Roland JP 8000 users unite to help me please!! other synthies welcome too!

[Big_Bang]

I tried many-a-google combination, but I am loosing my wits !


Here is the deal... two years ago I bought a AN1X for my band. It was... well, to get some analogish feel into a indie rock setup. I am a guitarrist, NOT a keyb-player!

The thing is, appart from one or two sounds I really really love... all the rest did not make out as a happy partnership. I am now about to sell it and try the JP 8000.

I have a few doubts! You see, EVERYWHERE everyone reviews and talks about the supersaw and feedback, and super PHAT pads, piercing leads, etc, as the plus for this synth, how well it emulated this and that classic analog synth sound and what not... I am not going to do trance !! nor tecno or such!But I do like the analg low fi philosophy and aproach.

1 -I am looking for ethereal sounds, like blips and toylike weird stuff, theremin (this is a must, but a simple sound to make), eerie swirls, yes - chest pumping bases for trip-hopish meanderings, oscilator sweeps like moog, but I am NOT looking to copy that sound, just the feel. The AN1X steps unless seriously tweaked. I like the Roland for it's instant access tweaking without menus.

I find non-full-on-electronic reviews that at first round led me to the AN1x. Someone please help me?

2 - Also, I know there is a 1.05 update that seems important and actually improves the sound (?!?!) I just read it in another forum, but find no resource of info on this update. I'd really like to know, 'cos if it's something I dont need I rather not risk an update.

3 - Is there a dedicated editor/librarian? I am just so not into this field. Done it before(for my DX7 - painful but done!) and all the librarians seem to be 300 years old.

4 - I once came across a AN1x preset inside Nuendo midi controller setup. I never figured out what that was for as it had no assignations to it. I would have to map it myself, and have no clue how to go about this. Why would there be that if the user still has to edit everything in? It's just, one click and I could create a new template. I would spend n extra 10 seconds of my time. why is that there? Is the JP8000 easy to configure to twaek knobs in VSTi's ? Sorry for such newb question, but I my experiences are from long ago, got the job done, went to rehearse and never did it again, so I have very little knowledge on this.

This last point doesn't really bother me. Sound is what I'd like. I found a web page with some of the patches... looks promissing, but still I'd like this forum's opinion, as I feel at home here

I from the 'ol rock n roll club, but synths are a HUGE part of my taste

Thank you, wise sinewavers !

[auxpot]

as long as you want to go the va route and want to have a box that is capable of various things i would say you should consider a virus.....

it has multimode, is far more easy to programm than a anx and it sounds ten times better imho....

it´s´a very versatile box, it has many options and soundwise it emulates old roland-esque synths very well....

actually that´s the only va synth i use every day...besides the nordlead maybe, but that´s a different beast......

[Big_Bang]

I wouldn't like a rack, as I would still be needing a keyboard. As I said, it's not that I'd like a close sounder of yester-year. More of a playground for some indie rock ethereal stuff, funny noises and FX to toy around with.

Also, there are many versions and don't know them. I'll go check out vintagesynth.com to see what they say - thanks! - but they seem very expensive, arent they? I'm can surely get one (jp8000) on ebay for around 500€, I've been dating the idea for quite some time.

Actually, the Dx7 would be the main blanket provider, but when the guitars start shredding distortions, or even quieter tunes, I'd love a synth that would let the player blend in the groove with on hands schizofrenia, as in low-fi, non trance screeching type.

Anyone comment on their experiences with this synth?

[Sharp11]

Originally Posted by Sir.Audio

I wouldn't like a rack, as I would still be needing a keyboard. As I said, it's not that I'd like a close sounder of yester-year. More of a playground for some indie rock ethereal stuff, funny noises and FX to toy around with.

Also, there are many versions and don't know them. I'll go check out vintagesynth.com to see what they say - thanks! - but they seem very expensive, arent they? I'm can surely get one (jp8000) on ebay for around 500€, I've been dating the idea for quite some time.

Actually, the Dx7 would be the main blanket provider, but when the guitars start shredding distortions, or even quieter tunes, I'd love a synth that would let the player blend in the groove with on hands schizofrenia, as in low-fi, non trance screeching type.

