Roland is turning heads here at Sweetwater with a trio of cool new synth modules — the perfect fit for today’s tabletop synth environment. The Boutique series, which includes the JX-03, JU-06, and JP-08 synth modules plus an optional K-25m keyboard, manages to be both cutting edge and retro by reissuing favorite synths from the classic Roland library in a compact, tabletop format that makes them both extremely affordable and easy to integrate into a contemporary setup. The three Boutique series synths share many other characteristics as well, including an onboard speaker and dual ribbon controllers, which allow you to preview sounds as well as control pitch bend and modulation. They also all run on your choice of battery or USB bus power for maximum portability.
The Boutique series modules themselves are spot-on re-creations of three of Roland’s most iconic synths. First, there’s the JP-08, which packs the sound and control of the Jupiter-8 into a chassis the size of a book. You can control all 36 original parameters right from the front panel, and extra waveforms and range let the JP-08 go far beyond the sound of the original. The JU-06 offers you the full sound capabilities of the Juno-106, with all 23 original controls at hand and upgraded LFO and HPF capabilities. Finally, there’s the JX-03, which combines the legendary sound of the JX-3P module with the PG-200 expansion controller’s 24 knobs. It also includes extra waveforms for the oscillator and LFO sections. All three of the Boutique series modules provide instant expansion via Chain mode, which lets you turn two of the same module into an 8-voice synth. Add on the 25-key K-25m keyboard controller, or connect a MIDI controller, and you can play these powerful and portable synths anywhere.
