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ARTURIA – JUPITER-8V – MANUAL - EN
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By the end of the 1970s, Roland established itself as a major manufacturer, and in 1981 Mr. Ikutaro
Kakehashi opened four new companies in three months. Roland UK, Roland GmbH and Musitronic
AG in Switzerland. He also established a new Japanese division called AMDEK (Analogue Music Digital
Electronics Kits)
Back to the early 80’s, the Prophet 5 and Oberheim OB series dominated the polyphonic synthesizer
market. Having that in mind the Jupiter-8’s success, initiated in 1981, took every one by storm.
But what made the Jupiter-8 so successful? Well, in terms of sonic possibilities, it complemented its
competition by bringing something different. The Jupiter-8 was capable of creating very versatile
sounds. You could easily make 'fat' or ‘Crystal’ sounds with it. In fact, the Jupiter-8 sounded the
way it looked, ‘sleek and polished’. Offering oscillator sync, cross modulation, a switchable
12dB/24dB filter and polyphonic portamento, the sound design opportunities were endless. You
could easily save and load patches via its cassette interface. Even a superb arpeggiator was
included. And last but not least, the Jupiter 8 was more reliable than its competition, and the sound
was more consistent from model to model. Therefore it was very attractive for stage and studio use.
In 1982, Roland released an upgraded Jupiter-8, the JP8A, It upgraded the Jupiter-8 with a number
of enhancements. An improved DAC with a higher resolution of the auto-tuning system from 12- to
14-bit, plus a brighter LED screen. The Jupiter-8 has become one of the most revered of all
synthesizers.
The electro-pop community became quickly convinced by the qualities of the Jupiter-8. 'Relax', by
Frankie Goes to Hollywood was produced incorporating a Jupiter 8, and players such Vince Clarke,
John Foxx, and Martyn Ware were also using it. The path to classic status of the Jupiter started
there.
Other artists that have used The Jupiter-8 include: Howard Jones, Tangerine Dream, Underworld,
Jean Michel Jarre, Depeche Mode, Prince, Gary Wright, Adrian Lee, Heaven 17, Kitaro, Elvis
Costello, Tears for Fears, Huey Lewis and the News, Journey, Moog Cookbook, Yes, Devo, Freddy
Fresh, Simple Minds, Jan Hammer, and BT.
In the early 80’s Roland and Sequential Circuits combined forces to create the MIDI protocol. The
technology was derived from Roland’s earlier DCB bus Format. MIDI is still being used today with
great success. In 1982, Roland lauched the Jupiter-6, the first synthesizer inclueding the MIDI
protocol on board. This new synthesizer was introduced as an enhancement of the Jupiter-8.
In 1982 Roland also released the TB303 Bass line. Initially marketed as a 'computerised bass
machine', the little silver box and its companion, the TR606 'Drumatix', were intended for use as
replacements for a bass guitarist and a drummer. The TB303 had a very characteristic filter, and a
built-in sequencer.
