Roland JD-08 Boutique Sonic LAB Review

The JD-800 was a flagship in Roland's range - introduced in 1991 costing around $2900!
The JD-08 takes that and squishes it into the Boutique format - removing the ribbons controls to make space for the faders, buttons and knobs. With up to 128 note polyphony, four tones, per patch and two separate layers and USB audio it adds more 21st century features.
00:00 Intro
3:08 Preset selection
05:46 whats in a voice?
08:25 How is it to program?
09:30 splits and layers
12:34 no editor though
13:12 USB Audio. external clock
15:59 FX
17:33 conclusion
#soniclab
#roland #jd-08
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[@gammawu5383]

I would watch nick review a fork on a plate.

[@maydaygoingdown5602]

🤣😂

[@senglorama]

He would probably bend the tips of the fork and talk about pulse width modulation

[@thomaslthomas1506]

I’d go for that!

[@jimmyolson81]

He rules!

[@visisydandthevoid]

As long as it has pwm

[@rdean150]

The high polyphony, multitimbrality, and fact that it has a piano voice has me suddenly considering this little guy.

[@floyd101954]

Thank you for putting this overview video together. After seeing your video I decided to add this JD-08 to my Studio Arsenal. I now have the Trilogy... JU-06A, JX-08 and this JD-08. I was a Recording Engineer, Musician and Studio owner in 1970 through 1990. I have owned and or programmed dozens and dozens of Synths from all of the top manufacturers. During the past year I started to build a new Home Music Studio to include a whole collection of Synths both Clones from the past and Newer designs like Digitone and HydraSynth. One Synth I never got a chance to work with was Roland's JD800. Well now I have my chance. Yes, it's a very specific 90's sound and as you say some are "Cheesey" but others are quite beautiful. Overall it has great possibilities in a compact form. The Modern upgrades like USB, and Ext Clock in for using my Modular Synths. And Momo Müller has created an Editor for it. It integrates the Roland JD-08 into your DAW, gives you full access to all parameters, and unlocks automation. It is both standalone software and VST/AU plugin for macOS and Windows that gives you access to all parameters without activating individual tones. You get an overview of all layers in a single, easy-to-use interface where all four tones can be edited at the same time. The editor allows you to select sounds directly from the editor which is a very great function. it also has an assignable X-Y pad that gives you an additional level of modulation. Momo also added a random generator so you can generate new sounds at a push of a button. KZbin does not allow for me to put a link to it but you can find it doing a search on the Internet, just search Roland JD-08 Editor.

[@Claidheambmor]

A real pleasure this review, can tell you really enjoyed playing these iconic sounds. Thanks Nick and crew!

[@WildernessMusic_GentleSerene]

thank you, Thank You, THANK YOU! for this!! Been looking forward to a JD800 for a long time, and I won't buy used. Your reviews are quick to understand the architecture, and the best on KZbin!! I wrote to Roland a few years ago to re-issue a JD800 because of all the tactile control and voices making this a one of kind digital synth (except Gaia which I own and love). Best in the business review Nick. THANK YOU for saving us all bunches of money allowing a clear understanding of what we are buying.

[@DrMuse-on2dx]

Your programed sounds are always tasteful. Thanks for the insight on a classic.

[@damiensimper]

It's always a joy listening to Nick transport me back to my youth!

[@VR360TV]

Thanks Nick, another great review as always 😊

[@MrChillacher]

was just thinking the same :D

[@slipknotboy555]

Was wondering about this, it's probably the most attractive of the Boutiques to me, and Nick comes out with a video! Awesome. It seems pretty cool. Especially since the original JD-800 has been going up in price, and has that notorious red glue issue. There's the 990, of course, but this is new, small, and has hands on control Great review (and outro playing) as usual

[@LarsBjerregaard]

I think it sounds really nice. Great outro Nick!

[@michaelmcglinchey5579]

Thanks Nick. Great review, as ever!

[@pzedozmusic]

As usual, very interesting. Thank you Nick.

[@davids736]

I bought a JD-800 in about 1994. I had gotten sick of keyboards having one big knob and a screen, which you were expected to create sounds and experiment - which you never bothered doing, just stuck with presets and a little tweak here and there. Then came the beast that was the JD-800.....knobs, sliders, buttons..... it had them all. I loved it. That guitar sound really brings back memories. Obviously I speak for myself...... but I'm sure they'll be some of you who agree! Lol.....👍👍🙂🙂❤❤🎵🎵

[@crunchyfrog555]

I laways wanted a JD-800 and a mate of mine bought one back in the day when he got paid for some music he'd done. Big old bastard and I thought then I'd never be able to get one. Now that has changed. So looking forward to getting one. I ain't got much in the way of room and I have small hands, so this is perfect for me. Gotta love how Roland always do great chorus an delay effects.

