Its the best thing I've ever brought for creating music. The best songs have ever created were done entirely on this synth using only the sounds of the JD-Xi. Very versatile, even if for just getting the ideas flowing. Sure its not perfect, but just switch it on and starting writing within seconds.
@@gearfacts I placed 5 times a reaction on the video, somehow youtube is eating my comments...anyway good job on the video, thank you....wonder if this comment will stay....., no idea what i am doing wrong
@@zunkrock I think so, but not for a while. Pretty essential for editing sounds from what I can recall, but honestly, I mainly use the JD-Xi for ideas but maybe I go dig it out and have a play now that you have reminded me.
Came here to comment this. It's a wonderful synth. You just need to drive it using something that actually has a decent keybed over midi. The minikeys on it are pretty horrid.
I love my JDXi. I have bigger, more expensive and some classic vintage synths, a few drum computers etc. But this small cute thing always makes me smile and I use it quite often.
Managed to get one for a decent price last weekend. Previous user hadn't used it fully and no upgrades. Gooseneck mic was still in the bag. It's simply brilliant.
0:30 - IMO it's a good call to think about it in terms of a groovebox - it's a 4-track idea generator and it sounds awesome for it's size. Many times I connect an external keyboard to my electribe - for me, it's easier to find a pallatable melody this way, but by no means am I a keyboard player. JD-Xi seems to address that in one go - I want one 😀
Honestly, I sold mine a year ago because I thought I'd squeezed everything I could out of it, and I miss it dearly. I put the money toward a TB-03 and RD-09 and it's sort of just...more gear and wires and analogue pops and cracks for things I could previously manage and sequence far easier all under the hood of the JD. Chain a few patterns back and forth, throw on some external compression and reverb via a DAW and do one or two overdubs and you can make pretty convincing techno and trance with a JD-XI alone.
I already have the JDXA and I'm very happy with it, except that it still makes me wish for a groove box, but I'm wondering if Circuit Tracks isn't better for this purpose than JDXi. As I have a LoopStation 505 MK2, I don't mind the 4-track limitation so much, but I want something more versatile for passing patterns and musical phrases without losing so much of the looper's 5 tracks. The decision on these two music-making engines is difficult..
Also, the mini keys are not half as bad, I get along fine with them. I use it live and it's great! Of course you can hook up a full size keyboard via midi if you desire...
The JDXi has a free 3rd party editor available for download. JDXi Manager reveals all the parameters at your disposal and truly opens it up as a very capable synthesiser. For instance each of the 2 Digital Synth parts can combine up to 3 partials (waveforms, PCM sounds, noise) each with its own LFO, ADSR envelope and much more. Each drum sound can be a combination of up to 4 partials as well as an extensive range of other parameters to tweak. Even the 4 categories in the effects section can be modified in the JDXi Manager editor quite comprehensively. If you have a JDXi don't give up on tweaking its sounds and capabilities until you have checked the editor out, it really is a night & day thing. The maker of the JDXi Manager editor is likely to update it soon to add even more functionality (donations might hasten this along) such as rapid access to the arpeggiator parameters or vocal FX controls for the built-in vocoder or Auto Note function which lets you play guitar in and convert it to synth sounds! Finally, the JDXi is a USB audio interface too which means it's everything you need to get synth, beats, vocals, guitar into a non Mac computer, just plug in a pair of headphones and your good to go. Link to editor here - jdxi-manager.linuxtech.net/?ref=0.28
I'm so excited to hear that an update to the JDXI Manager software may be released! Maybe I'll need to find a way to contribute. It's fantastic software. Your point about using it before giving up on the JD-Xi is very true. There are also a crap-ton of undocumented NRPNs that can be accessed with a basic MIDI controller or DAW that can open your options a ton, such as ADSR filters for AMP and Envelope, etc.
@Cedric Satterfield since I commented here, I've seen more info from the developer. It's seems it's not likely. I think he doesn't even have a JD-Xi anymore, but I could be wrong. I hope someone picks up the dev. Thankfully, the editor is still available and its fantastic. I didn't really understand the synth until I played with the editor . There are also a ton of undocumented NRPNs that aren't in the MIDI implementation guide, which can keep you out of those menus with a decent midi controller. If you have Mac or iOS access, I've heard the patchbase editor is good, but I haven't tested it.
Regarding the "Skins" mid-year last year Roland-US provided me a free overlay on request when I contacted them. It made a massive difference, especially since I'm color-blind.
