Roland JD-XA - Sounds, Presets & Ambient Soundscapes | Synth Demo

[@namenaim1560]

One of the most divisive synths ever. The Donald JDXA. Great sound demo. What we don't see is all the tedious menu diving. No gain without the pain. Thanks again.

[@synth4ever]

Thanks. It is very powerful and flexible for sure, but the menu diving can slow programming down.

[@GareauRA]

I first started off on a Korg z1. Now there's menu diving. I love the fact that the JD-XA is at least has knob per function for almost all the important stuff.

[@DS-nw4eq]

@@synth4ever. Is there an EQ somewhere in the menu? Hopefully assignable for split key settings?

[@synth4ever]

@@DS-nw4eq Yes, there is a master EQ - check the manual for details

[@djangofett4879]

if you think the menu diving is that tedious, you've probably never use this synth before. the most common controls are on the front panel. so it leaves you with mostly just menu diving the MFX, Reverb, Delay, EQ and some of the less common parameters.

[@lookingforamuse]

Great little showcase. I always love hearing where others choose take their JD-XA sound wise. It is quite a chameleon and wears a few sonic hats rather well. Thank you.

[@kaostrip]

sound quality is gorgeous

[@RoomAtTheTopStudio]

I actually prefer the Roland JD-XA over most of the new synths that other manufacturers are currently coming out with. Your demo here just showcases the reason why. The JD-XA is a great hybrid analogue/digital synth that is very capable. It can do almost as much as a groove box but it's a synth and it's sounds are awesome. It's really tempting me :D

[@MSM5500]

this is not a grovebox. All those who perceived JD-XA as a grovebox got disappointed in it afterwards.

[@RoomAtTheTopStudio]

@@MSM5500 I didn't say it was a groove box. My quote as I said it is almost as much as a groove box but it's a synth. You can make it play drum sounds and synth sounds at the same time similar to the Jupiter Xm.

[@synth4ever]

Thanks, its a very deep synth. There's lots to work with under the hood for sound design, especially when mixing the analog and digital engines together.

[@DaveDaves]

I keep dreaming up the idea of the JD-XA as a groovebox. I've been hunting for the ideal groovebox for twenty years and this is the closest I've come! If it just had a sampling engine in it and no 4-bar limitation on the sequencer it would really be the best ever groovebox - I use it paired with a Roland MC-909 which does the trick. Of course it's not gonna happen, from Roland, even tho they've brought back the groovebox line. If they did it at all they'd do just one voice / paraphonic because the groovebox can sample.

[@kingtrance6826]

You make the JD-XA purr like a kitten. Bravo!

[@synth4ever]

Wow, thanks!

[@kaostrip]

i think this is the best roland product (analog+digit) = 😍

[@ezassegai4793]

its a full workstation too. It allows to record 16 parts/tracks. You can basically do entire songs

[@MrDubstep09]

@@ezassegai4793 16 parts like a sequencer with 16 parts you can flick between? So the JDXi has a 4 bar sequence maximum, is it the same system or a more complex one?

[@ezassegai4793]

@@MrDubstep09 oh I really dont know. I still recommend working inside a daw though.

[@MrDubstep09]

@@ezassegai4793 what do you mean by 16 parts?

[@t.n.3819]

@@MrDubstep09 They mean that the synth is split into 4 analog parts and 4 digital parts. The digital parts are in turn each comprised of 3 "partials". So that gives you a total of 16 separate layers to work with per "program" (patch), each of which can have its own sequencer track... or you can layer them all and have them share the same sequence. It's a somewhat confusing architecture at first, but it's more straightforward than it sounds. However, as much as I LOVE this synth, I think the sequencer is insultingly bad (for the price) and you're much better off using either a DAW or another hardware sequencer. Despite the 16 different tracks you can potentially have, the overall sequence can only be 4 bars long and there is no way to chain patterns together and build a complex song. Furthermore, there is no way to even change programs without stopping the sequencer. It's by far the worst aspect of this synth, but I'd still highly recommend picking one up if it's used... the price for a new one is about 30-40% higher than a used one IME.

