d-xo.html
The only Roland unit I own is the MC-101. I would like to purchase some of the expansion packs but would only do so if I could purchase a USB Stick or SD card with the Sound Packs installed on those. I don’t want to join a club or buy something that is subject to disappear into space or become outdated and then obsolete. I don’t download Music, I purchase CDs. Unless they rot or get destroyed in a fire I actually OWN them. I guess that’s old school but that’s just me.
I understand your point. Is not so different to actually buy online and download a lifetime key installer. You can put it on a USB stick as a backup for later.
I hate subscription based stuff but as long as its about 10$ a month I have no issues with it. $20 monthly subscriptions are overpriced in my opinion Anyways I do like that Roland gives you the chance to buy the plugins as you go. Seems fair. The subscription midel is why I quit adobe products and moved on to Affinity.
@@49KeyzBeats if you had reading comprehension skills you would see I am not just talking about Roland. I actually LOVE Roland. I am a hobbyist. I dont make money or collect royalties. My opinion has changed somewhat. I mostly just hate that everything is turning subscription based without options to buy. I gave Roland its credit
@@49KeyzBeats you can only use 2 instruments at a time for Roland. Its a clunky system. Its not like you pay $20 and get all access. You still have to go in and out the Roland app to activate/deactivate which instrument u want to use. Cant have the 1080,Sh101 or juno at the same time. Only 2 at a time. It could definitely be better for the $240 a year they are asking for
So when you say buy the plug-in you mean fully own the vst correct? But can you just buy like a Jv 1080 without a membership or monthly / yearly plan I see the price says $129
I consider myself a smart enough guy, and having worked in IT for decades and music making for years, I know a thing or two, but this video made my head spin and after 15 minutes I felt migraine popping up. It is not your fault, Nu-Trix, you did a good job trying to explain an amazingly shady plugin-in strategy from Roland. Different core systems, some hardware, some software only, and all very hard to choose from. I am tempted to buy the Fantom 6 EX to have access to most of their legacy sounds but after watching this video I get scared, and this happened to me before whenever I dug into the Roland marketing schemes. The D-10 was my very first and only Roland synth so far, and I miss the sounds of legacy hits, but man this is a trap to walk in.
@@Nu-trix Thanks, I think I have a problem with their licensing schemes, not so much with their software implementation of it. Very cool that you commented, and I will try.
I'm researching for the purchase of my first DP ever, but I"m willing to invest in the right instrument that will inspire my keyboard learning journey. This is well explained, however it adds a whole new dimension of complexity to the purchase of an already expensive item. It's either Yamaha, Roland, Kawai, or Korg... and this cloud business might be enough to turn me off Roland. What I'm looking for is an app that can be a tool in learning how to play.
Hello Nu-Trix ! Your vidéo IS cool ! I have Roland cloud ultimate first month now and it's very great! I like Roland sound! Good music to you see tous soon!;)
My situation: I have the System 8 and TR-8S hardware. I also got the “Play 4 Life” annual offer at the end of 2021 which comes with 2 lifetime keys. I have yet to decide which two to actually buy. Do I go with those I can plug-out to the System 8 that the System 8 doesn’t have pre-installed (like the Juno) or those that don’t (like the JD-800 for example)? Your videos really do help, because Roland couldn’t have made it more complicated if they’d tried in my opinion. I’m sure the same is true for Jupiter X and the new Juno X hardware owners. One thing that especially annoys me is: when my System 8 is connected - Roland should know I already own the System 8, the Jupiter 8, the 106, and the JX-3P on the hardware. In my opinion, when the hardware is connected, Roland should allow us to do whatever we like with the VST versions regardless of whether we “own” them through lifetime keys or have an active subscription. For example - be able to buy expansions and plug them out to the System 8. Right now while I have the subscription, all I’m doing is installing all of the expansions/patches currently available for the System 8, 106, Jupiter 8, JX-3P and plugging them out to the hardware and backing them up to SD so that when the subscription expires, I can still load them into those synths on the hardware even if I have to do a factory reset. Unsure if that will work for any System 8 compatible plug outs/lifetime keys I actually buy though. Add to that, any non-System 8 lifetime keys I buy (or choose through Play 4 Life) - access to expansions is gone unless I keep subscribing, which defeats the purpose of buying the lifetime keys in the first place. Anyway… cheers again for doing this and explaining it all. You shouldn’t have to, but it’s appreciated. Ps - apologies if you explained this before, but when plugging out System 8 compatible synths to the hardware, any extra expansion patches you have - you have to select and load one of those expansion presets in the VST first and then plug out or it’ll just throw the default 64 patches to the hardware.
I understand the reasons and theory behind ownership or rent. I want the WC1 to work with the Roland Fantom 6 so that I can easily expand the sounds I buy. Roland is loosing money not providing the WC1 to work with their Fantom 6’7’8. 11:21
@Nu-Trix Im impressed with the clear way you explain things, Thank you. Can you help in showing how I can incorporate the Zenology sounds into my and other Roland keyboards? Im using a Jupiter 50. Hoping to hear from you
At the end of the year they have often had offers for 2 lifetime keys when you buy a year of Ultimate membership, so roughly for the price of 2 lifetime keys you get a year of Ultimate membership for free. I don't know what their upcoming offers are but the end of the year is a good time to be on the lookout.
@@craig.encinitas yes. so what I understand is; you can get that free lifetime key at the end of yourannual membership. If I buy it now in December 2022, I can get my lifetime keys in December 2023,right? Also, apart from those free lifetime keys, do Pro and Ultimate memberships give another free lifetime key by default?
