Roland Jupiter-8 Polyphonic Synthesizer
Few synths are so iconic as the Roland Jupiter-8. A flagship of the 1980’s, and one of the most heard synths from the decade.
I acquired a Jupiter-8 in 1983, following my otherwise beloved PPG Wave 2. Although the PPG Wave 2 was an amazing synth with a personal, deep and different sound, it was somewhat unreliable. So the sheer playability and cutting sound of the Jupiter-8 and the relatively simple, yet deep sound generation system was a winner in hectic studio and live situations.
CONFIGURATION
Sound Generation: 2xVCO, HPF, LPF, VCA, 2xADSR, 2xLFO.
Keyboard Modes: Whole, Split, Dual, Poly, Mono, Unison 1-2
Performance Controls: Arpeggiator, Bender, Modulation Button
64 Sound Programs
SEQUENCING THE JUPITER-8
Being pre-MIDI, the Jupiter-8 was nevertheless equipped with Rolands proprietary DCB (Digital Communication Bus) system, that addressed many of the issues that later became standard with MIDI.
DCB-equipped external units were then able to control the Jupiter-8, via the DCB Inteerface on the rear side. One such unit was the the CV/DCB Interface designed for the Roland MC-4B MicroComposer
VIDEOS RELATED TO JUPITER-8
DR-TV Feature “The Musical Computer” (1984)
Informing the public about the new possiblities with synthesizers and sequencer.
Featuring Roland Jupiter-8 Synthesizer, Roland CV/DCB Interface, and Amdek CMU-800 Microcomposer.
TRACKS FEATURING THE JUPITER-8
I used the Jupiter-8 extensively on the production of albums like Lars HUGs “City Slang”, the debut album by Danish singer “Michael Falch” and the debut album by the band DeFilm. Below you can find a compilation of tracks featuring the Jupiter-8.
