Jupiter-X / Juno-X: Beyond the vintage models

[@AudioPilz]

I'm intrigued...

[@audiodood]

hi rowland officia7

[@kierenmoore3236]

Lolol … lots of material, here, for you!! … just listen to those amazing, digital, VST-in-an-overpriced-heavy-box TONEZ !!!! 😒

[@hansmuller1980]

I agree with you... this is nothing more than a VST plugin with a glossy controller. The fact that good old Pilz is fascinated by it surprises me now. To me, Roland is the Angela Merkel of synthesizers. The only thing I would buy from Roland is their Eurorack modules. And even those aren't built or developed by Roland.

[@AlexBallMusic]

I think everyone would adore a Jupiter-X Bad Gear spin.

[@Mouxbar]

Let's see if it ticks all the boxes... 🙂

[@Hainbach]

You had me at 1973

[@JayAm72]

😂

[@audiodood]

omg hi liver eater

[@kierenmoore3236]

So did Roland … but, now,: no one’s really interested in heavy, overpriced, VSTs-in-boxes, that don’t sound better than VSTs you can run on your laptop, and which will soon be big, heavy, outdated, piles of hardware …

[@AlexBallMusic]

"Hainbach has played test equipment" is verse 2.

[@project-95]

​@@kierenmoore3236you forgot the part where using a laptop is soul destroyingly boring 😂

[@cortical1]

Okay, so I have to share this: I'm in my office (in a medical center lab) with the door wide open and accidentally launched this video on my second computer, which was set up previously to pump at top volume through some monster speakers. I could not scramble fast enough to turn down the volume before the entire opening song completed. So, several people have come by wondering what the vaudeville was going on. IJBOL. Of course, I have now played the song about three more times at full volume for all to enjoy. Love your brain, Alex! It contains and produces great thoughts and knowledge and smart music, with spot-on humor to boot! 🧠

[@AlexBallMusic]

😂 This is wonderful. I'm so glad that happened...right before your eye-ses.

[@cortical1]

@@AlexBallMusic The eyes-ses is my favorite part! It's going on the lab voicemail message. 🎶👀

[@AlexBallMusic]

@@cortical1 I hope serious documents have "for your eye-ses only" written on them from this point on.

[@cortical1]

@@AlexBallMusic Done. 👍🏻

[@therm0tt0]

That chorus in "Let It Happen" sent chills down my spine! Also, "Since 1973" is such a worthy successor to "It's a Jolly Good Day for a Mooging".

[@AlexBallMusic]

It was time for another silly song.

[@mu_zines]

I was also made in 1973. But not by Roland. I think...

[@gaston-alegre-stotzer]

@@AlexBallMusic I'll need to update my ringtone then :) "It's a Jolly Good Day for a Mooging" is soooooo yesterday...

[@tadknuf7979]

@@mu_zines haha old man u probably know nothing about yeat or carti

[@mu_zines]

​@@tadknuf7979 I know everything about those things! I'm totes relevant! *quickly does an AltaVista search for them* ...wait, what happened to AltaVista!? :)

[@B_T_B]

Mass respect. End tune "Let it happen" Superb!!! My children are now well informed when I shout "Roland", I hear in the background "Made Synthesizers" The Wife is very happy with that ;)

[@AlexBallMusic]

My work here is done.

[@Mind_Idiot]

@@AlexBallMusic Note: Alex Ball did NOT die on the way back to his home planet

[@thejoshuathomas]

Glad someone did a breakdown of just the underlying native synth engines of these synths. Oftentimes, people get so hung up on the vintage models that come with the unit, or those which can be added, and they forget that these synths have modern features to aid them in creating new soundscapes. Vintage emulations are wonderful, but they can be found in many places these days (VST's, desktop modules, clone products, etc). The real magic is captured when talented synthesists and keyboardists utilize the modern engine to create new sonic colors on the canvas of life. Thank you, Alex. Rock on.