Anyone comment on their experiences with this synth?

I've had a JP8000 for ten years now, I wouldn't really think of its character as a heavy metal or shredding synth, but it does have a bit of that flavor in supersaw mode.

It's a smooth sounding and versatile synth which excels (naturally) at emulating old Roland synths. It does great basses and pads and nice trippy little lead sounds.

I also have an Access Virus (TDM ver) and I agree with the poster above - this (and a Nord Lead) would be a better choice for what you want.

As for price, yes, the JP's are less expensive, but what good is that if it's not what you need, you're just throwing money away.

Ed

[Hossegor]

i would recomment you to get a nord lead one.

it sounds very raw and mean. i have owned a virus which is not bad but i really prefer the nord. its definitly worth checking it out.
the pad sound on my myspace profile song in the break is the nord lead one. i abolutely love it...

[Big_Bang]

Thanks Ed!

but let me just say...r !!

I can't seem to explain myself today, dont know why. What I meant by shredding with distortions, I dont actually mean mudding up the sound even more with supersaw. For instance, one of our grindier tunes has it's big finale momentum with a very sweet cutting theremin sound that just blends in. Harmonically, it take the guitars into a new plain of fedeling (this case axiety I would say). But the An1x, even assigning the knobs to certain filters, I found it crap as a synth to tweak sounds on the fly and make them consistent, musical, playable.

With the An1x you have to sit down with a sound in mind already. If you try to jam along, you touch a button and it instantly turn into plastic. You then have to work around to "melt" the plastic away, and 30% of the time you can after 50 hours of trial and error (I am sooooo newb here...)

I do want the option of a hardware synth. I want a player to come in and improv. If our laptop/sampler fails on us, the synth (at least one) woudnt.

I have tried many modeled VSTs. Love them obviously!

The few sounds on the JP I have already heard, I was quite impressed with the hammondy preset! See, I don't care it's not a real hammond, but it sounds cool and warm.

Also, I do not need pristine FAT sounds. This fatness get muffled by the band anyway, unlike electronic music where the slightest deviation from the real deal can be felt. Even still, I heard some bases I could REALLY use on some trip-hopish ideas we are working on.

Dammit, sorry for being so vague n'... lacking words

Ok, let me put it this way. You are assigned to only sound design the entire alien spacecraft for medium budget b-side UFO flik. From space travel, to cockpit blips n noises, tractor beam, sliding doors, teleport, plasma gun, laser shot, the odd 70's type arpegio... the whole star trek/buck rogers/flash gordon ambience...

Would the JP 8000 do the job?

wow - I finally got to say something objectively...

Sorry for being "this person" - I'm not like this usually - really!

[Dusty Chalk]

Well, I have a JP8080, which is like the JP8000's non-keyboard cousin. I'm having a hard time discerning what it is you're looking for, but it sounds like you have the same attitude towards synthesizers as Jon Lord did -- I.E. for special effects only, non-musical variety.

No, it's not especially good at that. I mean, you can turn the LFO on really high and slow and go crazy, yes, you would be able to do the things you want to do, and it is very intuitive -- there's a knob on the front panel for everything.

I don't know nuthin' about programming it from a computer, but I do know this: the DX7 is an entirely different beast -- easily the most difficult to program synth, ever. Why do you think so many people used the presets? Do not use the DX7 as a basis for dealing with programming a synth. FM is absolutely counter-intuitive to 99% of everyone.

I guess what I'm saying is -- it'll work, but it'll take work. Don't spend too much on it -- that way you can at least sell it on the used market with very little overall expense on your part. But if you can afford it, then buy it and try it.

Personally, I think it's a great synth, and I love it's tone -- it can be very warm and phat, then it can be thin and artificial sounding, whatever you want. The way I phrase it is, "don't tell it it's digital, it thinks it's analog". But I play and listen to exactly the kind of music you're talking about that you don't do. So what do I know?

Oh, and definitely play with the feedback oscillator. Make sure you assign a couple controllers to the different parameters in there, hours of fun.

