A Users Guide To The Roland Jx-03 - Sunshine Jones

1JX-03PROGRAMMABLE POLYPHONIC SYNTHESIZERA USER’S GUIDE TO THE ROLAND JX-03

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3Acknowledgements:This manual was assembled, illustrated, and written by Sunshine Jones. All of the contents is taken from either hispersonal experience, existing documentation, and techniques submitted and found in the public domain. Thedocument is intended as a companion guide for the Roland JX-03 Synthesizer Module. It is in no way offered as acriticism, or intended to be an authoritative guide to replace the official documentation which accompanies thecommercial purchase of Roland Boutique, or Roland AIRA musical instruments.Rather, this manual is intended to support the musician, the user of these and other synthesizer modules and inspirethem to create music, share sounds, and fully realize the synthesizers in front of them.In the tradition of owner’s manuals, rarely are they opened until problems arise. We tell you over and over again toRTFM, but do you listen? No, no you don’t. Manuals should be both tools for reference and instruction, as well asinspirational guides to possibility. An owner’s manual should be equally a pre purchase discovery, meant to inspirethe curious with capability and possibility, and a post purchase celebration of depth, technique, guidance, andsurprises. But this is by no means the last word. So many people have read and re read a manual only to still have noidea what the manual was attempting to suggest. This owner’s manual is offered free of charge to anyone curious, orfrustrated by the tiny little leaflet which covers the operations of the JX-03 in several languages, as a legiblealternative to the official documentation.This manual is not associated in any way, personally or professionally with anyone connected to the RolandCorporation. The task was undertaken in a moment of fury, and assembled, proof read, and then hastily producedexclusively for love, and pleasure.It is our hope that as the result you will begin to explore and discover layers of sound and joy which were previouslyoverlooked. We hope and trust that you will use these PATCH and BANK worksheets to document your discoveries,and our extensive encouragement to share, and import patches of your own into a thriving community of explorationand delight.If you wish to correspond with the author of this manual you may do so by navigating your web browser to thefollowing destination:http://sunshine-jones.comThe original article and a bank of patches may be found within the non-fiction section of the site.While no rights are reserved for the copyrighted materials, nor the registered trademarks discussed or absorbed intothis manual, the assemblage itself and subsequent sound examples, illustrations, and concept are offered exclusivelyunder the Creative Commons license of share and share alike. This is and shall always be free of charge to thereader, and user of the Roland JX-03 synthesizer module, and must never be offered for sale or barter. This isfreeware, and free information for all.With LoveSunshine JonesJuly 2017San Francisco, CaliforniaVersion 0.02

4ContentsAcknowledgements Basic Connections Introduction 367I. General Functions8 Common Section USB Interface Data Backup & Restore Auto Off Preset Section 89101011II. Functions for Sound CreationDCO . VCF .VCA .ENV .LFO . SOLO/UNISON/POLY 121416171818III. Functions for PlayingRibbon ControllerPortamentoVelocity SensitivityOctave SwitchChain ModeLayering and SplitStep Sequencer . . 19202020212223IV. EffectsChorus .Undocumented Chorus .Delay 262627V. System SettingsSettings Overview Main Specifications .Options .282929VI. MIDI MIDI Implementation Chart MIDI CC Numbers 303132Sound Synthesis Memo33

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6Basic ConnectionsNOTE - the use of the Compaq Portable for the purposes of illustrating a personal computer in this diagram does not suggest thata Compaq Portable will work in this instance. The fact is, the Compaq Portable doesn’t even have a USB port on it, nor do weknow of a currently produced or functional ADB to USB adaptation technique. The Compaq Portable was used in this illustrationbecause it looks cool, it fit into the graphic nicely, and also perhaps to subconsciously introduce the idea that perhaps a computer isless of an inspirational musical instrument in the end than we might have originally hoped it would be. The idea of computers andmusic was once a thrilling concept - what sequencer isn’t a computer of sorts, right? And yet as the world funnels down into tinyscreens, and distraction it seems that our focus might be better placed into a more diverse and authentically inspirational tools whichgive back in a deeper and broader way.