@@DeadManDesert Roland Cloud lifetime keys go like this: New users joining Roland Cloud now and paying for an annual or monthly Ultimate membership won't get you any lifetime keys. That's unless there is a Play 4 Life campaign. During that campaign if you pay for $200 in advance for a one year Ultimate membership you are awarded 2 lifetime keys. (And different play 4 life campaigns might differ from each other) So for new users it's quite simple BUT if you were an early Roland Cloud user the system is a little different because tou might have added bonuses depending on when you joined the service for the first time: When Roland Cloud was a new service there used to be a system where you got a lifetime key after 12 months of paying for an Ultimate membership. They stopped offering that system for new users like 3 years ago, BUT for the early adopters that system is still active because we joined the service when that rule was there. The 12 months don't need to be consecutive months but there needs to be 12 Ultimate month payments. What makes it trickier is that there is no visible counter to when your 12 months are filled or any visible information that reads you are elidgeable but if you were an early adaptor you should see a choose an instrument button in the list where you can see your lifetime keys in the website after 12 payments. I joined Roland Cloud the very first day it came out and i get 2 lifetime keys after 12 months of Ultimate. Last time i got 2 more keys was in May 2022. What makes it even more complicated is than even the customer service are kind of puzzled when or if you will get the keys. At least they couldn't tell for sure the one time i asked about it, so if you joined during a time when there was the free key every 12 payments you might just have to wait and see and if you don't get them it's kind of a waste of money because keys are 100-150$ each and you pay like 240$ a year for the service. So if you only get one lifetime key after paying 240$ after 12 payments, it's better just to buy indivitual lifetime keys for 100-150$ or to pay a years worth of Ultimate when there is a Play 4 Life campaign :) The Play 4 Life campaign offers the best value bacause it's either the same price or cheaper than buying 2 lifetime keys separately (depending which synths you choose) and you can download every preset pack that comes out during that year and you can use all the other synth you don't own for the 12 months. One thing to note is that all prices are listed without tax, so if tax is applicable you'll see it added to the prices at the checkout depending how your country handles taxes i guess. My country has 24% tax and with the current exhange rate i pay about 25€ a month for the Ultimate.
@@epicon6 Epic info man,thank you so much! My questions are all answered! Now as there is a Play 4 Life campaign going on (december) I'm going to buy an Ultimate yearly membership. I'm already using 5 VST's from them and I really like the sounds and ease of use. @Nu-Trix The Synth Guy , many thanks to you too Sir,video helped me a lot.
2 ปีที่แล้ว +3
Beside this quirky membership/license issue, the UX of the soft synths were (are?) terrible, almost impossible to use (change patch for example), and it concerned all of their synths. I've cancelled my membership quickly back then. Were these issues addressed since then?
Thanks for clearing that up. Roland should really work on the pages, explaining this in a clear way. Also, Roland is so stupid/arrogant/stubborn that when you register an account in Germany or The Netherlands, you CAN'T choose English as the default language... Roland also doesn't want to change this (I opened a support case for this). I'll stick with Arturia and Behringer.
I think the voucher was for another distribution system that existed before Roland cloud. Write to Roland to know how to redeem it. You can open a Roland Cloud account for free. Once inside it you can ask Roland Support for help. Also, did you register the System-1? Maybe you will get access to more info on the site once you do?
I just bought a Fantom and I want the Vocal Designer (I’m not sure if it works for Fantom) and JD 800. From my understanding I need to pay for a Ultimate membership and Lifetime Key? I’ll own forever w/o having a membership.?
If you just want the vocal designer you can buy it even with a free Roland cloud account. You buy the lifetime key. The Roland cloud is then used as a license manager. Take an ultimate only if you wan to use the entire Roland cloud offer (soft synth, presets, audio loops and ZenBeats)
Thanks for this video. This video is really needed. There is so much about Roland Cloud that I did not understand. Your video explains it all. I have bought and sold over the years, a wide variety of Top Tier classic vintage synths so I do have a good knowledge of what analog and FM gear sounds like and am proficient in programming and sound design with them.. Software finally evolved to the point that it became so close to the original hardware that, in a mix, you can't tell the difference. There is a tremendous debate about this, and I will not go into detail about that here, so please don't reply on this point. I bought a Roland DS88 a few years ago and was not satisfied with its on-board sounds. The quality of my software synths was far superior. So now I use the DS88 as a MIDI controller only. Am currently looking into buying a Roland System 8 with its ability to have the knobs and sliders like a real analog synth. It's ability to hold 3 recreations of vintage synths is exactly what I want. The layout is like a hardware version of an analog synth. Would like to know if some of my current VST synths like Diva, Repro 1 & 5 can be mapped to the System 8 on-board knobs and sliders.
If I have a monthly subscription and I download an expansion pack for my hardware, will the new sounds stop working on my hardware once I am no longer member (I mean if I don't buy a lifetime key)?
Great video. Quick question. I have a Jupiter Xm (ie hardware). Can I get the JD-800 model expansion as part of my Pro Cloud membership? Or do I need to purchase a Lifetime Key on top of my monthly subscription? (Not that I can download anything anyway.. Always get a E024 error) Thanks!
