Roland System 8 vs Jupiter X Broad Comparison
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- Опубліковано 23 лют 2021
- A quick & dirty comparison (well, 21 minutes worth!) between Roland's top two vintage modeling synths. In this video, I use the Jupiter 8 models to take you through the areas where these synths overlap, and where they can differ significantly. I cover their basic core tone, the crucial chorus effects, basic advantages & disadvantages of each, etc.
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The big difference is the X is a convoluted mess to work with while the System 8 is so much better organized
Really. I do Gas for it or a Juno X.
But the 8 voices alone... i mean, meh.
Thanks for the video Jim! I completely overlooked the System 8 until a few days ago when I finally figured out what it was meant to do. Owning a real, reliable, Juno 106 or Jupiter has seemed out of reach until now that the Sys 8 is an option. Sure people may argue that the Sys8 isn't spot on but I sure as heck don't know the original Roland's enough to hear the difference. So it seems good enough to me. It's also really cool to see that people are still talking about the Sys 8 (seeing your vid was just posted). It's definitely making me consider picking one up soon. Thanks again for the vid - subbed for more!
Awesome - glad you enjoyed it! Like I said in the video, I would take a System 8 over a 106 any day!
@@JimDaneker Me too; the System-8 is identical to every 106 I've ever owned. With the "CONDITION" parameter, you can even simulate a 106's failing voice chips. As to the ACB models, each of them is better than having an original, and I have yet to see a demo showing otherwise. For example, I have a vintage SH-101 that I cannot tell from the latest Roland plug out version. Its cool to try to be a snob about this, but its also cool to actually make music with tools available!
@@Manmademadman BINGO!!!
Excellent comparison and super helpful! Thanks!
Awesome video! Thanks for doing this. Take care, Sam.
Both are awesome! I hope Roland will upgrade the System 8 to a 'System X' with a better keyboard...Thanks for the great video!
Thanks, Jim. I have a Jupiter-X and love it but I also want something more user-friendly and immediate. I've owned a System-1 and enjoyed playing it, so I'm confident I will appreciate the System-8. (And green is my favorite color.)
It was good coming back to your channel after watching your studio tour a while back.
Sure thing, and thank you for the kind words! The System 8 is an absolutely killer synth!
I'm a synth noob and wanted to get into synths through the Roland FA (trying to cover all the sounds plus an ability to create synth sounds). The Jupiter X and Xm came out and I didn't understand them (got on the Roland hate to look cool). I had to rewatch a video on them to realise how powerful the Jupiter X and Xm are and how they supersede the Supernatural Engine sounds. If anything both these boards are deliciously good sounding and can make you sit on them for a while.
I just came here to appreciate these two fantastic keyboards, and your video continues to inspire to try and understand synths and save up for hopefully one of them! Thanks Jim! 😊
I'm glad you were inspired! They are great synths indeed!
Loved this @Jim really interesting, especially as I've got an S8...
It’s one of my favorite synths of the last few years - so good!
Great video! Definitely can hear the difference. The Jupiter 8 has much more low end also (listening on headphones.) - loving the System 8 though, so much fun in one box!
Great review! Thank you!
I just wish the JD-800 model was available for the System 8. I would grab the System 8 If that was possible..
The JD-800 plugin for the Jupiter X is amazing I was in the process of refurbishing an original JD-800 for a friend when the JD-800 came out.
Loaded up and did an A B comparison of the two and it was identical to me.
Agreed! I had one too and sold it!
Great comparison! I've been jonesin' for the System-8 for months and you make a wonderful case for buying a $1400 synth over a $2600 one. And for all the complaints of the keybed, I plan on controlling it with a JunoDS 88 which has really great action! If only Roland made a desktop version!
Great comparison. Exactly what I was looking for wondering how my beloved System 8 compares to the Jupiter. You confirmed, the System 8 is here to stay. Velocity parameter and tone parameter on the System 8 as you point out make it stand out from the newer J8. Plus I was happy/surprised to hear the System 8 is a bigger sound with more low end.
Often differences of Roland synths and modules come down to their Digital to Analog converters hitting their audio outputs. For example, their XV module line 1080. 2080 to 5080 all sound different. Some of them were duds in terms of their output quality. For example the JV 880, old classic single space synth module, had nice sounding outputs, better sounding than later Roland modules. Another example the old Roland 760 samplers in a single space rack. Those outputs sounded great. When you plug in many synths that have non transparent outputs you really get a big muffled track compared to using synths with the better sounding outputs. An old engineer used to say, "New and 'not' improved" which often happens in always trying to improve the new product offerings.
The System 8 is definitely a monster, and criminally overlooked by many. It replaced almost all my iconic analog Rolands - only model it’s missing is the JX-8P/10, but thankfully the Jupiter X does that.
And as of the new version 3.0 for the Jupiter X, that thing has become one of my top favorites as well. It’s a whole new synth!
Good job. They both sound great, really. The Jupiter-X is much more versatile and better built, but I prefer the more detailed emulations on the System-8. I never noticed the lack of velocity support for the amp/filter envelopes on the X (I don't own one, but I have the same model expansions in Zenology via Roland Cloud). Seems like a huge oversight! Velocity is one of the biggest upgrades over the originals. Given the much nicer keyboard on the X, I would have expected not only velocity but even aftertouch support in the analog models (at least hardwired to do the same thing as the mod wheel, if not assignable).
BTW, in case you didn't catch it, Roland just released a new Juno-60 plugout (the first new poly plugout in a couple years). Sounds quite different from the 106.
Yes indeed - looking forward to trying that one!
More versatile?! Nah....it isn’t.
Thanks for the comparison. System 8 is on my wish list.
It’s absolutely one of my favorite synths of all time. It’s SO good!
Thanks for the solid comparison. I’d choose Zencore for in the box work (for efficiency) and ACB for dedicated hardware like the System-8 (for the sound).
Yep, solid approach!
