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Roland

Description

Roland's JD-Xi analog/digital crossover synthesizer delivers the best of both worlds in one tiny yet mighty package. Combining an interactive analog synth engine with real-time parameter control and Roland's renowned SuperNATURAL digital sound library, the 37-key JD-Xi packs a sonic punch for the modern musician.

Analog and Digital Synths United

The JD-Xi's unique crossover sound engine provides smooth analog bass and lead tones as well as crystal-clear digital pads, strings, electric piano and more. Its analog section features saw, triangle and square waveforms with pulse-width modulation and an analog filter, plus a sub oscillator. Two digital synth sections offer 128-voice polyphony and SuperNATURAL sounds spanning every genre.

Shape Sounds with Vocoder, AutoPitch and Effects

Explore innovative vocal textures using the included gooseneck mic and onboard Vocoder, which controls the JD-Xi's tone and pitch with your voice. Achieve pop-inspired robotic vocals with AutoPitch. Four simultaneous effects sections provide Bit Crusher, Slicer, Ring Mod and dedicated Delay and Reverb, allowing you to get creative with synth and drum sounds.

Build Loops and Beats

The intuitive four-track pattern sequencer enables you to construct sophisticated loops using the JD-Xi's plethora of sounds. Two digital synth parts, analog synth and drums tracks allow for dynamic layering, while real-time and step recording modes provide flexibility. A TR-REC mode emulates Roland's TR drum machines. High-impact drum kits span electronic to acoustic with adjustable parameters.

Download New Sounds

Visit Roland's Axial sound library for a growing collection of free sounds and patterns for the JD-Xi. Created by electronic music artists and engineers, Axial features content for additional Roland synths. With a fusion of analog and digital under the hood, onboard vocoder and sequencer, plus a library of expandable sounds, the JD-Xi synthesizer packs studio-grade power in a compact, affordable package.

Open Box Roland JD-Xi Synthesizer Level 1
Open Box Roland JD-Xi Synthesizer Level 1
Open Box Roland JD-Xi Synthesizer Level 1

Features

  • Warm and rich analog sounds
  • Crystal-clear digital timbres
  • Vocoder and effects
  • Easy programming

Specs

Keyboard
  • Keyboard: 37 mini keys (with velocity)
Sound Generator Section
  • Maximum Polyphony: 129 voices (Digital Synth/Drum Kit: 128, Analog Synth: 1)
  • Parts:4 Parts (Digital Synth Part: 2, Drums Part: 1, Analog Synth Part: 1)
  • Tones: Digital Synth Tone (SuperNATURAL Synth)
  • Analog Synth Tone
  • PCM Drum Kit
  • *For an analog synth tone, the oscillator, sub-oscillator and filter sections consist of analog circuits.
  • Effects: Effect1 (Distortion, Fuzz, Compressor, Bit Crusher)
  • Effect2 (Flanger, Phaser, Ring Mod, Slicer)
  • Delay: 2 types
  • Reverb: 6 types
Other
  • Pattern Sequencer
  • Tracks: 4
  • Vocal Function: Vocoder, Auto Pitch, Auto Note
  • Other: Favorite, Arpeggio
  • Controllers:Pitch Bend/Modulation Wheel
  • Display: 16 characters 2 line LCD
  • Connectors: Headphones Jack: Stereo 1/4" phone type
  • Output Jacks (L/MONO, R): 1/4" phone type
  • Input Jack (LINE(MONO) / Guitar Input): 1/4" phone type
  • MIDI Connectors (IN, OUT)
  • USB COMPUTER Port (USB Hi-Speed AUDIO/MIDI)
  • (Use a USB cable and a computer with a USB port that support Hi-Speed USB.)
  • DC IN Jack
  • MIC Input Jack: XLR type, unbalanced
  • Power Supply: AC Adaptor
  • Current draw: 1000 mA
  • Accessories: Owner's Manual, AC Adapter, Microphone
Size & Weight
  • Width: 22-11/16"
  • Depth: 9-11/16"
  • Height: 3-6/16"
  • Weight: 4 lb. 14 oz.

