Roland JX-03 Synthesizer Module Official Specifications

Roland has officially announced the Roland Boutique JX-03 Synthesizer Module.

The Roland Boutique JX-03 module continues the legacy of the JX-3P synth. The original model was launched when button-driven interfaces were popular, so it was designed to give immediate access to preset sounds. It was actually highly programmable though, especially when used with the PG-200 controller that added 24 rotary knobs for instant sonic sculpting.

The limited-edition 4-voice JX-03 inherits all 24 knobs from the PG-200, as well as the distinctive JX tonal character. Roland also added some extras not present in the JX-3P including new waveforms, expanded DCO range and cross modulation options. You can even slide the JX-03 into the K-25m keyboard unit (not included) for a self-contained, go-anywhere synth experience.

Here’s the official intro video to the Roland Boutique line:

The JX-3P was all about instant access to big sounds, with a simple button-driven interface rather than lots of knobs and sliders. When used with the optional PG-200 controller however, the power of the highly programmable engine was revealed.

The new JX-03 module recreates the panel layout of the PG-200 – including all 24 knobs – giving direct and instant access to the versatile synth architecture.

Additional sound-shaping options

Like the other members of the Boutique range, Roland also added a few subtle improvements that weren’t found on the original models. The JX-03 benefits from extra waveforms and extended range for both DCOs as well as extra waveforms for the LFO. The second DCO also gets extra cross-modulation options. These additions further expand the sound creation possibilities of the JX engine.

Develop your ideas with a 16-step sequencer

The onboard 16-step sequencer is a sonic scratchpad that lets you try out new ideas without bringing lots of gear – it can even be used without a keyboard. And if there’s no keyboard connected, the ribbon controller lets you preview the sound, making it an ideal way to program patches quickly and easily.

Roland JX-03 Synthesizer Module
Roland JX-03 Synthesizer Module

Works with optional K-25m keyboard unit

The JX-03 works with the K-25m, an optional 25-key velocity sensitive keyboard. Once docked in the keyboard, the module’s front panel can be tilted for convenient access to the knobs and sliders.

Chain Mode

The original JX-3P was a powerful synth featuring 2 digitally controlled oscillators for each of its 6 voices. The JX-03 features a chain mode that allows you to connect two JX-03 modules using the MIDI ports and create one, 8-voice synthesizer.

Adding additional modules adds another 4 voices of polyphony with each module. You can even edit the sound from the master module and control both units.

Battery or USB Bus power

Some of the best music is made away from the studio, so the module runs on 4 x AA batteries, ready for when inspiration strikes. Alternatively, you can power the JX-03 via USB bus power.

USB audio interface for direct recording into your DAW

The built-in USB port also functions as a high-quality 24bit, 44.1 kHz audio interface, for a fast, simple and reliable way of recording directly to your DAW application. You can keep your favorite patches and sequencer patterns safe too, via the USB data backup function.

Features:

  • Ultra-compact recreation of the iconic JX-3P synthesizer
  • Retains the feel, sound character and user interface of the original
  • Front panel includes all 24 knobs from the original PG-200 controller
  • Adds several updates not found on the original JX-3P, including extra waveforms for the LFO and both DCOs, along with extended DCO range
  • Chain mode allows two JX-03 to function as one 8-voice module
  • Highly portable for mobile music making
  • High-quality construction with metal front panel
  • Dual ribbon controllers for pitch bend, modulation, and sound preview
  • Battery-operated (4xAA) or USB powered
  • 24 bit/ 44.1 kHz stereo IN/OUT USB audio interface
  • Built-in 0.5W mini-speaker for instant enjoyment
  • Compatible with optional K-25m mini-keyboard

Specifications:

