A Closer Look at the Jupiter-8

A closer look at the legendary Roland Jupiter-8, an iconic polysynth from 1981.
Huge thanks to Shadow Child for the generous loan.
The end track is available here: alexball.bandcamp.com/track/r...
0:00 Intro
1:10 Demo 1: Ramp & Sync
1:44 Demo 2: Unison Twist
2:04 The Jupiter-8 Concept
3:24 Demo 3: Bells
3:55 Demo 4: Soft Chords
4:17 The Jupiter VCOs
5:00 Demo 5: Drill Wah
5:25 Demo 6: Espen Kraftwerk
6:17 The Jupiter VCFs
6:51 Demo 7: Four By Four
7:23 Demo 8: Filmscore
8:23 Comparison to a Prophet~10
10:25 The Key Modes
11:32 Summary & Thoughts
13:15 Contextual Demo: "The Power"
Social & My Music:
/ alexballmusic
alexball.bandcamp.com/
Shadow Child Insta:
shdwchld?h...
The Links I Cited:
www.roland.com/uk/promos/rola...
www.florian-anwander.de/roland...
Jupiter-8 specs:
General: Master Tune, Automatic Digital Tuning, Master Volume.
Oscillators:
VCO 1: Triangle, Saw, Pulse, Square
Range: 16' - 2'
Cross Modulation (from VCO 2)
VCO2: Sine, Saw, Pulse, Noise
Range: Low to 2' with intervals + Fine Tune
Phase Sync (to VCO 1)
VCO Modulation:
LFO, Envelope, PWM (LFO, Manual Env-1)
Filters: Voltage Controlled Low Pass with resonance and cutoff. 24db or 12db slopes (switchable). Basic High Pass.
VCF Modulation: Envelope 1 or 2 (switchable), LFO and Keyboard.
Amps: Contouring from Envelope 2 with level. LFO Modulation with 3 intensity settings.
Envelopes: 2x ADSR with Key Follow On/Off. Envelope 1 can be inverted.
LFO: 2x (One Upper, One Lower) Sine, Saw, Square, Random. Frequency and Delay.
Mix: VCO 1 / 2 Source Mix and Upper and Lower Balance.
Arpeggiator: Internal or External Clocking. Range 1 - 4 Octaves, Up, Down Up & Down, Random.
Keyboard: 5 Octaves C - C
Assign Modes: Solo, Unison, Poly 1 - 2.
Hold: Lower, Upper.
Key Modes: Dual, Split, Whole.
Performance: Bender (VCO-1, VCO-2, VCF) with level. Switched LFO Mod (VCO, VCF) with level and rise time. Portmento (Upper, Lower) with time.
Memory: Patch Storage and Patch Presets (Combinations). Tape Backup.
Inputs: Arpeggiator Clock, Control of VCF, VCA, Portamento and Hold. DCB.
Outputs: CV/Gate (Highest Note), Headphone Out (with level), XLR Upper & Lower, Jack Upper & Lower and Jack Mix (with optional -20db pad)

[@AlexBallMusic]

If you enjoyed the end song: alexball.bandcamp.com/track/roland-jupiter-8-the-power Couple of corrections: The high pass filter IS voltage controlled, but only from the manual slider. There is no envelope or LFO control of it. That's what I meant, but worded it incorrectly. Op amps are integrated circuits, so when I said the oscillators are made from discrete components, I meant that the VCOs are not an IC chip like the SSM 2030 or CEM 3340. But some people have correctly pointed out that the VCO design contains ICs.

[@Simonrosseel]

Just bought it, what a masterpiece

[@paraworldblue]

All your end songs are amazing, but this one was on another level! Definitely gonna pick that up and listen to it on repeat for the rest of the day!

[@Dolores5000]

Sure did!

[@BRNTmodularmusic]

Everytime there’s someone pointing out a ‘mistake’ like those, Simpsons’ Comic Book Guy comes to my mind. 😅 Great video!

[@AlexBallMusic]

@@BRNTmodularmusic ...but Aquaman, you can't marry a woman without gills!

