MATRIXSYNTH: The New Roland Boutique Synths - JP-08, JU-06, JX-03, K-25M - Pics & Full Details


Monday, September 21, 2015

The New Roland Boutique Synths - JP-08, JU-06, JX-03, K-25M - Pics & Full Details


We saw the JP-08 here. The full line of new Roland Boutique mini synths have been leaked.  The source as far as I can tell was Zzounds via Google cache: JP-08 ($399), JU-6 ($299), JX-03 ($299), K-25M ($99).

The first thing to note is the mini keyboards on these are optional. They are all desktop synths and the front panel can be angled to different degrees including flat when mounted to the keyboard. Each is a four voice synth but can be chained to add an additional 4 voices per unit. Each can run on batteries and has a built-in speaker. The keyboard is purchased separately. Details and pics on each follow.

"Roland JP-08 Synthesizer Module
The legendary Jupiter-8 synth is back - as a limited-edition module no bigger than a book. Part of the Roland Boutique series, the JP-08 is all about hands-on control and that iconic Jupiter sound. With an array of 36 knobs and sliders from the original Jupiter-8 front panel, the 4-voice JP-08 is highly programmable and encourages sonic experimentation, especially with the built-in speaker and battery operation. Using Roland's acclaimed Analog Circuit Behavior (ACB) technology the JP-08 faithfully reproduces the original Jupiter-8 sounds and adds a few new twists in the form of extra LFOs and expanded VCO range. You can even slide the JP-08 into the K-25m keyboard unit (not included) for a self-contained, go-anywhere synth experience.

Huge Synth. Small Package.
The Jupiter-8 was a big synth in every way; physically imposing with loads of knobs and sliders, and most importantly, a huge sound. The JP-08 retains the big sound of the Jupiter-8 but shrinks everything else - including the price - into a module measuring under 12" across.

Hands-on control
With such an expressive sound engine, you'll want to shape the sounds to match your mood. With 36 of the original parameters accessible from the front panel, the JP-08 is all about hands-on control, and even users of the Jupiter-8 will quickly feel at home as the user interface and programming 'feel' is highly reminiscent of the original.

New Sound-Shaping Options
Even though the JP-08 is an authentic recreation of the Jupiter-8, Roland also included a few extras. The JP-08 adds several new waveforms to the original architecture, including TRI and NOISE for the LFO and SIN for VCO-1, and both VCOs have an expanded range for even more sound shaping potential.

Develop Your Ideas with a 16-Step Sequencer
The onboard 16-step sequencer is a sonic scratchpad that lets you try out new ideas without bringing lots of gear - it can even be used without a keyboard. And if there's no keyboard connected, the ribbon controller lets you preview the sound, making it an ideal way to program patches quickly and easily.

Optional K-25m Keyboard Unit
The JP-08 works especially well with the K-25m, an optional 25-key velocity sensitive keyboard that takes your music making to the next level. Once docked in the keyboard, the module's front panel adjusts to three positions for convenient access to the knobs and sliders.

Chain Mode
One of the killer features of the original Jupiter-8 was its ability to create huge pads, splits and layers using its 8 voices of polyphony. The JP-08 features a chain mode that allows you to connect two JP-08 modules using the MIDI ports and create one, 8-voice synthesizer, just like the original. Adding additional modules adds another 4 voices of polyphony with each module. This is especially great when controlling the JP-08 from a larger external keyboard. You can even edit the sound from the master module and control both units. Great for real-time filter sweeps and LFO effects.

Battery or USB Bus Power
Some of the best music is made away from the studio, so the Roland Boutique series runs on 4 x AA batteries, ready for when inspiration strikes. Alternatively, you can power the JP-08 via USB bus power.

USB Audio Interface for Direct Recording Into Your DAW
The built-in USB port also functions as a high-quality 24bit, 44.1 kHz audio interface, for a fast, simple and reliable way of recording directly to your DAW application. You can keep your favorite patches and sequencer patterns safe too, via the USB data backup function.

