Review: Arturia Jupiter-8
by Glen Heffner - 28 July 2007 -

There was a time when dinosaurs ruled the earth. But even though they disappeared millions of years ago, ask almost anybody and they can tell you at least something about them. That’s because they were interesting and fascinating.  The same can be said about the “Golden Age of Analog Synthesizers”. This was a time when certain synthesizers ruled the musical landscape and heavily influenced the direction of music for several decades. It can perhaps be argued that they’re still influencing music even today which is why these instruments are still so highly valued and desirable.
The French company, Arturia, has established itself as possibly the leading company in the world for their dedication and superb capabilities to recreate these wonderful “synth dinosaurs” in the form of computer software softsynths. I’m talking about their highly acclaimed softsynths such as the Moog Modular V, Mini-Moog V, ARP-2600 V, Yamaha CS-80 V and Sequential Circuits Prophet-V.  Now, in perhaps one of their most exciting undertakings yet; they have taken on one of the most revered synths to come out of the vintage synth days: The Roland Jupiter 8!  Did they succeed?  Read on to find out…

The Historical Jupiter 8

For those of you who aren’t acquainted with the Jupiter 8, this part is for you.  The Roland Jupiter 8 was introduced in 1981 and it immediately created a buzz throughout the music world.  It was a very large yet sleek looking instrument with lots of sliders and knobs, a big LED display right in the center of the synth,  

Main Features

While I will be going into detail about the structure of the Jupiter-8V shortly, I think that it would be judicious to enlighten you with some of the impressive features that the Jupiter-8V has to offer:

• More than 400 outstanding presets including Single, Dual and Split Patches (that are accessible via a filterable drop-down list)
• The Jupiter-8V can support up to 32 voices of polyphony in addition to a Mono & Unison mode.
• 2 Oscillators per voice, 1 LFO, 2 Filters and 2 Envelopes combine for a unique audio structure
• Keyboard Split and Layering
• Effects within the synthesis path including: Chorus, Distortion, Parametric EQ, Phaser and Ring Modulation
• Two independent Effects that can be applied to the output of the synth: Chorus/Flanger, Delay, Reverb and Dual Phaser.
• 32 step Step-Sequencer that is very flexible for live performance as well
• Galaxy module for advance modulations previously unavailable on the Jupiter 8
• Complete control of all parameters with your external MIDI keyboard
• Stand-Alone Operation
• New Preset Manager
• CPU usage is greatly improved

The Arturia Jupiter-8V Extras

I have had the pleasure of reviewing several Arturia products (Moog Modular V, ARP 2600 V & BRASS), and Arturia have an uncanny ability to attach additional features to each original synth that is always relevant to the softsynth.  Never “intruding” into the areas of the original synth, but offering supplementary amenities to enrich the power of the softsynth even further! It is the best of both worlds and the Jupiter-8V definitely doesn’t disappoint…Read below to see what I mean. 

• Arturia introduces a module called the Galaxy Module that creates very complex modulations with the interaction of 3 LFO’s.  The Galaxy module has a beautiful interface screen

  

  which makes it much easier to visualize what you’re hearing.  I will expand more about the Galaxy module later.
• Unique to this softsynth is the ability to insert two effects inside the synthesis chain.  This means that the user can choose between a Chorus, Distortion, Parametric EQ, Phaser or Ring Modulator and insert it between the VCO and VCF (the Oscillator and Filter) and/or the VCF and the VCA (the Filter and the Amplifier).  The effects can be modulated by a number of different sources which adds even more sonic power! Arturia refers to this as “Voice Effects”.  There are also two dedicated effects available to the output of the synth (PATCH Effects).
• A 32 step sequencer

  

  is also provided for multiple melodic lines as well as for creating dynamic modulations of different parameters selectable from a drop-down list.  Very cool!
• A new Preset Manager which makes the creating, saving and recalling of sounds a breeze!  In the past, this has been a bit of a struggle when first working with some of their softsynths, so it is really good to see an almost effortless “manager” like this!

