Author Topic: Roland Jupiter-X / Roland Fantom 8 (Read 11317 times)

stargazer · « **on:** October 13, 2019, 02:34:47 PM »

I recently heard of a new synthesizer by Roland, the Jupiter-X that will be on sale in January 2020 (few music stores already pre-sale).

It is the digital version of the legendary Jupiter-8, an analog 8-voice synthesizer, that was built from 1981 to 1985.

The new digital version comes with more polyphony, lots of knobs and faders for realtime controlling and 61 keys.

https://www.roland.com/us/products/jupiter-x/specifications/

Already on sale is the Jupiter-XM, this is the small edition of the X (below you find a demo video)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgV0f2QZ7P8

I like to get one of the big edition

phobos · « **Reply #1 on:** October 16, 2019, 07:14:38 AM »

I have heard that this is just a VST in a piece of hardware, but that is not always a bad thing imo. Now if UHE did Zebra 2 in a piece of hardware , imagine that! What VST would you like to see as hardware?

petekelly · « **Reply #2 on:** October 16, 2019, 09:29:46 AM »

Good question !

I'm thinking of Native Instrument's 'Rounds' and 'Razor' synths.

APK · « **Reply #3 on:** October 16, 2019, 05:09:27 PM »

That Jupiter X does look handsome.

Speaking of U-He ... I think the ACE would work well in a hardware version.

stargazer · « **Reply #4 on:** October 17, 2019, 01:21:15 PM »

David, I think the digital synthesizers came out first, and then they were emulated as VST-plugins for computer later.

What makes a hardware synthesizer is its d/a-converter. Roland converter sound other way then e.g. Yamaha or Korg.

I like the Roland sound

Edit:

Lovely VST-hardware would be Native Instruments' Reaktor and HG Fortune's STS-24.

Anthony, the Jupiter X is the first new synth that comes close to my JD-800

phobos · « **Reply #5 on:** October 17, 2019, 02:05:53 PM »

Hi Jana, I get your point, however I don't want a VST to emulate a synthesizer, be it Roland, Yamaha, Korg, Moog etc, I want it to be unique in itself.

oh yes I forgot about HG Fortune, a great guy and superb unique VSTs. Atonoise and Alien Space Weaver would be my choice there, but there are so many

Castleview · « **Reply #6 on:** October 17, 2019, 04:55:35 PM »

I agree on HG Fortune. I want a hardware synth based on Alionoctis.

APK · « **Reply #7 on:** October 17, 2019, 06:27:30 PM »

Been a very long time since I've heard H.G. Fortune mentioned.

Used to use a bunch of them myself.

Scott M2 · « **Reply #8 on:** March 21, 2020, 08:34:08 PM »

Quote from: stargazer on October 17, 2019, 01:21:15 PM

David, I think the digital synthesizers came out first, and then they were emulated as VST-plugins for computer later.

What makes a hardware synthesizer is its d/a-converter. Roland converter sound other way then e.g. Yamaha or Korg.

I like the Roland sound

I remember many years ago asking a Roland rep why my JD-990 sounded better than all the JV series that I'd heard and he immediately stated that it had better D/As. They seem to go the extra miles for their "flagship" models.

stargazer · « **Reply #9 on:** March 24, 2020, 02:43:04 PM »

There are first sound demos on Youtube. For example sound comparisons with the original synthesizers Jupiter-8, JX-8P, Juno-106.

The Jupiter-X sounds similar, more silky than the old synthesizers, but the overlay between the individual notes is too long for my taste.

I think one needs good techniques and compositions to avoid the rubbery sound effects that come up.

Just my first impression.

phobos · « **Reply #10 on:** March 26, 2020, 01:13:30 AM »

You still thinking of getting one, Jana?

stargazer · « **Reply #11 on:** March 26, 2020, 11:15:19 AM »

I do actually want to buy one. It comes out in May and preorders are possible.

Now that we have the pandemic there will be no possibility to test the sound live in the music store.

But I have nearly 10 years of experience with the original Roland sounds. I know how I want it to sound.

So I think the Jupiter-X has wonderful pads and layered sounds and possibilities, and it has all the faders and knobs that I love on my JD-800.

The keyboard main contact is damaged on my JD-800, I cant play it anymore until we find a way to repair that.

I would love to get the Jupiter-X for all that reasons but it is simply a decision to be made.

I keep you updated David

phobos · « **Reply #12 on:** March 27, 2020, 01:22:09 AM »

I was wondering what had happened to your JD 800, you had such a personal relationship with it.( You became "one" when you played it)

I used to be a big fan of Roland, their JX8P was the first synth I bought when it came out all those years ago, now I am more of a Waldorf and Access person

Yes currently not much chance of getting to try anything out in person at the moment, with the current situation, and as long as we all stay safe, and however long that is for, that is the most important thing at this moment.
Take care.

Seren · « **Reply #13 on:** March 28, 2020, 06:57:11 AM »

my first synth, now that brought back some memories - Roland System 100, 102 expander and 104 sequencer...

stargazer · « **Reply #14 on:** March 28, 2020, 10:35:13 AM »

I see, I am in good Roland company here. I wrote my last album on the JD800 in summer 2017 and fall 2018. And yes this was very much being one with the instrument. I built sounds from scratch and it was wonderful.
Since summer 2016 I also have the XV-88 that is wonderful too. I love the 88 keys and it brought me forward in composition and chords. I am very much one with my XV too.
But my plans for buying the new JupiterX are delayed. My beloved male cat died two days ago by a heart attack, and I am devastated. He was my partner in crime, and he often sat on my piano stool with me while I was playing. I will miss him forever....

petekelly · « **Reply #15 on:** March 28, 2020, 12:22:30 PM »

Sorry to hear about your loss Jana,

These creatures can become great companions. I was devastated when my dog passed away a few years ago.

stargazer · « **Reply #16 on:** March 29, 2020, 07:23:33 AM »

Thank you Pete, this is very kind. Sometimes we just have found the right mates in life and this is pretty rare and precious. When they leave they will be forever missed.

chris23 · « **Reply #17 on:** March 30, 2020, 11:38:25 AM »

stargazer · « **Reply #18 on:** August 15, 2020, 05:14:43 AM »

I finally decided not to buy the new Jupiter-X. I will buy the new Fantom 8.
It has better sounds and in addition 88 full weighted keys.

Yesterday we got our new mixing console, the Allen&Heath GL-2400 432.
It is wonderful. Never saw a more beautiful console.

We sell old gear, sometimes we have to changes views. It is a fascinating time.
I think I never said that I only buy hardware gear because I am not fit for software.
I simply don't understand it. I cannot release my dreams through it.

phobos · « **Reply #19 on:** August 16, 2020, 02:28:32 PM »

Nice choice Jana, impressive looking instrument/workstation. I believe you can also sample with it, load in your own wavs etc, cool.

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Author Topic: Roland Jupiter-X / Roland Fantom 8 (Read 11317 times)