Roland channel brilliance with the new Jupiter-X synths
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Roland channel brilliance with the new Jupiter-X synths

Today marks a huge release day for Roland – they’ve also just launched two new grooveboxes, another reboot of the Juno-styled Boutique JU-06 module and updates to their Fantom workstation series. The launch of the new Jupiter, however, seems to be the one that’s grabbed the world, and for good reason too, because these things look absolutely stacked.

 

Clustered with a wide array of knobs, sliders and buttons like the original unit, the Jupiter-X offers a similar amount of hands-on control as its ’80s forbearer, and adds a dedicated effects section with Drive, Delay, Reverb, Modulation and more. There’s five parts to the synth in total (four for synths, one for drums), which Roland claim provides enough polyphony to make “thick layers and complex backing parts” without compromise. 

 

 

Utilising a ‘next-generation sound engine’ designed by Roland to emulate classic sounds from the OG Jupiter-8, Juno 106 and SH-101, as well as the digital tones of the XV-5050 and TR drum sounds, the Jupiter-X will definitely provide all you’d expect it to. However, the Jupiter-X also plays host to the new AI-powered I-Apreggio feature, which creates complementary beats, chords, basslines and arpeggiated parts in real-time based off what notes, rhythms and phrases you’re playing on the keyboard. It’s a pretty unique technological flex, and the patterns can be customised further and also bounced to your DAW of choice.

 

 

The Jupiter-Xm, which is the 37 key variant of the larger 61 key model described above, includes many of the same features of its big brother, and is set to be available later this month. Apparently you’ll have to wait a little longer for the Jupiter-X – we’re hearing that it’ll be ready by April 2020 – but we’re sure it’s totally worth it. 

 

Head to Roland Australia for more details on the new Jupiter series.