Roland announces JD-XI synth and MX-1 mixer

The Japanese company has a new compact synth and performance mixer on the way.

Last year saw Roland introduce AIRA, a range of electronic music-orientated gear including the TR-8 drum machine and TB-3 bass synth updating its classic 808/909 and 303 models as well as a new synthesizer and a vocal processor. The Japanese company today unveiled the MX-1, a new 18-channel “performance mixer” with a step sequencer that Roland describes as the “nerve center of your electronic music rig”. In essence the MX-1 looks to have been designed as a central hub for controlling Roland’s range of AIRA devices, though it’s compatible with other models of hardware as well as featuring a “Control Surface” mode for full DAW control via MIDI.

In addition, Roland has also revealed plans to release the JD-X1, a new affordable compact hybrid analog/digital synth that it describes as “small in size and large in versatility”. The 37-key instrument has an on-board pattern sequencer and built-in drum kits, whilst fans of post-808s & Heartbreak era Kanye will probably appreciate the vocoder and autopitch functions built into the gooseneck mic attached to the JD-X1.

There’s no details as yet on the price or release date of either product, but a video from Roland demonstrating the full capabilities of the MX-1 can be viewed below.