NAMM 2026: Roland CR-78 is now available as a Roland Cloud plugin, offering an authentic emulation of the legendary CR-78 rhythm composer from 1978.
For a long time, the CR-78 was only available as a vintage device or in sample libraries. Now we have analog clones (Behringer, Cyclone), ACB-based versions in the Roland TR-6/TR-8/TR-1000, and also as a plugin from Cherry Audio.
Now Roland is following up with something that’s been long awaited. At NAMM 2026, Roland is adding the CR-78 as a plugin to the Roland Cloud.
Roland CR-78 Plugin
The CR-78 Software Rhythm Composer is the latest plugin addition in the Roland Cloud. It’s driven by Roland’s analog circuit technology (ACB), which authentically recreates the sound of vintage hardware.
It offers all the original percussion voices, including bass drum, snare drum, rim shot, hi-hat, cymbal, maracas, claves, cowbell, high bongo, low bongo, low congo, tambourine, guiro, and “metallic beat” (an accent that could be overlaid on the hi-hat voice).
Unlike the original hardware, you can tweak the individual sounds with various parameters. For example, the bass drum offers controls over the tune, decay, and attack parameters.
Then, you can individually mix the sounds, adjust the gain, and pan them in the stereo field. All the original, very minimal features are also included.
The plugin also introduces all-new features, including modern sequencing features, individual sound mixing, and tuning. On top of that, you get DAW tempo sync and more.
First Impression
It’s great to see the CR-78 now available as an official emulation in Roland Cloud. I couldn’t test whether it sounds authentic, as I don’t have a test version. Plus, I don’t have an original to compare it to.
The software CR-78 is now 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 instead of $199.
It runs as a VST, VST3, AU, and AAX plugin on macOS (native Apple Silicon + Intel) and Windows.
More information here: Roland
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