Roland JD-08 vs JD-800 - How identical are they really?

[@resynthesizer4565]

Surprising. The original sounded a little "muffled" to my ears, and I thought the brighter mix was the original. Your playing and composition skills are top notch.

[@billfusionenterprise]

I heard one for the jx-08 and IDed the new and old, but it was backwards here. The individual sounds varied though

[@budgetkeyboardist]

Same here. I preferred the slightly brighter JD-08, but we are biased to prefer things with more volume or more treble, so there's that. In general, I think the JD-08 is stunningly good for the money. In a mix, your average listener would never notice the difference. Great video as always.

[@osirismaximus2787]

This was really great. I got the JD-08 recently and it is BY FAR my favorite synth now.

[@kiko1935]

Dude you and Espen need to have a record label together where you both put out 80's and early 90's JAMS. Incredible song writing and production.

[@djlab586]

With Kebu, Firechild and Madis...

[@AndersEngerJensen]

Chapters: 00:06 Introduction 00:49 Background 01:42 Demo song version A 03:45 Demo song version B 05:48 Answer 06:07 Sound comparison demo start 13:20 Reflections on the differences 14:37 Pros and cons 16:11 Thank you and outro

[@EspenKraft]

Nice demo my friend! I especially like the "Anders-score" at the end. ;-)

[@AndersEngerJensen]

Thanks buddy. Hehe, yeah, I thought that would be both entertaining and hopefully helpful for people to make up their minds. :)

[@ruairi_d]

Have to say Anders, I adore your music. The way you can improvise to make such demo tracks is fantastic, and some of the chord progressions give me goosebumps and it's amazing.

[@Jerkcurb1]

Damn that demo song is beautiful

[@kend4845]

Way to go with the song you wrote. How classic, and fun to listen to!

[@stefanalba]

interesting. As a JD-800 owner I guessed correctly, but the JD-08 is a definite credit to the legacy of the original and there are many, very sensible reasons why it makes sense to get the boutique clone. Thank you for making the effort here and producing and sharing this comparison.

[@SidewaysCytlan]

The light effects in the video are awesome! Amazing studio. The JD-800 sounds softer than the JD-08, that's my main takeaway. I preferred the JD-800, but they were close that I wouldn't notice the difference as a casual listener.

[@simaesthesia]

This was a really interesting and enjoyable review. I mainly preferred the "original" voices, but in the way that the human voice varies and "suits" different songs, I believe the same applies to instruments and there is a place for both depending on the effect one is trying to create.

[@suga4all]

Wow, great comparison and fantastic tune! Version A was my favourite one. I couldn't believe it's the remake. Just ordered the JD08 now 😁

[@synthejim]

Great comparison! I picked correctly, only because the brightness factor jumped out to me (which I actually liked). I'll be adding a JD-08 to complement my JD-800, and now can easily take those sounds out of the studio.

[@pumpernickelplace]

Dang. I was not expecting the first example to be the JD-08 because I was liking it best. I'm happy about this because there's no way I can justify investing in an original jd-800. Like others have said, I actually like how bright the jd-08 is. If I want to make it murkier, I have pedals and effects that can do that.

[@doctorzingo]

Yep, I guessed wrong too. And I have a JD-800.

[@darwiniandude]

Yeah, same. Also guessed wrong, preferred track A. This is good though as a JD-800 is beyond reasonable means now for me, for what it is. Pity it’s not a JD09 with the 990 benefits thought :)

[@oriomenoni7651]

Same here!!!!!!!!!!!! I like the sound and dynamics of the A version better!

[@mwarsell]

Such a classy, informative video. Espen should take notice.

[@EspenKraft]

I always take notice of dumbbells.

[@mwarsell]

@@EspenKraft Good that you're into gym.