[@ConwayBob]

Thanks for the beautiful demo, S4E. That's one awesome machine. You appear to have the "matte" overlays on it, and it looks great with those. But the sounds -- my goodness -- what can't this beast do?

[@synth4ever]

Thanks! It does appear to be the matte overlays, yes. JDXA is a very powerful synth for mixing analog and digital engines.

[@dmomcilovic9185]

Future classic, once discontinued it will go up after a few years

[@synth4ever]

Indeed the engine is very powerful and flexible, lots to work with with JD-XA.

[@TheOrganist007]

i really started to understand this machine. its like playing with LEGO. i always start a new patch from scratch. I am glad to have worked with a XP 30. it makes things easier ! love this machine- addicted !!!

[@synth4ever]

The JD-XA is quite a beast, there are many layers of sound design to discover! Glad you are enjoy it.

[@gjc82071]

Holy @#$%! Sounds amazing! Best demo of this synth I've yet heard! 👌 👍

[@Amanet13]

Listen to this guy kzbin.info/www/bejne/emjThqdsd9x9fpI

[@expandingknowledge8269]

Wish I could afford this synth, seems very capable, and of course it's a ROLAND, Great demo !!!

[@synth4ever]

Thanks! Check for used listings, there's deals out there.

[@tommyg5095]

I got one for my daughter about a month ago, used but mint condition , at a very fair used market price.

[@ifaber68]

Beautiful Synth and very nice demo :-D

[@synth4ever]

Thanks man!

[@mysterio1972]

impressive, deep soundscapes voices, and effects.I like!

[@synth4ever]

Thank you. I agree, its a very deep synth!

[@snuppssynthchannel]

Very nice demo of a very lush sounding synth!

[@synth4ever]

Thank you my friend :)

[@OMNS777]

Amazing! Definitely picking one up.. great demo!

[@RaidersOfTheLostHeart]

great sound, great synth :-)!!

[@synth4ever]

Thanks!

[@bilonggrisimmeri]

To anyone who sold their JD-XA, this video says, "Weep!!!". A tour-de-force. In my opinion, synth programming is another musician skill. JD-XA is my first analogue synth, and now I get it. My analogue and digital outs can go to separate faders on my mixer. It's like layering 2 separate synths. (Yes, other routings are available.) Currently trying to get my head round the Arpeggiator. Another "to do" is the Mod matrix and those SYS-X routings.

[@kingtrance6826]

@ catcha crab - You get your head around the sequencer yet? I’m finding that still challenging...

[@bilonggrisimmeri]

@@kingtrance6826 With the sequencer, I worked through the instruction manual, writing the button presses on a card. This helps if I forget how, or didn't use my JD-XA sequencer for a while. My MC-505 groovebox has a slightly similar Arpeggiator, which helps. On the JD-XA Arpeggiator some presets don't appear to work, unless the keyboard is played rather than holding a note or chord.

[@kingtrance6826]

@ catcha crab - Thanks for the tip! Those Q cards could be helpful. If I step away for awhile I forget. As I get older everything blurs together sometimes now...

[@ironinquisitor3656]

Very beautiful sounding synth.

[@KeyboardCoversPL]

Wow ☺️ This is amazing 🎹🎵🎶🔊 ☺️

[@synth4ever]

Thank you!

[@raven-jz6cv]

I feel it hides a huge dark and ominus ambient character in ready to unfold.

[@synth4ever]

Yes indeed, there is a lot of power in JD-XA... you just need to harness it. :)

[@ranzee]

Hey man, lovely stuff. A great synth - this is where Roland were making good gear! We miss you over on my channel man, when you coming back for a visit? Maybe we can get you on the live stream? ;)

[@synth4ever]

Thanks Ranzee, it is def a great synth! Nice to see your channel growing, will drop by to see whats new. :) Keep up the livestreams, they are great.

[@MeAlexSenna]

Almost 2025 and this synth holds is own for fast work among so many others, it’s analog nature is not as raw as some might prefer but once you mix the rompler digital with the analog you can get very special tones if you have a good sense of imagination. Is not a Moog Muse nor and OB6, but it can put up a fight against a Virus TI. The Other hybrid synth’s that come to mind in similar sounds is the Kawai K3 and Korg Prologue

[@RaidersOfTheLostHeart]

great music :-)!!

