The Legendary SOUND CANVAS reborn as a DAW Plug-in for Windows® and macOS™.
Depending on your host application, system exclusive messages contained in MIDI tracks might not be supported with VSTi or AU plug-ins.
The SOUND CANVAS VA plug-in must initialize its parameters and read various settings when it loads, and this may take about 15 seconds for each plug-in instance. For example, if you’re using four SOUND CANVAS VA plug-in instances in a project, it may take approximately one minute to load all the plug-ins when you open the file (four plug-ins at 15 seconds each). The actual times may vary depending on your computer’s performance and setup.
The following host applications (DAW) have been verified to work properly with the plug-in version SOUND CANVAS VA Ver.1.0.0.
Windows®
Windows® 7 SP1, Windows® 8.1, Windows® 10
macOS™
OS X 10.10, 10.11, macOS™ 10.12
Due to host application specifications, system exclusive messages cannot be sent from tracks to SOUND CANVAS VA in the following hosts:
Windows®
Windows® 7 SP1, Windows® 8.1, Windows® 10
macOS™
Due to host application specifications, you cannot use control changes to make correct bank selections and program changes in the following host applications:
Windows®
Windows® 7 SP1, Windows® 8.1, Windows® 10
Due to host application specifications, there is a limit to the parameter that can use automation in the following host application.
Windows®
Windows® 7 SP1, Windows® 8.1, Windows® 10
*Compatible with only parameters that knob is attached.
macOS™
OS X 10.10, 10.11, macOS™ 10.12We do not confirm SOUND CANVAS VA compatibility with DAW software other than those DAWs previously listed here.
Based on the Roland SC-series hardware modules, the SOUND CANVAS VA is a GS-compatible software synth with support for VSTi (Windows and Mac) and AU (Mac) plug-in formats. Included are 1,600 popular sounds and 63 drum sets that are ready to play, and a single plug-in instance supports 16 parts with up to 64 notes of polyphony. Multiple instances can be used, with the only limit being your computer’s processing power. The plug-in also comes with SC-8820, SC-88 Pro, SC-88, and SC-55 sound maps, allowing you to replay files that were originally created with those SOUND CANVAS hardware modules.*
* The SOUND CANVAS VA is not designed to play Standard MIDI Files (SMF). Depending on the data in your music files and how it’s processed with the host application, the mix balance, tone, and timing may vary slightly from the sound of the original hardware.
Included with the SOUND CANVAS VA is a powerful Tone Editor for adjusting sounds in fine detail. The graphical interface makes it simple to create original tones using filters, envelopes, and numerous GS sound parameters. You can also store the sounds you create and quickly load favorites from your custom library when you begin a new project.
To enhance your sounds, the SOUND CANVAS VA comes with 64 types of insert effects, plus global reverb, chorus, delay, and EQ. With the Effect Editor, you can easily adjust them all via an intuitive interface. Many effects parameters support automation through your DAW, and it’s possible to save and recall effects settings in your projects. Each plug-in supports one insert effect , and you can open multiple plug-in instances to use additional insert effects on different tracks as needed.
| Number of parts | 16 parts |
| Maximum Polyphony | 64 voices |
| MIDI Format | Conforms to GS, GM2, GM |
| Sound Maps | 4 types (SC-8820, SC-88Pro, SC-88, SC-55) |
| Preset Instruments | 1,600 tones |
| Drum sound sets | 63 drum sets |
| Effects | Reverb (8 types) Chorus (8 types) Delay (10 types) 2 Band Equalizer Insertion Effect (64 types) |
| Plug-In Formats | VSTi 2.4 64-bit AU |
| Operating System | OS X 10.10, 10.11, macOS™ 10.12 |
| Host Application |
VST instruments (VSTi) version: VST 2.4 compatible (64-bit only) |
| CPU | Intel® Core™ 2 Duo or better |
| RAM | 4 GB or more |
| Hard Disk | 250 MB or more |
| Display resolution and Colors | 1280 x 800 dots or higher, 16.7 million colors or more |
| Other | You'll need Internet connectivity to activate this software. |
| Operating System | Microsoft® Windows® 7 SP1 Microsoft® Windows® 8.1 Microsoft® Windows® 10 * incompatible with Windows® RT, Windows® Phone or virtual machines such as Hyper-V, Virtual PC. |
| Host Application | VST instruments (VSTi) version: VST 2.4 compatible |
| CPU | Intel® Core™ 2 Duo or better |
| RAM | 4 GB or more |
| Hard Disk | 250 MB or more |
| Display resolution and Colors | 1280 x 800 dots or higher, 24 bits Full Color or more |
| Other | You'll need Internet connectivity to activate this software. You'll need Adobe Reader (available free of charge) in order to read the online help. ASIO compatible Audio Interface is recommended. |
* Although Roland has tested numerous configurations, and has determined that on average, a computer system similar to that described above will permit normal operation of the SOUND CANVAS VA, Roland cannot guarantee that a given computer can be used satisfactorily with the SOUND CANVAS VA based solely on the fact that it meets the above requirements. This is because there are too many other variables that may influence the processing environment, including differences in motherboard design and the particular combination of other devices involved.
Microsoft Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
ASIO and VST are trademark and software of Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH.