The Roland JV-1010 is a compact, budget-friendly sound module that brings the professional-grade sonic capabilities of the acclaimed JV-2080 to a more affordable half-rack format. This 1U high module serves as an excellent entry point into Roland's JV series, offering the same 64-voice polyphony and sound engine as its larger sibling while including all patches and waveforms from the Session expansion card as standard.

Designed for both studio and live applications, the JV-1010 features a streamlined interface that prioritizes ease of use for preset selection while relying on bundled software for comprehensive editing capabilities. The unit includes a direct computer connection option, eliminating the need for a separate MIDI interface when connecting to Mac or PC systems.

The sound architecture is built around sample-based synthesis with the capability to modulate one tone with another for FM-like effects. Each patch can comprise up to four layers or tones, each featuring independent level envelopes, filter envelopes, and filter settings. The module supports keyboard splits and velocity switching, though access to these advanced features requires the included Sound Diver editing software.

The JV-1010's effects processing mirrors the JV-2080's sophisticated system, featuring separate virtual chorus and reverb units alongside a programmable multi-effects section. This flexible arrangement allows individual parts in multitimbral setups to maintain independent effects processing, with chorus and reverb levels being independently variable per part.

Technical Specifications

Physical Dimensions & Power

• Format: Half-rack, 1U high
• Power Supply: External wall-wart PSU (cost-cutting measure)
• Mounting: Desktop use or rack/stack configuration

Audio Architecture

• Polyphony: 64 voices
• Sound Engine: Based on JV-2080 architecture
• Synthesis Type: Sample-based with tone modulation capability (FM-like effects)
• Patch Structure: Up to 4 layers/tones per patch
• Audio Outputs: 2 (stereo pair on quarter-inch jacks)
• Headphone Output: Front panel 1/4" jack

Sound Banks & Memory

• Total Preset Patches: 512 (Banks A, B, C, E)
• GM Sound Bank: 128 patches (Bank D)
• Session Expansion Patches: 255 patches (included as standard)
• User Bank: 128 user-programmable patches (comes pre-loaded with factory patches)
• Additional Expansion: 1 JV-series expansion card slot (~250 additional patches depending on card)
• Drum/Percussion Sounds: 7 groups on channel 10, plus 2 additional kits in user memory
• Session Rhythm Sets: 8 additional rhythm sets included

Performance Memory

• Total Performances: 128
• User-Programmable Performances: 32 (via software)
• Performance Storage: All 16-part settings including Part 10 drum kit, levels, pan, tuning, and effects

Interface & Controls

• Display: 3-digit, 8-segment LED display (replaces JV-2080's LCD)
• Part Selection: 16-way rotary switch for 16 parts
• Value Control: Push-to-enter Value knob
• Category/Bank Selector: Allows sound selection by type or bank
• Volume Control: With integrated push switch for patch auditioning
• Edit Mode Access: Volume + Value knob combination

MIDI & Connectivity

• MIDI Ports: In, Out, Thru (standard DIN connectors)
• Computer Interface: Direct Mac/PC connection socket
• Interface Modes: MIDI, Mac, PC1, PC2 (slide switch selectable)
• MIDI Channels: 16-part multitimbral
• Program Changes: Supported via MIDI or front panel
• Controller Support: Reverb and chorus level adjustment via MIDI CC

Effects Processing

• Multi-Effects Processor: Programmable section (same as JV-2080)
• Chorus: Separate virtual chorus unit with independent level control per part
• Reverb: Separate virtual reverb unit with independent level control per part
• Effects Flexibility: Parts can use different combinations of multi-effects, chorus, and reverb

Synthesis Parameters (Per Tone)

• Envelopes: Level envelope and filter envelope
• Filters: Individual filter settings (known for authentic analog synth emulation)
• Waveforms: Combination of internal JV-2080 ROM, Session ROM, and expansion card ROM
• Keyboard Features: Splits and velocity switching supported
• Modulation: One tone can modulate another for FM-like effects

GM Compatibility

• GM Bank: Complete General MIDI sound set in Bank D
• GM Initialization: Special procedure (GM + Value + Volume buttons)
• GM Setup: Doesn't affect stored user data

Software & Editing

• Included Software: Emagic Sound Diver (Mac and PC versions)
• Front Panel Editing: Limited to basic parameters (reverb/chorus send, levels, pan, tuning, voice reserve)
• Software Editing: Full access to all synthesis parameters and patch management
• MIDI Dump: Required for saving front panel Performance changes
• Sequencer Integration: Compatible with Logic, Studio Vision, Cubase with Studio Module

Audio Quality

• Background Noise: Very low levels
• Distortion: Very low levels
• Output Converters: High-quality performance (no discernible difference from JV-2080)
• Dynamic Range: Professional grade

Notable Features

• Session Content: Enhanced sampling for pianos, guitars, basses, orchestral sounds, and synths
• Patch Categories: Selectable by instrument type (piano, ethnic, guitar/bass, etc.)
• Expansion Compatibility: Full compatibility with JV-series expansion cards
• Cross-ROM Patching: Can create patches using waveforms from multiple ROM sources
• Professional Sounds: Includes warm pads, bright bells, silky strings, dance stabs, and vintage analog emulations

Tags: digital synthesizer