CR-78

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.

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 rhythm that changed everything.

Introduced in 1978, the Roland CR‑78 marked a turning point in music technology, bringing user programmability to the standard preset-based drum machine. Its warm bass drum, crisp snare, silky cymbals, and unique percussion like congas, bongos, and guiro became the heartbeat of genre-shaping hits, inspiring artists across pop, rock, and electronic music. More than a drum machine, it was a cultural milestone with a human quality that still resonates today.

Sound that feels alive.

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.

Start with the originals. Create what’s next.

Jumpstart your creativity with curated kits and pattern presets that capture the iconic CR-78 sound and explore forward-looking styles. All the original patterns are included for authentic grooves, ready to use or transform. Treat them as launchpads, then tweak the parameters and reshape the rhythms to fit your production. Whether you want vintage character or something completely new, these presets quickly put ideas into motion.