Sounds great. Thanks for the vid! 👍🏾
Sure thing! And thank YOU!
@JimDaneker; I was just wondering do you have the boost mode on or off on your system 8.
I was using mine the other day and switched on the boost mode and it nearly blew up my monitors?.
It also has a d/b adjustment but I dare not play with that at the moment.
Thanks for the side by side comparison and i agree with your comments regarding the system 8.
My friend has the Jupiter X and it's also great sounding and yes it is better looking than the S8.
Great question! I do turn it on sometimes depending on the situation, but you do have to be careful with gain staging when you do!
great video jim
Thanks Ken - means a lot coming from you!
It's bizarre that the Jupiter X doesn't have velocity modulation for parameters and the System 8 (supposedly more accurate modeling) does. I hope they've fixed this since this video came out.
Awesome video as always, thank you!
Thanks buddy! Yeah, it’s the same on the Fantom - only the JX8P model has full velocity to filter and amp. Bizarre!
Thanx 4 this! I was starting to think my s8 was loosing it's self esteem in the shadow of all the glory of the jupiter x... I love my s8.. This vid demonstrates so clearly the difference in sound and I prefer some grit to my synths.. The only thing I miss on s8 is an extra lfo and perhaps more voices, we all want a system 16 with two lfo's :D
😁
Yes indeed, the System 8 is an absolute monster!
Great video Jim , small and big trick the velocity is availlable but hidding , you should map an external controller to it by using the jx expansion and then load other but still play withnthis parramter , i discovered this on the plugin via the cloud , this should work on the HW , try and report , and if it works might be worth a video imho ;)
GREAT video! It’ll be a couple years before I’m likely going to be shopping these, but it’s great to see how they compare. I love the added polyphony, multitimbrality, longer keybed w/AT, aesthetics and additional models available on the Jupiter X, but I wonder if the System 8 isn’t a more accurate and focused choice for someone only really interested in the vintage models. That, and at times the Jupiters seem to be overly complicated with partials, scenes, etc.
Yep, you nailed it in that description my friend. For me, the System 8 is the right choice for vintage-focused stuff!
@@JimDaneker Try the Juno60 Plugout, just stunning
@@danielcraighead6901 Funny you mention that… I just downloaded it and it’s incredible!
System 8 and jd-xa together cost a little bit more than a jup X and I think the two really work as a super synth together. Probable two of the most under appreciated synths out there.
I combine them with my Waldorf iridium and Nuff Said.
The JD-xa filters on 3rd setting can really go a long way towards modern bite-your-heads-off sounds that I know of any most synths I’ve owned.
The JD and system 8 are MUCH DEEPER than most people know.
They are also EASY TO CARRY and they look so good in live situation.
I Love Mine as though they were my kids(I do not have kids, so…..)
jd-xa and jd-xi are both odd synths. essentially a rompler strapped to an analog synth. i had jdxa at one point and it was cool but i sold it and bought system 8 which i am much happier with. Sometimes i do wish i still had the JDxa but there are a bunch of things i didnt like about it. never could get that third filter to sound good to my ears.
The JPX does let you map velocity to filter cutoff - its just set to 0 range by default. Have a dig in the Scene/Tone options and it's there. Once it's enabled in a patch, you can switch it on and off with the Velocity button.
I'd expect you can open up the frequency range of the Juno Chorus as well in the menus.
Awesome to hear - I’ll definitely do some digging. I really wish it were a major (accessible) parameter though as on the S8 - and on all models. I would assume then that amp can be controlled via velocity too?
As for the chorus HF, I did all the digging I could find on that, but I’ll check again!
As much of an eyesore as the System-8 is they really have all the controls you need on the front and having velocity control on the front is SO nice. I just wish the system-8 had better build quality and aftertouch.
@@kiko1935 Whats weird is, the JPX does have a Velocity button on the front ... it's just they've programmed every JP8 etc patch and most (all?) of the factory scenes to not use velocity
@Ryan Anthony: I have a system 8 and it sounds wonderful granted the look is not for everyone but god the sound you get out of it.
you could always customise it.
also here from Andrew Masters - cool comparisons. I think I've bought the same sounds more or less from Roland about 10 times now!
That must mean they’re great sounds! 😁
Lmao 😂😂
Thanks for this. I have always been very keen on the S8, but the shorter keybed always bugged me. As great as the S8 is, I am comforted that the JPX is more than close enough when it comes to sound comparison. I went with the JPX and I am happy with my decision. I think the 61 note keybed and the potential addition of a JD800 engine is the clincher for me. That's not to say the S8 is by any means a bad choice for the user who would be happy with 49 notes on the keybed.
So glad it was helpful! They are both stunningly great synths ;-)
I also complained about treble-loss using analog chorus until an insider told me that treble-loss is the usual behavior and the opposite is not. Though the shiny System -8 chorus sounds better, the JP-X chorus behaves "real". In particular an analogue ensemble effect from ny Yamaha GS2 is an even morre hefty trebles-killer. Therefor there's it's EQ. Poly unison from a Nordlead3 does not affect trebles (advantage of modeling) but still more feels like multiple choruses than unison.
Nice work on this. I owned a Sys-8 and while I loved the interface I did notice some harsh high frequencies, especially when adjusting the filter cut off or env. The "tone" knob didn't really solve this issue for me as turning it to the left just muffled it. It was enough to put me off and eventually sell it.
Judging from this video at least it seems like the Jupiter X is slightly better in this regard. I hope in the future they can sort this out because while the older models are not as reliable they don't sound like this (and the jx3p for example had that "brilliance" knob which just opened up the cutoff slightly I believe)
Oh and subscribed 👍
It’s so tough to really hear these properly through the awful “filter” of UA-cam. And I did this video on a whim, so I wish I would have taken more time to really calibrate everything as much as possible... I was hitting my inputs a bit too hard at times unfortunately.
