Set To Hit Stores In November
Roland is readying a new Boutique synth range using their ACB (Analog Circuit Behavior) based on three of their classic analog synths of the eighties, the Jupiter-8 (Boutique JP-08), the JX-3P (Boutique JX-03) and the Juno-106 (Boutique JU-06). The unveiling came as a leak from the online store of Zzounds who clearly needs a cure for their Premature Proclamation Disorder. The announcement claims that these are limited runs of this “boutique” lineup, but we all know that if these sell like gangbusters, the Japanese concern will continue to churn them out.
The three modules can be settled into a mini 25-note keyboard, think Microsoft Surface, for jamming on the go. Two JP-08’s can daisy-chained to double the voices, from four to eight. The Jupiter8 was an analog eight-voice, VCO-based synth, so the ability to gang two unit together meets that original spec, but it also opens up the possibilities of a mkII with eight-voices, more waveforms (SuperSaw) and additional sound-shaping action. Time will tell. All three modules feature dual ribbon controllers for pitch bend, modulation, and sound preview. In the meantime, here’s all the info that was leaked:
Roland JP-08 Synthesizer Module
The 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.
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. 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.
Even though the JP-08 is an authentic recreation 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. 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.
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.
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.
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. 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:
» Compact recreation of the analog Jupiter-8 synthesizer
» 36 of the original synth parameters controllable from the front panel
» Adds extra waveforms, expanded VCO range
» Chain mode allows two JP-08 to function as one 8-voice module
» Portable for mobile music making
» 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
Specs:
» 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
» 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)
» Sold separately: K-25m Keyboard
Roland JU-06 Synthesizer Module
The limited-edition Roland JU-06 is an authentic recreation of the iconic Juno-106 synthesizer. Sometimes described as one of the last great synths of the analog era, the Juno-106 became a favorite thanks to its warm sounds and instant sound-shaping ability. The new 4-voice JU-06 module continues this approach, with 23 parameters controllable via the front panel and that classic Juno sound — complete with the much-loved Juno chorus effect. There are some new additions too, including a faster LFO and continuously variable hi-pass filter (HPF). You can even slide the JU-06 into the K-25m keyboard unit (not included) for a self-contained, go-anywhere synth experience.
The Juno-106 is sometimes described as one of the last great synths of the analog era, and it became a firm favorite thanks to its distinctive, warm sounds and instant sound shaping ability. The new JU-06 module has all of the sonic character of the original, with accurate reproduction of the entire sound set including the classic Juno strings and the much-loved Juno chorus effect.
The original Juno-106 was a great way to learn about synthesis, as each stage of the sound creation process was clearly laid out on the front panel, with lots of sliders for instant sound-shaping and experimentation. And that’s still the case with the JU-06, which features 23 knobs and sliders from the original — all inviting you to start tweaking and creating your own customized version of this legendary sound engine. Like the other members of the Boutique range, Roland also added a few subtle improvements that weren’t found on the original models. The JU-06 gains a faster LFO and a continuously variable hi-pass filter (HPF) resulting in a super-smooth sound. 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.
The JU-06 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.
The original Juno-106 was famous for big lush sounds created by its 6 oscillators/voices. The JU-06 features a chain mode that allows you to connect two JU-06 modules using the MIDI ports and create one, 8-voice synthesizer. Adding additional modules adds another 4 voices of polyphony with each module. This is especially great when controlling the JU-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 envelope adjustments.
Some of the best music is made away from the studio, so the Roland Boutique series runs on 4xAA batteries, ready for when inspiration strikes. Alternatively, you can power the JU-06 via USB bus power. 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:
» Compact recreation of the Juno-106 synthesizer
» 23 of the original synth parameters controllable from the front panel
» Adds several additions not found on the original Juno-106, including a faster LFO and continuously variable HPF
» Chain mode allows two JU-06 to function as one 8-voice module
» Portable for mobile music making
» 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
Roland JX-03 Synthesizer Module
The Roland Boutique JX-03 module continues the legacy of the JX-3P synth. The original model was launched when button-driven interfaces were popular, so it was designed to give immediate access to preset sounds. It was actually highly programmable though, especially when used with the PG-200 controller that added 24 rotary knobs for instant sonic sculpting. The limited-edition 4-voice JX-03 inherits all 24 knobs from the PG-200, as well as the distinctive JX tonal character. Roland also added some extras not present in the JX-3P including new waveforms, expanded DCO range and cross modulation options. You can even slide the JX-03 into the K-25m keyboard unit (not included) for a self-contained, go-anywhere synth experience.
Often described as a forgotten classic, the JX-3P was all about instant access to big sounds, with a simple button-driven interface rather than lots of knobs and sliders. When used with the optional PG-200 controller however, the power of the highly programmable engine was revealed. The new JX-03 module recreates the panel layout of the PG-200 – including all 24 knobs – giving direct and instant access to the versatile synth architecture.
Like the other members of the Boutique range, Roland also added a few subtle improvements that weren’t found on the original models. The JX-03 benefits from extra waveforms and extended range for both DCOs as well as extra waveforms for the LFO. The second DCO also gets extra cross-modulation options. These additions further expand the sound creation possibilities of the battle-tested JX engine.
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. The original JX-3P was a powerful synth featuring 2 digitally controlled oscillators for each of its 6 voices. The JX-03 features a chain mode that allows you to connect two JX-03 modules using the MIDI ports and create one, 8-voice synthesizer. Adding additional modules adds another 4 voices of polyphony with each module. This is especially great when controlling the JX-03 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 envelope adjustments.
The JX-03 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 can be tilted for convenient access to the knobs and sliders. Some of the best music is made away from the studio, so the module runs on 4 x AA batteries, ready for when inspiration strikes. Alternatively, you can power the JX-03 via USB bus power. 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:
» Compact recreation of the iconic JX-3P synthesizer
» Front panel includes all 24 knobs from the original PG-200 controller
» Adds several updates not found on the original JX-3P, including extra waveforms for the LFO and both DCOs, along with extended DCO range
» Chain mode allows two JX-03 to function as one 8-voice module
» Portable for mobile music making
» 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 mini-keyboard
Roland’s JP-08, JX-03 and JU-06 are said to be available in November for $399, $299 and $299 respectively. Expect retailers to start taking preorders shortly.
Roland