@Gearfacts I sure thought so. I had just bought it used and hadn't even thought to ask them, but i was calling around to try to order one and a Guitar Center employee (of all places) said they'd ask their Roland Rep. Who passed on his email to provide me. Great service from Roland made me enjoy the little Bugger even more. It has its limitations, but that little JD-Xi is so immediate and fuels creativity. A few tweaks and adjustments, and Roland could have had incredible success with it. They abandoned it too soon. Hell, just choosing different preset sequences would have made a big difference. They aimed at the wrong market.
I have had one for several years. And yes it is a performance synth, go look at the videos of Yohan Kim when he plays thisbin his songs. Incredible.Along with my Go:Keys, Casio CT-S1, and Yamaha PSS-A50, I plan to get the new Go:Keys 5, and maybe the FP-E50 snd Yamaha CK61 later. And I have the black & white matte control panel skin for better visibility.
This was my first synthesizer/drum machine that I still use, and I do not regret buying this thing at all. It is an absolutely amazing little machine that people don't know what they're missing out on. If you have the money, get one, it will be one of the best buys you ever get if you're willing to dive deep into it, especially in the menu. That's where the sound starts to get really interesting when you put in the time with it. The Roland JD-Xi is definitely a go with me. I would get it again if I broke it. You can't go wrong with all the original Roland drum kits, orchestral and synth sounds. Two thumbs up for the JD-Xi...SBN RESONATE
@@gearfacts Right? We've contemplated getting rid of our JD-Xi and Drumbrute Impact countless times when cleaning the studio of GAS related gear or just plain old upgrading time. Those two always survive! We dig the channel,Cheers-
Buen teclado pequeño whorstation..una version MK2 con pista de audio para samples y a flipar con el...bien animo con todas las cosas y vayamos con alegrias y felicidades...
I have the XL. I’m going to get this because of the diversity. My xl blew the power cord and only works on batteries now. Very annoying. I also have a syntakt. I want to try out the midi.
Great review! I agree that it just inspires creativity. I have "accidentally" created more patterns and songs than I can even count. The sound quality is top notch too. My only complaint is with the analog part. It works fine and sounds OK but it's a little too limited. Honestly, I would have preferred another digital engine. Nonetheless, the JDXI is a modern classic!
To truly take advantage of the analog engine you need to use MIDI, either with a controller or with a DAW, etc. Although they aren't listed in the MIDI implementation guide there are a TON of undocumented NRPNs, along with the MIDI CCs, that are available to more fully control the analog engine, including critical ADSR controls for AMP or Filter. It's a mystery why Roland created these but didn't share them, the SYSEX documentation is extensive but so few devices can use SYSEX at this point, sadly.
This looks like a modern day version of my old Yamaha PSS-790 ... only way better. I could see jamming on this. I already have a MC-707 ... is the JD-Xi too similar to have both?
Have you used the PC software editor with it? I think it was Scott Synths which showed the immense hidden power of the JD-XI when using that (free) software.
Hi, I love your channel, but today I have to strongly disagree with you. Yes, it's a groovebox, but most definitely it IS a synthesizer, and quite a powerful one at that. For programming I strongly advice an editor though, there are a few about. Also the fx are very flexible once you get your head around the way it's structured. Keep up the good work!
firstly, love the name, second.. hmm.. I remember in my days when mini keys did NOT have touch response lol! But I agree. The mini keys with touch response is a bit quirky
Well to be fair, you can synthesize on it. I just don't see that as being its primary strength or function as it's all menu-driven and that's not very "synth-like". But yeah that was a pretty glib comment, I could have phrased it better.
@@gearfacts Plus add a MIDI controller and map up the documented MIDI CCs and undocumented MIDI NRPNs and you don't have to menu dive for any of that control. It's a great synth. I could even see using it entirely as the equivalent of a Rack mount module if you wanted to.
@@ambidex Yeah true, I guess my point was that Roland designed it with a groove-box frame of mind. I should have said “It feels like it’s intended to be more of a groovebox than a synthesizer.”
@Gearfacts oh, definitely, I think it's true that Roland did. It's especially clear when you listen to the terrible EDM sequences saved in the default programs. It's easy to judge the synth by those and not realize what's possible out of it. I described it recently as a great meld of an accessible keyboard synth (analog and digital), drum machine, and groove box. It's not perfect at any of those on its own but is as accessible and immediate as a groovebox. To be honest, I think Roland kind of missed the right target audience by limiting it so much to try to push people in to something like the JD-XA. If it had a slightly more capable sequencer and came with a patch/program editor, even at a higher price, it would so be a steal. It's a very capable little synth even with those limitations and seems to immediately inspire creativity according to so many people's experience including mine.