That said, every time I’ve had these next to their vintage counterparts, I’ve been stunned. That would be the real test, and others have done it. For me, any differences were so slight and negligible that they were within the margin of any two vintage models that are 30+ years old - no two are going to sound 100% identical. So for my money, I’d much rather have a modern, reliable alternative without the maintenance headaches. I’ve had enough repair bills to remind me of how good we have it today 😁😁😁
Thanks for subscribing!
They look and sound amazing together, Great video but you really have to stop making me want more synths, the System 8 is amazing!! hahah
HA! I’ll do what I can 😁
Thank you for this video. The chorus alone was enough for me to go for the System 8. Plus I just heard the Jup 4 plug out and it sounds amazing. I dont need all those other bells and whistles on the X. Im just after the best sound per each synth.
Yep. I’m seriously considering a second System 8 just for the Jupiter 4 and Juno 60 plugouts!
@@JimDaneker Ive been wanting those 2 synth sounds also. I just ordered the System 8. Do you have to buy the plug out synths? Is the process to change / load plug outs easy enough?
@@blindianajones yes, the plugouts are optional but easily worth it. You can fully audition them in Roland Cloud first though before committing!
@@blindianajones it comes with the Juno 160, Jupiter 8 and Jx3p pre installed. The others you buy
For the price of one Jup-X I can get at least two System-8, which also has a UI that shows you which buttons, knobs and sliders are usable with the selected PlugOut!
The Jup-X has some "nice" hardcopies you can print out. 😂
I have an 8P, 3P, Juno Alpha 1, and Grandmother from Moog I use for my albums. Would the System 8 be better for taking those tones with my live? I know the 8 can’t do the JX-8P exactly but would I be able to make something similar for live performances? Doesn’t have to be exact
Yes, I absolutely think so. The System 8 can cover pretty much any classic Roland analog sound. It’s a monster!
Hey Jim. Out of the topic but, what is your opinion on the new Apple Silicon and upcoming models? Could definitely be a great DSP addition to Backstage Pass since most your of your patches are based on EXS24. I realise you might've exhausted your resources recently with all the your new programs, so are you planning to get the next iteration of M series Macbooks to take on tour with you? Also Roland has made the Apple Silicon driver for the Fantom so do check that out.
Ps: Saw the mini-vacation post on Insta. Have fun and God bless.
Hey Sam, the new Apple chips are extremely promising - I'm really looking forward to that once the bleeding edge calms down a bit - especially when it comes to the new Mac Pro. For now though, it's a really rough time to make any major changes, since it breaks so many existing software configurations. We'll need to wait until that all smoothes out!
Has recent j-x updates fixed the velocity or any of these things on the j-x?
Thank you ! Weich stand do you have for this 3? If it is stabile let ne knwo ❤
Sure thing: the Standtastic 103KS. Absolutely rock solid! imp.i114863.net/QOEAax
What is your opinion about the Roland V synth GT? Is it still up to date? Is there any VA better enough to make worthy an upgrade? I personally love my Vsynth GT, but I haven't had the chance to try other VAs
A lot of people really love that synth as it's very unique. I never owned one though so I can't say. There are a lot of great VA synths out there - my personal all-time favorite is the Access Virus TI, since it does so many things and sounds jaw-droopingly good!
the touch screen is amazing. Making programming so easy. I wonder why synths of today has such small displays
Not a Roland fan but the System 8 sounds way better and has the more authentic analogue Roland sound
You and @espenkraft should team up to shoot out these with the originals, plus the arturia, and all available revs of mks-80. Maybe at the first AES post-pandemic in a reservations-only room.
That would be a blast! I love Espen - we’d have way too much fun together 😁
Interesting video - I think it's only fair to point out that the jupiter has a persistent systemwide master eq and compressor in the system menu - that makes it a one-time deal to set up the tonal character to give more bite/bottom end. One other thing worth mentioning with the jupiter is that as the analog models are layes that sit on top of the full zencore, if it doesn't offer a parameter directly in the hardware, it may well be possible to go in via sysex and change it at the zencore level - and the resultant patch can then be saved and used either "as is", or as an init eg if wanting to have a velocity routing, that can be done under the hood via sysex and the mod matrix.
Yep, that’s all true - but the point is how accessible those features are. I don’t want to have to menu dive to make basic tonal changes, and the global EQ on the JPX is drastically different from the tone control on the S8. And I definitely prefer the dedicated velocity controls on the front panel as opposed to having to rely on SysEx control - that defeats the whole point of a hardware synth to me. But yeah, they’re both phenomenal synths 😁👍🏻
Great video. Subscribed.
Thank you - very kind!
So let's hope ROLAND will release the JP-8000 and D-50 model expansion for Jupiter-X.
How amazing would that be?!? ;-)
@@JimDaneker For D-50 it would give us the opportunity to live editing without an extra programmer.
For JP-8000 - there's actual no modern hardware for that emulation. Both are complete digital synths and it should be not so complicated to implement those Synth-Classics.
Then we'll get the perfect 80/90 All-In-One-Synth ;-)
If only I could have the system 8 in the body of a jupiter x. The 49 keys is such a deal breaker for me, but I love the accurate recreations of the original hardware.
Yeah, the JPX is really an answer to all the complains about that body - I just wish the S8 modeling was an option in the JPX!
That's interesting that the Juno Chorus on the Jupiter X rolls off the highs a bit.
The Arturia Jun6 and chorus emulation does the same thing.
I wonder if the chorus on the JX is just more accurate to the behaviour of the original?
Yeah, the original does it ever so slightly, but nothing like the JPX... that completely kills all the high end. It’s not good :-(
I have this synth. I love the breakdown you gave. I like the System 8 more. Especially for the price compared to the Jupiter X. However. I would like to know your thoughts on the Roland Jupiter-80. I know they are completely different but I want to know why everyone hated it.