[@loringmsuess]

I use the native engine the most on my Jupiter-X. If a patch is good on the J-8, it can usually sound deeper with the J-X

[@thejoshuathomas]

@ I appreciate the feedback on that. 👊🏾

[@MosEisleySpacePort1138]

I’ve had an Xm for a little over a year now and I’m just starting to understand its architecture. I’ve watched this video a few times and can finally get what you’re doing here. Thank you so much as you’ve inspired me. In fact, I just mapped the OSC faders to an external controller because I can see just how essential this feature is.

[@justjoeblow420]

Don't feel bad going on over a year with an MC-707 and still finding new tricks to try when it comes to patches.

[@jakdaboi]

I love the vintage vocals in the intro! The song slapped. Heres to 50 years on Roland synths!

[@adamgriffiths1703]

Love this. Really clarifies what these are about, no sarcasm, no sensationalized negativity. Bugger. I want one now.

[@Battledrone]

Videos like this one are the reason why I subscribed to this channel. Top quality, it doesn't get any better than this! Hats off mr. Ball!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Glad to hear, thank you!

[@classicaudioadventures]

Woah. Let it Happen was absolutely killer! Incredible work, Alex!

[@billmay7364]

When Jupiter X came out there was Criticism being digital . I'm an analog guy by Heart . From Moogs to Prophets to Oberhiems. I love them. I do have Juno 6 in mint condition which I have a soft spot for. I purchased Jupiter X when they first came out. No regrets. They have there place. Like a Mellotron I use in certain incidences like my X . I think they sound great.

[@GloveBunniesVideos]

Whoever this Roland guy is, he really knows how to make neat sound machines. Cheers!

[@chill5213]

The patch that starts at 8:25 is giving me that saudade feeling. I could listen to you work with these things for hours.

[@VultureCulture]

I think the selling point for these synths is all of the incredible sound design you can do with them instead of just recreating the vintage stuff. Great video!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Yep! Totally agree with that.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Yep! Totally agree with that.

[@kierenmoore3236]

Why leverage off the old, classic names, then?! If they’re so great and innovative, aren’t they worthy of a new name?!

[@jimbotron70]

​@@kierenmoore3236Nostalgia sells.

[@jasmine2501]

@@kierenmoore3236 it does replicate those old synths very well. This can be very creative, especially since you can combine them with new effects and layer multiple models together. So you can have some nice jd800 pads on the left while you play an old skool SH101 lead on the right, and all kinds of other combinations. You can fake what the sh101 would have sounded like if it had a moog filter, for example.

[@XxChrisxXBedofRazors]

I use the native engine 99% of the time and made a plethora of glitch, noise, aggressive, to fm-like sounds. Thanks to the awesome 4 oscillators. I feel like it still begs for an actual FM synthesis update or even wavetable capabilities to elevate experimentation. Any new features if we'll even get, I assure it be awesome. Newer FX would be great too! We can only hope that Roland would still continue supporting their hardware synths for a few more years to come.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Yeah, it's been updated well so far, I hope that continues too.

[@jonzfilms]

My dream synth. The Jupiter x. Juno is cool. However, the Jupiter x is my dream synth. Thank you for this showcase.

[@GenuineHeather]

The Jupiter-X is an absolute monster. There's really nothing it can't do. But it does have a rather steep learning curve. Even with so many controls on the surface, I still find it necessary to dive into the menus, and that's never really fun. But it's such a powerful and versatile beast, I can forgive its minor shortcomings. And yes, it does a fantastic job modeling vintage Roland synths. I purchased a set of synth overlays that simulate vintage synths like the Jupiter 8 and Juno, and that makes it even more fun.

[@DirkFellhauer]

Dear Alex, you DEFINITELY need your own TV show. I have not seen a single (I repeat, NOT A SINGLE) video of you that has not kept me well informed, fascinated and entertained. Thank you so much for that! (Even though I was born in 1969. sorry :-). )

[@grrlpurpleable]

In my younger days I used mostly Yamaha gear, now I own mostly Korg gear but I have always had a massive soft spot for Roland... awesome video and killer demo track!

[@ICanFixThat2]

You are a in another dimension Alex. This is just insane ... I'll have this song in my mind for years. Genius!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thank you!

