Roland Boutique is back with the JX-08 and JD-08
5,0 / 5,0 | 
Roland JX-08 and JD-08 · Source: Roland
Roland JD-08 and JX-08 · Source: Roland
Roland JD-08 and JD-800 · Source: Roland
Roland JD-08 · Source: Roland
Roland JD-08 · Source: Roland
Roland JX-08 and JX-8P · Source: Roland
Roland JX-08 · Source: Roland
Roland JX-08 · Source: Roland
Roland reworks the JD-800 and JX-8P into the compact and niftily crafted Boutique range of software-driven hardware sound modules.
JD-08
Following quite closely behind the release of the JD-800 VST plugin and sound library for ZEN-Core synths comes a compact hardware reproduction of the Roland JD-800 synthesizer.
The JD-08 looks fantastic. It brilliantly reflects the style of the original synthesizer including the slanted button section that sits jauntily on the left. Roland has squeezed in a lot of the controls and it presents itself as an engaging slider, knob and button interface. One concern I have with these Boutique sound modules is that they are a little too compact which can make the controls feel fiddly and a bit frustrating to handle. But if you’re ok with that then the JD-08 has a lot to offer.
Roland JD-08 and JD-800 · Source: Roland
The JD-08 comes with all the original patches and effects of the JD-800 and with a lot more storage capacity of up to 256 patches. Roland has added some “Palette” controls which by default give level control over the 4 tones that you can have within a JD-800 patch but they can also be directed to any parameter. These actually give you a longer throw and more room around them making them easier to play with; maybe this is a response to the criticism about the small controls.
Roland has added a 2-channel polyphonic sequencer that lets you access two different patches revealing that the JD-08 is bi-timbral and quite capable of being a bit of a groove machine.
Roland JD-08 · Source: Roland
For connections, we have MIDI, USB/MIDI and external sync giving you the full range of software and hardware control options. The USB connection, which is now on USB-C, also provides an audio interface to your computer.
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JX-08
Here we have everyone’s favourite impossible to program Roland polysynth, the JX-8P. It didn’t really matter because it was the sound and the presets that we enjoyed back in the 1980s. If you wanted to program it then you added the PG-800 programmer or spent your time exploring the mysteries that lay behind the membrane buttons via the little display. With the JX-08 Roland brings us the sounds we enjoy while integrating the programmer to give us some very welcome hands-on control.
Roland JX-08 and JX-8P · Source: Roland
The approach to the JX-08 mirrors that of the JD-08 with all the original presets, room for up to 256, it is bi-timbral and has a 2-channel polyphonic sequencer with trigger input and arpeggiator. The connections are also the same with a USB-C connection, MIDI, sync and USB audio all included.
Roland JX-08 · Source: Roland
The hands-on controls transform the familiar sound of the JX-8P into something far more dynamic and kinetic. They are less packed in and so it looks easier and more friendly on the fingers. Along with the Chorus from the JX-8P Roland has added a Reverb and some other effects for a bigger sound.
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Boutique
I really like the idea of the Boutique sound modules but I do get slightly frustrated by the crampiness of the interface. The sound engine is exactly the same as the plug-in and ZEN-Core versions that you can run in your DAW or on other Roland synths. While this makes them feel like you’re running VSTi’s in a box the implementation and hardware interface is excellent (if small!). It’s a great way to get access to the sounds of a classic synth and have it running on your desk without the need of a computer.
David from Roland does a great job of using the optional K-25m keyboard and making it look playable. I had one and I’ve never hated a keyboard as much in my life. I’d recommend using any other MIDI controller.
A note on polyphony. Previous Boutiques have been 4-voice polyphonic but with these two Roland says in the specs that they have “Expanded polyphony”. The JD-800 had 24 voices (6 notes per tone) and the JX-8P had 6 voices so presumably, we should be looking at more than that as well as being bi-timbral. The website does specify that the sequencer is 4-note polyphonic, so there is that.
Both sound modules will be available in January for $399.99.
More information from Roland
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11 responses to “Roland Boutique is back with the JX-08 and JD-08”
Do not think these are Zencore. ACB, I guess ?
That’s right, but they are available as a library in Zenology and the ZEN-Core synths like Fantom, Jupiter X and Jupiter Xm
That should be DCB.
Yeah, the size can be annoying, but the sound on these ACB Boutiques is great. I prefer the JX-3P to the JP-08, the JXs were better in my view. There’s definitely a lot of people who’ll like these, the JD could maybe do with a bigger form factor version with a keyboard, around Microkorg size would be a winner. Does anyone what the polyphony is? Is it 4 as on the older models?
Seems like you’re basically asking for the Jupiter-Xm? Zen-core engine can run the JD-800 model, larger keys but still small form factor. I think the product you’re asking fro exists…
As to polyphony, it looks like it remains at 4 voices on both the JX and JD. Not a real limitation unless this is the only instrument you plan on using – certainly works fine as a synth within an arrangement of other instruments…
I understand the polyphony to be better than 4 notes although Roland don’t specify anything other than “Expanded polyphony” – someone said 20 notes but I can’t remember where I saw that. They do specify that the sequencer is 4-note poly.
I think the D-05 Boutique matched the polyphony of the original Roland D-50 so hopefully the same will be true for the JD-08; tech should have moved on a bit, too.
Let’s hope they don’t polyphony-pinch on the JX-08. 4 note will be a bit ‘meh’. If it matches the 6 note polyphonic capabilities of the JX-8P, that would be great. Absolute killer if it has even more (12 for the Super JX10 I think).
I’m so glad that Roland is continuing the Boutique series. Despite all of the whining about the knob size, I bought the JX-03 and the SE-02 and both are excellent synths. The JX can create fat, fat sounds comparable to a Moog and the SE goes from sweet to incredibly bizarre and will keep even the most seasoned synthist entertained for hours. And Seriously, even if you have fingers like a gorilla the knobs are perfectly fine.
I have no issues with the Boutique series (less space) that’s probably kept the cost down too
Here’s hoping there is more analogue to come 🙂
I can’t understand why these miniature synthesizer with micro sliders and knobs can satisfy anyone. But I am not everyone, but I don’t like this uncomfortable formfactor. To small, to little everything. And yes still digital. Not for me.
Thanks for polyphony replies. I wrote to Roland to ask them to make an MC202 vst for the cloud. If they do, we might see an MC202 boutique. That’d go down really well, I reckon.
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