Roland JX-3P vs JX-8P Comparsion

[@BrainHaus]

I have both the 3P and 8P, I must admit I use the 8P more often, but I use them both differently. I upgraded my JX3p with the KiwiTechnics (Kiwi3P) modification and it's much more useful in the studio now, I love this era or Roland gear.

[@pbasswil]

In most of these patch comparisons, one of these synths sounds louder than the other (depending on the patch). This has a _huge_ effect on how we perceive the sounds, and which we prefer. Since the volume difference varies depending on the patch, he couldn't really level match them each time he changed. So it's up to us to be aware that the ear usually prefers the louder sound. Overall it sounds to me like the JX3P has more mid-range, while the JX8P is a bit more scooped. But I bet with the right EQ or filter adjustment _either_ synth could sound great.

[@joachim595]

pbasswil I totally agree with you. Sometimes you get the feeling there’s less low end on the JX-8P as well, which is of course nonsense.

[@MrLawrence0071]

Also, the chorus on the 8 is ON on most patches where it seems off on the 3P (or the 3P chorus is just less good/deep)

[@devmiles]

i own both...the 3p sounds more 80's, vintage, very good for strings with a bit lfo, melancholic type sounds (the cure, human league etc) 8p has some more options (unison for instance) kan sound a bit more in your face. i mean these are examples of similar waveforms but if you go more indepth synthesis and sound programming they quite differ from eachother in type of functions. 3p is more basic in functions but wins over character. i make very different sounds on both that i can't do with the other so a direct comparison has no concluding function. for stab type sounds the 8p is fantastic by the way with the unison on, as well as for basslines. by no means a 8p sounds thinner than a 3p.. i have both used these machine very intense over the past 10 years.

[@jnorten]

Interestingly the Cure were more known for the JX-8p than 3p.

[@MrLawrence0071]

With the KiwiTechnics upgrade, the JX3P also has unision option. I'll take the 3P. Sounds better overal. My opinion :-)

[@georgegeorgio1751]

Yeah what do say about this statement? 'interestingly the Cure were more known for the JX-8p than 3p."

[@cuttingedge1987]

Well iam looking to make fat pads for synthwave music which one should I get then? Thank you

[@kiko1935]

Recently sold my 3p. The sound is full of character some very cool metallic sounds can be made and the on board sequencer is fun. Definitely from an earlier era and has that sound. Jx8p is definitely more smooth and polished (I believe the filter envelope is software generated like the alpha juno.) it is harder to make weird sounds on it but seems to work better in the mix than the jx3p. Love both.

[@thevco]

the real differences are the 3p has a onboard sequencer and gate in for the clock and basic midi, the 8p has unison modes better midi both are great synths :)

[@lundsweden]

I just saw a JX-3P advertised with a PG200. They are both mint and are about $600 USD for the both of them. Only problem is they are over 1000kms away from me!

[@JimAtwood]

Great video. Thanks! I own both synths and can say they are both totally different. I would buy both but for different reasons. I actually find the JX8P better for that 80's sound while the JX-3P can pull off some great modern synth stuff. Both are great, but when I compare my two they are just plain different.

[@SiliconBassist]

They complement each other beautifully!

[@Miicrowahvei]

Sounds like 8p is better at pads and brass (9:29) while 3p does the organ and lead sounds better. I also prefer the cleaner synth bass of 8p.

[@museonfilm8919]

I feel that the 3P gets a bad rap, because most folks judge it by the weak presets and gnarly front panel. I have a 3P, and believe me - when you dive into it, it's immense. Don't know why the single DCO Juno's steal the thunder!

[@dazzjazz]

Me either. I’ve never understood the fuss about the Juno 106. Give me two oscillators any day.

[@killswitchmediastudios]

I know I'm late to the party but just like to add. I have the 3P and JX10. I agree with those who say they are different. I know the JX is two P8s, but the JX sound is unique when programmed. I have both programmers. JX3P will be a coveted classic someday.

