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.

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.