The JD-800 is a model expansion and all model expansion are supposed to be included in the pro membership. www.roland.com/cloud/memberships?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIg8ny5qf8-AIVCajICh0VsgL5EAAYASABEgIkJvD_BwE
Have a question: just bought the Fantom 08 … but I want to have the SRX Brass … is that included with one of the subscriptions … or is it to be purchased straight out? … does it run as a VST on a DAW …. or is it intalled on the hardware of the Fantom 098? … thank you …
Unfortunately on iOS you are limited to ZC1 .You can save on desktop presets from Zenology Pro to ZC1 by exporting them manually but you have to do it one by one . Nu-trix has made some videos :)
I think it makes sense for the synths. However, for the drum machines, it doesn't. A tr-6 used is $300, but if I were to buy just 2 drum machines with a life key, I'd already be up to $300... and just the TR-6 has like 5 drum machines in it, with FM synthesis, AND it's an actual device with resale value, whereas you can't resell the software. I honestly think the lifetime keys for at least the drum machines should be less money. Anyway, I'm sure comments like mine will just hike the price of the gear up lol
So as someone who's only interested in the SRX plugins from Roland that can be used with DAWs such as FL Studio, would I need the cloud manager and all that extra stuff? Or is there a way I can just purchase the SRX plugins by themselves without all the extra stuff such as a cloud membership?
The cloud manager is simply the license manager and download manager for all Roland software (most of it). You can buy software and sample pack or you can get a membership. The Roland cloud manager account is free. What you can install depends of what type of licenses you have.
So if I want to buy some sound packs in RC, I just add to cart then purchase it then I can download to PC => move to USB then stick to my Roland Fantom 06, then I can use it forever? I just need sounds to perform live band, so shall I buy a membership?
13:00 This is NOT TRUE for the Fantom-O Series. You have to purchase the Model Expansions ON TOP of the Ultimate membership. I have recently learned this , being a Fantom-O user. The packs DO come with the regular Fantom flagship synths.
This was one of the reasons for me to shell out for the Fantom 6 and not the O6. The other points being the endless encoders, after touch and double processing power and much more memory). However I’m not clear if n/zyme is included for free or the Wave expansions. I probably will find out soon, my Fantom is expected to arrive on Monday. I don’t have a problem with RC per se, but its marketing is quite confusing and convoluted.
Now, to add confusion, you have to reauthorize the Juno-X online every 30 days, for things you have BOUGHT from Roland Cloud. I’m glad the Fantom does not have to do that.
Interesting stuff, but for us not music pros, I cannot simply justify subscriptions, equivalent to my gym membership I was paying for a couple of years and never went :D Also, how does it compare to Arturia V-Collection, sound quality wise? TBH, V-Collection looks more attractive with the amount of synth variety if I'm about to part with 500 of some hard earned currency. I'm just talking form my own amateurish perspective
I personally like the Roland stuff better than Arturia. Just throw some delay and reverb and the stuff sounds really good. More convenient than having a bunch of Kontakt libraries. I did not like the Roland stuff at first, but watching some tutorials I see a bunch of people using it, especially for 80s and 90s type stuff. It has alot of classic sounds once you take time to play with it. Arturia just has synths and some instruments, the effects are good. But Roland has a more complete all around package as far as synths and romplers. Just depends on what you are trying to make. For 80s and 90s stuff the Roland is a must have
From having listened to your comparison of a legacy instrument and its comparable Model Expansion then it would seem the Pro sub is the best value. The Model Expansions, let say of the Juno 106, is most likely about as good an emulation as you're going to get. Do you agree?
I personally really like the sounds of the ACB synths (system 8, Tr-8s, …) but I’m hard pressed to find a really difference with the model expansions… they both sound great!
Maybe it's changed but I can't see a way to buy individual plugins. It seems if you join to their yearly plans, you can get 2 lifetime keys to keep per year of your choice.
I would be surprised that it changed. Verify that you have the latest Roland Cloud manager installed and you should be able to buy lifetime keys for each synth.
@@Nu-trix Hi, I used it for six months when it was new and haven't since then, you are right, you have to install it then the option is there. Man the prices are insane for single plugins. Do they ever have sales? Sorry for the mis info, I apologise.
Maybe a silly question they want credit card details before the 30 day trial is up, by agreeing to try for 30 day trial mean you agree to join for a year?
I found srx keyboard online and bought it. I did that before ever using Roland so I didn’t have an account or any key. Am I able to make a free account and install the keyboard? Or do I need to buy the lifetime key on top of the normal price of the plug-in just to use it?
Do you have to pay $2.99 for the free sound packs? When I go into the cloud manager, and I download one of the free packs, it isn't bringing up the two files in the manager for me to transfer into my usb stick, to put into the Fantom 06? It only bring up my computer's location and it's a folder that goes into the usb location. Is that how it is now, or did it change? Yours and others has a test drive symbol that mine doesn't have? What am I doing wrong here? Please somebody...SBN RESONATE
The sound packs are either patches, samples of a combo of both. I think the downloaded file is a zip file that you need to unzip then put on you USB stick to them import into the Fantom 06. I'm guessing because I don't have a Fantom 06
The lifetime key will be with you for … a lifetime ;-) even after you stop your subscription. You still need the have a Roland manager account (it’s the license manager) you will own the lifetime license for life.
If your planning on having it long time buy it… it makes zero sense financially to pay over market price for it and still not own a license.. my opinion
Yup. Subscription for something that works perfectly as one time purchase is a waste of time and money. Basically just greedy corporations being greedy corporations. I can understand subbing for Netflix where's there new shows and episodes every month, but the VST (and not even a good one) with painful authorization egistration\validation\credicard payments etc. is absolutely godawful idea. With all my love to Roland... it's better to spend 200-400-600 bucks on used hardware Roland synths.
what if i just want to install a Synth in my Juno X that stays in memory not going away course there is no wifi Why all of that memebership stuff if i want a JD 800 expansion i should be able to buy and install not all of that other stuff ultimate lifetime what ever all i want is JD 800 in my Juno X nothing else :) it is one little thing .....
It should be ok. You’ll have to buy the model expansion for the JunoX and install it. The installation should confirm your ownership then it’s done until you remove it. At least I think. I don’t work for Roland.
