Roland Jupiter-8 Showdown: Does The Jupiter-X or System-8 Do a Better Job Recreating the Classic?

ROLAND SYSTEM-8: bit.ly/3kuclKg
ROLAND JUPITER-X: bit.ly/2K3lLjn
Zach is here for the ultimate showdown with Roland's "King of Poly Synths," the Jupiter-8 up against its modern emulators, the System-8 and Jupiter-X. While the Jupiter-8 is known as the fattest of all polyphonic analog synthesizers, these two digital incarnations aim to model and recreate the classic tones from this renowned instrument; and they do a great job at it-- albeit, in different ways. The System-8 is a more precise recreation of the classic Jupiter-8 tones, with ACB technology modeling even the most specific quirks of the original. The Jupiter-X, however, more accurately emulates the aesthetic of the JP-8 while using ACM technology that eschews the quirks to paint a bigger general picture of the magic of the original (not to mention, it has Roland drum sounds like the 808 and 909 built in). These are both fantastic instruments for the synth fan, but the question is: which is right for you?
SHOP ROLAND: bit.ly/3hdXaDy
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[@jazzjeffjazzjeff]

Describe the Jupiter 8 as the fattest analog synth ever, then play the thinnest cheesiest patches you can find!

[@r3tr076]

Lol

[@ageshero]

Lmao

[@joelalexander4513]

hahaha!

[@MrPoppymusik]

😂😂😂

[@marmite-land]

The sound demos have never been good on this channel, you know, but the rest is still good because they don't make bold statements, they just reiterate the general opinion in video format.

[@kontraz3061]

The system 8 definitely has a better tone, but the jupiter x's tone isn't far behind, and it has more polyphony.

[@xanderpeterson4428]

We just got a letter, wonder who its from!

[@theodorbucur7837]

great idea, very poor execution. like others here, I would have liked to hear a side-by-side comparison between the 3, same patch, same positions on the dials, etc.

[@jst4curiosity704]

I agree, and I don't think Randy actually showed them off in their best light. Nobody I know in the community would play a Jupiter 8 or Roland's modeled versions thereof, in that way --- it completely left out the stellar things they can do.

[@SacSynths_Jack_Z]

They made a JP-8 sound bad. I didn't know that was possible.

[@FrankyGun]

Honestly, that absolutely terrible noodling part made me dizzy and frustrated... No direct comparison of same sounds, same melody (well, there weren’t any) to really hear the difference. One of the weakest presentations I have ever seen that completely missed the point. My two cents on the synths: I had the S8 and JXM (not JXFM like said in the video) and sold both to trade them in for an X. I disliked the JXM for its stupid and plasticky, Barbie toy alike keybed, up to the point that I was offended by simply looking at it, but I liked the sound and the layering possibilities. The S8 in the end is just a high end processor in a plastic case with keys and controls that also feel plasticky and mediocre. Again - toy alike. Best decision ever was to get rid of these toys and buy a proper synth, with a proper keybed and sturdy controls - the X. I love the X.

[@a-nus]

Cork sniffer alert

[@kierenmoore3236]

You just bought a high-end, specific/limited processor, in an even more expensive case … with less authentic vintage Roland emulations … lol Your rant would have made sense, if the conclusion was to buy a high end controller and a powerful laptop/computer.

[@SPAZZOID100]

ACB is more accurate than Zen.

[@DS-nw4eq]

Awww, cry harder 😢

[@alexmagor7538]

What a fantastic opportunity to do such an amazing comparison… squandered.

[@ZTAudio]

As someone who lived through this history, I wholly reject the notion that somehow the Jupiter-8 "won out" over instruments like the Prophet-5, Oberheim XB-Xa, etc. People had preferences. The Jupiter was the favorite of many, but certainly not some vast majority.

[@SpacehotelMusic]

Agreed. Rarity caused the Jupiter 8 to become more desirable (on the vintage market) but at the time, to people actually making records back then, the Prophet 5 won the battle on how much it got used in a variety of songs over many genres by many more artists than the Jupiter 8 did, it also outlasted it for common usage in songs into the 90s and even today (You can see a lot of Prophet 5's in indie and rock music artists studios for example)

[@jholzmer9483]

@Rhizosphere Nailed it. There were lots of great synths at that time and I became aware of most of them as I was searching for what would be the first synth I owned. Immediately the Jupiter 8 went to the head of the pack. It was everything I wanted in a synth. And then I saw the price. I knew it was a history making piece of equipment but there was no way it was going to work with my budget back then so I had to settle for something cheaper.

