RolandJX-08 Tabletop Sound Module Boutique Synthesizer – Compact, Lightweight, Portable, Onboard Speakers and Battery Operation

First, I've been using and programming Synthesizers since 1972 with my first ARP 2600 so I do know my way around most of them.I never owned the original JX8P when it was introduced in 1985, I was too involved with my Yamaha DX7. However I did get to work with one that a friend of mine owned and i was sort of sorry I had the DX7.Anyway fast forward..Roland has hit a home run with the JX-08. It is everything that the original JX8P was and more.Pros:Full set of hands-on controls, taken from the PG-800 programmer unit from the original JX8P. This makes this Synth so easy to program.20 Voice Polyphony, not that I can play 20 notes at a time but when creating effects it sets this Synth way up there.It’s Bi‑Timbral. This means the two Parts in the JX‑08 can be split or layered across the keyboard and can be used to create some of the lushest pads you’ve ever heard as well as complex sounds that would be impossible to obtain using a single Part.Arpeggiator (JX8p did not have one)Sequencer (JX8p did not have one) which is 2 part, 64 steps, 8 notes per part (Polyphonic)17 new Effects including a new designed Chorus256 Preset SlotsVelocity Sensitive & AftertouchSolid BuildSmall Footprint (perfect for my Workstation Setup yet still the controls are all very easy to use and not too small)5 Pin MIDI In/OutClock InUSB Port for connection to Power or ComputerSome Great Third Part Sound Packs like the ones from Ultimate PatchesBattery Powered Option - For me not really a big dealBuilt in "Speaker" - For me not really a big dealCons:If you are new to Synths this is a little more difficult to learn that many others on the market but with time and the abundance of online demos you will learn how to use it if you are patient.None really except if I want to be picky, Roland should include a USB Cable instead of the cheap set of batteries.I think that their K25M Keyboard Dock is over priced, you are better off with any other MIDi Interface/Keyboard from AKAI, Arturia or Novation among other. These will give you much more versatility especially if you have other Synths or Modules.This for me is not really a Con just a point you should know, if you are thinking that the JX-08 will sound exactly like the Original JX8P it doesn't. Oh it's very close in many ways and with some tweaking it can be almost identical but it was NOT Roland's intention for it be an exact Clone. The one biggest difference is in the Sound/Voice emulations. The original used a technology known as Analog Circuit Behavior (ACB), this JX-08 uses Analog Circuit Modeling (ACM). These are 2 very different approaches to how the Synths makes their sounds and by this very nature they would never sound identical. Also you should know that the Original JX8P's had several Revisions in its life from 1985-1989 which made each Revision sound just a bit different from previous models, so which one can you really compare this JX-08 to?Bottom line, don't try to compare just enjoy how powerful, beefy, melodic and lush this Synth sounds.

I’m a huge fan of Roland’s vintage gear, and am an owner of the original JX-8. Having patiently waited for Roland to hop on the real analog train, I was growing skeptical that Roland would ever recapture the magic of their early sound with their insistence on analog modeling. This little device comes as close as I could hope, and offers plenty more enhancements that make it feel modern.This is a beast of a synth in a tiny package. Does it sound exactly like the original? No. Plenty of online videos to see for yourself. Does it sound as good? Yes, absolutely. The sound fits seamlessly into a mix with other real analog synths, which has always been the true test of virtual analog to me. It’s also solidly made. It’s a metal chassis, feels heavy, and the knobs and sliders - while tiny - have a good feel to them. This one has a permanent home in my studio!

Compared to the JU-06A, this one is a hand full. Many more voices and bi-timbral for creative layers of sound if you dig deep. A really nice little synth to add to my DAW-less setup. These Boutique synths are nice units if space is limited. Whether you add the K25 MIDI keys or find your own keyboard, this is a unit that will give you some joyous sounds to experiment with.These little babies aren't quite as good as their analog larger versions, but are close enough to be quality products. Many will complain about the form factor, but I appreciate the compact size with the big sounds. Small buttons can limit some of the effects and parameters, but can't take away the fun factor.

As someone who doesn't have much space in the studio room, the JX-08 is an excellent choice for me and probably anyone else who is tight on space. The form factor is definitely small, but not like a kid's toy the way others describe. I have stubby fingers and do not feel the knobs and overall form factor is too small for my hands. I am happy to have the JX-08 in my studio alongside other Roland gear. It could probably be priced lower, but hey, it is Roland a top quality brand in the game longer than I've been alive.

Arrived in perfect condition and it has been a blast to use. Small form-factor aside, being bi-timbral and being able to change quite a few parameters, for the effects especially, lets this little synth pack a huge punch.

Be careful on the pricing - I paid 350 On Black Friday. It's now 339.00!! - This has a way to screwing up resale pricing should you want to sell it later.Yes it has no Keyboard. It's meant to be an add on module or a module to be interchanged with their add on mini keyboardIt has "real" MIDI not USB. It's meant to attach to other "real" MIDI devices available on most professional products. Not USB MIDI.It sounds great but it's has flaws.Getting from sound to sound should not need a roadmap.The arpeggiator is Not a reason to buy it. It Sucks. It Is Not fully adjustable on most sounds. Why they would do something so dumb is beyond me. The LFO for it does Nothing for most sounds. You can do major changes via a cumbersome menu activation, but it only allows changes (that I have found so far) via major jumps of 4/8/16 etc. Something so dumb makes you wonder what else they did wrongThey tried to fit a lot into a small space - So with the deliberately broken arpeggiator, I wonder what else I will trip over as I try to do more with it.The good stuffIt's very portable and easy to add on to an existing controller or keyboardThe Dual select lets you layer two sounds on top of each other. Allowing even a polyphonic lead type of sound.It follows aftertouch which allows some nice effects.It has many of the same nice fat sounds of the JX8P in a small module. The weird part is that while the JX8P sounded fat and great, I don't know of anyone known to use one on any well known song like so many other Roland synths.