Why does nobody understand their cloud? Because Roland explains nothing. The page is a mess of crap. The same with Yamaha. This is also for their machines. Bugs, bugs, bugs. This whole synth scene is ill. The prices are sick!!!
@@Nu-trix The logic is that it's not real, therefore less valuable.. If some1 stole your cloud ...you wouldn't be able to run to the police.. They would say the same.. Should be much cheaper.. In my opinion
Maybe it's just me (I doubt it) but I find their whole cloud model kind of overly complicated and not user friendly. So I need to have at least a core account to even be able to BUY a stand-alone VST such as the D-50?? Can you not just buy a standalone without subscribing??
You just need a free account to be able to buy anything. You don’t need to subscribe to anything. Look at the account just like any other web site account, it’s just in a local app manager.
It’s also the cost of buying a software and it’s updates. If it is the right tool for the job, one will pay for that tool. If the price is not for you then so be it. If the company gets the target clients to buy it, they will be keep that soft alive and adding features to it so people keep paying for it. I don’t like subscription, if forces me to choose only the apps I need and no more.
@@Nu-trixSo is the Cloud basically all the sounds from say a Jupiter XM all bundled in One if so I rather purchase this instead of the hardware if I’m getting essentially the same thing here Please lmk 😊
I hate it. It's needlessly complicated. A marketing nightmare. Genuinely shooting themselves in the foot. Just let me but the plugin and use it offline. This nonsense has put me off buying any of Rolands stuff.
The Anthology libraries are actually full sample-based models of entire keyboards or sound modules. The D-50, the D-70, the JD-990, SR-JV80-02 Orchestral Board, etc. But Roland just made them all free to download lol, and for that, I'm thinking about financially supporting their decision to not make them unusable or legally unobtainable after discontinuing them.
This is very helpful. Roland should have this on their landing page.
Roland lost me when I missed to ‚migrate‘ my legacy account couple of years ago and now I do not dare to change any of my currently loaded plugouts in my System-8, fearing I‘d lose them and need to buy them again.
It‘s still kind of unclear to me how this works without subscription/rebuy (e.g. being able to use the PC/Mac-plugin at least for patch management for System-8 like formerly possible). Documentation in typical Roland-style outdated, unclear or misleading.
Anyhow: Thank you for shedding some light into the current offering!
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts. I procrastinated joining the Roland Cloud until I needed the TR-8S Editor. Now, I'm thinking this is more interesting than I thought.
This is exactly the video breakdown I was looking for.
I have the pro plan and I can use two plugins from the ultimate plan but the good thing is i can change what these two are anytime i want to use a plugin, so the limitations are only 2 plugins at the same time from the legendary synths.
Good info ty
how do you get the two to show up in the Zenolgy plug in? I'm using Logic Pro, but I'm not accessing the two Pro synths
For anyone in the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol/Maschine world - it appears they’re releasing KK and Maschine with VST3 support, which means we’ll finally be able to run Roland Cloud plug-ins dawless in KK/Maschine since Roland Cloud is one of the few that doesn’t support VST2.
Yeah luckily VST3 support is now active in Maschine and KK, so now all Roland synths work.
Roland Cloud still has VST2 versions of their older synths but every single vst maker were forced to release all their new synths in VST3 form and newer Roland Cloud synths like the JD-800, Juno-60, Jupiter-4, Juno-60 Chorus were released at a time when new synths were not allowed to be released as VST2 anymore, and Native was slow to adopt VST3 support for 3rd party synths so we had a nice long gap when we could only play the older synths that had vst2 versions.
This is great to hear! This subscription will make sense; especially if you get to keep software after 12 months of paying for it. Having both a N.I. Maschine Mikro MK3 and KK s61 MK2 makes me want to try this for 2 years. That will allow me to own a decent sound bank; even if I pause for a bit.
Thanks so much for this. I don't think it is this material is well explained at all on their website. You answer all the questions I've had and not found or not found easily about the Roland Cloud.
Thanks for clearing this up. I just didn‘t get the concept of Roland cloud, now I do!
I love the Roland cloud. I have bought several of their lifetime key purchases. The only thing that constantly makes me uncomfortable is that Roland is always checking into my computer to see if I am allowed to use my purchases or not. I absolutely hate that. What’s going to happen when something goes wrong and I can no longer use the software that I bought to own? There have been several times I opened my DAW and none of the Roland Cloud instruments would authorize. Strangely, the next day they would work again.
If I bought it, I shouldn’t have to check into the internet before using it. Period. Very bad business approach.
I have had better luck with that. I haven't had to re-authorize any of my lifetime keys for like 4 years.
Try opening Roland Cloud Manager about once a month. Maybe that keeps the vst's from timing out if there is somekind of a timer for that.
You down own it. You're paying for a license to rent it.
So if you wanted to fully( let’s say) purchase a 1080 software vst but didn’t want to pay monthly or yearly then you go with the lifetime key purchase and how much is that going to coast you?
@NMC.DRE29 it depends on the model, but I think they are between 99U$ to 150U$ . You can all see the info by opening a free Roland Cloud account.
I would never buy a Roland hardware synth that relies on Roland Cloud for its sounds. I have a few Roland boutiques, but I can't imagine being happy with having a hardware box that has to reconnect to the internet every so often just for me to be able to keep playing its sounds to their full extent.
Just to be clear. You don’t need to reconnect to the cloud to resync or confirm your license for hardware. For what I have seen and heard what is in your hardware device will stay in it. Unless you do a factory reset. You really need the Cloud Manager when you want to add new presets or expand the functions of your hardware device.
