The JP-8000 is capable of a superb range of subtle sonic variations, just like the Jupiter-8. Even dry, the JP8k sounds rich and full; the built in effects are merely icing on the cake. For those who miss the unison funtion of the Jupe, creative use of chorus and bass boost help immeasurably.

Feature for feature, it may fall short on paper of some of its competitors, but in practical use, the machine shines out above all others. Interface is about as good as one has ever been. Ever try to download a patch editor for a Jupiter-8? Oops.

Since I cannot give this GEM a six...

What the JP-8000 is good for: warm pads, buzzy electro leads, singing rock organs, punchy bass, swirling arpeggios, etc. etc.

I'm into synth-pop, and I'm more than happy with the JP-8000. A creative programmer can get really good stuff out of it. Heck, I am a mediocre programmer and I get good stuff on it. Don't believe the hype. If you know how to program a synth, use this sucker ... it's awesome.

- ES

If you can't get what you want from a JP you're either stupid, illiterate or not patient enough. Seriously though, there is a lot of stuff that takes a lot of time to comprehend. You cannot learn the JP in half an hour in a store. You need to spend more time with it. So what about the manual then... Forget it, I seldom consult the manual. I'm the kind of person that prefer trying things out for myself. Some say trial and error. I say trial and success!

The Nord 2 and Access Virus might be better for techno sounding stuff. But if you're into several kinds of styles, go for the JP. I think it's more versatile when it comes to usefulness in different genres.

Just my 2 cents...

The filters claim to be 2/4 pole 12/24 decibel, but sound more like 4 db to me. The addition of a rudimentary parametric EQ in addition to a filter is laughable (although a few SCI synths that are awesome featured this...). The ring modulator was sproingy and not metallic enough, and even the oscillator section seems weak.

Also, this unit is way, way overpriced still. Compared to what you can get in the used analog market, I would say the JP8000 is worth $600 due to its overall sound versatility (versatile, but not great sounds) and ability to save real-time twiddles as part of a patch.

The bottom line is you can get an Oberheim Xpander, or a Jupiter 8 for the average asking price of a JP800. Do yourself a favor and buy one of those instead. A Korg Prophecy lays waste over the JP8000 (but is more tedious to program) and will cost you a lot less.

I see no use for this machine unless you can get it for under $600. If so, then it does have some uses, primarily background and moody textures.