[@Delfiinit]

So, I was at this synth meet many years ago, and a guy had brought in a Jupiter-8 clone he was making. He had sourced as many original components as possible. Not original as in used in an existing Jupiter-8, but original as in brand new parts or vintage ones in mint condition. Apparently there are obscure warehouses in Japan with this stuff just laying around on some forgotten shelves. And also vintage electronic component collectors are a thing, I guess. Whenever something had been just impossible to find, he had replaced it with something that was as close to the originals as possible. He had also meticulosuly recreated the case and the front panel down to the specific colors. It really was like a freshly unboxed Jupiter-8 - but in the mid 2010s. As he turned the synth on, he urged me to lean in close to the front panel and the air vents and take a whiff. "You smell that? It smells just like a real Jupiter-8!" Now, I don't know what a real Jupiter-8 should smell like. It may or may not involve something that's definitely not good for you and was banned decades ago. But I did realize that this synth is something people take very, very seriously. It did sound fantastic, though, despite not being 100% finished, and kudos to this guy for making his dream come true.

[@lundsweden]

Was this guy's name Uli Behringer by some chance?!

[@xa1a]

Are you Canadian? There was a guy on Muffwiggler (now modwiggler due to plebs) who was building one around that time. And yes, I now buy synths based on the smell. The JX3p smells better than the JP6 (dont let anyone tell you differently!)

[@AnthonyAnthony-tk4ye]

That’s the smell of ozone…. electrical components warming up

[@teknical100]

That ending was so 80's my mullet grew back.

[@CertainlyCaro]

You had me at "Espen Kraftwerk"

[@AlexBallMusic]

😉

[@magnesium6790]

I love kraftwerk

[@Cosmetic_Astro]

@@magnesium6790 me too!

[@Cosmetic_Astro]

@@AlexBallMusic how do did you get a Roland Jupiter 8 and If I get one can I do payments? Each day or month?

[@lucasc5622]

@@Cosmetic_Astro if you have to do it in monthly payments, its best not to get one

[@Peter_S_]

Simply put, Alex Ball synth videos are outrageously good.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thanks Peter.

[@Flat8G]

Alex Ball - The David Attenborough of synthesizer history! There cant be enough cred to what you are producing for us KZbin viewers! You are a national treasure for us musicians! :)

[@EspenKraft]

Constantly late to watch your videos Alex, but now I've seen it and seeing that "Espen KraftWerk" Hahaha! Made my day. :P As I too have a Jupiter-8 in the studio at the moment I can only echo your conclusions, fantastic synth with the price tag to go that firmly puts it out of my reach, but I'll cherish the soon-to-be memories of this time spent with it. Cheers mate! :)

[@AlexBallMusic]

Got to give a nod to the man who is the 80s. ;) Yep, beautiful poly that's so deeply part of a cultural phenomenon that it's like a Deloreon now. People are already asking 20k for them and whilst I doubt they sell for that, it won't be long before they do.

[@EspenKraft]

@@AlexBallMusic Spot on! It's like a DeLorean now. The DeLorean is actually quite mediocre as a car, but the styling and placement in a famous movie does wonders. ;-) I do like the Jup-8, but it's nowhere near worth what the marked wants (or might be willing to give) musically, compared to other poly-synths, but that's how it's become. For the sound alone, pretty close too, I'd much rather spend my money on the MKS-80, but of course it doesn't look as nice, it's a module and the mythology is against it. I can't stop smiling though, as I play the Jup, I admit to that. So hands on!

[@markwalmsley8243]

Thanks so much, Alex for reminding me how wonderful the mighty Jupiter 8 is. Top notch new music as always. I traded my Jupiter 4 for a brand new Jp8 in 1981. The music store owner introduced me to his bank manager to get the large loan for the balance organized (my somewhat fuzzy memory is that it cost about $4,000 Australian). I was the happy custodian until mid 1984 when my uninsured TR909 (that I relied on for belting out pub rock standards!) was stolen. In a somewhat hasty move (and cash strapped), I swapped my Jp8 for a Sequential Drumtraks and a Poly 800! I can finally after much therapy laugh about it now...

[@jimle22]

I feel the same way about my 1968 Gold Top Les Paul with P90 pups. I traded it off fro a mustang bass? Still kicking myself for that. That guitar is probably worth thousands now and owned by some rock musician collector.

[@masanorimatsuda4462]

This is an irresistible video for JUPITER fans. Thank you very much. You will want to watch this video many times. The performance is also wonderful.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thanks, glad to have delivered.

[@hpoz222]

I think the look of the jupiter 8 is just as iconic as the sound, if not more so. Whenever you see one in an 80s music video or concert film, it’s instantly recognizable, and it really looks exactly like what the future looked like in 1981. The bright red-orange screen printed graphics on a black background are immediately eye-catching, as are the rainbow of buttons. The Prophet and Oberheim may have iconic looks in their own right, but nothing stands out in any rig like a JP-8

[@AlexBallMusic]

Definitely. It has to be one of the best looking synths.

