Roland JD-08

Sound Module

DescriptionImagesVideoTech specsCompatibleFAQComments

Product Images: click to view fullsize version.

400.00

street price

The Roland JD-08 is a modern Boutique-series recreation inspired by the classic JD-800 synthesizer, offering the signature sound character of the original in a compact desktop module format. While not a direct clone of the JD-800, the JD-08 captures much of the original's sonic DNA, particularly excelling at shimmering pads, glassy textures, evolving soundscapes, and that distinctive blend between '80s analog and '90s digital character.

The JD-08 features Roland's miniaturized control panel philosophy with 10mm faders and the iconic diagonal button layout reminiscent of the JD-800. However, it incorporates significant architectural differences from the original, including a different filter design (likely based on Roland's Zen technology), modified waveform pitching for some samples, and a simplified two-part structure rather than the original's complex Multi mode.

Notable improvements over the original include dramatically increased polyphony (128 voices vs. the JD-800's 6-note limit), the addition of an arpeggiator with various playback modes, and a comprehensive 64-step polyphonic sequencer. The module uses MIDI Control Change messages for automation rather than the original's SysEx implementation, making it much easier to integrate with modern DAWs and controllers.

The sound engine maintains the JD-800's four-Tone architecture per patch, with each Tone featuring PCM wave generators, multimode filtering, and dedicated envelope generators. The built-in multi-effects section offers distortion, phasing, EQ, enhancer, delay, chorus, and reverb, though with some limitations in bi-timbral mode.

Despite some technical issues including USB ground loop noise, MIDI implementation bugs, and the lack of proper documentation, the JD-08 delivers the essential JD-800 experience in a more affordable and reliable package than vintage originals.

Technical Specifications

Sound Generation

Architecture: PCM-based synthesis with 4 Tones per Patch
Polyphony: 128 voices maximum
- 32 voices when using 4 Tones per Patch
- 16 voices minimum in bi-timbral mode
Waveforms: PCM waves (some with modified pitching compared to JD-800 original)
Filter: Multimode filter (HP/BP/LP) with resonance
Envelope Generators: Time/Level architecture with additional Release Level control
LFOs: 2 per Tone for modulation routing

Memory & Patches

Patch Memory: 256 locations
Factory Patches: 99 preset sounds
User Patches: 157 user locations
Sequencer Patterns: 128 pattern memories

Performance Features

Parts: 2 Parts (A and B) for bi-timbral operation
Arpeggiator: Up, Down, Up/Down, Random, As Played modes
- Programmable rate, range, transposition, gate length, velocity
- Hold function
Sequencer: 64-step, 2-track polyphonic sequencer
- Real-time and step input
- Velocity, gate length, ties, shuffle programming
- Control change sequencing
- 6 replay modes plus random performance generator

Effects

Effect A Group: Distortion, Phasing, EQ, Enhancer
Effect B Group: Delay, Chorus, Reverb
Routing: All effects available to Part A; Part B limited to Effect A group only
Configuration: Selectable effect order within each group

Connectivity

MIDI: 5-pin DIN In/Out
USB: USB-C connection (requires dedicated driver)
Audio Outputs: 3.5mm stereo output, 3.5mm headphone output
Audio Input: 3.5mm stereo input (direct pass-through, no processing)
Sync: Analog clock input for external synchronization
Security: Kensington lock slot

Control Interface

Display: 4-character LCD display
Controls: Miniature control panel with 10mm faders
Buttons: Bank/number selection buttons in diagonal layout
Programming: Menu-based editing system

Compatibility

USB Compliance: Requires dedicated driver (not class-compliant)
OS Support: macOS 10.14+ and Windows 10+

MIDI Implementation

Channels: 3 simultaneous MIDI channels
- Channel 1: System channel
- Channel 2: Part A
- Channel 3: Part B
Control: MIDI CC automation support
Program Change: Pattern selection via MIDI Program Change
Easter Egg: Hidden monosynth on channels 4-5

Power

Power Options: USB-C power or battery operation

Tags:

Recommend product to a friend

Usage area
Sound Module/ Tone Generator
Usage Design/ Form Factor
With Separate Keys Module
Archetype
Digital (D)
Virtual Analog (VA)
Polyphony
Voices	128
Multi Timbral Capacity
Monotimbral
Tone Generator / Sound Synthesis
Synthesis Method	Digital Additive
Oscillators per voice	2
Programs/ Voices/ Timbres
User-defined Single Voice	256
Filter
High-pass Filter (HPF)
Envelope Generator (EG)
ADSR
Effects
Reverb
Chorus
Delay
Phaser
Distortion
Sequencer
Step Sequencer
Max Step Count	64
Pattern Sequencer
MIDI
General MIDI (GM)
MIDI in/ out
IN
OUT
Display
Resolution: Symbols Count	2
Built-in controllers
Slider/ Drawbar	29
Potentiometer	4
Button	36
Audio out
Stereo
Analogue: 1/8" (3.5mm)	1
Analogue: 1/8" (3.5mm) headphones preamplified	1
Audio in
Analog 1/8"	1
Built-in speakers
Mono, 1 speaker
Computer Interfaces
USB	USB PC Link
USB	MIDI through USB
Power
Power Supply	Internal, Accumulators
Power Supply	External, USB
Amperage	0.5 A
Dimensions
Height	49 mm
Width	300 mm
Depth	128 mm
Weight	0.840 kg
Case/ body
Metal&plastic
Color
Grey
Production start	2022

