Roland JP-8080

This unit has version 1.00 software, and I found no glitches yet. The presets were truly amazing sounding, with a clear bent on the techno type stuff. However, unlike a few other synths popular for techno that I tried out (Nord Lead, etc.), this synth not only has the hard sounds, but can sound very warm as well. The controls over sound parameters are extensive, and the voice modulator feature and ability to process external sounds are great! The manual is good and well written, although with all the sliders and knobs clearly marked on the front panel, you can go along way before you need to refer to it.

The JP-8080 has 10 note polyphony, and built in effects which are very easy to use (again just knobs on the front panel, turn 'em to add more of the desired effect). Sounds (called performances) are a combination of two patches (upper and lower) in typical Roland fashion, like many of their other synths (D-50, MKS's, etc.). The actual memory of the unit can not be expanded by adding it to the unit, but there is slot for a memory card called SmartMedia (S2M-5 with 2M byte which translates into 64 x 32 performances, 32 x 128 patches, or S4M-5 with 4M byte which translates into twice as much). These cards can store RPS and motion control data as well (see below). I do hate the fact that each time they make a new unit, they make a new memory cartridge device. I don't know the cost of these two cards. Wait for editor/librarian software. It doesn't have an on-board sequencer per se, but it does have an advanced arpeggiator function (RPS or Realtime Phrase Sequencer) which can store up to 48 patterns of notes (maximum of 4 measures per loop). Recording for the loops is in realtime, so it's real easy to use and to edit as well. This was not meant to be a full blown sequencer, although it's pretty useful, again especailly for techno, electronica stuff, and does ostinato bass lines well. It can even demo itself for you by hitting the shift and exit keys simultaneously. The unit responds to all the usual MIDI functions, and the arpeggiator and RPS can be synced via MIDI to other devices. It has two kinds of MIDI inputs. One is the standard old MIDI in, and the other is called a remote keyboard MIDI in. Use this one if you want to control the arpeggiator and RPS from the remote keyboard.

This is what got me to buy the unit, since all the bells and whistles are worth shit if it sounds bad. This unit sounds great (at least to my ears). I was afraid that since this unit was directed toward the techno, dance market, that it would only be useful for making those kinda sounds. Not true! This unit is capable of sounding like anything you want it to. Warms strings, fat brassy, thick pads, etc. I compared its sounds to my "retro analog" Super Jupiter MKS-70, and found it stood up just great in the fat, full sound category. The basses are fat as well, although it came up a little shy when I would pit its bass sounds against my Korg Mono/Poly with all 4 oscillators in unison. Then again, not too many other synths can measure up to that test either. It can also sound very nasty and aggressive. Great for industrial type noises. Also, the sounds can be set up to allow for extremely expressive playing using after touch, morphing feature, etc. Don't just hit a key and leave it there with this one. The sounds really change as you play with them.

Only had it for awhile, but I never had a problem with any Roland gear I own.

I'll end this by saying, I have a home studio and play out occasionally. I do all kinds of stuff, but mostly electronic, industrial things synth wise, and jazz stuff on the organ. The last thing I bought was a Hammond organ because of the sound, because nothing can match it. I haven't bought a new synth since 1991, mainly because I haven't heard one that caught my ears' attention, and could then keep it. Plus, I was getting a lot out of my old stuff. This synth changed that. It sounds incredible, and makes making sounds fun again with all its sliders and knobs. You don't even need a keyboard to make sounds (some of the front panel keys can act as a "keyboard" for sound demoing). Aside from more polyphony, I wouldn't change a thing on it