@@Nu-trix In this video on the JUNO-X, the Roland guy did say that the synth has to reconnect to revalidate every 30 days or 30 power cycles. So that does look to be the direction they're moving towards?
th-cam.com/video/VUe8r3MVgbI/w-d-xo.html
That is sad. One reason hardware is interesting is the fact that it is self sufficient. In my view at least.
The only Roland unit I own is the MC-101. I would like to purchase some of the expansion packs but would only do so if I could purchase a USB Stick or SD card with the Sound Packs installed on those. I don’t want to join a club or buy something that is subject to disappear into space or become outdated and then obsolete. I don’t download Music, I purchase CDs. Unless they rot or get destroyed in a fire I actually OWN them. I guess that’s old school but that’s just me.
I understand your point. Is not so different to actually buy online and download a lifetime key installer. You can put it on a USB stick as a backup for later.
I hate subscription based stuff but as long as its about 10$ a month I have no issues with it. $20 monthly subscriptions are overpriced in my opinion
Anyways I do like that Roland gives you the chance to buy the plugins as you go. Seems fair.
The subscription midel is why I quit adobe products and moved on to Affinity.
@@49KeyzBeats if you had reading comprehension skills you would see I am not just talking about Roland. I actually LOVE Roland. I am a hobbyist. I dont make money or collect royalties. My opinion has changed somewhat. I mostly just hate that everything is turning subscription based without options to buy. I gave Roland its credit
@@49KeyzBeats you can only use 2 instruments at a time for Roland. Its a clunky system. Its not like you pay $20 and get all access. You still have to go in and out the Roland app to activate/deactivate which instrument u want to use. Cant have the 1080,Sh101 or juno at the same time. Only 2 at a time. It could definitely be better for the $240 a year they are asking for
So when you say buy the plug-in you mean fully own the vst correct? But can you just buy like a Jv 1080 without a membership or monthly / yearly plan I see the price says $129
@NMC.DRE29 yes
@@Nu-trix thanks bro
I consider myself a smart enough guy, and having worked in IT for decades and music making for years, I know a thing or two, but this video made my head spin and after 15 minutes I felt migraine popping up. It is not your fault, Nu-Trix, you did a good job trying to explain an amazingly shady plugin-in strategy from Roland. Different core systems, some hardware, some software only, and all very hard to choose from. I am tempted to buy the Fantom 6 EX to have access to most of their legacy sounds but after watching this video I get scared, and this happened to me before whenever I dug into the Roland marketing schemes. The D-10 was my very first and only Roland synth so far, and I miss the sounds of legacy hits, but man this is a trap to walk in.
The Roland Cloud Manager has been updated since. Much clearer. In the end, think of it has a Roland licence manager.
@@Nu-trix Thanks, I think I have a problem with their licensing schemes, not so much with their software implementation of it. Very cool that you commented, and I will try.
I look forward to watching this upload...
Great explanation of the Roland Cloud ecosystem. Thank you.
Thanx for explaining.
I'm researching for the purchase of my first DP ever, but I"m willing to invest in the right instrument that will inspire my keyboard learning journey. This is well explained, however it adds a whole new dimension of complexity to the purchase of an already expensive item. It's either Yamaha, Roland, Kawai, or Korg... and this cloud business might be enough to turn me off Roland. What I'm looking for is an app that can be a tool in learning how to play.
Great channel - “SUBSCRIBED” …. so informative!!
super clear and helpful, thank you
Thanks
Hello Nu-Trix ! Your vidéo IS cool ! I have Roland cloud ultimate first month now and it's very great! I like Roland sound! Good music to you see tous soon!;)
My situation: I have the System 8 and TR-8S hardware. I also got the “Play 4 Life” annual offer at the end of 2021 which comes with 2 lifetime keys. I have yet to decide which two to actually buy. Do I go with those I can plug-out to the System 8 that the System 8 doesn’t have pre-installed (like the Juno) or those that don’t (like the JD-800 for example)? Your videos really do help, because Roland couldn’t have made it more complicated if they’d tried in my opinion. I’m sure the same is true for Jupiter X and the new Juno X hardware owners. One thing that especially annoys me is: when my System 8 is connected - Roland should know I already own the System 8, the Jupiter 8, the 106, and the JX-3P on the hardware. In my opinion, when the hardware is connected, Roland should allow us to do whatever we like with the VST versions regardless of whether we “own” them through lifetime keys or have an active subscription. For example - be able to buy expansions and plug them out to the System 8. Right now while I have the subscription, all I’m doing is installing all of the expansions/patches currently available for the System 8, 106, Jupiter 8, JX-3P and plugging them out to the hardware and backing them up to SD so that when the subscription expires, I can still load them into those synths on the hardware even if I have to do a factory reset. Unsure if that will work for any System 8 compatible plug outs/lifetime keys I actually buy though. Add to that, any non-System 8 lifetime keys I buy (or choose through Play 4 Life) - access to expansions is gone unless I keep subscribing, which defeats the purpose of buying the lifetime keys in the first place. Anyway… cheers again for doing this and explaining it all. You shouldn’t have to, but it’s appreciated.
Ps - apologies if you explained this before, but when plugging out System 8 compatible synths to the hardware, any extra expansion patches you have - you have to select and load one of those expansion presets in the VST first and then plug out or it’ll just throw the default 64 patches to the hardware.
The plugout is used as a memory manager also.
