AMSynths AM8060SE JP6 VCF (2010–2023)
Plug this 14HP module into a Eurorack case and the growl of the '80s has a new home.
Overview
The Jupiter 6 filter snarls on the way up and purrs when it lets go. Chasing that tone usually means paying vintage synth prices or settling for software emulations. In late 2010 AMSynths released the AM8060 JP6 VCF, a Eurorack module that copies the Roland filter at the circuit level. It is an exact recreation of the Jupiter 6's voltage controlled filter, scaled down to 14 HP. AMSynths re-issued it in 2023 as the AM8060SE. That version tightens up the resonance control and adds red LED sliders and original-style Roland JP-6 momentary buttons.
The AM8060SE sticks to one job, which is reproducing a specific analog filter reliably and precisely. Owner feedback says it does that. One reviewer, Alan Maxwell, called it “really terrific, as characterful as I hoped for,” and noted it handles both modern sound design and “old school vibes” with equal ease. Another, Thaneco, wrote: “The sound of this filter takes me back to the 80s. Very well built and one of my favourite!” The build gets praise along with the tone, and the red LEDs glow under your fingers while you work the sliders.
This is a heavy module at 300 grams, and at 14 HP it takes up real room in a case. It is currently in production, but earlier runs were extremely limited. Only 30 units were made of the 2014 revision of the original AM8060. That scarcity has earned it a “rare” label on secondary markets, where even bare PCBs have sold as collectible items. A brand new AM8060SE costs £160 today.
Specifications
| Manufacturer | AMSynths |
| Width | 14 HP |
| Weight | 300.0 g |
| Filter type | Comprises two 2-pole State Variable filters in series |
| Filter modes | Each 2-pole filter switchable into either Low Pass or High Pass mode, providing three VCF modes: 24dB Low Pass Filter, 24dB High Pass Filter, 12dB Band Pass Filter (two versions) |
| Resonance | Variable resonance |
| Control voltage range for resonance and frequency cutoff | typically from 0 to +10V |
| Connections | 2x audio inputs, 2x frequency control voltages, 1x resonance control voltage, 1x audio signal output (all 3.5mm jack sockets) |
| Included accessories | set of M3 mounting screws and washers, and a standard Doepfer power cable |
| Key components (2023 re-issue) | Rpar AS3109 chips, original Roland JP-6 momentary buttons with LED's, black aluminium control knobs |
| Current Draw | ? mA (+12V), ? mA (-12V), ? mA (5V) |
Key Features
Two SVFs in series: the secret to that Jupiter 6 bite
The sound comes from the topology, which is two 2-pole State Variable Filters (SVFs) wired in series. That is not the standard 4-pole low-pass found in a Moog or a Jupiter 8. It is a more complex and flexible design, and it gives the Jupiter 6 its edge. Each 2-pole stage switches independently into either Low Pass or High Pass mode. That gives three usable configurations: a 24dB/octave Low Pass, a 24dB/octave High Pass, or a 12dB/octave Band Pass, with two variations depending on internal routing. Owners report “a lot more flexibility in sounds” compared to simpler OTA-based filters. The design also allows sharper transitions and more aggressive tonal shaping, especially with resonance cranked.
No self-oscillation, but plenty of bite
This filter does not self-oscillate. That matches the original Jupiter 6 filter, and the product documentation confirms it. Some modern filters use self-oscillation as a sound source or tuning aid, but the AM8060SE puts its focus on coloration and resonance within the passband. Resonance is variable in all modes. The 2023 re-issue has a revised resonance control circuit that reportedly smooths the response and improves stability. Owners who have used both versions note a more predictable sweep and less tendency to get “hot” in the upper ranges.
Layout that feels like home
The INPUT MIX knob blends two audio inputs, which suits layering or parallel processing. Cutoff and modulation are handled by slide potentiometers with red LED level indicators, so the settings are easy to read at a glance. The KYBD, LFO, and ENV modulation sliders set how the filter responds to control voltages. The CV range is typically 0 to +10V, which suits standard modular gear. Resonance has its own rotary knob. The 2023 version upgrades the sliders to red LED types and adds momentary switches with red LEDs for mode selection.
Built with reverence
The 2023 re-issue uses black aluminum control knobs and original Roland JP-6 momentary buttons with LEDs, salvaged from decommissioned units. The Rpar AS3109 chips are modern equivalents to the original CEM3340-based design. The depth of the module isn't specified. It ships with a Doepfer power cable and M3 mounting hardware, so it is ready for a standard Eurorack case out of the box.
Historical Context
The Roland Jupiter 6, launched in 1983, had a filter that never got its full due. The Jupiter 8's smoother, more polished sound overshadowed it. The Jupiter 6 filter was sharper, more aggressive and less forgiving, and those traits now read as part of its sound rather than flaws. AMSynths reverse-engineered the actual filter circuit and repackaged it for Eurorack, launching the module in late 2010. The Eurorack scene was expanding rapidly then, but faithful analog clones of vintage filters were still relatively rare. The AM8060 gave players that Roland texture without the bulk, cost or fragility of the original synth.
The comparison to the Jupiter 8’s 4-pole OTA filter is inevitable—and telling. Reviewers and designers alike note that the AM8060’s sound is “more aggressive” than the Jupiter 8’s, thanks to its dual SVF design. Where the Jupiter 8 filter is warm and rounded, the JP6 VCF cuts through with a grittier, more dynamic response. This isn’t a clone of a clone; it’s a direct extraction of a unique analog voice. The 2014 revision refined the resonance circuit, and the 2023 re-issue brought it back into production with updated aesthetics and improved build quality. It’s a module that’s evolved, but never strayed from its core mission: to give modular users the exact filter that powered one of Roland’s most underrated synths.
Collectibility & Value
New AM8060SE JP6 VCF units are available directly from AMSynths for £160.00, and the module is officially listed as in production. Unlike many boutique Eurorack items, there is no race to grab one before it vanishes. The earlier AM8060 is a different story, particularly the 2014 revised design. Only 30 units were ever made. That scarcity has turned into secondary market interest, and even the bare PCB for the module is described as “rare” in online listings. Current resale prices aren't documented in the fact sheet.
Build quality gets praise. Mark, a reviewer, noted “the modules are really well made and backed up by excellent support.” There is no public data on common failures or maintenance needs, though. The current draw is unlisted, and technical specs like frequency response, input/output impedance and exact depth are missing. That matters little to most users, but it counts if you're running a tightly packed case or planning a system precisely.
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