Roland JD-08

• Clone of the Roland JD-800 (1991)
  
• Desktop Synthesizer
• 2-part multitimbral
• 4 layer sound architecture
• 128 voices
• Oscillator with 108 waveforms
• Multimode filter
• Flexible VCA
• 3 eight-step envelopes with keyfollow
• 2 extensive LFOs
• 7 effects
• Manual Mode
• 256 sounds
• Arpeggiator
• Step sequencer with 64 steps pattern length
• 128 patterns
• Audio & MIDI via USB
• MIDI In/Out
• External Clock input
• Built-in speaker
• Powered by USB (AC adapter) or 4x AA batteries

Sound generation

The digital synthesizer has four layers of the same type, which can be used to create simple and complex sounds that add up to patch. The oscillator uses 108 waveforms and can be adjusted in pitch and modulated by both LFOs and other parameters. The selection of waveforms includes piano sounds, strings, bell-like sounds and effect sounds in addition to the common waveforms known from analog synthesizers. The basic sound is then processed by a resonant multimode filter that can be switched between Lowpass, Bandpass and Highpass. The level of each layer can be adjusted in a flexible way. The level of each layer is widely adjustable in the flexible VCA.

For modulation of pitch, filter and VCA there are three eight-stage envelopes with keyfollow. The latter has the effect that the envelope times can be extended matching with higher played notes. In addition, two extensively equipped LFOs can be applied to tone generation, filter and VCA. The sound generation is rounded off by an effects processor, which offers the effects Distortion, Phaser, Spectrum, Enhancer, Delay, Chorus and Reverb for selection. All in all, the JD-08 is a guarantor for timeless synthesizer sounds of any kind, delivering typical 90s piano sounds, expressive basses and bell sounds, but also guitar-like and great pads and string sounds. Especially for the latter, the original is a popular as well as sought-after sound supplier. By the way, the mighty Bassline from the track "Crispy Bacon" by Laurent Garnier comes from the JD-800.

Extensive sequencer

The instrument is dual multitimbral, meaning that two different sounds, each consisting of up to four layers, can be used simultaneously. This functionality is also supported by the built-in sequencer, which can record polyphonically and even record knob movements. Each of the 128 patterns can be up to 64 steps long. As an alternative to the sequencer, an arpeggiator is also on board.

Connections

The Roland JD-08 can be powered either by four AA batteries or via USB (AC adapter). Via USB the audio signal is fed into the DAW and MIDI/data communication is ensured in both directions. For those who prefer the integration into a more classic setup, there are MIDI inputs and outputs, an analog audio output with 3.5mm stereo jack and of course the headphone output.