Roland Boutique JX-08 Synthesizer: The sounds

Check out this video I made about the Roland Boutique JX-08 Synthesizer: and how it sounds
Today I got my brand new Roland Boutique JX-08 Synth in the mailbox.
And in this video I will open it and test it for the first time together with you.
At the start I was a bit sceptic about how the JX-08 sounded, but after a while did like it more and more.
I must admit that the Roland Boutique JX-08 is not quite the same as the original JX-8P, but still a very great boutique synth, and fits my collection nicely.
0:00 - Intro
0:16 - Unboxing
0:48 - Starting the sounds
Social media : glenntronic @Glenn Main
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#Boutique #jx08 #roland

[@theredfaceofficial]

Sounds great to my ears. Definitely has that nostalgia of the 80s captured well for a digital take on the classic DCO analog.

[@GlennMainMusic]

Oh yes 😃😃😃😃😃

[@oatymilkshake]

My mission in life is to play the keys like you holy moly. I got the JX-08 recently as a challenge to myself to learn something new. This is Inspiring. Thank you.

[@oatymilkshake]

Any recommendations for a good full sized midi keyboard that would pair well with this?

[@GlennMainMusic]

Try the Roland A series 😃😃

[@GlennMainMusic]

Thank you so much 😃😃

[@BrandonDJx]

I've watched a fair few reviews of the JX-08 because I'm struggling to decide whether to buy. This is the first review I've watched where it isn't just playing the demo songs and running the same presets in the same order. There is a depth and interesting scope over what the JX can do. Thank you for this video!

[@GlennMainMusic]

Thank you , my pleasure 😃😃

[@user-ij2kl8kn7e]

Cálidos sonidos de esta collection de roland. Exelente video amigo.

[@GlennMainMusic]

Thank you so much 😃😃

[@joseaparecidopereira4963]

Very good, excellent

[@GlennMainMusic]

Thank you so much 😃😃😃

[@larsfrosznielsen3536]

Thanks for a great honest walk through the different sounds. Yes it is def 80's sounds, aand I could hear some JMJ sounds as well

[@GlennMainMusic]

Oh yes :) I Will do a Jarre cover using This for sure :)

[@larsfrosznielsen3536]

@@GlennMainMusic 🤗🙏🙏🙏🎹

[@jokubrik6597]

Great video, it sounds beautiful. I’ve just pulled the trigger on an original JX-8P with a PG800. Always loved the sound from these. The boutique does such a good job. It’ll be fun sitting the 8P alongside my SH1000..: Roland’s last classic analogue poly and their first analogue mono :)

[@GlennMainMusic]

That sounds awesome 😃😃 Cool setup 😃😃😃😃

[@marcelofp75]

Great video Glenn...Just suscribed

[@GlennMainMusic]

Thank you so much, and welcome to my channel 😃😃😃

[@marcochirico7504]

I own the original and I think this one sounds as good as the original. It has more features at all. Well done Roland

[@GlennMainMusic]

😀😀😀

[@lindabarteau9006]

I bought two these as a result of watching this video. Great demo Glenn! These ( 2 ) JX-08's will get plenty of use on my Riffjamtribe spacerock albums. 20-voices for around $400.00? This synth has got to be THE BEST bargain in polysynths so far ( -with the possible exception of Roland's JD-08 which offers like 128-voices! ). I don't think Behringer's Poly 800 or UB-XA sound any better than this. And "stacking" ( 2 ) of these JX-08's for uber-FAT sounds? You'll absolutely absolutely cream the Poly 800 and UB-XA! Plus the "Boutiques" are ultra-portable and offer battery operation so you can take them anywhere. What's not to love about that?

[@GlennMainMusic]

Thats so Nice :) That gives you sort of a JX10p 😃😃😃 Super JX 😃😃😃

[@twiglet2214]

Looking to get the JX-08 as my next boutique but having read your review would the JD-08 be a better buy in your opinion please ?

[@Dreamerproject]

A nice sounding module. I have the JX-8P in my studio.

[@GlennMainMusic]

I also have the original…i just love it ❤️

[@allancairns6815]

Hi Glenn. Really enjoyed your easy going laid back playing skills . I was considering buying the JX 08 but when I checked out Espen Kraft video it put me off but listening to your demonstration it actually sounded very good . So I'll probably just go for it as I'm not into the software option the PG8X . Great video . 🙂.