Features:
- Ultra-compact recreation of the iconic Jupiter-8 synthesizer
- Retains the feel, sound, character and user interface of the original
- 36 of the original synth parameters controllable from the front panel
- Adds several additions not found on the original Jupiter-8, including extra waveforms, expanded VCO range
- Chain mode allows two JP-08 to function as one 8-voice module
- Highly portable for mobile music making
- High-quality construction with metal front panel
- Dual ribbon controllers for pitch bend, modulation, and sound preview
- Battery-operated (4xAA) or USB powered
- 24 bit/ 44.1 kHz stereo IN/OUT USB audio interface
- Built-in 0.5W mini-speaker for instant enjoyment
- Compatible with optional K-25m keyboard unit"


"Roland JU-06 Synthesizer Module
The limited-edition Roland JU-06 is an authentic recreation of the iconic Juno-106 synthesizer. Sometimes described as one of the last great synths of the analog era, the Juno-106 became a favorite thanks to its warm sounds and instant sound-shaping ability. The new 4-voice JU-06 module continues this approach, with 23 parameters controllable via the front panel and that classic Juno sound -- complete with the much-loved Juno chorus effect. There are some new additions too, including a faster LFO and continuously variable hi-pass filter (HPF). You can even slide the JU-06 into the K-25m keyboard unit (not included) for a self-contained, go-anywhere synth experience.

Big Sound. Small package.
The Juno-106 is sometimes described as one of the last great synths of the analog era, and it became a firm favorite thanks to its distinctive, warm sounds and instant sound shaping ability. The new JU-06 module has all of the sonic character of the original, with accurate reproduction of the entire sound set including the classic Juno strings and the much-loved Juno chorus effect.

Hands-On Control for Instant Programming
The original Juno-106 was a great way to learn about synthesis, as each stage of the sound creation process was clearly laid out on the front panel, with lots of sliders for instant sound-shaping and experimentation. And that's still the case with the JU-06, which features 23 knobs and sliders from the original -- all inviting you to start tweaking and creating your own customized version of this legendary sound engine.

Additional Sound-Shaping Options
Like the other members of the Boutique range, Roland also added a few subtle improvements that weren't found on the original models. The JU-06 gains a faster LFO and a continuously variable hi-pass filter (HPF) resulting in a super-smooth sound.

Develop Your Ideas with a 16-Step Sequencer
[same as above]

Optional K-25m Keyboard Unit
[same as above]

Chain Mode
[same as above]

Battery or USB Bus power
[same as above]

USB audio interface for direct recording into your DAW
[same as above]

Features:
[same as above with Juno-106 engine]

"Roland JX-03 Synthesizer Module
The Roland Boutique JX-03 module continues the legacy of the JX-3P synth. The original model was launched when button-driven interfaces were popular, so it was designed to give immediate access to preset sounds. It was actually highly programmable though, especially when used with the PG-200 controller that added 24 rotary knobs for instant sonic sculpting. The limited-edition 4-voice JX-03 inherits all 24 knobs from the PG-200, as well as the distinctive JX tonal character. Roland also added some extras not present in the JX-3P including new waveforms, expanded DCO range and cross modulation options. You can even slide the JX-03 into the K-25m keyboard unit (not included) for a self-contained, go-anywhere synth experience.

JX-3P Sound. Built-in controller.
Often described as a forgotten classic, the JX-3P was all about instant access to big sounds, with a simple button-driven interface rather than lots of knobs and sliders. When used with the optional PG-200 controller however, the power of the highly programmable engine was revealed. The new JX-03 module recreates the panel layout of the PG-200 - including all 24 knobs - giving direct and instant access to the versatile synth architecture.

Additional sound-shaping options
Like the other members of the Boutique range, Roland also added a few subtle improvements that weren't found on the original models. The JX-03 benefits from extra waveforms and extended range for both DCOs as well as extra waveforms for the LFO. The second DCO also gets extra cross-modulation options. These additions further expand the sound creation possibilities of the battle-tested JX engine.

Develop Your Ideas with a 16-Step Sequencer
[same as above]

Optional K-25m Keyboard Unit
[same as above]

Chain Mode
[same as above]

Battery or USB Bus power
[same as above]

USB audio interface for direct recording into your DAW
[same as above]

Features:
[same as above with Juno-106 engine]

"Roland K-25M USB MIDI Keyboard, 25-Key
The Roland K-25m is a 25-key, velocity sensitive keyboard designed for use with the Roland Boutique series. Measuring less than 12" across, the K-25m acts as a dock for any Roland Boutique module, and once in place the module can be tilted at two different angles for easier viewing and sound programming, or can be laid completely flat. The compact keyboard can also address a range from -4 to +5 octaves when used with the relevant module.

Features:
- 25-note velocity-sensitive keyboard for use with Roland Boutique modules
- Three-position stand tilts the module for better viewing angle - also lays flat
- High-quality keyboard construction
- Transforms Roland boutique module into highly portable music making tool"

1 comment:

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