[@johnroynon9784]

For me the JP8 was part of the holy trinity along with the Pro5 and OBXa. A few comments here about the cost but the reality is none of them were affordable to most people unless you were a professional musician. I would watch Top Of The Pops every week and you would see all 3 being used at some point but they were all totally unobtainable. They were also all prone to breaking down as were most synths from the era. They were all pretty much hand built. Compared to todays tech and the quality control of automated assembly lines they could be pretty fragile instruments.

[@taigayamakazi3792]

Thank god for Ensoniq!

[@EHiggins]

Headcanon is real

[@JoelBouchillon]

Someone from Roland should contact him and say, “Stop It! Just Stop it!! Your playing is going kill our sales!”

[@jeshkam]

*Your

[@JoelBouchillon]

@@jeshkam fixed… thank you

[@jeshkam]

@@JoelBouchillon Sorry. But have to agree with your comment anyway.

[@andyanderson398]

This is no shootout. There were no comparing similar sounds just noodling on rediculous patches that do not showcase the power of any of these instruments.

[@jami.m7074]

Would be great if you could create identical sounds on the jupx and jup8 and try comparing switching from one synth to another

[@sintesy]

sorry but ... you have with you the JUPITER 8 (wow) the Jupiter x and the System 8 and instead of making a comparison on the potential of the oscillators etc and compare the real "thickness" of the sound .. let us listen to sounds 3 sounds of shit, played even badly, without having a real comparison. Come on !!!

[@vitazdance4365]

I have the System 8, was considering the Jupiter X, but to my ear the System 8 sounds better.

[@DJNuimani]

System 8 is the best. Jupiter X is good too but only get it as a add on to the System 8 don't ever sell your S8. I still don't own one and it kills me. Luckily I have the VST.

[@ryananthony4840]

I've noticed that too 😕😕 but the X is so sexy....😕😖

[@djangofett4879]

@@DJNuimani people rarely talk about the main engine on the system 8. the Jupiter Juno and jx3p plug outs are fantastic but the main system 8 engine is what i mostly use.

[@johnroynon9784]

@@djangofett4879 Yep. The Sys8 engine is a beast.

[@Ni5ei]

12:22 How to make one of the most expensive classic synths sound like someone's trying to learn how to play on a cheap 90's Casio keyboard 😆

[@Fallingoverbackwards]

Btw, I really dislike people slamming other people’s videos on KZbin. Most of those that criticize are not putting themselves out there. A side effect of a fairly anonymous online culture.

[@asoundlab]

☺️

[@ryananthony4840]

Amen! Constructive criticism is fine, but no need to be disrespectful and rude

[@whome9936]

Man synth snobs are the nastiest of all review critics. Who would even want to record a review anymore? I have NEVER seen a review that wasn't immediately and caustically criticized for its methodology. Why doesn't he just play more? No why doesn't he explain the features more? Just play the patches. Never just play the generic patches. It's like people somehow falsely equate criticality with expertise. Criticism becomes a kind of talent-signifier. If I can point out all the highly subjective thing that I personally don't like, I'll sound like I know what I'm talking about. I love synths too and have multiples. It's why I'm here. But I don't know, maybe just shut up and make music. You're playing the computer keyboard when you could be playing the piano keyboard.

[@kenzieprice6745]

Spot on Tim. You need to copy and paste this all over the net.

[@kierenmoore3236]

Tim, Explain to us how this video was conducive to comparing these three synths. It wasn’t … which means it wasn’t planned with any thought - let alone, well-planned … This ‘comparison video’ deserves a panning … If anything, it flattered the most affordable synth they have for sale … so, maybe some thought did go into it, after all … 😏 Nevertheless, Go Spurs! lol.

[@danmaduff8919]

Seriously, what is the point of creating a "Comparison" video and then playing completely different patches on each machine? They also, somehow, managed to make the OG Jupiter 8 sound just terrible at the start.

[@Fallingoverbackwards]

Put it in a song layered with other things and few could tell. Choose the synth that inspires you to play, interface fits you and allows for expression. Take the Nord Stage, is it the most realistic piano? No, but it has its own sound and sounds amazing in a a band. No one in the audience is like, if only this were accurately modeled.