[@steveclifford6893]

Got mine , and its a very sound little synth holding a much bigger synth inside . I know punters get upset about minutia , but this thing puts a smile on my face and some oomph in my music , every time I switch it on ..

[@samiam9059]

Friend of mine still has an jd-800 in excellent condition and always gravitate to it when visiting.

[@user-nb7hs8sx5u]

I tried all the boutiques! I bought, tested and sold!) JD 08 is the only one of them, which I don’t even think about selling! This is just a magical digital synthesizer for Ambient music!!! Especially paired with my Microcosm

[@timmbrockmann959]

I love the JDs.. I owned a JD-800 and then switched it for a JD-990, which is still have. It has a fantastic sound which lets you float away.

[@scottbirch968]

The JD990 shines above the rest of them, tbh. Something about it. It sounds ’produced’ before the producing begins.

[@park171]

These instruments, the original JD. I drooled at the stores 20 years later I bought one. Still have it.

[@martin_the_artist_]

Love seeing this era of digital revisited! Sounds great for shimmery soundcapes. I hope we get an JP8080 soon ish

[@AnalogFlava]

I hope not, I just bought the real deal 😂

[@KRAFTWERK2K6]

Oh it will come for sure.

[@AnalogFlava]

@@KRAFTWERK2K6 Thats ok, I could. use one more ;)

[@Rolanoid]

Hell yeah was thinking the same thing. Don't know how I missed that one back in the 90s

[@DmitryGorbushin]

Surely we will get eventually. Just think about palm sized version!

[@prinzbach]

If only they could make a JV1080/2080 with the same amount of knobs and faders. That would be an instant-buy for me (it's my "Madeleine de Proust" but it's also big and slow to program)... For now, the JD-08 is the closest compact synth available in order to get those authentic 90s pads! Great video as always!

[@cresshead]

well done on the video, i like the idea of a HUGE jd-800 in the palm of my hand BUT with all those real controls! Good price also.

[@SuicidleLemming]

Got mine, It's a phenomenal little machine. Quenches my lust for the original slightly lol .Love your reviews Nick!

[@ConwayBob]

Thanks, Nick. This thing is a little BEAST. Too bad there's not a PC/Mac editor or any way to load your old patches into it but for what it is -- especially for this price and with 128-note polyphony -- wow.

[@Psychlist1972]

I was really surprised they didn't include the optional waveform cards, especially the great strings card

[@slipknotboy555]

Huh, seems like a bit of a missed opportunity (if the cards had nice waves). I wonder if they can add them later

[@mattsynth]

Fun and great sounding synth for pads. This one is a winner.

[@suga4all]

Beautiful review Nick! I simply can't believe that they made it multi timbral. You literally get twice the synth. Everything is so nicely executed. Love the sound! Order placed 😆👍

[@BinaryAudio]

Great work Nick. If Roland ever produce a boutique version of the JP8000 then I will finally crack and buy one :)

[@mpmi7588]

I'm confused. Isn't this the jp8000 in boutique form?

[@BinaryAudio]

@@mpmi7588 No, it's the JD-800

[@N1h1L3]

Behringer announced they will do a JP 80x0 clone. That Behringer JT 4000 (new name) might be an alternative if Roland doesn't deliver.

[@DarrenJohnMusic]

I have the software version. I also have a Jupiter X and could buy JD 800 the plugin for it. Still, this demo makes me want to buy one of these. Well done, Nick!

[@BenWalkerMusic]

Nick's restraint at not bashing out Voodoo People @4:45 has to be admired...

[@Soundsauca]

Great review Nick. I confess to absolutely loving the sound of the JDs. Sounds very close to the original IMHO. I'd buy one in a heartbeat if it was sysex compatible. Maybe they can add that at some point👍

[@ConwayBob]

I hope it is possible and that Roland will choose to add SysEx capability at some point. That would make this little JD-08 a real giant in a small package.

[@thedeepblueskys]

The JD-O8 has something my other synth don’t have, and I’m really looking forward to my pre-order showing up. I already have the JX-08 and together these two will cover a lot of ground. I don’t mind there limits and actually love the size. I want smaller battery powered gear because my home studio space is running out of room.