[@ScoopexUs]

Great video and best comparison on KZbin! Now unless you *want* this fantastic spaceship of a synthesizer (like I did and got one), Roland released a JD-800 killer with the JD-08. :)

[@tristontyrell7925]

Thank you buddy. And WHAT COOL HAIR YOU HAVE. my first 800 was stolen along with £4k of stuff. I buy it back 5 years later, as I vowed I would. Such an amazing machine. Not long brought the 08 they are both amazing. Brought a Fantom 06 but was sent out B stock. Can’t wait for that new one Then back to an 800 again. Thank you :)

[@petertalon595]

Mate that comparison demo was awesome

[@b2zap665]

I love the jam you put together for this!! 10/10 Would listen again just for it!

[@TrueNeutralEvGenius]

Excellent review and performance, thank you for doing that, even while I'm not interested in buying those. Watched and listened with pleasure. I enjoy your work overall very much. Take care.

[@funkmachine6420]

Sounds really good. Might have to get one! Great song as well, properly sounds like a TV advert from 1991!

[@mr_floydst]

Great demo, thanks for doing this! One can immediately tell you didn't want to hate this box right from get-go, and so the demo sounded better on the JD-08 than on the JD-800.

[@konstantine8054]

Listening on headphones on a laptop I could determine correctly (won't spoil it in the comments), because the 08 sounds more crisp and clean, less soft, but not in a bad way. It was a tough distinction though because man, you made it hard, as the demo sounds so 90's it is tough to get your brain out of that zone. Excellent work, and excellent editing as well, it must've taken quite a while. As far as the audio goes, I have to say that the softness is what betrayed the age of the 800 in my humble opinion. I was never aware of the 800 to begin with, so I am fine with getting an 08. I like digital and I am a fan of the JV series, and the architecture seems similar, so having the hardware control, and limitations, sounds like a welcome addition. Thank you for an excellent video.

[@ShotecMusic]

Amazing comparison! Thank You for this video. I always thought that JD-990 shares same patches as JD-800, but there are differences.

[@templarexemplar35]

the tone of the lead solo on the first version sounds insanely good I thought it would've been the 800

[@DiamondWoodStudios]

Holy moly this is a GREAT demo brother you killed it, I already have the Roland vst version but man I would love the hands on capability

[@DiamondWoodStudios]

Update: I bought the module and man this thing is LOVELY, it pairs with my Ju-06 so well

[@russellyoung6498]

Great work, love the intro pieces, just a bit confused as to why you would include the 990 though. Overall I thought the JD08 sounded brighter. Thanks for posting this.

[@AndersEngerJensen]

Glad to hear that! I added it because people would have asked for it, and I wanted to show how very different it actually is compared to the JD-800 and of course the 08. :)

[@russellyoung6498]

@AndersEngerJensen yes, I understand now, but a very different sound from the 990. Glad that your 800 shows no signs of red glue... Thanks again for posting this, shame it took me so long to find it. I love my JD-08!

[@LabofmusicRecords]

WOW! Nice track and well comparison. I own the JD 990 and I love it :)

[@MarkusCologne]

Thanks for the excellent comparison! Good to see (and hear) that it always helps to master an instrument. For me the JD-08 is spot-on and great value for money.

[@Sylomun]

Thanks for the comparison, Great sounds and superb playing.

[@MacXpert74]

I guessed correctly which was which. To me the JD-800 sounds smoother, more polished and the sounds blend together better than on the JD-08. Your video also confirmed to me something I already thought a long time ago when I demoed the JD-990 back in the day it was released. I wasn't that impressed with it's sound and felt it didn't sound as good as the original JD-800 that I had played in the store a few years before that. Although I never had the change to directly compare them as you did here.

[@finspire8632]

Anders thanks for doing this great demo, excellent 90's style song that represents the synths in its ''factory'' intended glory. How ever the Version A is at least few LUFS louder than version B which makes it stand out and sound better. Pity. Oh and I do love the sound of those guys had JD 990 and have no idea what made me sell it back in the day. Keep the great work! Love from Finlandia🤍

[@thefool2007]

Great comparison video! I especially liked your assessment at the end.