[@luxoverb]

@derek jurovich - Completely agree. The X is good: has good emulation, perfectly good in a mix, stack, splits, layers (almost to excess), has velocity, aftertouch, three filter types, FX, throws in some XV-5080 for good measure, and has a 5 octave keyboard. Keyboard is good (thank you for full size keys). This is first-person knowledge; I am using one now. I grew up with Juno-60s and Jupiter-6s, and the X is a good useful combination of many Roland hits. But if it’s not for you, cool. I will say the built-in speakers are useless for me. Utterly useless. (I don’t have much use for and iArpeggiator either, but others do). The rest of the board rocks and has a pretty good UI for gigs. Jupiter-8 is amazing, and historic, and the comparison is interesting, but not practically useful. There are not many 8s left in the wild (a few hundred maybe? I dunno). You can buy Jupiter-X and a car to drive to gig for the current asking price of a JP-8.

[@spazkong]

You're right. So many forget to write songs or perform nowadays. I never really cared about auto arpeggio or how accurately one keyboard replicated another when I was a kid. I just liked really good records, some of which have very primitive technology by today's standard. A good, heartfelt song is the key to success, whether it's synth pop, thrash metal or house. Any other genre etc. i feel, you can't play it live, it shouldn't be recorded in the first place.

[@brandonharris9160]

They had to make the Jupiter 8 sound bad to sell the new units

[@kierenmoore3236]

Yep … that’s the only logical explanation for this debacle of a ‘comparison’ video …

[@PatrickRosenbalm]

I have never heard anybody make a Jupiter 8 sound as bad as you did. A very sorry video. Sounded more like a sales pitch. SO Many ways it could have been done better.

[@teflondaprince]

😂😂😂

[@nickpritchard7130]

Very poor Demo of each Synthesizer.. Probably the worst i have seen on KZbin regarding these three models.... ie, Jupiter x = Boring old samples chosen with No parameter changes made to make the demo more interesting... Score 2/10 Jupiter 8 = Poor Demo with no parameter changes.The Jupiter 8 was made to look very average. Score 2/10 System 8 = Slightly better Demo with modern sounds.Parameter changes required here as well score 4/10. Next Time....Please employ someone who knows how to get the best out of these keyboards.....Thank you !

[@MrErnesto]

What a chaotic way of playing. I could not watch it till the end. It drove me nuts......

[@johnsteuerwald3640]

I just bought a system 8 by Roland, and I love it. I really enjoyed this video being able to hear all three at the same time. One thing I had to consider was the cost of the Jupiter x, and the system 8, as well as the sound quality. One thing with the system 8 is that your getting 4 separate synthesizers in one instrument, and can plug out other synthesizers from Roland cloud I believe. If someone is going to buy there first synthesizer, or maybe second and are new to synthesizers in general. I think the system 8 is a much better instrument as far as sound quality but also what you get, and the over all possibilities being a plug out synthesizer. The cost of the Jupiter x, and that the system 8 also has its own audio interface and it can be directly plugged into a computer.

[@noobslayerr9732]

Stack it with jdxa. Poly lord

[@andrewj.682]

Roland waS SOOOO close to maki9ng a jupiter 8 recreation, just combine the jupiter x and the system 8

[@jarrod9052]

I’m not sure how he can say the system 8 isn’t easy to use . The user interface is probably one of the most intuitive out there . I really love the system 8. It’s a very inspiring instrument to play and sound design is enjoyable

[@johnroynon9784]

Totally agree. Anyone who understands the basics about synths can feel immediately at home on a System 8. Almost everything you need is immediately accessible. It is one of te ain reasons I bought mine. Same with the Novation Summit which I also own. The Jupiter X on the other hand has an awful lot of hidden complexity / different modes of operation etc. The front panel is more basic but much of its capability requires menu diving and can be confusing. I would also disagree with te comment that te System 8 is a 'studio' instrument. Mine is on my gigging rig and is a fantastic live tool with instant access to filters and portamento etc.

[@taigayamakazi3792]

He says it's about the user, and that 'perhaps' the narrow controlscape of the J8 and JX is more conducive to songwriting.

[@tellylater6849]

I own the S8 and it absolutely rules. Howard Jones had 4 of them on stage on his last tour. But, I want the Jupiter X for not just the synth aspects, but it also includes xv 5080 sounds. It’s not talked about a lot but to me that makes it an ultimate live synth to add with the S8.

[@danielruppar9315]

The boutique is 4 voice which are the smaller boxes which are tabletop, but System 8 is the plug out which is 8 voice I believe. Nice to see a channel coming from San Antonio

[@colonelrjb3608]

Yes system 8 is 8 voice

[@djangofett4879]

Boutique SH-01a gives you four voices on a mono synth! The SH-01a plugout for system 8 is one mono voice. Thats the only reason i havent sold my boutique Sh-01a and bought the plug-out for S8 instead.

