Roland JUPITER-Xm User Manual

Introduction

The JUPITER-Xm is a versatile synthesizer offering a wide range of sound-modeling capabilities. It allows users to explore vintage synth sounds and create unique tones through its various editing functions.

Key Concepts:

• Model: A sound engine that emulates specific vintage units or optimized sound engines for particular functions. Examples include models replicating the JUPITER-8 and JUNO-106 synthesizers.
• Tone: The sound assigned to a part, which can be adjusted using parameters like oscillator, filter, and effects.
• Part: A sound layer within the JUPITER-Xm. Up to five parts can be used, with parts 1-4 typically assigned synthesizer tones and part 5 a rhythm tone.
• I-ARPEGGIO: An AI-powered arpeggiator that transforms keyboard performances into ideal arpeggiated phrases, useful for song creation and live performance.
• Scene: A saved state that includes all part settings, I-ARPEGGIO settings, and scene effects. Up to 256 scenes can be saved.

Getting Started

Powering On/Off:

• Powering On: Turn on the JUPITER-Xm first, then connected equipment. Allow a brief moment for the unit to become operational.
• Powering Off: Turn off connected equipment first, then the JUPITER-Xm.

Volume Adjustment:

Use the [VOLUME] knob to adjust the overall output level.

Using Built-in Speakers:

The JUPITER-Xm features built-in stereo speakers. Speaker output can be enabled or set to AUTO mode via the SYSTEM settings.

Panel Descriptions

Main Panel:

The main panel features controls for VOLUME, I-ARPEGGIO, OSC (Oscillator), LFO (Low Frequency Oscillator), FILTER, AMP (Amplifier), ENVELOPE, EFFECTS, and common controls like OCTAVE, TRANSPOSE, and STEP EDIT.

• VOLUME: Controls overall volume.
• I-ARPEGGIO: Controls arpeggio type, rhythm, tempo, and hold functions.
• OSC: Adjusts oscillator type, pitch, level, and modulation.
• LFO: Controls LFO waveform, rate, fade time, and depth for modulation effects.
• FILTER: Adjusts filter type, cutoff frequency, resonance, and key follow.
• AMP: Controls the amplifier level.
• ENVELOPE: Adjusts Attack, Decay, Sustain, and Release parameters for sound shaping.
• EFFECTS: Controls MFX, Drive, Reverb, Chorus, and Delay parameters.
• Common Controls: Buttons for octave shifts, transposition, step editing, model bank selection, scene selection, and function modes.

Pitch/Modulation Controls:

• [PITCH] Wheel: Varies the pitch.
• [MOD] Wheel: Applies vibrato or other modulation effects.

Rear Panel Connections

The rear panel provides various input and output connectors:

• DC IN: For connecting the AC adapter.
• CTRL Connector: For connecting an expression pedal (e.g., EV-5).
• HOLD Connector: For connecting a footswitch (e.g., DP series).
• AUX IN: For connecting external audio devices.
• MIC IN: For connecting a microphone (dynamic or electret).
• OUTPUT (L/R) & OUTPUT (BALANCED) (L/R): Audio output connectors.
• PHONES: Headphone jack.
• MIDI Ports (OUT/IN): For connecting external MIDI devices.
• USB ports: USB MEMORY for storage devices and USB COMPUTER for connecting to a computer.
• Ground Terminal: For grounding the unit if necessary.

Using Scenes

Scenes store all performance settings, including part configurations, I-ARPEGGIO settings, and effects. You can recall and save scenes to manage your favorite setups.

• Recalling a Scene: Press the [SCENE] button, then select the desired scene using the [1]-[16] buttons.
• Saving a Scene: Hold [SCENE], press [WRITE], select "SCENE", choose a destination, and confirm.
• Editing a Scene: Access the SCENE COMMON EDIT screen to adjust scene-wide parameters.

Playing Features

• Split: Divide the keyboard to play different tones with each hand. Activate via the FUNCTION mode and button [15].
• Dual: Layer two tones together. Activate via the FUNCTION mode and button [16].
• Pedal Usage: Connect a footswitch for note sustain (HOLD) or an expression pedal for volume control and other expressive performance modifications.

Tone Selection (MODEL BANK)

The MODEL BANK allows you to select tones from various sound models. You can also assign models and categories to the [1]-[16] buttons for quick access.

