The Roland JD-08, part of the Boutique series, is a miniaturized version of the JD-800 synthesizer battleship introduced in 1991. The Jupiter-style digital synthesizer, littered with sliders, gained a large following for its sonic versatility and accessible operation, and remains a popular and sought-after sound generator to this day. The JD-08 continues the success of yesteryear and makes it accessible again in a compact format.
The digital synthesizer has four layers of the same type, which can be used to create simple and complex sounds that add up to patch. The oscillator uses 108 waveforms and can be adjusted in pitch and modulated by both LFOs and other parameters. The selection of waveforms includes piano sounds, strings, bell-like sounds and effect sounds in addition to the common waveforms known from analog synthesizers. The basic sound is then processed by a resonant multimode filter that can be switched between Lowpass,
For modulation of pitch, filter and VCA there are three eight-stage envelopes with keyfollow. The latter has the effect that the envelope times can be extended matching with higher played notes. In addition, two extensively equipped LFOs can be applied to tone generation, filter and VCA. The sound generation is rounded off by an effects processor, which offers the effects Distortion, Phaser, Spectrum, Enhancer, Delay,
The instrument is dual multitimbral, meaning that two different sounds, each consisting of up to four layers, can be used simultaneously. This functionality is also supported by the built-in sequencer, which can record polyphonically and even record knob movements. Each of the 128 patterns can be up to 64 steps long. As an alternative to the sequencer, an arpeggiator is also on board.
The Roland JD-08 can be powered either by four AA batteries or via USB (AC adapter). Via USB the audio signal is fed into the DAW and MIDI/data communication is ensured in both directions. For those who prefer the integration into a more classic setup, there are
Although I have the complete boutique series and have at one time another owned most of( and still do) the synths and modules. The Roland boutique jd-08 has been a joyful blast from the past with having the possible drawbacks that the original jd800 had. One common fault that the jd800 had which eventually forced me to sell mine was the failure of the velocity strip under the keys. When I heard about the upcoming release of the Roland boutique version of the jd800 namely the jd-08 I was really excited to get my hands on this piece of nostalgia. I waited for the delivery of the JD-08 and was happy when it did. I could replicate the sounds that I used to get with the old jd800 even tho the mini sliders are just a bit too mini in view. I do understand that roland were limited with the amount of space they had to concentrate all the adsr parameters etc. I think all in all I'm happy with my purchase and would like to say to anyone who wants a classic synth that was before its time but one that helped expand the house scene in the 90's this is a must.
For a fraction of the price in the vintage market. If you just want it was a flavor and not after total originality, this synth is for you. As with most of the boutique series, sometimes the knobs and faders are a bit small, but can't have your cake and eat it too!