Roland JX-3P

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Roland JX-3P

Roland JX-3P
Manufactured by Roland
Dates 1983-1985
Price US $1395
Technical specifications
Polyphony 6 voices
Timbrality Monotimbral
Oscillator 2 DCOs per voice
LFO 1 sine/square/sh
Synthesis type Analog Subtractive
Filter 1 resonant lowpass, 1 highpass
Attenuator 1 ADSR
Aftertouch No
Velocity sensitive No
Memory 32 presets/32 user patches
Effects chorus
Input/output
Keyboard 61 keys
External control MIDI

The Roland JX-3P is a synthesizer produced by Roland Corporation of Japan in 1983. The "3P" in its name refers to "Programmable Preset Polyphonic".[1] It is notable as one of the company's first products (along with the Jupiter-6) to incorporate a MIDI interface, limited to note-on/note-off data only.

Features

The JX-3P is a six-note polyphonic, 61 key synthesizer with sawtooth, 50 and 10% pulse waveforms, and a noise generator. It has 32 factory programs in ROM, and user memory for 32 programs.

The JX-3P also features a built-in 128-step polyphonic sequencer that can be synchronized to external devices (such as drum machines) connected to its simple clock voltage input jack. The sequencer cannot synchronize using MIDI.

Its architecture is similar to the Juno series synths produced around the same time. Both machines employ the same interval-timer DCO technology, use the Roland IR3109 low-pass filter, a discrete VCA, and have an on-board stereo chorus effect. The JX-3P has a single ADSR envelope generator and a single modulation oscillator - both software-generated (while the Juno-6 and Juno-60 use analogue circuitry for the envelope generator, which achieves a more dynamic sound).

The Juno line had only a single DCO (with sub-oscillator) per voice, while the JX-3P had two distinct DCOs with detuning and several cross-modulation modes. Also unlike the Juno, the JX-3P allows the pitch of either oscillator to be controlled by its envelope generator. The Juno's features not included with the JX-3P were pulse width modulation and a second chorus mode.

MKS-30, PG-200

The JX-3P is fully programmable from its front panel. To do so, each synthesis parameter must be selected numerically, then its value can be adjusted with a single slider. For a more immediate programming experience, the optional PG-200 "programmer" was introduced. Connected to the synthesizer via a proprietary interface, the PG-200 is a simple control surface with dedicated switches and knobs for controlling each of the JX-3P's parameters. It allows the user to edit patches with the conventional controls of an analog synthesizer. It is not possible to use the PG-200 and the MIDI interface at the same time, however.

A rackmount synthesizer similar to the JX-3P, the MKS-30 Planet-S, was also produced. Unlike the JX-3P, the MKS-30 would respond to velocity (dynamics) via MIDI, and can receive MIDI notes while simultaneously working with the PG-200 programmer.

The PG-200 programmer was also used with Roland's GR-700 Guitar Synthesizer.

There is an EPROM version available at Roland, which enables note velocity in MIDI-in mode[citation needed]. There is an add-on kit available from Inque (see link below), which enables parallel usage of PG200 and MIDI and also introduces parameter control via MIDI controller data. The New Zealand based company Kiwitechnics Offers an upgrade kit, which extends the functionality of the JX-3P massively.

Notable users

Kevin Moore Dream Theater


Roland JX-3P demo sounds
A dance track in which all parts are performed upon the JX-3P
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Roland JX-3P demo sounds
Some random sounds played on Roland JX-3P
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References

  1. ↑ JX-3P Technical SpecificationsRoland U.S. Retrieved 3 April 2013.

External links

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