Roland JP-8000
Encyclopedia
The Roland JP-8000 is an analog modeling synthesizer
released by the Roland Corporation
in 1997.
, Clavia Nord Lead
the Korg MS2000
and the Yamaha AN1x
. These were the early Virtual Analog Synthesizers (VA synths) that were released in the mid to late 1990s. While the functionality, sound, and architecture of the JP-8000 differs from these other synthesizers, it shared the same purpose of recreating the unique sound and functionality of classic analog synths. The JP-8000 was viewed at the time as the modern incarnation of the classic Roland Jupiter-8, from 1981. It sought to reproduce the warm tonalities and sheer analog power of its older, bigger brother, of course with a modern slant, adding all kinds of features, from motion control, to RPS, to the fabled Super Saw oscillators and old-school controllers such as an arpeggiator and an assignable touch response ribbon control.
The JP-8000 had several features that differed from other analog modeling synthesizers of the time. Most notably, Roland's unique oscillator types ("Feedback" and "Supersaw") and the use of sliders instead of rotary encoders (knobs) to edit patch parameters. The Supersaw in particular was the reason why the JP-8000 was particularly successful as a main keyboard (along with the Virus) in the dance music market, especially for Trance. Just like the TB-303 had done for Acid Techno, the JP-8000's Supersaw leads were characteristic of a certain type of Trance that can be roughly called "Anthem Trance", where a melodic, powerful lead based on a Supersaw patch provided the hook and melody throughout the song.
In 1998, Roland released a 6U,19" rack version of JP-8000 called the JP-8080. The JP-8080 combined the analog modeling sound engine of the JP-8000 with additional features such as an internal vocoder
. Three times the amount of Patches and performances and an additional Noise waveform was available on Osc 2, which although most patches are compatible between the rack and the JP-8000, some were specifically designed for the rack version only. Also included on the JP-8080 was a distortion effect.
originally created by Roland
for their JP-8000 and JP-8080 line of analog modeling synthesizer
s. The idea behind the Supersaw is to emulate the sound of more than one sawtooth
oscillator using just one oscillator. The waveform is described as a freerun oscillator and its shape is produced from 7 sawtooth oscillators detuned against each other over a period of time.
Since production of the JP-8000 ceased, several companies have incorporated "Supersaw-like" oscillator algorithms into their hardware and software synthesizers. SUPERWAVE P8 is an example of a software synthesizer
inspired by the architecture of the JP-8000 with its multiple sawtooth
oscillators, another one being Supersaw Plus which has a JP-8000-style interface and a variation on the supersaw waveform allowing for 2, 4, 6 or 10 oscillators. In 2005 Access Music released their new TI
-line of synthesizers which feature an oscillator typed called Hypersaw, which has similar functionality to Roland's Supersaw oscillator. Roland has also continued to produce other synthesizer
s such as the SH-201
, the SH-01, the Roland V-Synth, and the Roland V-Synth XT that have the Supersaw as an available oscillator type.
The Supersaw gained much popularity in electronic dance music
, especially with its use in hardcore
, hardstyle
and anthem trance. From 2006, as hard stomping dance music began to dominate the music charts; the Supersaw waveform had a sudden surge in popularity; being used in many mainstream pop songs, such as songs performed by artists including: The Saturdays
, LMFAO
, Jason Derulo
Lady Gaga
, JLS
, Calvin Harris
and many more.
Analog modeling synthesizer
An Analog Modeling Synthesizer is a synthesizer that generates the sounds of traditional analog synthesizers using DSP components and software algorithms to simulate the behaviour of the original electric and electronic circuitry, in order to obtain the sound in a more precise manner from the...
released by the Roland Corporation
Roland Corporation
is a Japanese manufacturer of electronic musical instruments, electronic equipment and software. It was founded by Ikutaro Kakehashi in Osaka on April 18, 1972, with ¥33 million in capital. In 2005 Roland's headquarters relocated to Hamamatsu in Shizuoka Prefecture. Today it has factories in Japan,...
in 1997.
Overview
The Roland JP-8000 was released in early 1997 to compete with the other analog modeling synthesizers of the period such as the Access VirusAccess Virus
The Access Virus is a virtual analog synthesizer made by the German company Access Music GmbH. It was first produced in 1997 and has since been upgraded frequently, with the company releasing new models about every two years. Early models include the Virus A, Virus B, and Virus C series, each...