Hey Matt, I’ve never heard or played the Jupiter 80 other than on UA-cam so I couldn’t say. It certainly seems to be a great synth! My guess is that it just doesn’t have the ABM or Zencore modeling, so it’s gonna trail those types of sounds a bit. But otherwise, still seems to be a monster!
@@JimDaneker Thank you for the input. It certainly is a monster of a synth. I love mine. It has the SUPERnatural synth engine. It is aimed to model realistic instruments.
If you ever get the chance to play one you should do a review on it. If not, I hope if you get the chance to jam out with one that you enjoy its capabilities :)
@@Rightly_Divided I think you just highlighted one of the reasons people may have been disappointed in the Jupiter 80 from what I’ve read: a synth called “Jupiter” carries certain expectations - probably a focus on vintage analog synth type stuff. Instead, it was more of an evolution of Roland’s “ROMpler” line. And even though it is great at that stuff, it’s probably just the imaging/branding that caused some confusion. Just my guess!
@@JimDaneker Yes that is probably it. They discontinued it so they must not have sold very many units
As for the JX-8P, the original supported both velocity and aftertouch, so I assume that's why the model does too.
Yep. They went for 100% authenticity!
Jim...please do a video on the Fantom 8 :)
I will at some point. But for now, just know that the vintage models in the Jupiter X are also in the Fantom now, PLUS the Zencore stuff - so it’s an unbelievable machine too!
Damn, wish I hadn't seen this vid. Was set on buying the Xm or Jupiter-X due to it's massive features and not as pricey as the Fantoms for the latest Zenology core - but I'm really not into the menu hopping that seems to come with the latest Jupiters.
AND... like you say, the S8 is definately more analogue in emulation which is what I need for a retro project, and I can hear that even via youtube, plus it has the remote-controllability of the (also awesomely analogue sounding) ACB soft-synth plugins as a bonus that can give me unlimited polyphony with multiple vst instances so that gets around the 8 voice limit.
So yep, I can see now that the S8 with it's Vintage plug-outs, remote control of the same ACB soft-synth vst instances, together with the more analogue control layout, that it's one pretty awesome DAW partner. Shame they just call it an alternative tech rather than actively market it as a "The" Daw machine vs the Gigging machine, but yep, seems pretty much the difference between the two. The live seems a bit weaker in sound (which is acceptable in a live situtation) but a more feature packed unit that's better for mobility, whilst the massive control real-estate and quality vintage sounds are definately more pure sound oriented towards the studio - where control, acuuracy & quality is more important.
So Yep, as a studio bound artist, you have definately changed my mind from the Jupiters over to the S8 - great video - many thanks for the pro insight.
Glad to “help” - I think! 😂
@@JimDaneker 🤣😂yep, it was of great help - made my mind up - definately want the better 80's sounds back. The promars plug-out VST sounds just like my old Promars, whilst sounds on the Genology Pro don't. And I would like hands on control of those plugins, am a great fan of control surfaces, so yep. Brilliant comparison between the two.
@@DrThinkbunny thanks for the kind words - glad it was helpful! Also check out the new Juno 60 plugout if you haven’t already. Might be the best yet… I’d buy a System 8 just for that!
@@JimDaneker Yep, have it installed, actually have most of the Ultimate soft synths installed, especially the legendary ones. All that's missing is the System-8, which I will be ordering quite soon methinks...
Would you chose the Juno 60 plug out over the JX-3P if you had it to do over? Did I hear correctly that once a plug out is installed it can't be removed or changed?
Heck yes - Juno 60 in a heartbeat!!! You can change them out anytime though… They aren’t permanent.
@@JimDaneker Glad to hear. Wouldn't make sense to call them plug outs and promote other options on the cloud. Is it easy to swap them out?
@@IRIDEHARLEYS yep, very easy.
I just brought a System 8 without trying one and it'll be here next week. While going into a guitar store, I noticed a System 8 and a Jupiter X. I loved the sounds of the System 8, but wasn't a fan of the key action, length, or 49 keys. I think I can live with 49 keys, but I like the action on the OB6 as a comparison. The Jupiter X wasn't plugged in, but it's got a really nice key action and on its face, it at least looks simplier to manipulate and use. Do you think the Jupiter X is worth it if you plan to only have one synth to use for everything? I'm thinking of exchanging it for the Jupiter X if I don't like it. The Jupiter X is a pretty big synth which is a problem, but I feel like the corners they cut on the System 8 with its keyboard could be an annoyance. Thoughts?
I talk about most of this in the video. Honestly given the choice, I go for the System 8 primarily because it excels at the vintage synth models. It’s top notch. The Jupiter X is great too, but has a lot in it that I would never use. It might be better for someone looking for as much in one body as possible, though, as you mentioned. But if you already have some other keyboards, I’d go System 8 all day long. The action isn’t top notch, but is still high quality and feels good - it just doesn’t have aftertouch. Hope that helps!
@@JimDaneker it definatley helps, thanks! It's a hard decision because both units should have honestly just been combined into one at a price point of around $2K because they both have so much overlap, and then offer a cheaper 37 version with a shorter key bed for cheaper. Kind of like they did with a cheap JDXI and a more expensive JDXA. I plan to give the System 8 a run when it gets here and hopefully it's advantages make up for its shortcomings as most are saying online.
I have both as well. Jim hit the pros and cons in his video. The System 8 is much more intuitive and sounds "better" emulating the analog sounds in most cases but it only has 8 notes polyphony . The Jupiter X is more powerful but much less intuitive. It really comes down to your personal needs. If you have other synths to use as a midi controller and for other sound sources and you are looking for just the vintage analog emulation of classic Roland gear with a lot of knobs, then go with the System 8. If you just want one keyboard that is also a controller and more versatile with layering and more polyphony you could go with the Jupiter X. Just remember you have more choices too like the Roland Fantom or simply a Roland Cloud subscription with the VSTs producing the same sounds as these. The appealing aspect of the physical keyboard is the aesthetics and what stimulates your creativity. Personally I've had trouble (like many) learning the Jupiter X and enjoying it. The System 8 is out of the box immediate fun.
