Roland JUPITER-08

The Roland JUPITER-08 brings the sound and controls of the legendary 1981 JUPITER-8 synthesizer to the compact Roland Boutique format. This synthesizer combines the character of the original analog classic with modern features, including up to 32-voice polyphony, a polyphonic step sequencer, extensive effects, and USB-C audio/MIDI. Thanks to the included K-25m keyboard, the built-in speaker, and the ability to run on batteries, the JUPITER-08 is ready for immediate use in the studio, during live performances, and on the go. 

The JUPITER-08 was developed to commemorate the 45th anniversary of the Roland JUPITER-8. The instrument retains the recognizable synthesizer architecture, extensive sound control, and distinctive design of the original, complemented by features tailored to modern music production.

The legendary JUPITER-8 sound
The original Roland JUPITER-8 is one of the most famous polyphonic analog synthesizers of the 1980s. With its wide pads, powerful bass sounds, expressive leads, and iconic synthesizer tones, this instrument played a pivotal role in the development of electronic music. The Roland JUPITER-08 brings this sonic world back to life using Roland’s modern synthesizer technology. The sound architecture is based on the original JUPITER-8 and offers extensive capabilities for building and customizing sounds from the ground up. The synthesizer features two VCO sections, a VCO modulator, an LFO, a high-pass filter, a voltage-controlled filter (VCF), a VCA, and envelopes with separate Attack, Decay, Sustain, and Release controls. With its sliders, knobs, and switches, you have direct control over oscillators, filters, modulation, and the dynamics of your sound. Roland has also paid close attention to pitch behavior and voice distribution. Subtle pitch fluctuations and other sonic details create the lively character associated with vintage synthesizers.

Up to 32-voice polyphony
Whereas the original JUPITER-8 had eight voices, the Roland JUPITER-08 offers an expanded polyphony mode with up to 32 voices. This allows you to play complex chords, layered synthesizer parts, and long sound sequences without the limitations of the original voice allocation. You can choose a playing experience that matches the architecture of the classic JUPITER-8 or take advantage of the expanded polyphony for modern compositions and arrangements. The JUPITER-08 also features Dual and Split functions. These allow you to combine different sounds or distribute separate parts across the keyboard. This makes it possible, for example, to combine a bass part with a lead or to play multiple synthesizer sounds as a single unit.

Polyphonic 64-step sequencer with motion recording
The Roland JUPITER-08 is equipped with a polyphonic step sequencer for creating rhythmic patterns, melodies, and complete synthesizer parts. The sequencer supports two separate parts, up to 64 steps, and eight simultaneous notes per step per part. This allows you to program not only monophonic bass lines and melodies, but also chord progressions and polyphonic patterns. Thanks to motion recording, you can record changes in sound parameters as part of your sequence. Think of filter movements, modulation, and other adjustments that cause a pattern to change during playback. In addition to the sequencer, the JUPITER-08 features an arpeggiator. This allows you to create rhythmic note patterns based on the keys you play. The Hold function lets you hold notes and patterns while further shaping the sound with both hands.

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Extensive effects including chorus, delay, and reverb
The Roland JUPITER-08 features a comprehensive internal effects section that lets you further shape your synthesizer sounds. There are 17 MFX effect types available, including Roland’s signature stereo chorus. This adds width and movement to pads, strings, and other synthesizer sounds. In addition, separate delay and reverb effects are available. The reverb section offers five different reverb types and a Shimmer function, which adds an octave-shifted layer of sound to the selected reverb.

With these effects, you can emulate the original JUPITER sounds, as well as create ambient textures, rhythmic effects, and experimental synthesizer sounds.

The effects options include, among others:

• 3 chorus effects
• 4 delay effects
• overdrive
• fuzz
• drive
• bit crusher
• lo-fi compressor
• 2 phaser effects
• filter effect
• 2 pitch-shifter effects
• 5 reverb types with Shimmer function

Direct control via the classic JUPITER interface
An important feature of the Roland JUPITER-08 is its control system. Just like on the original JUPITER-8, the control panel is divided into separate sections for oscillators, filters, modulation, and envelopes. Using the sliders and knobs, you can make adjustments on the fly while playing without having to navigate through extensive menus. Controls include oscillator frequency, waveforms, cross-modulation, oscillator sync, filter cutoff, resonance, LFO modulation, and envelope settings. The colored function keys provide access to the sequencer, arpeggiator, patch selection, and performance functions. You can adjust additional settings via the LED display and the Value control. The synthesizer offers memory space for 240 sound patches and 96 patterns. This allows you to save your own sounds and programmed sequences for later use.