[@kaostrip]

i dream of a groovebox with the same engine ! maybe MC 1001

[@jimalciere7988]

Nice job.

[@Apachetipie.]

Bonjour, vous avez connecté votre Roland jd-xa à un autre clavier Roland...quel en est la raison ?😊en attente à une réponse favorable de votre part .merci. thank you so much.

[@synth4ever]

Il n'est pas connecté, les câbles de l'autre clavier passent par un trou au milieu de la table. Cela a été filmé au Roland's Experience Centre à Toronto, c'est donc ainsi qu'ils ont arrangé les choses.

[@MSM5500]

This is a MONSTER synth but only for those ones who know how to cook it.

[@synth4ever]

Yes there's a lot of functionality in this synth, you can get lost for hours exploring it.

[@DaveDaves]

I've never paid money for synth patches before but I would cherish the opportunity to be able to study some of your layered JD-Xa programs

[@synth4ever]

I'm pretty sure these are just factory presets. I tried this synth when I visited the Roland Inspiration Center in Toronto.

[@DaveDaves]

@@synth4ever ha oh really? I couldn't stand most of the presets, I should take another look at them. They did do a very cool bank of cinematic stuff that was very special. But just like most synths, for me, I initially thought the thing was crap (at least for my purposes) on the basis of the presets, only to learn later wow it's perfect for me. thx for letting me know!

[@synth4ever]

@@DaveDaves No problem! It is actually very powerful, you just have to dig into it. :)

[@berserker2551]

Great Synth 😎

[@synth4ever]

:)

[@berserker2551]

@@synth4ever :D

[@fahadahmadkeyboardist792]

Hi. What's the best for a synthesizer engine Roland fantom or system 8 or jd xa

[@synth4ever]

They all have different features, there's no "best". Compare what they offer and decide what's best for you. JDXA has combo of analog + digital oscillators/filters, System 8 is all digital, Fantom is digital + analog filters and more workstation capabilities.

[@fahadahmadkeyboardist792]

@@synth4ever thanks

[@ГриХАН-б1г]

Hello, and He Roland JD-XA can play on His own without any gadgets, devices, additional analog synthesizers, he came to visit the speakers with him and that's it! can I do that ?

[@synth4ever]

Yes, you can play Roland JD-XA on it's own. Plug in your speakers or headphones and you can hear the sounds.

[@Charlyaraya]

This or the System 8 for ambient, soundscapes, vintage psychedelic ?

[@synth4ever]

JD-XA if you want a lot of modulation and 4 analog voices, System 8 if you want digital and Plug-out of the classic synth engines.

[@erickrincon7215]

what is the measure lenght per track in the jdxa? for example in the jdxi is 4 and in the modx is almost infinite, i really want to know the meassure limit in the jdxa please

[@synth4ever]

See pg. 8 of the manual. It says "You can create a pattern up to four measures long."

[@ClashixTV]

man, i gotta have this... for my music production ... :( 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍

[@synth4ever]

:)

[@thombroom5515]

Is it true that you can not chain patches into a song? but that you only need to stick into 4 bar patches like a "sketchpad"?

[@synth4ever]

Not sure, I didn't get that deep into it when I tried it. Check the manual.

[@jjlaceyofficial]

that screen is just insulting. why they couldn't sort a bigger one out i'll never know, well unless any one knows ?

[@synth4ever]

It would be nice if it were larger but its still manageable. What would have been great is if there were a rotary encoder or jog wheel to cycle through functions instead of pressing arrow buttons each time.

[@jjlaceyofficial]

@@synth4ever yes i totally agree. i hear roland are selling more jdxi's than this

[@philcollins5749]

Agree completely, it has always been my issue with this synth. Such a mind-numbingly stupid decision by Roland because I really want to love this synth.

[@sanjayyyify]

Is this syth still in production? or stopped the production? please let me know.

[@synth4ever]

Still avail for sale new from music stores, or you can find on Ebay and Reverb.

