Roland JD-Xi | Analog-Digital Sound Fusion

A video demonstration of a compact but powerful synthesiser that combines analog and digital sound engines with intuitive controls, built-in vocal effects, and an extensive professional sound library, all controlled by a keyboard and a multi-track sequencer.

[@minisynthmaniac]

I am never giving mine up. Perfect for coming up with quick ideas

[@djkanyon]

bro... love this thing to death... almost 10 years going strong, analog synth, supernatural digital synth, classic drum sounds and a groovebox... for that price... absolute killer synth even taking in consideration weak keyboard... i mean it's perfectly capable as a module.

[@martinpritchard4284]

Well done, I have been looking to add this to my synth collection and by far you have got it's key points across better than some of the other mainstream videos out there.Well done Oliver, Thank you.

[@mrwylan]

I started my trip to electronic music with this versatile synth. Here the draw backs: - Keypad with non responding keys after >2 years of use - no song mode - no software updates or new features added by the manufacturer - midi channels are fixed and not customizable ... but it is still part of my setup. Enjoy!

[@KingzofSwing]

Sounds Great, Roland hire the man!!!

[@synthverkstad2093]

It's a nice little but powerful machine, love it to sketch music and drums.

[@lonezombieheart7808]

We need JD-Xi 2 !!!1111

[@infn8loopmusic]

Yes! We need a better keybed, a modulation matrix, and an FX matrix. I would pay handsomely for that! I love this synth for creating songs but these are gripes that could definitely be solved pretty easily I would think.

[@Acrimonious_Snake]

There is already one. Get a Roland FA. Same engine, more sounds, proper keyboard, 16 tracks, powerfull song sequencer.

[@djkanyon]

@@Acrimonious_Snake he prolly meant something in the same "under 500" price range i believe

[@Acrimonious_Snake]

@@djkanyon All right, then I vote for a sturdier keyboard and battery power option. Other than that I am happy with my JD-Xi 🥰

[@djkanyon]

@@Acrimonious_Snake battery power too! Yes! Why not, JD-Xi 2 in 2025!

[@mightymightyironhead]

Excellent video. Is that a Wearside accent i hear there? I was looking at one of these, but i heard that they are very plastic and flimsy feeling, also apparently the keys are easy to break (especially the black ones) got to admit that they sound really nice.

[@judgeberry6071]

Great demo. Thanks. I have been after one of those for months now, but keep putting it off. This video has definitely inspired me to be the next Jean Michel Jarre 😎

[@patrickfitzgerald2861]

If price is the issue, look for a used one in good condition. There are a fair number of them out there depending on where you live, and you can typically save a couple of hundred dollars/euro.

[@judgeberry6071]

@@patrickfitzgerald2861 Good idea. Thank you for the advice. Appreciate it 👍😎

[@patrickfitzgerald2861]

@@judgeberry6071 If you're in the US there are currently eleven of them on the Guitar Center Web site starting at $329.99.

[@moochincrawdad]

A brilliant review of a insane baby synth selling at a criminally low price! 😀

[@HonorV2ultimate1tb]

great video.... can it be connected to my Arturia keylab 88 mk2 so that i can play the synthesizer sounds from my Arturia 88 key keyboard?

[@crnova7]

Both have midi ports, so it should work. You can also link to an audio interface with midi for more routing options when using a DAW. I don't own the Roland, but I found there is also an editor and you might be able to use the Arturia to control the buttons and sliders with midi learn.

[@HonorV2ultimate1tb]

@@crnova7 thank you for the info...much appreciated

[@Manerr]

Owning it since a few years It sounds really good, but it has in my opinion a few issues: the sequencer which is not even capable of giving the notes it holds, and the interface... the microkorg has 4* less knobs but it's hard as hell to tweak sounds on it :/ *And i even forgot the micro keys that makes my korg monologue looks like a steinway (not the size, the quality) Great video, else ;)

[@kmieras4171]

Well true the sequencer and keys are where it lacks. I did manage some cool break beats on it in a way effect wise im unable to do on the tr8-s so idd say its far from easy to use but it has its qualities. I do admire how much is crammed into the small device and affordable device . When you load a lot off the free extra samples on it ( which I did ) you notice it becomes a bit slower which is from what ive heard because its the absolute max it can do with that processing power. Which just makes me thankful to Roland pushing it to the absolute limit apparently.

[@Acrimonious_Snake]

This thing is future classic like SH-101 or TB-303.

[@DrSid42]

The analog synth is just a gimmick. The digital engine can do everything the analog one. It would be better with 3 digital tracks, and better sequencer, by which I mean more steps.

[@Acrimonious_Snake]

True. But the limitations of the analog part make it very simple and fun to use.

[@DrSid42]

@@Acrimonious_Snake it's limited indeed. But how is that fun ? It just increases the price, and those handy analog controls could have been used on all voices, which then would work exactly the same.