Roland ZENOLOGY GX is a ZEN-Core software synthesizer for iPad with 4,000+ tones, four-partial editing, 90+ Roland effects, and AUv3 support, free during its 2026 launch.
Plugin comparison
Roland ZENOLOGY GX for iPad vs 88emu
Specs, price and the Dubspot Score, side by side — with our verdict on which synth to buy.
Independent score / workflow fit / buying signal
Contenders
The side-by-side
88emu is a free, open-source emulator that runs the real firmware of Roland Sound Canvas modules like the SC-88 Pro. Standalone for macOS, Windows, and Linux.
Technical matrix
Specs compared
| Signal | Roland ZENOLOGY GX for iPad | 88emu |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free during 2026 launch, then Roland Cloud or Lifetime Key | Free |
| Dubspot Score | — | — |
| Formats | Standalone, AUv3 | Standalone |
| Type | ZEN-Core software synthesizer for iPad | Firmware-level emulation of Roland Sound Canvas modules |
| Platform | iPadOS (App Store) | — |
| Formats | Standalone app; AUv3 plug-in (rolling out during launch) | — |
| Partials | Up to 4 per tone, each with oscillator, filter, amp, dual LFOs, EQ | — |
| Oscillators | 9 virtual-analog waveforms, Supersaw, noise, PCM, PCM-SYNC | — |
| PCM waveforms | 1,840 onboard, expandable to 7,000+ via Roland Cloud | — |
| Factory tones | 4,000+, expandable to 11,000+ | — |
| Effects | 90+ Roland models (CE-1, JUNO-106 chorus, SDD-320, DJ-FX Looper) | — |
| Performance | Onboard arpeggiator and chord generator | — |
| Interface | High-definition touch UI redesigned for iPadOS | — |
| Emulates | — | Sound Canvas modules, including SC-88 Pro and SC-55mkII |
| Method | — | Runs the original firmware on emulated CPUs and sound chips |
| Format | — | Standalone application only; VST, VST3, AU, LV2, CLAP builds in development |
| Platforms | — | Windows, macOS (Intel and Apple Silicon), Linux (x64 and aarch64) |
| License | — | Free and open-source (GPL v3) |
| ROM | — | User-supplied firmware image required, not included |
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