7IntroductionThe Roland Boutique JX-03 module continues the legacy of the JX-3P synth. The original model was launched whenbutton-driven interfaces were popular, so it was designed to give immediate access to preset sounds. It was actuallyhighly programmable though, especially when used with the optional PG-200 controller that added 24 rotary knobs forinstant sonic sculpting. The limited-edition 4-voice JX-03 inherits all 24 knobs from the PG-200, as well as thedistinctive JX tonal character. We’ve also added some extras not present in the JX-3P including new waveforms,expanded DCO range and cross modulation options. You can even slide the JX-03 into the optional K-25m keyboardunit for a self-contained, go-anywhere synth experience.JX-3P Sound. Built In Controller.Often described as a forgotten classic, the JX-3P was all about instant access to big sounds, with a simple buttondriven interface rather than lots of knobs and sliders. When used with the optional PG-200 controller however, thepower of the highly programmable engine was revealed. The new JX-03 module recreates the panel layout of thePG-200 – including all 24 knobs - giving direct and instant access to the versatile synth architecture.Additional Sound-Shaping OptionsLike the other members of the Roland Boutique range, we also added a few subtle improvements that weren’t foundon the original models. The JX-03 benefits from extra waveforms and extended range for both DCOs as well as extrawaveforms for the LFO. The second DCO also gets extra cross modulation options. These additions further expandthe sound creation possibilities of the battle-tested JX engine.Develop Your Ideas with A 16-Step SequencerThe onboard 16-step sequencer is a sonic scratchpad that lets you try out new ideas without bringing lots of gear – itcan even be used without a keyboard. And if there’s no keyboard connected, the ribbon controller lets you previewthe sound, making it an ideal way to program patches quickly and easily.Optional K-25m Keyboard UnitThe JX-03 works especially well with the K-25m, an optional 25-key velocity sensitive keyboard that takes your musicmaking to the next level. Once docked in the keyboard, the module’s front panel can be tilted for convenient accessto the knobs and sliders.Chain ModeThe original JX-3P was a powerful synth featuring 2 digitally controlled oscillators for each of its 6 voices. The JX-03features a chain mode that allows you to connect two JX-03 modules using the MIDI ports and create one, 8-voicesynthesizer. Adding additional modules adds another 4 voices of polyphony with each module. This is especially greatwhen controlling the JX-03 from a larger external keyboard. You can even edit the sound from the master module andcontrol both units. Great for realtime filter sweeps and envelope adjustments.Battery or USB Bus PowerSome of the best music is made away from the studio, so the module runs on 4 x AA batteries, ready for wheninspiration strikes. Alternatively, you can power the JX-03 via USB bus power.USB Audio Interface for Direct Recording into Your DAWThe built-in USB port also functions as a high-quality 24bit, 44.1 kHz audio interface, for a fast, simple and reliableway of recording directly to your DAW application. You can keep your favorite patches and sequencer patterns safetoo, via the USB data backup function.

8I. General FunctionsCommon SectionThe Common Section of the JX-03 is where bank and patch information is stored and recalled for performance.The first set of 3 buttons marked A,B and C are the BANK selection buttonsThe second set of 16 buttons are the PATCH selection buttonsTo select a bank choose the bank from the A, B or C section and then select the patch.To select a patch use the corresponding number button for the patch you’d like to call up.For example: To Call up patch B 11 (S Wah) simply press BANK B, and then Button 11.To store a patch is equally as straightforward.To store a patch first double-check that you are not about to overwrite a patch you really love.But be careful not to lose the patch your working on in order to check.This causes a conundrum doesn’t it?Well, not always, but it certainly can. It’s a good idea to consider using MANUAL mode - a mode where what you seeon the panel is what you are hearing in the speakers. This way you are free to call up a patch and make sure it’s oneyou aren’t worried about overwriting before you lose precious sounds you might need.From MANUAL checking a patch is as simple as pressing BANK C, and then PATCH 11 and play a note or two to seeif patch C11 is something you could do without. If it is, simply press MANUAL again and you’ll be transported as if bymagic back to the patch you were working so hard on. Nothing is lost, and you can be absolutely sure of where you’dlike to put it.To write this patch to BANK C Patch 11 press BANK C, and then long press PATCH 11 and hold it until you see thebutton flash. Once it flashes you know your patch has been stored.The common section is also the location of many interesting settings for effects, the sequencer, swing, portamento,midi channel, tuning, velocity, clock source, and more features. In various modes these same buttons perform allsorts of other functions.See system settings (page 19) for more details about everything the common section buttons can do.

9USB InterfaceIn the past many synthesizers came equipped with various interfaces. Connection methods like CV and Gate, DinSync, S Trig, DCB, Tape I/O allowed synthesizers to connect to clocks, tape machines, sequencers and drum tracks.Thanks to the universal serial bus with which most personal computers are equipped today we have a number ofinteresting ways to handle these once complicated and tedious operations.The USB connection port can be used to: Power the Synthesizer Both power and pass midi as well as audio data to and from a computer based DAW Mount the Synthesizer to the desktop of a computer and backup and/or restore and share your patches.To connect the USB port to power:Use an optional micro USB cable which is either the type with a wall plug on the end (like a wall wart adapter) or thetype with another USB to power block on the end (like a phone charger.)Both will work, but make sure that whichever you’ve chosen can provide sufficient power to run the JX-03.If the JX-03 goes to sleep while you believe you’re plugged into the wall, then your power supply is either faulty, or itisn’t powerful enough to run the synth (and you’re running off the batteries.)Typically you will want to look at the tiny print on those phone chargers and ensure that it’s at least 5 Volts and 1 Ampand preferably a switchable 100-240 transformer, because then (with the right plug connectors) it will work anywherein the world.Data Backup & RestoreOne of the coolest things about the boutique line of modules is their ability to mount onto the desktop of any USBenabled computer and you can drag and drop your patches in order to save them. This is much handier than the oldfashioned midi librarian software, or the ancient and rarely reliable tape backup interface (although that actually is athrill and you might want to try it sometime.)