Roland JUPITER-08 compact synthesizer introduced

For the 45th anniversary of the 1981 JUPITER-8, Roland has introduced the compact JUPITER-08 boutique synthesizer. The unit draws on the 1981 model and comes equipped with the K-25m keyboard dock for direct playability.

Sound Generation and Architecture

The digital recreation operates with eight voices in standard mode, expandable up to 32 voices. Sound generation uses two oscillators per voice, featuring pulse width modulation, sync, and cross-modulation. Sound shaping is handled by a high-pass filter and a resonant low-pass filter with selectable slopes of 12 or 24 dB/octave. Timbres can be combined as layers or separated via keyboard split. The control panel can be positioned at an angle and offers numerous knobs and sliders.

Sequencer and Effects

The unit features a two-part polyphonic 64-step sequencer with motion recording and an arpeggiator that allows multiple notes per step. The integrated effects section contains:

• 17 MFX types including stereo chorus
• Separate delay
• Reverb with five types and a shimmer mode

For communication with external hardware or music software, the synthesizer provides USB-C for audio and MIDI, an external clock input, and 5-pin MIDI in/out ports. Further connections for audio and headphones are located on the rear. The JUPITER-08 includes integrated speakers and runs on USB-C or four AA batteries, providing up to six hours of runtime when using Ni-MH cells.

Source: Delamar