Roland recently announced two new additions to their lineup of Boutique synths in the form of the JX-08 and JD-08. These synths were inspired by some of their classic synths from the eighties and nineties, namely the JX-8P and JD-800.

 

Roland describes the JX-08 as an '80's icon on your tabletop. It is based on their 1985 JX-8P synthesizer, which took hybrid synthesis a step further with a new analog-digital voice. It was known for its warm pads and shimmery chorus that could be heard in some of the era's most popular tracks. The JX-08 not only reintroduces the sound of this sought-after classic but throws in powerful new effects, a polyphonic sequencer, and more.

 

 

The standard features of the JX-08 are as follows:

 

* Authentic JX-8P sound and behavior

* PG-800 programmer functions included

* Includes 32 presets from the original JX-8P plus 111 new presets

* 17 new effect types including JUNO-106 chorus, SDD-320 reverb, lo-fi comp, super filter, pitch shifter, and more

* Two-part, 64-step, eight-note (per part) polyphonic sequencer with motion recording, random pattern generator, and memory for 128 patterns

* Onboard arpeggiator

* Expanded polyphony compared to the original hardware, up to 20 voices

* Two-part multitimbral for playing multiple patches with dual and split capabilities

* USB-C audio/MIDI interface, full-size MIDI I/O, and external clock input

* Portable design for mobile music making

* High-quality construction with metal front panel

* Powered via batteries (4 x AA) or USB-C

* Control information can be sent and received via MIDI and USB-C

* Built-in powered mini-speaker for instant enjoyment

* Compatible with optional DK-01 Boutique Dock or K-25m Keyboard Unit

 

To hear the JX-08 Polyphonic Synthesizer in action, listen to the SoundCloud demos below:

 

 

According to Roland, the JD-08 is a digital classic with modern flair. The JD-800 was a favorite through the '90s thanks to its retro workflow, evocative sounds, and powerful effects. With the JD-08, Roland has combined the original JD-800 waveforms with advanced modeling techniques. This provides users with the hands-on sound design of the original as well as hugely expanded polyphony, a two-part polyphonic sequencer, and plenty of other modern updates.

 

 

The standard features of the JD-08 are as follows:

 

* Authentic sound and behavior of the original JD-800 realized with advanced sound modeling

* 108 original waveforms for extensive patch design possibilities

* Includes the original 64 presets plus 21 new presets

* Two-part, 64-step, eight-note (per part) polyphonic sequencer with motion recording, random pattern generator, and memory for 128 patterns

* Onboard arpeggiator

* Two-part multitimbral with expanded polyphony, up to 128 voices (depending on patch load)

* Four-part structure for tone layering

* Detailed recreation of the JD-800's unique two-stage multi-effects section

* Editable distortion, phaser, spectrum, enhancer, delay, chorus, and reverb

* Multi-phase time variant envelopes for complex, evolving sounds

* Palette sliders for quick parameter adjustment

* USB-C audio/MIDI interface, full-size MIDI I/O, and external clock input

* Portable design for mobile music making

* High-quality construction with metal front panel

* Powered via batteries (4 x AA) or USB-C

* Control information can be sent and received via MIDI and USB-C

* Built-in powered mini-speaker for instant enjoyment

* Compatible with optional DK-01 Boutique Dock or K-25m Keyboard Unit

 

Listen to the JD-08 Programmable Synthesizer sound demo below to hear how it stacks up against the original hardware:

 

 

According to Roland, the most frequently asked questions about the new JD-008 and JX-08 is about polyphony. They have emphasized that the JD-08 has a maximum polyphony of 128 voices, although this can vary depending on patch load. They also confirmed that the JX-08 has a maximum polyphony of 20 voices and that the sequencer offers two-part, eight notes per part (polyphonic). So, in the comments or the forum, let us know what your thoughts are on these new additions to the Roland lineup and what other classic synths they should show some love in the future.