Reviews

4.38

16 Reviews

81%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

Most Liked Positive Review

4

Good feature/price ratio

I have a more in depth review up on my website, but: Bottom line: Sold my Miniak after getting this. For me, the improvements were more panel knobs to tweak things live, and more intuitive font facing sequencer. It may only be 4-tracks vs. the Miniak's 8, but you get a lot more polyphony with the 2 digital synths, and the drum samples are quite good. The analogue bass is pretty simple, but since I got this to add some color to my existing set, I don't mind the simplicity. I also did find that you can set the pulse-width to modulate in the menu, though the pulses don't get extremely narrow. Using the vocoder or auto-note disables the analog synth. It's unfortunate, but you can only use one or the other. There could be a limitation due to the memory or processing power of the internal CPUs. There is quite a bit of functionality built into the JD-Xi at a fairly low price point. The synth engines aren't quite as complex as other synths at similar price points, but those synths are also their own beast, and lack some things that the JD-Xi is capable of. (for example, the Ultra/MiniNovas lack multi-timbrality, but have a deeper synth engine) The MikroKorg lacks polyphony, whereas the Roland has 128 voice true polyphony on each of the two digital synths (benefits of a watered down SuprNatural engine?). I would view the JD-Xi as a great starter synth/pattern sequencer, or possibly great for integrating into an existing setup for a different palette of sounds. I've started working with a jam band, and I would not hesitate taking this on stage alongside the NL2X for additional sonic flavor. It my case, it offers a bit different sonic possibilities and integrates well into my setup (the Miniak was always a bit of a pain on integrating into stuff). For some slightly more complex synthesis, I still have my Nord Lead 2X, and I think the JD-Xi compliments it well. My master keyboard can split to 4 zones, which can overlap, so I can effectively layer all 4 jd-xi synths.

VS

Most Liked Negative Review

3

great sound for cost with a multitude of midi issues

this was my first synthesizer and Ive had it for 11 months now. What you get for the cost, in terms of sound, is worth it but now I am wishing I went with different option due to all the issues arising from trying to integrate midi. I'll never be comfortable using the JDXI in a live performance because it crashes my software, doesn't recognize clock source at times, and has a fair amount of lag. I mostly use it for sampling and sound meditation, which it's great for on its own, and if you add your own effects, even better. The sound quality is great and its signal is fantastic when analyzed by sampling, though not perfect. But the midi issues are big and could be related to the software driver, the device itself, my computer(iMac 2012) and software, or all of them. If the JDXI is shut off while synced with Maschine 2, the entire software crashes and the computer has to be forced to shut down in order to get the application to respond. After updating my computer software, I can shut off the JDXI, but linking it as an input can cause everything to crash. Bank and program change via midi just doesn't work, and it can screw up your saved programs, Ill switch to a clave I saved and it may load a bass instead if that synth is a midi output. And it recently has been crashing/ freezing on its own. Other issues are after a midi sequence a note may be stuck on and the keyboard may become unresponsive. Bottomline, great for sound, and still a good options for a first synthesizer, but don't expect reliable midi integration.

Filters
Best Uses
  1. Electronic Music11
  2. Learning8
  3. Accompaniment3
  4. MIDI3
  5. Travel2
Cons
  1. Difficult to Use4
  2. Limited Sound Selection2
  3. No Speakers1
  4. Poor Action1
  5. Poor Instructions1
Describe Yourself
  1. Experienced11
  2. Novice3
  3. Professional Musician1
Pros
  1. Portable11
  2. Good Audio10
  3. Easy to Use8
  4. Responsive / Good Action7
  5. Touch Sensitive Keys7

Reviewed by 16 customers

  • Fat bass

    5

    submitted3 years ago

    byDavid

    fromChico

    Out here shopping for guitar pedals thought I'd leave reviews for products I've purchased. Got this machine 6 years ago. Still love the quickness of this machine to lay down a nice groove or project idea. The bass notes are fat and pure. True Roland sounds in patches. The lpf and hpf knobs give a lot of options for sound snapping with on board post effects giving tones nice after touch. Recommend this to anyone in a budget for a small workstation and limited space for equipment. Keys are too small for me personally on stage.

  • Great device with lots of features.

    5

    submitted6 years ago

    byDjtriggerfinger

    fromAurora, CO

    The JD-XI is great the features it has, make it a very powerful tool for beginners and professionals. I highly recommend it.

  • great powerful item.

    5

    submitted6 years ago

    byBlasp

    fromOroville ca

    i use it mainly for backing guitar tracks...so much funner an easier to use than my old Boss JS-5..cant write a song piece for as long but the quality of sounds makes up for it.

  • My husband lovesss it!

    5

    submitted6 years ago

    byKai

    fromAnchorage

    Great sound, but a complex menu system.

  • Returned it

    1

    submitted6 years ago

    byWaynek

    fromMobile al

    Get a Juno period

  • Cool

    4

    submitted6 years ago

    byDan

    fromMilwaukee

    I got this for my 12yo. It's a little advanced for him but he has been watching YouTube videos about it and is slowly getting better at it.

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Q&A

Have a question about this product? Our expert Gear Advisers have the answers.

  • submitted3 years ago

    asked byJanet

    fromRichmond VA

    Does this have any preset horn sounds ?And is it easy to use ina live performance ?

    Open Reply - Thomas
    Yes....Yes

  • submitted4 years ago

    asked byDoug

    fromBrooklyn, NY

    I searched a new Roland JD-XI synth on your site and two different results came up at different prices. But it seems like the same product. Is there a difference in the two products? thanks

    Open Reply - Thomas
    Please give us a call to better help you out – 877-687-5403

  • submitted7 years ago

    asked byKeith

    fromTennessee

    Does this Roland JD-Xi have transpose?

    Open Reply - Kenneth
    This does not have transpose