I've read on Harmony Centrals reader reviews that the JV 2080 sucks regarding MIDI timing response with more than a few channels going. Is this also true of the 1080?
-Jem

I use a JV2080 a lot, and haven't experienced any problems with MIDI timing. Used with Cakewalk it takes a bit of setting up but I think the reader reviews you were reading probably need to look at their sound card midi capabilities. I use a LAYLA (Echo) which, ok, is £900 (UK) but is well worth it. Echo also do a couple of other cheaper cards which are just as good for MIDI and audio, but with less inputs / outputs.

Hope that helps!

I have also used the 2080 extensively and unfortunatly I strongly disagree. From what I have experienced the timing is due to processor power. As more complex patches are programmed and simultaneously played the more timing suffers. It really depends what sort of music you create. As for the other reply, I have tried my 2080 on various midi setups and it still occurs.

I would also like to hear from any 1080 users to throw any light on the differences.

Thanks for your replies. Here's some more light on the subject from a synth tech at music store in Stockhom:
• Voice allocation is a spanner in the works. Set all voice limits to zero. This forces dynamic allocation which is apparently smoother.
• Copy your favourite presets into user memories and edit out unecessary long tails in individual tones due to the envelope settings (or LFO's etc. controlling them).
• As usual if a busy mix features too many 4 tone sounds something has to give.

Apparently there are no differences in the above points between the 10 aand 2080.
As an added note I took a 2080 home and recorded a few sequences. I then compared them with some recordings done with a JV 880. I liked the JV 880's sound more! It seemed clearer, punchier and cut through a mix better. So go figure..
Thanks again, Jem

I have a 2080 too like the rest of the world !!

It has some problems with timing if you use lot's of notes.
Tips:
Place the drums and other patches with hard
attack on the upperparts of your sequencer.
In cakewalk the event are played in
trackorder from 1 to .. so place the drums
on track 1. this lets jv-2080 play the
drums first.
Get a couple of more synths and only use
20 tones or less on the same time on
2080 then it works ok.

AAAH, so it's not just me! But has anyone noticed that if you use GM only mode, the timing is MUCH better?

As I have said before, it is all down to processor power. In GM mode the patches being used may be simpler, I don't know as I don't really use General Midi.

Roland have succeeded in creating the ultimate programmable module which is nothing short of amazing in sonic ability. However timing suffers badly with complex patches and lots of rhythm sounds.

If anyone out there wants another option to a JV2080 I'd recommend a JD990. Yes it is older and only has 24 voices but, since the 2080 only plays back around 20/30 complex voices on time it could be an option. Obviously it doesn't have 3 EFX but you do get 4 effects at once on the first multitimbral part and reverb/delay/chorus on the rest, and it's timing is bang on.

Once again I would be very interested to hear from any users of JV1080's, XP80/60/50/30 JV1010 to see if they suffer the same problems.

Isn't it about time Roland got there finger out and made a JV3080 with these problems fixed as it isn't fair to market a synth to play 64 voices when it cannot do this with any reasonable timing.

Cheers

Ok, then whats this then?
I've heard several demos and CDs that were composed on a xp-50/80 and 2080 that were VERY complex, and the timing was DEAD ON.

I've also downloaded complex sequences that were dead on as far as timing goes. But you put in the demo (or dance) disk and play a demo song, and the timing is shot to hell. Whats up with that?

Also, does anyone know if there's any truth to the newer versions of these synths having better timing? I'd like to compare version numbers (of ROM) on my roland instruments with others. Not sure about the 1080 but my xp-80 is 1.07.

Were not talking totally out of timing but the human ear is sensitive downto 20 miliseconds. I talk about perofessional use, for selling music on CD's. Some will never hear it, but I feel it, and I know how to come around it. it's no problem, just buy two other synth and only use 4 or 5 channels from JV-2080. Be sure you have a quality MidiSoundcard on you'r PC otherwise that could lead to bad timing too.

Yeh, sure that may be true - but unfortunately not everyone can or wants to buy 2 other synths when this one is supposed to be able to handle more. Also if my girlfrind can hear it then I'm sure anyone buying a cd would!!

Don't get me wrong, I agree there are workarounds and the 2080 is still extremely useful, but don't you just feel a little bit cheesed off when you have 4-5 channels pumping out and you add some more drums only to find your lead/bass lines have lost their tight feel, especially when having spent £1000 for the priviledge.

I think that Roland should release a ROM upgrade if possible to sort the problem out, or at least admit the problem exists. The last time I called them, they were extremely unhelpful and obviously very tight lipped about the whole matter.

Roll on the 3080!!!