First Real Complaint About the JD-Xi

Forum for the JD-Xi Keyboard.
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andypandy
Posts: 17
Joined: 01:17, 12 October 2016

First Real Complaint About the JD-Xi

Post by andypandy »

After owning the JD-Xi for little over six months now, I've come across my first real issue about it's limitations when it comes to it's Analog functionality. Granted, This is my first synthesizer, and wow, has it really opened some doors for me. Once I downloaded the editor, I found that being able to easily edit the partials for the digital parts exponentially expanded what I could create sound-wise and I have really fallen in love with the synth in that regard.

Although, after using the editor extensively, I'm really bummed at how little you can do with the analog when compared with the digital parts. You only really have one true oscillator to work with. The sub oscillator doesn't add much dynamic since you are limited as to the adjustments you can make, so you are left with basic LFO, AMP, and ENV tweaking. On top of that, you only get three waveform options for the Analog, not even NOISE variations for filter sweeping.

I Really wish the Analog had another oscillator, or at least more editable parameters with its sub OSC.

What are some of your guys' complaints about the JD-Xi? I've seen a few on here already, but am interested what people think would be "the one thing" the JD lacks that would make it a million times better than it already is.
baz55
Posts: 139
Joined: 19:13, 26 July 2015

Re: First Real Complaint About the JD-Xi

Post by baz55 »

If you are looking for an analog synth with loads of complex editing possibilities without spending a lot, then I'd recommend the Oberheim Matrix 1000, you won't find a more complex analog synth for less money.

I have an editor for that one too but it's not released yet (sooner or later I'll find the time to release it):
http://m1000-manager.linuxtech.net/

Speaking of shortcomings of the JD-Xi, what I miss on the JD-XI (both on the analog and on the digital synth parts) is a modulation matrix (like the Matrix1000 has) as that would open up a whole new world of sound possibilities.
mixe
Posts: 24
Joined: 10:10, 31 March 2017

Re: First Real Complaint About the JD-Xi

Post by mixe »

My biggest complaint is that my JD-Xi sometimes *freezes*.
It's happened very rarely (3 or 4 times), but when it does I need to shut it down and turn it on again. That'd be embarassing and really disruptive during a live performance. I may consider selling it if it happens again / more frequently.

Talking about the synth parts, I'm unhappy with the single Envelope knob. But it's just one of many features they simplified or moved into the menu in order to spare on the hardware and keep the price low.
Given my modest budget, I think I'm OK with most of its limitations.
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runningman67
Posts: 193
Joined: 22:15, 15 October 2016

Re: First Real Complaint About the JD-Xi

Post by runningman67 »

I would like to wipe all the presets. Or at least dump them in the latter bank slots.

That first programme when you turn it on aaarggghhh sick to death of forgetting and getting that din in my cans !

Other than that, I think it is brilliant.
santeran
Posts: 3
Joined: 13:33, 16 December 2016

Re: First Real Complaint About the JD-Xi

Post by santeran »

split, why cant we have split..
sostrax
Posts: 2
Joined: 00:33, 21 April 2017

Re: First Real Complaint About the JD-Xi

Post by sostrax »

@runningman67
You can change the startup bank in the settings :)

I got a couple complaints speaking from a crossover DJ:

1) Master/Slave Sync should be a button so that I don't have to delve into the menu to toggle it. When I DJ I plug it into my pc and have it slave off the software and when disconnect it, I play keys, and sequence, but the sequencer doesn't activate in slave mode
2) Bigger screen



Added features would be nice:
1) Automatic scale play (major/minor) would be cool when hooked up to DJ software where it will play random notes in a scale as a background sequence.
2) Swing knob to add swing to the sequence.
3) A bump up or down tempo buttons (when it doesn't match the beat in the dj software)
4) An overlay/add function (unless it's some trick I'm missing and can't find an answer for). Where you can add drum sequence 1 on top of drum sequence 2. In other words I create a nice bass drum sequence on one favorite and have a few different percussion sequences on other favorites and being able to tap on any of the favorites so that they play together.
5) There should be a quick way of adding samples
6) I would love it to have lit up markers on each key so when it's playing midi notes and chords you can learn the notes quicker.
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CesarsoundOne
Posts: 203
Joined: 21:29, 9 October 2014

Re: First Real Complaint About the JD-Xi

Post by CesarsoundOne »

New drum waves on next update please: LinnDrum kit would be nice.
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runningman67
Posts: 193
Joined: 22:15, 15 October 2016

Re: First Real Complaint About the JD-Xi

Post by runningman67 »

sostrax wrote:@runningman67
You can change the startup bank in the settings :)
.
Thanks.
andypandy
Posts: 17
Joined: 01:17, 12 October 2016

Re: First Real Complaint About the JD-Xi

Post by andypandy »

santeran wrote:split, why cant we have split..
A solution I've found to this is to get another controller keyboard and connecting it through to the JD-Xi via MIDI. Some MIDI controllers let you assign sections of the keyboard to different MIDI channels. Since the JD-Xi has a different MIDI channel for each part, you could split your board and have access to multiple parts at once.

Also by using a controller you could get more keys, bigger keys, sustain pedal, etc.
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