Synth Fight - Roland JX-3P vs JX-8P - Comparing two classic analog synthesizers

Which is the better synth? This video goes through two dozen custom patches, focused on how each of them sound at their best.

[@invertedbeing7998]

Never owned either, but from that video, I find the 8P much more interesting!!

[@warlock242]

That's interesting, as I favour the 3P. Found the 8P lacking punch.

[@venelinpetrov6811]

We've been missing you. Quality content, as always!

[@insidesynthesis]

Thank you!

[@guytori9330]

I have both, I generally agree the 3p is probably a better buy just for the fact that it is so raw. On the other hand the 8p has that synth wave 80s vibe and nostalgia that people have grown to love and the thinness in the sound actually is a good thing clearing the way for dedicated bass lines from other sources

[@hardwaresecuritymodule]

I have had my JX8P for 6 years now (with the PG) - I've always wanted a JX3P as it sounds more like my Jupiter6, but easier to manage than the very unruly sounding Jupiter - great vid and I think you're spot on with your observations. Could never sell the 8P - the pads are to die for - they each have their own place!

[@geofff6671]

You mention the JX3P can sound like the more expensive Jupiters and Junos but the Juno was not an expensive synth when released and was in the same price category as the JX3P. Also you mention it’s bass is not bad for a DCO synth, but the Juno was also a DCO synth. In practice having owned VCO and DCO based synths I don’t think there is any discernible difference in bass. Differences depend more on the oscillators themselves and filter. I’d take DCOs anytime for their tuning stability. I only mention these things because some may find your quotes misleading. But great comparison.

[@insidesynthesis]

I appreciate the feedback! I was speaking to current pricing rather than original pricing. But the JX-3P originally retailed for $1395, while the Juno 60 was $1795, so it was substantially cheaper back then too. Personally, I prefer VCO monosynths for most bass, like the first Roland SH synths (beautiful sounding!), Minimoog, and Pro One. If I'm using a polysynth, then I prefer VCO for big fat unison patches, since unison sounds awful on DCO. But DCO synths like the Junos can do great tight and precise bass patches and I do like that too,

[@deejayemceeflounder4328]

I have a JX3P and a Jupiter 6. Both can do pretty good bottom end if you’re prepared to tweak it, the envelopes being a big factor in that. The JX3P is easier in that respect, the software envelopes of the Jupiter 6 offering plenty of clicks. I should scope it, but I think that’s because the software envelopes are faster and the VCOs being free running cause the click as the envelope is open in time to pick up the VCO wherever it is in its cycle. In other words I need a slight attack to get rid of the click in the bottom end. All this said, the Jupiter does sound larger all round, and is more capable.

[@torbenanschau6641]

A closer comparison between sounds as similar as possible would be nice. One trick many forget about the JX8 P: You can actually turn the Chorus OFF. And you can even only use one oscillator. And then the 8 can also sound unlike typical 8 Ps. More direct, less hifi. The only thing it's missing for being a top analog synth is PWM-Modulation. On the other hand what it really has above most others are velocity and aftertouch. That's often overlooked, maybe because nowadays many keyboarders aren't into actually playing these days. But especially on a Poly it's useful, because if you play with both hands, you rarely have time to tweak knobs - controller or not. But using the Velocity on the different targets (quite a lot in the 8) and the Aftertouch for filter or vibrato it adds a league of expression.

[@GretchZ]

Well, a 3P can be modded for more features than many many synths. An MKS-30 modded goes for under 2k and I cannot list all the features…

[@warlock242]

This is a good, useful video that speaks to prospective buyers of either synth. The 3P was one of the first synths I ever played and I liked it save for the fact you couldn't twist knobs and change sounds in real-time, like its larger predecessors. I also like the final clip of the girl, it's like a nod to Jexus (Olo Garb).

[@OfficialRainsynth]

I'd just get the 8P, I love its wide and deep sound.