[@rivermonsoon7009]

Ok peeps... Both the System-8 and the Jupiter-X are beautiful Synths. I have both of them and have a Jupiter6 since I was kid too they sounds equal and then some 10X better. They aren't finicky like that synth(Jupiter6) became. It even had Midi over the Jupiter 8. The System 8 is a bit flimsier , The Jupiter X is the better of the two. there is some menu diving, but the stacking of sounds just makes it worth the money. You can create incredibly interesting uses with this feature. The System 8 would be better for die hard reach the knobs and twist em btw... you still have to menu dive at times, just not too deep. Only one complaint I have about all synth manufacturers today is that they make everything overly complicated for no good reason and the simple task of sequencing and syncing with a DAW sometimes is abso-fuckin-lutely ridiculous because of it. And this is stupid. Midi is 1 01010 ... that nothing to it. So why is the a problem. The System8 is one such synth too. The Jupiter is not. And they should test them all out with various set ups. Because they don't specially for hardware fans.

[@night_speed]

I think you may have it backwards. The system 8 has ACB which is more processor intensive and the Jupiter X has the new Zen Core technology. I could be wrong.

[@MIDERA]

Maybe I haven't gotten to it - but during his overview, that's exactly what he's saying (although he says ACM technology instead of zen core, but his point is still correct).

[@bushdada]

@@MIDERA Yes, he called it ACM, but it’s actually ABM or Analog Behavior Modeling.

[@aresoltero]

Try it again with someone who can play the keys, who can program a sound, can listen to the tempo and knows how to do a comparison video. That was at least annoying.

[@brobocop8293]

so it took 30 minutes just to say the jupiter X sucks lol.

[@AlainHubert]

WTF?? That was bad on so many levels.

[@ryananthony4840]

Sorry, my "like" hit moved it from 69 to 70....😬😜😂 Lol jk jk

[@ryananthony4840]

I want that Jupie X really really BAD 😬😬

[@electriceyeslide5959]

Not a good comparison AT ALL. There is an excellent comparison done by SynthMania and if anything, the Jupiter X sounds brighter than the Jupiter 8, but nearly identical to the ear. They're all good synths... The Jupiter 8 is a terrific synth...

[@ryananthony4840]

Synthmania is awesome, but always nice to hear a different perspective.....

[@jeanmtiger]

Please can you redo this video comparing similar patches, or at least choosing some good sounds with someone who can play the synths nicely?

[@ryananthony4840]

By everything I've heard in my research the last few weeks the System 8 is definitely more lush.... But I don't like knobs and as I said a few minutes ago the Jupiter X is just gorgeous.... Ugh...

[@djangofett4879]

I own a system 8 and it's great but Jupiter X is WAAAAAAAY more versatile and i want one but i dont need it since i already have an integra (which is like an expanded Jupiter 50 or 80 in a rack unit with less voices)

[@Matt-zp1jn]

@@djangofett4879How’s the Jupiter-X MORE versatile over the S8?!? The versatility of the System-8 is much better for synth possibilities! You get the awesomely unique System-8 Synth engine, the Jupiter-8 ACB Plug out, the Juno 106 ACB Plug out, and the JX-3P Plug out Synth’s, which is 4 FOUR Synths total, plus the ability to switch out Plug Outs on Roland’s website. ACB has a more accurate sound live & in studio verses the Zen Core synth engine as per Roland. Zencore is more digital sounding and ACB is more Analog sounding by comparison.

[@josecarlosturner]

JUPITER - X AAAAAAAAAAAAALL THE WAY! 🤟🏻😎

[@charliecartwright6301]

Awful demo playing - sorry

[@WAGSU2BE]

What a disappointment. 32 minutes of senseless noodling. It would have been more realistic to take several JP-8 patches and match them with the System 8 and JP-X to gauge the sounds. Having said that, I favor the JP-X: better keyboard, easier controls, more sounds.

[@asoundlab]

We'll see if we can make that happen in the future! Thanks for the feedback.

[@jeremycayea7541]

I agree, I was hoping to see an Actual comparison of the 3, not just random patches on each

[@colonelrjb3608]

@@jeremycayea7541 agreed should have been patch to patch. 1/4 % spent on jp8 1/4 % spent on sys8 and 75% on jpx.