Its the best thing I've ever brought for creating music. The best songs have ever created were done entirely on this synth using only the sounds of the JD-Xi. Very versatile, even if for just getting the ideas flowing. Sure its not perfect, but just switch it on and starting writing within seconds.
Yep I think Roland really achieved that goal :)
@@gearfacts I placed 5 times a reaction on the video, somehow youtube is eating my comments...anyway good job on the video, thank you....wonder if this comment will stay....., no idea what i am doing wrong
@@ctron2234 Comment received! Glad you liked the vid :)
Did you try the JDXi Manager editor Andy?
@@zunkrock I think so, but not for a while. Pretty essential for editing sounds from what I can recall, but honestly, I mainly use the JD-Xi for ideas but maybe I go dig it out and have a play now that you have reminded me.
it absolutely is a synth,and a pretty deep one at that.
It absolutely is.
Came here to comment this. It's a wonderful synth. You just need to drive it using something that actually has a decent keybed over midi. The minikeys on it are pretty horrid.
I love my JDXi. I have bigger, more expensive and some classic vintage synths, a few drum computers etc. But this small cute thing always makes me smile and I use it quite often.
Ahhh you've gotta have gear that makes you smile! Thanks for posting that comment :)
Managed to get one for a decent price last weekend. Previous user hadn't used it fully and no upgrades. Gooseneck mic was still in the bag. It's simply brilliant.
0:30 - IMO it's a good call to think about it in terms of a groovebox - it's a 4-track idea generator and it sounds awesome for it's size. Many times I connect an external keyboard to my electribe - for me, it's easier to find a pallatable melody this way, but by no means am I a keyboard player. JD-Xi seems to address that in one go - I want one 😀
Agreed 100%
Do you have one yet?
bro they went down in price like crazy!!! everywhere! im buying one now!!
Honestly, I sold mine a year ago because I thought I'd squeezed everything I could out of it, and I miss it dearly. I put the money toward a TB-03 and RD-09 and it's sort of just...more gear and wires and analogue pops and cracks for things I could previously manage and sequence far easier all under the hood of the JD. Chain a few patterns back and forth, throw on some external compression and reverb via a DAW and do one or two overdubs and you can make pretty convincing techno and trance with a JD-XI alone.
I already have the JDXA and I'm very happy with it, except that it still makes me wish for a groove box, but I'm wondering if Circuit Tracks isn't better for this purpose than JDXi. As I have a LoopStation 505 MK2, I don't mind the 4-track limitation so much, but I want something more versatile for passing patterns and musical phrases without losing so much of the looper's 5 tracks. The decision on these two music-making engines is difficult..
Also, the mini keys are not half as bad, I get along fine with them. I use it live and it's great! Of course you can hook up a full size keyboard via midi if you desire...
The JDXi has a free 3rd party editor available for download. JDXi Manager reveals all the parameters at your disposal and truly opens it up as a very capable synthesiser. For instance each of the 2 Digital Synth parts can combine up to 3 partials (waveforms, PCM sounds, noise) each with its own LFO, ADSR envelope and much more. Each drum sound can be a combination of up to 4 partials as well as an extensive range of other parameters to tweak. Even the 4 categories in the effects section can be modified in the JDXi Manager editor quite comprehensively.
If you have a JDXi don't give up on tweaking its sounds and capabilities until you have checked the editor out, it really is a night & day thing. The maker of the JDXi Manager editor is likely to update it soon to add even more functionality (donations might hasten this along) such as rapid access to the arpeggiator parameters or vocal FX controls for the built-in vocoder or Auto Note function which lets you play guitar in and convert it to synth sounds!
Finally, the JDXi is a USB audio interface too which means it's everything you need to get synth, beats, vocals, guitar into a non Mac computer, just plug in a pair of headphones and your good to go.
Link to editor here - jdxi-manager.linuxtech.net/?ref=0.28
I'm so excited to hear that an update to the JDXI Manager software may be released! Maybe I'll need to find a way to contribute. It's fantastic software.
Your point about using it before giving up on the JD-Xi is very true. There are also a crap-ton of undocumented NRPNs that can be accessed with a basic MIDI controller or DAW that can open your options a ton, such as ADSR filters for AMP and Envelope, etc.