[@astankov84]

Well I listened several times your demo song and I always hear some difference between the two instruments. I was able to determine that the version A is the newer instrument and version B is the original instrument just by the first listening on my phone. The newer instrument sounded much more "mature" and right to my ears (if is even correct to say that) compared to the original. Anyway your demo song is just amazing no matter on which instrument is played. It always put a big smile on my face when I listening it. I really miss this kind of music today and you are making it so good. So please do more if possible and make more people like me happy. Wish you all the best!

[@tobelikenobodyelse]

The thumbnail is very funny, made my day 😸

[@apendica]

Fantastic review and video pacing. Subscribed, beautiful playing also.

[@TheRealKaltar]

Dang! The music was better than the comparison, and the comparison was perfect!

[@Acrimonious_Snake]

Both sound fantastic. I'm very impressed with the depth of the bass and the clarity of the treble in the A mix. The mix B sounds just a little bit softer. I would say that these synths do not devalue each other. It makes sense to have both of them in the studio, especially when different sound banks are loaded and there is routing to different external effects.

[@LudvigOlin]

Great stuff, Anders! Thanks for sharing this beautiful peice. 🌴🦩

[@9999kdash]

Hola ,me encantó este video ! Muy explicativo, y la canción que se realizó con los sonidos de estos Roland fue impresionante. Un gran abrazo!

[@9999kdash]

With the sounds you have, you can make a laserdance remix. 😁

[@rashidadams8327]

What a lovely video. Thank you!

[@karimjibran]

You are a genius when it comes to compositions 🔥🔥🔥

[@boogiefunkproductions2368]

Wow! Heard that incredible music and instantly forgot that I’d come here for a comparison video😂

[@theorize999]

I’m not surprised in the slightest that they sound identical, it’s a digital copy of a digital synth, if the original was analogue it would be more profound. Great job on the video you earned my subscription, I hope you do more videos about this synth, I’d like to hear some of your original patches! I wish someone would have done a “getting started/ QuickStart” video for it, I just got mine and the sheet of paper they give you isn’t as helpful as I would like. It’s sad that printed manuals are becoming rare. Thanks for the video!

[@madezra64]

For context, I am new to the channel and synths. I am also not even close to being called an amateur or an enthusiast or professional, so please excuse me if I explain my feelings weird. The JD-08 is noticeably better. I don't know the right word for it but it sounds like it has a little more depth and punch. Everything is brighter but in a good way. When you switched over to Version B, without any prior knowledge of this stuff, I could hear the difference. I did actually guess version A was the JD-08, but because I have no experience in it I was a little iffy about it thinking maybe the much older but larger JD-800 would have more substantial sound. When you confirmed my guess though it was very exciting! Either way, this stuff is fantastic! 8-Bit guy brought me here too if you're wondering. I'm only 29 but music production and synths really have peaked my curiosity lately. Subbed! And gonna now tear through your catalog of videos after work :D

[@LinkFMMik]

I guessed the wrong way round! Absolutely loved that lead line starting at 4’55”.

[@toroddb]

Very nice video, and good music! 👍🏻

[@mvoproject]

What a cool demos here! Thanks for playing, recording and sharing this video, Anders! Me very like your music taste and style! Hm, strange things. On my ears the new JD-08 sounds with lack of the highest frequencies (esp. on the left monitor) where the original JD-800 sounds more transparent and shiny (Usually I hear the opposite situation where the modern replicas are sounds more brighter instead of the old original models). The original JD-800 have more richer, fuller, solid and dynamic sound for my ears. I listen through the Yamaha MSP7 Studio + Motu M4 - it can reveal the tiny differences in the sound very well. BUT again))) I was totally surprised that Demo A is used the JD-08 (where the bell-like timbers are more brighter than the same from the original JD-800) - oh, thats really cool. It mean that I can buy the JD-08 and make it sounds really great with some of EQing, adding EFx - since I cant afford the original JD-800 =) The JD990 surprised me with a different character of the same timbers, for the instance the Crystal Rhodes - on 990 it sounded more bottle-like. Is it a different program compare to same program on the JD-800 and JD-08? P.S. Special respect for the Prodigy `s synth hook =)

[@GEOSynths]

Great Video, well done :)

[@buraktokgoz41]

i was waiting this video. thx for sharing...

