Roland JD-XA Hybrid Keyboard Synthesizer

The Roland ’JD-XA’ is a one of a kind crossover synthesizer that blends analog warmth and digital versatility in one ultra-creative, instrument with no compromises. First, is a four-part, all-analog monster with true analog filters and a direct dry output. Next is a four-part digital engine powered by Roland’s SuperNATURAL synthesis technology, and an extensive selection of powerful effects. The JD-XA’s engines can be used independently or interactively, creating an incredibly versatile platform for sound design, studio work, and live performance. Use the analog and digital parts in tandem, stack them up for total sonic devastation, or shape digital waveforms with the analog filters to create never before heard sounds. With the JD-XA, users can forget about analog vs digital. 

JD-XA’s four analog parts each features two oscillators, along with filter and amp sections and four envelopes—all of which have incredibly fast attack and response times. Users also get two LFOs, with ultra-smooth coverage from very slow to very fast. Start by creating a sound from scratch, or configure the JD-XA as an eight-oscillator, all analog version of the legendary Supersaw waveform. Or use the power of Poly Stack mode for warm, big, organic four-note chords that. Once that killer analog sound has been achieved, it can be routed directly to the analog dry output or sent to the on board digital effects for further processing and experiments in the art of sound design.

The JD-XA doesn’t only do classic analog sound—it’s also equipped with a totally separate powerful four-part, 64-voice digital sound engine powered by Roland’s acclaimed SuperNATURAL synthesis technology. This lets users play some of the most incredibly expressive and natural sounds available anywhere, as the JD-XA is fully compatible with the synth engine from the INTEGRA-7 sound module, a steady favorite of top producers, sound designers and composers. And if users need some extra inspiration, visit Roland’s online Axial community and get the latest creations from high-end programmers to tap into great tones for a huge range of genres.

With its unique crossover design, the JD-XA stands out in its approach to synthesis. Users can blend the engines together if they want, but they can also be used completely independently, truly providing two synths in one package. Additionally, the analog and digital engines capable of interacting in many creative ways. For example, digital sounds can be routed to the analog filters, or used as modulation sources for the Cross Mod and Ring Mod effects in the analog section. 

The filters in the JD-XA’s analog section are fully analog, providing smooth, warm sound and natural response. There’s the classic 4-pole, a transistor ladder with robust characteristics, and a multi-mode filter option for the indispensable LPF, HPF, and BPF functions. Thanks to an all-new circuit design, the resonance of the multi-mode filter creates a uniquely aggressive characteristic that’s really cool. And because the filters are totally analog,  they have a superbly smooth slope as the knobs are twisted, with no stepping or unwanted artifacts.

In terms of effects, the JD-XA is well equipped to tackle any sound shaping task thrown at it. Each analog and digital component is stocked with a powerful and versatile MFX processor that provides 67 different effect types, including high-impact processing functions like Bit Crusher. The essentials are also handled by the five system effects processors, which provide reverb, delay, and master EQ as well as two TFX processors with 29 different effect types each.
With all this sonic agility at hand, users will want to dive in and start making music right away. To get the creative juices flowing, the JD-XA has a robust 16-track pattern sequencer with 8 tracks for sequencing internal parts and 8 tracks for sequencing external sources, allowing users to create sequences and loops quickly and intuitively. Use the real-time recording mode to lay down parts in a simple linear fashion, or classic step recording mode to create in the old-school pattern style.

Power doesn't mean much without control, so the JD-XA’s interface is designed around utilizing the potential of its remarkable sound engines. The velocity-sensitive keyboard supports aftertouch, and users get plenty of backlit sliders, knobs, and wheel controllers to sculpt the sound. There are unheard of routing options as well, owing to a flexible system that lets users route a single mod source to four destinations. In addition, users are able to control external modules or DAW plug-ins via MIDI, USB, and CV/GATE, making this a synth that can lay at the core of any live or studio setup. If it can be imagined, it can probably be done on the JD-XA.

The JD-XA’s mic input provides an extra dimension to music creation. For starters, the mic can be used as a modulation source, controlling filter cutoff, Cross Mod, or other parameters with voice. In addition, users can dial up Vocoder tones, or simply add on some pro-grade vocal reverb via the mic’s dedicated reverb processor. Whether users want to speak, sing, or synthesize, plugging a mic into the JD-XA will surely to lead to some positive musical chaos.

The JD-XA also features a built-in USB audio/MIDI interface for working smoothly with a favorite DAW. It also has two CV/GATE outputs, making it easy to interface with other CV/GATE instruments. Any analog or modular synths can be controlled directly via the JD-XA’s keyboard or pattern sequencer, or from the comfort of a DAW when the JD-XA is integrated into a computer music production environment over USB connection.

Features

• Advanced synthesizer with independent analog and digital sound engines
• Discrete analog synth engine (four parts) with 2 x OSC, Filter, Amp, 4 x Env (2 x Pitch, Filter, Amp), and 2 x LFO per voice plus Analog Dry Out for raw signal output
• Analog filter section features 4-Pole, transistor-ladder, and multi-mode (LPF/HPF/BPF) filters with supremely smooth, natural response to knob movements
• OSC section includes Cross Mod, Ring Mod, and OSC Sync, all of which can be used simultaneously
• LFO rate covers a wide range from ultra-slow to ultra-fast
• Incredibly fast attack envelope time
• Separate digital section built around SuperNATURAL synth engine (four parts, 64 voices) that’s compatible with INTEGRA-7 sound libraries from Roland’s online Axial sound portal
• Digital parts can be routed through the analog filter section for warm, organic results
• Comprehensive effects with MFX for all parts plus five system effects (Reverb, TFX1, TFX2, Delay, and Master EQ)
• Flexible routing options for highly creative sound design
• Intuitive 16-track pattern sequencer (8 tracks for internal parts, 8 tracks for external parts) for fast creation of songs and loops
• Onboard USB, MIDI, and CV/GATE interfaces plus flexible MIDI control functionality make the JD-XA the ideal centerpiece for live performance and music production
• Mic input allows you to modulate synth sounds with your voice and explore classic Vocoder functionality
• Plenty of backlit knobs, sliders, and controllers for hands-on sound shaping