The JX-8P is a decent analog polysynth. It has 6 voices of polyphony, great MIDI implementation and patch storage as well as an external memory cartridge slot. Though it is far more advanced than its predecessor, the JX-3P, the JX-8P has its drawbacks. Hands-on programming is sacrificed and reduced to assigning the parameter you want to tweak to a data-slider near the pitch/mod bender. Enter the PG-800 controller which gives you total control of all the JX-8P's editable parameters with hands-on traditional slider control. Membrane buttons dominate the front panel of the JX-8P providing access to the various preset and user patches and to page through and assign editable parameters.

Professional features can still be found under the hood of the JX-8P. Its 61 note keyboard is velocity and aftertouch sensitive. Just like the Juno synthesizers it uses DCO's for a very stable system, however its sounds are a little thin and bright. It also features portamento, unsion and solo (monosynth) performance modes. It is used by Biosphere, 808 State, Tangerine Dream, The Shamen, Depeche Mode, Überzone, the Cure, Go West, Ozric Tentacles, Future Sound of London, Jean-Michel Jarre, Europe, and Jimmy Jam.

mike

December 4, 2011 @ 1:45 pm

this synth is amazing. if u dont think so. ur probably not too good at programming it. the presets sound super 80's bcuz thats when it came out. some minor tweaks to a few parameters and this thing is a killer!!!!!

Lorentz

October 25, 2011 @ 6:58 pm

correction: it's only got 8 patches (that's the 8P), not 64 as stated in the specs here. It's got 64 preset tones, and up to 64 programmable tones (32 onboard, 32 on cart).
Still, one of the best analog polys from the 80's. Full sysex allows it to work in todays DAW. There's not a bad sound amongst the presets, just some are more useful than others. Back in the day my mate had an Oberheim Xpander - I could reproduce any sound he could make on this. If you think Juno's sound better, remember Juno's were budget, JX was the semi-pro line, and Jupiters were the pro end.

Eric

October 17, 2011 @ 2:51 pm

I know how to spell styrofoam.

Eric

October 17, 2011 @ 2:48 pm

It sounds like the toughest styrophone box ever. It deserves some consideration. Very decent indeed. I picked this [beep] er up for $180. The programmer cost twice as much! But I have that too(in perfect condition w/ case, mind you). Very much worth its price.

Kai

October 8, 2011 @ 8:55 am

I have this. It isn't that good.

<212019181716151413>

 

Post Comment!

Your Name: (Required.)

Email Address: (Required, not published.)

Image verification: (required)

Message:

 

Posting Rules:
Please keep your comments relevant! Do not post requests for help, do not use for sales, do not post unless you have something interesting to say about this instrument, or we may delete your post.

I have read and understand the posting rules.