Roland Zenology GX for iPad brings the multi-layer ZEN-Core Synthesizer plugin, with its rich sound library, to your fingertips.
Last November, Roland released the Zenology GX, the next generation of its Zenology Pro Synthesizer. This is the software version of the ZEN-Core synth engine found in many Roland hardware products.
Roland has a surprise in store for NAMM 2026. With the Roland Zenology GX for iPad, Roland is bringing its Zen-Core engine to mobile devices for the first time as a Synthesizer.
Roland Zenology GX for iPad
Zenology GX is Roland’s first flagship Synthesizer instrument designed for Apple’s tablet platform.
Like the desktop version, Roland Zenology GX for iPad features four partials/layers powered by the ZEN-Core synth engine. Each partial is an independent synth voice comprising an oscillator, filter, three envelopes (pitch, amp, mod), and two LFOs.
The oscillator section offers nine virtual analog waveforms, Superaw, noise, PCM (7,000 PCM waveforms), and PCM sync. From here, it goes into a mixer and into a multi-mode filter with 10 filter types: Jupiter, Moog, Prophet-5, and other models.
Each partial also offers an independent modulation engine with three envelopes and two LFOs. The latter features eleven LFO shapes, including synced step LFOs with 37 curves per step. There is also a modulation matrix, giving you access to every partial’s modulation.
A global multi-FX processor with over 90 Roland effects allows you to refine your sounds. It includes the JUNO-106 and CE-1 choruses, SSD-320 Dimension D, reverbs, DJ-FX looper, and more.
Thanks to the powerful, inspiring built-in arpeggiator and chord sequencer, as in the desktop version, you can easily create rhythmic and melodic sounds.
Multi-Layer Sounds
The highlight of the app is the ability to create multi-layered sounds with up to 4 partials. As a Zenology GX for iPad user and Roland Cloud subscriber, you have access to a huge, ever-growing catalog of ready-made sounds.
However, Zenology GX for iPad does not include the Roland GALAXIAS environment as plugins, like the Juno-106, Jupiter-8, etc are not available for iOS. Therefore, you can only load sounds based on the ZEN-Core engine.
First Impression
This is great news for iPad musicians. I’m pleased to see a major player delving even deeper into the iPad market. We’ll have to see how Roland has ported the app and how smoothly it runs.
The subscription background is a bit of a drawback, but there will be a Lifetime Key purchase option.
The official press release doesn’t mention the price. I’m curious how much it will be, since Zenology Pro for macOS/Windows is 255€; I hope it won’t be that much.
Roland Zenology GX for iPad will debut as a free download with all features unlocked for a limited time. After this period, it will be available through free and premium Roland Cloud memberships or via a Lifetime Key purchase. Release is planned for early 2026.
More information here: Roland
Be the first to comment