Roland - JX-08 | Sound Module

An ’80s icon on your tabletop.

In 1985, Roland’s innovative JX-8P took hybrid synthesis a step further with a compelling new analog-digital voice. The instrument was instantly embraced by top session players, who forever embedded its warm pads, shimmery chorus, and crystalline textures into the era’s most popular tracks. The JX-08 reintroduces the unique sound of this sought-after classic in stunning detail, coupled with powerful new effects, a polyphonic sequencer, and more. And to enhance your creative flow, there’s a full panel of hands-on controls derived from the companion PG-800 programmer unit for the original hardware.

Standard Features Watch the Video

Classic sound. Modernized.

While the original design of the JX-8P is retained in this modern version, we’ve added a range of updates that take the experience to another level. Explore the 100-plus new patches tuned for contemporary styles, or use the onboard controls to design your own sounds. And with expanded polyphony, two-part multitimbral capability, and dual/split modes, there’s even more room to stretch out your sonic ideas. Once you’ve found your zone, store your creations for easy recall using any of the 256 preset slots.

Even deeper effects.

The JX-08 comes stocked with 17 powerful effects, many of which are new to the Roland Boutique range. Add some gloss to your JX patches with classic chorus, phaser, and delay options, or get gritty with overdrive, fuzz, bit crusher, and the new lo-fi compressor. Filters and pitch shifters are also available to bring additional dimension and character to your sounds.

Music that moves.

Once you’ve locked in your patches, fire up the two-part polyphonic sequencer and start programming leads, basslines, or basic chords to sync with other pieces in your electronic ensemble. And to bring some animated movement to your sounds, tap into motion recording and the onboard arpeggiator to make your musical lines dance.

MIDI, USB, and external clock input.

The JX-08 features a built-in USB-C audio/MIDI interface, so you can play, record, and synchronize with all types of computer production software. Full-size MIDI I/O is also available for interfacing with other MIDI hardware. There’s even an external clock input for driving the JX-08’s onboard sequencer and arpeggiator from vintage analog instruments and modern Eurorack systems.

Grab your keys. Hit the road.

The compact JX-08 fits just about anywhere and is easily controlled from a master keyboard or computer DAW. It can run on standard AA batteries for hours of uninhibited jamming, and there’s also a built-in speaker for on-the-go sound monitoring. Add a DK-01 Boutique Dock for a polished look and three convenient tilt positions, or grab a K-25m Keyboard Unit to create a fully self-contained, portable instrument.

Specifications
User Memory: Sound Patch: 256
Pattern: 128
Controllers: Rear Panel
Power switch
VOLUME knob

LFO Section
RATE knob
DELAY TIME knob
WAVE FORM switch

DCO-1 Section
LFO slider
TUNE knob
RANGE switch
WAVE FORM switch

DCO-2 Section
LFO slider
TUNE knob
FINE TUNE knob
RANGE switch
WAVE FORM switch
CROSS MOD knob
DCO-1 ENV knob
DCO-2 ENV knob
MODE switch

MIXER Section
DCO-1 slider
DCO-2 slider
ENV knob
MODE switch

VCF Section
HPF slider
CUTOFF FREQ slider
RES slider
LFO slider
KEY FOLLOW slider
ENV knob
MODE switch

VCA Section
LEVEL slider
MODE switch

ENVELOPE-1/2 Section
ENV SELECT 1, 2 buttons
ATTACK slider
DECAY slider
SUSTAIN slider
RELEASE slider
KEY FOLLOW switch

PORTAMENTO Section
MODE button
TIME knob

EFFECT Section
CHORUS 1, 2 buttons
REVERB button

ARPEGGIO button
NOTE button
SEQ button
START button
MENU button
VALUE knob
PART A, B buttons
DUAL button
SPLIT button
BANK 1(5)--4(8) buttons
NUMBER 1--8 buttons
MANUAL button
Effects: Chorus: 3
Delay: 4
Overdrive
FUZZ
Drive
Bit crusher
LOFI Comp
Phaser: 2
Filter
Pitch Shifter: 2
Step Sequencer: 2 part
64 steps
8 notes per part (Polyphonic)
Display: 7 segments, 4 characters (LED)
Connectors: EXT CLOCK IN jack: Mono miniature phone type
PHONES jack: Stereo miniature phone type
OUTPUT jack: Stereo miniature phone type
MIX IN jack: Stereo miniature phone type
MIDI (IN, OUT) connectors
USB port: USB Type-C(R) (Audio, MIDI)
Power Supply: Ni-MH battery (AA, HR6) x 4 or Alkaline battery (AA, LR6) x 4
USB bus power
Current Draw: 500 mA (USB bus power)
Expected battery life under continuous use: Ni-MH battery: Approx. 6 hours (When using batteries having a capacity of 1,900 mAh.)

* This can vary depending on the specifications of the batteries, capacity of the batteries, and the conditions of use.
Accessories: Quick Start
Leaflet "USING THE UNIT SAFELY"
Alkaline battery (AA, LR6) x 4
Options (sold separately): Keyboard unit: K-25m
Boutique Dock: DK-01
Size and Weight
Width: 300 mm
11-13/16 inches
Depth: 128 mm
5-1/16 inches
Height: 47 mm
1-7/8 inches
Weight (including batteries): 895 g
2 lbs

A Few Minutes with Mareux

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JX-8P: The Whole Story

Travel back in time to the year 1985 to find out what makes the JX-8P so unique among the Roland polysynths and why it remains so beloved.Read more…

Roland Boutique

Roland Boutique is a world of instruments that inspire electronic music creativity by expanding on the legendary sounds of the past with a workflow to suit the modern producer and musician.Read more…

Downloads

Updates & Drivers

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 our Product Support through Roland Backstage.
In addition, we have a library of Owner’s Manuals and Support Documents that you can download and reference.