@6:23 in that video , my lower jaw started to shiver and i know ive never met you before but i just wanted to tell you how much i really love you guys ,no you don't understand i really for some reason need you (whos name i forgot)need you to know i love you now lets go and dance anyone up for a massage

 

Last edited: Oct 10, 2025 at 3:41 AM

very very cool done. i will donate somewhat you desereve for such work is this... the first in the world?

 

Side note: the music is fricking good and the patches sound gorgeous

 

When release?

 

When it's finished, there's no date yet!

 

Those guys are brilliant, hats' off !

 

If I am not wrong Roland JP8000 is not based on Motorola 56300 dsp but on a custom Roland (or Toshiba?) chipset. Maybe this means that Usual Suspects are able to emulate several dsp, that would be great. I hope that Roland will not be too much aggressive against this project.

 

Spoiler: The Usual Suspects JE-8086, free Roland JP-8080 Synthesizer using DSP emulation

The Usual Suspects JE-8086, free Roland JP-8080 Synthesizer using DSP emulation
October 10, 2025 Synth Anatomy FREE Music Software (Plugins, Apps...), Free Plugins (VST/VST3/AU/AAX), News, Plugins, Software 0

The Usual Suspects JE-8086 is an upcoming free Roland JP-8080 Synthesizer emulation for macOS, Linux, and Windows, using its DSP chip emulation method.

In recent years, the free Synthesizer plugins from The Usual Suspects have generated considerable interest. Unlike traditional synth emulation, they emulate the DSP chip of the hardware synth rather than its engine—in this case, the Motorola 56300.

The engine functions by loading the original ROM, which is legally in the grey area because the data belongs to the respective company. Using this method, they created emulations of various discontinued Access (OsTirus…), Nord (Red 2X), and Waldorf synths (Xenia,Vavra). For their latest project, JE-8086, The Usual Suspects team is “traveling” to Japan.



The Usual Suspects JE-8086
The cat is out of the bag. The latest open-source project from The Usual Suspects team, JE-8086, is an emulation of the Roland JP-8080 digital Synthesizer from 1998.

They’re not the first to emulate this synth. The BeepStreet Sunrizer has been around for a long time, and two more recently released: the Arturia JUP-800V and the Impact Soundworks Chro-Nyx for Reaktor 6 Player.

Unlike the ones mentioned, The Usual Suspects again uses the chip emulation method. This time, however, there is no Motorola inside, as the Roland JP-8080 uses a Toshiba chip called TC170C140 “ESP2.”

In the linked video, you can see how the developers have encrypted the Toshiba/Roland chip. From this work, they created a chip emulator. I guess they teamed up with Giuloz, who has recreated Roland vintage hardware units, using a chip emulator as well.

The JE-8086 is already running in an alpha or beta version, and there’s a sound demo. You can see a UI very close to the original, with all the original features.

It has two oscillators, including the legendary super saw waveform, a multimode filter, three envelopes (pitch, filter, amp), effects, and more. The emulator requires the original Roland ROM, which the developers will not share, according to the statement on Dischord.

“One thing I need to make extremely clear – our rules about firmware and patch data or any links to them will be aggressively enforced. Just please don’t discuss at all here.

This particular manufacturer is very aggressive legally speaking and we will take absolutely no risks and have no tolerance for crossing our lines here, thanks for understanding

This demo uses 32 instances. Every sound you hear is from the JE8086 emulator, including the intro and the outtakes. All presets are made from scratch from an init patch and are available on our Discord upon release

According to the video teaser, this seems to have been just the beginning, since in the last few months they have managed to emulate various DSP chips. So not just the DSP56300 for which they are famous.

First Impression
I will definitely continue to follow the project. The first patches sound very authentic. I am curious whether Roland will take legal action against the project.

They are known for their tendency to take action against emulations, for example, when people try to emulate the D50 with the original sample content or when the naming is too close to the original ones.

The Usual Suspects JE-8086 will be available soon. Release date TBA Join their Discord server to stay up to date. It will run as a VST, VST3, AU, CLAP, and LV2 plugin on macOS (native Apple Silicon + Intel), Linux, and Windows.

More information here: The Usual Suspects (DSP56300)

 

Last edited: Oct 10, 2025 at 10:29 AM

Question: Where do we get the ROM or BIN files?

Would these work here?

Roland JP-8000 JP-8080 – 2300+ Patches [.Syx & .mid] Instant Download €10,00
https://monotanz.de/product/roland-jp-8000-jp-8080-2300-patches-syx-mid-instant-download

 

Last edited: Oct 10, 2025 at 10:40 AM

Of course they will be aggressive against it, that's why we need to be careful. Roland created this amazing synth JP-8000, that they stopped the production when it was still a high demand for it. In 2002, while living in Italy, I wanted to buy it so badly. I could only find it, after one year of constantly checking all the stores who were selling second hand music gear. Every weekend I would go in one of the stores, always connecting with the store workers and giving them my number, so to call me in case one would be for sale. And I still had to bid for it with a bunch of other guys, in order to buy it.