[@doublebass5y]

Looks like your designing the future Alex. Love watching your breakdowns and creations ... so inspiring. Instantly makes me fire up the X. Thanks Roland as well.

[@sub-jec-tiv]

Always love hearing the YMO/Takahashi influence in your music. ✨

[@bornagainbornagain6697]

I love the explanations of what you are doing with what part of the instruments almost as much as I like the sounds you are creating. Very easy to understand and follow. Thanks for such an organized demo!

[@LuisTorres-qz5kr]

Great video showing off the capabilities of both synths. Thanks for pulling this together.

[@rayluko2824]

ALEX! LOVE the outro jam with the verses in 5/4 time!!! And your programmed sounds are impeccable, as always…outstanding job mate!!

[@hawk194]

Another amazing video. I love the way you explain things, you have endless musical imagination and complete mastery of all things synth. Love it.

[@JustinThomasProducer]

Tuned in for the review and blown away by let it happen. Wow!!!! So original, unique and genius. Well done !

[@pippzzz]

That intro is priceless...that content is spotless, thanks Alex! And thank you even more for *really* helping me decide between each of the two I should get -first- with simple facts rather than biased analysis...now I get it, JupiterX is a workhorse begging to being accompanied by its peers while JunoX is a scallion begging for its own court to follow and please him and making him look nice... Grrhhh, question remains, do I want the knight or the Jedi first.....😄

[@wietzejohanneskrikke1910]

Ah, the Rewland synthesizer company. 🤣. Beautiful. This ringtone deserves to go viral.

[@kr61ab67]

Your videos never leave me indifferent. Thank you for your dedication. 👌

[@ianwynne764]

Hello Alex: The "icy" sounds were truly gorgeous. Thank you. Have a lovely day.

[@AndyVonal]

Smashed it out da park, again, Alex! Thanks you demoing these two machines! Great video!

[@randollini000]

Killer tune! Now rethinking my recent purchase of Juno-DS... My older brother had the original Jupiter-8 back in the '80's. Loved that keyboard. So inspiring. It's awesome we can capture some of that again... w/out dropping $5,300 which would be over $15,000 today! Probable worth every cent

[@adastra123]

Haaaaaaaaaa 😆 😆 😆 😆 😆 😆. I am over 50 , this reminds me of the ads we had growing up. Then just about to sit down to do a calculus exam and what does my brain think of ???? Hint : it's not calculus formula but a jingle for an ad . Much like what you put together. One of the funniest things I have heard in a while. Love it !!!!

[@jarrodsio]

Just loving the 16 minutes of pure geeking over Jupiters and E-Mu. My type of ASMR. Love the demonstration of Jupiter's capabilities. Beats preset surfing. GOTTA LET IT HAPPEN!

[@FrankNFurter1000]

LET IT HAPPEN - what a track!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thank you!

[@scottvogel8477]

My only problem is you didnt review the sounds with your face,but since it's an 'older' video I'll let that slide. Always a pleasure to see and hear your videos.

[@D50_Dude]

Two bangers in one video, two fantastic synths including one I own (The Jupiter-X) and great quality content = one killer video!!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Cheers!

[@AdamVoxMusic]

Roland now officially has a new anthem!! 😃👍🔥 Love it!

[@AlexBallMusic]

I've suggested to use it to announce all products going forwards.

[@DaveG207]

Oh wow, this should happen!!

[@russellyoung6498]

What a wonderful summers day treat! And by a strange coincidence, I am wearing a Roland t-shirt! Thanks Alex, made my day!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Roland has made t-shirt prizes, They have, you know, in many sizes, Since 1973.

[@russellyoung6498]

😂😂

[@pnordstroem]

Let It Happen is some serious Chromeo stuff! All of it! The melody, the singing, the sounds! And it is absolutely amazing!

[@Jason75913]

The ending track is great stuff, man.

[@dgsoundCA]

What a treat being able to enjoy and cultivate myself at the highest level just by pushing a play button on the tubez! You're da man, Alex!

[@BuzzingSparrow]

Intro is crazy! )))) I am happy with my Jupiter-Xm. Thanks for your video!🙂

[@TisMeJohnDee]

Very interesting and informative brilliant as usual.

