Bad Gear - Roland Cloud

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Welcome to Bad Gear, the show about the world’s most-hated audio tools. We all know that Roland doesn’t chase ghosts but like every big company they chase something completely different.

Today we are going to talk about Roland Cloud. This “Matrix” among software instrument ecosystems was rolled out in 2018, based on the already controversial Content Store and turned the usual UX nightmare of modern internet into something even true Roland fans might consider to be more more despicable than “he who must not be named”. You will own nothing.

Bad Gear - YOU will own NOTHING

Chapters:
00:00 Intro tune
00:55 Overview Roland Cloud
01:56 Zenology Plugin
02:46 That Supersaw Scam again??? More Zenology Stuff
03:18 Model Expansions ( SH-101 , Jupiter-8 , Juno 106 )
03:32 ZEN-core vs. ACB Emulation ( Plugout )
03:38 Effects ( Roland Space Echo RE-201 , Juno Chorus )
03:43 Piano, Horns
03:54 Zenbeats
04:04 Galaxias
04:30 DW Drums
04:49 Shopping Experience, Stability, UX, Sound Quality
05:22 Pricing, Trial
05:57 Hate Screen
06:26 Jam 1 ( ReBirth Reimagining )
07:23 Jam 2 ( Zen Elektro )
08:26 Finale ( Synthwave Throwback )
08:55 Verdict

[AudioPilz]

Support the channel (no additional cost for you):

[devzozo]

I love having 3tb of vsts and one hundred billion sounds that give me choice paralysis until I just close my daw.

[romanbrandle]

No more will I be mocked for owning hardware and buying CD's, because damn it I will own something.

[Thought-Forms]

I despise the Roland Cloud...so much so that I bought a physical 2080 & 990 (both of which I can physically rub when I'm lonely.) The entire Roland Cloud ecosystem is confusing, on-top of the dreaded subscription (sure you can get lifetime keys) but you still have to open the Roland Cloud app monthly to keep your plugins authenticated. Have insane DSP spikes when using the 5080/1080 stuff on an M1 mac. I feel like Roland is in too deep at this point to course correct. If you're after the Roland romplers - it's genuinely cheaper to find a used, physical JV-2080 or 1080. Thankfully Korg exists and takes a better approach to their classics in VST form

[wintervalconspiracy]

This is my first time watching this dude’s content; I’m hearting how it probably takes him a day to make the substantial video and two weeks to make all the memes for it!

[punk]

My friend had that same System 1 key issue. Added some PVC tape to the underneath of the key and fixed it. The keys are in a couple of groups, attached to piece of plastic bar. The keys on the end can lift up a little as they're not close to a screw. Adding the tape allows the key to reach the contact.

[TylerInTraining]

Say what you will about workstations but this is why I love my Fantom 7. It’s effectively Roland Cloud in hardware form since their entire catalog is in that board, and there’s ample engines to allow you to create your own sounds. Plus the workflow is great, plus you can control basically anything with MIDI or even CV from one location, plus it was designed to be expanded upon for years and has been, plus it’s effectively a 2i6o audio interface that gels well with some DAWs. Even without DAW connectivity the way it’s designed you can effectively record, mix, and master entire albums with nothing but that synth. Of course it’s pricey, and def heavy for transport, but I trust it more than relying on my computer personally. Also prior to this my FA-08 never crashed once. It’s good stuff.

[Windiguana]

"If buying isn't owning, then piracy isn't stealing"

[airsickgrove]

Best Vocoder Shout Out Ever!
Happy New Year to all the Bad Gear Heads!

[DennDoMuffinCompany]

I can't get over the disconnect I feel when using my keyboard controller and a softsynth. I want physical knobs, buttons, and sliders on a dedicated piece of hardware.

[wetwater]

It is absolutely OK to buy buy cheap Behringer clones, while the "real synth manufacturers" are busy with bs like this.

[cty-huntr]

Demos are so sweet no matter the gear is bad! Good job mr AudioPilz.

[tarshenry]

I absolutely love your ancient MIDI keyboard. It literally rekindles my faith in humanity that you proudly go forth with such an old midi controller, and use it too. It’s a double shot of joyful nostalgia. Also love your channel (great interview with Weaver Beats btw!)

[Rintastic-wk]

Repackaged VSTs in a box you don't own? Sign me up!

[AGB_]

I'm not going to lie, I have used Roland cloud for 2 years now and I like it. I have a Fantom 7 EX that I bought in 2021 and it sounds fantastic. The two really mesh well for my work case involving long distance collaboration with another musician using a common set of VSTs and DAW. It's nice to just swap project files to work on things. Very nice workflow for a relatively low price.

[mrwpg]

He who shall not be named has an even stronger business model thanks to Roland choosing the incorrect path, "you will own nothing and be happy" seems to be the business model Roland wants based on Ubisoft and Disney experiences.

[grandpagaming]

What doesn’t help Roland’s case, is that 5he Sound Canvas VA, which I had a ton of nostalgia for, was discontinued and disappeared because “it was designed on an older framework and they can’t keep up with the demands for updates for optimum integration”. I had to reinstall Windows to fix some issues, but now the Sound Canvas VA is gone from my system, never to be seen again. Not that I care that much since I have a physical SC-8850, but still. Innovative Roland, good. Corporate Roland, bad.

[unemployablegraduate]

Fortunately, I have an SH-4D, so I can sound this weak and anaemic without having to resort to subscriptions, monthly fees and passwords!

[stepans]

You forgot to mention their dumb licensing system that requires you to be online at all times

[julien]

Thanks for all your videos! I prefer not to imagine the contents of all your hard drives filled with GIFs, Videos and JPEGs.