[@donallfinn]

Sorry man, but a JX10 has different opamps, therefore different internal gain staging, different VCA, and "Refined" oscillators, they tweaked key components of the 8P, and like the 8P it was an inferior synth to its predecessor, 8P>JX10

[@100DollarHeadache]

3P just sounds more focused - more midrange-heavy, and somewhat sharper on the attack. The organs have a nice key click, and the percussive sounds have some impact. 8P, however, beats 3P on strings thanks to its wider frequency response, and overall has the more polished sound that would work very well paired with a rawer monosynth.

[@brianptguitarkeyboardcover9957]

Thanks for the video, just bought a JX8P now thinking off adding a JX3p

[@electrocolourfield2200]

Clearly in rolands mind the JX8P is supposed to be the successor to the JX3P their numbering system makes sense, when your looking at JX-10 which is x2 JX8P's under one hood like the MKS70 then the model numbering makes total sense, x2 independent JX8P's with a 73note keybed (jx10) is one stunning synth, the layering options are ridculous. I had a JX8P and while it was lovely, its a totally different planet having two of them layered with different patches in cobination, the JX10 is absolutely amazing, lot of love for the JX8P from here, its stupidly underated.

[@nihilvoid4112]

Would love to see a demo of the JX8P vs the Alpha Juno

[@Timecop1983]

Based on this i think the 3p sounds better. The 8p sounds quite thin here

[@georgegeorgio1751]

Yeah not true you obviously haven't had one, the sounds the 8p can achieve are quite varied and it has that classic Roland chorus which is thinner or lesser on the 3p.

[@t.n.3819]

@@georgegeorgio1751 The dude literally said "BASED ON THIS", so yeah... it is obvious he didn't have one because he told you that.

[@georgegeorgio1751]

I love both of these and owned the 8p years ago but now have the Prophet 08 which can do all of these sounds and way more except for the Classic Roland chorus.

[@mootbooxle]

This is a well-done video! I think the JX-3P is overall warmer, fatter and more "analogue" sounding, but you certainly get more for your money with the 8P. I think it could be fattened up with some judicious EQ or a nice tube preamp. I wouldn't have either one without the programmer though!

[@74goldenjet]

It is louder, and everything that is louder sounds fuller, warmer and fatter. Turn down the volume and uh-oh, not so superior anymore...

[@alphanumeric1529]

It also works the other way, things that sound better, sound louder. Maybe the 3P is peaking lower than the 8?

[@SquirrelFromGradLife]

I was commenting on the "somewhat sharper on the attack" and with the difference between them being so small likely down to a minute difference in settings and how you strike the keys. The amount of steps the audio takes will distorts anything you perceive to hear. I know how much things get distorted by compression during video rendering, when KZbin transcodes your video and compresses both the audio and video. Finally the audio is played though his EQ, speakers possibly via his soundcard!

[@rformidable]

beide Synthesizer wurden in der europa Song "The Final Countdown 'verwendet. das Lied beginnt mit der JX-8p Synthbrass Patch und wird mit dem JX-3p 'Synthbrass 2' Patch auf 0.54 Uhr Sekunden überlagert. hört man den großen Unterschied zwischen den beiden Synthesizern. die 3p hat einen viel volleren Klang.

[@synthartist69]

Thanks for posting!

[@yokeobro]

The longer u watch this video the better the jx8p gets to anyone just thinking it sounds ‘thinner’. I think the attack is a bit edgier on the 3p but the 8p is smooth af. Hear how that translates to the pad sounds later in the vid. It’s also louder overall but going off this I’d say they’re both amazing but the 3p for leads and 8p for pads.

[@polyneux74]

The JX-8P sounds just a tad thinner than the JX-3P. Not saying one is better than the other as it all comes down to application but, I do notice an overall thinner sound from the 8P. Still a wonderful machine nonetheless. I have owned both of these machines in the past and I'd like to get the JX-3P back along with its PG200 unit.