[@maxine2798]

Exactly. I’ve always thought synthesisers are meant to be “the future”. Not many really look like that. This did.

[@MrLoisix]

man this is so superior i cant even stand watching it for free

[@AlexBallMusic]

Cheers. 🙂

[@wingflanagan]

I know, right?

[@TROGULAR10000]

You can buy his actual music albums ;-) which are killer and certainly very inexpensive

[@nerfytheclown]

@@TROGULAR10000 I actually decided to do that after this one!

[@graxjpg]

Couldn’t have clicked this fast enough. You’re a consummate synthesizer player AND communicator AND entertainer.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thanks Grant!

[@shawnalove5050]

Ditto to all of this comment! Could not click fast enough! Have always been a Roland fanboy (fangirl?) Only time I saw one in person was at Leo's Pro Audio in Oakland, back in the mid 80's (now shut down). It's certainly on my "all time greatest" list. Along with the Oberheim 0B-8!

[@nicky1661]

Back in 1980's, I thought it was the FUTURE sound. After more than 30 years, it still sounds so futuristic.

[@RayyMusik]

5:25 😆 Alex, you‘re running the best synth channel on KZbin: excellent gear, technical details well explained, very nice compositions, your playing skills, video editing, and last but not least your sense of humour - absolutely perfect!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thank you very much. I thought Espen would make a patch like that, so it fit. 😉

[@Nik.leonard]

Welcome to expensive gear, the show about the most expensive audio tools.

[@DerekPower]

I want to know how many centuries I have to eat ramen noddles before I can get one on a minimum wage salary.

[@MichaelObed]

I totally read that in his voice!! 😂

[@Tunerguy21]

But what we really need to know now is if, at a first glance, this ticks all the expensive, vintage analogue boxes.

[@AlexBallMusic]

@@Tunerguy21 Massive chassis, discrete components and primary colours.

[@Mark_Ocain]

@@AlexBallMusic LOL well said,,

[@lundsweden]

For synthesists on a budget, the 6 voice JX-8P can sound close to a JP-8 at times, it will never sound as phat due to the stability of its DCOs, but its a great synth and has some benefits over the JP-8, including a touch sensitive keyboard, MIDI, ability to name patches (and a proper screen). The sonic palette of the JX is also much larger, a very versatile and great sounding budget classic!

[@mightyV444]

I remember playing around with a JX-8P at a store together with a friend when we were both only 15 (in late '85), when we suddenly stumbled across a patch that totally sounded like something from Grace Jones' song 'Slave To The Rhythm'! 😀 And when watching a video about this song last year (38 years later) on the _Produce Like A Pro_ YT channel, it turned out they had indeed just used a preset from a JX-8P in it! 😄

[@jaggass]

I love the stereo spread in dual mode.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Yep, beautiful.

[@marmite-land]

@@AlexBallMusic how does it work ? Does the LFO modify the panning of the VCOs ?

[@christophertodman8254]

Man, you and Espen Kraftwerk videos on the internet are among the best!!!

[@SynthgodXXX]

The Roland Jupiter-8 is my favorite synth of all time. Such a powerful analog beast! Thanks for sharing! :)

[@AlexBallMusic]

Cheers Rik. Yep, it's killer!

[@markusfuller]

I’m glowing green with envy . my worst mistake is I sold my Jupiter-8 about 10 years ago. Doh

[@GeneralKenobi69420]

Still better than the guy who sold his 20k bitcoins for a couple of pizzas

[@AlexBallMusic]

It's better to have loved and lost...

[@johnvcougar]

Feel your pain: I had access to these units when they were new in-store. Had hours of fun playing them but could never afford them nor travel them, being a pup at boarding school transiting through Sydney. Eventually got my hands on a Juno 6 and a Jupiter 6, but those went when I left Darwin. Argh!

[@TheBiggerNoise]

I had a keyboard teacher essentially ask me to take one off his hands (maybe a few hundred). I just had nowhere to put it.

[@6581punk]

Sometimes it's not so much being able to afford to buy one, I mean, you could take out a loan. But it's more the running costs, the repairs, the worry about damage and so on. There's a certain group of people who have them, people who have time and can cope while their synth is at the repair shop. I'm happy with my oldest synth being an ESQ-1 (and I have two of them).

[@dionysiaex5538]

*goes off and plays 80s synthpop all night.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Don't forget your sweat bands.

