The Roland JX series of synthesizers is a line of analog polyphonic synthesizers produced by Roland Corporation. The JX series was introduced in the 1980s and consisted of several models, including the Roland JX-3P, JX-8P, JX-10, and JX-305.
I think that the Roland JX series of synths are very underrated.
They are probably overlooked these days due to their minimalist UI.
Roland removed the usual knobs and sliders (possibly to decrease cost but also
maybe in response to the Yamaha DX-7 which came out at the same time) and replaced these with buttons.
Thus they are considered harder to program without their dedicated programmers.
JX-3P
The JX-3P, released in 1983, was the first model in the series.
This was one of the first ever MIDI synths.
3P = Programmable, Preset, Polyphonic.
It featured a 61-key keyboard and offered six-voice polyphony.
The keyboard is not velocity sensitive.
The JX-3P utilized Roland's analog technology.
Two digitally controlled oscillators per voice.
It included a resonant low-pass filter .. The filter chip (IR3109) is the same as in the Juno 6, Juno-60 and Jupiter 8.
Also a built-in BBD chorus effect, and a simple yet effective interface for sound editing.
Built in sequencer. - 128 steps.
It can hold up to six notes on each step, entered together or 'multi-tracked'.
You can use an 'overdubbing' process like in multitrack recording.
After each 'track' is done, press the "Write" and "Tie" buttons together.
This puts you into overdub mode. Further tracks can then be added until all six event lines are used up.
You can sequence chords as well as notes.
Both the sequencer data and patch programs can then be saved using a standard cassette recorder,
Uses batteries to store patches and they can leak. So you need to maintain.
You don't have to have an original programmer (PG-200) to unlock the parameter controls.
There are lost of apps you can connect via USB to midi.
This also looks great:
Dtronics also make a great replacement programmer
You can also use something like the iPG800 PP
This app also works with the PG-300, PG-800 and PG-1000 Synthesizer Programmers
that were built by Roland.
Finally, there is a MIDI upgrade you can buy from Series Circuits (in Sydney)
which offers control with standard MIDI CC.
I think this is really neat. You can use this with the PG-200
The rack version of this synth is the MKS-30.
It uses the same 'voice chips' (VCF and VCA) as the Juno 106, whereas the 3P does not.
A modern alternative is Roland's boutique version.. the JX-03 which comes with lots of knobs
so you don't need a programmer. 20 notes of polyphony :-). Sadly the JX03 has only 4 voices.
JX-8P
The JX-8P, introduced in 1984, built upon the JX-3P's capabilities.
She was designed by the Roland Matsumoto R&D team as the successor to 1983’s JX-3P.
Like the 3P it sacrificed knobs and sliders for a minimalist look.
If you'd like more controls Roland produced the PG-800.
You can also use something like the iPG800 PP
This app also works with the PG-300, PG-200 and PG-1000 Synthesizer Programmers
that were built by Roland.
It had a larger keyboard with 76 keys and expanded upon the JX-3P's sound architecture.
The JX-8P boasted 12-voice polyphony and featured two digitally controlled, analog oscillators per voice.
It uses the Roland IR3RO5 Integrated Circuit VCF which you will also find in the JX-10, MKS-50
MKS 80 (rev5) & Alpha Juno 1&2.
There are 2 filters: HP, 24dB LP.
The LP can't self oscillate.
PMW included.
It included a built-in arpeggiator, programmable analog chorus, and a user-friendly interface.
Arpeg/Seq - 1-track real-time sequencer, 400 note memory (M-32 card), 800 note memory (M-64 card)
Uses batteries to store patches and they can leak. So you need to maintain.
There is a modern take of this by Roland : the Boutique JX-08.
You dont need a programmer as there are lots of sliders.
You can also use the ZEN-Core Model Expansion if you're happy to use Zenology software
or a JUPITER-X/Xm.
JX-10 (Super JX)
Often called the last of Roland's 80's monster analog synths.
It represents a cross-over point between analog & digital.
The JX-10, released in 1986, was an upgraded version of the JX-8P. It had the same sound engine and architecture but offered dual sound capability, allowing the player to layer two sounds or split the keyboard between different sounds.
It has often been described as two JX-8Ps in a box, but this is not strictly true.
That's 12 voices & 24 oscillators.
No PWM.
In addition there are two ADSR envelope generators per voice,
and resonant lowpass & non-resonant highpass filters.
It uses the Roland IR3RO5 Integrated Circuit VCF which is also found in the JX-8p, Alpha Juno, MKS-70, MKS-50 & MKS-80 Rev 5.
The JX-10 also featured a larger keyboard with 76 keys, providing an extended playing range.
There were no knobs, like the Yamaha DX7. All programmability is done through membrane panel buttons. There are 2 programmable sliders.
The JX10 has a Chorus effect. The simple chorus effect is either off, slow or fast.
The chase-play function is really cool. It allows programmable delayed repeats of voices by alternating patches of the upper and lower modules.
The sequencer is only 1 track.
There is a optional PG-800 controller to add slider goodness.
No realtime Sysex editing.
You can also use something like the iPG800 PP
This app also works with the PG-300, PG-200 and PG-1000 Synthesizer Programmers
that were built by Roland.
In 1986, Roland made a rackmount version : MKS 70 Super JX
JX-305
The JX-305, introduced in 1997, marked a departure from the earlier JX series models.
It was a digital synthesizer workstation that combined analog modeling technology with sample-based sounds.
It was a groove box synth .. like a MC 505.
64 voices
24 effects
768 dance patterns
8 track sequencer, ARP, and real time phrase sequencer.
The JX-305 featured a wide range of sounds, including realistic emulations of acoustic instruments, and offered a powerful sequencing and workstation functionality.
61 keys.
MIDI of course.
Overall, the Roland JX series synthesizers were known for their warm analog sound and versatility. They were widely used in various genres of music, including pop, rock, and electronic music. While they may not have reached the iconic status of some other Roland synthesizers like the JUNO series or the legendary Jupiter-8, the JX series instruments remain highly regarded among synth enthusiasts and continue to be sought after by musicians and collectors.
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