[@therealmattmann]

Oh, great! Now I have to add the Juno X to my Roland collection, too?! Thanks a lot Alex Ball!

[@mark35mi]

Alex... I SO appreciate you, your videos, your presentation, and songs. Brilliant. Thank you!!!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thank you very much!

[@chadcooper7348]

That track at the end of the video… I got sucked into it at around the 15:40 mark… Great stuff! Could listen to it on repeat.

[@edjones3390]

Listening to this just makes me smile - thanks! :)

[@Rr0gu3_5uture]

Ironically, as a big fan/owner of some vintage analog Roland gear, my fave/most recently used bit of kit is their TR-707/TR-727 Cloud plug-ins. Very rarely use VST instruments, but these drum plug-ins are actually really good.

[@PowerhouseAudioProductions]

I personally own a JUNO-DS I absolutely love this sounds it produces I'm still discovering new combinations, it honestly feels like a vault just of sound.

[@synthfellow]

The song in the end is great! Love your work!

[@mdmusiz]

amazing track and showing us how this 2 synth are all about its charcters and capabilities

[@s.kxx1956]

I had a jupiter X, when I first heard about them making it I immediately had to have it even before knowing anything about it, however ever since learning it was digital amongst other features that I feel shouldn’t be in a synth like this I was becoming increasingly disappointed. I eventually got one and loved the size and build quality but thats where it ended for me. It was very complex with the tiny offset screen and the weird 4 part patches where you are always in a scene. Then came some updates which kind of altered it which made it even more complex. My biggest gripe was with the sound, it just didnt have the punch that I would have expected, it did have some very accurate sounding patches and my favs were the orignal jupiter 8 patches, but it wasnt a jupiter 8, not even the roland cloud versions. On a side note whilst I loved the build and feel of it, when I received it I noticed 1 key was sagging and it got me worried, I didn’t want to send this massive package back so I opened up my 1 hour old synth on the bed and managed to fix it. Even though I imagine the components in the both are almost the same I find the juno x sounding a little better, no idea why. In my mind a massive short fall in these Iconic synth bodies and names given the amount of other synths coming out especially real analog ones

[@danvitco771]

Very cool programming. Roland’s panel layouts over the years made it easy to follow the signal flow.

[@tadknuf7979]

Let it happen is probably my favourite "outro" track you've done

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thank you!

[@echodub81]

That intro 😂❤ awesome content from you as always!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Is it your ringtone yet?

[@echodub81]

@@AlexBallMusic not yet, but it‘s an earworm for sure!😎

[@NoirEtBlancVie]

Alex, how did I miss watching a vid with THIS caliber of intro song…😂 I love this man!!!!!!!!

[@janiyli-kahila]

Jupiter-x seems almost to good to be real! Fantastic!

[@davidryle]

Just Wow!! Love the synths and that last piece "Let It Happen". Reminds me of many good sounds from the past but especially close to some "Tears For Fears" type of vibe. This channel is totally worth the Patreon membership and then some.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thank you! Always enjoy a spot of 80s tinge.

[@smartti1970]

I remember 2 things, Roland 1973 and cool track at the end !

[@st0rmchild]

Nice sounds. 5/4 time…cheeky! Quality stuff as always.

[@AlexBallMusic]

5/4 - the waltz/polka hybrid. Love it.

[@frankwirth422]

the intro alone saved my day

[@thedailyremedy968]

Let it Happen slaps! Great vibe; totally inspired to get creating-thanks! Hope you are putting this song out! 🙂

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thank you!

[@tornadostories]

"Since 1973" is now my ringtone, specifically when my brother calls

[@justjoeblow420]

This is a nice demo and gives me some patch ideas to try on my MC-707 as it can do basically all the same things just with out nearly the same hands on controls because of just being the raw underlying Zen Core engine that powers it's more expensive (and larger) siblings. I think a lot of people tend to sleep on the newer Roland synths with Zen Core not realizing how in depth the engine is. Can be a total bugbear to program on hardware though at times, but god damn does it sound awesome. I've been doing more and more of my own patches on my MC-707 as time has gone on and I'm really glad I bought it.