[@earlsfield]

I have Jupiter 6 and i love how similar jet different it is from the 8:) I really cant use it for more than one instance per track - it is so rich in timbre that it occupies all frequencies. My other poli synths can do that too, but no other instrument i own is so potent in the entire spectre.

[@mattdelany6799]

I had one. Sold it. Don’t regret it. I did keep minimoog, obxa, obx, prophet vs, ppg 2.3, and Taurus 1.

[@kadiummusic]

I had one of these when they came out in the early 80's, I was going to buy a CS-80 until one arrived in the local showroom, it was love at first sight! It had memories, was lighter and much smaller than the CS-80, easy to operate, easy to create, great pitch bend and LFO section, sounded incredible and looked gorgeous! It really was the Ferrari of keyboards! I was playing in a band playing classic rock and pop and the JP-8 easily replicated sounds from Genesis, Toto and Jeff Wayne's War Of The Worlds. If you put the time in you got so much back and many was the time my girlfriend dusted it when I was at work only for me to find that when I got home and switched it on she had created an incredible futuristic soundscape that I couldn't even have imagined. I wish I'd never sold mine and bought a JX-8p and a DX7.... big regret. Someone make me a time machine!!!!

[@carlosserrano3985]

That Jupiter 8 wants to be in your studio, agree with you in the price point but It's my favorite polysynth back in the 80'S and still today. I do miss the train to get one when they we're cheap but there's nothing to do about that unless Behringer decides to make it again. Beautiful video Alex, Cheers!

[@nazliuz]

Espen Kraftwerk 🤣

[@nicedevices]

Actually sounded more like Mitch Murderwerk though.... ;)

[@AlexBallMusic]

Was thinking he'd make a patch like that one. 😉

[@jrodohio]

That gave me a good laugh.

[@VladoT]

Nice one hahaha 😀

[@starsky101]

Great nod to Espen

[@theshinylunchbox]

They just sound sooooo goooooood

[@AlexBallMusic]

They do!

[@RegebroRepairs]

Ah yes. My favourite shekshy vintage shynth channel doing a closher look of my favourite shekshy shynth! Thish is gonna be good!

[@AlexBallMusic]

I hope it was as sheksky as you were hoping.

[@johnvcougar]

Shooooh shekshy!

[@Drpiwi]

I wonder how Geert Van Schlänger would review the Jupiter 8?

[@ChrisSmout]

I got shivers during those chords around 9:00, absolutely beautiful. Edit: glad to see you're on track for 100K subs at last - well deserved.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Love playing those chords on a Jupiter or Juno. The first thing I always do. :) 100k - looking increasingly possible.

[@yvindkurisaki-sagberg4824]

From your summary, it sounds like this is in every sense comparable to a piece of art; specifically a limited edition artwork print. The value is determined by the sum of quality, rarity, and the reputation of the artist :-) The only difference is that this piece of art generates yet more art! A HUGE thank you for all the art you put out, both videos and music albums! They've literally been getting me through the day over the last months ( …year? ) !

[@AlexBallMusic]

That's a really great analogy. Glad you enjoy the music too, that's lovely to hear.

[@trumjohannsmancave]

Your harmonies are ACE🔥👍🎶🎹

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thanks!

[@adamhanney]

This video made me realize how much I actually love the prophet sound, that was such a cool comparison!

[@danvandal4127]

it really seemed to "sing" more

[@AlexBallMusic]

The Prophet is a keeper, yep!

[@6581punk]

There's three Prophet sounds though, discrete, SSM and CEM.

[@mariorossi303]

Prophet 5 rev 3 is discrete?

[@AlexBallMusic]

@@6581punk Rev1 and Rev2 use SSM ICs. Rev3 uses Curtis. There's no discrete Prophet~5.

[@VisionAssoc]

My favourate synth for many reasons...Wonderful video. Thank you Alex for taking the time to share your insights.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thanks. Appropriate thumbnail you have there!

[@machiwoomiapoo]

I love your song at the end! So funky. :) That 707 almost sounds like a linndrum in my opinion. Keep up the great work! Take care, Sam.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Bit of EQ and drive from an analogue mixer.

[@wallmenis]

dude... this is the best jupiter 8 review ive ever watched. the patches are just briliant! you nailed it Alex!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thanks very much!

[@markyishere1]

I love the nod to De La Soul's Eye Know in your contextual demo.