[@ADVANCEDBREAKAGE]

The internal architecture is different for a very fundamental start , for instance the 3p shares the same IR3109 filter Vcf/Vca as the juno 6 and 60 and I think Jupiter 8 not 6 as jp 6 used a Curtis chip. The 8p uses the ir3R05 same as the alpha junos which didn't self oscillater and was a lot more tame. possibly even the vco ics were different thou don't quote me , still both have their strengths and weakness/ Maybe we should ask roland for jx 83p best of both edition.

[@philipborlin]

The JX-8P is the ultimate deep house vibe synth

[@Sonikbytes]

Interesting, I have mks-70 ( 2x8p) but 3p has definitely more sparkle and rawness, better attack which I like. 8p often sounds muddy especially with that chorus enabled even the brass in this video is more bitting on 3p

[@dvamateur]

Sounds aside, seeing JX-8P and JX-3P with corresponding programmers delivers such a visual impact to me, that my gear lust skyrockets :) I mean, really. Those things look really neat.

[@Shred_The_Weapon]

You're not kidding. One time, a guy I worked with said that tiered keyboards were history. I wanted to slug him.

[@dvamateur]

I see, it's probably a laptop based millennial or DJ, or both. Just ignore him. If you slug him, he might think you care. Just ignore him, he won't do his laptop thing in his room for himself for too long.

[@Shred_The_Weapon]

To quote a certain Australian duo known for their 80s power ballads, "I can wait forever."

[@dvamateur]

I am not waiting for anything. I have two tier setup all the time, I just swap my dozen keyboards or so in my double tier configuration.

[@Shred_The_Weapon]

I should do the same. I've got six of these monsters, all different too. But, I was referring to my acquaintance who badmouthed 2-tier rigs atoning for his insults.

[@layzer80]

the 3p sounds more bright and digital, but that can be adjusted with EQing the highs down a bit

[@nym053]

Odd, I would say that it's the opposite.

[@Dailabsynth1]

JX-8P sounds more clear with an HF and looks more better than JX-3P (for me). But JX-3P sounds more alive, more fat, meaty and smooth. "Organ A" and chorus effect are more better on JX-3P. JX-3P Winner! Thanks for the comparsion.

[@tofumanize]

... der jx8p klingt offener und schön räumlich, der jx3p irgendwie fetter und kompakt ... schöner vergleich, danke!

[@HatredPrime]

difference in output level, you didn't match volume, of course something will sound more exciting when it is louder

[@TausendAugen]

maby in same cases but not at all

[@donalfinn7354]

No, you are 100% wrong, It will ALWAYS make the louder one sound better, as you will sense more of it's harmonic content

[@HazeAnderson]

There was more dust on the JX-8P and that gave it the unfair biased advantage. 🙄

[@MrLawrence0071]

LOOOOOL :-D

[@-K3C-]

@@TausendAugen not at all? u just a clown dude, the jx8p was less louder+the hi pass filter was turned on on some sounds to make it less bassy.

[@DenniBoger]

That was nice, thanks.

[@SquirrelFromGradLife]

I have an Elektron Analog Four which is an amazing instrument just for the sheer analog sound alone, but there's plenty of videos here on KZbin where it sounds horrible and compressed with no dynamic range at all. Hearing it live through my PA it sounds like a completely different instrument. I have a Moog Minitaur and the deep analog earthshaking rumble and screaming oscillators are virtually completely lost here on KZbin.

[@ChrisNova777]

thanks for this great video comparison

[@Stassis]

JX3P on bass duties, the JX8P for pads.

[@quarkyzarky]

no. 3p On both (effects for pads) sounds way warmer than that samey old 8p strings sound (that sounds extremely cheesy). 3P can do both fine, while 8P is naturally more adept at pads, it just happens to sound mostly like shit (outside of it's 'soundtrack' pad which you can only force into so many modern songs). 3P FTW

[@HatredPrime]

quarkyzarky 3P IS good for not so evolving pads, not so evolving leads, not so evolving fx and not so evolving drones

[@keisinger5106]

@@quarkyzarky You have misunderstood

[@Grow_Everything]

@Donal Finn Tell that to Harold Faltermeyer. lol

[@splintercast8092]

From 11:08 you can really hear just how much more snappy the JX3P's envelopes are than the JX8P.

