Software Synthesizer

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A landmark Roland synth from the dawn of MIDI.

The JX-3P Software Synthesizer is an authentic virtual recreation of the six-voice JX-3P from 1983. This landmark analog instrument ushered in an era of sleek looks, easy preset recall, and stable tuning via digitally controlled oscillators. The streamlined panel provided fast access to preset sounds, with the ability to dive into deeper sound design via the optional PG-200 programmer. Indistinguishable from the sound of the original, the JX-3P Software Synthesizer brings this underground ’80s classic to your modern workflow.

+ Highlights

  • Authentic recreation of the JX-3P synthesizer, powered by enhanced ACB technology
  • High-definition, resizable interface gives the feel of working with the vintage hardware
  • Integrated virtual PG-200 programmer for a complete hands-on experience
  • Circuit Mod function lets you tweak the sonic character in real time
  • Integrated browser lets you search across all installed patch banks
  • All the original JX-3P patches plus new sounds for contemporary music
  • Extended parameters, advanced arpeggiator, onboard effects, and more
  • Original JX-3P chorus, plus reverb, flanger, delay, overdrive, and more
  • Adjustable polyphony, selectable from two to eight notes
  • PLUG-OUT compatibility with the SYSTEM-8 hardware synth
  • VST3, AU, and AAX compatibility and native support for Apple silicon
  • Included with Roland Cloud Pro (via Pro Selector) and Ultimate memberships
  • Also available as a Lifetime Key purchase
JX-3P Software Synthesizer
JX-3P | Programmable. Preset. Polyphonic.

Programmable. Preset. Polyphonic.

Along with the JUPITER-6, the trendsetting JX-3P was one of the world’s first instruments equipped with the newly developed MIDI interface. Offering a button-based panel for a more preset-driven experience, the JX-3P appeared rather different from its predecessors, but its sound was pure ’80s Roland. While the digitally controlled oscillators gave it a more refined and stable sound, it shared many analog components with its famous synth siblings.

Classic tracks featuring the JX-3P ▼

JX-3P | The shape of things to come

The shape of things to come.

As synthesizers exploded in popularity in the early 1980s, the JX-3P made great synth sounds more attainable for a wider range of musicians. Its groundbreaking digital control and push-button programmability provided easy access to tones with present midrange, shimmering high end, and punchy bass, which found their way onto numerous albums, film soundtracks, and stage setups of the time.

JX-3P

Integrated PG-200 Synthesizer Programmer.

While the stripped-down JX-3P interface appealed to many as a model of simplicity, pro players and synth enthusiasts craved more direct control. Enter the companion PG-200 Synthesizer Programmer, an add-on option for those who wanted to dig deeper with hands-on controls. Today, PG-200 units and their specialized connection cables are increasingly hard to find for JX-3P owners, especially in good condition. The JX-3P Software Synthesizer features a faithful rendition of the beloved PG-200, letting you augment your virtual synth with this coveted option.

JX-3P JX-3P

We’ve used our proprietary circuit modeling technology to bring the JX-3P to life in your DAW or SYSTEM-8. The ACB process involves carefully analyzing original hardware units, circuit diagrams, and other historical data. We then use this information to recreate the authentic circuit behaviors of the vintage instrument, including all the beloved quirks and instabilities. This is what gives the JX-3P Software Synthesizer its breathtakingly lifelike sound and unique character.

A legendary instrument with modern features.

While developing the JX-3P plug-in, we felt it was important not to veer too far from the original’s classic workflow and sonic majesty. But we couldn’t resist adding a few modern touches like making it velocity sensitive, extending the oscillator range, adding an effects section, and enhancing the onboard arpeggiator for extra flexibility. The LFO, arpeggiator, and effects conveniently sync to tempo, and the plug-in fits perfectly into your production environment with a freely resizable, high-definition UI and support for VST3, AAX, and AU formats.

JX-3P

Adjust to taste.

Vintage synths like the JX-3P had internal trim controls that allowed technicians to tweak various analog components when they drifted out of spec. But sometimes, “out of spec” created a sound that was unique, interesting, or extraordinary. Realized through our latest ACB advancements, the newly added Circuit Mod function lets you sweep through multiple trims using a single macro control. Along with the Condition parameter, which simulates the effects of aging, you can dial in everything from a factory-primed JX-3P to a road-worn synth that hasn’t seen a tech bench in decades.

JX-3P
JX-3P

Feel free to browse.

The sophisticated browser lets you explore the JX-3P’s stunning collection of factory presets, your own custom sounds, and patches downloaded from Roland Cloud. Search across all installed patch banks, sort results, rate your favorites, jot down notes, and make quick adjustments with the integrated tweak panel.

JX-3P

Turn your SYSTEM-8 into a JX-3P.

The JX-3P Software Synthesizer offers full integration with the SYSTEM-8 keyboard. You can change the JX-3P’s plug-in panel to match the SYSTEM-8 for intuitive, one-to-one control. Or use the PLUG-OUT functionality to turn your SYSTEM-8 into a standalone JX-3P, complete with PG-200, that you can play in the studio or on stage.

JX-3P

Try the JX-3P today.

The JX-3P Software Synthesizer is available with Roland Cloud Pro (via Pro Selector) and Ultimate memberships or a Lifetime Key purchase. Roland Cloud is also home to software versions of other vintage Roland instruments plus ZENOLOGY, ZENOLOGY FX, Zenbeats, and more inspiring music tools to back your creative journeys.

