Roland JX-08 Boutique Synthesizer Module

Roland JX-08 Boutique Synthesizer Module Overview

The Roland JX-08 Boutique Synthesizer Module authentically delivers the depth and punch of the original JX-8P in a feature-rich, compact package. Offering plenty of hands-on control, a wealth of built-in effects and rich analogue-style sound at a price that’s a lot less than a vintage unit, the JX-08 is the JX-8P for the modern producer, composer, songwriter and synthesist.

A Vintage Classic, Reborn

Now a sought-after vintage synth, the Roland JX-8P has been adopted by a diverse range of acclaimed artists such as Tyler, The Creator, Jean Michel Jarre, Max Martin, Gary Numan, Vangelis and Angelo Badalamenti. With a hybrid architecture that fused analogue oscillators with digital control, the JX-8P became favoured by many leading session players for its precise, crystalline pads and lush textures. The Roland JX-08 module is a sonically authentic recreation of that landmark analogue synth, delivering the distinctive and inspiring sound that you’d associate with the original.  

Tactile Control

A disadvantage of the Roland JX-8P is its lack of real-time tweakability, as you could only alter one parameter at a time using a single slider. What gives the JX-08 an edge over its older sibling is its array of hands-on control, making sound design and on-the-fly adjustments a lot more immediate. All the sound-shaping parameters are right at your fingertips and intuitively laid out - if you’re a JX-8P expert, you’ll feel right at home dialling in patches on the JX-08. The JX-08’s panel is essentially a replica of the PG-800, a rare companion controller that often costs as much as the JX-8P keyboard itself on the second-hand market!

Iconic Analog Sound

The Roland JX-8P’s architecture has been faithfully replicated with the JX-08, including dual oscillators per voice (with a choice of saw, square, pulse and noise waveforms), dual envelopes per voice (with Key Follow), Cross Mod, Sync, an LFO, a juicy resonant 24dB/octave Low Pass filter and a High Pass filter. A plethora of sounds can be evoked with all these features, from bread-and-butter patches such as warm brass, expansive pads and expressive keys to otherworldly sound effects and textures.

The 32 classic JX-8P patches that were crafted by sound design legends Eric Persing and Dan DeSouza (including Soundtrack and Voices) are present as well as 111 new ones that use the JX-08’s new capabilities.

Brand New Effects

The Roland JX-08 steps it up in the FX department, with 17 types to choose from. In addition to the two shimmery choruses that were found on the original JX-8P, the JX-08 is equipped with legendary Juno-106 chorus, the reverb from the SDD-320, phasers, pitch shifting, lo-fi compression and more. This makes the JX-08 a fantastic gigging synth, as it saves you from having to hook up or lug around any external units or stompboxes.

Multi-Timbrality

Another advantage of the JX-08 module is its two-part multitimbral functionality, which adds a lot more scope to performance and sound design. With the JX-08, you can layer two separate patches for a complex, evolving sound or split them across the keyboard. For example, you could layer slow strings with a piano or accompany your pad with a fat bass.

Polyphonic Step Sequencing

The two-part polyphonic sequencer is a highlight of the JX-08’s feature-set and a great source of inspiration. This 64-step sequencer allows you to run two individual patterns at once - perfect for elaborate grooves and interweaving melodies. The random pattern generator is on hand to spark new ideas whilst the motion recorder gives you the ability to dynamically record parameter changes. Once you’ve created a sequence you want to keep, you can store it in one of the 128 pattern slots for later recall.

Ultra-Portable

All this synthesis is condensed into a sleek, robust and portable chassis that can easily slot into a backpack if you want to use it on the move. The JX-08 can be powered by either the USB port or four AA batteries and pairs nicely with the K-25m keyboard unit for a truly compact synth rig. If you want to use the JX-08 for computer recording and don’t have your audio interface, you’ll be pleased to know that it can send both audio and MIDI via the USB port. If you want to go old-school, you can connect and sync the JX-08 to your other hardware using the full-size MIDI DIN ports and the External Clock input (useful for Eurorack or Volcas).

With the JX-08 Boutique module, Roland have once again delivered a stunning recreation of one of their beloved analog synths - giving you everything you loved about the original and a lot more at an affordable price.