[@aboveaxis]

3p is my fav synth of all time.... know that thing inside and out

[@richyr777]

They go well together, 8p has nicer Pads and 3p is good with leads, the perfect match, Just get both with the controllers. 😁

[@lassel1644]

Id owned both of them the JX8P like 3 or 4 times. The JX3P has some good sounds but the variety of the timbres are so much better on the JX8P. The electric piano is great for instance. You cant create an electric piano on the 3P...no no

[@filipzawadzki9424]

To EPs you use Rhodes or emulations. I use Yamaha P105 Digital Piano with Rhodes sounds just for it and JX-8P couldnt possibly compete with it.

[@lassel1644]

@@filipzawadzki9424 Of course not but for being a kind of Analog synth the pianos are good

[@lundsweden]

Don't use mean no-can-do?! (I can't go for that!)

[@lassel1644]

@@lundsweden Even Hall & Oates would agree

[@killswitchmediastudios]

I have them both and Juno 106. They are different machines used for different things. I like the JX3P as an all rounder. The JX8P is great for pads. I like the Juno for bass, horn stabs and pads.

[@SandcastleTheory]

It's the 3P all the way for me. No contest. ;) Cheers!

[@trumjohannsmancave]

Awesome! I do love the JX-8P and souped up brother JX-10😀💥💕🎹

[@RoomAtTheTopStudio]

Great comparison. I really enjoyed that

[@insidesynthesis]

Thank you!

[@jerzilla3795]

I still think I like the 8p better, but this is the first comparison video I’ve seen that actually makes me want a 3p

[@Death_By_Media]

Very nice and welcome back .

[@insidesynthesis]

Thank you!

[@robertdavies3460]

I miss my JX3P, loved it. It was my very first keyboard

[@karimazeli2653]

I have a jx3p since 1996. Still a beast for bass, pads and leads. The jx8p sounds more.."controlled" maybe due to its aftertouch and velocity features. I think both of them, together make a great team!!

[@lundsweden]

I owned the JX8P, yes all the points you make are spot on. I remember thinking it could sound like a virtual analog when I had it. I guess in 1985, digital was cool and they were trying to make it as close to the DX7 as possible.

[@GEOSynths]

Great video, I have a JX-3p and used to have an 8P and JX-10, great Synths, though I agree, the 3P is the better Synth...I even made a Bank of patches for it while I was moving my Studio around...Anyway, great demo at the end too.

[@insidesynthesis]

Thank you!

[@LousyFacelift]

Judging only from KZbin videos this confirmed exactly how I evaluated these two great synths. I went with the JX-3P with the Dtronics controller and now I'm fully convinced I made the right decision, thank you!

[@lundsweden]

Funny enough, I've owned two different JX8Ps, and they IMO sound a little different. There is also some minor differences with front panel colors and one version has patch names on the front. I currently have a December '85 model (you can look the serial numbers) and I really like the sound of this one better. (The other one had the patch names on the front).

[@Shred_The_Weapon]

Although I admittedly came to this “fight” already favoring the 8P out of loyalty (the one I own is the second analog synth i played and the first analog polyphonic I played), I am glad that I stayed for the finish. The things I favor about the 8P might not necessarily supersede what’s in the 3P, but I think the 8P and the MKS-70 module that I’ve also got each hold their own enough that the 3P isn’t a synthesizer I am eager to look for.

[@farquoi]

I had a jx-3p in the 80s and I always thought the envelopes were slow. I know all these sounds here.. it's pretty much all that it does. The Jx-8P has always intrigued me -- although it kind of looks like an intellivision gaming console. I have JX-03 boutique now.

[@stefanbasslorraine8061]

crazy sounding machines !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@killswitchmediastudios]

Nice comparison. I had the JX8P and didn't gel very well with it, so I gave it to a friend. Got a JX10 and loved it. Got the JX3P and loved it. I think the JX3P does DX sounds better than the 8P. I lucked out on a Juno 106 and realized these are all different synths in many ways.

[@ericmontgomery5241]

What might have been an interesting test is to put together a short tune where all the presets come from the 3P. Then use the same exact song using the most similar 8P presets. Not sure it would change any opinions, but it may cause us to rethink the worth of the 8P? In any event, nice video.

[@DonSolaris]

Still have your MKS-50 here in the rack. Still remember how that eBay username sounded familiar eventually figured it out who it was from. :)

[@insidesynthesis]

I remember the MKS-50! My dream is to do a Jupiter 4 vs 6 vs 8 vs MKS-80 video. Even if I kinda know how I’d rank them already, it would be good to compare their signature sounds in a single video.

