Roland JX8P
64 New Sounds
Only $25
Roland released the JX8P in 1984 to compete with the Yamaha DX7. The JX is an analog, six voice polyphonic synth with each voice having two DCO's, a mixer, a VCF (high-pass and low pass), a VCA, a LFO, and two ADSR envelopes. Its 61 note keyboard is velocity and aftertouch sensitive. Just like the Juno synthesizers it uses DCO's for a stable sound. It also features portamento, unsion and solo performance modes. Programming was difficult from the front panel via the data slider. However, you could purchase the PG-800 programmer, which was a separate box with sliders and knobs for most of the parameters.
Program memory features 64 ROM slots and 32 user RAM slots. You could also purchase the MC-16C memory cartridges, which accepts another 32 programs. I would not recommend using the old RAM cartridges at this point since they have not been made in many years and even if you do come across one there is a good chance that the battery has died. Getting inside to change the battery is not an easy task since Roland sealed the cartridges instead of providing a simple screw to open it up. Best to store all your sounds on your computer hard drive via a system exclusive (sysex) dump if you can.
Mac/PC Sysex or Midi File
Our JX8P patches are available as system exclusive or standard midi files. If your computer has a midi interface or sound card connected to the USB port, you can use your midi interface to load in the sounds. We provide the software along with your order that will load in the sounds for you. Midi interfaces are an inexpensive alternative to purchasing RAM or PCM cards.
Sorry, but we no longer offer the sounds on the M64c cartridges for the reason mentioned above. Our sounds will also get you back in business if your JX8P battery has died and you lost all the sounds in the memory.
Roland PG800 Programmer
