Roland Launches New Analog Modeling Synth

Prototype (Click for a close-up)

Forging ahead into uncharted synthesis territory, the new Roland JP-8080 Analog Modeling Synthesizer Module offers cutting-edge realtime synthesis technology in the vein of Roland's popular JP-8000. Distinguishing itself from any synthesizer or synth module on the market today, the new JP-8080 module adds to the feature set of the JP-8000 by offering a 10-note polyphonic Analog Modeling sound source with powerful realtime sound shaping controls, external audio synthesis capabilities unlike anything currently available, a unique built-in Voice Modulator which can use the human voice to shape and filter external audio signals, and SmartMedia storage capability -- all in a cool, retro-styled 6U rack-mount module.

Using Roland's acclaimed Analog Modeling technology, the new JP-8080 can be used to produce ultra-phat analog synth sounds, as well as futuristic tones never heard before. The key to this massive sonic power is a dedicated onboard DSP oscillator which produces seven totally independent waveforms. So unlike modern PCM (sample-based) synths, the JP-8080 can instantly apply drastic tonal changes, envelope controls, sharp filters and radical sweeps -- just like a classic analog synth. And like the vintage synths, all JP-8000 sonic shaping is intuitive, with 40 knobs and sliders ready for everything from mild tweaks to realtime sonic mayhem -- no menus, no scrolling. Similarly, the 10-voice polyphonic JP-8080 even sports a new Unison mode, which can combine all voices into one to produce some of the phattest tones ever generated by a digital musical instrument.

Forging into new synthesis territory, the JP-8080 also features External Audio, Instrument and Mic inputs which can be used with powerful onboard external audio synthesis functions and a unique Voice Modulator. The JP-8080's two 1/4-inch External Audio inputs allow for processing external instrument/ audio signals as OSC2 waveforms using the onboard synth controls. This feature can be used to construct entirely new sounds -- combining external audio signals with the onboard OSC1 waveforms and then applying the JP-8080's filters, envelopes, modulation routings, effects and tone controls.

The external signals can also be sent through the Voice Modulator, which allows JP-8080 users to control the envelopes of synth sounds and external audio signals with the human voice, producing some classic and unique effects which are particularly dance-music friendly. There are three Voice Modulator modes: Formant Filter, Filter Bank and Vocal Morph Control.

Formant Filter produces a variety of "talking" effects by analyzing the frequency bands from vocal sounds and applying them to incoming audio or synth sounds. Using the two dedicated and assignable Voice Modulator control knobs, the Formant Filter mode can produce some wild sounds and interesting modulations like "talking" breakbeats. The Filter Bank mode provides a powerful 12-band stereo filter for ultimate external audio processing. Finally, the Vocal Morph Control mode allows the JP-8080's synth sounds to be modified and filtered as desired based on mouth movement. The Voice Modulator features 26 editable parameters including Ensemble level, Delay parameters, Noise parameters, Robot effects, and Release and Resonance controls.

The JP-8080 also features an Arpeggiator with 90 variable beat patterns and 48 RPS locations for creating your own patterns. These RPS locations can be used to store rhythmic and melodic phrases and slicer-style cutting effects using external audio sources. The JP-8080's onboard effects section features Flanger, Chorus, Phaser, Distortion and Delay. It also offers Bass and Treble tone controls. Effects control is accomplished through the intuitive LCD and a host of dedicated knobs, while all effects and tone control settings can be stored with corresponding Patches for instant recall.

All JP-8080 knob and slider tweaks can be transmitted via MIDI for expanded sonic control. And the JP-8080's Preview function is available by using the Bank and Number keys as musical keyboard. To make connection easy, the JP-8080 features a Remote Keyboard Input to which users can simply attach a MIDI cable -- without regard to which MIDI Channel the module is set to receive on.

In addition to its internal memory, the JP-8080 lets users store Patches, Performances, Motion Control loops and RPS patterns on optional 2MB and 4MB SmartMedia cards. (Yielding an additional 4,000 or 8,000 Patches, respectively.) The Patches and Performances on a SmartMedia card can be called out via simple program changes on the JP-8080, while all Motion Control and RPS patterns can be played back directly -- great for live performance!

Roland is a world leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of electronic musical instruments, professional audio equipment, multimedia products and music accessories.

Preliminary Specifications (May be subject to change.)