[@curtisroggi6117]

Did not start counting outlets until I started recording lol. Battery powered anything would be great!

[@thedeepblueskys]

@@curtisroggi6117 for sure, and to be able to take it on a plane, vacation, the park, or just your couch is pretty cool. These little synths sound great threw the BigSky and Microcosm too. I love them 😂

[@TheAceReviews]

Great review. I would be nice to see Roland add the JD-800 to the Fantom flagship!

[@johnc6030]

Those sounds are heaven :)

[@michaeldiaz5473]

Lovely playing

[@AmyDaisy69]

This is very tempting.

[@pdm67]

Nice review Nick - got me thinking that this could be a replacement for my Blofeld - a bit more hands-on and tweakable.

[@theonecalledvino8165]

A14 Synthetic Bass. That was my patch... Oh! I'm getting this. I miss that JD

[@_B.C_]

This has me thinking we might get a boutique JP8000 in a year or so. If you’re listening Roland, I would buy a JP-8K boutique in a heartbeat.

[@scottbirch968]

So meta.

[@velanche]

I’m intrigued! I take it that I can use both the JD-08 and the Keystep Pro together without the need of a computer for live performances? I have some AIRA gear (TR-8, TB-3, MX-1), and I’ve been seeking out a polyphonic synth to get with that (I also have a Bass Station II, so for now my monophonic needs are covered). This might fit the bill. Thanks!

[@Wagoo]

Of course no computer is needed

[@cowboyvicepisodes1945]

Love that piano,old school :)

[@Schimelln]

Looping envelopes = Ensoniq EPS, VFX etc. VFX had it in 1989 but then again Ensoniq was ahead of them all in an artistic way of designing their instruments

[@Schimelln]

Yeah, but no pcm samples and a general structure comparable to the JD08 I was comparing the digital VFX too, so ultimately somewhat apples and oranges in the regard of where I was getting at. Your smiley doesn’t make your comment any less annoying.

[@joenovak6393]

Roland Fan boy since 84...Juno-106 started my journey then Juno-60, D-50, JD-800, JD-990, Jupiter-6, JX-10, V-Synth and Fantom X8. Still have Juno-106, JD-990 and JX-10 as while the Boutique line is good....it will never sound as to the REAL Deal...Anyone that has spent time with Roland (

[@vaiman7777]

Blind tests prove otherwise though. The Juno sounds like ass these days and needs the modern push to help it. As do most of the old synths, had their day but simply sound crap compared to modern versions.

[@SRDhain]

The guitar patch (or something like it) was used by apollo 440 on 'ain't talking bout dub' . And 'Sweeper' (i think that's what it was called) was used by everyone. It had this layered multi-directional filter sweep sound, which was 👌 The original JD800 had less voices but was 6 part multitimbral. It's odd that they increased the voice count but only made this bi-timbral. I don't recall the original having stepping issues on the filter resonance, but it has been a long time since I've used one. I suspect some of it might be the ultra short- throw faders on this boutique variant, which won't allow you to do those subtle changes as easily.

[@rg2027x]

Apollo 440 👍 hell yea Always loved this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZOVkplvnthjhKM (spot the JD800)

[@trevypoos]

I am definitely not laughing at the display saying 'Fuds". Not me.

[@color-head1696]

Very nice review - thanks! 16:53 Koreless?

[@WildernessMusic_GentleSerene]

I have the Boutique: JP08 and JX03, I have these on a slide-out computer keyboard drawer, meaning I can get right over the top of the synths and program them with ease and zero strain on my back/body. I can get my eyes as close as I wish also, making these little synth wonders with tactile control as simple and easy to program as any synth can be. Also everyone should know the Boutiques are pro hot on the outputs, plenty of level power to your mixer or recorder, you won't need any pre-amp boost on your mixer. This will be the first time in my long history with Roland to get in and sound design on the 4partial, 8 stage envelope with tactile control instrument; plenty of 4partial editing on menus over the years, but the JD's are the only one to offer tactile design in Rolands digital history. AND did you hear the length of the envelope releases...no wimpy short envelopes on this poly monster!

[@SamLowryDZ-015]

As with the JP08 and the cloud JP8 and the Jupiter X (JP8) the patch parameters and values for those parameters are not 1-2-1 so you cannot swap patches. I ended up writing a small bit of PS to translate JP08 patches to the other formats but even then they needed to be tweaked.

