Roland Boutique JP-08 Sound Module (JUPITER-8 Limited-Edition)

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 Behaviour (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 optional K-25m keyboard unit for a self-contained, go-anywhere synth experience. 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. 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. Even though the JP-08 is an authentic recreation of the JUPITER-8, Roland have 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. 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. 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. 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 synthesiser, 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 realtime filter sweeps and LFO effects. 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. 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 favourite patches and sequencer patterns safe too, via the USB data backup function. Features Ultra-compact recreation of the iconic JUPITER-8 synthesiser 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 24bit/44.1kHz stereo IN/OUT USB audio interface Built-in 0.5W mini-speaker for instant enjoyment Compatible with optional K-25m keyboard unit For more information, please visit the manufacturer's website