Requirements

With that said, let’s move on to the Platform Specifications.  All the usual suspects are here including VST, RTAS and Audio Units.
Windows requires the following:  Windows 2000/XP - 512 MB RAM; 1.5 GHz CPU
Mac requires: Mac OS X: - 512 MB RAM; 1.5 GHZ CPU

Both Platforms utilize the Syncrosoft USB Key, also known as a dongle, so you must have an available USB port.  Many people are sensitive about this type of protection, but I do want to say that I have been using these keys for quite a while now and the Syncrosoft software has become almost seamless to use.  Furthermore, one key can hold up to 100 different licenses.  For example, in my case, I install the software, go to the Syncrosoft website and transfer the Arturia softsynth onto one Key (where I keep all my Arturia softsynths).  It only takes a few minutes and I’m good.  Plus, when you want to use your software in a different studio, you can simply carry your key and disk, instead of lugging your computer around with you.  It isn’t difficult at all and for all the hard work that software companies put into their products, it is essential that they protect their work so they can make a living, right?

Installation

Installation is straightforward.  Just insert the CD and follow the instructions.  Really!

Structure, Main Parts and Basic Overview of the Jupiter-8V

1. The Presets Section  (Presets tab)
2. The Sequencer/Galaxy Module  (Modulations tab)
3. The Effects section  (Effects tab)

These are all accessed by clicking on the “Extensions Panel” icon that is located on the Tool Bar.  Once clicked, the synth drops down and this panel is revealed in all its glory along with tabs to select between each of the three sections mentioned above.

For Now, we’re going to stay with the Presets Section.  The structure of the Jupiter-8V as already mentioned provides for playing two tones at once (called “Upper” and “Lower”).  The keyboard can be played in 3 different ways:

1. Whole – Plays the Upper tone across the entire keyboard
2. Split – Allow you to split the Upper and Lower tones at any location on the keyboard that you wish.
3. DUAL – Plays the Upper and Lower tones together

There are also two different kinds of presets.  Commonly referred to as a PATCH; a PATCH is basically responsible for all of the configuration elements of a preset such as the keyboard mode (Whole, Split, DUAL), arpeggiator on/off, settings of master effects, etc.  The PROGRAM is actually the parameters of the synth, the Galaxy module, and the “Voice Effects”.

Finding Sounds?  Easy as 1…2….3… 

As you can see in Photo 5 there are two filters that Arturia have incorporated into the Jupiter-8V.  Very similar to the Native Instruments KORE selection system; it is absolutely wonderful to “filter” what you want to call up.  Look at

Jupiter-8V Interface

There are 54 different synthesis parameters on the main face of the synth that should give you plenty of inspiration.

The Galaxy/Sequencer Module

Click the “Modulations” tab on the “Extensions Panel” and you will see either the Galaxy or Sequencer Module (depending upon which button is selected on the panel). 
Let’s talk a bit about the Galaxy module first because I find this to be perhaps the most innovative “extra” to the Jupiter-8V softsynth.  The Galaxy module as you can see in Photo 2 presents a graphic screen plus a series of drop-down screens and knobs so you can create very complex modulations through the interaction of 3 LFO’s.  The 1st two LFO’s allow intermodulation on the X, (horizontal) and Y, (vertical) axis along with the ability to select from different parameters while the 3rd LFO will modify the alpha angle, (rotation angle) between the 2 axis’.
The Sequencer Module (See Photo 3) is viewable upon clicking on the “Sequencer” button under “Modulations” tab on the “Extensions Panel”.  A strikingly designed step sequencer is presented to the user, capable of creating melodic lines or even modulation of various parameters, such as the VCF for example.  It can sync up to your sequencer or run in “free run”, and a host of other parameters such as “accent” are available.  I’ll go into detail on all of the controls when I get into “The Jupiter-8V Interface, Controllers and Modules” section…

The Effects

As mentioned, unique to the Jupiter-8V are two discreet Effects sections!  The tab labeled “Effects” on the “Extensions Panel”

1. The 1st Effects group called “Voice Effects” is actually a diagram with two drop-down lists that allow you to insert effects INSIDE the actual synthesizer engine!  Think about that for a moment….Look at

 and you will see that I’ve selected a Distortion effect between the VCO (oscillator) and Filter and a Parametric EQ between the Filter and the VCA (amplifier).  The added potential for creating unbelievable sounds this way is actually brilliant and I have spent hours getting incredible sounds out of this section and I guarantee that you will too!  Each of the individual Effects also offer more than enough controls to get first-rate results too.  As a result, you can actually do many different things to change the character of a sound.  Put a Chorus right after a VCO and then maybe use some slight tube Distortion prior to outputting from the synth chain!  FANTASTIC!
2. The 2nd Effects group is the type of effects that most of us are use to.  It is a Master Effects section that consists of two different Effects

 that you can add to the output of the sound. 
Together, this is a highly creative area that can’t be just looked at as another Effects Section.  By incorporating Effects into the Synth chain as well as the outputs of the Jupiter-8V; a whole new world of sounds are available.  More on this later!