Can you confirm this with more than a hope and a guess? I'd love it if it was updated.
@Cedric Satterfield since I commented here, I've seen more info from the developer. It's seems it's not likely. I think he doesn't even have a JD-Xi anymore, but I could be wrong. I hope someone picks up the dev. Thankfully, the editor is still available and its fantastic. I didn't really understand the synth until I played with the editor . There are also a ton of undocumented NRPNs that aren't in the MIDI implementation guide, which can keep you out of those menus with a decent midi controller. If you have Mac or iOS access, I've heard the patchbase editor is good, but I haven't tested it.
@@ambidex I've got patchbase, but haven't used it yet
The number of drum kits on this alone could justify the price.
And individual effects for EACH drum sound! Yeah
It's a fabulous fabulous synth. Love the four engines. Even the presets are awesome
Regarding the "Skins" mid-year last year Roland-US provided me a free overlay on request when I contacted them. It made a massive difference, especially since I'm color-blind.
Wow that was good service from Roland :)
@Gearfacts I sure thought so. I had just bought it used and hadn't even thought to ask them, but i was calling around to try to order one and a Guitar Center employee (of all places) said they'd ask their Roland Rep. Who passed on his email to provide me. Great service from Roland made me enjoy the little Bugger even more.
It has its limitations, but that little JD-Xi is so immediate and fuels creativity. A few tweaks and adjustments, and Roland could have had incredible success with it. They abandoned it too soon. Hell, just choosing different preset sequences would have made a big difference. They aimed at the wrong market.
I have had one for several years. And yes it is a performance synth, go look at the videos of Yohan Kim when he plays thisbin his songs. Incredible.Along with my Go:Keys, Casio CT-S1, and Yamaha PSS-A50, I plan to get the new Go:Keys 5, and maybe the FP-E50 snd Yamaha CK61 later. And I have the black & white matte control panel skin for better visibility.
Since making this video, I now agree with your comments.
First thing that struck me about the JD-Xi was it’s similarly to my old mc505
This was my first synthesizer/drum machine that I still use, and I do not regret buying this thing at all. It is an absolutely amazing little machine that people don't know what they're missing out on. If you have the money, get one, it will be one of the best buys you ever get if you're willing to dive deep into it, especially in the menu. That's where the sound starts to get really interesting when you put in the time with it.
The Roland JD-Xi is definitely a go with me. I would get it again if I broke it. You can't go wrong with all the original Roland drum kits, orchestral and synth sounds. Two thumbs up for the JD-Xi...SBN RESONATE
Agreed. I play it with a controller keyboard these days, just to have full-size keys :)
Very good synth. I only use this one all the time.
Nice! I'm glad you like this. I've had my eye on it for a long while. Fun stuff! Your opinion is appreciated. Have a great day :)
I do love it! Good size, good vibes.
It's R2D2 approved!
Looks like a lot of fun !
So true. Love my jdxi
Interesting Vid. Well done and thanks.
Glad you enjoyed it :)
Got one second hand some years ago. Use it as a vocoder. Fun little synth.
💯
Yes! Hook one up to studio grade monitors with sub,wow👍
Yes indeed. It's always on my mind to get another one of these.
@@gearfacts Right? We've contemplated getting rid of our JD-Xi and Drumbrute Impact countless times when cleaning the studio of GAS related gear or just plain old upgrading time. Those two always survive! We dig the channel,Cheers-
@@stingylizard Cool man, thanks for watching, I'm glad you're enjoying the channel!
Astoundingly enough, I found it on Amazon....for $599.99 US
Acceptable price for a brand new one 👍
@@gearfacts Exactly!
4:44-4:46 , 5:53-5:59 very nice
I am STILL looking for one of these!
I got one for sale
They're not rare. I also have one for sale in 5 different places. Thinking of keeping it now & spending more time with it.
Buen teclado pequeño whorstation..una version MK2 con pista de audio para samples y a flipar con el...bien animo con todas las cosas y vayamos con alegrias y felicidades...
¡Gracias! Sí, si fuera más grande y pudiera hacer las cosas que dices, sería perfecto :)
Very similar to the Korg MicroKorg, like souped up version though.
True. Little bit more expensive in the second hand market at the moment, but well worth the extra.
I have the XL. I’m going to get this because of the diversity. My xl blew the power cord and only works on batteries now. Very annoying. I also have a syntakt. I want to try out the midi.
