Roland JP-8000

Very easy to use, even if you are new to the whole 'Analogue' thing. just tweak the controls untill you get the sound you're after, then save it to memory. The manual, as with most of Roland's, is very well written but honestly, you probebly won't need it.

The polyphony is 8 voices which i think is a real shame. 8 voices is great on a 'real' analogue polysynth but the JP-8000 sounds much thinner so ideally a few more voices would be very useful. The keyboard action feels pretty good and my only complaint about it is that there is no aftertouch at all.

The little sequencer, RPS, is a fantastic feature. You can record 2 or 4 bar phrases onto any of 48 keys and midi sync them to a drum machine or external source.

The effects provided are good but reverb is sadly missing.

The waveforms are really nice, the classic 'supersaw' cuts through a mix with ease and is a timeless sound, the saw and square waves sound like good old analogue.

The JP-8000 manages to emulate the tone of analogue synths to a certain extent. Its nowhere near as warm or meaty as a true analogue synth but the overall sound is unmistakably analogue like. I consider the JP-8000 to be a fine dance machine, the supersaw is meaty and powerful and the envelopes are fast enabling some cool dance basses.

I really like the sound of the JP-8000. Like i said its not the real thing, but it can get very close at times.

The JP-8000 is probebly the most reliable synth iv ever had. I lugged it all over the place, gigged it to death and it never complained once. I gigged with one for 3 years and it never let me down.

never needed it.

I don't have my JP-8000 anymore, and i miss it at times. my heart lays with 'real' analogue synths so i upgraded to an Alesis Andromeda last year, which is one phat sounding monster.

The JP-8000 is an awsome piece of kit and i highly reccomend it to anyone looking for a modern analogue alternative on a budget. The JP-8000 helped establish me as the local synth player i am, people ask me where it went coz it made such an impact on em with its killer sound and slick looks.

I find it veary easy to use :) :D! Every one whit basic knowlage sould be able to use it :D :) iam not good on lfo but thtas just cause i dont know so mutch aboute it but i think iam getting the hang of it :)

the on board Sequencer can only record loops and i never use it so i wont rate it.
No pressure sensetive keys is a minus.

i would give it a 10 but the effects r poore and it hasent reverb. but u can still do veary mutch whit it i Produce HardStyle and it dose good leads and fx fore hardstyle and other dance music :) :D and u can always add teh effects in the computer or u can conect it to effect racks :) :D Its good for Leads Pads and Fx's :D :)

It feels veary high quality the plast or what ever its called in english feels almost like metal

Never used it

Would definitely buy a new one if it were stolen. its definitely worth the money :D :). I love the SuperSaw :D :) The Quality and the Whole Synth :D :). I hate that osc2 hasent got all the wave forms and that the example the detune and mix can only be used on ytghe supersaw.

no upgrades

twist turn bend and slider the hell out of this baby
the interface is begging to be adjusted, for real time sound design
the presets are analog digital bass pads fat leads and ambient textures etc etc! they are amazing , but you need to fiddle with this synth to get the best creation

editing is easy and smooth, no zipping or cheap & nasty sounds simply smooth or as drastic as you want it to be

manual is to the point, sort of, but again more diagrams X100000000

8, so its enough for leads bass pads and most strings also enough for arps and pads - you might need to make sure the release of a sound is at its maximum for some


so many effects and they are very welcome, also with knobs for editing treble and amp easy , yes just practice

not really [no expansion, i dont mind, did the moogs have it!

midi, of course this is great in logic or cubase or any other lower priced stukk maybe sonar of cakewalk, just go crazy

the JP800 has a memory for keyboard work so let it record and change knobs in real time [cutoff rez, tempos etc] and hit the play button and the jp play while you slam phat bass or pads

this is for [jp8000] the phatest basses harsh leads abd amazing pads, fit for any kind of electronica - house trance electro psy hip hop ambient and experimental stuff, no pianos but you can get ok electro piano organ if you really try

works great for arpeggiated leads and bass phases and swellimg atmospheres and crazy tones and drones - so trancefor its big warm vintage strings and bass for its funky lines and electro for its squeezi rezonating rips

effects are fine but i use warpfactroy and leave effects off most of the time just get the edited sound right before you add chorus and reverb/delays

the keys are nice and light but well made and will last, but look after them and the repair shop will not be seeing you soon

leave aftertouch off and also when recording and editing the velocity is adjustable and you may edit this funcyion to your personal keyboard needs