[@dustmighte]

Much prefer the low-end on the 8P!

[@dustmighte]

But I'm biased, I'm an owner of one :)

[@alexovercast3359]

what do u run yours through for more character? Just bought one with programmer for 600 Canadian dollars :)

[@TheHouseofKushTV]

Repeating what's been said: the level difference is WAY too big to make for a fair comparison between such otherwise-similar sounds.

[@JasonOzolins]

Hi - I'm thinking that for some of the patches the volume levels might be a bit different between the two synths; was velocity sensitivity turned off for the JX-8P? Another thing that could well make a difference apart from the actual synthesis engines is the master volume amp and decoupling on the two synths. That could change the frequency response of the synths, but you could use a bit of EQ to compensate for that. DCO sweeps/white noise into spectrum analyzer would be interesting to see. :-)

[@SpacehotelMusic]

3P clearly sounds better. And in my own tests (having had both) I also found this. I'm not a fan of the 8P but the 3P makes it into a lot of my music (check 'rewind 25' on my channel - 85% JX-3P! - great synth) :)

[@SiliconBassist]

I really don't see one as being better than the other. I think that they're just different in character: the 3P being more fat and brash and the 8P/10 being more focused but still warm; although there is obviously some overlap. I really like your recording, btw. It's an excellent example of some of the 3P's strengths.

[@SpacehotelMusic]

SiliconBassist If you were referring to my track 'Rewind 25' then thanks, appreciated!

[@SiliconBassist]

SpacehotelMusic Indeed! It's very good and, as you pointed out, full of JX-3P goodness!

[@w33blord66]

It might just be a matter of taste but I think the JX-8p sounds more versatile. I've heard the 8P sound as harsh as the 3P but I've never heard the 3P sound as smooth as the J8.

[@Shred_The_Weapon]

As with azz666, I'm biased since I already own an 8p. If I didn't and I were watching this video, being able to pick out only subtle differences between the two models, I think I would still pick the 8p based on the additional features on its front panel and programmer.

[@georgex609]

The volume on the JX 8P is lower, cannot tell which unit "sounds better"... Need to do a proper A/B using the sequenced midi signal after the volumes are balanced.

[@buminbeer2]

Now, I was more surprised as close as they are, I guess like the Juno 60 and 106, somewhat close.

[@xManifrd]

why is that jx3p has more presence on all variations, i know jx8p is little more quiet , but its thinner for sure, jx3p is punchier and warmer sounding, so what is the catch with jx8p?, for me jx3p is a classic roland synth compared to 8p

[@AdamTheAd-vanc3d]

Øx Manifræd My only logical guess is that the 8p was supposed to be an updated refinent of the 3p. Alot of the sound comes down to the filter and Vca circuitry etc . 3p Ir3109 compared with the Ir3r05. No contest there for me personally. Theres something about the latter filter which sounds very shall we say , "Thin" to the ears.

[@DistrictSoundLab]

Wow even through my iPhone speakers I can hear how much better the 3 sounds. Crazy difference

[@antigen4]

lol

[@buminbeer2]

Your an idiot, you cannot hear a difference over an iphone. I'd bet you clowns, the difference between a Juno 60, Juno 106 and a Juno 2, and a VST, you could not get 25% right. I'll put $500 on it in a blind test. You won't bet, since you have no clue, fucking idiots..

[@Max1337_]

wow, are you ok dude? You need to talk to someone?

[@DistrictSoundLab]

+buminbeer2 hey buddy. It looks like you, in fact, are the idiot. for not knowing the difference between "your" and "you're", and for picking fights with random people on the Internet who you know nothing about. People who do blind shoot outs all the time

[@georgegeorgio1751]

@@DistrictSoundLab Yes but you made the statement that it was clearly better so people are calling you out and disagreeing with you, I personally think they are both great at some similar sounds but then have their areas of specialty.

[@Digiphex]

The 8P was probably the ugliest product while the JX3P design has aged well and looks future retro with the jet black exterior, silver buttons and 80's F1 racing stripes. The sounds are classic roland but I never like the presets anyway. It can sound like you desire.

