Roland JD-08 Boutique Synthesizer

Authentic recreation of the Roland JD-800 Synthesizer in a modern, portable instrument.

Digital classic. Modern flair.
With its retro workflow, evocative sounds, and powerful effects, the JD-800 was a favourite for top electronic music producers through the ’90s and beyond. Combining the original JD-800 waveforms with advanced modelling techniques, the JD-08 delivers the exquisite hands-on sound design of the original, along with hugely expanded polyphony, a two-part polyphonic sequencer, and other modern updates.

• Authentic sound and behaviour of the original JD-800 realised with advanced sound modelling
• 108 original waveforms for extensive patch design possibilities
• Includes the original 64 presets plus 21 new presets
• Two-part, 64-step polyphonic sequencer with motion recording, random pattern generator, and memory for 128 patterns
• Onboard arpeggiator
• Two-part multitimbral with expanded polyphony
• Four-part structure for tone layering
• Detailed recreation of the JD-800’s unique two-stage multi-effects section
• Editable distortion, phaser, spectrum, enhancer, delay, chorus, and reverb
• Multi-phase time variant envelopes for complex, evolving sounds
• Palette sliders for quick parameter adjustment
• USB-C audio/MIDI interface, full-size MIDI I/O, and external clock input
• Portable design for mobile music making
• High-quality construction with metal front panel
• Powered via batteries (4 x AA) or USB-C
• Control information can be sent and received via MIDI and USB-C
• Built-in powered mini speaker for instant enjoyment
• Compatible with optional DK-01 Boutique Dock or K-25m Keyboard Unit

Inspiring sound design at your fingertips.
By the early ’90s, preset-driven digital synths with limited hands-on controls dominated the landscape. The JD-800 changed all that in 1991, bringing the synthesizer world back to its roots with a control-laden panel and an aggressively electronic sound palette. The JD-08 includes 64 presets from the original hardware and perfectly recreates the four-tone structure, 108 waveforms, and unique two-part multi-effects that are at the core of the JD-800’s intricate, evolving sound.

Expanded sound for the modern age.
While the original design of the JD-800 is retained in this modern version, there are a range of updates that take the experience to another level. New patches plus 256 memory locations let you dive deep into the huge array of controls to create new sounds for your music. And with expanded polyphony and two-part multitimbral capability, there’s even more room to stretch out your sonic ideas.

Music that moves.
Once you’ve locked in your patches, fire up the two-part polyphonic sequencer and start programming leads, basslines, or basic chords to sync with other pieces in your electronic ensemble. And to bring some animated movement to your sounds, tap into motion recording and the onboard arpeggiator to make your musical lines dance.

MIDI, USB, and external clock input.
The JD-08 features a built-in USB-C audio/MIDI interface, so you can play, record, and synchronise with all types of computer production software. Full-size MIDI I/O is also available for interfacing with other MIDI hardware. There’s even an external clock input for driving the JD-08’s onboard sequencer and arpeggiator from vintage analog instruments and modern Eurorack systems.

Grab your keys. Hit the road.
The compact JD-08 fits just about anywhere and is easily controlled from a master keyboard or computer DAW. It can run on standard AA batteries for hours of uninhibited jamming, and there’s also a built-in speaker for on-the-go sound monitoring. Add a DK-01 Boutique Dock for a polished look and three convenient tilt positions, or grab a K-25m Keyboard Unit to create a fully self-contained, portable instrument.

User Memory
Sound Patch: 256
Pattern: 128

Controllers
Rear Panel
POWER switch
VOLUME knob

PALETTE Section
TONE A–TONE D sliders

LFO Section
LFO SELECT button
RATE slider
DELAY slider
FADE slider
WAVEFORM button
OFFSET button
KEY TRIG button

WG Section
PITCH COARSE knob
PITCH FINE knob
PITCH RANDOM slider
KEY FOLLOW slider
WAVE FORM knob
LFO 1 slider
LFO 2 slider

PITCH/TVF/TVA ENV Section
TIME KEY FOLLOW slider
T1–T4 sliders
L1–L4 sliders
SUSTAIN LEVEL slider
ENV SELECT button

TVF Section
MODE button
CUTOFF FREQ slider
RESO slider
ENV slider
KEY FOLLOW slider
LFO SELECT button
LFO slider

TVA Section
LEVEL slider
BIAS DIRECTION button
BIAS POINT slider
BIAS LEVEL slider
LFO SELECT button
LFO slider

TONE A–TONE D buttons
LAYER-ACTIVE button
ARPEGGIO button
NOTE button
COMMON button
EFFECTS button
START button
EXIT button
VALUE knob
BANK 1–8 buttons
NUMBER 1–8 buttons
MANUAL button

Effects
Distortion
Phaser
Spectrum
Enhancer
Delay
Chorus
Reverb

Step Sequencer
64 steps
4 notes (Polyphonic)

Display
7 segments, 4 characters (LED)

Connectors
EXT CLOCK IN jack: Mono miniature phone type
PHONES jack: Stereo miniature phone type
OUTPUT jack: Stereo miniature phone type
MIX IN jack: Stereo miniature phone type
MIDI (IN, OUT) connectors
USB port: USB Type-C(R) (Audio, MIDI)

Power Supply
Ni-MH battery (AA, HR6) x 4 or Alkaline battery (AA, LR6) x 4
USB bus power

Current Draw
500 mA (USB bus power)

Expected battery life under continuous use
Ni-MH battery: Approx. 6 hours (When using batteries having a capacity of 1,900 mAh.)

* This can vary depending on the specifications of the batteries, capacity of the batteries, and the conditions of use.

Dimensions
300 (W) x 128 (D) x 49 (H) mm
11-13/16 (W) x 5-1/16 (D) x 1-15/16 (H) inches

Weight (including batteries)
840 g
1 lb 14 oz

Accessories
Quick Start
Leaflet “USING THE UNIT SAFELY”
Alkaline battery (AA, LR6) x 4

Options (sold separately)
Keyboard unit: K-25m
Boutique Dock: DK-01

Roland products are covered by a 1 year manufacturer warranty.

Although we are not authorised to determine if any repair is covered under warranty, if the item was purchased through World of Music, then we are often the best people to facilitate the claim for you and will do so as timely as possible. Warranty does not apply to cosmetic damage or faults that are a result of user neglect. Although your mate is really handy with a soldering iron, any product modification or home repair will also result in a void warranty.

Quite often, something perceived as a fault is as simple as a faulty cable or power issue so we always suggest checking over Frequently Asked Questions on the manufacturer website first. It can be a helpful approach to getting to the bottom of a problem and save you a lot of time in getting your gear back up and running!

Roland products ship via courier from either our Melbourne store or Roland’s warehouse in Sydney; fully insured for your peace of mind. Orders require a signature on delivery and we suggest using an address where someone will be present for the speediest delivery time. For delivery attempts with no one present to sign, your order will be taken to the courier depot and a card will be left for you to organise redelivery.