[@GlennMainMusic]

Thank you so much :) Espen is one of my favourite KZbinrs and a FB friend. And of course nothing can beat the original, but in my ears it sounds cool… not exactly as the JX8P, but in its own way. I don’t regret buying it for a second 👍👍👍

[@neonblack211]

This unit looks pretty rad for what it is, I love the multitimbrality of it

[@GlennMainMusic]

👍👍👍

[@MatusFinchus]

Mine is arriving today. Hoping to squeeze it in with my MC707 / TR-8S setup. :) Great video (as always).

[@GlennMainMusic]

Nice setup man :) I do use the same live 😃😃😃

[@MatusFinchus]

Thanks Glenn. Just spotted your 707 with Launchpad video. I have a Launchpad too, but not found much use for it as yet. Shall watch on my lunch break. :-)

[@GlennMainMusic]

@@MatusFinchus - Then you have something to look forward too :-) Have a great lunch man 🙂

[@maxfattori5540]

soon or later I'll visit your Roland museum ....great video!

[@GlennMainMusic]

Thank you so much Max :-) You are welcome anytime - it would be an honor :-)

[@maxfattori5540]

@@GlennMainMusic thanks Glenn!! ;-)

[@mikeb2575]

And I was seriously thinking about getting a JX-8P but bought the JX-08 and I am very impressed with the sounds, no it's not going to be the same as an analogue keyboard but can you really tell the difference when its all in a mix ? 😉😛

[@GlennMainMusic]

I don’t regret a second that I bought it. It sounds so nice. And as you mention, in the mix you normally take away the low end from a synth anyway to make it fit in the mix :) Anyway I think it sounds great in the deep end as well, so what I’m trying to say is that I totally agree with you Mike 👍👍👍

[@neptunesgold1216]

It is analog dco voice via digitally controlled analog oscillators.

[@RayyMusik]

@@neptunesgold1216 No. The JX-08 is 100% digital with ABM (Analog Behavior Modeling).

[@VTOLKits]

I hope they make Boutique Jupiter-6 and Alpha Juno with more then 4 voices. :-)

[@GlennMainMusic]

That would be awsome 😃😃

[@Death_By_Media]

I’d love to see them as well as a Jp8080

[@pauldablue]

- You've sold this to me, and you know your stuff 👍

[@GlennMainMusic]

Thank you 😃😃 Thats great - you Will love it 😃😃

[@HornetBojan]

I was thinking to add this to my "arzenal" - Korg Kronos 2 workstation, Novation Ultranova and this ... ,but I think i will go with Roland JU6A first ... I need something more "into your face" (Juno 106, and 60), haha. I have this kind of sounds on Korg and Ultranova is also more on the gentle side ... :)) But maybe after that I would buy this little monster ... :)) I don't want to have too much gear, just different "colors" ... Korg is cold as ice, Ultranova is dreamy, etc. Great video, I like your comments in the video ... Thumbs up and subscribed ... 👍🏻

[@GlennMainMusic]

Thank you so much 😃😃😃

[@looneyburgmusic]

It's rather amusing to me how the Boutiques are finding such a popularity now, after so many years of so many people hating on them...

[@GlennMainMusic]

I ‘twas also sceptical in the beginning.. but after getting my hands on the SH01 I was hooked :)

[@obscuresoundz]

people still trash the JX08 for not being ACB based

[@neonblack211]

I love the sound of this thing I don't really mind if it emulates what it was supposed to or not, I love the sound that comes from this thing

[@GlennMainMusic]

That is true. It sounds great 😃😃😃

[@acarrado]

Very nice demo, thank you ! Funny thing, at 27:01, I really thought my PC Windows raised an error :D

[@GlennMainMusic]

😂😂 yes.. the exact same sound 😂😂

[@Shylah-po7zt]

Hi Glenn! Recently discovered your channel and love it. I bought one of these earlier this year and recently got the Juno X which I LOVE. I see you have a Juno X, as well. Do you feel this module is different enough sound-wise to justify keeping versus what the Juno X can do? Or would it be better to get the JX8P expansion on the Juno X versus use the JX-08?

[@GlennMainMusic]

Hello , and thanx for joining the channel :) I am a bit of a collector, so I tend to keep to much of my synths 🤣 I think that if you have the Juno X , you have everything you need regarding sound pacs and good old Roland stuff. You can download everything in the Juno x… unless you’re like me, and keep buying “unnecessary” modules 🤣🤣

[@Shylah-po7zt]

@@GlennMainMusic Haha! Yes, I fight the urge to want to own everything! The sound pack for the JX8P is $149 USD which only gives you sound whereas, the module costs maybe twice that but you get hardware for it that will be forever and has resale value. I own the JD-08 and JX-08 Boutiques and while both have sound expansion packs for the Juno X, I think these may have additional use value beyond their sound alone. Thanks for the prompt reply!

