New Product: JD-XA Analog/Digital Crossover Synthesizer

Bringing Together the Best of Both Worlds

Roland JD-XA Analog/Digital Crossover Synthesizer.

The JD-XA Analog/Digital Crossover Synthesizer is an advanced new keyboard that offers a unique and powerful approach to synthesis, putting the best elements of analog and digital synth technology at your fingertips. Equipped with fully featured analog and digital sound engines that can be used independently or interactively, the JD-XA brings together classic warmth and modern versatility in one super-creative, no-compromise instrument.

Two High-End Synths in One

With its distinctive crossover design, the JD-XA is truly two synths in one instrument, providing keyboardists and sound designers an incredibly flexible platform for creating any sound they can imagine.

The analog side of the JD-XA features a discrete, four-part engine with true analog filters and a direct dry output. Each part has two oscillators, along with filter and amp sections and four envelopes with incredibly fast attack and response times. There are also two LFOs with extremely wide range and super-smooth operation. Analog sounds can be routed directly to the dry output for a completely analog signal path, or sent through to the JD-XA’s digital effects for further enhancement.

The JD-XA’s digital side is equipped with a four-part, 64-voice sound engine powered by Roland’s acclaimed SuperNATURAL synthesizer technology. The engine is fully compatible with the popular INTEGRA-7 sound module, allowing you to take advantage of the large library of ready-to-play pro sounds available for free at Roland’s Axial website.

In the JD-XA, the analog and digital engines can be used side by side, or layered together for rich and complex hybrid textures. Going far beyond simple blending, the two engines also have the ability to interact in many creative ways. For example, digital sounds can be routed through the analog filters for warmth and character, or used as mod sources for analog functions such as Cross Mod and Ring Mod.

Comprehensive Effects and 16-Track Sequencer

Packed with pro-level effects, JD-XA delivers a huge amount of processing power for shaping sounds. Each analog and digital part is equipped with an MFX processor that has 67 different effect types, including high-impact options like Bit Crusher and others. Five effects processors are also available for system-wide use, including dedicated reverb, delay, and master EQ plus two TFX processors with 29 effect types each.

With the JD-XA’s 16-track pattern sequencer, it’s easy to dive in and start building loops and songs immediately. There are 8 tracks for internal parts, as well as 8 tracks for external sources connected via MIDI, USB, or CV-GATE. Real-time and step recording modes are available, allowing you choose the best approach for how you like to work.

Rear panel of the JD-XA Analog/Digital Crossover Synthesizer.

Hands-On Controls and Mic Input

The JD-XA offers a friendly, intuitive interface that’s built around harnessing every ounce of potential from its impressive sound engines. The 49-note keyboard is velocity sensitive and supports aftertouch, and there are ample sliders, knobs, and wheel controllers for direct hands-on control while creating and performing. The sliders and knobs are backlit to provide easy visibility on dark stages and in soft studio lighting.

You can take your sound creation capabilities even further by plugging a microphone into the JD-XA’s dedicated rear-panel input. A voice can be used as additional modulation source, controlling filter cutoff, Cross Mod, or other parameters for unique effects. There’s also a Vocoder, which allows you to sing into the mic and control the tone and pitch via sounds played on the keyboard. The mic input can be used for normal singing as well, with a high-quality reverb available as a dedicated vocal effect.

The control panel on the JD-XA Analog/Digital Crossover Synthesizer is filled with backlit sliders and knobs for hands-on access.

USB Audio/MIDI Interface and CV/GATE Outs for Analog Gear

The JD-XA is well equipped to be the central hub of an expanded music production setup. Via the built-in USB audio/MIDI interface, you’ll be up and running with your favorite DAW right away. The JD-XA is also outfitted with two CV/GATE outputs, allowing you to control analog or modular synths directly from the keyboard, pattern sequencer, or a connected DAW.

To learn more, visit the JD-XA product page.