Introducing: CR-78
Iconic rhythm. Reinvented for today.
Purchase the software version of Roland’s first programmable rhythm machine for just $49 USD. Take advantage of this introductory offer today—the special price expires February 28, 2026. BUY NOW.
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.
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.
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.
The CR‑78 is available with a Lifetime Key purchase or through a Roland Cloud Ultimate membership. Start with a free 30‑day all‑access trial to explore the CR‑78 plus a wide range of instruments, sounds, and tools for computer‑based music production—including vintage Roland software instruments, GALAXIAS, ZENOLOGY, Sound Packs, Wave Expansions, and Zenbeats.
Purchase the CR-78 Software Rhythm Composer HERE, or sign up for a free 30-day trial of Roland Cloud.
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.
- 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
- DAW integration—AU, VST3, and AAX support with tempo sync, automation, and drag-and-drop pattern arrangement
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.
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.
The CR‑78 is available with a Lifetime Key purchase or through a Roland Cloud Ultimate membership. Start with a free 30‑day all‑access trial to explore the CR‑78 plus a wide range of instruments, sounds, and tools for computer‑based music production—including vintage Roland software instruments, GALAXIAS, ZENOLOGY, Sound Packs, Wave Expansions, and Zenbeats.
Purchase the CR-78 Software Rhythm Composer HERE, or sign up for a free 30-day trial of Roland Cloud.