[@6581punk]

Remember seeing and hearing one in the local music shop, must have been 1991-1992. Sounded great and looked amazing. I got a used one a few years back with a few issues, but boy is the keybed badly put together, a sheet of plastic with a heat joined ribbon connector (so they could reuse the same plastic membrane on the D5, U220 etc). I had to take the keybed apart and tackle the dreaded red glue issue and once I got it back together the membrane to connector strip had failed a bit. In the end I had to get a cheap D5 and cannibalise its keybed :( Lots of cutting PCBs up and using wirewrap wire to wire it all together. Oh and the rubber contacts are a pain too, the rubber plungers snap off. Yamaha keybeds are leagues ahead of this rubbish.

[@dglcomputers1498]

Quite, some Yamaha keybeds (the ones used in their organs and I believe keyboards like the M1) had metal contacts behind the keysand regular ribbon cables/looms. Related I have the GEM/Generalmusic S2 that uses a FATAR keybed that has metal spring contacts and so like the Yamaha's it can pretty much always be fixed with just some contact cleaner, the S2 (and S3) also have the killer feature which no Yamaha, Korg or Roland workstation had and that's polyphonic aftertouch, which on the S series is a dream to use..

[@maccagrabme]

So best sticking with the boutique or cloud version then or a JD990?

[@iixorb]

Yep!!! Absolutely my experience too. I got one maybe 20 years ago, but lots of faders didn’t work and I made the mistake of keeping it on its side, in the attic for a while. Hot summer vs. stupid red resin used on the key weights = a bit of a turd of a keyboard, with lots of stuck keys. I swapped it for some other stuff in the end so never really got to explore its full potential. Not really sure I want to either (with this re-edition) but I’ll see. Great video as always, from Nick.

[@glynnpowell7864]

I personally don’t think it’s that terrible for its size. It gets the job done anyway. Of course you can just use a full size keyboard. It is a module after all.

[@MetaFunction]

The rack mount JD990 is the one, with the vintage keys expansion. The FX algos were later developed into the SRV, SDE & SDX rack processors. Love mine. Wonder if the new boutique can act as controller for the 990, as the orig 800 did?!?

[@JoeM1314]

Not at all apparently because the implementation is different - it's a mimic of rather than the same engine and thus doesn't take and send all the midi sysex data. I bought a BCR2000 to get more knobs on the 990 but I haven't figured it out yet

[@fosferus]

always loved the sounds of the d50, but thought the interface was pretty obtuse. might have to check this out, much friendlier to program with similar lush shimmery sounds!

[@Diskoboy1974]

I joked for years that Roland should boutique the JD-800. So you can imagine my complete and utter shock when they actually announced the JD-08. I pre-ordered one on Christmas day. Guitar Center is taking their sweet time shipping it though.

[@stakor]

A13 (Crystal Rhodes) on 4:10 - such a beauty! Walter Afanasieff made a career on this sound!

[@johanseinen8245]

Correct me if I'm wrong but I though that the Roland D70 had an option to loop envelopes as well, at least that is what I remember. But question I own a Korg Kronos and I'm thinking of buying this to create sounds which to sample for use on my Kronos, but what is the better option for this purpose this Boutique or the Roland VST?

[@dannymaher664]

I have the complete series of the Boutique collection and I love them all the same. I've owned/own most of the synths at one time or another and still have a few laying about collecting dust due to the Boutique takeover! The ones that i do have are being refurbished and sold (well the ones i can let go of). The boutique series to me is like marmite! You either love them, or hate them. Well i love them as they fit the bill for me.You can't argue with the Roland legacy they have been in the game to long, Therefore they have built these units to replicate/reproduce the sound of the originals which is Roland's the aim at the end of the day and i think they have proven themselves in that respect. There is a plus side in my case as they not only sound like the originals, they save me a hell of a lot of space to fill with other gear! Thats my excuse and I'm sticking to it................. Right, I'm off to play with my new toy now. Top demo as always Sonicstate. Thank you for all of your hard work with all you do for music.

[@sullycliftona888]

Shit how much £££ !

[@aleHIDEA]

how do i change the pitch modulation of a sound from -2 to -12? how do i save an edited sound on a deck of my choice? Thank you

[@jazzatnight]

This man's reviews are always top notch and very thorough.