Realtime Controllers and Midi Assign

All of the sliders and knobs on the Jupiter-8V can easily be assigned to any controller.  By simply clicking on a knob like “Source Mix” for example, while holding down Control, (on Windows or the equivalent on Mac); the following screen will appear.

The Jupiter-8V Interface, Controllers and Modules

"INTERFACE"

OK!  Now, we’re ready to take a real look at this machine!  I hope that you have received a beneficial representation of the various components and what they do.   Either way, please allow me to take you a bit deeper into the machine…

The Tool Bar

• 2 drop-down “Filter” boxes.  These are exactly like the boxes that you saw in Photo 5 and are a great way to access particular types of Preset PATCH Banks.  The 3rd box is a drop-down box that will show all of the Preset PROGRAM Patches based on your filtering. The up/down arrows here only open and close the drop-down box.
• This secondary group of up/down arrows actually steps through each of the PROGRAM Patches found in the box directly to the left!
• Save and Save As handle the utilities of saving PATCHES and PROGRAMS
• The Midi Channel allows you to select between channels “All” (Omni Mode) and “1-16”.
• Play Mode – This consists of 3 Modes:
  o Low – When more than 1 note is playing the Lowest note gets priority
  o High – When more than 1 note is playing the Highest note gets priority
  o Last – When more than 1 note is playing the Last note gets priority
• Unison – When “Uni” Mode is activated on the “Assign Mode” of the Jupiter, this determines how many voices (2-4) are played per note.  For example, if polyphony is set at 16 voices and Unison set at “4”; you can play a maximum of 4 notes in Unison Mode simultaneously, however they will benefit from the stacking of oscillators to produce MONSTER sounds!
• Poly – as mentioned above, this sets the number of voices of polyphony to use.  This can be set per patch if desired!
• CPU Indicator – the indicator shows how much of the CPU is being used by your computer. 
• Display ICONS – These 2 ICONS allow you to view just the Jupiter-8V and its keyboard or the Jupiter-8V and the “Extensions Panel”. 

The Preset Manager

The Tool Bar

The Tool Bar provides access to both the PATCH banks and PROGRAM presets and by clicking on the ““Extensions Panel”” ICON, then on the Presets Tab; you will arrive at the very functional PRESET MANAGER area

1. New Preset – click on this button to create a new preset (PATCH or PROGRAM)
2. Save Preset – as written… Just click on Save!
3. Save As – this is a bit more extensive than “Save”.  When you click on this you have the ability to name the preset PATCH, set the search filter types and even give it a PROJECT (bank) name. 

4. Delete Preset – Clicking on this button will erase a PATCH or PROGRAM

Import/Export of a Preset

When I first looked at the Preset Manager I thought it was a bit strange to find out that these functions were not available from within this section.  Then it occurred to me that the original Jupiter 8 used a cassette tape utility and these functions were located on the main synth.  True to form, you can find two switches on the lower right-hand side of the Jupiter-8V labeled “IMP” (import) and “EXP” (export).  Click on the process you want and a display screen will appear along with the ability to select a project (when importing) or to export a project, (when exporting).

"CONTROLLERS"

The Jupiter-8V Controllers

“There are 54 different synthesis parameters on the Jupiter-8V”.  I know, but how do you control all of those parameters?  In the interest of being meticulous, I must relay this info here…