[@GlennMainMusic]

@@Shylah-po7zt -I agree- Hardware has more value as an "object" to keep :-)

[@partyeffectsdotbiz]

I really wish they would make a jp8000 boutique..

[@GlennMainMusic]

Ohhhhhh … that would be perfect 😃😃😃😃 I hope they will do that. I have a feeling that’s the next one… what else could they do ?? Let’s hope and pray for that 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@Ilsweet]

Hello Glenn @22:30 sound 17 soundtrack (as you mentioned) i really like the chords you played , any chance to get the loop as chords tablature, i would like to learn it! thanks you very much!

[@GlennMainMusic]

I only play some random cords..:)

[@popwa6977]

😉😉 GOOD

[@GlennMainMusic]

Thanx 😃

[@dalexeiblues]

Really nice demo thank you. Do you know if there a Hold function like in ju-06a where you can hold a note or chord and release your hand and the sound will continue ?

[@GlennMainMusic]

I did not check that :) But I will check it asap 😃😃

[@dalexeiblues]

@@GlennMainMusic thank you !

[@dalexeiblues]

@@GlennMainMusic or can you record an nice long pad with the sequencer that can last a few seconds?

[@ryanmoran2403]

The JX-8P was the first synth that I ever bought as well. I got it used for $300 back in 2003! Sadly it's gone :( I might have to pick up a JX-08. We'll see...

[@GlennMainMusic]

It’s a great substitute for it. Unless you have any of the new Juno x / Jupiter X you can have it inside those 😃😃😃

[@ThisisRends]

Yes do a Synthwave song using the JX-08;only and maybe drums

[@GlennMainMusic]

The «Toms» sounds great :) I guess you can use the synth bass too… I use the KORG Polysix… but I really like the depth of the basses in the jx 😃😃😃

[@testohtoby]

I love my 8P (I'll soon fix the broken faders and chorus) but this Boutique sounds 80% close to the original sound. I mean: it's a good "80s sounding" powerhouse with more than 3 times the original voices over 2 layers/split zones but it doesn't sound that right (one can simply buy it as a modern take on the "Roland flavour" of the golden era, not for a 1:1 replacement of the real deal)

[@GlennMainMusic]

I do so agree with you on that man 👍👍

[@jeffreyroecker7964]

Curious to know if this can hook up to any keyboard. I have the Yamaha PSR sx 700. It does have midi. I'm trying to decide between the jx or jd. 8

[@GlennMainMusic]

They can hook up to any midi device .. that being a controller or a keyboard .. as long as it sends midi 👍👍

[@partyeffectsdotbiz]

its crazy, in California, when I was getting into making music in 2006-2011 with my friends, we didn't like the sounds.. It was not considered a cool synth in the United States for a long time, and it was cheap as hell, we didn't want to program the sounds and didn't understand, and we didn't have the programmer for it.

[@GlennMainMusic]

Well…. Things are changing my friend. I also shared the same thoughts as you back in the 80’s … but now I understand what I “missed out” back then 😂😂😂

[@pablo1981mza]

Hi friend! excuse the ignorance. Can it be plugged into a 61 or 49 key midi controller? Greetings from Argentina!

[@GlennMainMusic]

Yea , it has MIDI in/Out so you can control it with any keyboard you want, as long as it is midi. Or you can connect it to your computer via usb, and play it from a USB keyboard 👍

[@cyruss3813]

Would this be a good first synth? I'm deciding if I should get this or an asm hydrasynth. What are your thoughts on an asm hydrasynth?

[@GlennMainMusic]

I did not have the chance to try the hydrasynth, so I don’t really know. My recommendation is to check out the Roland Gaia. That’s a great synth for beginners as well as “pro”. It’s a very easy-to-understand the logic of making sounds. And it sounds so nice. And the layout is very easy to understand as well… and you can also use that one as a sound card with keys as well.. you can also use the JX-08 as a sound card by the way… A synth is a very personal choice… but I use a lot of Roland gear because in my opinion that’s the brand that made all the greatest synths back I. The days… 😃😃😃

[@kaikiefer8303]

Nice reference to Mr. Kraft. I was interested on your approach / perspective - with your experience with the XM. Thanks for doing this.

