Roland JX-08

An ’80s icon on your tabletop.

In 1985, Roland’s innovative JX-8P took hybrid synthesis a step further with a compelling new analog-digital voice. The instrument was instantly embraced by top session players, who forever embedded its warm pads, shimmery chorus, and crystalline textures into the era’s most popular tracks. The JX-08 reintroduces the unique sound of this sought-after classic in stunning detail, coupled with powerful new effects, a polyphonic sequencer, and more. And to enhance your creative flow, there’s a full panel of hands-on controls derived from the companion PG-800 programmer unit for the original hardware.

FEATURES

• Authentic JX-8P sound and behavior

• PG-800 programmer functions included

• Includes 32 presets from the original JX-8P plus 111 new presets

• 17 new effect types including JUNO-106 chorus, SDD-320 reverb, lo-fi comp, super filter, pitch shifter, and more

• Two-part, 64-step, eight-note (per part) polyphonic sequencer with motion recording, random pattern generator, and memory for 128 patterns

• Onboard arpeggiator

• Expanded polyphony compared to the original hardware, up to 20 voices

• Two-part multitimbral for playing multiple patches with dual and split capabilities

• USB-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

Classic sound. Modernized.
While the original design of the JX-8P is retained in this modern version, we’ve added a range of updates that take the experience to another level. Explore the 100-plus new patches tuned for contemporary styles, or use the onboard controls to design your own sounds. And with expanded polyphony, two-part multitimbral capability, and dual/split modes, there’s even more room to stretch out your sonic ideas. Once you’ve found your zone, store your creations for easy recall using any of the 256 preset slots.

Even deeper effects.
The JX-08 comes stocked with 17 powerful effects, many of which are new to the Roland Boutique range. Add some gloss to your JX patches with classic chorus, phaser, and delay options, or get gritty with overdrive, fuzz, bit crusher, and the new lo-fi compressor. Filters and pitch shifters are also available to bring additional dimension and character to your sounds.

Music that moves.
Once you’ve locked in your patches, fire up the two-part polyphonic sequencer and start programming leads, basslines, or basic chords to sync with other pieces in your electronic ensemble. And to bring some animated movement to your sounds, tap into motion recording and the onboard arpeggiator to make your musical lines dance.

MIDI, USB, and external clock input.
The JX-08 features a built-in USB-C audio/MIDI interface, so you can play, record, and synchronize with all types of computer production software. Full-size MIDI I/O is also available for interfacing with other MIDI hardware. There’s even an external clock input for driving the JX-08’s onboard sequencer and arpeggiator from vintage analog instruments and modern Eurorack systems.

Grab your keys. Hit the road.
The compact JX-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 three convenient tilt positions, or grab a K-25m Keyboard Unit to create a fully self-contained, portable instrument.

SPECIFICATIONS

User Memory
Sound Patch: 256
Pattern: 128

Controllers
Rear Panel:

• Power switch

• VOLUME knob

LFO Section:

• RATE knob

• DELAY TIME knob

• WAVE FORM switch

DCO-1 Section:

• LFO slider

• TUNE knob

• RANGE switch

• WAVE FORM switch

DCO-2 Section:

• LFO slider

• TUNE knob

• FINE TUNE knob

• RANGE switch

• WAVE FORM switch

• CROSS MOD knob

• DCO-1 ENV knob

• DCO-2 ENV knob

• MODE switch

MIXER Section:

• DCO-1 slider

• DCO-2 slider

• ENV knob

• MODE switch

VCF Section:

• HPF slider

• CUTOFF FREQ slider

• RES slider

• LFO slider

• KEY FOLLOW slider

• ENV knob

• MODE switch

VCA Section:

• LEVEL slider

• MODE switch

ENVELOPE-1/2 Section:

• ENV SELECT 1, 2 buttons

• ATTACK slider

• DECAY slider

• SUSTAIN slider

• RELEASE slider

• KEY FOLLOW switch

PORTAMENTO Section:

• MODE button

• TIME knob

EFFECT Section:

• CHORUS 1, 2 buttons

• REVERB button

ARPEGGIO button:

• NOTE button

• SEQ button

• START button

• MENU button

• VALUE knob

• PART A, B buttons

• DUAL button

• SPLIT button

• BANK 1(5)--4(8) buttons

• NUMBER 1--8 buttons

• MANUAL button

Effects:

• Chorus: 3

• Delay: 4

• Overdrive

• FUZZ

• Drive

• Bit crusher

• LOFI Comp

• Phaser: 2

• Filter

• Pitch Shifter: 2

Step Sequencer: 2 part, 64 steps, 8 notes per part (Polyphonic)
Display: 7 segments, 4 characters (LED)
Connectors:

• EXT CLOCK IN jack: Mono miniature phone type

• PHONES jack: Stereo miniature phone type

• OUTPUT jack: Stereo miniature phone type

• MIX IN jack: Stereo miniature phone type

• MIDI (IN, OUT) connectors

• USB port: USB Type-C(R) (Audio, MIDI)

Power Supply: Ni-MH battery (AA, HR6) x 4 or Alkaline battery (AA, LR6) x 4, USB bus power
Current Draw: 500 mA (USB bus power)
Expected battery life under continuous use: Ni-MH battery: Approx. 6 hours (When using batteries having a capacity of 1,900 mAh.)
* This can vary depending on the specifications of the batteries, capacity of the batteries, and the conditions of use.
Accessories: Quick Start, Leaflet "USING THE UNIT SAFELY", Alkaline battery (AA, LR6) x 4
Options (sold separately):

• Keyboard unit: K-25m

• Boutique Dock: DK-01

Dimensions
Width: 300 mm / 11-13/16 inches
Depth: 128 mm / 5-1/16 inches
Height: 47 mm / 1-7/8 inches
Weight (including batteries): 895 g / 2 lbs