Thread Rating:
  • 0 Vote(s) - 0 Average
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
JD-XA
Staff
#1
0
0
JD-XA

JD-XA

Specifications
Polyphony -
Analog Part: 4 Voices / Digital Part: 64 Voices
Oscillators -
Two digitally-controlled analog oscillators
Waveforms -
Triangle, Sine, Square With Pulse Width Modulation, Fixed Square, Ramp-up Sawtooth,
Filters -
Five different filter types for analog section / 14 types of filters for digital section
LFO -
Two LFOs per analog part
Control -
MIDI In/Out, USB
Sequencer -
16-track Sequencer
Arpeggiator -
64 Preset Patterns
Effects -
MFX: 8 systems, 67 types, TFX: 2 systems, 29 types, Delay, Reverb: 6 types
Keyboard -
49 keys with velocity and channel aftertouch
Memory -
Internal: 256 / USB Flash Memory: 256
erson" property="schema:name" datatype="" xml:lang="">Naomi Bolton
Thu, 09/19/2019 - 12:28

Why choose between an analog or digital synth when you can have both? At least, this appears to be the thinking behind the JD-XA, which was released by Roland in 2015. The most exciting thing about the JD-XA is obviously the fact that it is the first analog polyphonic synthesizer released by Roland since 1986. However, in addition to the analog warmth, this unique crossover synth is also able to deliver digital versatility.

The JD-XA comes with true analog filters and a direct dry output, which makes up its four-part all-analog side. Then there is its four-part digital engine that features the SuperNATURAL synth technology from Roland. Best of all, these two parts can be used completely independently or you can use them interactively for even greater flexibility. Whether you want to use the two parts side by side or stack them up, the options are nearly endless.

The JD-XA features a modern-looking design, but it appears to have drawn some inspiration from the JD-800 with its sliders. Something that is quite divisive about the design is the intense red glow around all of the knobs and sliders of the JD-XA. Some users find this tacky, while others appreciate the fact that it makes it easier to adjust the real-time controls in dim environments. The good news is that if you are not a fan of the lights, you can select which areas of the panel to light up or even turn everything off completely. A bigger issue is the glossy design of the black panel, which is not only a magnet for fingerprints and scratches, but also tends to reflect glare from surrounding light sources. Finally, the JD-XA has a 2 line LCD display that can handle 16 characters. Overall, though, the JD-XA feels sturdy, but still light enough to make it relatively portable.

For the keyboard, Roland has incorporated a four-octave one with 49 keys that feature velocity and channel after-touch. The shorter keyboard makes it more portable and anyone in need of more keys can simply hook up an external MIDI controller board. In addition, the JD-XA has incorporated their combination pitch-bend and modulation paddle while also including two mod wheels that are fully assignable.

The audio capabilities of the JD-XA certainly don't disappoint and the analog section can be as raw as you want it to be. You get the warmth of the analog filters while the digital side is no slouch either. This combination definitely offers the best of both worlds and everything is easy to operate as well after getting to know this synth. While it could easily have ended up being a mess, Roland managed to create hardware that manages to deliver both the vintage and modern sounds of their brand without trying to emulate the competition. More than four voices of polyphony would have been nice for the analog section, but overall, this is a great synth.


Make

Year
2015

Musical genre

Synth type

Interface features

Format

Sound types

Price range

Image
Roland JD-XA

Files


Type
File

Title
JD-XA

Description
OWNER'S MANUALS









Roland JD-XA Synthesizer Ver.1.50 Preset Sound Examples: A01 Massive PadPhrase example based on new preset sound from JD-XA version 1.5.










YouTube
Roland JD-XA Performance by Scott Tibbs
by
RolandChannel

User Rating

Texture
Monophonic instruments

Disqus comment


http://www.vintagesynth.com/roland/jd-xa
Reply


Forum Jump:

[-]
Private Messages
Please login or register to use this functionality.

[-]
Who's Online
There are currently no members online.

[-]
Latest Threads
My Forever Studio: Chromeo’s subterranea...
Last Post: SynthWizard
Yesterday 11:38 AM
» Replies: 0
» Views: 2
Synth Deals from Korg, Elektron and Inte...
Last Post: SynthWizard
Yesterday 11:38 AM
» Replies: 0
» Views: 2
Zynaptiq announces Morph 3 and Morph 3 P...
Last Post: SynthWizard
Yesterday 11:38 AM
» Replies: 0
» Views: 2
Deal: 30% off Steinberg Cubase 13!
Last Post: SynthWizard
Yesterday 11:38 AM
» Replies: 0
» Views: 2
Tasty Chips GR-MEGA: New Video and a Shi...
Last Post: SynthWizard
Yesterday 11:38 AM
» Replies: 0
» Views: 3
Hit’n’Mix RipX DAW updated
Last Post: SynthWizard
Yesterday 11:38 AM
» Replies: 0
» Views: 2
Aodyo Instruments launch Loom Kickstarte...
Last Post: SynthWizard
Yesterday 11:38 AM
» Replies: 0
» Views: 2
Pulsar Audio unveil Primavera spring rev...
Last Post: SynthWizard
Yesterday 11:38 AM
» Replies: 0
» Views: 2
Orange Clip by Schwabe Digital
Last Post: SynthWizard
Yesterday 11:38 AM
» Replies: 0
» Views: 3