[Sharp11]

Originally Posted by Sir.Audio

Ok, let me put it this way. You are assigned to only sound design the entire alien spacecraft for medium budget b-side UFO flik. From space travel, to cockpit blips n noises, tractor beam, sliding doors, teleport, plasma gun, laser shot, the odd 70's type arpegio... the whole star trek/buck rogers/flash gordon ambience...

Would the JP 8000 do the job?

As someone else said, you could do it on the JP, but it'd take a lot of work.

Otoh, the Access Virus would do the job with more versatility and ease of use. I know, because I always go to the Virus when I'm scoring exactly what you describe.

Ed

[Tibbon]

The JP-80x0 is a fine synth. I enjoyed it quite a bit for the fact that:

1) It's cheap so i don't have to worry about it live
2) It's digital so i don't have to worry about tuning it live (cold in the van, stage lights hot.. makes for analogue tuning a mess).
3) It's quick to switch between sounds of course.

It sounds pretty good. I didn't realize how weak the basses and leads were for many sounds until I got my minimoog, but it does pads and stuff pretty well. Sounds even better when it's ran through a MF-101 filter or a sherman filter bank. I just wish that roland had a few CV outputs on it (like a BassStation).

I picked up my last one for $280 bucks, although that's an abnormally low amount for one. Most go for around $350-$500 in the US now, and don't seem to be going much lower.

I wouldn't even worry about editors or librarians for it. It's simple enough to get nearly anything set up quickly. There's a few out there that I messed with, but they weren't really worth it in the end. I just did a sysex dump whenever I got done with a song, so i could recall everything if i needed to.

It's a solid synth, but I wouldn't have it be my only synth.

[octatonic]

I do a lot of grinding electronic rock and use the JP8000 a lot- constantly I would say.

Have a listen to this - most of the synths are the JP8000 except the bass which is a virus and my pitchshifted guitar.

[basscakes]

I would second the Nord Lead or Virus suggestion, although you could probably buy a Juno 106 or a Korg Polysix (check battery in the poly before buying) and have a real robust analog sound for the same money. On the Virus and Nord, you are paying for many studio oriented features that you would not be using in a live situation (if that is what you are looking for...)

[gsilbers]

there is a plugin emulation of the jp8080. its almost identical. its for PC.

now go on your quest cause i forgot the name of it


you can get sounquest from http://www.squest.com/

then for our sci-fi sounds, ALL synths can do them. maybe get any synth and then get patches that are sci fi oriented.

or get some of the many sample libraries for all that sci fi sounds.

[Meriphew]

I've had my JP8000 since about '97. I still dig it. I saw Gary Numan live (around '97) here in Seattle. They used the JP8000 pretty heavily, and they were getting all the old Telekon/Replicas/Pleasure Principle sounds out of it. That sealed the deal for me.

[Big_Bang]

WOW!

Thanks for all the input!

Could anyone talk about the software update to 1.05 on the JP? I read on another forum that it make the sound better, but that's the only bit of referrence I found. I find no extra info on what this OS update does...

gracias

[Big_Bang]

I found this through KVR

http://home.btconnect.com/christopherg/main.htm

The reviewer said it was by far the best of the bunch doing the JP8000. I'll get to know it for myself. It's free !! Me so happy

I'll give it a go!

Thank you all !!

[tribeofenki]

ethereal sounds are difficult to achieve on a Jp 80x0

Clavia Nord Lead is an ethereal beast.

[Odd Harmonics]

Superwave vst is decent enough considering its free but sonically doesnt match the JP.

If im thinking of the same kind of sounds i think you want.. the JP should do you fine. Many of the factory presets seem to emulate classic analog sounds and there are quite a few sound fx.

Access Virus is a good option, its actually much deeper for programing but many paremeters are under menus. So going on what you said about the AN1X i dont think you would like it.

Nord Lead is a good simple VA but i think the JP is better overall.

No idea on software PC editors as ive always programed the synths directly, i feel programing them from the computer goes against the point of having a synth with knobs and sliders.

