Roland JP-08 Boutique Synthesizer Module

No longer available at zZounds
Roland's Jupiter-8 synth returns! With knobs, sliders and Chain Mode, the JP-08 delivers the sound and hands-on control of the original in a compact 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 read more 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

NOTE: Showed with optional K-25m keyboard.
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- 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

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 323-890-3700

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars. (2 ratings)
Submitted February 18, 2018 by Jay H in Dover, DE

"Big Big Sound from a Small Box!"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
This was my first Boutique Synth I ever purchased. I have a few other synths (fullsized ones) and I will say that this little Jupiter certainly holds its own. It's built quite well as I'm finding all the Boutique's I've purchased since. For some reason this is the cheapest of them all but it has the biggest sound next to the D-05. It does have that warm 80's sound to it that the Jupiter is notorious for. It's only an 4 voice but if you heard the Mopho X4 or the Miniloque than you know you can do a lot with 4 voices. I'm really not complaining at all. Presets 34 & 35 really show off the Jupiterness of this box. The light up sliders and the Mod & Pitch bend sliders are nice. When you hook them up to your midi keyboard they light up with the movement of your Mod and Pitch bend wheels. For the price it is right now about $300 it's truly the best synth deal aside from getting a Volca.

Sound
Big sound nice warm 80's tone in a Mini Jupiter package. If you like the Jupiter 8 sounds you'll enjoy the Jupiter-4 which is what this basically is. A 4 voice Jupiter.

Features
You can add another Jupiter 8 to it. If I ever find one for cheap I certainly will to get the 8 voices. Only downside is that polychain doesn't work so well and the second unit tends to steal voices in a strange way.

Ease of Use
Super easy to use but making your own sounds should be the best part of any synth.

Quality read more
Good quality oddly it has built in speakers. Sturdy metal case with lights galore buttons feel good. Would be nice if Roland added in the Table Stand very cheap of them not too.

Value
I've noticed that all the boutiques seem to double in value once they're no longer available. So I guess this will be a worthwhile purchase but the true value is in how well it can make music for you.

Manufacturer Support
I've never contacted Roland but they have a serious support page that still makes updates for discontinued gear even. The JP-8 has updates on the website you can download into the unit so I'd say their support is very good.

The Wow Factor
It blew my mind. Was never expecting so much from a little box! Big SOUND!

Musical Background:
20 years

Musical Style:
Many styles I love listening to and playing music
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