But Roland, as an amazing company that is, also stopped the support for it, meaning, it is impossible to find parts to change (like pots and sliders). Their online / phone support is inexistent. Because they have representatives in almost every country on earth, in case you need fixing and stuff. But here's the twist: mine was Made in Japan and their representatives from Europe would not accept to fix it "because it is made with different components and different schematics from the ones built in Europe / Canada", a.k.a. "You didn't buy it from us, so F... You". SO I never managed to fix it.

I am so happy that finally I will be able to use it again, so donation is on my way!

 

TC170C140 "ESP2" made by Toshiba. The JP-8000 uses 4 and the JP-8080 uses 5. It seems to be a general purpose DSP custom made for Roland.

 

It would be somewhat funny if this gets released but the ROMs are not available online, the devs won't share them for obvious reasons, and so the only three people who can actually *use* it are the ones with both the original hardware, *and* the ability to pull the chips out and extract the ROM files for themselves...

 

Here are AI-generated shops and spare parts stores for your broken synthesizer. Don't give up, you'll get it repaired.
www.synth-parts.com/en/keyboards/roland/roland-jp-8000
https://driessen-music.de/2020/10/04/repair-roland-jp-8000-synthesizer-reparatur-service-3

Spoiler: Here is an overview of recommended workshops and services:

Here is an overview of recommended workshops and services:

Workshop/ServiceCountrySpecializationContact & DetailsCost Examples (approx.)

Driessen MusicGermany (Düsseldorf)Full repair of Roland synths, including the JP-8000 (e.g., weak output, battery, pads). Tutorial videos for DIY, but professional service available.Website: driessen-music.de
Tel: +49 211 737 50 50
Email: [email protected] €50–100 for simple fixes (e.g., capacitors); hourly rate approx. €70/h.

STUDIO REPAIR (Nikolaus Riehm)GermanySpecialist for Roland (including the JP-8000), display repairs, circuit board repairs, and vintage synth restoration. Works with many Roland models. Website: studiorepair.de
Email: [email protected]
(Shipping from Germany, EU-wide) From €80 for diagnosis; full recap approx. €200-300. Audio SupportUK (but EU shipping possible post-Brexit with customs duties) Capacitor replacement, circuit board repair for JP-8000 (e.g., distorted output, no sound). Especially for devices older than 20 years. Website: audiosupport.co.uk
Tel: +44 20 3286 0000
Email: [email protected] €50 for battery replacement; €70/hour for circuit board repair. Synth-Parts.com Germany (Shipping from Germany, parts to Italy) Spare parts for JP-8000: sliders, potentiometers, OLED displays, buttons, contact switches. Installation service available. Website: synth-parts.com
Email: [email protected]
(Fast shipping to Italy) Parts from €5–50 (e.g., slider knob €7); display upgrade approx. €100 including installation.

Roland Italia Service Center (official) Italy (Milan) Official Roland support, but often limited for vintage models like the JP-8000 (no parts for older models). They can perform diagnostics and refer you to partners. Website: roland.com/it/support/service_centers/
Address: Roland DG Italia, Via Piero della Francesca 41, 20146 Milan
Tel: +39 02 424 7221
Email: [email protected] Diagnostics from €50; Repairs only if available (often rejected for JP-8000s). vintagesynthparts.com (eBay seller) Italy. Specialized seller for Roland parts (e.g., battery, capacitor kits for JP-8000). Can arrange repairs. eBay shop: Search "Roland JP-8000" on eBay.it
Seller: vintagesynthparts-com (from Italy). Kits starting at €20–30 (e.g., recap kit for capacitors).

Repair tips:

Common problems & fixes: Many JP-8000s suffer from defective capacitors (low/distorted output), jumpy potentiometers/sliders (clean with Deoxit or replace), and battery failures. Recap kits (e.g., for reverb or synth parts) cost around €20–50 and are DIY-friendly if you're handy. For professional help: Send the device in – shipping to Germany from Italy costs only €20–40.

Official Roland Support: You can find local centers at roland.com/eu/support/service_centers/. In Italy: Milan or Rome. But as you said, they often "f... you" for Japanese models – try them anyway for a diagnosis.

Community Resources: Check forums like Reddit/r/synthesizers or Vintage Synth Explorer – there, users share tips and local tech advice. Service manuals (e.g., from SynthXL) are helpful for DIY repairs.

