Corry BanksIf you haven’t heard the news of the new Roland Boutique modules, you’ve had to have been under a rock somewhere for the last couple of weeks. Thanks to all of the leaks we’ve seen a good deal about them and other products lately. Fortunately, we wait no longer as the official launch happened today.
There are 3 models and they each use Roland’s Analog Circuit Behavior Technology (ACB) first seen in the Aira line of products. I can’t say that I am a huge fan of the Aira line (shallow admission – mostly because of the look and feel) but I know many users of the line that are madly in love and rather impressed with the line and that’s largely because of the realism of the ACB technology.
Here is a great overview of the 3 units from both Sweetwater and Kraft Music.
JP-08 – $399.99
“The JUPITER-8 is perhaps the most beloved of Roland’s synthesizers. Introduced in 1981, the 8-voice, analog powerhouse was a revelation to use, with an abundance of controls on the front panel. Most parameters had a dedicated controller which encouraged musicians to experiment, unleashing a sonic revolution that helped define the sound of the 1980s. ”
The legendary JUPITER-8 synth is back as a limited-edition module no bigger than a book. Part of the Roland Boutique series, the JP-08 is all about hands-on control and that iconic JUPITER sound. With an array of 36 knobs and sliders from the original JUPITER-8 front panel, the 4-voice JP-08 is highly programmable and encourages sonic experimentation, especially with the built-in speaker and battery operation. Using Roland’s acclaimed Analog Circuit Behaviour (ACB) technology the JP-08 faithfully reproduces the original JUPITER-8 sounds and adds a few new twists in the form of extra LFOs and expanded VCO range. You can even slide the JP-08 into the optional K-25m keyboard unit for a self-contained, go-anywhere synth experience.
- Ultra-compact recreation of the iconic JUPITER-8 synthesizer
- Retains the feel, sound, character and user interface of the original
- 36 of the original synth parameters controllable from the front panel
- Adds several additions not found on the original JUPITER-8, including extra waveforms, expanded VCO range
- Chain mode allows two JP-08 to function as one 8-voice module
- Highly portable for mobile music making
- High-quality construction with metal front panel
- Dual ribbon controllers for pitch bend, modulation, and sound preview
- Battery-operated (4xAA) or USB powered
- 24 bit / 44.1 kHz stereo IN/OUT USB audio interface
- Built-in 0.5W mini-speaker for instant enjoyment
- Compatible with optional K-25m keyboard unit
JU-06 – $299.99
“The JUNO-106 was a 6-voice analog synth released in 1984, making it one of Roland’s first MIDI synths. The third in the JUNO series, following the JUNO-6 and JUNO-60, some people consider the JUNO-106 to be among the last great synths of the analog era; it was definitely among the last to feature many dedicated controllers and buttons for fast, easy programming. ”
The limited-edition JU-06 is an authentic recreation of the iconic JUNO-106 synthesizer. Sometimes described as one of the last great synths of the analog era, the JUNO-106 became a favorite thanks to its warm sounds and instant sound-shaping ability. The new 4-voice JU-06 module continues this approach, with 23 parameters controllable via the front panel and that classic JUNO sound – complete with the much-loved JUNO chorus effect. There are some new additions too, including a faster LFO and continuously variable hi-pass filter (HPF). You can even slide the JU-06 into the optional K-25m keyboard unit for a self-contained, go-anywhere synth experience.
- Ultra-compact recreation of the iconic JUNO-106 synthesizer
- Retains the feel, sound character and user interface of the original
- 23 of the original synth parameters controllable from the front panel
- Adds several additions not found on the original JUNO-106, including a faster LFO and continuously variable HPF
- Chain mode allows two JU-06 to function as one 8-voice module
- Highly portable for mobile music making
- High-quality construction with metal front panel
- Dual ribbon controllers for pitch bend, modulation, and sound preview
- Battery-operated (4xAA) or USB powered
- 24 bit / 44.1 kHz stereo IN/OUT USB audio interface
- Built-in 0.5W mini-speaker for instant enjoyment
- Compatible with optional K-25m keyboard unit
JX-03 – $299.99
“Introduced in 1983, the JX-3P was Roland’s first analog synth with MIDI. Sharing the 6-voice polyphony of its JUNO stablemates, it also shared a variety of analog components including the classic Roland voltage-controlled filter (VCF). But the presence of two digitally controlled oscillators (DCOs) per voice gave the sound a distinctive, deep character that musicians loved – encompassing everything from big, sweeping pads to warm lead sounds bursting with personality. ”
The Roland Boutique JX-03 module continues the legacy of the JX-3P synth. The original model was launched when button-driven interfaces were popular, so it was designed to give immediate access to preset sounds. It was actually highly programmable though, especially when used with the optional PG-200 controller that added 24 rotary knobs for instant sonic sculpting. The limited-edition 4-voice JX-03 inherits all 24 knobs from the PG-200, as well as the distinctive JX tonal character. We’ve also added some extras not present in the JX-3P including new waveforms, expanded DCO range and cross modulation options. You can even slide the JX-03 into the optional K-25m keyboard unit for a self-contained, go-anywhere synth experience.
- Ultra-compact recreation of the iconic JX-3P synthesizer
- Retains the feel, sound character and user interface of the original
- Front panel includes all 24 knobs from the original PG-200 controller
- Adds several updates not found on the original JX-3P, including extra waveforms for the LFO and both DCOs, along with extended DCO range
- Chain mode allows two JX-03 to function as one 8-voice module
- Highly portable for mobile music making
- High-quality construction with metal front panel
- Dual ribbon controllers for pitch bend, modulation, and sound preview
- Battery-operated (4xAA) or USB powered
- 24 bit / 44.1 kHz stereo IN/OUT USB audio interface
- Built-in 0.5W mini-speaker for instant enjoyment
- Compatible with optional K-25m mini-keyboard
For more info – http://www.rolandus.com/promos/roland_boutique