[@jasonekratz]

Thank you. The title asks which is better at recreating the classic then he spends 30 minutes not answering that question.

[@damekraft]

It's best to think of the JP-X as a synth that is a combination of the past 40 years of Roland synth history. It's not going to sound like a JP-8, because the overall sound is specifically a JP-X sound. The best way to look at the JP-X is "what if every roland synth from the 1980's had a JP-6 filter that you could apply to it?" When you approach it like that the overall silky sheen of the JP-X makes sense and you can play to it's strengths.

[@EHiggins]

This is what I love about the X, now with the JD-800 expansion playing those sounds with unison is amazing

[@ryananthony4840]

The Jupie 6 is a beautiful synth as well 😉😀

[@jst4curiosity704]

Jupiter X, nails it. Unfortunately, it's also very, very pricey.

[@SPAZZOID100]

Pricey? Ever see what a Jupiter-8 goes for?

[@540dell]

The JUPITER-X Series uses one of the first product-specific expansions to the base engine, Analog Behavior Modeling or ABM, which is the technology behind the Model Bank feature. ACB has been our most well-known analog modeling approach leading up to ZEN-Core. ACB focuses on simulating the analog circuits found in vintage Roland synthesizers, and because of the intense computing power it requires, is best suited to single monophonic or polyphonic sounds and simple layers. Analog Behavior Modeling takes a different approach, modeling all the key elements which contribute to the character of many different analog synths while offering much higher polyphony. This means more complex performances and the possibility for multiple layers.

[@javd007]

The Jupiter X is the best Roland product since the 1980s. We live in time where keyboard players can have a new rig with the Jupiter X, Prophet 5 and Opsix. The 80’s are back !

[@tuneunleashed]

What?! No it isn't the best synthesizers Roland ever made this decade is the Roland Jupiter 80 and the Roland System-8

[@javd007]

@@tuneunleashed Interesting . The Jupiter 80 is widely regarded as the “worst” product they made in the last decade . System 8 is very well respected , however the Jupiter X is gaining serious street credit as time goes on.

[@torbenanschau6641]

@@javd007 Not many who say that actually. Best todays Roland from user experiences I guess is the new Fantom.

[@tuneunleashed]

@@javd007 Well yeah in the beginning when it was released around 2012 but everybody loved it once it got discontinued and the System-8 just eats the Roland Jupiter-X alive! And I have one and it’s not great. I’ve never heard people praising the Jupiter-X after it’s release and I don’t ever think people will go for the Jupiter-X once it’s discontinued since I can get better sounds from the ACB engine and the Zencore sound engine which I could get as a VST for a cheaper price and have all the sounds the Jupiter X has.

[@jno8039]

@@tuneunleashed I rather to said. The jupiter X is the Roalnd most advanced VA digital synth.

[@EHiggins]

It is really about what you have access to. I do not have access to a Jupiter-8, or the funding for it. I have a Jupiter-X it works just fine.

[@joseluisbastidaviana6295]

This is a real Jupiter 8, I remember the Korg Trident has the same inconsistencies in tone and tuning, delighted.

[@tonytramonti5828]

Thanks for doing this Will, do you know if there’s gonna be an inbetweeners 3 film? Cheers

[@keepriffin]

Great demo on how good the Jupiter 8 sounds! You're not qualified....

[@MySoundscore]

So was the sense of the video again? I thought I was facing a side by side comparison, but unfortunately erst U got was only a lot of talking and a lot of tinkling without any chance of comparing anything

[@cosmojonesmusic]

Are you sure your guy knows what he's doing on the keyboard? I was enjoying it up till then.

[@brandonaikin5445]

I have a system - 8. It has prevented me from buying a Jupiter X as well as the Juno(s) and the JXP. As this video clearly demonstrates, the System - 8 is much easier to navigate, sounds better and has the option of loading various other Roland synth models. Never had a problem with the user interface. Very intuitive. Oh, also... costs about $1000 USD less than the Jupiter - X

[@user-pv4oz5vg9e]

this was before the 3.0 update on the Jupiter x now it's a different story :D

[@adamjacksonmedia]

I’m glad I don’t have the money for a Jupiter-8, after hearing it in this video.

[@tskolits]

I have learned a lot from your videos over the last few weeks. Thanks so much!

[@nilespeterclemens8328]

There is a huge mass of people who are willing to go into short-term debt to get their hands on a no-compromise analog Roland poly synth if made available again. And Roland has flat out ignored this. The reasons they cite are mere excuses to distract away from admitting they don’t care about us. “It’s not in our vision”, and yet they push out this overpriced digital crap that we should apparently want instead?

