Roland’s JD-08 and JX-08 Sound Modules pay homage to the brand’s synth history
The compact, battery-powered synths bring new bi-timbral talents and effects to the table.
Image: Roland
Roland has dived back into the past with its two latest additions to its Boutique line-up of synths: the JD-08 and the JX-08, based on the JD-800 and JX-8P synths from the 1980s, respectively
Both synths come in tabletop formats and can be powered by battery. And, aside from giving you the sounds of the classic keyboards they were inspired by, they also bring new effects and sequencing talents to the table.
For integrating other hardware, the JD-08 and JX-08 can function as USB-C audio/MIDI interfaces, with full-sized MIDI ports.
Roland Boutique JD-08
The JD-08 expands on the polyphony of its inspirer, with bi-timbral capabilities allowing you to play two patches at once. Roland says the four-voice synth takes advantage of “advanced modelling techniques” along with the original waveforms of the JD-800 to offer an authentic sound – expect to synthesize a diverse array of piano, bell, synth lead, pad and bass sounds.
The polyphonic 64-step sequencer is available on two channels, meaning you’ll be able to dedicate each to a different patch for more complex patterns. A built-in effects engine boasts distortion, a phaser, delay, chorus, reverb and more.
Roland Boutique JX-08
Similarly, the JX-08 keeps the warm and shimmery tones of the JX-8P that inspired it, but brings along bi-timbrality with dual and split functions, expanded effects and an onboard arpeggiator and sequencer for rhythmic performance.
Some of the new effects brought to the table include a Juno-106 chorus, lo-fi compressor and a pitch shifter to boot. The onboard polyphonic sequencer also offers a random pattern generator – so you can set it, forget it and get to moving parameter sliders.
Pricing and availability
The Roland JD-08 and JX-08 will be available in January 2022 for $400 apiece.
Learn more at roland.com
