Roland JV-1080 (1994)

A rackmount sample-based synthesizer module known for its rich sound palette and widespread use in 1990s music production.

Overview

The Roland JV-1080 is a 2U rackmount digital synthesizer module released in January 1994. It is one of the most popular digital sound modules Roland has ever made, succeeding the JV-80 and offering a broad sonic range through sample-based synthesis. The unit supports 16-part multitimbral operation and features 64-voice polyphony, making it suitable for complex arrangements and studio work. It includes 448 built-in PCM waveforms stored in 8 MB of ROM, with waveform data sampled at 32 kHz. The JV-1080 has four internal expansion slots designed for SR-JV80-series wave boards, allowing users to expand its sound library significantly.

Specifications

Polyphony	64 voices
Timbrality	16-part multitimbral
Waveforms	448 sample waveforms (8 MB ROM)
Oscillators	2 per tone, 8 waveforms available
Expansion slots	4 (SR-JV80 series)
Display	40 x 2 lines
Weight	5 kg
Form factor	2U rack

Context

Market

Pre-owned JV-1080 units typically sell in the $150 to $330 range, reflecting a significant drop from their original retail price. Despite one user expressing initial disappointment, many owners praise its sound quality and longevity, with some stating they "will never sell" their unit.