[@DavidLee07]

500 likes, 0 dislikes. That's about the right ratio for Alex Ball + Jupiter 8. Delightful!

[@johnvcougar]

Note: 1 dislike: someone go stomp on that ham's hands! 😝

[@AlexBallMusic]

There's usually a few. I've built up some (uh-hum) "fans" as the channel has grown.

[@andreievkalupniek5717]

there are always 3 crazy people when you get to 1.1K 🤣

[@DKTronics70]

Back in the 90s, here in the UK, I had a close friend who was (like myself) a true Synth nut. We went to my local town to see what John Holmes Music had in stock, and it was a silver beauty - just in, it was the Korg Trinity. This was late 1995, and it sounded like something from the future, totally blew everyone away in the shop, including the sales team. But, they still had brand new, un-sold Jupiter 8 synths, and they were around £600. One of the sales team told me that I could walk away with one if I had roughly £500 cash on me - I didn't, and wasn't interested. I wanted that Trinity, but it was a 4-figure price, and way out of my league. Suffice to say, we spent that day in games shops, and computer shops. If I could meet my 90s self, not only would I smack myself, I would tell myself to goto to the bank, and get that £500, no ifs, no buts, even if you have to take out a small loan - GET THAT Jupiter 8. Sigh....Oh well, you live and learn. I can imagine, a new-old-stock, still boxed Jupiter 8, going for whoever has the biggest cheque book on eBay.

[@H71BCD]

My older brother did just that. It was referred to as the Duran Duran keyboard in our house at the time. My father went mad - couldn’t understand why he spent his savings on it. There were still new old stock models still available in the early 90s. I guess from the late 80s no one wanted them. Have just watched this video with him. He paid £500. The only catch was no Roland warranty. It was sold in the late 90s for £700 so my brother was well happy with that.

[@sinisajagarinec7663]

Really great review. Especially the performance at the end to see how it sounds if played by a musician. Thank you so much!

[@thelanavishnuorchestra]

I paid $80 for my Jupiter 8, because I got my from TAL as a CLAP plugin. It's a loving recreation modeled on the Jupiter 8 in their offices. It's one of my favorite synths. I love the ways you can divide the two voices of the synth up, the way it handles unison.

[@AlainHubert]

Instant like! My 16 voice Prophet REV2 could never, ever sound like that. Mainly because it can't split the keyboard, but also because it simply cannot sound like that! One of the very few analog synths to actually give me goosebumps, along with the Minimoog D. Thanks very much for sharing Alex!

[@Bawookles]

But the Prophet REV2 DOES have keyboard split!

[@AlainHubert]

@@Bawookles Silly me. Indeed it has. My bad.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Was just about to say that you can split but was beaten to it. The REV2 outdoes the Jupiter for modulation and control, but it's a different sound.

[@maccagrabme]

It doesnt sound Roland but it can sound amazing and is great for 80s music and can sound close to the Pro 5.

[@AudioPilz]

This is the moment when even I have to shut my heretical mouth

[@2.7petabytes]

Nah, your mouth has some interesting things come out of it on your channel! 😁

[@AlexBallMusic]

Are you not a fan?

[@supadupahilton6848]

Just SOUNDS like the 80's!!

[@lukeygee123abc2]

Absolutely loved this video. Beautiful, beautiful compositions and playing. Inspiring explanations. Thanks for your work Alex!! Subscribed!!!!

[@Crabe05]

You bloody lucky man... I hope you enjoyed every second of your time with this beautiful synth (I am so jealous rn)

[@AlexBallMusic]

I'm jealous of myself. Yep, used it to death.

[@soniklink-WKD4496]

Mick McNeil (Simple Minds) used this live for 'New Gold Dream'. Epic sound, you're intro sounded awesome! :)

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thanks for the info, I'll check out the song.

[@PCoyte]

I remember watching him when Simple Minds were on Ch4’s The Tube playing the brass line on the JP8 and he does a super fast trill with his thumb that I still try to do!

[@cnfuzz]

But his best pads were jupiter4 through spaceecho , the 2 times i played jupiter 8 i was struck that it could not hold a candle to american synths in the low end, it could sound big in one octave while falling flat an octave lower and you have jupiter 8 and 8a wich sure makes a diffrnce

[@soniklink-WKD4496]

@@cnfuzz The JP4 is the one I'd truly love for sure. I love the early years best :)

[@johnnydekock]

Awesome demo well done Alex. Loved your track at the end, so catchy.

[@helisoma]

Seeing how thoughtfully you approach this work of synth art...subbed! 👍🏻

[@AlexBallMusic]

Cheers!

