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Roland Boutique JD-08 Synthesizer Module

BH #ROJD08 • MFR #JD-08
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Roland Boutique JD-08 Synthesizer Module
Key Features
  • Modeled After JD-800 with 108 Waveforms
  • Analog Circuit Behavior Modeling
  • 2-Part Multitimbral, 128 Note Polyphony
  • Includes 64 Original + 21 New Presets
Music producers and performing musicians in search of the classic 90's sound of the JD-800 will be thrilled with the Roland Boutique JD-08 Synthesizer Module, a recreation of the iconic JD-800 that was a favorite for top electronic music producers through the ’90s and beyond. Widely embraced for its aggressively electronic sound pallet, the JD-800 brought back the control-laden panel that most other synths of its time could not touch.
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Roland JD-08 Overview

From Manufacturer

Music producers and performing musicians in search of the classic 90's sound of the JD-800 will be thrilled with the Roland Boutique JD-08 Synthesizer Module, a recreation of the iconic JD-800 that was a favorite for top electronic music producers through the ’90s and beyond. Widely embraced for its aggressively electronic sound pallet, the JD-800 brought back the control-laden panel that most other synths of its time could not touch.

The JD-08 module features all the unique sounds of this highly sought-after classic, in stunning detail, and includes 64 presets from the original hardware that perfectly recreates the four-tone structure, 108 waveforms, and unique two-part multi-effects that are at the core of the JD-800’s intricate, evolving sound. The module features the multi-phase time variant envelopes for complex, evolving sounds and a detailed recreation of the original two-stage multi-effects section with editable distortion, phaser, spectrum, enhancer, delay, chorus, and reverb.

Powerful new additions are included such as a polyphonic sequencer, 256 memory locations for new presets, and an onboard arpeggiator. The JX-08 sequencer features two parts, each with 64 steps and 8 notes per part with motion recording, a random patch generator, and memory for 128 patterns. A clock input syncs the onboard sequencer of the JD-08, which can result in unexpected phrases, rhythmic variations, and other happy accidents.

Features at a Glance:
  • 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
  • Multiphase time-variant envelopes for complex, evolving sounds
  • Palette sliders for quick parameter adjustment
  • USB Type-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
Digital Classic, Modern Flair
With its retro workflow, evocative sounds, and powerful effects, the JD-800 was a favorite for top electronic-music producers through the '90s and beyond. Combining the original JD-800 waveforms with advanced modeling techniques, the JD-08 delivers the exquisite hands-on sound-design potential of the original along with hugely expanded polyphony, a two-part polyphonic sequencer, and other modern updates.
Inspiring Sound Design at your Finger Tips
By the early '90s, preset-driven digital synths with limited hands-on 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. 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 that are at the core of the JD-800's intricate, evolving sound.
Expanded Sound for the Modern Age
While the original design of the JD-800 is retained in this modern version, there are a range of updates that take the experience to another level. New patches plus 256 memory locations let you dive deep into the huge array of controls to create new sounds for your music. And with expanded polyphony and two-part multitimbral capability, there's even more room to stretch out your sonic ideas.
Music that Moves
Once you've locked in your patches, fire up the two-part polyphonic sequencer and start programming leads, bass lines, or basic chords, to sync with other pieces in your electronic ensemble. And to bring some animated movement to your sounds, tap in to motion recording and the onboard arpeggiator to make your musical lines dance.
MIDI, USB, and External Clock Input
The JD-08 features a built-in USB Type-C audio/MIDI interface; so you can play, record, and synchronize with all types of computer production software. A full-size MIDI I/O is also available for interfacing with other MIDI hardware. There's even an external clock input for driving the JD-08's onboard sequencer and arpeggiator from vintage analog instruments and modern Eurorack systems.
Grab Your Keys and Hit the Road
The compact JD-08 fits just about anywhere and is easily controlled from a master keyboard or computer DAW. It can run on standard AA batteries for hours of uninhibited jamming, and there's also a built-in speaker for on-the-go sound monitoring. Add a DK-01 Boutique Dock for a polished look, and adjust it in three convenient tilt positions, or grab a K-25m Keyboard unit to create a fully self-contained portable instrument.
UPC: 761294518328

Roland JD-08 Specs

User Memory
Sound Patch: 256
Pattern: 128
Sound Engine
Polyphony: Up to 128 Voices (Patch Dependent)
Two-Part Multitimbral
Controllers
Rear Panel
Power Switch
Volume Knob

