Roland announces two new Boutique synths

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Roland has announced two new hardware synths as part of their Boutique series – the JX-08 and the JD-08. Modelled on the JX-8P and the JD-800 respectively, the new boutiques are mini versions of two classic synths from Roland’s back catalogue. The JX-8P was a late ’80s classic that was known for its shimmering chords and raw bass arps. The original was a digital beast, meaning it was hard to program and didn’t have many instant-access controls on top of the unit. 

The new Boutique addresses that with new controls on top as well as the familiar colour scheme of the original, with a new sequencer and built-in chorus and reverb. 

The other Boutique – the JD-08 – is a model of a ’90s classic that just got added to Roland’s Cloud service last week. It was used heavily by trance and dance music artists throughout the ’90s and was a throwback to analogue synths that feature controls for almost every feature. The new smaller Boutique version features 64 presets and faders and sliders for most controls, with expanded polyphony and a new sequencer. 

Both units have MIDI over USB-C and cost $399. Visit Roland’s website for more info.