WORLD OF MUSIC ; PORTABLE KEYBOARD - Latest Portable Music Keyboards, Synthesizers and Music News

In the latest XNB video offers a deep dive into the Roland JX-08 synthesizer.

The Roland JX-08 is a new synth in their ‘Boutique’ line, based on the Roland JX-8P. The JX-08 features expanded polyphony, two-part multitimbral capability, and dual/split modes. It includes 32 presets from the original hardware and 100-plus new patches tailored to contemporary styles.

Unlike the original JX-8P, though, the JX-08 features a full set of hands-on controls, derived from the companion PG-800 programmer unit for the original hardware.

Topics covered:

0:00 – Intro

0:52 – Patches, Parts, Dual & Split

05:28 – Initialize and save

10:24 – ARP, NOTE, SEQ

18:45 – Sound Modes

20:47 – DCO’s

28:49 – Mixer ENV

31:02 – VCF

37:42 – Envelopes & VCA

39:22 – Envelopes 101

44:22 – LFO & Portamento

49:91 – Effect

54:34 – Arpeggiator

01:01:15 – Part Options

01:06:36 – MIDI settings

Watch the video embedded above and share your thoughts on the JX-08 in the comments!

Kurzweil has announced two new synths workstations, the K2061, with a 61-note keyboard, and the K2088, with an 88-note keyboard.

Both synths feature an updated version of the company’s Dynamic Variable Architecture Synthesis Technology (V.A.S.T.).

They say, “We asked ourselves, what if we could rebuild the legendary K2000 V.A.S.T. synthesizer, but using today’s technology?”

Features:

• 61- note synth action or 88-key fully-weighted hammer action w/ aftertouch
• New industrial design with an aluminum+steel enclosure
• Resculpted K2000 synth library
• Compatible with K2 era libraries
• 32 layers per program
• Customizable algorithms
• Flash sample playback, VA, FM and KB3 engines
• 2 GB of factory sounds
• 2 GB user sample memory
• Versatile FX chains and master FX section
• 256 voice polyphony
• 480×272 color screen
• 16-zone MIDI controller
• Over 30 physical controllers per zone including an integrated ribbon
• 16 Arpeggiators
• 16 MIDI CC sequencers
• 16 RIFF generators

Details on pricing and availability are still to come at the Kurzweil website.

Noise Engineering has announced Sinc Legio, a new oscillator for their Legio platform.

The Noise Engineering Legio platform is a Eurorack hardware platform that can load a wide variety of firmware, making it the foundation of developing a wide variety of module types. In a nutshell, the platform uses a standard DSP hardware platform, and only the panels and firmware differ from module to module.

An advantage of this approach is that anyone with a Legio module can download and try any other firmware for it, for free.

Noise Engineering says that Sinc Legio is inspired by Sinc Iter, an oscillator they had to discontinue, but is ’embellished a bit’. Sinc Legio is stereo, and has stereo phase-modulation inputs, multiple sound-generation algorithms, and a vintage-inspired chorus.

They recommend Sinc Legio for bright sounds, FM plucks, and waveshaped and folded sounds.

Since it is based on the Legio platform, current Legio owners can try it on release day, simply by visiting the Noise Engineering Customer Portal.

Sinc Legio is available now in black and silver for $310.