  • Maximum Polyphony: 4 voices
  • User Memory: 16Preset Memory: 32
    Controllers:
  • VOLUME knob
  • Ribbon controllers 1, 2
  • DCO-1 Section:
  • RANGE select knob
  • WAVE FORM select knob
  • FREQ MOD LFO switch
  • FREQ MOD ENV switch
  • DCO-2 Section:
  • RANGE select knob
  • WAVE FORM select knob
  • CROSS MOD select knob
  • TUNE knob
  • FINE TUNE knob
  • FREQ MOD LFO switch
  • FREQ MOD ENV switch
  • LFO DEPTH knob
  • ENV DEPTH knob
  • Polarity switch
  • VCF Section:
  • SOURCE MIX knob
  • HPF CUTOFF knob
  • LPF CUTOFF knob
  • RESONANCE knob
  • LFO MOD knob
  • PITCH FOLLOW knob
  • ENV MOD knob
  • ENV MOD polarity switch
  • VCA Section:
  • MODE switch
  • LEVEL knob
  • LFO Section:
  • WAVE FORM select knob
  • DELAY TIME knob
  • RATE knob
  • ENV Section:
  • ATTACK TIME knob
  • DECAY TIME knob
  • SUSTAIN LEVEL knob
  • RELEASE TIME knob
  • CHORUS Section: CHORUS button
  • BANK A, B, C buttons: PATCH NUMBER 1–16 buttons, MANUAL button
  • Effects:
  • Chorus: 1
  • Delay
  • Step Sequencer: 16 step, 16 pattern
  • Nominal Input Level: INPUT jack: -0 dBu
  • Connectors:
  • PHONES jack: Stereo miniature phone type
  • OUTPUT jack: Stereo miniature phone type
  • INPUT jack: Stereo miniature phone type
  • MIDI (IN, OUT) connectors
  • USB port: MicroB type (Audio, MIDI)
  • Power Supply:
  • Rechargeable Ni-MH battery (AA, HR6) x 4A
  • Alkaline battery (AA, LR6) x 4
  • USB bus power
  • Current Draw: 500mA (USB bus power)
  • Dimensions: (W x D x H) 11-13/16 x 5-1/16 x 1-13/16″ (300 x 128 x 46 mm)
  • Weight: (including batteries) 2 lbs. 2 oz. (950g)
  • Accessories: Owner’s Manual, Leaflet “USING THE UNIT SAFELY,” Alkaline battery (AA, LR6) x 4
  • Options (not included): Keyboard unit: K-25
  • Weight, Dimensions, and Manufacturer Part Number
  • Shipping Weight: 3 lb
  • Shipping Dimensions: 14 x 7 x 3 in
  • Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): JX-03

The Roland JX-03 Synthesizer Module has a street price of about US $299. See the Roland site for more info.

22 thoughts on “Roland JX-03 Synthesizer Module Official Specifications

  1. I have a JX-3P that is in good working order but I never got my hands on a PG-200 for it. It’s like Roland is directly reaching into my bank account on this one!

    Rather excited to get my hands on one.

  2. I don’t see anything about these being compatible with the roland aira mx-1 aira inputs on the back, please roland tell me that you didn’t skimp on this, i’d get all three if I could hook them up that way.

  3. $299 is a fair price, though I’d rather pay a bit more for extra polyphony. “Chaining” them isn’t going to happen, though if you could chain together different units from the boutique series, it would be easy to justify getting them all. The wording seems pretty clear that that’s not the case though.

    1. Mini-jack has no inherent deficiencies when it comes to sound quality. Also, when you use USB you are actually NOT using the JX’s converters…you are bypassing them.

  4. Taking about 4 seconds to search the sweetwater site (http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/JX03)reveals they can be chained together..”Chain mode allows 2 JX-03s to function as a single 8-voice module”. Do some research and stop complaining. It seems like nowadays a company can’t produce an item that you won’t complain about. It’s lacking features, it has a lot of features but it’s too expensive, it’s a good price but it’s poor build quality etc. Every piece of equipment is not for everyone.

  5. “The Roland Boutique JX-03 module continues the legacy of the JX-3P synth.”

    Not really. The JX-3P was analog; this is digital. Roland should make this distinction clear in its marketing materials.

  6. the sound from these is crap… no bass or growl coming from any of the synth notes at all.. thanks roland for releasing a VA that sounds just as non-analog as stuff 10 and 20 years old. An Ensoniq sounds more analog than this

    1. BS, “i”…this thing sounds huge. How do I know? I have one. It sounds just like a JX-3P. Which I have owned for 5+ years. This thing absolutely nails it. – shameless Roland fanboy

  7. I would be happy to pay more if Roland chucks in another 2-voices of polyphony.
    They sound very convincing, but the polyphony is the biggest stumbling block.
    It’s DSP run, so should not be an issue at all to upgrade it for a few more bucks.

  8. Just picked one up and am really liking it. I’m a keyboard player and I like to use it live just to layer with things or the occasional synth freakout. Yes its only 4 voices, but honestly it hasn’t been as big a deal as I thought it would – use it in unison mode lots anyways. I think there’s some misconception out there about it being DSP-based. My understanding is that it has actual DCOs? – otherwise Roland probably would have made all of these 8 voices just because. I could be wrong about this – but regardless having compared the JU 06 with my Juno 6 its pretty close. I don’t own a JX-3P to compare the JX 03 to, but having used one before it seems pretty bang on as well.

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