@@JJDon5150 A year later, what were your actions? Did you stick with the S8 or switch to the JPX?
@@chrismurphy9750 Interesting to hear your views of having both synths. I have the JPXm since over a year. I also found it hard to get in the beginning, really confusing at times. Then came the OS update 3.0 and suddenly I started to understand it. And the added JPX engine/model is really nice! Have you updated your JPX and what do you think about it?
I sold my System 8 for the Fantom, thinking Zencore was a substitute for ACB, but it is not. Zencore is versatile and powerful for a gigging board, but ACB actually sounds like the real thing. I've used the ACB Juno 106 on records, and nobody noticed it wasn't a real Juno. Modern conveniences like being able to remove the Chorus Hiss, Circuit Mod and Velocity Sensitivity I find I really miss on a real Juno. The extremes aren't quite there - the ACB SH2 doesn't quite kick out the bass like my real SH2, but heck - it stays in tune, has presets, and the keyboard goes down to C instead of F. Needless to say, I rebought the System 8.
Yep, agreed. Seriously been pondering getting a second one for more plug-outs!
@@JimDaneker If there was a 'System X', with all the PlugOuts, 61 keys, and better build quality, I would buy it immediately
@@AynsleyGreen well, they just announced that their ACB tech is coming to the Fantom line which is HUGE news. The only question is how many plugout slots they will offer...
@@JimDaneker I'm sure Roland will find a way of screwing it up 😏
Now the fantom has ACB
Tasteful video Jim!
Having owned a Jupiter 6 and an SH-101 and a TR-909 back in the 80's, which I kick myself for selling, I'm gonna go with the Jupiter 8.
Did you mean System-8? Or are you spending $30k on a vintage polysynth?
Hi. What's the best for a synthesizer engine Roland fantom or system 8 or jd xa
It depends on your needs and priorities. If you’re primarily after the vintage synth models and don’t care about other sounds or workstation features, I’d lean toward the System 8 or Jupiter X. The JDXA is a really complicated and frustrating interface - the Fantom beats that one a million times over.
@@JimDaneker thanks
Are you sure that the filter was opened all the way on the Jupiter X?? Because it sounded quite a lot duller than the System 8.
Not sure which part you are referring to, but yes, I made sure they were both set identically or matched for each context. If the filter was all the way open on one, it was all the way open on the other. The only time they might sound significantly different was on the different chorus options as I pointed out. They can both be equally bright… Neither is duller than the other.
@@JimDaneker
You need better headphones. From 2:10 and all throughout this video, the System 8 sounded brighter than the Jupiter X (lots more high-end harmonics). Anyway thanks for sharing.
@@AlainHubert actually you are right, I was going from memory… I hadn’t watched this in quite a while. But again, it depends on the spot you’re talking about. Right around 9:05 they start to sound pretty near identical, but I spent some time in there talking about how the different chorus models roll off high end, so that’s part of what you’re hearing. There are definitely times I didn’t match them exactly, which is kind of the nature of this sort of thing… Showing their similarities and differences, while trying to go relatively fast and do it in real time.
The other thing is, this is really just a “tip of the iceberg” sort of glance at these two; it’s by no means an exhaustive comparison. But rest assured, they can indeed sound equally bright, given the appropriate tweaks. That said, they do approach their modeling differently, and I certainly have my preferences ;-)
Thanks for your comments, and for watching!
Are you absolutely SURE you can't modulate the Filter or Amp envelop amounts with Velocity on the Jupiter X - I seriously doubt that. Thanks for a beautiful video!
Thanks for the kind words. Thankfully they fixed the velocity issue in a recent OS ;-)
I’m waiting on a next-gen System-8, with a much better keybed (amongst other things) … 🤞🏼🙏🏼
Is the “M”[oog] filter on the Jupiter-X a bit of a joke … ? I can’t imagine it being very satisfying, if you know vintage Moogs? Cheers!
A "System 16" would be killer! And those additional filter options on the JPX are no joke - they are very much suggestive of Moog and Sequential flavors, and fantastic options to have!
Did the many firmware updates of the Jupiter X fix the authenticity of the chorus & low end vs system 8 ?
Yes - 3.0 is like a whole new synth!
@@JimDanekerDoes the Jupiter X sound different after the 3.0 update? Based on sound, would you say they're equals now? (In this video, I would definitely say the S8 is more attractive.)
@@MatthewTomich no, the sound itself is the same - still top notch. It just adds the new 4-oscillator Jupiter X model and a bunch of new features. Both machines are excellent - it's just a matter of the feature list you care more about. The S8 does lean more heavily in the "focused on vintage" direction though!
In the end, there's nothing more-or less "analog" sounding with either of them. - It's not like one sounds more analogue and the other sounds digital. Tonal difference seem to simply come down to EQ, which is something that can (and would/should) be compensated for to fit into a mix (be it live or studio). It doesn't really matter if one "cuts through a mix a bit more, both of these synths can be EQ'd to do the job required.
Yep. At the end of the day, they both provide that iconic Roland flavor in spades.
And neither sounds analog. 😊
@@kierenmoore3236 Mine does. Yours must be faulty.
@@raymondo6665 You assume too much. I don’t allow imposters in my studio.
@@kierenmoore3236 I've had many poly / mono analogue synths over the years and got rid because they were all too expensive to maintain. Jupiter X sounds the same if not better. Cheers.
Great video, liked it a lot! And! The JX-8P is available for the System 8! I have it on mine!
Thank you! Are you sure you don’t mean the JX-3P model? Unfortunately the 8P model isn’t available for the System 8 - it’s only for the Jupiter X and Roland Cloud since it’s in the Zenology family. Hopefully they will create a version for the System 8 though!
@@JimDaneker True, I'm sorry! Confused! Well, the good thing is, they can always release that! Did you check the difference between the Juno 106 and the Juno 60 plug-outs?