[@cvproject3684]

Nice demo Song and comparison! Nice overall video!! Although I watch it on midnight though... (in my country)

[@aldeanblair9727]

Great demo!

[@mooretto]

Fantastic demo and comparison! thanks a lot!

[@sK3LeTvM1]

Great peace of music! (guess you must like Toto) Thank you for the comparison. Straightforward. I am the lucky owner of 3x JD990 who sounds simply better than the JD800 and thus no need for a JD-08.The JD-08 is a digital synth and without any doubt has better DA's than what they had back in the 90's... That is what can be heard here. But finally, no one will notice the difference wether the JD800 or JD-08 was used in a final music production.

[@joseluishernandezseptien]

Why 3?

[@sK3LeTvM1]

@@joseluishernandezseptien Good question. Back in the days, I worked in a music shop. At the release of the JV1080, Roland got stuck with sales of the JD990, so they offered my a very good price and so I decided to buy 3 instead of the JV1080. But now I have 3x JD, 1x JV2080 and a XV5050. (besides many many others) :-)

[@joseluishernandezseptien]

@@sK3LeTvM1 That's awesome! Enjoy them (: you are so lucky!

[@SonictrainkidDoesFurryStuff]

Still listening to the demo tune to this day

[@skyrocketautomotive]

In all honesty I was astonished after the A and B mix that the only major giveaway was the snare, the 800 snare had a little bit of a 'boxier' sound, and hearing it compared to the 08 I'm not surprised that someone likely gave into the temptation to 'hot it up' a little on the 08 Fantastic content as always Anders, and thank you for your kind reply the other day to my email about my other channel, hugely appreciate that you took the time to respond!

[@tommymandel3326]

Great music. Thanks! And I was surprised but shouldn’t have been. The new one’s sounds sparkle a bit more, and the original may be richer or maybe just darker. The new one seems to be able to handle more high frequency information a little clearer. It’s funny because I have a JD 800 also, and subscribe to the Roland cloud. At home on my tests, I find I preferred the original sound, but listening through my iPhone 12pro, it’s a different experience. Again thanks for a great video, very clear and also beautifully shot.

[@markvenables7370]

I started watching to be analytical. But I didn’t care which synth was doing what after hearing the beauty of your opening track.

[@AndersEngerJensen]

😄 Glad to hear that. My final conclusion is that the 08 is good enough for anything if you can’t afford the 800. You miss out on the percussion part, but the rest is pretty much on the ball anyway. And you know what, that song was composed on the JD-08… just because it was faster and easier to access. 😊

[@neonether]

The JD-08 is actually based on the zenology version of the 800. There are lots of striking differences in wave forms, filters and features compared to the original 800. Sound on Sound dove deep for those who want to read about how different it is. I personally found the legendary 800 to be close to the original, but still sounded thin and lacking dynamics. The original is just such an amazing gem!

[@javaally1203]

maybe there should be a video made showing the differences between the zenology version and the original jd800. i think i only tried out the original back in 1990

[@neonether]

@@javaally1203 Yeah, that's a great idea for people who are into this synth. One could use the article I referenced as a guide to hone in on those differences. In the end it's a matter of taste, resources and budget I suppose. I feel fortunate to have a real one. To me nothing can replace the sound and feel of it 100%. I use the roland legendary one all the time when tracking as a place holder, and I could easily mix it into a track with no complaints. For inspiration and solo spots in tracks though, it just can't be replaced, it's hard to pinpoint it, but there's magic in this synth I swear it.

[@domdom5145]

Thanks for also comparing 990, surprised how it sparkled maybe da converters were different of qualities

[@marzacdev]

For once ... I prefer the sound of the boutique version 😃. Please don't throw stones at me. Thanks for the nice sound tour Mr Jensen.