Going to check this out later..I want drums rhythms but wonder if I will find…I have a fp30x, fa-06 & tr8 wish me luck
I understand the reasons and theory behind ownership or rent. I want the WC1 to work with the Roland Fantom 6 so that I can easily expand the sounds I buy. Roland is loosing money not providing the WC1 to work with their Fantom 6’7’8. 11:21
All the years roland was about 80% of my studio, since they have the cloud they nearly dissapeared for me.....:-(
Merci beaucoup pour ces explications. Je ne comprenais rien à ces différentes offres. Tout est clair maintenant.
Ut
Très heureux que cela soit utile .
@Nu-Trix Im impressed with the clear way you explain things, Thank you. Can you help in showing how I can incorporate the Zenology sounds into my and other Roland keyboards? Im using a Jupiter 50. Hoping to hear from you
nice job
At the end of the year they have often had offers for 2 lifetime keys when you buy a year of Ultimate membership, so roughly for the price of 2 lifetime keys you get a year of Ultimate membership for free. I don't know what their upcoming offers are but the end of the year is a good time to be on the lookout.
Same offer as of today. 11/23/22
@@craig.encinitas yes. so what I understand is; you can get that free lifetime key at the end of yourannual membership. If I buy it now in December 2022, I can get my lifetime keys in December 2023,right? Also, apart from those free lifetime keys, do Pro and Ultimate memberships give another free lifetime key by default?
Not free lifetime key with the ultimate membership.
@@DeadManDesert Roland Cloud lifetime keys go like this:
New users joining Roland Cloud now and paying for an annual or monthly Ultimate membership won't get you any lifetime keys.
That's unless there is a Play 4 Life campaign. During that campaign if you pay for $200 in advance for a one year Ultimate membership you are awarded 2 lifetime keys. (And different play 4 life campaigns might differ from each other)
So for new users it's quite simple BUT if you were an early Roland Cloud user the system is a little different because tou might have added bonuses depending on when you joined the service for the first time:
When Roland Cloud was a new service there used to be a system where you got a lifetime key after 12 months of paying for an Ultimate membership.
They stopped offering that system for new users like 3 years ago, BUT for the early adopters that system is still active because we joined the service when that rule was there. The 12 months don't need to be consecutive months but there needs to be 12 Ultimate month payments.
What makes it trickier is that there is no visible counter to when your 12 months are filled or any visible information that reads you are elidgeable but if you were an early adaptor you should see a choose an instrument button in the list where you can see your lifetime keys in the website after 12 payments.
I joined Roland Cloud the very first day it came out and i get 2 lifetime keys after 12 months of Ultimate. Last time i got 2 more keys was in May 2022.
What makes it even more complicated is than even the customer service are kind of puzzled when or if you will get the keys. At least they couldn't tell for sure the one time i asked about it, so if you joined during a time when there was the free key every 12 payments you might just have to wait and see and if you don't get them it's kind of a waste of money because keys are 100-150$ each and you pay like 240$ a year for the service.
So if you only get one lifetime key after paying 240$ after 12 payments, it's better just to buy indivitual lifetime keys for 100-150$ or to pay a years worth of Ultimate when there is a Play 4 Life campaign :)
The Play 4 Life campaign offers the best value bacause it's either the same price or cheaper than buying 2 lifetime keys separately (depending which synths you choose) and you can download every preset pack that comes out during that year and you can use all the other synth you don't own for the 12 months.
One thing to note is that all prices are listed without tax, so if tax is applicable you'll see it added to the prices at the checkout depending how your country handles taxes i guess. My country has 24% tax and with the current exhange rate i pay about 25€ a month for the Ultimate.
@@epicon6 Epic info man,thank you so much! My questions are all answered! Now as there is a Play 4 Life campaign going on (december) I'm going to buy an Ultimate yearly membership. I'm already using 5 VST's from them and I really like the sounds and ease of use.
@Nu-Trix The Synth Guy , many thanks to you too Sir,video helped me a lot.
Beside this quirky membership/license issue, the UX of the soft synths were (are?) terrible, almost impossible to use (change patch for example), and it concerned all of their synths. I've cancelled my membership quickly back then. Were these issues addressed since then?
I can answer your query on "How does it all work"? Intermittently.
Many times upgrades(?) cause problems.
When all works, it's great.🤔
Thanks for clearing that up.
Roland should really work on the pages, explaining this in a clear way.
Also, Roland is so stupid/arrogant/stubborn that when you register an account in Germany or The Netherlands, you CAN'T choose English as the default language...
Roland also doesn't want to change this (I opened a support case for this). I'll stick with Arturia and Behringer.
Thanks for this video ! I’m trying to upgrade from Pro to Ultimate (yearly subscription), I can’t find how ?
I just want my Plug out/in for my system 1, And just got a brand new system 1-m with plugout voucher, So i still have to pay more and join cloud.
I think the voucher was for another distribution system that existed before Roland cloud. Write to Roland to know how to redeem it. You can open a Roland Cloud account for free. Once inside it you can ask Roland Support for help. Also, did you register the System-1? Maybe you will get access to more info on the site once you do?
Is there a video where it explains how to move the libraries in an external hard drive?
I just bought a Fantom and I want the Vocal Designer (I’m not sure if it works for Fantom) and JD 800. From my understanding I need to pay for a Ultimate membership and Lifetime Key? I’ll own forever w/o having a membership.?
If you just want the vocal designer you can buy it even with a free Roland cloud account. You buy the lifetime key. The Roland cloud is then used as a license manager. Take an ultimate only if you wan to use the entire Roland cloud offer (soft synth, presets, audio loops and ZenBeats)
Thanks for this video. This video is really needed. There is so much about Roland Cloud that I did not understand. Your video explains it all.