[@kierenmoore3236]

Sounds ok. Very digital - which isn’t a bad thing; just don’t see the point in paying the “Roland” premium (which is even higher on/for just 4 analog voices 😏), for sounds I could get with almost any decent modern hybrid

[@nateratchet9091]

Wish i could afford this

[@kazer4]

Save up gee they're only 1500 bish or get it on finance for 24 months

[@hasanturgut7594]

Sene 2022 fiyat 55000tl falan 1970lerde Barış Manço Gülpembe kaydına bile yaklaşamış bir cihaz

[@HADO_ARADSAREZ]

Good evening. How much it costs?

[@synth4ever]

Depends where you buy... used they seem to be $1200-1800

[@javiceres]

Sweet

[@Seekthetruth3000]

Nice demo. I assume a Roland Fantom can create the same sounds.😏😏😏😏

[@synth4ever]

Good question, different engines though.

[@ottohavasvolgyi2448]

Why is this synth much more expensive than Behringer DeepMind 12 ?

[@dirtykeyz]

Which roland is in the back?

[@synth4ever]

Roland combo organ

[@skyscraper7474]

The Nick Rhodes' s Roland!

[@synth4ever]

:)

[@bwwolf]

ich habe diesen Synth jetzt über ein Jahr. Ich bin sehr gespaltener Meinung zu dem Teil denn er klingt zwar teilweise toll, hatte riesiges Potential und Möglichkeiten aber: Das Konzept, das Roland ja auch beim Jupiter 80, X und ähnlichen fährt, gefällt mir nicht (und da bin ich nicht alleine). Sounds zu programmieren die pro Part einen unterschiedlichen Midikanal nutzen macht zwar sicher Sinn aber warum muss das im bei Presets so sein? Die Integration in eine DAW ist dadurch total kompliziert und bei dem grosszügigen Display das man dem Synth spendiert hat (wohlgemerkt ohne Dialwheel) ist einfach unkomfortabel wie unlogisch. Warum werden nicht alle Presets nicht mit einem globalen Midikanal versehen? und dann kann man ja auswählen was man draus macht wenn man das will und muss. Daher nutze ich den Synth nur für live und im Studio gar nicht mehr.

[@danielcraighead6901]

Deshalb hab ich meinen jetzt an ein extra USB-MIDI Kabel angeschlossen (ESI MidiMate eX). In Cubase wird dann nur für die eine JD-XA MIDI Spur das ESI als MIDI Output Device ausgewählt, bei Kanal auf "Alle" und er verhält sich in Cubase wie am Synth selbst. Die anderen HW-Synts gehn weiterhin über ein anderes MIDI-Interface raus so kommen sich die Kanäle nicht mehr in die Quere.

[@bwwolf]

@@danielcraighead6901 hm. Kannst du das genauer erklären wie das funktioniert? Habe ich noch nie von gehört.

[@montazownianr1]

At the beginning, when this synth came out I was fall in love, but by the time, demo after demo, my emotions cooled down just like this cold synth nature ;) Now nothing will convince me to buy it.

[@agnzmusic3358]

your loss

[@montazownianr1]

@@agnzmusic3358 I did not loss anything.

[@montazownianr1]

@@agnzmusic3358 Im sure wtf :D

[@montazownianr1]

@@agnzmusic3358 I would have to try every synth on this planet, no time, other demos suppose to save my time and convince my even to try in person. Every demos failed that mission ;)

[@montazownianr1]

@@agnzmusic3358 BTW there is no such of thing like "educated opinion", there is only "opinion".

[@EvilSean62]

im annoyed at the sparseness of the panel ... i could really use a functioning sequencer and the point of a manual synth is twiddling the knobs ... i see vast sweeping swathes of un knobbed potential ... its only hardware breakout .. less than $5 a knob ... fill the plate !!! edit im not dissing the JD ... i just wish they would beta test dont get me wrong it makes pretty noise ... i just need more immediate articulation... knobs and buttons ..( no ... not the pantomime sex scandal ) and im finding the disconnect on the controls counter intuitive which is nuts as i found the partial areas simple to nav due to huge signs ( metaphorical)

[@synth4ever]

It is a bit of a complex synth, there's multiple layers via the partials and figuring out what works with the digital engine vs analog engine on the control panel. It can take some time to get into it and figure it all out. If they had split the panel in two (ie left side digital, right side analog) that probably would've helped.