[@Zwopper]

Same here!

[@synthartist69]

Holy Cow! What are you using for drums at 2:05???? They sound incredible. Thanks for the demo, great job.

[@AndersEngerJensen]

Thanks! 😎 80s Retro Drummer from Zenhiser, samples (kick, snare, toms etc), then hi hat etc from JD-800 and Yamaha Motif XS7).

[@prinzbach]

Well I am surprised indeed > I am very tempted by the JD08, it sounds beautiful. That being said... I would prefer a boutique JV1080-2080. Great video!

[@Dazzy84]

After watching Dr Mixs videos using a JD800, You and him should do a collaboration anders! I would dream to think how phenomenal yous 2 would work together!

[@AndersEngerJensen]

Hehe. 😄 You can ask him? 🤘🏼

[@marzacdev]

Your score system is great too 😋

[@gregs9584]

great tune you made man. i too was bamboozled, the JD-08 sounds better

[@danleuca1780]

IF Roland would have made the JD-08 capable of sending sysex in order to edit JD-990s with it, they would have sold them much better... Anyway, great stuff, you and Espen are great...

[@ManicMinorProduction]

Wasn't expecting such a banger of a track! I love original hardware but thought the newer one sounded better/fuller

[@SimonJ57]

I feel the JD-08 is a much richer and brighter sound. It seems, despite its size, it really packs a punch. Excellent comparison, especially when you can throw the 990 in there for some vintage sounding synth. Just goes to show how different similar devices from the same line can really sound. Even today. 🤯

[@meteorheartofficial]

hi, did you ever purchase one?

[@SimonJ57]

@@meteorheartofficial not personally, I'm too musically inept to splash the cash for such equipment.

[@meteorheartofficial]

@@SimonJ57 Thanks for the reply! I'm not that good either i started teaching myself when the pandemic hit and I'm now on year 3 of music production. I have a couple songs I made on my channel if you want to check them out.

[@johnpaton9587]

Well well, hows that. I didn't pick up on the brightness but what I did feel was there seemed more body and depth to the overall production of A So incorrectly assumed that equated to the original JD800. How pleasantly wrong I was. Will be ordering a JD-08 thanks to your review. I watched Jack play on the Andersons reviews comparing the JD and the JX, and really the JX only came alive when the chorus was engaged. I have great chorus pedals so for me the JD scores big time! Thanks for your review

[@gourkernow5694]

I had a JD-800 once, it was actually my 1st proper synth, and it took me years to pay off the loan i took out for it. Though i did love it for many many years i wouldn't swap it back for any of my modern synths.

[@rm2kmidi]

That Velo Crunch lick desperately needs a Jungle beat under it :P

[@XavierRadix]

Man, I kind of dig some of the presets better on the 08 actually! But of course, with some tweaking you could totally get them to sound pretty much identical.

[@LoredLegend]

Worth noting that Anders used then JD-800 on his album for this song (Fly With Me) over the JD-08, at least for the initial patch. I would have done the same! Also this song kicks ass bravo Anders

[@300wil]

Você merecia um Oscar por fazer um vídeo tão bem feito, com tanto material, e com um conteúdo tão bom. Pena que a plataforma não valoriza isso, um sapo engolindo uma mosca tem mais relevância e visualizações. Sucesso meu irmão, abraços aqui do Brasil 🇧🇷

[@TonyDrake1960]

Thanks for this! Great demo song too! I have owned a JD800 since 1991, and it has always been my favourite synth. I have considered replacing it with an 08, or even purchasing the 'model' for my Jupiter X. I think it's quite subjective, especially once you have a mix and all the post production, it's pretty academic, and as you say, a matter pf personal taste. I'll probably hold on to the JD800 for now.