[@Cds56]

It's funny how people can look at the same things and have completely contrasting opinions! I personally find that the 8P has aged much better! We're both right and wrong, but it's funny anywayss

[@Digiphex]

Cds56 Really? Well are the much loved keyboards of our time gray or have a touch panel like a microwave oven? No. And as for the sound, it is a bit thin compared to the JX3P.

[@SpacehotelMusic]

Wave Strike I agree with Wave Strike. 3P looks better and definitely sounds better. Have had both. 3P remains.

[@Cds56]

Wave Strike Yes really :P most of the vintage synths are I suppose.. I just liike the streamlinedness of the 8P... I wish I'd the opportunity to try a 3P, but money isn't infinite.

[@TausendAugen]

Thank for your comment, I don´t really like the 3P from the start, I get it like the virgin to a child and don´t know what this instrument can do. But over the 26 years ownership my love grows to that sound :-)

[@teucimex]

I actually like better the jx 8p in this video. Can you guys tell me wich one is the best option for polysynth key duties and warm pads ? Brass, string sounds,stabs, heavy pads and classic roland polysynth sounds. There is a jx 3p 3 miles away for 600 euros do you think its a good bargain ? The jx 8p is half cheaper...

[@adamajuno80]

Correction to my previous statement "dco ics" not vco as neither uses vcos . So ineveitably the jx3p sounds alot thicker and fuller in sound , i think its instinctivly natural to visually read a synth label, and hav high similarity expectations remember roland labelled these models , not us.

[@stereoping]

super vergleich, danke :)

[@maccagrabme]

I wonder if the 3p is capable of the Soundtrack type patches in the 8P and if so what was the point of Roland releasing both of these as they are that close?

[@krbmsw]

The JX-8P was the evolution of the JX-3P. It had more features--including better midi implementation. It had more memory--i.e. 96 patches vs 32. The JX-8P's keys are velocity sensitive and have after touch. And I just realized I'm resurrecting a 5 year-old thread. Well. You might still be interested. Enjoy.

[@Howdy606]

Check Espen Kraft's 3P vs 8P. 3P can easily do the same pads. Only difference is the chorus is slightly different.

[@moogdome2562]

Not sure what the point is, but I love the sounds., thank you for sharing well done.

[@alexovercast3359]

what could somebody run a jx8p bass through for more character and grit?

[@dgoran]

JX-3P !!!😊

[@MrSpasticdancer]

the 8p sounds fizzier on the top end and more bouncy. i prefer it

[@karimazeli2653]

The JX3P sounds a bit more fat. I Still have it with the organix upgrade I made back in 2010, and the pg200 programmer. But i would have both of them!!

[@thestoryhasbeentold]

The 3p is turned up louder until later in the video. And at 3:46 the 8p still shits on the 3p way more unique sounding and less colored sound. Rich analog sounds. 8p is in a league of its own. I own a virus ti and analog rytm and im about to buy an 8p before they go juno

[@donallfinn]

How much would you pay me to take a shit on my JX8P, film it and post it on youtube? 100% serious

[@山口弘明-p4o]

I have a JX-8P+PG-800

[@Johnnysynth]

Either way you're gonna want one of those PG's to end the "DX" style editing frustrations.

[@donallfinn]

No you won't!.....god, grow a set people! Time to cowboy up and make the dreaded "One extra button push!" without whining 1st world problems! Don't you know there are people starving in Afric.....wait, actually odds are pretty good you couldn't stop yourself from buying both and now YOUR starving...huddled in your freezing apartment, frantically googling: "Is the Volca beats snare circuit path edible?"

[@danselmix]

hard to believe the JX3P got its filter full open in the first sound...sounds kinda dull...I´m sure it can sound more bright

[@amonster8mymother]

The 3p is not velocity sensitive. ❤

[@simonmayrand5584]

to my knowledge (far from being the only truth), the 3p didn't have keyboard sensitivity. I own a 8p and the only thing i find better on a 3p is the arpegiator (there is an arpegiator right ?).....the 8p is truly missing the arpegiator. The 8p for strings and brasses is a bit superior. It was current in the 80's to see an 8p and a dx7 together.....Actually "final coundown" intro is a combination of dx (tx) with an 8p...