[@DS-nw4eq]

It’s is missing only one thing, assuming there are normal, useable patches that aren’t hyped up noise. I won’t say what the missing thing is though.

[@KJR4103]

11:01 >>>>>

[@maydaygoingdown5602]

Think I still prefer the Arturia matrix brute to be honest. I'm not hearing enough of an Anologue sound from this Roland synth. Seems to trying to be a Jack of all trades...but it's Master of none unfortunately.

[@synth4ever]

Totally different synths, MB is analog Monophonic/3-voice paraphonic whereas this is polyphonic hybrid analog/digital.

[@maydaygoingdown5602]

@@synth4ever yeah I just wish they could create a hybrid synth with the best of both, This and the MB would be fantastic. Like I said Its more of a trying to be Jack of all trades but it's Master of none. Don't get me wrong it's a fairly decent synth, and I bet you could get some great interesting sounds from it spending time with it, which I love to do. It kinda reminds me of an older Korg Radias I've got knocking about somewhere, it's an interesting concept hybrid digital but a master of none.

[@andycarrillo48]

@@maydaygoingdown5602 u recommend any vsts ???

[@maydaygoingdown5602]

@@andycarrillo48 Hi mate, sorry for long time reply, but yeah if your into VST I can recommend a couple. Omnisphere 2.6. DUNE 3. Poly KB lll. I have them on an iMac and also PC here in the studio along with a few others. They are handy softwares to have.

[@andycarrillo48]

@@maydaygoingdown5602 how about analogue sounding vsts ? Like the sound of a jx8p and a Juno 106 or 6 the warm electrifying sound really inspires me. I have omnisphere but finding the right synth sound takes a little too much time for me and it doesn’t give off any rubbery or warm textures which I’m leaning towards for synth sounds.

[@EverettDudgeon138]

Great sound but cumbersome UI for programming.

[@goldphinga]

actually its very intuitive and makes a lot of sense!

[@romanarcher4953]

Ohuenno

[@Asmotiv]

Did i say that i hate this synth ?

[@LesFarrington]

The digital engine on the JDXA is nice. But that’s not why I bought it. I know it only has four analog voices, but I get stuff out of this synth that I don’t hear in other synthesizes. The envelopes are incredibly fast. They really get the filters whipping and snapping. The JD-XA is so terribly underrated. I paired it with the system eight and never looked back. I also have a summit and an iridium keyboard. I still reach for the JD analog engine often. I see the used prices are starting to get higher. It shouldn’t be dismissed. Yes there’s menu diving if you want to get that involved, But for the most part it’s a hands on beast. I’ve gotten sounds outta this engine that usually require modular.

[@synth4ever]

Thanks for sharing! JD-XA has a lot of power and possibilities.

[@leoyuz3651]

He doesn't know black keys))🤣

[@synth4ever]

:)

[@howardtaylor2405]

Why didn't you show how you had the unit connected to speakers/amps/computer/other devices ????????????????????????????????????? No one EVER shows that part and that makes the entire video a FAIL.

[@synth4ever]

What's to show? Stereo line out from synth into Zoom H5 portable recorder. Standard stuff.

[@Asmotiv]

Also i hate the plastic body

[@sjcongo]

Besides sy 77&99 and with ex series they all are plastic

[@Asmotiv]

And i hate the lightshow it does

[@Asmotiv]

I hate this Synth a lot

[@ClashixTV]

man, i gotta have this... for my music production ... :( 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍

[@synth4ever]

:)

[@ClashixTV]

@@synth4ever is it your fav? :D

[@synth4ever]

@@ClashixTV I only tried it briefly but it is certainly impressive!

[@ClashixTV]

synth4ever oh I see :D which is your fav?:)

[@synth4ever]

@@ClashixTV Tough call, there are so many greats. I love all synths :)