@@DEADLINETV no worries - I just got all excited there for a minute wondering if I missed something! 😁
I do have the 106 and Juno 60 plugouts and they’re both great, but the 60 is bsolutely insane. I love it so much!
@@JimDaneker Damn it... Now I need to get it... Do they differ a lot?
@@DEADLINETV only a fully recreated Juno 60 😁
I would love to hear the difference between the envelope curves. I believe the JX's is linear while th S8's is logarithmic. I own the Fantom 7 and made tests that showed they were linear which imo is a severe drawback for analog modeling.
They definitely are a bit different!
I always notice that a lack of top end is due to crappy digital compression. That's what I hear in the Jupiter X. The System 8 sounds more open, and "bright" if you will, because the top end is not being trounced by the cheaper digital process. I think they wanted to make the X a do-all synth, which always results in poorer fidelity.
Unfortunately UA-cam doesn’t help - it’s a shame what happens to decent audio once it’s uploaded. You can definitely hear differences between these two, but with the UA-cam “veil” lifted, it’s a much better comparison. Neither sounds bad in the slightest!
Jupiter X performed really well at the Dome (55000 capacity here in Japan). So I think it's credentials are established just fine. You will never see Sys8 in that capacity because of the horrible keybed. It's the first time for a long time actually that I've set up for people in a large venue and seen anything other than Korg/Yamaha or Nord. I do minor performances with some artists that use the older Rolands 50/80 and Juno options and they are also great. But the JpX is a great piece of kit for the right people. The idea it's in anyway ''cheap'' sounding, is laughable at best to me.
@@ErraticFaith I've used all of their current stuff - Jupiter X, System 8, Fantom - in high profile arena shows and they are all superb. It's really just a matter of workflow and priorities. The aluminum sides definitely help the S8 feel more like a "proper" Roland, but yeah, I wish it had the JPX/Fantom keybed!
Sounds great
Let's be honest, both sound amazing 👍 £1000 difference in pricing mind.
Indeed!
Here from the Andrew Masters vid. Love the synth content. Had to sub
Thanks so much - glad to have you here! ;-)
Four octave keybeds bug me. But the S8 sounds majestic.
It sure does!
I used to own a Jupiter 8. Tried both. JPX brings me closer to how I remember it. ACB has this 'sourness' to the sound I really don't like. but that's just my take. :)
Jupiter x does not have v-piano. It has rd-piano.
X got the looks, but S got the sounds!
Yup!
Sorry i feel like the total opposite. The X sounds warmer more like an analog synth. The s8 sounds brighter and sharp.
are those 4 lights on the x blinking or is that a frame rate problem ?
The 4 white buttons? They blink when you’re in layer select mode so you know what you’re working on.
You can turn them off by using a different color set. In color set 2, they no longer blink when Part is selected. This can be set and saved in System settings. You can also dim lights, make them brighter, etc.
Your driving me crazy with that major triad over, and over!!
Ha! Well, good thing it’s a synth comparison and not a music theory class! I think my piano teacher would be amazed that I’ve been able to have a successful career in music 😂
System-8 sounds indeed sounds brighter and sharper. Is that more accurate? I don't think so. Especially if you are comparing with a vintage unit. Both sounds gorgeous and have the Roland sound.
They can both be very similar, but also very different. Both can really mimic the original hardware depending on the sound, but the System 8 is the overall winner for me when it comes to being a true modern equivalent.
@@JimDaneker cool. For my ears the Jupiter X is less harsh and a bit more musical. But the workflow on the System-8 is much better. That's why I'm buying a S8.
Does the system 8 come with plug outs free without a cloud subscription?
It came preloaded with the Jupiter 8 and Juno 106 when I got mine - I think it also comes with the JX-3P now if I'm not mistaken.
"Who cares? Does it sound good?" That's the million dollar question, how a synth sounds is what matters 👌
Exactly! Does it sound good, and does it inspire creative ideas!
I’ll let you in on a little clue buddy, they both sound great…🙄
@@electriceyeslide5959 indeed they do!
How does the Jupiter X compare to the Jupiter 80???
I never played a Jupiter 80 so I couldn’t say - but I do know the Jupiter X has their current modeling tech, so it does the job of standing in for analog icons on a patch by patch basis. They each have a pretty different focus.
Jupiter 80, much like 50 is an acquired taste in terms of programming. JpX does help that a ways for me although the interface is slightly less intuitive depending on what you're used to. They play excellently and have always been considered wonderful performance keyboards (as opposed to workstations, which they are not). JpX also has a great keybed and build. A substantial step up from it's smaller sibling the Xm. It's ability to serve as a dedicated board for what it does is really nice and the sound it makes, due to the sum of all its parts; is its most rewarding quality. But, with such depth; it does take patience. Many people shunned it - stuck with it; and came to really appreciate it afterwards. Commentary reflects that. Jupiter 80 is perhaps best seen as the semi-forerunner to the Fantom. Obviously very different instruments but at the time, the 80 was the thing I'd set up most commonly aside the Kronos for live artists and they were great together. It still stands up well today. Western channels, from Mr Tuna and those like him on UA-cam; still use them daily. Primarily for the keybed and ability to sit in with a great array of core sounds. He even has some comparisons over there if I remember correctly. JpX has the benefit of modern integration, support and technology. All of which are Roland's top end for now. The 80 is naturally discontinued, so from a future expansion point of view - JPX still has ground to go. 80 does not.
does the system 8 plugin and the hardware sound the same?
Yes, identical. However, your audio interface can be a factor. Assuming a good one, they are indistinguishable. Note that the hardware actually runs at 96k though! It sounds absolutely superb. And of course the tactile physical aspect is totally worth it!