The Jp8000 has been designed using a first-of-its-kind Roland Analog Modeling sound source for powerful sounds associated with vintage analog synths with the flexibility of digital technology and midi. Like the classic Roland synths of the past, the Jp8000 has a collection of 38 front panel knobs and sliders for powerful real-time sound cintrol, Innovative "Motion Control" feature memorizes all sequential slider and knob movements, ensuring that a great real-time "tweak" will not be lost.

"Analog" synth functions like oscillator sync, ring modulation, -12/-24 dB filtering, cross modulation, an assignable ribbon controller and powerful pitch bend/modulation powerful synthesizer for live.

always in the studio [home bedroom] the dust can get into the slider holes do lightly dust the interface daily and wipe with slightly damp cloth NEVER WET!!! cover it up when not in use. The power lead is very strong, compared to Korg MS2000 etc, synths deserve thik and strong cords.

dont gig but it would be fine as a lead synth, couple the playback ["Motion Control"] your own programming and eiditing live, this jp8000 os ready.

i think a midi keyboard also with knobs would help if you have additional softsynths in an Apple notebook - for live situations, where you just want to plat the JP8000 and program other stuff on-the-fly in Ableton LIVE or sequencer

never needed roland assistance


no, i would repaired then way down the track seek out Access Virus and Softsynths, the JP8000 is like aretro synth that never falls apart, the thing is digital but analog in many ways

fine in the bedroom studio on a quiklok stand and connected to other gear, worth every cent used so i am happy with this all in one synthesizer from a trusted brand.

been playing and experimenting with the minimal sode of ambient for a while now, the jp8000 is wild amd begs for mndbending soundscapes or simply funky bass and trippy sounds, go wild bening shapes.

apple notebook, pc - 1000mb ram, 160gb hdd, audiophile sound card
software...on & on... Warpfactory, for getting sound just right absynth 2 and various other Native Instrunment software, edirol and Maudio midi keyboards - for the softsynths.

etc

looked at other Korg and Racks but th Jp8000 has everyting i wanted in a synth.

ge tit [if you can] for ambient/experimental. bass electro house trance psy hip hop trip hop alt rock or and especially Illbirnt work
this board has classic sound and also has fine cold digital stuff too, great Moog basses and phat leads just arpeggiate and go wild.

some users include Hebie Hancock, Way out west, Siser Bliss, the Crystal Method, BT, Orbital, Ken Ishii, Vince Clarke, Goldie, Dave Holmes, Prodigy, Groove Armada, Pet Shop Boys, Depeche Mode, ATB, Uberzone, Faithless, Gary Numan, Scooter, Konflict, William ?rbit, Paul Van Dyk, Groove Armada,


MISC:

Oscillators - 2 Roland Analog Modeling DSP oscillators: Saw, Square (PWM), Triangle (PWM), Super Saw (7 de-tuned Saws), Triangle Mod, Feedback OSC, noise

Filter - Resonant 12/24dB/oct low pass / band pass / hi pass; ring modulator Memory - 128 preset patches, 128 user patches, 64 performances, 64 user performances [ok]

Arpeg/Seq - Powerful vintage-style arpeggiator with beat patterns; Programmable real-time Phrase Sequencing

49 full size keys and roland bender GET THIS CLASSIC NOW


AND WHY DID ROLAND STOP MANUFACTURING SUCH A BRILLIANT SYNTH, THEIR NEW STUFF IS MORE WORKSTATION THAN ANYTHING...