[@donallfinn]

You are correct, the 3P had a static keyboard, (I HATE static keyboards) while the 8P had velocity and aftertouch. The 3P did not have an arpeggiator, it had a really basic but incredibly cool little sequencer, which proved sometimes less is more! And yes, the 8P had neither, PRO TIP: If you have a JX8P, try playing it from a velocity and aftertouch responsive controller. Nearly all JX8P's have stiff aftertouch response. But play it from a controller? WHOLE DIFFERENT SYNTH!

[@ChasD]

Note that later 3P's respond to velocity over MIDI. Plug in a velocity sensitive MIDI keyboard and away you go. And if you get a a Kiwi3P upgraded 3P, it will also respond to after-touch.

[@tonycannatamusic]

Jx3p is the best sound , more raw

[@XPJV]

mks-70 overcome both with no compromise!

[@MisAnnThorpe]

TausendAugen: Sakamoto san?!

[@EarthVsJazz]

Nice set up! I think the 3p wins in this case...just mho

[@Venatt1]

I like the intro on this song from 1985 with the JX-8P Polysynth patch: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iGPJaX6sireBrZo

[@radio_land]

kindof sounds like the difference between juno 6/60 and juno 106

[@kingpishful]

From this video... It looks to me the 3P is better at bass but the 8P is better at two handed chords.

[@TenziingYo]

So basically the 3P is fatter and the 8P is thinner. Both good for different reasons then. I just bought a 3P :) WITHOUT the damn PG200 (Because everyone is so mixed opinions about the programmer and it costs a fucking bomb)

[@datsmabowl]

+Herbie Hancock If you have an ipad there is a programmer app ;)

[@joachim595]

Scott Loiselle The Strat Les Paul comparison is spot on.

[@MrLawrence0071]

JX3P is louder. unfair comparison. Jx3P seems to sound a little fatter. The 8P seems to have some chorus on it at every sound

[@mantra3000]

The 8p is kind of more musical than the bottom heavy 3p.

[@OJMAH]

jx3p sound fatter. jx9p sound more clear tone and it seem good on presets in this comparison. to my ears

[@OJMAH]

8p you know

[@SiliconBassist]

Ha. JX-9P sounds like an upgraded version of the 8P. With Kiwi's 3P upgrades and the new CPU upgrades for the SuperJX, the 8p could use some more attention.

[@OJMAH]

SiliconBassist thank you. I did not know it. :O

[@reneotten2288]

JX7P sounds better than the JX4P

[@Sonikbytes]

jx3p single osc's sound more rougher to me and in- your -face while the jx 8p more smoother, less edgy which perhaps it was Roland's choice to make this machine more suited toward more gentile and smooth pads/strings type of sounds at a sacrifice of other sounds.

[@donallfinn]

JX3P was dual oscillator as well

[@damion2226]

Die Volumen passen immer nicht.

[@drew3906]

Meowsic sounds better than both.

[@rusnid8462]

Oh loll..

[@old_romans]

8P sounds thinner.

[@tmengucor]

The fact that people cannot recognize any difference between these two synths is the reason of Behringer astonishing popularity.

[@rformidable]

i own both. there is a difference. you are incorrect.

[@adampryor9964]

Jx-8p destroys

[@elliotdavidson7137]

Juno 60 sounds better 🤭

[@elliotdavidson7137]

There's one of these on eBay for £450 plus £30 delivery (jx8p) .. without the controller.. I was just checking..

[@SquirrelFromGradLife]

What a bunch of bullshit! There's virtually no difference between those two keyboard. The very minute difference you claim to be able to hear is most likely a very small difference in settings! The sound is going through the speakers, into the camera, compressed during rendering, through KZbin compression, through your sound card out your speakers with your eq on it and you claim to be able to hear anything! What a load of nonsense!