When it comes to iconic amplifiers, there are few that come close to the legendary status of the Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus.
Following its debut in 1975, this solid-state amp swiftly became a staple in studios and on stage, thanks to a shimmering, crystal-clear tone and lush stereo chorus effect, leading many to declare it the “gold standard” for clean amp tone.
At a time when the music world was obsessed with the toasty distortion of tube amplifiers, Roland took a bold step in the opposite direction, designing an amp that prioritized clarity and precision. The JC-120 delivered pristine, uncolored sound, making it an ideal canvas for guitarists who wanted to reimagine their tone with external effects.
This trend-bucking approach defied the conventional wisdom of the time, yet the amp quickly earned a devoted following. From Albert King and Andy Summers to Johnny Marr and even James Hetfield, the JC-120 has influenced a diverse spectrum of artists across many genres. Now, Roland is bringing that unforgettable sound to your DAW with the JC-120 Jazz Chorus Software Effect, available exclusively through Roland Cloud.
Meticulously modelled on the original amp, Roland’s JC-120 plugin faithfully captures the nuances of its analogue circuitry to produce the same bright, sparkling tone and jaw-dropping Dimensional Space Chorus that made the hardware so legendary. But this software version is more than just a simple emulation: with contemporary producers and musicians in mind, Roland has thoughtfully integrated a variety of useful modern features.
Selectable stereo modes provide spatial configurations that go beyond the capabilities of the original hardware, while advanced speaker modelling, along with adjustable microphone types, placement and room ambience gives you precise control over tone-sculpting. And thanks to its DAW tempo-sync capabilities, you can lock the vintage chorus effect to your project’s rhythm, opening up new creative possibilities.
A hallmark of the original JC-120 amp is its ability to produce a pure and neutral tone, giving pedal-based effects the opportunity to shine. The JC-120 plugin offers music-makers a similar opportunity; simply plug your pedalboard into your audio interface and take advantage of its punchy, precise sound, or place it after some of your go-to effects in your DAW’s channel strip to maximize their impact.
Though the JC-120 is mostly celebrated for its pristine guitar tones, the software effect is much more versatile. Working wonders on electric pianos, synths, drums or even vocals, the JC-120 plugin delivers an unmatched fusion of warmth, presence and clarity that enhances any signal. Whether you’re crafting soaring arpeggios, spacious pads or tight electronic grooves, JC-120 will add a new dimension to your sound.
Available now in VST3/AU/AAX formats, the Roland JC-120 Software Effect is currently on sale at a promotional price of $49.99, 75% down from its regular price of $199. The sale runs until April 18th, so don’t miss out. Head over to Roland’s website to find out more.