Great review! I agree that it just inspires creativity. I have "accidentally" created more patterns and songs than I can even count. The sound quality is top notch too. My only complaint is with the analog part. It works fine and sounds OK but it's a little too limited. Honestly, I would have preferred another digital engine. Nonetheless, the JDXI is a modern classic!
Exactly!
Everything is great except the digital engine and the analog synth. The rest is just fine 😂
To truly take advantage of the analog engine you need to use MIDI, either with a controller or with a DAW, etc. Although they aren't listed in the MIDI implementation guide there are a TON of undocumented NRPNs, along with the MIDI CCs, that are available to more fully control the analog engine, including critical ADSR controls for AMP or Filter. It's a mystery why Roland created these but didn't share them, the SYSEX documentation is extensive but so few devices can use SYSEX at this point, sadly.
Minted..👍🏻
This looks like a modern day version of my old Yamaha PSS-790 ... only way better. I could see jamming on this. I already have a MC-707 ... is the JD-Xi too similar to have both?
I canned my 707 for the JDxi. It's just quicker and better. But it was hard to part with the old MC warhorse :(
Have you used the PC software editor with it? I think it was Scott Synths which showed the immense hidden power of the JD-XI when using that (free) software.
Nooo regretfully not! And I really miss my JDxi so when I get another one I’ll make a video about the software :)
Hi,
I love your channel, but today I have to strongly disagree with you.
Yes, it's a groovebox, but most definitely it IS a synthesizer, and quite a powerful one at that. For programming I strongly advice an editor though, there are a few about.
Also the fx are very flexible once you get your head around the way it's structured.
Keep up the good work!
That's ok TYR, it's GOOD when people disagree with our thoughts and opinions. Keeps us on our toes!
It may not sample, but it could be sampled externally....probably.
For sure :)
ZenBeats in a box
had it a few years ago. Great Synth but the quality of the keybed was very, very bad. The touch sensitivity was totally random.
firstly, love the name, second.. hmm.. I remember in my days when mini keys did NOT have touch response lol! But I agree. The mini keys with touch response is a bit quirky
Yes I have to be honest, one of these keys was faulty and it was a sensitivity fault. I just avoided playing that key for this demo.
Do you see any (more modern) alternative to the JDXI ?
Not at this time. It's a tough act to follow!
Hi gearfacts can you please make a video of the Casio wk 8000
ok
kindly advise me for a good beginner synthesizer:
Roland JD-Xi or Arturia Microfreak.
They're very different, but I'd choose the JDXI because it has beats and sequencing.
@@gearfacts thank you so much 🥰
Seems like a good competitor to the Novation MiniNova.
Now that you mention it, I think those two would play together beautifully.
@@gearfacts Match made in heaven.
Hi gearfacts can the Roland e 20 be saved
Not by my unqualified hands.
@@gearfacts you can take it to someone that knows how to fix it
It's not really a synthesizer???? Please elaborate
Well to be fair, you can synthesize on it. I just don't see that as being its primary strength or function as it's all menu-driven and that's not very "synth-like". But yeah that was a pretty glib comment, I could have phrased it better.
@@gearfacts Plus add a MIDI controller and map up the documented MIDI CCs and undocumented MIDI NRPNs and you don't have to menu dive for any of that control. It's a great synth. I could even see using it entirely as the equivalent of a Rack mount module if you wanted to.
@@ambidex Yeah true, I guess my point was that Roland designed it with a groove-box frame of mind. I should have said “It feels like it’s intended to be more of a groovebox than a synthesizer.”
@Gearfacts oh, definitely, I think it's true that Roland did. It's especially clear when you listen to the terrible EDM sequences saved in the default programs. It's easy to judge the synth by those and not realize what's possible out of it. I described it recently as a great meld of an accessible keyboard synth (analog and digital), drum machine, and groove box. It's not perfect at any of those on its own but is as accessible and immediate as a groovebox. To be honest, I think Roland kind of missed the right target audience by limiting it so much to try to push people in to something like the JD-XA. If it had a slightly more capable sequencer and came with a patch/program editor, even at a higher price, it would so be a steal. It's a very capable little synth even with those limitations and seems to immediately inspire creativity according to so many people's experience including mine.
@@ambidex Definitely in my top 10
Muitos detalhes técnicos ! Mas o poder do vocoder dessa maquina ! Nada de demonstração ! Nem em tutoriais ! Essa é a grande falha da roland !