[@ManCalledMif]

helpful review. some of the sounds are great (EVH guitar). great price. The Jupiter-X version of this probably makes more sense.

[@fjfrancois]

4:11 Doogie Howser, M.D Piano Lol classic.

[@CommunityGuidelines]

Hahahaha! You just triggered some dusty old neurons that haven't been activated in about 30 years.

[@thesrabbit]

Doogie debuted in ‘89 so was probably the D-50. Definitely of the same pedigree though!

[@Frozirra]

I’ve been wondering where the reviews for this were, I preordered mine a couple of weeks ago

[@magnus2230]

First of Boutique Range I'm actually interested in. maybe the new JX too but definitely more interested in this one.

[@dalexeiblues]

is there a a way to have a Hold function like in the JU-06A is this unit ? great review !

[@ScoopexUs]

If I didn't have the JD-800 (or if I had the JD-990 without faders), this would be my goto Boutique. Maybe I missed it, but I didn't hear about whether any expansion cards were included (these provide extra waveforms), and even without one, the JD-800 has - drums. I think that's big because even though there aren't a ton, they're built into it and with the 128-note polyphony, the sequencer can do much more than other boutiques.

[@CommunityGuidelines]

Cool little synth, I wonder what sorts of patches modern composers will program into it?

[@tonystephen6312]

retro shimmery sparkle pads what do you think..

[@amatodellavechia6859]

I'm lucky enough to still have my JD 800..and still gig with it...

[@ChickyNYC]

I love my JD800, but its condition is rather tricky (the sliders, the glue melting from the weighted keys, etc.) . This is making me think about getting this (at $400!) as a go-to substitute.

[@nobel11]

I picked up the D-05 and thought it was great, and am seriously considering this, too.

[@maydaygoingdown5602]

If you have enough space on a Mac or pc get the VST version off Roland. Much more features and exact sound. Plus half the price!!. Plus don't have to deal with those mini audio jacks.

[@ShakaCthulu]

The real question here is does it have JD990 features so I can get that steppy intro sound from Poison by The Prodigy?

[@MigHound]

Is there a Latch for the Arpeggiator or can you do that through the Keystep?

[@mops58]

This is a realy great synth. I order it, 😀

[@grahamdougherty226]

Great boutique

[@joebrewer4529]

This is probably the most fluent presentation I've seen Nick ever give. He has a the charm of a Peter Cook!

[@s.kxx1956]

The jd800 expansion for the jupiter x that i have had much more of the feel of the original with the big keys and large controls but both sound great

[@pauloabdalla8599]

Does anyone know if this synth has a ‘hold/sustain without launch the arpeggiator?? I want to leave some patch going on with some movement and I don’t want to use a sustain pedal

[@samprock]

Nice synth for the tiny! Can it transpose internal sequence to incoming midi note/chord?

[@unclemick-synths]

I don't think it can unfortunately. This has been my grumble about digital sequencers since forever. Arturia got the message a while back but Roland missed that memo.

[@samprock]

@@unclemick-synths Right!? with million and one sequencers out there, no really "good" one that can intake a chord to sequence notes. Only thing I actually can drive from midi to arp is the original Keystep. The Keystep Pro wend back to store second time after 2.0 update. "Hold transpose button to transpose - its a performance feature". KSP can't even ride one track to transpose the other track, what can be simplier? I with sequencer engine from ANA2 synth materialize one day.

[@rg2027x]

I remember having my JD800 keybed with red glue dilemma replaced for free at a local Roland service center. Not sure if they're still doing that.

[@anx1]

Looks and sounds good roland strings sound the best to me on the original and this version looks a lot lighter than an 800 😁

[@unclemick-synths]

So, the faders are bigger than the JP-08? I don't mind mini faders - a finger pinch rather than wrist waggle. BTW My Clef Microsynth had a looping envelope back in the mid 80s - one of those features that unfathomably hasn't been more widespread because it's a different thing than an LFO and lots of fun when you tweak the attack and release.

[@MaxZorin8]

JD-08: "Ok, so basically I'm very smol..."

[@DiamondWoodStudios]

He’s a grower not a shower ;)

[@somewhatsomething4882]

Great review. Regarding looping envelopes: this is a concept and capability I'd imagined but not found. Do you know of any hardware synths with such architecture? Cheers bud.

[@containercore6832]

The Waldorf Blofeld can do this.

[@joegrazulis2810]

I like the sound of this, but I already have a JD-XA and I wonder how different the two are. I'm a big fan of my JD-XA.