[@AndersEngerJensen]

Great to hear! 🤘🏼 I think it’s a good substitute if one can’t get the real one, in the mix no one would actually hear the difference. But if you have the original, just keep it alive and use it for all it’s worth! 😎

[@F0r3v3rT0m0rr0w]

i know this was a test but oh boy i love your music my dude. its definitely my vibe lately. I preferred Version A Btw ... not sure why, notes sounded clearer, ... B seemed a bit more dull or softer in comparison ? the difference is so slight, but its there had to flip between the two to notice.

[@matszh]

Actually, I prefered the sound of the JD-08. This is also why I ordered mine two month ago (still looking forward to receiving it). I really think people should buy their synths after what sounds they really like and NOT because it’s identical to some vintage machine. If you want vintage, just buy vintage. I just happen to like the sound from the JD-08, as well as the form factor and ability to run on batteries. The good thing is that machines like this might help to lower the ridiculous prices on some old gear, like the JD990. Great demo song by the way!

[@svensvensson2724]

Was pretty easy to tell them apart. The old one has the sweet softness you rarely hear from modern synths.

[@hispanochino]

Agreed! Just listen to the solo part, the difference is quite discernable. The original JD-800 patch can be easily found in many records from the early 90's (especially Smooth Jazz).

[@stevenyjtsai]

NICE COMPARISON

[@charthers8903]

Wow the JD990 sounds so good, I would never buy it at these prices but I’m starting to think about a JD08

[@LanciaD50]

Thank you!

[@ivobartos9682]

The Demo Song A (JD-08) sounds for me better than Demo Song B (JD-800), because the JD-08 sound colours are richer in my ears. Thank you for this great comparison and excellent demonstration of all patches. Your presentation is brilliant!

[@haycrossaudio5474]

Anders. Absolutely love you music. FM LOVE is a particularly favourite. I refurbish and upgrade loud speakers and have a little KZbin channel. I always struggle with finding music I can use for slide shows or background music etc. Is there away I can use your? Keep up the amazing work. Why you don't have 100s of 1000s of subscribers I will never know. Much love from the UK

[@DmitryGorbushin]

Thanks for comparison! It is very useful. The only difference to me is the JD-08 is a little brighter then JD-800. Just a little...

[@SammiLucia]

fantastic, ty!

[@Novaheart1998]

I had a JD-800 , it was lovely, I sold it in 2017 but I may get another one soon as I miss it. I’ve had many boutiques , the original ones sounded excellent but 4 voices are annoying. These new boutiques are really good.

[@oriomenoni7651]

Wow I am impressed by your composition! So beautiful. And the sounds! Are those presets, or your own? Congrats!

[@AndersEngerJensen]

Thanks! 😃 The sounds in the demonstration and demo song are all factory presets. That was the whole idea really.

[@kenwilliams7597]

I have owned the JD-800 for 25 years. I spotted the the difference. The JD-800 has a fuller sound / more depth. Side by side, JD-800 is better. The JD-08 is still holding it's own. I am glad I've never sold mine.

[@iixorb]

Without checking later on, I preferred Version A. It sounded warmer and a bit deeper.... ok, now to watch the rest and see ! And...... well that's interesting! I preferred the JD-08 in your composition, but the JD-800 for the individual instrument test!

[@dali9160]

thx! well done!

[@brettwayne8103]

the silky top and warm stereo panned delays of the 800 are amazing. but the 08 sounds good!

[@DCXTV]

Got them correct. The og is darker and a bit "phatter" in tone. Which can be fixed in the mix tho.

[@oldman4827]

Lyder godt. Tak for en god demo. Sådan en lille en kunne jeg godt bruge.

[@fredrikh9299]

Without peeking I voted for version A to sound better (JD-08). Crudos for the wonderful poptune that would fit in any american chick-flick from 1991!

[@smiljanicn]

Scored JD800 and M1 for 280 euros in total for both on a flea market. Red glue issue, otherwise in fantastic condition. I am one lucky sofb, finally!

[@jjhcw]

Thank you. Great Video.

[@lapasteque868]

Amazing job, thank u

[@agungrizki7]

Love the demo song

[@DenisGuevara]

Thank You