The latest XNB video offers a deep dive into the Roland JX-08 synthesizer.
The Roland JX-08 is a new synth in their ‘Boutique’ line, based on the Roland JX-8P. The JX-08 features expanded polyphony, two-part multitimbral capability, and dual/split modes. It includes 32 presets from the original hardware and 100-plus new patches tailored to contemporary styles.
Unlike the original JX-8P, though, the JX-08 features a full set of hands-on controls, derived from the companion PG-800 programmer unit for the original hardware.
Topics covered:
0:00 – Intro
0:52 – Patches, Parts, Dual & Split
05:28 – Initialize and save
10:24 – ARP, NOTE, SEQ
18:45 – Sound Modes
20:47 – DCO’s
28:49 – Mixer ENV
31:02 – VCF
37:42 – Envelopes & VCA
39:22 – Envelopes 101
44:22 – LFO & Portamento
49:91 – Effect
54:34 – Arpeggiator
01:01:15 – Part Options
01:06:36 – MIDI settings
Check it out and share your thoughts on the JX-08 in the comments!
I think you can also set a split point by pressing and holding Split and then pressing a key on the keyboard. This is a good module. If they release an update whereby you can store splits and layers, I’d be interested in then getting one of these.
Very nice. Hopefully he’ll also do a guide for the Roland JD-08.
The JX-08 came out almost two years ago and many other reviews have shown it bears little resemblance in sound to the original JX-8P.
I seem to recall the same thing. I finally tried an 08 in a store recently and regardless of it’s authenticity, it did sound good. This is so close to being a good solution for live players needing compact tone and tweakability… if only it had performance memories like the JX-10 so that players could call up splits and layers with one patch entry…
I’m not sure, but I think patterns on the JX-08 also contain splits/layers. I *think*.
I don’t think that’s a fair summary of the reviews. It bears a very strong resemblance to the JX-8P, it’s just not a perfect emulation of the sound.
I don’t think that’s a fair summary of the reviews. It bears a very strong resemblance to the JX-8P, it’s just not a perfect emulation if you listen to the two side by side. I doubt most people would hear much difference.
I know, right? It’s certainly close enough to not spend way more money on a decades old vintage JX-8P. It also has more features than the JX-8P, takes up far less space, and comes with a warranty. The JX-08 is a fantastic sounding synth.
It doesn’t do splits & layers because its a Boutique line item. Part of the goal is to nudge customers up the line a little more. It makes perfect sense that they’d like to see you also buy a GAIA 2 or Jupiter-Xm. I’ve always had a couple of Rolands, so it’d be no biggie to navigate the JX-08. You have to see it as either a budget synth for newbies or a dab of added color for more seasoned players. Its not meant to be a mini-Fantom.
The JX-08 does do splits & layers.
It totally does layers and splits – I own one! I don’t know where some people are getting their ideas from! Fantastic sound design machine – particularly when you start layering.
Is always nice to see my deep dive here. I want to thank the guys Synthopia for posting my videos.