[W-W-Int]

as you already stated you don't want to do trance the virus is the worst synth you could possible get other than the jp8000.
the filter in the virus is for crap. it bleeds way too much frequency past it's cutoff point. this is great for trance pads and leads and garbage for anything else where you actually intended for the cutoff to cut off frequencies.

instead i'd say look at the novation nova II keyboard or the nord lead or lead 2. the nova is a bit more rounded and has a vocoder. it's far better at emulating older analog gear and not being a trance super saw synth. the jp8000 and virus are all about over-saturated filters and stacked saw waves. i have heard a few convincing emulation sounds from a virus but nothing that sounds like a prophet 5 or minimoog. it can get close to a elka synthex and that's about it. for minimoog and juno and prophet 5 the nova II is the best bet. and it's layout is far easier to navigate than the virus.

[shadowfac]

I'd suggest the Nord Lead or a Korg MS2000. They're both great for bleeps, basses, and sweeping sounds. But I think either the AN1x or JP8000 should work. After all, it's classic subtractive sounds you're looking for. I think that regardless of which synth you get, the best thing you can do is learn the synth thoroughly and be able program the sounds you need - the interface of the synth may have lots to do with this, and maybe that's why the An1X didn't work for you.

My guess is that you need something with plenty of knobs - preferably one for each parameter (e.g. Nord Lead). That's why I wouldn't suggest the Virus or Nova/Supernova. They're fine synths, but in the Supernova each knob can modify different parameters, depending on certain selections, and the Virus has a lot of key parameters hidden in a menu with one of the worst navigation systems.

[W-W-Int]

the ms2000 while it does sound nice is also not really friendly. the mod sequencer the most useful part of it is buried in a page driven menu. the vocoder while decent is also a dive into the page menu system to get anything changed other than the carrier wave. also it only has 4 note poly which is a little limited.


the nord is one knob one function. it's pretty straightforward and simple to use. however it doesn't have a lot of depth and costs more than it really should.

the nova II has just as much control over the basic functions from the front panel as the nord does and goes a bit further as it offers more from the front panel than any other v.a. synth you'd find near it's price. as far as doubled functionality...
there is a dedicated button to switch between osc 1,2 and 3 and the osc's functions are all duplicated by the same set of knobs.
same goes for the envelope and lfo controls. you get to control the envelope or lfo you currently have selected but to edit the others it's a simple button press to get to the right one and use the same knobs.

as far as sound goes...

virus, bad filter with not very convincing resonance peaks. good for trance where you want to have unison detuned sound on everything but bad for simpler sounds.

jp8000 super saw is great for trance pretty lame for classic prog rock leads and such. distrotion is nice however and makes a cutting lead of it's own to compete with guitars.

nord lead, sounds a tiny bit on the thinner side compared to other v.a.'s including the an-1x but is dead easy to use. no effects.

ms2000 has the ability to sound deep and warm, knobs are crap unfortunetly and have stepping noise when adjusting things live. mod sequencer is really interesting way to get things done but is a pain to edit under the page menu system.

novation nova II/supernova II. can sound thick as in trance or more of the sound of the older classics people want like the minimoog and prophet 5, juno 106, even sounds like a tb-303. has a lot going for it in it's nromalized mode (preset routings of modifiers) and adds a mod matrix on top of that.

alesis ion/micron. sounds thin, not convincing in any way even though supposed to have the highest dsp processing power. sounds like a workstation trying to sound like an analog. they are cheap however and some of the presets are interesting. avoid the micron unless you like the page menu programming method.

[shadowfac]

Originally Posted by W-W-Int

the ms2000 while it does sound nice is also not really friendly. the mod sequencer the most useful part of it is buried in a page driven menu.

I disagree. The mod sequencers on the MS2000 are dead easy to use and edit. You just have to activate one of the sequencers, push record, and turn the knob you want to automate. Then, for more in-depth editing, you can use the 16 bottom knobs to adjust the value at each step. There are absolutely no menus involved, unless you want to change the default sequence length, step size, or triggering mode (either of which takes no more than a few botton-presses).

The vocoder, I haven't used it much, so I can't comment on it, but I don't think it's that hard, either.

