JX-3P

Software Synthesizer

JX-3P
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A landmark Roland synth from the dawn of MIDI.

The JX-3P Software Synthesizer is a detailed, component-level replication of the six-voice JX-3P released in 1983. This landmark instrument ushered in an era of easy programmability and stable tuning via digitally controlled oscillators. And along with the JUPITER-6, it was the first Roland synth to feature MIDI. Indistinguishable from the sound of the original, the JX-3P Software Synthesizer brings Roland’s famous ’80s analog vibe to your modern workflow.

Video Library

New Horizons

Synthesizers exploded in popularity in the 1980s, reaching into all areas of popular music. With its groundbreaking digital control and push-button programmability, the JX-3P made getting great synth sounds easy and accessible for all types of musicians.

The People’s Synth

The JX-3P condensed the signature Roland sound into stunning presets, supported by a beautiful design built with meticulous craftsmanship. It was a synth for the aspiring young musician and virtuoso professional alike, delivering present midrange, shimmering high end, and punchy bass frequencies. Adding in its then-revolutionary MIDI support, it’s easy to see why this user-friendly powerhouse was so popular and beloved. And while the interface was a model of simplicity, the PG 200 Synthesizer Programmer was available as an option for those who wanted to dig deeper with direct, hands-on control.

Plug In Your Own JX-3P

Running the gamut from classic string sounds to crushing metallic pads, this polyphonic masterpiece will stoke your creative fire. It presents a component-level replication of the JX-3Ps lustrous textures, along with numerous enhancements for modern players:

  • Use the JX-3P plug-in like the standalone hardware, or explore advanced sound creation with the virtual PG-200 programmer
  • Condition knob adjusts the sound of the JX-3P, from clean and pristine to warm and broken in
  • Two fully adjustable envelopes
  • Eight voices of polyphony
  • Built-in arpeggiator that syncs to your DAW
  • Original JX-3P chorus, plus modern reverb and tempo-syncing delay effects
Hardware Integration

The JX-3P also supports our PLUG-OUT format, providing intuitive, hands-on operation with Roland’s SYSTEM-8 hardware synth. PG-200 parameters are mapped to the SYSTEM-8’s ample controls, giving you a JX-3P/PG-200 combo that you can take to the stage without a computer. It’s also possible to use the SYSTEM-8 or a Roland Boutique JX-03 for one-to-one, hands-on control of the JX-3P plug-in.

Join Roland Cloud today to put the authentic sound of the mid ’80s directly into your DAW and all your productions.

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Specifications
Maximum Polyphony
8 voice
LFO
WAVEFORM (SIN, SQR, RANDOM)
Delay
Rate
KEY TRIGGER SW(ON, OFF)
TRIGGER ENVELOPE SW(ON, OFF)
DCO-1
WAVEFORM (SAW, SQR, PULSE)
RANGE (64', 32', 16', 8', 4', 2')
FREQ MOD LFO SW (OFF, ON)
FREQ MOD ENV-1 SW (OFF, ON)
DCO-2
WAVEFORM (SAW, SQR, PULSE, NOISE)
RANGE (64', 32', 16', 8', 4', 2')
TUNE
FINE TUNE
CROSS MOD
FREQ MOD LFO SW (OFF, ON)
FREQ MOD ENV-1 SW (OFF, ON)
DCO
LFO MOD
ENV-1 MOD
VCF
SOURCE MIX DCO-1
SOURCE MIX DCO-2
CUTOFF FREQ
RESONANCE
PITCH FOLLOW
VELOCITY SENS
HPF CUTOFF FREQ
LFO MOD
ENV-1 MOD
VCA
VELOCITY SENS
BRILLIANCE
MODE (ENV-1, ENV-2, GATE)
LEVEL
ENV-1
ATTACK
DECAY
SUSTAIN
RELEASE
ENV-2
ATTACK
DECAY
SUSTAIN
RELEASE
PORTAMENTO
PORTAMENTO
TYPE (1, 2)
LEGATO (OFF, ON)
EFFECT
TYPE (OVERDRIVE, DISTORTION, JX-3P CHORUS1, FUZZ, CRUSHER, PHASER)
TONE br DEPTH
DELAY/CHORUS
TYPE (DELAY, PANNING DELAY, CHORUS 1, CHORUS 2, FLANGER, DELAY + CHORUS)
TIME
LEVEL
REVERB
TYPE (AMBIENCE, ROOM, HALL 1, HALL 2, PLATE, MODULATION)
TIME
LEVEL
Controller
TEMPO SYNC (OFF, ON)
KEY ASSIGN (POLY, MONO, UNISON)
KEY HOLD (OFF, ON)
OCTAVE (-3, -2, -1, 0, +1, +2, +3)
BEND RANGE
BEND GAIN (x1, x2, x3, x4)
BEND SENS DCO
BEND SENS VCF
MOD SENS DCO
MOD SENS VCF
Arpeggio
ARPEGGIO (ON, OFF)
ARP TYPE (1OCT UP, 1OCT U+D, 1OCT DOWN, 2OCT DOWN, 2OCT U+D, 2OCT UP)
ARP STEP (1/4, 1/8, 1/16, 1/4T, 1/8T, 1/16T)
CIRCUIT MOD
AMOUNT
CONDITION
-128--+127
Tune
430.0Hz–450.0Hz
Sampling Frequency
44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz
Patches per bank
64 patches
*User can make new user banks.
Plug-In Formats
VST 3.7
AU
AAX
Plug-Out Hardware
SYSTEM-8
System Requirements (macOS™)
Minimum Operating System
macOS 11
Host Application
VST version: VST 3.7 compatible
Audio Units (AU) version: V2 Audio Units compatible
AAX Compatible
CPU
Intel® Core™ i5 or better (Quad-core CPU recommended)
Apple Silicon
RAM
10 GB or more
Storage Space
200 MB or more
Display resolution and Colors
1280 x 800 dots or higher, 16.7 million colors or more
Other
You'll need Internet connectivity to Authenticate this software.
You'll need installation SYSTEM-8 driver to connect this software to the SYSTEM-8.
System Requirements (Windows®)
Minimum Operating System
Microsoft® Windows® 10 (64-bit)

