Roland Jupiter-6

How it all began.

Jupiter-8 introduced in fall of 81' 2000 manufactured Extremely expensive 8 polyphonic analog synthesizer

2 Years later.

Jupiter-6 introduced in 1983 Less expensive alternative to Jupiter-polyphonic analog synthesizer workhorse among synths of its kind.

Features

Capable of a wide variety of sounds Renowned for reliability and ease Very sophisticated programming options Extremely versatile
Sounds such as ambient drones, pads, lead synth patches, buzzes, and many others. 2 LFO's with 4 waveforms ( sine, tri, ramp, random )

Winter NAMM 1983

Among the first electronic instruments to use the new MIDI protocol Used along side a Sequential Circuits Prophet-600 to demonstrate MIDI to the public by CEO Dave Smith.

Oscillators

Jupiter-6 has 12 analog oscillators 2 dedicated for each voicing Allowed for voices to split into 2 sounds

Used by these guys

Orbital Moby The Chemical Brothers The Crystal Method ZZ Top Duran Duran Blur

Soon after the Jupiter-6

In the same year the Jupiter-6 was released, the Jupiter-8 was discontinued. 2000 some are known to have been sold, untold amounts manufactured.

Firmware

Many firmware replacements available They can add modern enhancements Adaptable and sought after even today

Europa

Firmware update offered by Synthcom Systems Up to date MIDI implementation Extensive arpeggiator About 50 more playback variations

Old/New

The firmware updates allow the Jupiter-6 to become a modern synth, while maintaining its classic sound. Still used today in many studios

A Supreme Classic

The analog sound at its best Originally sold for about $3000 Can sell for over $2000 today Some of the warmest synth sounds you can find.

Juno-106

Synth line that continued the roland synth lineup Newer Juno models are still roland flagships today Roland still is a powerhouse among synthesizers today

Analog

Jupiter-6 was one of the last major analog products of the era. Digital was overcoming analog But we always have a place in our hearts for the raw real that is analog oscillation.

Jupiter-6

Led the way for more modern synthesizers Adapted new technology of today Very innovative piece of music tech. Way cool noise machine!

Bibliography

Wikipedia(blog). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roland_Jupiter-6. Vintage Synth Explorer. http://www.vintagesynth.com/roland/jup6.php Synth Museum. http://www.synthmuseum.com/roland/roljup601.html Vail, Mark. Vintage Synthesizers: Pioneering Designers, Groundbreaking Instruments, Collecting Tips, Mutants of Technology. USA. Muller Freeman Books. 2000.