@@JimDaneker can't wait to get it. Being young a broke don't know how people afford the expensive green keyboard
@@DJNuimani I hear ya! It’s actually at the more affordable end of the scale though… and for what it is, it’s an absolute steal. I would buy three of them if I could! Easily a desert island synth ;-)
@@JimDaneker yeah I'll get it soon here. But it'll be awhile 🤣
It sounds like JX is cleaner and has more authentic analog drift ....the system 8 yes more aggressive .....are the filters set the same amount of open? .....but both sound great
The filters were set by ear to be as close as possible, which is really all you can do in a video like this… since their parameter mappings aren’t identical ;-)
The system 8 is a future classic. The realism is so close to the real thing. ACB > Zen core.
Yep, hard to argue against that. It's become an all-time favorite for me.
According to Roland Product Support on UA-cam, there is a Velocity Off button (to the left of Portamento). If this is on Velocity will be turned off mirroring the original synths. I believe turning that button off should restore Velocity.
To my ears the Jupiter X has that warmer lush sound I would prefer...and the Juno chorus is next level!
Unfortunately the velocity button doesn’t affect certain models - or at least it didn’t on first release. I believe it may be fixed on the latest update though.
@@JimDaneker hopefully! Great vid. Had the System-8 and sold it (wish I hadn't). I'll probably go w/ the X this time.
@@L0nn13_c0 thanks. Funny, I sold my Jupiter X because I love the System 8 so much - but when Roland released version 3.0 for the Jupiter X, I bought it back. It’s absolutely stunning now!
@@JimDaneker If you were choosing between the System 8 and the version 3.0 of the Jupiter X now, would you say that the new Jupiter X version edges out the System 8 now? That is, if you had to pick only one, which would you go with?
@@keithdholloway man it’s still such a tough call. If I had to choose just one, it would still probably be the system 8 just because it’s so focused on those vintage Roland synth sounds and the interface is brilliant - no menu diving at all. It’s just stunning. The JPX on the other hand just looks and feels so right, and it can sound monstrous. It also has the best vocoder I’ve ever heard. They really complement each other so well!
I find it totally impossible to decide between these two :( Great vid though, subbed.
It's a tough choice for sure! I still lean toward the S8 for the more immediate interface and the fact that the whole thing is focused on iconic vintage Roland synth sounds. The JPX certainly looks more the part, but it's a little more scattered in terms of its personality...
@@JimDaneker Hmmm I am drawn towards the Zencore ecosystem and like the extra voices on the Jupiter-X but I would love if it had the knobs and sliders of the System-8. I want somethng that does not exist lol.
@@rayderrich I hear ya. Well, the Zencore version is stunningly good, and with a ton of advantages!
1981, Roland Jupiter 8 released. 1996, Roland JP8000 released with analog modelling, it can sound exactly the same + more! 2015 Roland Jupiter X released, sounds exactly the same as a Jupiter 8! 2018, Roland System 8 released, sounds even MORE like an original Jupiter 8!
2081- Roland Jupiter C released (C= 100), you won't believe HOW close it is to the original this time! Seriously though, I like the raw sound of the JupiterX better, plus it looks great!
System 8 came out way before the Jupiter X. But really, they went Jupiter 8 --> JP8000 --> Jupiter 80/50! --> JP-08 --> System 8 --> Jupiter X/Xm.
The only downside to the System-8 that I can see is that it’s one octave too small on the keybed. If it had just one more octave I’d have bought it in a heartbeat. It’s why I went with RolandCloud in the end - but I still wish I had a System-8
Yeah, I think the Jupiter X was Roland’s answer to the complaints about that. Still, so many other manufacturers are going to four octaves which is incredibly frustrating! Very minor issue in the grand scheme of things though, especially if you have other controller keyboards. The sounds that come out of that thing are worth it!
The bigger issue, besides the ‘missing keyboard octave’, is the lack of onboard memory presets … woefully lacking!!
it seems that jupiter x has a button labelled 'velocity on/off'?
Yes it does, but like a lot of things on the Jupiter X, it doesn't always work as you would think, and depending on which model engine you are using at the time 😁
@@JimDaneker ah yes, it is for reproduce the original who have no velocity...
@@JimDaneker Ver.3.00] APR 2022
Please refer to the “JUPITER-X Owner's Manual Ver. 3.0 and later” and “JUPITER-X Reference Manual Ver. 3.0 and later” for detailed information in the Owner's Manuals.
Additional Functions
The model “JUPITER-X” has been newly provided as a preloaded model.
The model “JUPITER-X” is a new model that takes the model “JUPITER-8” as its motif and is designed with the aim of achieving the ideal analog synthesizer configuration. Through such moves as adoption of four oscillators, seven types of waveform selection, implementation of oscillator pan and oscillator delay, adoption of a variety of velocity sense functions, and more, this provides new vintage synth expressiveness that transcends the boundaries of vintage synths.
@@alainthiry3965 yes. Thankfully in v3.0 they allowed us to use velocity in all models 😁
could you give me one? I am 76 live alone on a mountain side and would care for it well
May 27, 1945 -- still playing.
Spoken in pictures, the Jupiter Sound reminds me on analog photography (with film) - whereas the System-8 is digital photography. System-8 is crisper and more "perfect", but It needs more work to let it sound "human" - if that's what someone is aiming for.
I get the analogy, and it’s a popular one - but I’ve heard the System 8 next to a Jupiter 8, level matched and tweaked to sound as close as possible. Any differences were so slight as to be essentially imperceptible, let alone in an actual piece of music. I think we listen with our eyes instead of our ears, and when you close them, those differences essentially vanish. It is certainly within the margin of difference between any two 40-year-old Jupiter 8s, no two of which are going to sound exactly the same. At the end of the day, it’s about the music 😁👍🏻
There is no V-piano (modelling ) in the jup-x , the piano is sample based
The v-piano is in the fantom
Thanks for clarifying - I couldn’t remember!
To be honest, I will go with the System-8. The playability is easier, the screen is not all the way to the left, the action is crap but it’s just the better overall synth. The Jupiter X is just better built and a waste of money. I can have all those sounds in the Zencore Pro VST which makes a Roland Jupiter X feel like a waste of cash.
