Roland is once again digging into its past with JX-08 or JD-08 sound modules. These emulate the analog JX-8P synths and the digital JD-800 synths of the '80s and the '90s respectively. Both recreate the sounds of these classic synths digitally while adding new effects to enhance them and creating patches that are more in line with contemporary tastes.
Roland's JX-8P was released in 1985 by the company as one of its last analog synthesizers. Roland stated that it combined analog synthesis and digital control. It offered "warm pads, shimmery chorus, and crystalline textures into some of the most beloved songs of the era." With new effects and a polyphoric sequencingr, the JX-08 recreates these sounds.
Roland
The expanded polyphony, dual/split modes and two-part multitimbral capability are all included. There are 32 presets left from the original hardware, plus over 100 new patches that meet modern requirements. It also comes with a panel derived for the synth from the original hardware's companion PG800 programmer unit. This allows you to store your creations in 256 preset slot.
Roland explains that the JD-800 was a digital synth that Roland introduced in 1991. It featured a "control laden panel" and an "aggressively electronic sound palette". The JD-08 recreates it using the original JD-800 waveforms and advanced modeling techniques. IT adds expanded polyphony and a two-part polyphonic sequencingr, as well as other modern updates.
Roland
The synths can be carried around on either USB bus power or batteries and have a speaker to allow for sound monitoring. The synths also have a USB-C audio/MIDI interface that can be connected to computer production systems. In January, the JX-08 and JD-08 sound modules will be available in the US for $400 each.