Effects - Onboard digital delay and chorus

This synth is a dream to use. I got some fantastic sounds out of it the first day in use. Like a real analog, most of the editing can be done real time. In fact, I only looked in the manual to figure out how to save sequences and edits. The presets sound good, but many veer away from the analog sound into more digital sounding stuff.

There are plenty of great effects, and the polyphony is fine for my needs. Most of the sliders and knobs are pretty smooth for real time editing. The ribbon is really great and I miss it on my synths these days (I live in a different country than my JP8000). The sequence takes a little figuring out, but it works well enough. The split keyboard option is especially great and is tailor made for my composing style. I really miss this feature on many non-Roland synths.

The expressiveness of this keyboard is great. It's too bad there's no piano synthesis on this machine. I think the keyboard would serve it well. I think the JP8000 would be pretty versitile for any kind of music. My only problem is that I'm usually out for more vintage sounds, and I really have to search for them sometimes just because there's so much on board.

No problems at all thus far. I used this at gigs with no backup and no worries.

It took a really long time to get a manual for this synth. But that was the music store's fault as much as anyone else's. I don't believe Roland manufactures this synth anymore, so that could be a sore point for future service.

My old roommate actual bought the JP8000, but I ended up using it far more than he ever did (he was more in the market for an electric piano). I spent a year with this as my only synth and created plenty of music that I'm still proud of. This is a fine choice for a primary synth. I prefer the Alesis Ion and Korg MS2000B in the long run, but I think those synths are aimed a little more at analog sounds than this one.

Easiest keybord I've ever played! Especially for people who don't have a degree in reading the stupid PHD-level manuals. All knobs and sliders are right on the front of this keyboard. If you move something and don't like it, just slide it back to where it was and the sound goes back to the original sound.*

Keyboard action takes some getting used to because it is so light, but what do you expect? This is a synthesizer. You do have the luxury of turning the velocity on and off with a quick touch of the button.*

I use this keyboard exclusively for synth bass! Mainly R&B, gospel, and hip-hop. Excellent! Smooth bass sounds. The JP-8000 is VERY WARM! Digital keyboards just don't add up! This is an analog modeling synth designed just for experimenting and creating your own custom sounds. I've also experimented and got some pretty crazy sounds. Onboard effects are all only a touch, slide, or turn of a knob away!

Seems like a very reliable keyboard. I can say this because these keyboards are becoming even more rare every day and very much sought after. If it wasn't reliable, everybody wouldn't be trying to get one. Mine was used and is in MINT CONDITION!*

N/A

I could not live with myself if anything happened my JP-8000(49-keys). I would immediately search and pay for another one. I would settle for nothing less! I only hate Roland for not continuing production on the best, easiest to use keyboard they ever made! For bass synth, this is the cream of the crop. Second choices maybe something like: Korg MS2000(44-key)-looks to me like an exact remake of the ultra vintage, ultra rare Korg MonoPoly(44-key), Korg MicroKorg(37-key, sounds great, but beware of EXTREMELY small keys). Nord Lead 2x(49-key), Nord Lead 3(49-key), Nord G2 Modular(37-key), and Alesis Ion(49-key), and Alesis Micron(37-key). JP-8000 is the best choice*

Couldn't be simpler, really! I haven't used the manual, but this thing doesn't require you to - it's a synth for playing around on, and for getting very professional patches extremely quickly. Editing patches is so easy, especially with all the knobs and sliders on the front - this machine is THE patch tweaking synth!
The presets are surprisingly good, though mostly orientated at electronica/dance kinda stuff. Don't expect any attempts at realistic instruments with this machine, it's for fully synthetic sounds - and it does its job superbly.