You'd blow your computer up stacking all the sounds the Jupiter X can.
@@187onasimp That’s not true..the Roland Jupiter X isn’t something you need tbh.
You can get all the S8 sounds in the Roland Cloud as well. So at the end of the day it comes down to the quality of the hardware IMO
★★★★★ whoa. Half way through watching but had to comment on the differences when the chorus is added. You can hear why ACB takes up so much processing power and has limited voices because of it. Sounds so much more “real” (whatever that means). Sounds like a Roland should sound and not an imitation of one. Great comparison, Jim! Subscribed. 😊
Thanks bud! They definitely both have their appeal, but if I had to choose, it would be the System 8 hands down.
@@JimDaneker the sad thing is, if Roland took the exact same internals as the System-8 and plopped it into a metal chassis with no AIRA branding, gave it a 5 8ve keyboard with aftertouch and called it “System 8 MKII” it would be an overnight success.
In the meantime, those of us who already have one will continue to shake our heads at those who diss the System-8 on looks alone. It’s a beast.
@@ZaffinMusic I believe that was the thinking behind the Jupiter X, the main difference being the choice to go with the newer Zencore modeling which is far more efficient. I wish they had stayed with the more advanced System 8 engine and kept it focused more on pure synth duties rather than pianos and ROMpler stuff, but there ya go!
I don't understand the velocity about the Jupiter -x saying it doesn't have velocity because it absolutely has velocity and even has a velocity button.
Yes, it "has velocity" but If you listen to what I was saying there, some of the vintage models (like the Jupiter 8) don't respond to velocity by default.
i think the jup-x juno chorus is way warmer and more musical than system-8 and it isn't even close
Loved my System 8! So easy to work with! I want to go w X, but it's 3 grand! Fantom 6 ex is only 3200 and it's a full powerful workstation!!! I think the X is overpriced for what it really is! A used system 8 is maybe 1200! Not mentioned and better comp is Jupiter xm! Much much better value than X!
He right x is warmer
Man, I still have these two right next to each other after all these years, and I would say it depends on the context. Ultimately when I want a legit trip back to the early 80s, it's the System 8 all day long. It just sounds SOOOOO good and the ACB models are as good as it gets!
Do you think its late to buy the System 8 now ?
Heck no! It’s still one of the best synths out there!
@@JimDaneker Thank you for the quick reply !
How is the keybed ?
@@Bigjuggs64 it’s not a high end one but it’s totally fine - and I’m really picky about that. It’s not loose and lightweight like a lot of cheap stuff - it still feels decent. Just no aftertouch unfortunately.
@@JimDaneker I really appreciate your answer. Thank you.
I'm on the edge on buying the System 8. I'm looking for a main keyboard synth..49 keys seems a bit limiting but there is something about this synth that is dragging me in...
@@Bigjuggs64 yeah man, it’s an absolute monster. Easily one of my all-time favorites - it can easily stand in for most of Roland’s iconic analog legends. Add a larger main controller and you’re good to go!
I'm happy I don't have to choose between these two awesome machines.
I hear you. I love them both but because there was enough overlap and I also have a Fantom with the vintage models, I ended up choosing the System 8 for the real heavy hitters ;-)
Real musicians love the Jupiter-X (just look who's playing it live on UA-cam vs. who complains about it), and I love how it's brought a lot of focus back to the System-8, which is a great synth on its own. I recommend checking out Gattobus if you want to see what I'm talking about!
Oh man, Gattobus is responsible for me initially geeking out about the System 8 a few years back. He’s a wizard!
You won't find the majority of 'musicians' talking smack about any instrument. Most are inspired by anything and everything. Leave the rest to amateurs and youtube generals. They can field a comment well but you'll never find them out front with the goods, as indeed you've noted with Gattobus. Honestly if people put as much effort into trying/using/creating as pointlessly bashing anything they find fault with, we'd all be alot better off.
The higher polyphony causes the reduced “Bite”. You can hear the same thing on a prophet 5 vs prophet 10. I wish the System 8 was as sexy as the Jupiter X. I like both for different reasons.
It’s actually not the polyphony - they’re just two entirely different modeling engines, each with their own strengths & weaknesses. Both great for different things, for sure!
@@JimDaneker Sorry yeah you're correct. I knew this already, just brain shat on the comment...not enough sleep. Thanks!
@@digitaldiezel5870 ha - story of my life 😂😁👍🏻
Great video. I have S8, I could never sit in front of it for more than 15 minutes. The green leds really caused issues with my eyes making you feel like you’re staring into light that was too intense. When they updated the software to lower the intensity it helped. Eventually over one hundred 0603 green led to white led swap, it’s absolutely beautiful. Once I added the wooden oak cheeks, I could hear the circuitry transformed from VSTish to pure hardware, J/K. It looks great Wu the wooden cheeks. Highly recommended swap. The genius who thought of the whole green led theme in Roland lineup, should follow the way of his fellow Japanese countrymen who messed up in their careers and jump off the building. Just kidding. Now I can spend hours and enjoy creating sounds and recording some tunes. Cheers.
Thanks for the kind words! I know the green isn’t for everyone, but I’ve grown to like it… It gives this synth a unique identity among all my others. And you can turn them off of course. I’d love to see pics of your white LED mod!
Well, If there’s more beefy ness in the system 8 aren’t there ways to compensate on the x? Supposed to be the same deal?
The system 8 seems to open up quite a bit differently in the adsr
Nope, they’re not the same at all - completely different architecture. They can certainly overlap quite a bit though!
I hate your video, now i have no clue which one to buy, thank you very much hahaha
Ha - glad to be of assistance 😂
Man it’s a tough call between those two. Personally I really lean toward the System 8 only because it gives me a bit more of the focus toward the vintage Roland flavors, but both are phenomenal!