[@DonSolaris]

@@insidesynthesis + rev 5 MKS-80 ;)

[@80ssynthfan48]

Nice video. I weighed up between JX3P and Juno 106. I decided JX3P for lower cost. The price includes a Dtronics controller. Should have it in a couple of days.

[@whitelightenergydads]

Great vid! Could you do a tutorial explaining how to get pwm using the sync on the jx-3p? That would be cool! Thanks!

[@JeuneLysOfficiel]

These sounds are awesome ! The Patch "SYNTHBELL" at 1:28 is beautiful..! Have you ever shared some sysex personnal banks ? I'd be really excited to try some of your presets.

[@lundsweden]

I think it's either a preset, or a slightly modded preset (I have a JX-8P).

[@JeuneLysOfficiel]

@@lundsweden Tanks ! I think I created a pretty similar preset on PG8X.

[@lundsweden]

@@JeuneLysOfficiel Saw waves and XMod,?

[@JeuneLysOfficiel]

@@lundsweden Seems like both DCO's are Square waves, and Cross Mode engaged, yes (or maybe Saw on DCO 2 only)

[@lundsweden]

@@JeuneLysOfficiel Cool, I think the sync and x-mod on the JX-8P make so many interesting sounds. My latesr trick at the moment is trying a little pitch Osc 1 or 2 while in sync or x-mod mode. Lots of interesting Bell-like and metallic ring modded sounds to be had!

[@Howdy606]

Owned both. I preferred the 3P. If you turn off the chorus on both JX's the 3p still sounded good. I feel the 8P relies to much on its chorus fx, particularly for the pad sounds its supposed to be so good at.

[@d4r0xx0r]

When I first tried a JX3P, back in the 1980s, I was expecting a DX7-ish synth - and, at the time, I was NOT a fan of the DX7! I hated the DX7 (and all FM synths) back then, due to an in-shop demo that convinced me FM synths were boring, static synthesizers... when I asked the salesman what I could do by means of expression (hoping for some way to access the equivalent of filter cutoff), he said "it has a LOVELY, RICH VIBRATO!" He threw the mod-wheel up half-way on whatever factory preset was currently playing, resulting in a cheezy sea-sick noise that even Nik Kershaw would blush to use on one of his B-sides. No sir, no DX7 for me! The day that I first tried a JX3P - I only had a shot of the JX3P as I was waiting on my bus arriving, and had time to kill. I slipped on the headphones, expecting, due to the lack of knobs, another DX7-type of synth... ...but - hold on! It was wonderful, robust, and full! The bass was beefy, the brass was bold, the strings were silky and seductive - the chorus added a new dimension to the sounds too! And, lo and behold - did I not see, upon the silk-screen at the right (which explains the structure of the voices) those magical words: "Cutoff Frequency"? I had read some unenthusiastic reviews of the JX3P at the time, mostly complaining about the lack of knobs/slider for programming, but I was not daunted - I had discovered a classic synthesizer, and at the time, it was quite cheap for the keyboard minus the PG200 programmer. Since that first experience, the JX3P became my favourite analog poly synth. Today, I am happy to own a modified JX3P with the Kiwitechnics "Matrix" update, which adds another two envelopes, two more LFOs, PWM, variable chorus speed, and much, much more! Protip: IF YOU SEE ONE, GET IT! Due to the Kiwitechnics "Matrix" upgrade, people are taking more interest in the JX3P - so get yours while you can.

[@you-tubero]

2:24 can the juno-60 produce this bass? Sounds amazing!

[@insidesynthesis]

You can get pretty close with envelope PWM on the Juno 6 or 60. The JX3P doesn't have PWM, but you can use hard sync to emulate it. It has a slightly different, more aggressive sound when doing this that the Juno can't quite hit.

[@reideid1195]

The jx3p sounds more basic and less refined, not more analogue. I can't hear any special Jupiter 8 energy in the 3p, and I owned a JP8 for quite some time. On the other hand, the 8p can really shine along with JP8 in strings and brass, for instance.