On the other hand, the menu system is extremely well organized: each of the 16 bottom buttons takes you to specific menu pages (osc, filter, amp, sequencers, lfo's, effects, etc). Even naming presets is very easy if you use the shortcuts.

[W-W-Int]

try using the mod sequencer to change the waveform of the osc without diving into the menu system
adjusting via the knobs on the bottom is okay for a while but to get to specific values you need the page menu system, and for wavesequencing you need the specific value.

and it's menu system is very cryptic for the extra functions. as far as osc and filter why bother there's knobs for that.

basically i ended up having to resort to the p.c. editor to get certain things done because the page menues were so poorly labeled. it does sound nice, until you turn the knobs, then it sounds like stepped garbage.
i did like the filters in it, and the osc section was okay. just korg's decision to use cheap knobs and the menu system made me decide to part ways with it.

[pyelagin]

I got JP 8080 which is the same as JP8000 minus keyboard but plus vocoder... To me it feels a bit trancy or mainstream comercial... at least all of those presets on it... Virus is sort of similar too but it has 16 part rather than 2... and yes if you wipe it clean you can get some good sounds out of it as well as out of JP 8000... Out of analog emulators I think Waldorf Q is the bigest bang for the money... But it might be to Electro for lots of people... Sounds like very clean and bright analog and has random function (sets all the parameters at rendom once you press it... hours of endless fun)... So if you are realy into those analog blips and hises try Andromeda... It's digitaly control 16 part (!!!!!!!!), 16 voice + effects and true analog (means no emulation)... Has that unprecise muddy woble of analog and it so fat for the bass.. Filters are killer too...

Cheers,
Peter

[Sunbreak Music]

There are some ambient-type artists that have used (or still use) the 8000 or 8080, but for 'musical' ethereal sounds rather than fx. Patrick O'Hearn, David Helpling, Jon Jenkins to name a few.

I've had the 8000, 8080, and the V-synth, but would probably grab my virus for what you're talking about (as others have suggested).

[shadowfac]

Originally Posted by W-W-Int

try using the mod sequencer to change the waveform of the osc without diving into the menu system
adjusting via the knobs on the bottom is okay for a while but to get to specific values you need the page menu system, and for wavesequencing you need the specific value.

I've done that several times, without resorting to the menu system. It's just like I said, you turn on the mod sequencers, press REC, and twist the knob you want to automate (OSC1 Control 2, in this case). Once the sequence is recorded you can change the value at each step using the bottom knobs. Actually, when you turn one of those knobs, the LCD immediately shows the corresponding menu element, so if you want to do finer adjustments (e.g., if you cannot hit the right value with the knob) you just have to press the +/- buttons. It's an extremely quick and simple approach.

Originally Posted by W-W-Int

and it's menu system is very cryptic for the extra functions. as far as osc and filter why bother there's knobs for that.

Which functions are cryptic? Seriously, unlike something like a Virus A, the labeling used by the MS2000 on the LCD screen is pretty clear and well-organized.

Originally Posted by W-W-Int

basically i ended up having to resort to the p.c. editor to get certain things done because the page menues were so poorly labeled. it does sound nice, until you turn the knobs, then it sounds like stepped garbage.
i did like the filters in it, and the osc section was okay. just korg's decision to use cheap knobs and the menu system made me decide to part ways with it.

Well, to each his own but IMO, the MS2000 is one of the easiest and most immediate VA's out there, only surpassed by the Nord Leads. Then again, this comes from someone who enjoys programming a Wavestation or an FS1R from scratch.

[Reptil]

A JP8000 or MS2000 will give you a more analogish sound and these are solid, inexpensive synths that have a lot of potential, once you know how to work them, but for what you want to do (a few different things)....

-I am looking for ethereal sounds, like blips and toylike weird stuff, theremin (this is a must, but a simple sound to make), eerie swirls, yes - chest pumping bases for trip-hopish meanderings, oscilator sweeps like moog, but I am NOT looking to copy that sound, just the feel.

you would do well with a simple modular synth. (please note in the youtube the patch only is a few modules (the ones connected with wires)
you will find what you are looking for, but only if you will be looking for it (otherwise you'll find something else ;-P)


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