Roland JD-XA Hybrid Synthesizer

The specialist's opinion

Digital, analog, magic

With the JD-XA, Roland offers us a unique hybrid synthesizer that brings together the warmth of analog and the versatility of digital in one creative instrument, without compromise. First of all, there is an all-analog monster with faithfully analog filters and a direct dry output.

Secondly, the JD-XA offers us a digital motor driven by Roland SuperNATURAL technology, in addition to an impressive selection of powerful effects. These engines can be used separately or interactively, providing an extremely flexible platform for sound creation, studio work or live performance.

Use the analog and digital parts side by side, layer them for a devastating sound effect, or forge your digital waves through the analog filters to create never-before-heard sounds.

A collaboration between digital and analog

With its distinct hybrid design, the JD-XA is unique in its approach to synthesis. You can mix the engines or use them independently of each other, effectively offering two synthesizers in one. The digital sounds can be routed through the analog filter, or used as modulation sources for the analog part's Cross Mod or Ring Mod functions.

Warm analog filters

The filters in the analog section of the JD-XA are fully analog, ensuring an organic and warm sound response. There is the classic 4-pole, more efficient transistors and a multi-mode filter for the LPF, HPF and BPF modes. Thanks to a revisited circuit, the resonance of the multi-mode filter offers a sound of a unique aggressiveness that is more than welcome.

Powerful effects in all circumstances

When looking at the effects of the JD-XA, one finds a well-equipped system ready to handle any sound manipulation you wish to apply. Each analog and digital part is equipped with a powerful and flexible MFX processor that offers 67 different types of effects, including the Bit Crusher. There are also the essential effects: reverb, delay, master EQ in addition to two TFX processors with 29 types of effects each.