February 6, 2017

System Update for the JD-XA Synth

Jim Bybee [Roland US] Product News, Tips & Tricks analog, crossover, digital, EDM, JD-XA, JUNO, jupiter, librarian, SuperNATURAL, Synth, system update, Update

Version 1.50 Update Adds 256 New Factory Programs

Roland JD-XA Analog/Digital Crossover Synthesizer.

If you own the JD-XA Analog/Digital Crossover Synthesizer, you’ll want to check out the recent Version 1.50 update. This user-installable system software refreshes the 256 onboard programs with all-new sounds created by our top programmers. The update also adds a Copy Program function that gives you quick access to any of these new sounds, even if you choose not to install them after updating your system.

Read on to listen to sound examples and learn more about the Version 1.50 update for the JD-XA synth.

April 11, 2016

JD-XA Librarian Software Now Available

Jim Bybee [Roland US] Product News analog, crossover, digital, editor, EDM, electronic music, JD-XA, JUNO, jupiter, librarian, SuperNATURAL, Synth, Synthesizer

Free Download for the JD-XA Analog/Digital Crossover Synth

JD-XA Librarian

With its exceptional analog/digital sound and innovative crossover design, the JD-XA has been lauded as one of Roland’s most powerful synths ever. Now, JD-XA owners have access to new librarian software that makes it easy to back up, organize, and archive patches on a Mac or Windows computer. Available as a free download, the librarian also provides an integrated portal to the growing collection of JD-XA patch collections at Roland’s Axial website.

February 5, 2016

The Legendary Sounds of the Roland Boutique Series

Jim Bybee [Roland US] Tips & Tricks ACB, AIRA, analog, boutique, JP-08, JU-06, JUNO-106, JUPITER-8, JX-03, JX-3P, keyboards, MIDI, Roland Boutique Patch Demos, Synth, Synthesizer

New Audio Demos of the JP-08, JU-06, and JX-03 Sound Modules

Boutique-Marquee-5b

If you’ve been lusting after the warm, rich sounds of Roland’s classic JUPITER-8, JUNO-106, and JX-3P analog synths from the 1980s and can’t get your hands on the originals, you won’t get any closer than the Roland Boutique series. Consisting of the JP-08, JU-06, and JX-03 sound modules, the series employs Roland’s acclaimed Analog Circuit Behavior (ACB) technology to recreate the sound and response of the original legends with stunning accuracy. If you haven’t had a chance to hear the Roland Boutique series in person, check out the great new audio demos we’ve recently created using the factory patches in each module.

October 1, 2015

Introducing the Roland Boutique Series

Jim Bybee [Roland US] Product News ACB, AIRA, analog, JUNO-106, JUPITER-8, JX-3P, PG-200, Synth, Synthesizer

Legendary Roland Analog Synths Reborn as Compact Sound Modules

The Roland Boutique modules alongside their historic analog counterparts from the 1980s.

The Roland Boutique series has just been launched, featuring all-new compact sound modules that recreate renowned analog synthesizers from Roland’s historic past. Powered by the acclaimed Analog Circuit Behavior technology, the limited-edition series includes three modules based on the JUPITER-8, JUNO-106, and JX-3P instruments from the 1980s. Loaded with hands-on controls derived from the original synths, each module can be used as a tabletop MIDI device or mounted in the optional K-25m Keyboard Unit to create a standalone compact synth.

May 27, 2015

Synth Bass for Bass Players, Part 2

Jim Bybee [Roland US] Tips & Tricks analog, Bass, crossover, fa-06, GAIA, Hybrid, JUNO, key bass, keyboards, PLUG-OUT, SH-101, synth bass, SYSTEM-1, Wobble

Choosing the Best Synth for the Gig

system-1_angle_660

In Synth Bass for Bass Players, Part 1, we talked about how doubling on synth bass can increase your opportunities to land more work in today’s music scene. We also outlined some of the important features to look for when choosing a keyboard for playing synth bass. This time, we’ll take a closer look at some Roland synths that are ideal for the job.

April 15, 2015

New Product: JD-XA Analog/Digital Crossover Synthesizer

Jim Bybee [Roland US] Product News analog, crossover, CV-Gate, digital, SuperNATURAL, Synth, Synthesizer, USB

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.

January 22, 2015

New Product: JD-Xi Interactive Crossover Synthesizer

Jim Bybee [Roland US] Product News analog, crossover, digital, Dorian Concept, Hybrid, JD-Xi, keyboards, Sequencer, Synth, vocoder

Hybrid Synth with Analog and Digital Sound Engines, Vocoder, and More

Roland JD-Xi Interactive Crossover Synthesizer.

If you’re a synth fanatic, the JD-Xi Interactive Crossover Synthesizer is a cool new hybrid keyboard that you’ll love! It features a true analog synth engine for authentic lead and bass tones, plus two digital sound engines that power Roland’s famous SuperNATURAL synth sounds. There are a ton of great drum kits on board as well, plus a four-track pattern sequencer for putting together songs and loops. This compact powerhouse also comes with a high-quality gooseneck mic for exploring rich vocal textures with the built-in Vocoder, AutoPitch, and Auto Note functions.

July 15, 2014

New BOSS Waza Craft Pedals: BD-2W, SD-1W, and DM-2W

Jim Bybee [Roland US] Product News analog, boss, custom, Delay, distortion, guitar, OverDrive, Stompbox, Waza Craft 1 Comment

Special Edition Stomps with Customized Sound

It’s time to clear some space on your pedalboard—the new BOSS Waza Craft pedals have just been announced! Featuring refined circuit designs and all-analog components, the Waza Craft line provides guitarists the ultimate BOSS tone experience. The debut of this special edition series includes the BD-2W Blues Driver, SD-1W Super Overdrive, and DM-2W Delay. All three pedals deliver the famous sound signatures of the past and present BOSS pedals they’re based on, plus switchable modes for customized tones sought after by serious players. More