All about the Roland Jupiter-series

-----Original Message-----
From: Enmach@... [mailto:Enmach@...]
Sent: Friday, October 26, 2001 5:29 PM
To: mikekent@...
Cc: analogue@...
Subject: Re: [AH] Jupiters


(sorry if this has already been covered; my aol does not get all AH posts)

Mike Kent asks:

>> What are the differences between the Juptier-6 and the Juptier-8? Is it
just
>> polyphony? Or is there a sonic difference as well?

BIG differences:

-the JP8 can sound much more massive than the 6
-JP6 has multimode filters (LP & HP can be combined to form BP)
-JP6 cross mod can be controlled via Env. 1
-JP6 can have multiple waveforms active on each VCO
 (great for aggressive crossmod effects)
-JP6 envelopes and LFOs are generated in software, digitally controlled.
This is early MIDI, so 64 steps.  If you sweep slow enough, can hear
'stepping'.
-JP6 has a slightly more 'nasal' character than 8, nonetheless a great
sound, very capable in bass range
-JP6 knobs somewhat less substantial in look and feel compared to 8
-JP6 has no 'random' arpeggiator mode
-BOTH are built like tanks!

So, do what I did - get 'em both!!  Keep in mind:  got JP8 in 1988 for $700,
in need of overhaul.  Got JP6 in 1992, $700, never ran totally in tune, but
never severly out of tune.  Every 2 - 3 years, JP8 needed power supply
calibration and cleaning of all pots and sliders (contamination would cause
false 'edit' messages).  Sold both in 1998, had had my fun.  I highly
recommend either.

PAT