[@proaudiorestore8926]

It does have a really distinct sound though doesn’t it. Great video as always!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Yep, once you dial in a patch there it is!

[@AndersEngerJensen]

Top Ace... as always! 😎🤓🤘🏼

[@AlexBallMusic]

✊

[@AlexBallMusic]

PS - When I called a patch "Espen Kraftwerk" I also considered "Anders Meanders".

[@rockpebble100]

The bass is so rich. Great playing, really like your compositions.

[@rciscon]

I'm going to quote Barry Andrews the keyboardist/vocalist for Shriekback when he said during a live record of their song Feelers, "This is the bit where I get to express myself via the medium of the Roland Jupiter 8 polyphonic synthesizer...".

[@JayKaufman]

I'm a very lucky guy. One of these pretty much lives in my studio despite it not being mine. I'm basically its caretaker. I'm kind of ashamed to say I don't use it enough!

[@csu111]

The Jupiters price never went that low. Guitar Center did have them on sale for a little over $4000 in the early 80’s. They were nice but never more highly regarded than the Oberheims and Moogs at the time.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Early 80s perhaps as they came out in 1981. The magazine that quotes that price is from the 90s. I know several people who got them for peanuts in the late 90s / early 00s. By 2010 they were back up to £3,000, then £5,000, then £10,000 and now £15,000+ Crazy huh!

[@jonathanredman8497]

Great watch as usual Alex. I really like the sound of them - I always have. Great memories of playing with one in my local music store in Epsom. They always called it The Guv'nor!

[@2.7petabytes]

You are the master of music related videos! I always enjoy when you have a new video posted! The demonstrations, the thoughts on the hardware and the bit of campiness you occasionally put out is a blast!! Kudos!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thanks very much!

[@baward]

Some of the best JP-8: Ian Curnow on Talk Talks It's My Life album, and anything Jupiter-y by Alan Wilder.

[@mikeprice25]

That end demo piece feels like a missing YMO tune

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thanks! Gotta love a bit of YMO.

[@whatistau]

Man, the way you compose your videos and talk about gear is so soothing. Hope you don’t get bored of it ;)

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thanks. Making the most of it whilst it lasts.

[@ogasi1798]

typically great and positive vibes especially the track at the end - thanks AB

[@geertvanschlanger8057]

I like a good schtack and schplit.

[@colinstu]

1:43 Coldplay - Princess Of China intro feelings....

[@AlexBallMusic]

Not heard that in ages, yeah it's that sound!

[@kirabarsmith9353]

Sounds glorious. Fabulous demo and jam at the end, as always. Thanks, Alex, you spoil us.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thanks!

[@migueljara9399]

DUDE, YES, DUDE. I needed this for so long, and that actually you made it, makes it 10 times better. Thank you very much!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Glad to finally be able to do it!

[@mu_zines]

I don't know about "best analog poly ever", but it's certainly by far my *favourite* analog poly, and has been since about 1985 (and *that* HoJo record sleeve). It seems to be a bit of a marmite synth - people ether love it or it does nothing for them (meh - overrated!). I think that's in part because it's a flexible synth but overall it's quite smooth/polished/polite and the modern taste in synths (at least around the EDM genres etc) seems to be more in the loud/harsh/shouty kind of direction, so I can see why they'd find the JP8 overrated. I found your little P5/JP8 comparison really interesting (thanks for that) as it shows that there is often a lot of overlap in these instruments, at least when you don't stray too far into the more unique features and character of these instruments. For such an early polysynth though, it's feature set is incredible - stereo, split/layers, arpeggiator, fully programmable, syncable, and even easily MIDI-able with the JP8A onwards. And they are built like tanks and more reliable than most contemporary synths, not to mention with a unique, beautiful, iconic design. Roland really did an amazing job with the JP8. For sure it's absolutely priced way over it's musical worth, like many analogs now - there was a time when my love for the JP8 was absolutely not reflected in the wider synth-loving community, but since about 2004 (yes, I have data!), the world seems to have latched on to my favourite things and inflated their value to silly degrees (and I'm still a little annoyed by it! :) ) Dunno if you caught a recent Twitter thread where I was digging into the s/h value of these things - my favourite small ad was the guy wanting to exchange his JP8 for your D110. He was even willing to hand-deliver. What were you thinking, Jason!?! Ah, the 90s - such a sad time for hands on analog synths, such a great time for analog synth collectors! ;) Love your work Alex - thanks!