1. Knobs – According to Arturia, the Knobs default mode is the Circular mode where you should move your mouse in a circle around the knob as opposed to Linear Mode where the mouse is moved vertically in an up-down motion to change the parameters.  During my usage in Stand-Alone mode, I noticed that I only had access to Linear Mode, but I had no trouble at all working with this.  They also state, and I can confirm, that by using Shift + Click, you gain higher precision over the steps so you can be extremely accurate if you want to get a very specific setting.
a. Potentiometers -  The Jupiter-8V has plenty of these commonly known as Rotary Knobs
2. Sliders – These controls are offered in both vertical and linear directions
3. Buttons – Buttons on the Jupiter-8V activate or deactivate a parameter (such as on the arpeggiator).  When a button is activated it glows Red.
4. Switches – As with Buttons, some activate or deactivate parameters, but others simply turn parameters ON or OFF.  To change the state of a switch, just click it again…
5. Pitch Bend Wheel – The Pitch Bend Wheel functions just like one would on any standard synth of today.  You can use your mouse to bend up/down or your controller pitch bend wheel will do the same thing.  The on-screen wheel will always follow the external controller and will come back to rest in its default position upon release.
6. Modulation Button – Labeled “LFO MOD”, this White Button when pushed will produce modulation produced by the LFO.  The rate of the LFO or VCF (filter) can be adjusted with sliders located to the left of the Pitch Bend Wheel
7. Virtual Keyboard – A 5 octave keyboard is available so you don’t even have to connect up an external master MIDI keyboard to work on your sounds

"THE MODULES"

As much a part of the Interface as anything mentioned so far are the Galaxy/Sequencer Module and the Effects Module, both of which I want to describe in some detail here mainly because they are so comprehensive and add extraordinarily value to the original Jupiter 8.

Galaxy Module

Out of This World!  And I’m not kidding either!  I don’t believe that I’ve even encountered anything quite like the Galaxy Module before.  With a “LCD”-Type Screen in the middle of the display, it is really great fun to play with.  Previously, I said that it generates very complex modulations by the interactions of 3 LFO’s.  Well, that’s precisely correct!  All the while, one LFO affects the X axis and the other affects the Y, (not to mention that they can have multiple destinations assigned to each one of them). 
The 1st two LFO’s have the following parameters available:

1. Shape: a drop-down selector to choose between Sine, Triangle, Sawtooth and Square Waves
2. Rate: a knob to set the modulation frequency of the LFO
      The 3rd LFO adds an additional special control along with the Shape and Rate controls:
3. Angle:  this actually sets the rotation angle of the X/Y axis manually as shown in 

Modulation Destinations available for connection are:

• None – nothing is connected
• VCO1 Pitch – VCO1 Frequency
  
• VCO2 Pitch -  VCO2 Frequency
  
• VCO1 PW -  This is the Pulse Width of the Square Waveform of VCO 1
  
• VCO2 PW -  This is the Pulse Width of the Square Waveform of VCO 2
  
• HPF Cutoff – Frequency of the High Pass Filter
  
• VCF Cutoff -  Frequency of the Low Pass Filter
  
• VCF Res – Resonance of the Low Pass Filter
  
• VCA- Volume of the Voltage Controlled Amplifier

FREE RUN - If the “Free Run” button is off, then it resets the LFO on the first note.  If it is “On” then it will be in “Free Run” mode – thus allowing the LFO to run completely free.

The Sequencer Module

Located by clicking on “Sequencer” from the Galaxy module on opening the “Extensions Panel” and selection “Modulations” then “Sequencer”; this 32 step Sequencer is the bomb!  Usually, I just don’t care for step-sequencers of any kind but this one is so easy to use and offers so many possibilities, like using the steps to change the filter, (VCF), that it is really a treat to use.
The Sequencer consists of three main parts; the Transport, the Editing Section and the Output Section.  I’ll break it down for you here:

The Transport

this consists of all the necessary components that you would expect such as Start/Stop, but it goes much further with MIDI synchronization, quantification and trigger options.  Multiple tempos can be set or it can be synced externally.  Swing, Smooth, Glide and Accent are all supported with the Accent being placed as a “step” just like a note (very reminisce of the famous Roland TB303), and it goes even further with Attack, Decay and Level for the Accent!

Editing

The center of the Sequencer provides a nice ample-sized screen from which to do your editing easily.  Included tools include:

• Pencil – for drawing step values on the screen
  
• Line – for drawing step values in a line
  
• Eraser – to help delete steps and values
  
• Noise – a rather “uncommon” feature that automatically creates a sequence!
  
