Roland JX-08 Boutique SonicLAB Review

The latest Roland Boutique is inspired by the 1985 JX-8P - we say inspired because:
a) It has controls (the original didn't) based on the optional PG800 programmer
b) It has up to 20 voices of polyphony and a two part multi-timbral engine. More like a JX-10 if we're honest.

It uses ABM (analog behaviour modelling) which is a less DSP hungry way of digitally modelling the voice architecture and means it has more voices than the original ACB based Boutiques.
The interface is still Boutique sized with 30mm faders, knobs and buttons, has an internal speaker, miniJack connections and a battery compartment for wire-free operation. Plus the USB Audio interface (8 outs - Mix, Layer A, B and Stereo in, plus stereo return)
USB-C is used - yay! Better than micro USB of the earlier models, and can be mounted in the Roland K-24m keyboard if you desire.

#soniclab #jx08 #boutique

Exclusive extra content on Patreon

00:00 Intro and overview
02:44 USB Audio
03:47 Voice architecture
07:28 THAT Chorus, sounds and FX
12:50 Can it PWM?
14:40 Split/Layer Multi-timbrallity
16:42 Sequencer
21:32 Round up and conclusions



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[SvexTheDragon]

This was just the review I needed, not just playing factory patches and listing all the specs and instead a proper review with everything explained in very good detail, with self created sounds that really show off what this thing can do. Absolutely fantastic job as always, you guys make the best synth reviews in my opinion.
I ordered one shortly after watching this.

[Jackconte]

Your reviews are SO thorough. I so appreciate the attention to detail and investigative approach. Also love your approach to the review — thinking about it in the context of the original synth but not reviewing it as “what the original didn’t have.” And I fully agree about the chorus. INSANE CHORUS sound. Thank you for helping all of us make better purchasing decisions. I’ve just ordered my JX08, and I just keep coming back to this video to listen and hear your take because it gets me pumped to get it in the mail. THANK YOU!

[ryanhursh]

IDGAF if this sounds like the OG or not, it sounds incredible. I have a feeling that all the people calling it lifeless or flat don't even actually make music, they just sit in their parents basements and geek out on specs... it's always like that in all things related to electronics. I think whatever "life" is "missing" will be negligible in a mix. Real artists/musicians will work with what's there, and in this case, what's there sounds fantastic. I have some beef with the form factor of the boutiques but it's not worse than working on a OP-Z or even an OP-1 and sounds a hell of a lot better than both. Great review. I'll def be copping one of these.

[diegomerletto]

Simply a great sounding synth with many additional interesting features like split, effects and motion sequencer, easy to program with a beautiful interface. Great Nick as always with this in depth review!

[theelectronicrat]

I know it's not an exact copy of the original, others have compared and demonstrated that. But, the full and rich sounds I like Roland for, are there. Considering this beauty as addition to my rather mixed setup. Thanks for this in depth review.

[blakecasimir]

Another great video Nick. Not surprised you were so enthusiastic about the JX-08. It's not perfect, but it has sooo much character for a digital synth. And to have that much polyphony and bi timbrality at this price and form factor. It's one of the best Boutiques at least. Possibly also featuring Roland's best digital chorus effect ever?

[RoyChartier]

This would be more appropriately compared to a Super JX/JX-10 or MKS-70 with a PCM-60 and PCM-41 built in. A great pads or orchestral synth with epic strings and sound efx. Easier to program, fewer limitations, and as an owner of an original JX-8P and an MKS-70, I can say, while it would be exposed in a dry A-B comparison...in a mix, with efx, it has the same effect...indeed, it may probably be easier to fit into a mix. Sometimes older isn't better, and if you aren't interested in the challenges that come with older gear, this synth is probably one of the best sounding, best all-around value synths, available. Downsides, some issues with USB power & USB MIDI, and 1/8" TRS output...but otherwise, probably the best boutique yet. Have one, and love it.

[skrapadelix]

I have A JX-8P and honestly, I prefer the sound of the JX-08 overall. I never thought I'd type those words, especially after buying the original boutique JU-06 and finding it sorely lacking compared to my beloved Juno 6.

[_B.C_]

I’m hoping this trend means we will get a JP8000 boutique soon. JP-8K would be an instant buy for me if you’re listening Roland.

[cravensean]

Thanks for the tip on pulse-width modulation. And for the record, I watched this review a few times before making the purchase.

[LarsBjerregaard]

Fantastic sound and capabilities in that little thing, extremely reasonable price.

[zerobeat]

When you sync a square wave and you modulate the pitch, you do actually get real PWM. You can use detune to set the PW. Just check it on a scope! Because of this there was no need to add PWM to the JX-8P, and thus also not to the JP-08.

[simonbaker]

Wow! great demo. love the dual sequencer function. Still trying to get my head around the newly acquired JP-08 and JU-06A

[ConstantinPhillipou]

Best synth reviewer and reviewer player!! Great synth makes me want to buy everything you demo with excitement;)

[adub]

3:20 Totally agree on the updated MX-1 (or how about a Boutique MX-01, Roland? 😁). Maybe an MX with more USB inputs and assignable, TR-8S-style multi-outs.

[billybartcody]

Please do a review of the Sequential Take 5, Nick :D

[EarmonkeyMusic]

This thing sounds fantastic. If this had been the very first Boutique I think the public perception would be quite different. Glad they've learned a few things and put some smarts into this unit. Nice patches and playing Nick.

[thefool]

I was curious about this unit. I appreciate the attention to the features it has instead of what it is emulating. It sounds pretty decent with some nice effects but not super deep. It does sound quite good though. I see JX8Ps for sale every so often and they aren't super expensive, but not always with the external programmer. This seems to be an excellent alternative. The sounds are pretty close with the modeling technology. Great review. Great channel. My favorite part to your reviews is your sensitivity to what a player is looking with respect to what they can get for their money. No PWM, ugh. That's almost as bad as Roland not including after touch on most of their keyboards (like the FA0 series).

[Digiphex]

Interesting, their primary focus is making digital versions of their earlier synths. "Chasing ghosts" so to speak is by far their focus. Nothing wrong with that I guess. Would love to see a 1 to 1 copy of their Jupiter 8 for the 50th anniversary, maybe with all black keys as the Stealth Quantum had.

[cosmicaddress]

Great review and you made it sound fantastic. As you were smoothly sliding the filter cutoff, I was noticing how bad the stepping is in my PG-800!