The effects department is pretty limited, you only get chorus and delay. I'd have loved a reverb on this, but it is meant to be virtual-analog after all. The effects it DOES have are pretty amazing, they really work well. I've found the delays to be competent enough to abolish the need for reverb, on some sounds.
The polyphony is quite low, but again, it's what you can expect from a VA synth. To be honest, I use this thing for basses and leads, and some FX sounds, so the polyphony doesn't really limit me as a user. The JP8000 is not a performance synth; it's one you use for specific elements of your track, and it doesn't need to do all the work for you.
There's no sequencer, but the pattern recording is pretty versatile. As long as you have a decent setup, with either other hardware synths, or software sequencers, this machine's restrictions aren't a problem.

I'm marking the sound quality here on what this synth was meant for. No, you can't make orchestra-standard string sounds, or perfectly shaped grand pianos, but you can pull off some amazing synth leads and basses. The supersaw wave is unique to the JP8000, and it opens a lot of doors. I use this synth mainly for trance, techno etc., and it's perfect for making sounds in this area.
The JP has a pretty harsh, sharp sound to it. You can tweak sounds very gently, so it gives you a lot of variation, but it's difficult to pull up a sound with a very smooth edge. Some of the basses and leads you can make with the supersaw\PWM square system though, are devastatingly good. It packs a lot of punch - you really can make some ripping sounds with it, especially if you make use of the DUAL perform mode, where you can have a great double-OSC patch, and then layer it over itself again to make something really phat.
It's exactly what I expected it to be, and can work for most genres. The keys aren't great, but I'm judging this as a hardcore patch modelling synth - and as that, it is one amazing piece of equipment.

Haven't had any problems. It's quite light, and it survived being posted to me through a dirt-cheap Royal Mail service.

Overall, I'm really glad I bought this.
You have to know what you're going in for though. It's a synthetic monster, and it can produce some sounds that are out of this world, after minimal practice. Because it's so versatile (especially because the supersaw is a unique waveform), you can really have your OWN sound on this synth, and you can use it for years and always come out with something different.
It's not as good as some of the modern day stuff, though - if you want something similar to this, and you can afford it, the Access Virus C or Clavia Nord Rack 3 are the way to go; I might try and get one\both of those in the future. But you pay more for them, and at the end of the day they don't look as cool, or work as easily, as the JP8000.
It's great stuff.

dunno which sw ver.
i like the presets but im just a lame-o drum playing guitarist with a keyboard.
editing could be done by a backwoods southerner. oh wait thats me. damn.
no book

8 note poly. the only thing i can compare it to is the an1x we have in the studio and the jp kicks it buttt all day long.
agian the whole backwoods redneck thing. whats a midi? (joke)
i started play one of these things in 97 when they came out and i would spend hours in the music store tweaking and drooling on it. i actually fried one at mars music once(oops)i left in a hurry. but i make a lot of ambient background noise for the horror show called life.

why would you want a synth to sound real? i thought the point was to make real things sound synthetic? the onboard fx are limited but thats what you buy a lexicon for right?i will have to say that the lack of aftertouch is odd. but hey for the sound i can get out of this thing i can deal. btw my first experiment with synthesis was running all my guitar fx pedals in a loop and using the distortion to get a feedback signal and tweaked from there so maybe thats why i like the jp so much. lots of knobs lots of noise easy to mutilate.

i hope i don't break it. like i said i already killed one...

i ordered a manual from them and it was easy so if i ever have to call them again i hope its as quick and painless as that was.

i would buy another one in a heartbeat, hell i'd buy 2 more if i could afford it then i could take them apart and build one bigass jp 1600 with 4 osc and a billion knobs and sliders and tweakable lfo.
like i said im not a keyboard player so if you just like to make crazy ass noise with your instruments ala cabaret voltaire, einstruzende nubauten, p.e., download, skinny puppy, i say go for it.
i would love to have a pile of old and new analogue and va synth to just tear apart and build some crazy one off instrument of my own.
i don't really think we "make" music. i think it is all around us and we just play what we feel and see or like c c deville said"i listend to all the right bands it just didnt come out right"
i don't like to stick to one genre of music i think when you do it becomes stale and repetitive. music for the masses maybe, but i like to play for a more dedicated fan base.and these amps go to 11.
other instrument include: ibanez talman ibanez gx series 2 bc riches and peices of other instruments. the best music comes from crappy instruments with great players who push them to and beyond their limits.