• Selecting a Tone: Enter MODEL BANK mode, select a model bank, then choose a tone using the [2] knob.
• Changing Model/Tone from Top Screen: Navigate to the desired part, enter MODEL BANK mode, and use the PAGE buttons and [2] knob to select models and tones.

Playing with a Connected Microphone (Vocoder)

The JUPITER-Xm can function as a vocoder, allowing you to process your voice with synthesizer sounds. Connect a microphone to the MIC IN and select a vocoder tone (typically assigned to button [15] in factory settings).

• Adjust the microphone input level using the [MIC GAIN] knob.
• Fine-tune microphone settings, such as sensitivity and noise suppression, in the SYSTEM menu.

Editing Sounds

Basic editing involves selecting oscillators, filters, LFOs, envelopes, and effects to shape your sound. Use the display and associated knobs/buttons for parameter adjustments.

• Saving a Sound: After editing, save your custom sound as a user tone by following the WRITE procedure.

Using I-ARPEGGIO

I-ARPEGGIO generates arpeggiated patterns based on your keyboard performance. You can activate/deactivate it, set hold, select arpeggio types and rhythms, and configure tempo.

• PLAY DETECTOR: Enables real-time variation of arpeggios based on keyboard input (KEYS) or playing timing (BEAT).
• STEP EDIT: Allows detailed editing of individual arpeggio steps, enabling the creation of custom patterns or export as MIDI data.

Using Bluetooth® Functionality

Connect mobile devices wirelessly for audio playback or MIDI communication.

• Pairing: Register your mobile device by enabling Bluetooth on both devices and following the pairing procedure in the SYSTEM menu.
• Audio Playback: Play music from your mobile device through the JUPITER-Xm speakers.
• MIDI Control: Use the JUPITER-Xm as a MIDI controller for music apps on your mobile device via Bluetooth MIDI.
• Bluetooth ID: Differentiate multiple JUPITER-Xm units by assigning a unique ID.
• Disabling Bluetooth: Turn off the Bluetooth function in the SYSTEM settings when not in use.

Connecting External Equipment

Connecting a Computer:

Use a USB cable to connect the JUPITER-Xm to your computer for MIDI communication and audio transfer. You may need to install a specific Roland USB driver.

• USB Driver Configuration: Select either "GENERIC" or "VENDOR" driver in the SYSTEM settings depending on your setup.
• Port Names: Understand the audio and MIDI port names when using the VENDOR driver for DAW integration.

Connecting a USB Memory Drive:

Use the USB MEMORY port to connect USB flash drives for data backup, restoration, import/export of tones and scenes, and formatting.

• Formatting: Format USB memory drives to ensure compatibility.
• Backup/Restore: Create backups of user data (scenes, tones, system settings) and restore them as needed.
• Import/Export: Transfer tones and scenes between the JUPITER-Xm and USB memory.
• Export User Pattern: Export step-edited patterns as MIDI data (SMF).

System Settings

• Auto Off: Configure the automatic power-off function.
• Factory Reset: Restore the JUPITER-Xm to its original factory settings. This will erase all user data.
• System Write: Save changes made to system settings.
• System Parameters: A wide range of system parameters can be adjusted, including audio settings (Warm-Up, Age, Master Tune), MIDI configurations, Bluetooth settings, microphone input adjustments, controller assignments, and more.

Ferrite Core Placement

Ferrite cores are included to reduce electromagnetic interference. Attach them to the AC adapter cable and other connected cables as instructed.

Specifications

Keyboard: 37 compact keys with velocity sensitivity.

Power: DC 12 V via AC adapter or 8 AA Ni-MH batteries (approx. 3.5 hours runtime).

Dimensions: 576 (W) x 308 (D) x 93 (H) mm.

Weight: 4.4 kg (without AC adapter and batteries).

Included Accessories: User Manual, AC adapter, power cord.

Optional Accessories: Footswitch series DP, Expression Pedal EV-5, USB Memory.

Safety and Important Notes

Always read the "SAFE USE OF THE UNIT" and "IMPORTANT NOTES" sections before operating the JUPITER-Xm. These sections provide crucial safety information regarding power, battery usage, placement, maintenance, and data backup.