I have bought and sold over the years, a wide variety of Top Tier classic vintage synths so I do have a good knowledge of what analog and FM gear sounds like and am proficient in programming and sound design with them.. Software finally evolved to the point that it became so close to the original hardware that, in a mix, you can't tell the difference. There is a tremendous debate about this, and I will not go into detail about that here, so please don't reply on this point. I bought a Roland DS88 a few years ago and was not satisfied with its on-board sounds. The quality of my software synths was far superior. So now I use the DS88 as a MIDI controller only.
Am currently looking into buying a Roland System 8 with its ability to have the knobs and sliders like a real analog synth. It's ability to hold 3 recreations of vintage synths is exactly what I want. The layout is like a hardware version of an analog synth. Would like to know if some of my current VST synths like Diva, Repro 1 & 5 can be mapped to the System 8 on-board knobs and sliders.
If I have a monthly subscription and I download an expansion pack for my hardware, will the new sounds stop working on my hardware once I am no longer member (I mean if I don't buy a lifetime key)?
I don't think so.
you can pay by month too if you like and that is good
Great video. Quick question. I have a Jupiter Xm (ie hardware). Can I get the JD-800 model expansion as part of my Pro Cloud membership? Or do I need to purchase a Lifetime Key on top of my monthly subscription? (Not that I can download anything anyway.. Always get a E024 error) Thanks!
The JD-800 is a model expansion and all model expansion are supposed to be included in the pro membership. www.roland.com/cloud/memberships?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIg8ny5qf8-AIVCajICh0VsgL5EAAYASABEgIkJvD_BwE
Hi Nu-trix , do you plan making a video for ZenBeats 3.0 ?
I'm exploring it right now. I'll probably have something for next week .
@@Nu-trix That would be great , I really enjoy your videos :)
If you rent for 5 years you would have been better off buying the individual synth right out
Have a question: just bought the Fantom 08 … but I want to have the SRX Brass … is that included with one of the subscriptions … or is it to be purchased straight out? … does it run as a VST on a DAW …. or is it intalled on the hardware of the Fantom 098? … thank you …
are the virtual instruments in Pro membership appears also on ipad version of Zenbeats? Or only on Windows?
They only appear on MAC and Windows
Unfortunately on iOS you are limited to ZC1 .You can save on desktop presets from Zenology Pro to ZC1 by exporting them manually but you have to do it one by one . Nu-trix has made some videos :)
I was hoping I could purchase a single synth
You can. Just select lifetime key.
I think it makes sense for the synths. However, for the drum machines, it doesn't. A tr-6 used is $300, but if I were to buy just 2 drum machines with a life key, I'd already be up to $300... and just the TR-6 has like 5 drum machines in it, with FM synthesis, AND it's an actual device with resale value, whereas you can't resell the software. I honestly think the lifetime keys for at least the drum machines should be less money. Anyway, I'm sure comments like mine will just hike the price of the gear up lol
So as someone who's only interested in the SRX plugins from Roland that can be used with DAWs such as FL Studio, would I need the cloud manager
and all that extra stuff? Or is there a way I can just purchase the SRX plugins by themselves without all the extra stuff such as a cloud membership?
The cloud manager is simply the license manager and download manager for all Roland software (most of it). You can buy software and sample pack or you can get a membership. The Roland cloud manager account is free. What you can install depends of what type of licenses you have.
So if I want to buy some sound packs in RC, I just add to cart then purchase it then I can download to PC => move to USB then stick to my Roland Fantom 06, then I can use it forever? I just need sounds to perform live band, so shall I buy a membership?
When buying it you don't need the membership.
13:00 This is NOT TRUE for the Fantom-O Series. You have to purchase the Model Expansions ON TOP of the Ultimate membership. I have recently learned this , being a Fantom-O user. The packs DO come with the regular Fantom flagship synths.
This was one of the reasons for me to shell out for the Fantom 6 and not the O6. The other points being the endless encoders, after touch and double processing power and much more memory). However I’m not clear if n/zyme is included for free or the Wave expansions. I probably will find out soon, my Fantom is expected to arrive on Monday. I don’t have a problem with RC per se, but its marketing is quite confusing and convoluted.
@@skullhqx NZyme is not included . I’m gonna get the 06.. I don’t care that much about the model expansions
I have a problem with Roland cloud manager,took so long to start up
Is any way I can fix the problem?
I would uninstall it and reinstall .
There have been some big improvements to RCM efficiency and startup times. Try the latest version.
Now, to add confusion, you have to reauthorize the Juno-X online every 30 days, for things you have BOUGHT from Roland Cloud. I’m glad the Fantom does not have to do that.
Sure if you need to reauthorize bought stuff? I thought this is only needed for stuff you rented.
Does the zen pro work with the fantom x6?
Interesting stuff, but for us not music pros, I cannot simply justify subscriptions, equivalent to my gym membership I was paying for a couple of years and never went :D
Also, how does it compare to Arturia V-Collection, sound quality wise? TBH, V-Collection looks more attractive with the amount of synth variety if I'm about to part with 500 of some hard earned currency. I'm just talking form my own amateurish perspective
I personally like the Roland stuff better than Arturia. Just throw some delay and reverb and the stuff sounds really good. More convenient than having a bunch of Kontakt libraries. I did not like the Roland stuff at first, but watching some tutorials I see a bunch of people using it, especially for 80s and 90s type stuff. It has alot of classic sounds once you take time to play with it.
Arturia just has synths and some instruments, the effects are good. But Roland has a more complete all around package as far as synths and romplers. Just depends on what you are trying to make.
For 80s and 90s stuff the Roland is a must have
From having listened to your comparison of a legacy instrument and its comparable Model Expansion then it would seem the Pro sub is the best value. The Model Expansions, let say of the Juno 106, is most likely about as good an emulation as you're going to get. Do you agree?