[@JMPSynth]

Great as always. Would love to hear your take on a Synthex Alex, at less than half the price of a Jupiter 8 these days.... Synthex is what contributed to me selling my Jupiter 8 around 15 years ago for not so much money... yes, not the best decision I've made. :) Cheers

[@AlexBallMusic]

Definitely. That's on the bucket list!

[@chriskelvin248]

JUPITER 8 GRANDADDY OF ALL SYNTH BRASS

[@AlexBallMusic]

Indeed!

[@rmessier3]

fantastic arrangement of your song at the end! love your tr707 drum fills 👍👍great tune!

[@AdamBorseti]

I have a love/hate relationship with Jupiter 8 videos because while I enjoy learning about them, there's nothing I can buy that really sounds like a Jupiter 8. The Arturia plugin still has all the same glitches and inaccuracies that I've been telling them to fix since its release 2007, and I'd prefer something in hardware. The boutique JP-08 was fun while owned it, but it was obnoxiously gimped by 4-voice polyphony and the lack of an arpeggiator. Now I know you can link two together for the full polyphony, but that's bullshit. I'm supposed to believe that Roland couldn't add 4 more, purely digital voices to the boutique version? I could understand if it was analog and they actually had to worry about cost, heat generation and all, but this is digital plug-in DSP technology. They could have given it 16 voice polyphony if they wanted to, but no. Roland used to be such a great company in my opinion, but now they're the among the few remaining companies that outright refuse to give us analog people what they want. It's actually embarrassing. Subscription-based, cloud-dependent "plug out" vsts? Cringe as fuck.

[@DestroyER82]

Yeah sold my JP-08 for same reason. Impossible to use it as J-8 without arp function and only 4 voices that meaned constant voice stealing pain while playing chords.

[@AlexBallMusic]

The closest thing in hardware probably a JX-3P and Juno-60 stack. Same filters and amps and even envelopes on the Juno. I'll also hopefully demo the Jupiter-X at some point which has a Jupiter model. Will be interesting to compare now I have some recordings. Boutiques - don't think I've even seen the Jupiter one. Didn't know it was only four voice. Was that to make you buy two or something?

[@DestroyER82]

@@AlexBallMusic Im personally very happy with JX-8P. Its not that warm sounding, but that classic Roland vibe is there. Also easier to fit into mixdowns. :) Boutiques - Yes, that was their plan. Also I forgot one other thing I hated about it. There was quite some latency when used over USB.

[@jasonekratz]

Yes thats exactly what you should believe. They did add 4 more voices, to the System-8 which has a lot more DSP power.

[@marmite-land]

Test the TAL J-8, definetly the best option without doubt for me, plus it's fairly cheap and has CPU usage with lots of additional stuff the other plugins don't have ( and dual/split modes !)

[@jaggass]

How many people regret selling their Jupiter 8? Post your responses here.

[@AlexBallMusic]

I regret not buying one when I was 12 years old.

[@jaggass]

@@AlexBallMusic I regret not getting into synths at a young age. I'm still fairly young but i don't have the money to yet buy a vintage synth or drum machine that would take me back in time. The Jupiter 8 and the CS-80 are the 2 best polysynths ever made.

[@SynthsandSounds]

I keep getting back to your "first contact" video all the time. Awesome to see you getting your hands on this beast for another time. Luckily there's the Prophet 10 remake to make it somewhat affordable. Roland unfortunately only gave us the Jupiter-80, but who'd be surprised looking at the state of roland

[@richardalldredge9129]

I love just listening to you play these amazing synths

[@DarkSideofSynth]

"Espen Kraftwerk" almost made me choke on my tea! - How did he die? - Oh, apparently he was having breakfast and choked while watching a weird guy playing on KZbin. Poor soul. He didn't even finish the video nor his tea. What a sad way to go... LOL!

[@AlexBallMusic]

😀

[@SPAZZOID100]

Nice. When u compared those basic patches to the P5, the Prophet had a stronger character IMO.

[@Chemicaldiver]

Great video. Been checking here since you dropped the picture on Insta few days ago! Lucky to have gotten my hands on a JP8 a year ago before lockdown. Thanks for the inspiration to get more out of it than I currently am. Love your videos!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Lucky you! I'll have to wave goodbye to this one but your journey continues. :)

[@iblametheparents1025]

I have a Jup6 bought new and served me well - the 8 is amazing - I have a virtual version but getting my head around it is another matter. Some great presets. Flexibility of use and potential first rate. Must get to know the software. So many usable sounds. Great video will hopefully watch more of yours. i'm a 70 + yr old retiree - been in bands on and off since the 60s - fortunately still wanting to learn - vsts are a godsend for me - all this fantastic gear that at one time I could never dream of affording now available to try and use.

