Roland JP-08 Boutique Synthesizer Module
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.
Overall User Ratings (based on 2 ratings)
Submitted February 18, 2018 by Jay H in Dover, DE
"Big Big Sound from a Small Box!"
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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
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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Submitted October 10, 2016 by Benny Sanches in Los Angeles, CA
"JP-08 Sounds Great!"
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The unit is smaller than it appears but its features, functions and sounds are great. Documentation is a bit limited but not impossible to figure out how to use. My only complaint is the USB driver won't run on my Mac OS.
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