Kojak said:
They have the SH-201 at your local music shop, so I wanted to see if anyone that owns or has used a JP8K extensively has gotten to try the roland SH-201. I got to use it a little, and the supersaw and feedback osc sounded good to me, but I was wondering if anyone could make a more informed comparison as I've been contemplating buying a JP-8000/8080 for quite a while, and if the SH could make an acceptable substitute, I don't know if I'd be able to keep myself from buying it.
Hi Kojak
I was browsing the net and came across this article. I have to say I feel sorry for you because the majority of replies are extremely narrow minded, immature and uninformed. I think you got about 2 sensible replies out of 6 pages, lol.
I think what may have happened is that the 'vs' title has attracted many who are just itching for an argument. Also, some JP owners might get defensive when they see this (sad but true).
This is why some people who haven't played it are slating it, and also there are people slating it after using it for an hour.
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The fact of the matter is:
On paper -
If you open up excel and draw a comparison chart of the JP8000's features and the SH-201's they are practically the exact same. The MAIN features lost from the JP80X0 are:
Chorus - The SH-201's modulation delay can create that.
EQ - the SH-201 allows you to cut, boost or leave the low end flat. The JP obviously has the stronger feature here, but the SH-201's cut/boost plus EQ hardware/plugin will do the trick - it's just a basic EQ.
Ribbon Controller - SH-201 has D-beam, I could live with or without either of them.
Vocoder - Fair enough (JP8080 only).
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Then the SH-201 has MAIN features the JP80X0 doesn't:
Reverb
Supersaw and noise selectable for both oscillators
USB Audio with VST Editor
Comes brand new with 3 year warranty
Well I don't think I'm being unreasonable by saying the SH-201 is a very attractive prospect on paper due to the above comparison and considering they are about equal on price.
Then in terms of sound, there is hardly any difference - this isn't like comparing two analog synths which might have a wild variation in sound. It's digital and Roland have a tried and tested formula that's probaby saved on their harddrives.
What, do you think Roland somehow f*ed up the supersaw, filters, envelopes and LFOs - I don't think so.
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So I'd say they are both fantastic synths, especially for trancey stuff. If you are wanting the keyboard JP you will get two voices less than the SH-201.
I couldn't care less what you buy, I just want to help you out and give you the facts.
All the best mate, like I said you'll be happy either way!