[@kiko1935]

If the jx8p had better envelopes I think it would sound a lot better. But the combination of slow envelopes and the alpha Juno filter make the jx-3p the clear winner, it just sounds way more satisfying in comparison.

[@lundsweden]

There's ways around the slow envelopes. If I need a really fast attack for bass sound or whatever, I go into the FILT envelope settings, try all the different options (you can even pass it through a gate instead). Depending on the type of sound, I might do this for the AMP envelope too. There's a few different modes to try + gate mode for this too.

[@lotus30com]

I'vehad a 3P and an 8P. I eventually sold the 8P as I felt the 3P have more variation in sounds. I'm not making electric piano sounds, I want electronic synth sounds and the JX-3P deliver

[@gffg387]

You really need the controllers to unlock what each one can do. To me, the 8p is more "professional" .It's if the Jupiter 8 and the DX7 had a baby, while still looking a lot more like the Roland part of the family. The 3p on the other hand has more vibe, it's more lo-fi and hype.

[@amonster8mymother]

I prefer the super jx10 and D50.

[@louiseisobelevans]

JX-8P sounds a bit like Alpha Juno

[@keyboardkingpin]

This is a great comparison video. I probably lean a little bit more towards that JX-3P. I own both. The Jx-8p is my pick for pads and strings. The jx-3p has fat bass and leads. I made a beat with a Jx-3p and a boss Dr.110 if anyone wants to hear a beat with just the Jx-3p kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZucl5ugrN56o6M

[@besthusky3852]

Where I can get those soundbanks

[@icecreammm2]

I own and prefer the JX-3P. The JX-8P sounds great, but if it wasn't for the chorus effect, I would just think it's a modern virtual analog.

[@lundsweden]

I've owned a few JX-8Ps, some sound better than others. My current one is a Dec '85 model, with no patch names on the membrane buttons. It sounds absolutely amazing, much better than the one in this video. I would like a JX-3P to add to my vintage Roland collection though. Although I think I can get my JX-8P a little closer to the JX-3P's sound with careful programming (and maybe a better sounding revision) still the 3P still has something special about it.

[@GretchZ]

An MKS-30 is not especially expensive, even modded. Modded, the feature set blows the 8P out of the water. It blows many more expensive synths out of the water!!! The Kiwi mod makes it into a MATRIX synth with additional LFOs and envelopes!!! Of course, you can mod a 3P, but an MKS takes up less space, and you don’t have to handle your vintage gear directly, just a keyboard controller. You could leave the MKS in a closed rack box with midi connections added to the exterior and never remove it aside any maintenance needed. Just need to have the presets listed somewhere, though. Or control it with a computer. Or a programmer designed for mods. Yes, I’ve considered it. But my needs lean more towards a TG77. A TG81x might do me, but why skimp, especially when you’re layering with heavy guitars, and are insane with nerdiness.

[@scottlarson1548]

@4:16 How'd you get the jumping random filter sound? Does the JX-3P have sample and hold?

[@insidesynthesis]

Yes it does!

[@amonster8mymother]

The jx8p has velocity.

[@privatenexus5764]

1:20 Is it possible the JX-3p "sounds" punchier because without velocity sensitivity, EVERY note is hit at full velocity?

[@insidesynthesis]

It's more the envelopes -- the JX8P kind of sounds spongy when trying to do anything that needs snappy, regardless of velocity. It's really good for pads and strings though!

[@privatenexus5764]

@@insidesynthesis but my point is that the velocity would change the envelope. Are you saying that the JX8P cannot do as fast attack (ie snappyness in my eyes, and maybe less decay/release and/or reverb, altered by velocity)? The comparison in the vid has you playing the synth, and you being human, it will "feel" if you have to hit one keyboard harder that it is less snappy. A blind midi test (all notes @ 127) would be better. I know when I was looking to get my last car, there was a mod that made the throttle respond as if it was pressed further, and the reviewer raved about it, multiple times, but always followed it by admitting he knew the car wasn't really anymore powerful. Thats the way withy non scientific & unquantified "feel" measurements.