I personally really like the sounds of the ACB synths (system 8, Tr-8s, …) but I’m hard pressed to find a really difference with the model expansions… they both sound great!
ROLAND : CLOUD ;
ZENOLOGY : COMPUTER ;
PROGRAMMING - IMPUT :
SOFTWARE ; HARDWARE ;
PAINEL : TOUCH ; CONTROLLER ~ PARTITURAS ; GRÁFICS ;
DIGITAIS ; EQUALIZADOR -
GRÁFICS - DIGITAIS ;
ZENOLOGY : ROLAND -
CLOUD ; 2023 ~ 2024 .
Maybe it's changed but I can't see a way to buy individual plugins. It seems if you join to their yearly plans, you can get 2 lifetime keys to keep per year of your choice.
I would be surprised that it changed. Verify that you have the latest Roland Cloud manager installed and you should be able to buy lifetime keys for each synth.
@@Nu-trix Hi, I used it for six months when it was new and haven't since then, you are right, you have to install it then the option is there. Man the prices are insane for single plugins. Do they ever have sales? Sorry for the mis info, I apologise.
Why no Mt 32?
Maybe a silly question they want credit card details before the 30 day trial is up, by agreeing to try for 30 day trial mean you agree to join for a year?
I found srx keyboard online and bought it. I did that before ever using Roland so I didn’t have an account or any key. Am I able to make a free account and install the keyboard? Or do I need to buy the lifetime key on top of the normal price of the plug-in just to use it?
You should be able to create a free account and add the srx in it. Write to Roland support inside the Roland for specific Cloud support.
@@Nu-trix thanks man
Do you have to pay $2.99 for the free sound packs? When I go into the cloud manager, and I download one of the free packs, it isn't bringing up the two files in the manager for me to transfer into my usb stick, to put into the Fantom 06? It only bring up my computer's location and it's a folder that goes into the usb location. Is that how it is now, or did it change? Yours and others has a test drive symbol that mine doesn't have? What am I doing wrong here? Please somebody...SBN RESONATE
The sound packs are either patches, samples of a combo of both. I think the downloaded file is a zip file that you need to unzip then put on you USB stick to them import into the Fantom 06. I'm guessing because I don't have a Fantom 06
I purchased a lifetime key through my pro subscription. Do I have to keep paying a monthly fee or will I loose my license? Thanks
The lifetime key will be with you for … a lifetime ;-) even after you stop your subscription. You still need the have a Roland manager account (it’s the license manager) you will own the lifetime license for life.
@@Nu-trix Merci!
Heureux de pouvoir aider.
I don’t see a way to buy a single license. I just want the D50.
Of course you can just buy the liftime key for the D50. It is 149 Dollars.
If your planning on having it long time buy it… it makes zero sense financially to pay over market price for it and still not own a license.. my opinion
Yup. Subscription for something that works perfectly as one time purchase is a waste of time and money. Basically just greedy corporations being greedy corporations. I can understand subbing for Netflix where's there new shows and episodes every month, but the VST (and not even a good one) with painful authorization
egistration\validation\credicard payments etc. is absolutely godawful idea. With all my love to Roland... it's better to spend 200-400-600 bucks on used hardware Roland synths.
what if i just want to install a Synth in my Juno X that stays in memory not going away course there is no wifi Why all of that memebership stuff if i want a JD 800 expansion i should be able to buy and install not all of that other stuff ultimate lifetime what ever all i want is JD 800 in my Juno X nothing else :) it is one little thing .....
It should be ok. You’ll have to buy the model expansion for the JunoX and install it. The installation should confirm your ownership then it’s done until you remove it. At least I think. I don’t work for Roland.
Renting virtual instruments … sorry that’s just dumb … no way for me
Why does nobody understand their cloud? Because Roland explains nothing. The page is a mess of crap. The same with Yamaha. This is also for their machines. Bugs, bugs, bugs. This whole synth scene is ill. The prices are sick!!!
I agree 100%
I say no. The cloud makes my DAW crash
So complicated. Jeez!
Because it's a digital synth, it technically doesn't exist as hardware you can own, so the price is stupid in my opinion
With that logic any software synth is stupid??
@@Nu-trix The logic is that it's not real, therefore less valuable.. If some1 stole your cloud
...you wouldn't be able to run to the police.. They would say the same.. Should be much cheaper.. In my opinion
Maybe it's just me (I doubt it) but I find their whole cloud model kind of overly complicated and not user friendly. So I need to have at least a core account to even be able to BUY a stand-alone VST such as the D-50?? Can you not just buy a standalone without subscribing??
You just need a free account to be able to buy anything. You don’t need to subscribe to anything. Look at the account just like any other web site account, it’s just in a local app manager.
Yeah I will pay $200 a year for 10 years I could have bought and paid for a whole workstation
It’s also the cost of buying a software and it’s updates. If it is the right tool for the job, one will pay for that tool. If the price is not for you then so be it. If the company gets the target clients to buy it, they will be keep that soft alive and adding features to it so people keep paying for it. I don’t like subscription, if forces me to choose only the apps I need and no more.
@@Nu-trixSo is the Cloud basically all the sounds from say a Jupiter XM all bundled in One if so I rather purchase this instead of the hardware if I’m getting essentially the same thing here Please lmk 😊
I hate it. It's needlessly complicated. A marketing nightmare. Genuinely shooting themselves in the foot. Just let me but the plugin and use it offline. This nonsense has put me off buying any of Rolands stuff.
Still nothing new from Roland just. Unclear explanation of not having anything new being stuck in there cloud based of the usual and limited usage
But thanks for the explanation