[@kierenmoore3236]

If no one paid thousands for this crap, Roland would be forced to give the market what it actually wants (analog) NOW, rather than down the line … or, at the very least, a 5+ Octave Key, Fatar-quality WITH (POLY) AFTERTOUCH, System-16/32/64/?? (Ie with voiceboards actually FULL of DSP power), that didn’t look like radioactive snot … Perhaps once they’ve finished extracting all the money they can from those willing to pay for this current digital stuff; bless them, they are financing what we hope may be something worth buying, down the line …

[@s.gharavi1614]

I don't think that many people are willing to pay for the analog versions. However, Behringer is likely to eventually do it.

[@station2station544]

The Jupiter X sounds NOTHING like a Jupiter. The System 8 can get closer. But the JP8 is a raw thunderous thing with a metallic overtone. Glorious.

[@station2station544]

@Sez B As a Jupiter 6 and 8 owner I looked forward to the Jupiter X. It sounds nothing like a real Jupiter 8. On a real JP6 or JP8, the harmonic intermingling of dissonant notes with the resonance at 75% and it starts feeding back and howling - can't do that with a JupiterX. Can you dial up a basic pad of clavinet on the X that sounds like a Roland synth? YES. But sound design is an entirely different experience. Very far from the discrete VCO's on a vintage Jupiter.

[@station2station544]

@Sez B you and your Guitar Center herd can have your mainstream commercial pads. Enjoy!

[@teflondaprince]

I disagree partially. I've played both and the Jupiter X emulates the Jupiter 8 extremely well for those that know how to dial in and work with it. It has the massive sound but just a tad bit cleaner and a little brighter. Aside from that, it would be very hard to tell the difference in a recording.

[@TheOneMonk]

The demo of the Jupiter 8 is the worst I have ever come cross.

[@davidsharp3110]

There is a lot out there on the Jupiter 8 X System Family. This specific video was cool, yes you said a lot and it was great information. Thanks Zach and Randy.

[@RonHawk-j3d]

What did I just watch?! 😵‍💫

[@Arthur-hg7ny]

Randy’s the most talented you know to demo?

[@pcuimac]

That was bad .. no comment.

[@FakeGlasses]

This will come off as a bit of a rant, but I wanted to share my experience for others considering these items. I bought a Jupiter-Xm (same sound engine, different/smaller form factor) and I absolutely hated it. I returned it after two frustrating weeks. Constant menu diving, confusing control scheme, average to below-average mini keys, and most importantly a mediocre tone. It's very much a software VST synth in a box with a bad interface and a tiny terrible screen that you must use constantly to edit fundamental parameters, but there are hundreds of other parameters that you must scroll through as well. Maybe the Jupiter X offers a better experience, I admittedly haven't had a chance to play one. Still, to pay another $1k and still not get a 1-to-1 control scheme just doesn't seem to make sense to me. For the same price as a Jupiter X, one can buy a real Juno 106, a Juno 60 (these prices go up but you can still find them for ~$2400), a Korg PolySix, an Ob6/Prophet 6/8/Rev2/12, a JX-8P, JX-3P, etc. for the same price and use VST's to cover any other ground. Alternatively, you could just use the Roland Cloud, a $50 audio interface, midi controller, and a $500 laptop. So there's no value proposition. You're paying more for an emulation than you are for the real thing. As to ease of use, there is a benefit to having multiple classic synths and drum and piano tones in one box. But the Jupiter XM was only 'easy to use' if you played its presets (and even then its menu is counter-intuitive on how to select the appropriate 'scenes' and instruments, etc., with the cutoff filter sometimes affecting only individual tones so you can't even do a total filter sweep of all the sounds simultaneously). Making your own sounds was an even bigger struggle. The Xm's 'arpeggio' is a fun party trick that stops being useful the moment you try to actually play/build a track with a band. It's a solid inspiration tool, but the arpeggiator itself requires more menu diving. Others' mileage may vary. But most importantly to me it really just failed the biggest and most basic test of all - which is does it make you say/think "wow that sounds amazing!" when you play it? And the answer for me was absolutely not. I have had those moments non-stop with a Juno 106 or Juno 60, or the more modern prophet 6/ob6 etc., or even Nord Leads at times. Trust your feelings Luke. Don't go the dark side. Save your money and look elsewhere. /endrant

[@johnnyrocco123]

Well I hated the system 1 and loved the system 8. The same could be tyue for the xm vs the X