[@insidesynthesis]

@@privatenexus5764 - It's true even with a JX8P patch that has velocity sensitivity turned off (so it's always at max). It's possible that it's more the overall shape of the attack portion rather than just how many ms its attack. I'm not sure how linear vs logarithmic they are.

[@Johnsormani]

I don’t know what this video is supposed to demonstrate

[@insidesynthesis]

You know those threads on forums like gearspace where people talk about one synth versus another? This is basically that, but with sound and video too. I tried my best to capture the elements that make each one stand out -- the solid bass and big resonant pads on the JX-3P, vs the FM-like tones and beautiful ambient pads on the JX-8P. The format could still use some work. Thanks for the feedback!

[@Johnsormani]

@@insidesynthesis yes I understand, but if you don’t attempt to compare the same sounds ( at least sort of)it is of no use. , that is what I meant to say

[@insidesynthesis]

@@Johnsormani - I thought I'd compare classes of sounds (basses versus basses, etc), while trying to make each sound the best I could individually, rather than make them sound the same. They each sound best in different ranges, and if I tried to make them sound the same, I wouldn't be showcasing what they're each uniquely best at. But you make a good point and I'll consider how I might improve it for the next Synth Fight.

[@Johnsormani]

@@insidesynthesis ah ok i understand . I guess many people are interested in the differences and similarities too. Still a good video!!👍

[@79Glitch]

@@Johnsormani This is a great video; it was exactly what I was looking for. Why would I want to see two different synths (from two different era’s, no less: the 8P is post-DX7 digital revolution, so there is a wide gap pre and post DX7, even if it’s only a few years), that have two completely different characters try and make the same sounds? That would demonstrate almost nothing. Imagine a Juno 60 vs a DX7 making the same sounds as close as possible. All that would prove is that Juno wins for certain classic analog sounds, and the DX7 would win for digital sounds, but the DX7 would actual be able to showcase more variety of sounds. But it wouldn’t change the fact that if want a Juno 60 sound, you need a Juno 60. This guy skipped the cliche’ format and got down to the strengths of each instrument, thankfully. And the conclusion for me is … you need both, and they complement each other well. But since I already own a Juno 6, I’m leaning toward the 8P, for now. Luckily, both still offer good prices on the used market!

[@SailfishSoundSystem]

Sweet Assault on Precinct 13 Theme! I think Carpenter used an Oberheim for the original if I remember right. The JX-8P is much fatter sounding than the JX-3P. It has slow envelopes though. However, this makes it great for pads and strings, which it excels at. The Jx-8 does not hold out well over time due to the type of push button interface. Any synth with that always has issues. Stick with sliders or knobs on an older analog synth. They last longer and are easier to replace, hell just take them off a Behringer! Lol. Here's my half ass John Carpenter track: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eYKkqKaaepp4e5Y

[@calyx93]

How is this a compare video? Two different synths with different patches isn't a comparison. You need to A/B the basics on similar settings for this to be titled what it is.

[@insidesynthesis]

I wanted to concentrate on the strengths of each one and compare the ways that they're different rather than the areas where they sound the same. For example, the JX-3P can't touch the smooth pads or DX-7 bells of the JX-8P, but it can produce better bright Jupiter pads and punchier bass. I know the standard format is to show one doing a raw saw wave, then the other doing a raw saw wave, etc, but I find those comparison videos excruciatingly boring, and thought it might be more interesting to concentrate on where they're different. It's like if I were comparing the cities of San Francisco and New York City, I could find some parks and office spaces that look similar in both cities, but a more interesting video would be showing the unique places that make each city special.

[@twiff3rino28]

I've always preferred the 8p myself - other than the better filters I don't see why the 3p is always preferred over the 8p or JX-10. Some hipster beard/man bun "vintage" fetish crap I guess... 🤨

[@benjamendorrell2038]

If anyone has a spare JX3P and PG200, but no Juno 106... DM me for a trade :P

[@fruicheboy]

Great video! Love your channel (your video on the MiniBrute 2S convinced me to buy one). In this video, you mention that you can get 95% of the way to way to the JX-8P sound. It would be great if you could do a video of a side-by-side comparison between patches on the JX compared to recreations of those patches on the MiniNova.