JX-3P

A landmark Roland synth from the dawn of MIDI

Authentic recreation of Roland’s first MIDI synthesizer from 1983

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 ready-to-play tones, plus the ability to add traditional hands-on control with the optional PG-200 programmer. Indistinguishable from the shimmering, punchy sound of the original, the JX-3P Software Synthesizer brings this underground ’80s classic to your modern workflow.

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.

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.

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 users augment their virtual synth with this coveted option.

Analog Circuit Behavior (ACB)

Roland used proprietary circuit modeling technology to bring the JX-3P to life in a DAW or SYSTEM-8. The ACB process involves carefully analyzing original hardware units, circuit diagrams, and other historical data. Roland then uses 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.

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 Roland’s latest ACB advancements, the newly added Circuit Mod function lets users sweep through multiple trims using a single macro control. Along with the Condition parameter, which simulates the effects of aging, users can dial in everything from a factory-primed JX-3P to a road-worn synth that hasn’t seen a tech bench in decades.

A legendary instrument with modern features

While developing the JX-3P plug-in, Roland felt it was important not to veer too far from the original’s classic workflow and sonic majesty. But Roland 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 a production environment with a freely resizable, high-definition UI and support for VST3, AAX, and AU formats.

Feel free to browse

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

Turn the SYSTEM-8 into a JX-3P

The JX-3P Software Synthesizer offers full integration with the SYSTEM-8 keyboard. Users 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 the SYSTEM-8 into a standalone JX-3P, complete with PG-200, that can be played in the studio or on stage.

Features

• 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