[@MakeMagic]

I think the small form factor of the Xm partially poisoned you against it. I have the Jupiter X and many other Roland synths - in my judgement it sounds better than any other Roland VA to date, including legends like the JP8000 and V-Synth. As for emulating the analogs or matching ACB, I find it sounds 'as near as makes no difference'. For trancey stuff, it's the best Roland since the JP8000 and the first that's been able to truly emulate it. The V, System 8 and Zenology Pro are hamstrung by arbitrarily limited FX sections and the JP80 and JDXA broke the Supersaw. To me the JPX is a great all in one for composition and live performances. My only wish is that it had a big colour touchscreen like the V-Synth GT or JP80. That tiny little offset oled screen was a crazy design decision - clearly preferring form over function. Thankfully you can use Zenology Pro now to edit more complex sounds on a PC and transfer them into the synth.

[@E-MOTION-MUSIC]

Love the Jupiter X and don’t regret getting it at all. More time making music less time ranting maybe

[@jonathanstubbsguitar5340]

I agree, I had the system 8 for a few months and it was pretty fun but you really are just getting a plug in in a box! So what’s the point? I Put the money towards a prophet 5 and an OB6

[@luxoverb]

Funny, everyone compares the X to the unicorn holy grain $20k classic. It also compares favorably to Junos, and very well to the JX series (the lesser-appreciated models built in) ... all in one pkg. Juno-60/6 are well done the path of collector pricing. I have a 60, and no question would take the X on a gig rather than risk the increasingly valuable Juno-60 to beer-soaked enthusiastic dancers.

[@taigayamakazi3792]

I followed everything until the keyboards were played. All the guy played were presets; never touched the interfacing (that I saw as I started skipping). Really, these types of videos don't just plug the synths being compared into a sequencer and then switch between each keyboard (like some speaker reviews do) and have the VO use this to validate his explanations. No, I guess it's better to play wildly different presets, styles and keys between the boards and add some odd pitchbend to make the listener question his/her own hearing (I literally had to rewind to make sure he was using the paddle... for whatever reason).

[@spazkong]

16:45 set an arpeggio whilst drunk and awake the next morning absolutely horrified! Why did I sell my vintage synths? "Why did I sell my vintage synths?"

[@kiko1935]

I'd argue that the jupiter x is actually more complicated than the system-8 bc the jpX has less hands on controls, a tiny menu that you NEED for certain modulation and requires the manual to see which functions correspond to which synth. The sys8 has many controls but will disable the ones you don't need based in the plugout you're using. The jpX is pretty disappointing to me.

[@asoundlab]

Point taken. If you really know what you're doing with modulation and parameter tweaking, the System 8 is a much better choice. IMO, The Jupiter X dumbs it down and allows for folks who are less versed to sculpt decently and have serendipitous sound discovery - that said, this really only applies to the Jupiter 8 emulation as it shares a similar interface to the X - With the other voices, SH101, Juno106, etc., it can be more confusing as you stated above. Thanks for commenting!

[@tuneunleashed]

I agree I had a Jupiter-X and I felt so happy after selling that piece of shit! I'd rather get a Roland System 8

[@djangofett4879]

@@tuneunleashed I swear by system 8, it rocks, Jupiter X is definitely not a piece of crap.

[@Somedei]

Fun starts at 12:00 .......

[@Somedei]

@Rhizosphere 😂😂😂😂😂

[@minecraftavatarofhunterbiden]

Zachary

[@axelfoley1768]

Can we get a software version of System 8?

[@djangofett4879]

Yes, the main engine of system 8 was added and the plug-outs from it have been available since the beginning.

[@TommyVarekai]

Just needed to play some big chords, the chaotic soloing and stabs are unnecessary

[@axelfoley1768]

The Jupiter X sounds slightly digital & sterile, and definitely not quite as warm or phat as the original. I don't care what the System 8 is trying to emulate, cuz to me it just sounds awesome. Modern, retro & futuristic all at the same time 🪄

[@djangofett4879]

The barely discussed main engine on system 8 is incredible. It has the filters from Jupiter 8 and Juno 106 and system 1 with all kind of (surprisingly usable) formants filters and a couple really bizarre filters that i cant quite figure out. It also has some analog FM. its very unique and very powerful.

[@subiesojourner777]

I never had an 8, but I had a Jupiter 6 and I'm kicking myself for selling it.

[@rumbepack]

there's even a cheap feeling to the way the x looks compared to the 9.

