The Edirol Super Quartet (HQ-QT) is a classic software synthesizer featuring high-quality samples for piano, guitar, bass, and drums. While highly sought after for its retro sound—notably used in early Touhou music—it is important to note its current official status before attempting to download it. Official Status and Availability
Discontinued: Roland/Edirol has officially discontinued the Super Quartet. It is no longer available for purchase from authorized retailers like Sweetwater or zZounds.
Legal & Safety Warning: Because it is no longer sold, many "free download" sites host it as "abandonware." However, technically it remains under copyright by Roland. Use caution when downloading from third-party sites to avoid malware or poor-quality rips.
Compatibility Issues: This is an ancient 32-bit VST/DXi plugin. Modern 64-bit DAWs (like FL Studio 20+, Ableton Live 11+, or Logic Pro) will typically require a "bridge" like jBridge to run it. Alternative Ways to Get the Sound
If you want the "Super Quartet" sound without the technical headaches of an old 32-bit plugin, consider these modern, high-quality alternatives:
Soundfonts (Highly Recommended): Enthusiasts have sampled the original VST into high-quality Soundfonts.
The Roland St. Concert (Super Quartet) Soundfont on Musical Artifacts provides the iconic piano sound with 41 velocity layers in 24-bit quality. edirol super quartet vst free high quality download
These can be played for free using modern, 64-bit compatible players like Sforzando.
Roland Cloud: Roland offers modern equivalents of their classic hardware and software synths through the Roland Cloud subscription service, though a direct 1:1 "Super Quartet" replacement isn't currently listed. Modern Free VSTs:
If you need realistic "quartet" instruments for free, consider: Piano: Spitfire Audio LABS - Soft Piano Go to product viewer dialog for this item. Bass/Guitar: Ample Guitar M Lite II or Ample Bass P Lite II Drums: Steven Slate Drums 5.5 Free Roland St. Concert (Super Quartet) - Musical Artifacts
The Edirol Super Quartet VST (also known as the Roland HQ Super Quartet) is a discontinued software synthesizer. Because it is no longer sold or supported by Roland/Edirol, there is no official "high quality" free download from the original manufacturer. Status and Availability
Legacy Software: The plugin was originally a paid product featuring four instrument categories: Piano, Guitar, Bass, and Drums.
Compatibility: It was designed for older systems (Windows 98/2000/XP and Mac OS 8.6/9) and exists only as a 32-bit plugin. Modern 64-bit DAWs (like FL Studio 21+, Ableton Live, or Logic Pro) will require a "bridge" like jBridge to run it. The Edirol Super Quartet (HQ-QT) is a classic
Unofficial Sources: You may find the plugin on community-driven sites like Musical Artifacts, which host discontinued "abandonware". However, use these with caution as they are not official Roland distribution channels. High-Quality Free Alternatives
Since the Super Quartet is over 20 years old, modern free alternatives often provide significantly higher sample quality and better compatibility with current computers: Edirol Plugin Collection | Musical Artifacts
I understand you’re looking for the Edirol Super Quartet VST — specifically a free, high-quality download. However, I need to give you an honest, clear answer before writing a full article, because this is a common trap in the music production world.
Let me break down the reality first, then provide a detailed, useful guide.
If you own a legitimate copy of Super Quartet from 2005 (e.g., on an old CD-ROM), you can attempt to run it today using:
But again: Without a legal license, this is still copyright infringement. If You Absolutely Must Run Old 32‑bit VSTs
You will see YouTube videos and sketchy blogs (often from Russia or Brazil) offering a .dll file labeled "SuperQuartet."
Do not download these.
Here is why:
.dll is software piracy..exe. In 2024/2025, these files almost universally contain trojans, keyloggers, or cryptocurrency miners.If you’ve been producing music for more than a decade, you’ve heard the name. The Edirol Super Quartet (often called the Edirol HQ Orchestral or HyperCanvas’s cousin) was a beloved VST instrument released in the early 2000s. It bundled four core sound modules:
For its time, it was revolutionary — low CPU usage, decent GM2-compatible sounds, and a simple interface. Even today, producers seek it out for lo-fi, vaporwave, hip-hop, and retro pop because of its “cheap but charming” digital character.
First released alongside popular DAWs like Cakewalk SONAR and Cubase SX, Edirol Super Quartet (often abbreviated as ESQ) gained a cult following. Its appeal was simple: low CPU usage, surprisingly playable sounds, and a no-nonsense interface. The "Quad" in its name referred to four sound engines:
For bedroom producers in the 2000s, Super Quartet was a go-to ROMpler. But in 2025, it's a different story.