Ive had my jp8000 for over a year now and i love it. this synth is capable of so much that i still havent gotten bored with its features. I am using the latest os (1.5) though i dont know what the difference is.

I think that there are some usable presets but not many at all. Roland tends to make crappy presets for some reason, regardless they are incredibly easy to edit and also loads of fun. id just like to say to all those who claim that the jp8000 cant create believable true analog sounds, has never truly heard true analog or doesnt know how to edit the patches properly. i guarantee if this synth were in a room with a jp6 or 8 that the majority of people couldnt tell a difference in sound (ive tried it). i usually hate roland interfaces but this on is rather shallow and easy to navigate.

there are couple of things that really bother me about this synth. I really dont like the delay, i dont think that the time is long enough and that the level cant get louder than its set to. also the rps function only lets you assign a pattern in one key. this a huge pain in the ass if your playing a song with different chords i assume 99.9% of all songs have different chords.

definetly gig worthy! its never failed me at a gig and its made out of some durable material that its hard not to keep it in good shape.

ive had a problem using this synth with cakewalk. the board just kept freezing up until finally i gave up. very frustrating.

theyre ok

probably wouldnt buy it again because of all the new synths that have been coming out lately. but i would try to buy the jp 8080. ive been playing synths for 8 years. i own a kurzweil pc88 korg cx3 jupiter6 fender rhodes and a novation a-station

Keyboard contains a very esy on the fly concept of mixing analog and digital controls. There are no sub screan categories that you need to scroll through to get the desired effect. When you are using an arpegio and you need to change the filter rate with the lfo pitch all you need is to turn the knob, Unlike the Korg and yamaha synths with two button coltrols to go through about ten sub categories, that take about 2 minitues to go through, to get the sound you like.

The Effect controls are analog to the touch but have a digital display so you can see what, lets say, the BPM is. Before this keyboard it was very hard to use amy midi control without getting a headache. Although over simplified the keyboard has a very easy to use midi control setting that could be set individual to many layered sounds within the sound pattern itslef. This takes some time to do because it is controled in the cpu's sub-catigorical tree listing. You have to open category after category to get the controler set. This is still a lot easier than the Korg X2 method.
Onther draw back is that there is no sequencer but you can add one through midi. There is a limited amount of sounds, but the on the fly effects changes make up for the lack of sounds. I have recreated any keyboard sound i wanted with the JP8000. I created sound that are on the Nordlead (1-3) and the Virus Modle.
It also can record tracks on each key for simultanious playback. Another time consuming thing but well worth it when you need a good sound pattern and you have one on hand when performing.

Like I said, effects are on demand, high in quality and easy to use. The lack of sounds in the memory banks can be made up in midi. Unless you create your own and store them in the memory bank your self.
Great expression in the Industrial/techno sound not to good in the classical music department.

It has been dropped and had beer spilled on it and still work, 3,000 shows cant be wrong.
The sound strip is getting a little bit less responsive but still works.

never needed it.

buy a used one, there only 300 now.

Best feature of the JP8000, it is supremely easy to get nice sounds out of it.

Poor keyboard action, lacks after touch, 4 octave keyboard (that's bad!) and only 2 outs.

Still, it's great having a slider/knob for each parameter.

Onboard effects are extremely limited.

Thin and weedy.

I never really got any sounds out of the jp that I considered good enough to use in a track.

Good for poppy / euro-techno sounds, if that's your thing. Also good for proggy stuff.

Thoroughly disappointing, I got rid of it after 5 months. I would never buy another one. The sounds are what make an instrument and this one didn't have any that I could use.

However, some people will love it (supersaw eurotechno creators) and good luck to them, it just wasn't for me.

Incidentally, the story has a happy ending - I swapped it for a korg z1 which is definitely my bag.