[@anonymous_friend]

Great demo. However, I would recommend mixing your dialog hotter when you blast us with line level sources. 😊

[@enricopallazzo8510]

I have to correct you Nick. The Boss DS-1 distortion pedal came out in 1978

[@sonicstate]

Fair enough 😉

[@elissitdesign]

I wonder if they’re going to make a JP-8080 the trance music beast. Be cool if they match that ugly 90s purple color. I can’t imagine it’s that far off in production from this unit. I love the design of the JP-08.

[@s.kxx1956]

Possibly nearer the 30th year since it came out maybe 96 i think they may do it

[@nathanbell6962]

JP 8080 is ignored by Roland but a masterpiece for trance and supersaws

[@MakeMagic]

I'm not very confident as these new 'mk2' boutiques run on mapped zencore rather than acb like the old ones - and the zencore implementation of the supersaw osc sounds radically different (and worse) than how it is was done on the 8080. They'll first have to fix the zencore supersaw before they can make a JP8080 model and despite many people mentioning it in feedback forms for almost 2 years, it still hasn't been done.

[@trevorwiant8838]

11:48 Hopefully this won't get Sonistate demonetized!

[@asantecarter7013]

What all can be applied to the audio input signal?

[@billsoraparu9673]

Great review Nick! Had my hands on one back-in the 90’s….gorgeous sound but way expensive for a guy in college. I ordered my JD-08 in early Nov 2021. Have a huge Arturia Lab keyboard in my studio looking to control something….it’s found it’s home ….JD-08 coming! Bill Maryland

[@ChrisP3000x]

So you can't move presets from Roland cloud to this?

[@gershon2481]

I haven’t had a “couch synth” since I sold the microKorg. This might fill that specific purpose. Edit: I bought one. A brief review. Are the sliders too small to use? No. For comparison, the sliders on the older JP-08 Jupiter Boutique ARE too small. Does it sound good? Yes and no. It definitely has that early 90’s “Romcom Cop Movie soundtrack” quality that maybe hasn’t aged well, but it has potential for other sounds. I know. If I don’t like that sound, why get a Boutique that literally emulates a Rompler from 1991. A lot of the presets sound very similar. Basses, pads, sort of a glass flute, FM flavored cheese, some guitars, pianos. Again, the Ultimate Patches guy is already advertising a “coming in 2022” collection of presets, so there is potential for other familiar and outlandish sounds. As of right now, if I had a chance to mess with the JD-08 in a music store, I might have passed on it. Not a hard pass. It’s very early on it’s release. This could be a future classic. I like looking at it, like it’s a very elaborate sandwich. Maybe I don’t like all the flavors, but it could be an acquired taste. Edit 2: I hooked up the JD-08 to a 61 key midi keyboard and some modest speakers and my appreciation of this synth increased dramatically. I am leaning toward the "recommend" side.

[@sinewaymusic]

How are your thoughts about it developing? Still 1991 or are you able to make it sound more modern with some sound design? I'm asking as someone who got the JX-08 and feeling like it sounds a bit too much like 1985. 😂

[@gershon2481]

@@sinewaymusic The JD has a depth to its sound that makes me believe it is a keeper. It can go into FULL PHIL COLLINS MODE, as if Miami Vice had an unbearable 6th season, but it can sound contemporary. Maybe more of a fentanyl squeal instead of a cocaine vibe. Sometimes I get a new synth on the rack that makes my other synths sound a little more thin and cheap. The JD can do that. It occurred to me I had another trashy Roland ROMpler on my rack, the JD-Xi. I think the JD-08 can sound better. Obviously, the JD-Xi is more versitile, but the JD-08 seems to have another dimension to its sound. I even liked that absurd electric guitar patch. I have nothing else that sounds like it.

[@dennismossinkoff7993]

my first synth....yamaha dx100!!!so i learned prograamming the real way.... sooooo glad that they r-released it give us the big format with modern controls ....and a gooooood seq...... all music'sloversproducers whant's too have it....or am i wrong? thanks for the vid!!!!

[@deastman2]

You skipped over one of the more interesting features, which is that the sequencer can change the selected sample per step for a Wavestation/Wavestate sort of functionality.