• Reset – quickly and effectively resets the sequencer

Other things such as STEPS are displayed in bi-directional values (positive or negative) on the screen and the LENGTH can be set up to 32 steps.  There are 3 groups of 32 small circles underneath the sequencer bars.  When they are black, it means they are active.  The 3 groups are:

1. Link – by clicking on this, the selected step along with the following step with sound connected.  In other words, a Legato-type sound will be created…
2. Glide – Want a portamento effect between steps?  Just use this.
3. Accent – Place an Accent on the steps that you wish.

Outputs

To the right hand side of the Sequencer lays the Destination selections area.  The Sequencer has the capability to output into up to 3 different Destinations simultaneously, each selectable by a drop-down list

The Effects Module

Clicking on the “Extensions Panel” ICON then selecting the “Effects” Tab brings you to the very powerful Effects module.  As mentioned in detail earlier, I want to clarify again that one Effects processor works within the synthesizer, called “Voice Effects” and the other one works on the outputs of the synthesizer called “Patch Effects”.  With that said, here is a closer look at what effects are in each section.

Voice Effects

Arturia make this section really easy to work with by using a simple diagram to show a VCO to Effect to Filter, Effect to VCA.  By placing a drop-down list of effects at each Effect location, the user can easily insert an effect and gauge the results.  The effects include Chorus/Flanger, Distortion, Parametric EQ, Phaser and Ring Modulator.

Patch Effects

Directly under the “Voice Effect” section, the diagram continues with two modules placed after the VCA.  These are the Global Effects and affect the sound of the whole instrument.  Some of the Effects are most certainly different here as opposed to the Voice Effects section.  Included are Chorus/Flanger, Stereo Analog Delay, Reverb and Dual Phaser.

So is this thing STAR TREK or What?

Without a doubt, Arturia has captured the essence of the Jupiter 8 right down to the cold steel body of the original synth!  It sounds AMAZING!  This is perhaps their greatest achievement yet and that’s saying a lot.
The Jupiter-8V not only sounds unbelievable but it sounds believable.  Believable in the sense that when you’re playing your keyboard controller, you actually get the sense that you really are playing a Roland Jupiter 8!  That is perhaps the biggest compliment that I’ve ever given a softsynth company before.  As an owner of a Jupiter 8, I don’t offer that praise lightly, but the sound is truly astounding!
The 400+ sounds cover a wide range of synth sounds from big brass to crystal bells, to spacey environments to deep, thunderous bass tones.  It’s all there and when you start working with the Galaxy and Sequencer Modules, you will soon discover the joys of just how thrilling synthesis can be.  Once upon a time it was all about creating sounds that nobody else had to use on your own productions.  Now you can do that again instead of grabbing another standard preset sound. Make you music stand out!  It can readily be done with the Jupiter-8V!
The ease of getting around on this instrument is without a doubt, greatly appreciated and I definitely welcome the extra graphics screens that Arturia provide as in the case of the Galaxy module and some of the Effects sections.  Add to that Dual, Split, Unison, & Mono keyboard modes, a great Preset Manager, efficient CPU control for the sounds it’s producing and it is really hard to find any real faults with this softsynth.
Oh, I know, everybody wants some faults and I guess I could wish that it was velocity sensitive, but then the original Jupiter 8 wasn’t…  Still, I do think that would have been a nice optional touch.  Other than that, I would have liked to have a few more Effects presets for those of us who require a bit of a helping hand getting started….BUT….

This softsynth is a total TEN STARS!  The name Jupiter 8 is definitely within my galaxy of “Vintage Synths” but Arturia has completely knocked this synth eons into the future and brought the Jupiter 8, perhaps the greatest analog synth of all time, from 1981 to 2007 and beyond with the incredible add-ons.                                                                                                                                                                                                                    .  With their careful, meticulous attention for preserving the true nuances of this synth and then by adding visionary and complementary modules to the Jupiter-8V; I truly believe that this softsynth should be in everyone’s collection for one simple reason… TO CREATE!  That’s what the Jupiter 8 was all about and Arturia has given us an instrument that can produce more new sounds than most of us have heard in a long time.  Trust me.  Go Out and Buy The Jupiter-8V!  You will not be sorry!

 Glen Heffner is a midi specialist, keyboardist/composer and engineer located in North Carolina, USA. He has a Bachelor of Music degree in Piano and operates an all digital studio. Currently he is working on an instrumental CD and completing a film score. You can check him out at www.majormidi.com or contact him at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .