Roland replicates extra basic synths with the JD-08 and JX-08 sound modules | Engadget

Roland is once more diving into its previous with the JX-08 and JD-08 Sound Modules, emulating the classic analog JX-8P and digital JD-800 synths from the ’80s and ’90s, respectively. Both reproduce the sounds of these basic synths digitally, whereas including new results and patches tuned for modern kinds.

Roland’s JX-8P got here out in 1985 as one of many firm’s final analog synthesizers. It married analog synthesis with digital management, providing “warm pads, shimmery chorus and crystalline textures into the most popular songs of the era,” Roland stated. The JX-08 recreates these sounds with new results and a polyphoric sequencer. 

It options expanded polyphony, two-part multitimbral functionality and twin/cut up modes, together with 32 presets from the unique {hardware} and over 100 new patches extra according to fashionable wants. Plus, it is accessible with a panel derived from the synth’s companion PG-800 programmer unit for the unique {hardware}, letting you retailer creations in 256 preset slots. 

The JD-800, in the meantime, was a digital synth launched in 1991 with a “control laden panel and aggressively electronic sound palette,” in response to Roland. The JD-08 recreates that utilizing “the original JD-800 waveforms” and superior modeling methods. IT additionally provides expanded polyphony, a two-part polyphonic sequencer and different fashionable updates. 

Both synths are extremely moveable, can run on USB bus energy or batteries, and embrace a built-in speaker for cell sound monitoring. They additionally function a built-in USB-C audio/MIDI interface to connect with laptop manufacturing programs, together with a full-sized MIDI I/O. The JX-08 and JD-08 Sound Modules will arrive within the US in January for $400 every.