, Clavia Nord Lead
Clavia Nord Lead
Clavia Nord Lead is a virtual analog subtractive synthesizer, which was developed in Sweden, being released to the public by Clavia in 1995.The Nord Lead was the first synthesizer on the market to emulate analog synthesis. The now widely accepted term "virtual analog", was first coined by Clavia...
the Korg MS2000
Korg MS2000
The Korg MS2000 is a virtual analog synthesizer produced by the Japanese electronic musical instrument manufacturer Korg.-History and features:...
and the Yamaha AN1x
Yamaha AN1x
Yamaha AN1x, produced by Yamaha Corporation from 1997 to 1998, is a DSP-based analog modeling synthesizer and while it was marketed as "Analog physical modeling control synthesizer", it doesn't employ actual physical modeling synthesis....
. These were the early Virtual Analog Synthesizers (VA synths) that were released in the mid to late 1990s. While the functionality, sound, and architecture of the JP-8000 differs from these other synthesizers, it shared the same purpose of recreating the unique sound and functionality of classic analog synths. The JP-8000 was viewed at the time as the modern incarnation of the classic Roland Jupiter-8, from 1981. It sought to reproduce the warm tonalities and sheer analog power of its older, bigger brother, of course with a modern slant, adding all kinds of features, from motion control, to RPS, to the fabled Super Saw oscillators and old-school controllers such as an arpeggiator and an assignable touch response ribbon control.
The JP-8000 had several features that differed from other analog modeling synthesizers of the time. Most notably, Roland's unique oscillator types ("Feedback" and "Supersaw") and the use of sliders instead of rotary encoders (knobs) to edit patch parameters. The Supersaw in particular was the reason why the JP-8000 was particularly successful as a main keyboard (along with the Virus) in the dance music market, especially for Trance. Just like the TB-303 had done for Acid Techno, the JP-8000's Supersaw leads were characteristic of a certain type of Trance that can be roughly called "Anthem Trance", where a melodic, powerful lead based on a Supersaw patch provided the hook and melody throughout the song.
In 1998, Roland released a 6U,19" rack version of JP-8000 called the JP-8080. The JP-8080 combined the analog modeling sound engine of the JP-8000 with additional features such as an internal vocoder
Vocoder
A vocoder is an analysis/synthesis system, mostly used for speech. In the encoder, the input is passed through a multiband filter, each band is passed through an envelope follower, and the control signals from the envelope followers are communicated to the decoder...
. Three times the amount of Patches and performances and an additional Noise waveform was available on Osc 2, which although most patches are compatible between the rack and the JP-8000, some were specifically designed for the rack version only. Also included on the JP-8080 was a distortion effect.
The Supersaw
The Supersaw is a special waveformWaveform
Waveform means the shape and form of a signal such as a wave moving in a physical medium or an abstract representation.In many cases the medium in which the wave is being propagated does not permit a direct visual image of the form. In these cases, the term 'waveform' refers to the shape of a graph...
originally created by Roland
Roland Corporation
is a Japanese manufacturer of electronic musical instruments, electronic equipment and software. It was founded by Ikutaro Kakehashi in Osaka on April 18, 1972, with ¥33 million in capital. In 2005 Roland's headquarters relocated to Hamamatsu in Shizuoka Prefecture. Today it has factories in Japan,...
for their JP-8000 and JP-8080 line of analog modeling synthesizer
Analog modeling synthesizer
An Analog Modeling Synthesizer is a synthesizer that generates the sounds of traditional analog synthesizers using DSP components and software algorithms to simulate the behaviour of the original electric and electronic circuitry, in order to obtain the sound in a more precise manner from the...
s. The idea behind the Supersaw is to emulate the sound of more than one sawtooth
Sawtooth wave
The sawtooth wave is a kind of non-sinusoidal waveform. It is named a sawtooth based on its resemblance to the teeth on the blade of a saw....
oscillator using just one oscillator. The waveform is described as a freerun oscillator and its shape is produced from 7 sawtooth oscillators detuned against each other over a period of time.
Since production of the JP-8000 ceased, several companies have incorporated "Supersaw-like" oscillator algorithms into their hardware and software synthesizers. SUPERWAVE P8 is an example of a software synthesizer
Software synthesizer
A software synthesizer, also known as a softsynth is a computer program or plug-in for digital audio generation. Computer software which can create sounds or music is not new, but advances in processing speed are allowing softsynths to accomplish the same tasks that previously required dedicated...
inspired by the architecture of the JP-8000 with its multiple sawtooth
Sawtooth wave
The sawtooth wave is a kind of non-sinusoidal waveform. It is named a sawtooth based on its resemblance to the teeth on the blade of a saw....
oscillators, another one being Supersaw Plus which has a JP-8000-style interface and a variation on the supersaw waveform allowing for 2, 4, 6 or 10 oscillators. In 2005 Access Music released their new TI
Access Virus
The Access Virus is a virtual analog synthesizer made by the German company Access Music GmbH. It was first produced in 1997 and has since been upgraded frequently, with the company releasing new models about every two years. Early models include the Virus A, Virus B, and Virus C series, each...