USB-C Audio/MIDI and Extensive Connectivity
Despite its compact size, the Roland JUPITER-08 features connections for use with computers, MIDI devices, and other synthesizers. Via USB-C, the JUPITER-08 functions as an audio/MIDI interface. This allows you to connect the instrument to a computer and integrate it into a DAW or other music software. Audio data and MIDI information can be exchanged via the same USB-C connection. For hardware setups, traditional MIDI IN and MIDI OUT ports are available. These allow you to control the synthesizer from an external MIDI keyboard, sequencer, or other MIDI equipment. The external clock input enables synchronization with compatible analog equipment. This is particularly useful when combining the JUPITER-08 with drum machines and other synthesizers. In addition, the instrument features a stereo audio output, a headphone jack, and a MIX IN input for connecting an external audio source.

Roland Boutique format with built-in speaker
The JUPITER-08 is part of the Roland Boutique series and combines the design of a classic synthesizer with a compact chassis. The control panel features the recognizable JUPITER colors and is complemented by silver-colored side panels. Measuring just 30.8 x 20.9 x 5.4 cm, the synthesizer takes up very little space on a desk, in a studio, or in a live setup. The built-in speaker allows you to play immediately without connecting external monitors or an amplifier. The JUPITER-08 can be powered via USB-C or with four AA batteries. When using four rechargeable Ni-MH AA batteries with a capacity of 1900 mAh, the expected operating time is approximately six hours. Actual battery life depends on the type of batteries and operating conditions.

Includes Roland K-25m keyboard d
The Roland JUPITER-08 comes standard with the Roland K-25m keyboard dock. This gives you an immediate, complete compact synthesizer with a keyboard. The K-25m is a keyboard with 25 touch-sensitive mini-keys that was specially developed for Roland Boutique modules. The synthesizer module can be inserted into the keyboard dock, allowing the controls and the keyboard to form a single instrument. The tiltable design allows for different positions of the control panel. With the included keyboard, you can play the JUPITER-08 on its own without needing an external MIDI keyboard.

Who is the Roland JUPITER-08 designed for?
TheRoland JUPITER-08 isintended for synthesizer enthusiasts, producers, keyboardists, and electronic musicians who want to combine the classic JUPITER sound with modern production capabilities. For vintage synthesizer enthusiasts, the instrument offers the recognizable control layout and sound architecture of the JUPITER-8, without the size and maintenance requirements of an original analog instrument. In a studio, the JUPITER-08 provides a direct way to record synthesizer parts via USB-C or the stereo audio output. The built-in sequencer and arpeggiator also make it possible to create patterns without external equipment. During live performances, the JUPITER-08 can be used as a standalone keyboard, as part of a MIDI setup, or as a compact synthesizer module in combination with other electronic instruments.

Roland JUPITER-08 features:

• Compact Roland Boutique synthesizer based on the legendary 1981 JUPITER-8
• developed to commemorate the 45th anniversary of the JUPITER-8
• synthesizer architecture inspired by the original analog JUPITER-8
• up to 32-voice polyphony
• Advanced voice allocation and refined vintage pitch behavior
• Two VCO sections with extensive oscillator and modulation capabilities
• Adjustable LFO, high-pass filter, VCF, VCA, and envelopes
• Direct sound control via sliders, knobs, and switches
• Dual and Split functions for combining and splitting sounds
• 240 memory slots for sound patches
• 96 memory slots for patterns
• polyphonic step sequencer with two parts
• up to 64 steps per sequence
• Up to eight simultaneous notes per step per part
• motion recording for capturing parameter movements
• built-in arpeggiator
• Hold function for sustaining notes
• 17 MFX effect types, including Roland stereo chorus
• separate delay effects
• Five reverb types with Shimmer function
• 4-character 7-segment LED display
• Built-in speaker
• USB-C audio/MIDI interface
• MIDI IN and MIDI OUT connectors
• External clock input for synchronization with compatible devices
• 3.5 mm mini-jack stereo audio output
• 3.5 mm mini-jack stereo headphone output
• Stereo MIX IN input via 3.5 mm mini-jack
• Powered by four AA batteries or USB-C
• Support for rechargeable Ni-MH and alkaline batteries
• Battery life of approximately six hours when using 1900 mAh Ni-MH batteries
• 500 mA current draw when powered via USB
• Includes Roland K-25m keyboard dock with 25 touch-sensitive mini keys
• Housing with silver-colored side panels
• Dimensions (W x D x H): 30.8 x 20.9 x 5.4 cm
• Weight including K-25m and batteries: 1.6 kg
• Roland product code: 428351A

RolanThe JUPITER-08 comes with:

• Roland JUPITER-08 synthesizer module
• Roland K-25m keyboard dock
• 4 AA alkaline batteries (LR6)
• Quick Start Guide
• Safety Instructions
• K-25m Keyboard Manual

Optional accessory: Roland DK-01 Boutique Dock