[@Jason75913]

oh wow0

[@fjfrancois]

Lol

[@KRAFTWERK2K6]

I'm sold because i always wanted a JD-800 back in 2009/2010 but nobody sold one used back then so i had to opt for a D-50 for a really good deal. It's nice to see Roland bringing back that LA-Synthesis beast for a fraction of the costs of the original but i really dunno why it had to be Boutique sized... Because with the missing LCDs it really becomes a lot harder to program. The USB Audio features however are everything you really want from a modernized classic of a digital synth. And if they had sold it for 200-300 bucks instead of 400, it would have been a lot more reasonably priced.

[@troypol343]

There are two parts advertised by Roland on the JD-08, Parts A & B. Unfortunately when hooked up via MIDI the JD-08 receives data on MIDI channels 1,2,3,4&5. The original JD-800 was 5 parts multi-timbral and had a special 6th part. For some STUPID reason MIDI channel 4 & 5 on the JD-08 have a Saw Lead sound BUT you cannot access them. Also you cannot turn off the MIDI channels either so it is irritating when using in a hardware set-up with other synths on those MIDI channels.

[@ME-ru4hv]

That was a weird time for synths as it was the beginning of the analogue rediscovery in the underground while the "cooler" popular music was mostly guitar-centric a la Pixvana Jam etc

[@Novaheart1998]

I had a JD 800 for 10 years and its one of my faves of all time. Epic. This new little model sounds accurate and looks good. There are many more knobs of course on the original but what u gonna do… roland has a zenology software model that is excellent also. I like this boutique imma get one this year. I have limited space and the originals are very expensive today. Also note that the keyboard of the jd 800 has issues and it was constantly giving me problems. Its the worst design roland ever did for a keyboard tho when it works the action is good.

[@KRAFTWERK2K6]

I just wonder HOW exactly it is possible to work with it if it lacks the LCD of the original...... That's my biggest worry.

[@Novaheart1998]

@@KRAFTWERK2K6 I dunno. Gonna have to try it out, hopefully it doesn't suck. The little screen it has now is probably gonna have to do, which is rather lame.

[@TommyVarekai]

can you control the JD800 cloud VST with the JD08?

[@mrz80]

"47,000 fairly rubbish house records..." THAT made my day :D The capabilities Roland has stuffed into this little box for this little money kind of beggars the imagination. This would be just jim-dandy to add to the MIDI guitar rig I use at church, especially since our keyboard player graduated college and moved away :D

[@SPAZZOID100]

I disagree with him on that.

[@JobimSynthMusic]

The lack of the original's sysex - meaning no backwards compatibility with original jd800 patches , and there are many libraries floating around - broke the deal for me. It's a shame, because a digital synth with a full editing panel is very rare and it's usually very expensive. But, it's money saved!

[@Reyescult]

Roland are the KINGS of gross oversight in their designs. There is always some goofy or bizarre design limitation / omission, and this is no exception. No legacy patch support via sysex and no FX B on part B??? Come on, man! Let's not forget the dreaded power / usb noise issue that plagues all the boutiques. Edit: Great review as per usual, Nick!

[@unclemick-synths]

I agree - the AE-30 is fabulous but flawed. However the USB noise thing isn't just Roland. Avoiding ground loops and interference is the reason 5-pin MIDI is opto-isolated.

[@blakecasimir]

I used to have trouble with noise on the Boutiques. Take note of how they are connected via midi (a midi interface with its own isolated psu really helps), and use decent USB PSUs e.g. Apple jobbies .

[@milk_bath]

I suspect this isn’t using DCB tech and is simply using samples instead of the PCMs.

[@Jason75913]

@@milk_bath no ACB indeed

[@Reyescult]

@@unclemick-synths Oh, yeah. The shared USB / power issue is definitely not unique to Roland, but other companies like Arturia acknowledge it and provide a dongle filter / splitter or discreet power connection. Roland, on the other hand, does not take any steps to remedy the issue or even acknowledge it exists. I have owned almost all of the Boutique modules, and ultimately sold them due to the USB / power noise and 3.5 mm jacks.. I hated having to connect them to my studio via USB power bricks, DIN MIDI and 3.5mm to 1/4' splitter cables and then deal with the goofy limitations. I still have a TB-03, but I only keep it around because it's cute!

[@djangofett4879]

If you really want to punch up the sounds of your 1992 corporate training video or a Michael McDonald Disney movie credits song, this is the synth for you.

[@SR-ih1be]

Mean! Also LOL

[@erict2899]

Yes. Yes I do.

[@blakecasimir]

That sound you hear is all the ravers storming Nick's abode for his comment at 10:00 :p