I’ve decided I’m definitely getting the JX-08 when it’s available in stores. Watched a few sound demos of the JX-8P and I love it. If the JX-08 can do that and more, plus offer an arp, a two-part sequencer and the ability to play on batteries for hours and fit in any bag (or in bed), it’s a no-brainer to me.
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It does look fun. Looking at the two, I’ve realized that the JX seems much more useable. I might grab one too at some point.
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I need to get myself a trip on one of those ferrys!!! 
In all seriousness, I think context is key and demos often do sound very much of their age - that said, I think the jx-08 also sounds of it’s age too - it just seems to be that doesn’t have as many negative conotations for a lot of folk. But, I think when you push the early 90s rompler sounds into a different context it can sound really interesting and has a timbre that sets them apart from other thing - keep in mind some of the awesome stuff that Autechre did with rompler slap bass sounds…
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You’re absolutely right! Both are actually quite easy to pinpoint the prime time dacade of, and the 80s sound is no doubt more trendy right now in general. That said, objectively speaking, I would think that a subtractive analogue synthesizer will be a lot easier to make timeless and bring into a more modern sounding track due to its flexible nature. Add a quick filter decay on a saw with a hint of detuning and some noise and you’ve got a pretty timeless pluck. Not so much with a kalimba sample.
Perhaps the JD-08 can do that too though; I’m sure it has a few of those standard waveforms as part of its pcm bank. But if it does, the demo of it certainly didn’t give that impression as nearly all of the sounds had that 90s Fångad av en stormvind vibe to it (search for it on YouTube, you’re in for a treat! 
).
Ultimately the JD-08 feels a bit like “here, you get a synth with 100 built-in sounds that you can mix and max however you want!” That said, I do look forward to hearing what interesting new sounds users will generate with it given that the JD-800 has never been more accessible than now (read: January 2022). I’m guessing it will be a really useful pad generator. And I’m sure it’s ahead of its time because inevitably, the 90s is bound to get trendy real soon!
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I take it you’re not a Oneohtrix Point Never fan? I think he’s mostly moved on, but R Plus Seven has rompler sounds all over it.
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The JD-08 is the first boutique that has caught my interest. If Roland makes a boutique version of the JP-8000/8080 (which I bet will be coming up eventually if not next) then that will also have my attention.
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Roland JX-08 and JD-08 already in stock at my local store.
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JD-08 has some interesting envelope features I wasn’t aware of. The below video shows some interesting stuff triggered by envelope release. Ability to change effects order is also cool.
JX-08 has an effects section that is not vintage accurate, to say the least. I’m ok with that - why not throw in bitcrusher and stuff like that? The selection of modernized effects can get it to overlap with the JD-06’s territory to some extent. Besides the JX-8P only had chorus for effects.
He finishes the video with a demo of both running sequencers at the same time, with some breakdown. Well, it is his job after all to sell you on both Boutiques. I thought it was a good effort.
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Love the inclusion of modern effects and would definitely appreciate a bit crusher and distortion. The fact that it can expand beyond the original/authentic sound should be seen as a massive bonus since it just makes it even more versatile. This is partially what makes me buy it.
If I didn’t already have the MC-101 for rompler tones, 4-part multitimbral operation, and its own VA, I’d be tempted by the JD-08 as well as the JX-08.
I agree about the JX-08 having more potential versatility, thanks to the modern effects section. JD-08/D-50 type sounds tend to impart the sonic footprint of a specific period of music - I think one would have to put in a lot of effort to disguise that footprint.
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Yeah, I’ve considered the MC-101 for my needs of a bedside sketch pad and the JX-08 seems rather expensive when compared to what you get with an MC-101. But ultimately I’m more intrigued by the immediate, hands-on simplicity of just a great sounding synth engine. The MC-101 seems rather menu divy and I don’t really need to create complete tracks since I do that on my MPC One.
You can’t really edit synth presets on the MC-101 anyway - at least to any decent amount of depth. You have either get Zenology Pro or get an MC-707 to do that.
I’ve mulled investing in a 707 for the greater editing capability in the past. But with stuff like the JX-08 coming out, I’m feeling more content to just run factory presets on the MC-101, except for maybe some user samples. I’m not really a sample crazy person though, aside from Octatrack usage.
Good to know. I’m intrigued with sampling but I’m all about synthesis in my music. 
Which store is that?! I can’t wait to get them lol
Moog Audio in Montreal.
I was going to guess Canada again.
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Available for pre order in Australian shops. ETA december. $650 RRP.
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The original had that digital breakup you used to get on early digital gear on the fade out with the Effects as it reached low volume. I don’t think it’s something I would miss, it was the only thing that annoyed me about the synth apart from also the fact the sliders sent Sysex instead of CCs.
I’m assuming it’s the same as Zenology version, which I’ve played around with and it definitely doesn’t have those artifacts.
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It was a website error. They’ve been working on their site.
- though they do often seem to get things quickly.
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You’re right, they changed it for Arriving Soon.