Roland has 3 new boutique synths

[Synthtron]

Well,
I like what I see but that thing looks very small. Looks smaller than the System-1 like maybe microbrute size? I do not know.
Imagine if Roland had made this into a full size synth with 61 keys. If the Jupiter-80 had all of those knobs and things it would not have had the bashing it received.

Can't wait to see the others!

[cello]

The JP-08 is winking at me...

At 30cm wide it just fits on the right hand panel of the JP-80 - there seems something harmonious about that!

[Synthtron]

I am curious to see the back panels outputs too.

[Synthtron]

The JP-08 is winking at me...

At 30cm wide it just fits on the right hand panel of the JP-80 - there seems something harmonious about that!

Funny, I was just looking at my JP-80 and thinking the same thing.

[Synthtron]

More pics on the net not sure what is final or not.

[richardbates1]

From these photos it looks like it is a module that can be detached from the mini keyboard?

[rsaintjohn]

The modules are sold as-is, and they can attach to a keyboard (sold separately for $99).

[richardbates1]

The modules are sold as-is, and they can attach to a keyboard (sold separately for $99).

That's great, don't really need the mini keys.
Does anyone know if these synths are ACB technology or analog, which I can't imagine them being analog for $300.00? If that is the actual price?

[rsaintjohn]

Definitely ACB. Below is the full and description on the JP-08 ($399, btw; the others are $299). Personally, I'm already absolutely sold on these and will be placing an order as soon as it all goes back up. A little bittersweet as I had just decided to finally go ahead and buy the FA-06, but now that will have to wait.

Links to the cached listings:

JP-08
JU-06
JX-03
K-25M


Roland JP-08 Synthesizer Module

The legendary Jupiter-8 synth is back - as a limited-edition module no bigger than a book. Part of the Roland Boutique series, the JP-08 is all about hands-on control and that iconic Jupiter sound. With an array of 36 knobs and sliders from the original Jupiter-8 front panel, the 4-voice JP-08 is highly programmable and encourages sonic experimentation, especially with the built-in speaker and battery operation. Using Roland's acclaimed Analog Circuit Behavior (ACB) technology the JP-08 faithfully reproduces the original Jupiter-8 sounds and adds a few new twists in the form of extra LFOs and expanded VCO range. You can even slide the JP-08 into the K-25m keyboard unit (not included) for a self-contained, go-anywhere synth experience.

Huge Synth. Small Package.
The Jupiter-8 was a big synth in every way; physically imposing with loads of knobs and sliders, and most importantly, a huge sound. The JP-08 retains the big sound of the Jupiter-8 but shrinks everything else - including the price - into a module measuring under 12" across.

Hands-on control
With such an expressive sound engine, you'll want to shape the sounds to match your mood. With 36 of the original parameters accessible from the front panel, the JP-08 is all about hands-on control, and even users of the Jupiter-8 will quickly feel at home as the user interface and programming 'feel' is highly reminiscent of the original.

New Sound-Shaping Options
Even though the JP-08 is an authentic recreation of the Jupiter-8, Roland also included a few extras. The JP-08 adds several new waveforms to the original architecture, including TRI and NOISE for the LFO and SIN for VCO-1, and both VCOs have an expanded range for even more sound shaping potential.

Develop Your Ideas with a 16-Step Sequencer
The onboard 16-step sequencer is a sonic scratchpad that lets you try out new ideas without bringing lots of gear - it can even be used without a keyboard. And if there's no keyboard connected, the ribbon controller lets you preview the sound, making it an ideal way to program patches quickly and easily.

Optional K-25m Keyboard Unit
The JP-08 works especially well with the K-25m, an optional 25-key velocity sensitive keyboard that takes your music making to the next level. Once docked in the keyboard, the module's front panel adjusts to three positions for convenient access to the knobs and sliders.

Chain Mode
One of the killer features of the original Jupiter-8 was its ability to create huge pads, splits and layers using its 8 voices of polyphony. The JP-08 features a chain mode that allows you to connect two JP-08 modules using the MIDI ports and create one, 8-voice synthesizer, just like the original. Adding additional modules adds another 4 voices of polyphony with each module. This is especially great when controlling the JP-08 from a larger external keyboard. You can even edit the sound from the master module and control both units. Great for real-time filter sweeps and LFO effects.

Battery or USB Bus Power
Some of the best music is made away from the studio, so the Roland Boutique series runs on 4 x AA batteries, ready for when inspiration strikes. Alternatively, you can power the JP-08 via USB bus power.

USB Audio Interface for Direct Recording Into Your DAW
The built-in USB port also functions as a high-quality 24bit, 44.1 kHz audio interface, for a fast, simple and reliable way of recording directly to your DAW application. You can keep your favorite patches and sequencer patterns safe too, via the USB data backup function.

