Device Overview

JX-08 Sound Module

The Roland JX-08 is a compact recreation of the legendary JX-8P synthesizer from 1985. Using ACB (Analog Circuit Behavior) technology, it accurately reproduces the warm, rich sound of the original with expanded features and modern connectivity.

Key Features

• Authentic recreation of the JX-8P synthesizer with expanded features
• Two DCOs (Digitally Controlled Oscillators) with cross modulation and sync
• 5 waveform options for the LFO
• Expanded effects including chorus and reverb
• 16-step sequencer with motion recording
• Expanded polyphony compared to the original JX-8P
• Dual/split mode for layering sounds or splitting the keyboard
• 256 preset patches in banks A-D
• MIDI and USB-MIDI capability

Synthesis Architecture

Oscillator Section

• Two DCOs with sawtooth, square, and pulse waveforms
• Cross modulation and sync capabilities
• Separate envelope control for each oscillator
• Fine and coarse tuning controls
• Four range (octave) settings

Mixer Section

• Controls for DCO-1 and DCO-2 levels
• Envelope modulation for DCO-2 level

Filter Section

• High-pass filter (HPF) for removing low frequencies
• 24dB/octave low-pass filter with resonance
• Key follow control for keyboard tracking
• Envelope and LFO modulation
• Polarity switch for inverting envelope modulation

Envelope Section

• Two separate 4-stage ADSR (Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release) envelopes
• ENV 1 typically used for pitch modulation
• ENV 2 typically used for amplitude modulation
• Key follow settings for both envelopes

LFO Section

• Multiple waveforms: sine, square, random, sawtooth, and more
• Rate and delay time controls
• Can modulate DCOs (pitch) and VCF (filter)

Connections

Physical Inputs

• MIDI In (16 channels)
• Mix In (Audio, stereo)
• External Clock In (CV)

Physical Outputs

• MIDI Out (16 channels)
• Audio Out (1/8” stereo mini jack)
• Headphone output (1/4” TRS jack)

USB Connection

• USB 2.0 Type C
• 16 MIDI channels
• 2 Audio outputs (stereo)

Sound Design Tips

Warm Pad Sound

• DCO-1 & DCO-2: Sawtooth waves
• Cross Mod: Off
• HPF: 1-2
• VCF Cutoff: 40-60
• VCF Resonance: 10-20
• VCF ENV: 40-60
• ENV 1 Attack: 70-80
• ENV 1 Decay: 70-80
• ENV 1 Sustain: 60-70
• ENV 1 Release: 70-80
• ENV 2 Attack: 70-80
• ENV 2 Decay: 70-80
• ENV 2 Sustain: 60-70
• ENV 2 Release: 70-80
• Chorus: On

Bright Lead

• DCO-1: Square
• DCO-2: Sawtooth (Fine Tune: +5)
• Cross Mod: Off
• HPF: 0-1
• VCF Cutoff: 70-90
• VCF Resonance: 40-60
• VCF ENV: 50-70
• ENV 1 Attack: 0
• ENV 1 Decay: 40-50
• ENV 1 Sustain: 0
• ENV 1 Release: 30-40
• ENV 2 Attack: 0
• ENV 2 Decay: 50-60
• ENV 2 Sustain: 70-80
• ENV 2 Release: 40-50
• VCF Key Follow: 7-10

Bass Sound

• DCO-1: Square
• DCO-2: Sawtooth (-1 octave)
• Cross Mod: Off
• HPF: 0
• VCF Cutoff: 40-50
• VCF Resonance: 20-30
• VCF ENV: 50-70
• ENV 1 Attack: 0
• ENV 1 Decay: 40-50
• ENV 1 Sustain: 0
• ENV 1 Release: 20-30
• ENV 2 Attack: 0
• ENV 2 Decay: 50-60
• ENV 2 Sustain: 0
• ENV 2 Release: 30-40
• VCF Key Follow: 3-5

Modes

Poly Mode

Standard polyphonic operation with multiple voices available simultaneously.

Solo Mode

Monophonic mode ideal for lead and bass sounds with consistent articulation.

Unison Mode

Stacks multiple voices for a thicker sound, reducing available polyphony.

Dual Mode

Layers two different patches for complex textures and rich sounds.

Split Mode

Divides the keyboard into two zones with different sounds for each.

Notes

• Part of Roland’s Boutique series of compact synthesizers
• Original JX-8P was produced from 1985-1988
• The JX-08 has 20-voice polyphony (compared to the original JX-8P’s 6 voices)
• Battery powered (4 x AA) or USB powered
• Can be mounted on the K-25m keyboard unit or DK-01 Boutique Dock (sold separately)
• Programmable directly from the front panel (the original JX-8P required the PG-800 programmer for easy editing)