Cost & Time: Expect €100–400 for a full repair, depending on the scope. Wait time: 2–6 weeks.

If you need more details on a specific problem (e.g., specific parts or DIY instructions), let me know – I can dig deeper! Good luck, and I hope your JP-8000 rocks again soon.

Workshop/Service Country Specialization Contact & Details Cost Examples (approx.) Driessen Music Germany (Düsseldorf) Full repair of Roland synths, including the JP-8000 (e.g., weak output, battery, pads). Tutorial videos for DIY, but professional service available. Website: driessen-music.de
Tel: +49 211 737 50 50
Email: [email protected] From €50–100 for simple fixes (e.g., capacitors); hourly rate approx. €70/h. STUDIO REPAIR (Nikolaus Riehm) Germany Specialist for Roland (including the JP-8000), display repairs, circuit board repairs, and vintage synth restoration. Works with many Roland models. Website: studiorepair.de
Email: [email protected]

(Shipping from Germany, EU-wide) Starting at €80 for diagnostics; full recap approx. €200–300. Audio Support UK (but EU shipping possible post-Brexit with customs clearance). Capacitor replacement, P

Roland JP8000 JP-8000 Repair Kit for SMD Capacitors
Repair kit with all SMD electrolytic capacitors for the Roland JP-8000 mainboard.
This synthesizer is known for problems caused by poor capacitors.
Primarily low-volume output and distortion.
https://www.ebay.de/itm/276517626112

Spoiler: JP-8000 Master Restoration and Blue LED Mod (FULL TECHNICAL VIDEO)

JP-8000 Master Restoration and Blue LED Mod (FULL TECHNICAL VIDEO)

Table of Contents:
@00:00 Introduction
@03:56 Research
@07:24 Disassembly
@09:16 Parts
@11:42 Keyboard
@14:57 Main Board
@16:44 Panel Board A
@18:33 Panel Board B
@19:20 Panel Boards A and B
@21:49 Panel Board C
@23:27 Panel Jack Board
@24:42 Power Supply
@26:56 Bender/Joystick
@27:51 Re-assembly
@29:33 Leftover Parts
@29:44 Calibration
@31:18 HD Photoshoot of final product

This Synthesizer was sold and no longer available.
Straight from 1997, this is the turn key Roland JP-8000 of your dreams. Surely it must be the coolest, resto-mod worldwide and ready for a choice studio. Sitting at it sparks immense inspiration and pleasure from its buttery action, even voicing, and electric blue lighting! It’s been a four-month restoration journey which began on Nov.1, 2019, getting it fine-tuned for its next life venture and I can assure you it is ready to be a landmark of your setup, impressing anyone lucky enough to tickle its ivories. This is a totally unique, one of a kind, JP-8000.

Important tip when buying the Roland JP-8000: Check the audio output

A Roland JP-8000 often presents its owner with a familiar problem: The stereo output no longer works at all or only delivers a low level with distortion. However, this problem may suddenly disappear a few minutes after turning on the JP-8000. In any case, you must assume a defective capacitor in the mute circuit. Because the other electrolytic capacitors on the mainboard are also technically vulnerable, an experienced technician will replace them at the same time. You can expect to pay between €120 and €150 for the approximately two-hour workshop visit. Because the repair is relatively easy, a technically savvy friend could also handle it inexpensively.

 

Last edited: Oct 10, 2025 at 4:51 PM

It always amaze me to see big players like Roland STOPPING production on well demanded products.
And after complaining when Behringer make a clone ... or TUS an emulator.

Those brands are headless chickens ...
Imagine the market for a real Roland 808 reissue. And i don't speak about countless other brands and models.

Well done The Usual Suspects !
Once again

 

Last edited: Oct 10, 2025 at 12:26 PM

the pictured little unit reminds me of George Hotz with the iphone 3g hooked up to a jtag debugger/programmer while creating the first little ios jailbreak.

Roland will probably not be thrilled by the video either.

 

Latest JP-8000 firmware version seems to be v1.05, dates back to 05-19-1997. Freely available here:

https://www.roland.com/global/support/by_product/jp-8000/updates_drivers/

 

Last edited: Oct 10, 2025 at 3:26 PM

Roland's software opponents, the legendary "Team R2R," live in the Roland neighborhood in Japan.
Software is cracked, and revenue is reduced by almost half, or even more, which is why there's no software.

 

How about 8080's firmware ?

 

1. The attached PDF is AI-generated.

2. The attached text file is from Roland JP800015!
https://www.roland.com/global/support/by_product/jp-8000/updates_drivers/

I don't have any further information; perhaps we'll learn more when the JP-8000 emulation is released.