Features:
- Ultra-compact recreation of the iconic Jupiter-8 synthesizer
- Retains the feel, sound, character and user interface of the original
- 36 of the original synth parameters controllable from the front panel
- Adds several additions not found on the original Jupiter-8, including extra waveforms, expanded VCO range
- Chain mode allows two JP-08 to function as one 8-voice module
- Highly portable for mobile music making
- High-quality construction with metal front panel
- Dual ribbon controllers for pitch bend, modulation, and sound preview
- Battery-operated (4xAA) or USB powered
- 24 bit/ 44.1 kHz stereo IN/OUT USB audio interface
- Built-in 0.5W mini-speaker for instant enjoyment
- Compatible with optional K-25m keyboard unit

And the Specs:
- Maximum Polyphony: 4 voices
- User Memory: Patch Preset: 8, Patch: 64
- Controllers: VOLUME knob, Ribbon controllers 1, 2
- LFO Section:
- RATE slider
- DELAY TIME slider
- WAVE FORM select knob
- VCO MOD Section:
- LFO MOD slider
- ENV MOD slider
- FREQ MOD select switch
- PULSE WIDTH MOD slider
- PULSE WIDTH MOD select switch
- VCO-1 Section:
- CROSS MOD slider
- RANGE select knob
- WAVE FORM select knob
- VCO-2 Section:
- SYNC switch
- RANGE select knob
- FINE TUNE knob
- WAVE FORM select knob
- MIXER Section: SOURCE MIX knob
- HPF Section: CUTOFF slider
- VCF Section:
- CUTOFF slider
- RESONANCE slider
- SLOPE switch
- LFO MOD slider
- ENV MOD slider
- ENV switch
- KEY FOLLOW slider
- VCA Section: LEVEL slider, LFO MOD switch
- ENV-1 Section:
- ATTACK TIME slider
- DECAY TIME slider
- SUSTAIN LEVEL slider:
- RELEASE TIME slider
- Polarity switch
- ENV-2 Section:
- ATTACK TIME slider
- DECAY TIME slider
- SUSTAIN LEVEL slider
- RELEASE TIME slider
- KEY FOLLOW switch
- Effects: Delay
- Step Sequencer: 16 step, 16 pattern
- Nominal Input Level: INPUT jack: -0 dBu
-Display: 7 segments, 2 characters (LED)
- Connectors:
- PHONES jack: Stereo miniature phone type
- OUTPUT jack: Stereo miniature phone type
- INPUT jack: Stereo miniature phone type
- MIDI (IN, OUT) connectors
- USB port: MicroB type (Audio, MIDI)
- Power Supply:
- Rechargeable Ni-MH battery (AA, HR6) x 4
- Alkaline battery (AA, LR6) x 4
- USB bus power
- Current Draw: 500 mA (USB bus power)
- Dimensions: (W x D x H) 11-13/16 x 5-1/16 x 1-13/16" (300 x 128 x 46mm)
- Weight (including batteries): 2 lbs. 3 oz. (970 g)
- Accessories: Owner's Manual, Leaflet "USING THE UNIT SAFELY," Alkaline battery (AA, LR6) x 4
- Options (sold separately): Keyboard unit: K-25m

Weight, Dimensions, and Manufacturer Part Numbers
Shipping Weight: 3 lbs
Shipping Dimensions: 14 x 7 x 3 in
Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): JP-08

[Synthtron]

Nice pics of all of them. They are very cool looking. Little mini desktop modules based on classic Roland synths.
Two chorus buttons on the JU-06, I wonder if Roland modeled the Chorus off of the Juno-6/60/106 to sound close to the original.
Cool that you can chain the JP-08 with another JP-08 to get more polyphony. I also saw the back panel with mini plug jacks, also only battery or usb power. No external powersupply? What do you use a cell phone charger?
For what they are overall very cool move from Roland.

Also only a limited run. How small will that be?

[PauloF]

The JP-08 is winking at me...

At 30cm wide it just fits on the right hand panel of the JP-80 - there seems something harmonious about that!

Funny, I was just looking at my JP-80 and thinking the same thing.

It also fits on the right hand side of my A-800 PRO :-)

[Redrain68]

if u can chain 2 or three of this and use the panel of the master why don't do a box only with the voice and not the controls....it can cost half the price...

[richardbates1]

OK, I am going to pre-order the JP-08, this looks to good to wait and order later.
Now the question is do I buy one or two? It is not really a Jupiter 8 with out the 2 of them chained together.
My poor wallet! but these are good times from Roland!

Richard wrote:

Just when I thought I had bought my last synth for awhile, I know I am going to get this when it comes out!

Paulo wrote:

You can't ever say that as the "dirty proposals" are always knocking at the door ;-)

OK let em in.

[Synthtron]

Two bad they did not give the things the equivalent polyphony out of the box.
At least we have the option to add and chain a second unit.

I am curious how close they sound. It would be awesome to take these little boogers out since I do not take my old Juno-60/106 or JX-3p to perform with. I have created some patches between the JPupiter-50 and the JP-8000 that simulate some of the original patches I made on my old synths.

Well, will be interesting to see what the naysayers are going to say about Roland's new releases. If one does not like mini keys they will not need to worry about them.

OK, I am going to pre-order the JP-08, this looks to good to wait and order later.

I wonder when we can put a pre-order in?

They all look like Christmas to me!

[richardbates1]

You can pre-order at z-Zounds now, I wonder when other dealers will have them for pre-order?
I have always gone through AMS or Sweetwater in the past.
I will probably wait to see what they offer?

Yes Christmas is looking good this year!