-line of synthesizers which feature an oscillator typed called Hypersaw, which has similar functionality to Roland's Supersaw oscillator. Roland has also continued to produce other synthesizer
Synthesizer
A synthesizer is an electronic instrument capable of producing sounds by generating electrical signals of different frequencies. These electrical signals are played through a loudspeaker or set of headphones...
s such as the SH-201
Roland SH-201
The Roland SH-201 is an analog modeling synthesizer introduced in 2006 by the Roland Corporation. The SH-201 is equipped with two analogue modeling oscillators , a multi-mode filter, ring modulator, and it allows routing an external audio signal into its own dedicated filter. The input signal can...
, the SH-01, the Roland V-Synth, and the Roland V-Synth XT that have the Supersaw as an available oscillator type.
The Supersaw gained much popularity in electronic dance music
Electronic dance music
Electronic dance music is electronic music produced primarily for the purposes of use within a nightclub setting, or in an environment that is centered upon dance-based entertainment...
, especially with its use in hardcore
Hardcore techno
Hardcore techno is a type of electronic music typified by the rhythmic use of distorted and atonal industrial-like beats and samples...
, hardstyle
Hardstyle
Hardstyle is an electronic dance genre mixing influences from hardtechno, hard house, hard trance, hardcore and rave music. It is between 148 and 157 bpm in speed and is written in 4/4 time....
and anthem trance. From 2006, as hard stomping dance music began to dominate the music charts; the Supersaw waveform had a sudden surge in popularity; being used in many mainstream pop songs, such as songs performed by artists including: The Saturdays
The Saturdays
The Saturdays are a British and Irish pop girl group based in London, United Kingdom. The group consists of five members Una Healy, Mollie King, Frankie Sandford, Vanessa White and Rochelle Wiseman. In 2007 the band were formed through Fascination Records which gave them an instant record deal with...
, LMFAO
LMFAO (group)
LMFAO is an American electro pop duo consisting of rappers, producers, dancers, and DJs Redfoo and SkyBlu . The group formed in 2006 in Los Angeles, California. Redfoo is SkyBlu's uncle. Redfoo is also the son of music mogul Berry Gordy, SkyBlu a grandson...
, Jason Derulo
Jason Derulo
Jason Joel Desrouleaux , better known by his stage name Jason Derülo, is an American singer-songwriter, actor and dancer. After producing records for several artists and writing songs for Cash Money Records, co-founder of the label Birdman, Young Money Entertainment owner Lil Wayne and rapper...
Lady Gaga
Lady GaGa
Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta , better known by her stage name Lady Gaga, is an American singer and songwriter. Born and raised in New York City, she primarily studied at the Convent of the Sacred Heart and briefly attended New York University's Tisch School of the Arts before withdrawing to...
, JLS
JLS
- Music :* JLS, an English boyband** JLS , debut album by JLS* JLS a Spanish Rock band based in Zaragoza , Spain formed in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic by lead Leo Susana.- Organizations :...
, Calvin Harris
Calvin Harris
Calvin Harris is a Scottish singer-songwriter, record producer and DJ. His gold-selling debut album, I Created Disco, was released in 2007 and contained the top ten singles "Acceptable in the 80s" and "The Girls"...
and many more.
Notable users
- 7 Skies
- Adam Nickey
- Preston Boutot Zoogma
- Aron Magner from The Disco Biscuits
- Armin van Buuren
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) - Brian Transeau
- Brandon FlowersBrandon FlowersBrandon Richard Flowers is an American musician, best known as the frontman of the Las Vegas-based rock band The Killers. He has also released a solo album titled Flamingo.-Early life:...
- Charly GarciaCharly GarcíaCharly García is a singer-songwriter, pianist and keyboardist from Argentina with a long career in rock music, forming successful groups such as Sui Generis and Serú Girán, cult status groups like La Máquina de Hacer Pájaros, and as a solo musician.-Early years:Charly García was the eldest son in...
- ChicaneChicane (recording artist)Chicane is a British electronic dance music act, and the guise of British musician, composer, songwriter and record producer, Nicholas Bracegirdle....
- Craig Jones
- CrescendoCrescendo (band)Crescendo are a Liverpool based Electronic Pop band. The band are made up of duo Dan Akerman and Jonson Walker,...
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- Depeche ModeDepeche ModeDepeche Mode are an English electronic music band formed in 1980 in Basildon, Essex. The group's original line-up consisted of Dave Gahan , Martin Gore , Andy Fletcher and Vince Clarke...