Ask question

Roland D-05 LA Sound Module 350.00 U.S.Dollars

Roland D-05 is a revision of a legendary Roland D-50. The Roland D-05 Linear Synthesizer brings back the electronic music and movie soundtracks from the 80s. Roland's Digital Circuit Behavior is recreated, all the original presets are added as well as...

Roland SE-02 Analog Sound Module 450.00 U.S.Dollars

Analog monophonic synthesizer module from the Roland Boutique Designer series, created in cooperation with Studio Electronics. It’s the first after a 30-year break strictly analog Roland synthesizer (apart from the on/off digital delay circuit). It has 3...

Roland JP-08 Sound Module 400.00 U.S.Dollars

JP-08 is a sound module of the Roland Boutique series based on the ACB (Advanced Circuit Behavior) analog simulation technology. It recreates the sounds of the legendary synthesizer Roland Jupiter-8.

Roland JX-03 Sound Module 300.00 U.S.Dollars

A sound module of the Roland Boutique series based on the ACB (Advanced Circuit Behavior) analog simulation technology. Recreates the sounds of the well-known in the 1980s and a bit underrated synthesizer Roland JX-3P.

Roland JU-06 Sound Module 300.00 U.S.Dollars

Roland Boutique series sound module based on the ACB (Advanced Circuit Behavior) analog simulation technology. Recreates the sounds of the popular in the 1980s synthesizer Roland Juno-106.

Roland TR-09 Rhythm Composer 400.00 U.S.Dollars

The sound of this synthesizer of Roland Boutique series is emulated applying the ACB technology - Analog Circuit Behavior, i.e. it differs significantly from the original device (TR-909), in contrast to the modern copies of old Roland drum machines...

Roland TB-03 Bass Line 400.00 U.S.Dollars

The sound of this synthesizer of Roland Boutique series is emulated applying the ACB technology - Analog Circuit Behavior, i.e. it differs significantly from the original device (TB-303), in contrast to the modern copies of old Roland drum machines...

Roland VP-03 Vocoder 350.00 U.S.Dollars

Like all the devices of Roland Boutique series (JP-08, JX-03, JU-06), VP-03 vocoder uses ACB (Advanced Circuit Behavior) technology to recreate the waveform generation processes in an analog synthesizer to ultimately achieve sound waves approximate in...

Roland DK-01 Boutique Dock 100.00 U.S.Dollars

Dock station for Boutique series instruments.

Roland K-25m Boutique Series Keyboard Unit 100.00 U.S.Dollars

Mini-keyword for Boutique series instruments.

Roland SH-01A Analog Modeling Synthesizer Module 350.00 U.S.Dollars

The Roland SH-01A is a digital synthesizer that recreates the iconic sound of the classic Roland SH-101 synthesizer. It features a 32-step sequencer, an arpeggiator, and a variety of effects. It also has a built-in speaker and battery power for on-the-go use.

Roland TR-08 Virtual Analog Drum Machine Module 350.00 U.S.Dollars

The Roland TR-08 is a drum machine released in 2018 as part of the Roland Boutique series. It is a recreation of the classic Roland TR-808 drum machine, which was released in 1980 and is widely considered to be one of the most influential pieces of...

Roland TR-06 Drum machine 400.00 U.S.Dollars

The Roland TR-06 is a drum machine released in 2017 as part of the Roland Boutique series. It is a modern recreation of the classic Roland TR-606 drum machine, which was released in 1981. The TR-06 features the same sounds and controls as the original,...

Roland JU-06A Desktop Synthesizer Module 400.00 U.S.Dollars

Improved second version of Roland Boutique series sound module based on the ACB (Advanced Circuit Behavior) analog simulation technology. Recreates the sounds of vintage synthesizers Roland Juno-106 and Juno-60.

Roland JX-08 Sound Module 400.00 U.S.Dollars

Roland Boutique series sound module based on the ACB (Advanced Circuit Behavior) analog simulation technology. Recreates the sounds of the popular in the 1980s analog synthesizer Roland JX-8P.

E-mail*
More info