Pallete Section
Tone A through Tone D Sliders

LFO Section
LFO Select Button
Rate Slider
Delay Slider
Fade Slider
Waveform Button
Offset Button
Key Trig Button

WG Section
Pitch Coarse Knob
Pitch Fine Knob
Pitch Random Slider
Key Follow Slider
Wave Form Knob
LFO 1 Slider
LFO 2 Slider

Pitch/TVF/TVA Envelope Section
Time Key Follow Slider
T1 through T4 Sliders
L1 through L4 Sliders
Sustain Level Slider
ENV Select Button

TVF Section
Mode Button
Cutoff Freq Slider
Reso Slider
ENV Slider
Key Follow Slider
LFO Select button
LFO Slider

TVA Section
Level Slider
Bias Direction Button
Bias Point Slider
Bias Level Slider
LFO Select Button
LFO Slider

Tone A through Tone D Buttons
Layer-Active Button
Arpeggio Button
Note Button
Common Button
Effects Button
Start Button
Exit Button
Value Knob
Bank 1 through 8 Buttons
Number 1 through 8 Buttons
Manual Button
Effects
Distortion
Phaser
Spectrum
Enhancer
Delay
Chorus
Reverb
Step Sequencer
2 Part
64 Steps
8 Notes per Part (Polyphonic)
Display
7 Segments, 4 Characters (LED)
Connectors
Ext Clock In: Mono Miniature Phone Type
Phones: Stereo Miniature Phone Type
Output: Stereo Miniature Phone Type
Mix In: Stereo Miniature Phone Type
MIDI (In, Out) Connectors
USB Port: USB Type-C(R) (Audio, MIDI)
Power Supply
4 x Rechargeable NiMH Battery (AA, HR6)
4 x Alkaline Battery (AA, LR6)
USB Bus Power
Current Draw
500 mA (USB Bus power)
Expected Battery Life
Rechargeable NiMH Battery: Approximately 6 Hours under Continuous Use (Varies Depending on the Specifications of the Batteries, Capacity of the Batteries, and the Conditions of Use)
Options
Keyboard Unit: K-25m (Sold Separately)
Boutique Dock: DK-01
Dimensions
11.8 x 5 x 1.9" / 30 x 12.8 x 4.9 cm
Weight
1.9 lb / 0.8 kg (with Batteries)
Packaging Info
Package Weight
2.945 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
13.8 x 7 x 3.2"

Roland JD-08 Reviews

Another great Boutique Synth but with a MIDI Bug

By FON
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2023-03-28

I'll keep this simple, first off I am a big fan of all of Roland's Boutiques Series Synths. I have the JU-06A, JX-03, JP-08, JX-08 and now the JD-08. Like the others this is a great Synth while bringing back so much of the original JD800. I never owned a JD800, I was to busy with my Yamaha DX7 at the time but I always wanted one. This JD-08 Includes all 108 original waveforms and all 64 original factory patches, plus 21 new presets The 4-part tone layering allows for vey complex sound design. It's got all of the other features like a 2-part, 64-step polyphonic sequencer that you can save up to 128 original patterns Random pattern generator, a Motion Recorder allows you to capture complex parameter changes in your patterns and of course an Onboard arpeggiator. Overall just another great Boutique Synth with tons of sonic power! OK now for the MIDI BUG. MIDI Bug Alert! I learned of this bug when I got my JD-08 a few months ago. I noticed that the JD-08 plays an init tone on MIDI channels 4 and 5, no matter what the MIDI settings are set to (I have mine set to Ch16). This is known and is in fact a bug in the JD-08. The JD-08, is a repackaged, Jupiter X synth, which uses midi channels 4 and 5, like I am seeing. So if you have other devices in your setup that use MIDI Ch 4 or 5 you will have an issue. Roland didn't bother to take this out when they ported the firmware over to the JD-08. The problem is, these can't be edited, or turned off., it just plays a INIT sound. There is no setting for this and it is hardcoded, into the units firmware. Many of us have already gotten in touch with Roland about this, of course, with no reply to fix the problem. I happen to know a Tech Support Person at Roland that I could call and he confirmed it. If enough users complain hopefully they will get their act together and get this fixed in a future update. What is interesting is it seems all of the Boutique Series are all sharing the same firmware, notice how all the new synths are on V 1.02? I think this is part of the

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