- Disco BiscuitsDisco BiscuitsThe Disco Biscuits are a band from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania known for their live performances and light shows. The band consists of Allen Aucoin , Marc Brownstein , Jon Gutwillig , and Aron Magner ....
- DeadsyDeadsyDeadsy is an American synth rock band from California. The band is known for its visual iconography and signature characteristics assigned to each band member. Each musician is identified by a specific color, stage name, and graphic tied into the band's theatrical nature. The band has released...
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(God Is a DJGod Is a DJ (Faithless song)"God Is a DJ" is a progressive trance and dance song by Faithless, released as a single on 24 August 1998. The single reached number six in the United Kingdom and also reached number one on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart for one week in September 1998....
strings) - Ferry CorstenFerry CorstenFerry Corsten, also known under the alias System F, is a Dutch producer of trance music, in addition to being a DJ and remixer. He also hosts his own weekly radio show, Corsten's Countdown. He routinely plays at events all over the world with crowds in excess of tens of thousands. In 2009 Ferry...
- Front 242Front 242Front 242 is a pioneering Belgian electronic music group that came into prominence during the 1980s. They are known for being the premier pioneer of electronic body music and as a major influence on the electronic and industrial music genres.-Formation:...
(Feedback Osc) - Frutilla Camarosa
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- The Hitmen (Trance)
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- Kate RyanKate RyanKate Ryan is a Belgian World Music Award winner. She began her singing career in 2001 and later found fame with a string of dance hits. These included covers, mostly of Mylène Farmer and France Gall, such as "Désenchantée", "Libertine" and "Ella, elle l'a" as well as new material...
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- Luke Terry
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- Michael PinnellaMichael PinnellaMichael Pinnella is a keyboard player, most notably for the band Symphony X. He has also released a solo album, a mixture of classical and progressive-styled music titled Enter By the Twelfth Gate on the InsideOut Music label in 2004...
- Mike Shiver
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- The ProdigyThe ProdigyThe Prodigy are an English electronic dance music group formed by Liam Howlett in 1990 in Braintree, Essex. Along with Fatboy Slim, The Chemical Brothers, and other acts, The Prodigy have been credited as pioneers of the big beat genre, which achieved mainstream popularity in the 1990s and 2000s...
- Robin Brandes (Rob Mayth)
- Rank 1Rank 1Rank 1 is a Dutch trance group, formed in the Netherlands in 1997. Widely regarded as one of the originators of the Dutch trance sound, the group have produced a number of dancefloor hits since their conception...
(Airwave main melody) - ScooterScooter (band)Scooter are a German hard dance band founded in Hamburg, who have sold over 25 million records and earned over 80 gold and platinum awards. Scooter are considered the most successful single-record German act with 23 top ten hits. The band is currently composed of members H.P. Baxxter, Rick J....
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- The Adjective Noun
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(Monster) - The Crystal MethodThe Crystal MethodThe Crystal Method is an American electronic music duo that was created in Los Angeles, California by Ken Jordan and Scott Kirkland in the early 1990s. The Crystal Method's music has appeared in numerous TV shows, films, video games, and advertisements. The most prominent is the US television...
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- 3 Steps Ahead
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- Vince ClarkeVince ClarkeVince Clarke is an English synthpop musician and songwriter. Clarke has been involved with a number of successful groups, including Depeche Mode, Yazoo, The Assembly and Erasure....
- William OrbitWilliam OrbitWilliam Orbit is an English musician, composer and record producer, perhaps best known to most for his work on Madonna's album Ray of Light. He has also co-produced several unreleased Madonna songs originally recorded for other albums...
- Secrettes
- Dj Platinum
- HocicoHocico- History :The duo was officially formed in 1993 by Erik Garcia a.k.a Erk Aicrag and Oscar Mayorga a.k.a. Racso Agroyam , but both cousins had been experimenting with electronic music, mixing industrial and EBM, since they were fifteen years old. Their music can be described as electro-industrial...
- The Electronic Anthology ProjectThe electronic anthology projectThe Electronic Anthology Project began as the idea of Built To Spill bassist Brett Nelson. Always having loved and been greatly influenced by 80's New Wave music he wondered what a guitar driven band like Built To Spill would sound like if made a little more New Wave circa 1982.He entered his home...
(Brett NelsonBrett NelsonBrett Nelson is an American multi-instrumentalist, singer and songwriter best known as the bassist for the indie rock band Built to Spill....
of Built To SpillBuilt to SpillBuilt to Spill is an American indie rock band based in Boise, Idaho. The band has released seven full-length albums. Their most recent album, There Is No Enemy, was released on October 6, 2009.-History:...
)
External links
- Roland JP-8000 at Vintagesynth.com
- Roland JP-8000 JP8000 user comments at Dancetech.com