[@NOCTRN_]

Hes having too much fun playing that JUper 8! I swear's

[@ageshero]

Nice gave it that steezy kimball organ sound.

[@xparis001]

10:58

[@acdnrg]

I like the longish discussion in the beginning, gave lots of perspectives and orientation. The demo part didn´t really show what I was looking for, but that´s because of my musical niche. As much as I want to get something Jupiter 8-ish, why do I have to chose between so-so emulations and sub-par hardware/design? How hard is it for Roland to build something that sounds as well as the System-8 but is built with solid hardware in a Jupiter-8 design? They missed other obvious opportunities with the TR and TB icons. I sometimes feel like they are trolling us. At least this video motivates me to visit a dealer and so some further testing on my own. Thank you!

[@kierenmoore3236]

Look up the term MVP, as it relates to manufacture/extracting money from your loyal fanbois …

[@MrMarco33333]

ABM or ACB. Not ACM!

[@kierenmoore3236]

That’s the least of this video’s problems, lol

[@MagnificentMercer]

@19:00 sounds like final fantasy.

[@kierenmoore3236]

The System-8 sounded way better than the Jupiter-8, in this video at least …

[@rentedwerewolf6159]

If I didn't already have a System 8 I'd be tempted by the Jupiter X. It looks like a lot of fun and I'd love to stack 4 Jupiters on one patch! If I tried that with the Roland Cloud my CPU would burst into flames.

[@asoundlab]

Ha! Right? System 8 is pretty great though, you're in good hands!

[@kierenmoore3236]

It’s not really 4 *Jupiters* tho’, is it …

[@themiltongroupstudios7943]

Good job Bro

[@sauce_aux]

You’re in Texas. You coulda called someone from Syntaur to demo. All of these comparisons could have been done with entirely different synths. How’s the raw oscillator tone? How does the digital filter resonance compare to the response of the the original analog filter? How’s the cut off curve? Why does “this patch” sound different than “that patch” when all the parameters are set to near identical fields?

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

can it do a good supersaw sound like the original JP8000?

[@djangofett4879]

short answer: yes

[@kierenmoore3236]

‘It’ being the S8 or the X … ? Is it true for both? Which is better (the System-8 sounds better for vintage analog emulations, no doubt).

[@karllongden4011]

stop talking and just let us hear them jesus,,!

[@theactualtruth4951]

don't use Jesus' name in vain

[@karllongden4011]

it's not in vain

[@kierenmoore3236]

@@theactualtruth4951 That wasn’t even his name. Don’t try to tell other people what to do or not do, based on your stupid beliefs.

[@74goldenjet]

Wow, no wonder the original is so expensive! These 2 sound rubbish compared to the Jp-8,imo. Flat, sterile... Jp-x is the worst.

[@Plastic_Ivory]

Jp-x is the future! Get with it!

[@74goldenjet]

@@Plastic_Ivory you think this is evolution? To me it's degradation. Its looks are deceiving.

[@alexmagor]

I remember playing and listening to both these with headphones in the store. I graded each on tone. I gave system 8 a 3/10 and jupiter x 9/10. This demo confirms my notes. System 8 sounds thin and digital. And this has nothing to do with settings or patches. I’m just talking the overall sound. Jupiter x has much fatter and more solid tone.

[@whome9936]

Funny how different ears can hear completely different things. Others here have said just the opposite.

[@a-nus]

System 8 is garbage

[@a-nus]

@ghost mall I was just taking the piss like all the Jupiter x haters do lol, they're both fantastic instruments No offense meant

[@SPAZZOID100]

Lol. The System-8’s ACB models are far more accurate.

[@ryananthony4840]

Excellent playing by the way, keep them coming!

[@nickpritchard7130]

Are you the KORG CEO ! ! HUGE lol !

[@ryananthony4840]

@@nickpritchard7130 huh? Lol

[@ryananthony4840]

@@nickpritchard7130 I'm a Roland guy for the most part

[@germanshepherdlover2613]

If only Roland made a 37 key system 8

[@danmaduff8919]

I wish they'd just make a Desktop module System-8. Got plenty of great keyboards to control it with.

[@theactualtruth4951]

Jupiter X sounds like trash it sounds so lifeless. You can play that thing however you want, I literally feel nothing from it.

[@Plastic_Ivory]

It's got soul. Play one. You'll get the feel.

[@nitishcheriyan4422]

I noticed Jupiter x sounds quite analog without the delay or other digital effects. Esp with temperature and age emulations.