[@Wagoo]

Bigger screen on the MC-707, though. These 2 synths have the same issue with hands on controls as soon as you stray away from the restricted template designed for their layout and into full Zen Core

[@justjoeblow420]

@@Wagoo Oh I'm aware, I've met a lot of people that say that MC-707 is one of the best hardware options for patching Zen Core directly other than the Fantom line up being one of the best options if you don't want to run Zenology Pro. It's not too terrible on the MC-707 but given the complexity of the underlying engine something has to give on hardware even more expensive hardware to expose the engine given just it's sheer complexity going on under the hood with Zen Core.

[@AlainHubert]

Very nice demo of interesting new twists from these machines. At 11:02 that chord reminded me of the start of the song Infatuation by Rod Stewart for some reason... Thanks for sharing!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Hadn't heard that song before, but I can hear what you mean!

[@JNo-sk5mz]

Great Video, an even better song at the end 👏🏾

[@brucebennett5338]

I loved the self-oscillating filter on my juno-60 (still kicking myself for giving it up back in the day) and on the 106 in the studio when i was at conservatory, i'd adjust the keyboard control so i could play 1/4 tones and 1/8 tones.

[@xnonsuchx]

That intro should be featured on Roland’s homepage.

[@gregmorgan51]

Hi Alex this was the video I've been wanting to see. Basically I'm a "born again" synth player from the 80's who sold all my gear (SH-101, JX3P, DX7s, D110, TR606, TB303 (for 50 quid the pair just before "acid"!) TR505, QX5, Moog Rogue) in the late 90s due to "life" getting in the way then reformed our band from school (after 27 years!) and now play for fun and do a couple of gigs a year. Being a covers band, I make great use of in my view the underrated VR09, and I have a JDXi (white - the best) and tried to recreate my youth with a SH01a and JX03. However, I hardly ever bother with the last two which just sit in my home studio so was wondering whether I should let them go and go for a. A Fantom 06 (as a crossover workstation to the VR09) b. A Juno X or c. A Jupiter X as my "home use" only special/once in a lifetime purchase, given they can all emulate the SH-101 and JX3P/8P. In my situation, which would you pick?

[@Wolfbabypuppylove]

End track what a belter.

[@IrnBruNYC]

The Roland song is maybe the best one you have ever posted on this channel.

[@DaveG207]

Question: Have you watched his Moog Model 10 video, at 3:58? 😉

[@chedhead3278]

Review of the harmonies in Let It Happen using my face : 😳🤤😍. Thanks Alex.

[@darwiniandude]

Great video. Thanks. Have watched a few times. It's a pity Roland didn't launch the X and Xm with the Jupiter-X model right at the start, and heavily promote that, _along with_ saying about all the vintage models. I just got a brand new Xm yesterday, and love it. Same thing in a portable form factor with a more obfuscated UI. But it's a little beast. Plus I've loaded the 'Orchesteral' expansion in, and it has the old SRJV80 Warm Violins patch I love, and the classic Roland vocal scat do bop DOW, haha. But yeah, being a Jupiter - the filters sound great. Very happy with it.

[@mybrainlikesthings]

Alex Ball has some Kenny Everett in him, as per that opening. Actually, I'd love to see you do something on the rapid frequency sweeps that generate "chirps", like what you would hear on Michael Jackson's "Bad" track. I was generating a house beat that had some of that, but it also worked in a funk context.

[@MrBasmar69]

Gave it a thumbs up directly after the intro! :-)

[@matthewmoore5934]

That is one whale of an explosive opening jam.

[@Lofyne]

You’ve made that Jupiter X even more appealing. And I love the Let It Happen song! Any chance you’ll release that on KZbin music and other streaming platforms? It would be great to listen to in the car.

[@combfilter]

wow the chorus at 10:31 is magic

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thanks!

[@evanseven]

They both sound incredibly good. The more i hear the new synths, the more i love the old ones.🎹 Great video thanks for share Alex.

