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Roland Boutique JD-08 Synthesizer: Overview and Demoplay button

Roland Boutique JD-08 Synthesizer: Overview and Demo

Roland

collapse expand iconDescription

With its retro workflow, evocative sounds, and powerful effects, the Roland JD-800 was a favorite for top electronic music producers through the ’90s and beyond. Combining the original JD-800 waveforms with advanced modeling techniques, the JD-08 delivers the exquisite hands-on sound design of the original, along with hugely expanded polyphony, a two-part polyphonic sequencer and other modern updates.

Inspiring Sound Design at Your Fingertips

By the early ’90s, preset-driven digital synths with limited hands-on controls dominated the landscape. The JD-800 changed all that in 1991, bringing the synthesizer world back to its roots with a control-laden panel and an aggressively electronic sound palette. The JD-08 includes 64 presets from the original hardware and perfectly recreates the four-tone structure, 108 waveforms, and unique two-part multi-effects that are at the core of the JD-800’s intricate, evolving sound.

Expanded Sound for the Modern Age

While the original design of the JD-800 is retained in this modern version, there are a range of updates that take the experience to another level. New patches, plus 256 memory locations, let you dive deep into the huge array of controls to create new sounds for your music. And with expanded polyphony and two-part multitimbral capability, there’s even more room to stretch out your sonic ideas.

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 JD-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 JD-08’s onboard sequencer and arpeggiator from vintage analog instruments and modern Eurorack systems.

Grab your Keys and Hit the Road

The compact JD-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 (both sold separately)
Roland JD-08 [JD-800] Boutique Synthesizer
Roland JD-08 [JD-800] Boutique Synthesizer
Roland JD-08 [JD-800] Boutique Synthesizer

collapse expand iconFeatures

  • Authentic sound and behavior of the original JD-800 realized with advanced sound modeling
  • 108 original waveforms for extensive patch design possibilities
  • Includes the original 64 presets plus 21 new presets
  • Two-part, 64-step polyphonic sequencer with motion recording, random pattern generator and memory for 128 patterns
  • Onboard arpeggiator
  • Two-part multitimbral with expanded polyphony
  • Four-part structure for tone layering
  • Detailed recreation of the JD-800’s unique two-stage multi-effects section
  • Editable distortion, phaser, spectrum, enhancer, delay, chorus and reverb
  • Multi-phase time variant envelopes for complex, evolving sounds
  • Palette sliders for quick parameter adjustment
  • 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 (4xAA) 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 (sold separately)

collapse expand iconSpecs

Sounds
  • Polyphony (max): 4 voices
  • Included presets: 64, plus 21 new presets
Connectivity
  • Output: Stereo mini
  • MIDI Connectivity: In/out
  • Line input: Stereo mini
  • USB Connectivity: Micro B-type
  • Headphone out: Stereo mini
Onboard Features
  • Sequencer: 16-step
  • Display: No
  • Effects: Yes
  • Pitch bend/Modulation: Both
Other
  • Width: 11.81"
  • Height: 1.85"
  • Depth: 5.06"
  • Weight: 2 lb. 3 oz.

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collapse expand iconReviews

3.67

3 Reviews

67%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

Filters
Best Uses
  1. Accompaniment1
  2. Electronic Music1
  3. Learning1
  4. MIDI1
  5. Travel1
Cons
  1. Limited Sound Selection1
  2. Unrealistic sound1
Describe Yourself
  1. Experienced2
  2. Novice1
Pros
  1. Portable3
  2. Easy to Use2
  3. Touch Sensitive Keys2
  4. Pre-programmed music1
  5. Responsive / Good Action1

Reviewed by 3 customers

  • Avoid

    1

    submitted3 months ago

    byALbert

    fromNorth Carolina

    Why? I've owned and played synths since 1981 •OBX-a --Moog Taurus 1 Pedals -Moog Memory Moog(with midi) -Ensoniq, ESQ-1, SQ80,SQ1-plus -Yamaha CS80(owned it 10 years) *YAMAHA Motif-XS, AN1-X,CS-2X,CS-6X *Roland FA06,JP08(Love these) SE-02 :-) *Tried a JD-08 Totally Shrill, Cold, Pricy, Needs a better Analog to Digital converter, Some sounds are cool, but not enough to make it a good value. -JX-08 is fabulas Go that direction for Analog, or Another synth for Digital. Yamaha ir possibly the Zen Core by Roland. But be careful on Zen Core, lots if crap there. *I tried the JD-08

  • Fantastic product.

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted3 years ago

    byMark

    fromPlacerville, ca

    Sounds great. Sounds match the original. My only complaints, no way to attach the expansion cards. I have the entire set. Would be nice if all that was available to download. 1/8" stereo jack. Not sturdy enough.

  • Very Cool Texturing

    5

    submitted4 years ago

    byDon

    fromWashington State

    This is so fun to work with and add an additional texture to background soundscape, really simple to use but can really go in any direction you want. I just wanted to play guitar and write these boutique item series are great for the newbie to novice to see if it is the right world for them.

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collapse expand iconQ&A

Have a question about this product? Our expert Gear Advisers have the answers.

  • submitted4 years ago

    asked byLeroi

    fromundisclosed

    The info on this page says "Two-part multitimbral with expanded polyphony" but the specs here say it only has 4-note polyphony. Which one is true? I've read elsewhere that the polyphony is more than the original hardware has.

    The info on this page says "Two-part multitimbral with expanded polyphony" but the specs here say it only has 4-note polyphony. Which one is true? I've read elsewhere that the polyphony is more than the original hardware has.

    Open Reply - Thomas
    As far as I know, 4. Please see "https://www.roland.com/us/products/jd-08/specifications/"