Roland has announced two new additions to its award-winning Roland Boutique lineup of compact electronic instruments.
The JX-08 offers a scaled-down recreation of the JX-8P, one of the last analog synthesizers produced by Roland in the 1980s and a highly sought-after piece for vintage synth fans. The JD-08 is a compact reproduction of Roland’s JD-800 synthesizer, an influential digital instrument from the early 1990s loved for its complex, gleaming sound and comprehensive hands-on control.
In 1985, Roland’s innovative JX-8P took hybrid keyboard design to the next level, fusing analog synthesis with precision digital control. Top session players instantly embraced its compelling new voice, forever embedding the instrument’s warm pads, shimmery chorus, and crystalline textures into the most popular songs of the era. The JX-08 reintroduces the unique sounds of the JX-8P in stunning detail, coupled with powerful new effects, a polyphonic sequencer, and more.
The JX-08 features expanded polyphony, two-part multitimbral capability, and dual/split modes. It also includes 32 presets from the original hardware and 100-plus new patches tuned for contemporary styles. And to enhance the creative workflow, there’s a full panel of hands-on controls derived from the companion PG-800 programmer unit for the original hardware. After crafting sounds, users can store their creations in 256 preset slots for easy recall.
By the early 1990s, preset-driven digital synths with limited tactile controls dominated the landscape. The JD-800 changed all that in 1991, bringing the synthesizer world back to its roots with a control-laden panel and an aggressively electronic sound palette. Combining the original JD-800 waveforms with advanced modeling techniques, the JD-08 delivers the exquisite hands-on sound design of the original, along with hugely expanded polyphony, a two-part polyphonic sequencer, and other modern updates.
The JD-08 includes 64 presets from the original hardware and perfectly recreates the four-tone structure, 108 waveforms, and unique two-part multi-effects behind the JD-800’s intricate, evolving sound. It also features a miniature version of the well-stocked JD-800 control panel, giving users an inspiring selection of sliders, buttons, and knobs for on-the-spot sound manipulation.
The JX-08 and JD-08 feature a built-in USB-C audio/MIDI interface for working with computer production software, along with full-size MIDI I/O for connecting with other MIDI hardware. An external clock input is also available on each unit, allowing users to drive the onboard sequencer and arpeggiator from vintage analog instruments and modern Eurorack systems.
Like all Roland Boutique modules, the JX-08 and JD-08 are highly portable and can run on USB bus power or batteries. Each module also includes a built-in speaker for mobile sound monitoring. And when mounted in an optional K-25m Keyboard Unit, the JX-08 or JD-08 can be used as a compact, all-in-one synth with 25 velocity-sensitive keys.
The JX-08 and JD-08 Sound Modules will be available in the U.S. in January 2022 for $399.99 USD each.
More information: Roland