[@jimlampshady]

Nice 1 fella. Lush. I have request for a bit of niche content that perhaps some other geeks are also interested in. People often talk about getting the various instruments to "sit nicely" in the mix. There are of course many ways to help achieve that, but the one I'd be interested in seeing is how you process synths with expensive/legendary external hardware compressors. To get them "sitting nicely" in the mix.

[@AlexBallMusic]

I'd say 90% of it is choosing the right sounds to combine at source and also the arrangement and voicing. Fundamentals of music are more to do with mixing than mixing is, in my opinion. If you're having to do serious sculpting to make things sit together, then the sounds and/or arrangement are wrong. Generally it's just high pass on non-bass sounds, gently pulling out broad bands of frequencies here and there. Then compression where needed, stereo placement and FX. Don't forget to EQ your FX sends too. Usually a high pass to remove build up of rumble.

[@jimlampshady]

@@AlexBallMusic Absolutely. Arrangement is key for parts to "sit together nicely". And there are for sure many channels on Mr You's Fabulous Tube that focus on arrangement. But for this corner of the Interweb, I'd be really interested in a video which used classic vintage synths, compressors and EQs, and walked through how to go about putting "high pass on non-bass sounds, gently pulling out broad bands of frequencies here and there. Then compression where needed, stereo placement and FX. Don't forget to EQ your FX sends too. Usually a high pass to remove build up of rumble."

[@AEMachinas]

So sick! Thank you for this! The Juno 106 was my first love, bought one in 1994 mint for $150. This is s great demo of some of that next level sh#t.

[@alexlifeson8946]

Holy crap.. Let It Happen friggin ROCKS!! 👍🎶

[@peteraaron8626]

If I owned a mobile phone that little ditty would most certainly be my ring tone. Please don't judge me too harshly. Interesting video.

[@pcuimac]

System-8 and MC-707 for the WIN! Also V-Synth, Fantom-G7, Integra 7 and XP-50! I am not trying to catch ghosts. 👻

[@Jason75913]

XP-50's descendant, Juno-DS, sounds pretty great! The keybed rocks, too. It is the top entry-level pro rompler.

[@brunocordier6335]

Magnifique un superbe final 🎉😊

[@QualifiedSoundStudios]

Haha. That’s a great intro. Reminded me of Red Dwarf, “Arnold J Rimmer” song. Anyway, thanks for the video. Been looking for a comparison. Thanks!

[@LesFarrington]

You are an absolute joy. If you had been born in the mid-50s, you would most certainly have been a member of the Monty Python flying Circus. I can think of no better compliment. I have actually shared that with many people. And of course, your music is fantastic, and of course, your knowledge of synthesizers and music recording equipment is fantastic. Please keep it up.

[@rabidbadger5260]

LOL, funniest intro ever! Thanks Alex

[@AdamRobertshaw]

Awesome video, I too always just assumed they were the same synth in different shells, especially with all this virtual stuff you load into them... I have an Axe Edge and for the most part it could play anything from the Roland cloud synth on it.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Never played an Axe Edge, but I saw that it's all part of the ecosystem. Clever.

[@MichaelDowComposer]

That was always my fave thing to do on my Juno 60 too..just sounds so lovely. Can't believe there's people out there with a Juno that don't know you can play the filter! Great video.

[@OriginalRaveParty]

Hahaha. Never change ❤😂 Awesome intro

[@AlexBallMusic]

🫡

[@davidleary5639]

Sound Number 2 on the Juno sounds brilliant.

[@ggoty]

The closing track was a bop

[@neurokinetik]

This video has shown me that I really need to spend more time doing sound design on my Jupiter-X. It can do so much more than what I normally use it for.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Worth exploring!

[@Keyboardnut99]

Great video dude really enjoyed that one

[@jasmine2501]

Yes! I keep trying to tell people that these are synthesizers for creating tones. If you're only playing presets with it, then you wasted your money.

[@garytones434]

Ok we need this and the "studio tour" intro released on limited edition vinyl. 😂

[@VEsound]

interesting video as usual, thanks Alex

[@AlexBallMusic]

Cheers!

[@Dombevi]

great video, I already have the jupiter X, now I will buy the Juno X, btw it is 25% cheaper now only 1500€. good job !!!