[@Nismology5]

Instant click!

[@AlexBallMusic]

✊

[@samjhylton]

Haven't clicked this fast on a video notification in a while...

[@aphexon.]

Wont go away, so dosent matter how fast or slow you click to watch it.

[@samjhylton]

@@aphexon. I was mainly remarking on my excitement for Alex' take on this classic synth, not trying to turn this into a "who's first to watch this video" kind of race ;)

[@AlexBallMusic]

Cheers Sam!

[@thefool2007]

Damn! Love this. Love your playing- top shelf and awesome.

[@ThevonMusic]

Nice video, especially the song at the end is really nice!

[@PeterSmithwoodsmith]

Another fantastic Video. Fabulous work Alex. I have the JP-08 and love it. It's great to learn and hear more of the original. Love the funky number at the end. Big thumbs up from me.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thanks Peter. I'm yet to try a JP-08.

[@olopstudio]

Fantastic, as always. You know how to make synths sing, and this guy sings really well!

[@iggydip]

I had a Jupiter 8, Roland SH101 and a Korg MonoPoly back when midi was in its infancy and cv/gate was still alive and living in a flat in Bolton. (Vince Clarke famously said that the MonoPoly sounds like four cheap synths being played at once) I sold my J8 in the 90s for about £450 the SH101 and Korg suffered the same fate. I cry into my software synths at night now and just think myself lucky that I was once a proud owner of this amazing beast.

[@greatheightsu]

THE Shadow Child loaned you this? That's awesome, I love his stuff. Great video!

[@AlexBallMusic]

He did indeed. What a legend.

[@JayKaufman]

Alex Ball I'm a fan of his stuff too, so I was kind of surprised you didn't do some untz untz with it too. 😆. He also has a rather lovely studio!

[@keithmurray9241]

I think it’s so fantastic that you composed such a cliche’ outro for surch a cliche’ synth sound! It is lush but I think it’s a bit sad that it doesn’t get more of an updated usage instead of trodding the same old path, just because those are the ‘riffs’ that made it famous. Highly enjoyable and great demo!! Loved watching!!!

[@romanholy568]

UAUUUU! Your talent is unbelievable!!!!Bravo!

[@Chrispy01a]

My first motorcycle was black & orange like the Jupiter 8 - I loved the sound of that too! Great vid as always - thanks 👍

[@VVellieMan]

Another great vid Alex, loved it. However the most impressive bit for me was the amazing sound you got out of the 707 on your demo track. Never heard one as dynamic (and well programmed) as that before..!!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thanks. Some analogue compression and EQ from an old mixer.

[@fablesofsilence]

Awesome as always. And cool song at the end!

[@amonynous9041]

love that music you made at the end, the groovy part has that early 80es hi energy Madonna vibe

[@movraptor]

ok the bells demo gave me goosebumps you are such a talented keyboard player

[@caleykelly]

Great work Alex! Crazy how close the Prophet is to it! Cheers.

[@AlexBallMusic]

With just a raw sound in mono, yep. But then the Jupiter is all about those splits, stacks and assign modes which is where it parts ways with the Prophet.

[@ebutuoytm7560]

That tune at the end was seriously amazing dude!

[@thefool2007]

Amazing demo of the Jupiter 8! So much fun.

[@kevinryan8538]

Alex....you are a GLOBAL treasure! ❤❤❤ (it was time to upgrade you bro!😁)

[@lukemason7842]

Another great video, love the jam at the end!

[@dussie920]

The most beautiful synthesizer ever made. I just love the design. And it sounds... MASSIVE!

[@fallingmanuk]

Thank you - really enjoyed this. The Jupiter 8 is my dream synth, slightly ahead of the Yamaha CS80, and I'll never forget when I first read of it in good old E&MM magazine in July 1981, even though the pic therein was only B&W. It's such a gorgeous synth visually as well as sonically. Love the music too...

[@peterkohlmetzmoller]

Damn Alex. You (!) sound amazing as well here! Great demo, as always! Gotta say this is the best one yet!

[@MrDahlbacken]

You're like GB:s answer to France:s Alan Braxe - and that's a fucking compliment. Awesome video as always.