Released in 1991, the Roland JD-800 is a 61-key digital synthesizer that is praised for its interactive control panel with knobs and sliders. This design was a clear protest against the menu-diving that was common in other digital synths of the time. Using a sample-based synthesis engine, it can produce rich, complex sounds with up to four “tones” (each a complete synth voice) per patch. Throughout the 1990s, the JD-800 gained popularity for its rich pads and electronic textures due to its multi-effects section and unique character.