*This does not work with the Windows® RT.
*This does not work with the Windows® Phone.
*This does not work on the virtual machines such as Hyper-V, Virtual PC, or Boot Camp.
Host Application
VST version: VST 3.7 compatible
AAX Compatible
CPU
Intel® Core™ i5 or better (Quad-core CPU recommended)
RAM
10 GB or more
Storage Space
200 MB or more
Display resolution and Colors
1280 x 800 dots or higher, 24 bits Full Color or more
Other
You'll need Internet connectivity to Authenticate this software.
You'll need installation SYSTEM-8 driver to connect this software to the SYSTEM-8.
* Although Roland has tested numerous configurations, and has determined that on average, a computer system similar to that described above will permit normal operation of the PLUG-OUT SOFTWARE SYNTHESIZER, Roland cannot guarantee that a given computer can be used satisfactorily with the PLUG-OUT SOFTWARE SYNTHESIZER based solely on the fact that it meets the above requirements. This is because there are too many other variables that may influence the processing environment, including differences in motherboard design and the particular combination of other devices involved.

Microsoft Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

VST is a trademark and software of Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH.

Video Library

A Few Minutes with Jeremiah Chiu

A Few Minutes with Jeremiah Chiu

As a member of SML, collaborator, and solo artist, Chiu’s unmistakable synth thumbprint is at the center of contemporary experimental music.Read more…

A Few Minutes with Massimiliano Pagliara

A Few Minutes with Massimiliano Pagliara

The Berlin-based melodic disco powerhouse talks about his early years in an Italian village, vintage Roland, and how he’s always dancing when spinning records.Read more…

Sound Behind the Song: “Twin Peaks Theme”

Sound Behind the Song: “Twin Peaks Theme”

Join us on a walk through the mysterious sycamore trees of Twin Peaks, as we unveil the secrets behind the show’s legendary opening theme.Read more…

A Few Minutes with Howard Jones

A Few Minutes with Howard Jones

The legendary songwriter and performer discusses Roland synthesizers, positive thinking, and music’s power to transform.Read more…

Listening Guide: Sounds of the JX-3P

Listening Guide: Sounds of the JX-3P

One of the most distinctive polys of the ’80s, the JX-3P is the secret sauce on tracks from movie themes to quirky indie cuts.Read more…

A Few Minutes with Strand of Oaks

A Few Minutes with Strand of Oaks

Strand of Oaks mastermind Timothy Showalter explains how painting and meditation fueled his shift from folk rock to synth sounds.Read more…

A Few Minutes with Youngr

A Few Minutes with Youngr

Youngr has amassed a worldwide audience with his viral one-take video performances. The multi-instrumentalist discusses family ties, his new album, and essential Roland gear.Read more…

Sound Behind the Song: “Axel F” by Harold Faltermeyer

Sound Behind the Song: “Axel F” by Harold Faltermeyer

“Axel F” is the inescapable theme song of the classic '80s romp Beverly Hills Cop. Learn about the oddball hit and its pioneering creator.Read more…

Secrets of Squelch with the Roland Cloud SH-2

Secrets of Squelch with the Roland Cloud SH-2

The SH-2 is an early synth classic. Discover how to master this rarity via its authentic recreation in Roland Cloud.Read more…

Downloads

Support

If you have questions about operating your Roland product, please check our Knowledge Base for answers to the most common questions.
You can also contact the Roland Product Support team directly via Roland Backstage.
In addition, we have a library of Owner’s Manuals and Support Documents that you can download and reference.

Owner’s Manuals