[@GlennMainMusic]

@espen Kraft is one of my favourite channels ever !! So he deserves all the cred he can get. Hi is the “MASTER” 😃😃😃

[@kaikiefer8303]

@@GlennMainMusic he deserve credit - on in what he does. Like him a lot. From my perspective your level - on a slightly different skills - are by no means any lower. Like what Norway brings to the community.

[@harrycash8713]

Try using a stereo flanger with it into two amps. What is the JD 08 and how does it compare?

[@GlennMainMusic]

I will chat it out. I don’t have the JD08, but I have the original JD 800 and the expansion for my Juno x..:)

[@disbauxatv5985]

hello.... can u please tell me waht is the white roland thing u have there ???? thanks

[@GlennMainMusic]

If it´s the synth on top of the JX8P, its a Roland Gaia. If you mean the drum-thi9ng, its a Handsonic 10 from Roland 🙂

[@disbauxatv5985]

ok cool, thak you !!!@@GlennMainMusic

[@sK3LeTvM1]

Thank you for this video. Well done, without any prejudice regarding 'the original' JX8P. Obvious the JX-08 sounds slightly different than the JX8P. At the end, they are 2 different synths. Thank you for just comparing, and not (mis) judging and like a guy called EK. EK is just feeding the 'analog myth' and only tries to gain viewers for his YT-channel on that total wrong believe.

[@GlennMainMusic]

Thanx man :) Yes , it is definitely two different synths. And I like them both. This is also the reason why I did not bring my original JX8P into this 🤘😂🤘

[@mudi2000a]

Thanks for the video, however there seems to be some distortion in the audio sometimes.

[@GlennMainMusic]

Hmm…. I did not hear that when I publish… but I hope you can still hear my playing 😃😃😃

[@mudi2000a]

@@GlennMainMusic your playing is very good as always.😀 The distortion is not very bad, if I had listened on my phone I would have barely noticed it.

[@Reeesegame]

I am about to buy my first synth and was thinking about this JX-08 or the Ju-06a. I want to make pop / 80’s dance music with it. I already own a Roland TR-8S. Is this a better investment than the Ju-06A?

[@GlennMainMusic]

I have them both, and I do think they are two great boutiques… so it is all a matter of taste. So it’s hard to tell…😃

[@Reeesegame]

@@GlennMainMusic Thanks! But now I am thinking about the Mc-101 or mc-707 after watching your other video :-) that might be a better combo with my tr-8s

[@GlennMainMusic]

@@Reeesegame - I did not try the MC101, But I know it’s a bit more menu-diving to tweak parameters and settings. And I also think that 4 track is not enough, at least for my needs… so if you have the chance to choose between then I would go for the MC 707… although it’s a bit bigger in size… the 101 is of course more portable 😃😃😃

[@Wagoo]

you can't actually edit the synth engine on the 101 AFAIK, it's just a patch playback box

[@producedbykemp691]

How do i change the octave shift?

[@GlennMainMusic]

While holding down the [DUAL] button, specify the value by using the numeric buttons «1» , And set the value with the numeric buttons again. Step “8=0” and then 1= -4 semitones and 16=+4 semitones 😃 Hope this will help you ;) It is also written in the manual refer if to “Octave/transpose”. Here is the link in case you should need some more info : imagescdn.juno.co.uk/manual/590174-01U.pdf 😃😃

[@marcochirico7504]

Playing It with Jx10 gives more value to the review 🙂

[@GlennMainMusic]

That is so true :-) But I dont have the JX10.. but I wish I had it :-)

[@scottgentile1663]

All new VA synths today from Roland, Korg, Yamaha, etc. sound great. It comes down to the interface and IMO an 8p with the PG-800 is beautifully designed with a screen for patch management, dedicated TVF/TVA sliders and dynamics selectors peppered all over. The real 8p also has a more organic sound tone and usually when we reach for analog that's what we are looking for. Take the piano sounds of the JX-8p, it is still one of the very best sounding and feeling analog pianos ever. The JX-08 has a harsher more brittle quality but like I said, all VA's sound good in a more polished sort of way.

[@GlennMainMusic]

I do agree with you 100%. I also have the original JX8P (but without the PG800) and there is a reason why I never got rid of it 😃😃😃

[@timzitzelsberger3200]

Sounds kind of analog

[@GlennMainMusic]

Oh yes it does, sounds warm and nice :-)