Join Roland Cloud

Try the JX-3P Software Synthesizer for free with a Roland Cloud 30-day trial membership.

Specifications
Maximum Polyphony
8 voice
LFO
WAVEFORM (SIN, SQR, RANDOM)
Delay
Rate
KEY TRIGGER SW(ON, OFF)
TRIGGER ENVELOPE SW(ON, OFF)
DCO-1
WAVEFORM (SAW, SQR, PULSE)
RANGE (64', 32', 16', 8', 4', 2')
FREQ MOD LFO SW (OFF, ON)
FREQ MOD ENV-1 SW (OFF, ON)
DCO-2
WAVEFORM (SAW, SQR, PULSE, NOISE)
RANGE (64', 32', 16', 8', 4', 2')
TUNE
FINE TUNE
CROSS MOD
FREQ MOD LFO SW (OFF, ON)
FREQ MOD ENV-1 SW (OFF, ON)
DCO
LFO MOD
ENV-1 MOD
VCF
SOURCE MIX DCO-1
SOURCE MIX DCO-2
CUTOFF FREQ
RESONANCE
PITCH FOLLOW
VELOCITY SENS
HPF CUTOFF FREQ
LFO MOD
ENV-1 MOD
VCA
VELOCITY SENS
BRILLIANCE
MODE (ENV-1, ENV-2, GATE)
LEVEL
ENV-1
ATTACK
DECAY
SUSTAIN
RELEASE
ENV-2
ATTACK
DECAY
SUSTAIN
RELEASE
PORTAMENTO
PORTAMENTO
TYPE (1, 2)
LEGATO (OFF, ON)
EFFECT
TYPE (OVERDRIVE, DISTORTION, JX-3P CHORUS1, FUZZ, CRUSHER, PHASER)
TONE br DEPTH
DELAY/CHORUS
TYPE (DELAY, PANNING DELAY, CHORUS 1, CHORUS 2, FLANGER, DELAY + CHORUS)
TIME
LEVEL
REVERB
TYPE (AMBIENCE, ROOM, HALL 1, HALL 2, PLATE, MODULATION)
TIME
LEVEL
Controller
TEMPO SYNC (OFF, ON)
KEY ASSIGN (POLY, MONO, UNISON)
KEY HOLD (OFF, ON)
OCTAVE (-3, -2, -1, 0, +1, +2, +3)
BEND RANGE
BEND GAIN (x1, x2, x3, x4)
BEND SENS DCO
BEND SENS VCF
MOD SENS DCO
MOD SENS VCF
Arpeggio
ARPEGGIO (ON, OFF)
ARP TYPE (1OCT UP, 1OCT U+D, 1OCT DOWN, 2OCT DOWN, 2OCT U+D, 2OCT UP)
ARP STEP (1/4, 1/8, 1/16, 1/4T, 1/8T, 1/16T)
CIRCUIT MOD
AMOUNT
CONDITION
-128--+127
Tune
430.0Hz–450.0Hz
Sampling Frequency
44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz
Patches per bank
64 patches
*User can make new user banks.
Plug-In Formats
VSTi 2.4 (64 bits) * Windows only
VSTi 3.7 (64 bits)
AU
AAX
Plug-Out Hardware
SYSTEM-8
System Requirements (macOS™)
Minimum Operating System
macOS 11
Host Application
VST instruments (VSTi) version: VST 3.7 compatible
Audio Units (AU) version: V2 Audio Units compatible
AAX Compatible
CPU
Intel® Core™ i5 or better (Quad-core CPU recommended)
Apple Silicon
RAM
10 GB or more
Storage Space
200 MB or more
Display resolution and Colors
1280 x 800 dots or higher, 16.7 million colors or more
Other
You'll need Internet connectivity to Authenticate this software.
You'll need installation SYSTEM-8 driver to connect this software to the SYSTEM-8.
System Requirements (Windows®)
Minimum Operating System
Microsoft® Windows® 10 (64-bit)

*This does not work with the Windows® RT.
*This does not work with the Windows® Phone.
*This does not work on the virtual machines such as Hyper-V, Virtual PC, or Boot Camp.
Host Application
VST instruments (VSTi) version: VST 2.4/3.7 compatible
AAX compatible
CPU
Intel® Core™ i5 or better (Quad-core CPU recommended)
RAM
10 GB or more
Storage Space
200 MB or more
Display resolution and Colors
1280 x 800 dots or higher, 24 bits Full Color or more
Other
You'll need Internet connectivity to Authenticate this software.
You'll need installation SYSTEM-8 driver to connect this software to the SYSTEM-8.
* Although Roland has tested numerous configurations, and has determined that on average, a computer system similar to that described above will permit normal operation of the PLUG-OUT SOFTWARE SYNTHESIZER, Roland cannot guarantee that a given computer can be used satisfactorily with the PLUG-OUT SOFTWARE SYNTHESIZER based solely on the fact that it meets the above requirements. This is because there are too many other variables that may influence the processing environment, including differences in motherboard design and the particular combination of other devices involved.

Microsoft Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

VST is a trademark and software of Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH.

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Downloads

Support

If you have questions about operating your Roland product, please check our Knowledge Base for answers to the most common questions.
You can also contact our Product Support through Roland Backstage.
In addition, we have a library of Owner’s Manuals and Support Documents that you can download and reference.

Owner’s Manuals